So there’s a grip of artists that I’d lvoe to do lists for but don’t feel like I know enough to do the list properly. I mangled a couple already, so I’m not going to make that mistake again. Instead, I’m going to take 25 acts I really, really dig and list my favorite of their songs. This could be a fun one.
Artist–2Pac
Song–Me and My Girlfriend.
Yeah, you can say this song was made once by Nas–“I Gave You Power”–and another time by Organized Konfusion–“Stray Bullet”–but this was one of the rare times Pac really rode a metaphor. Shit, forget rode a metaphor. Just used one at all.
Artist–A Tribe Called Quest
Song–Scenario
If I have to explain, I can’t help you.
Artist–Aerosmith
Song–Janie’s Got a Gun
I remember seeing once on Pop-Up Video that the label referred to this as “Steven’s Masterpiece.” And considering this was written by someone that has four, maybe five, songs that don’t involve getting laid and/or high, that’s pretty accurate.
Artist–Al Green
Song–For the Good Times
There are a million directions I could go here. I’m really partial to “Simply Beautiful” and “Funny How Time Slips Away,” but I’ll go with “For the Good Times” simply because I’ve seen it, time and time again, paralyze a car full of people, keeping us in the car until the song was over even though we were running late.
Artist–Anthony Hamilton
Song–Float
My favorite singer of today. Straight kills this one.
Artist–Aretha Franklin
Song–Ain’t No Way
I tend to associate this song with an ex-girlfriend–which lends a spectacular irony, lemme tell ya–but it’s still incredible. For me, it’s so interesting how much I dig the song, believe every word…and still, I’m exactly the kind of dude Aretha’s singing about.
Artist–Beatles
Song–While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Yeah, my favorite Beatles joint is the one written by Harrison with Clapton on guitar. It might be the least Lennon/McCartney song in the catalog.
Artist–Bill Withers
Song–Make Love To Your Mind
Big problem, though. You better be ready to make an honest woman outta this one, Bill. If you make love to the mind, then properly do the same with the body, you’ll never be able to shake her. Never.
Artist–Black Sabbath
Song–War Pigs/Luke’s Wall
Perhaps Geezer’s best written song, maybe the most effective groove…just a great political statement from a group most wouldn’t expect one from.
Artist–Bob Dylan
Song–Hurricane
So many directions to go, but I’ll go with one of the harder rocking and driving cuts in the catalog. Plus, he’s just about as concise as he’s ever been, given this topic.
Artist–Bruce Springsteen
Song–Rosalita
Back when Bruce was still fairly optimistic. By the time “Born to Run” came around, he’d sold his folk out. That’s fucked up, Bruce.
Artist–Busta Rhymes
Song–Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See
If you were a college freshman in 1997, please stand up and let ’em know about this one.
Artist–Curtis Mayfield
Song–Choice of Colors
It’s got some strange moments, but I just love this one to no end.
Artist–David Bowie
Song–The Man Who Sold the World
I really, really wish I’d written this one.
Artist–The Doors
Song–People Are Strange
Really weird, but it explains why so many dudes are messed up about women. Sayeth the Lizard King, “women seem wicked when you’re unwanted.”
Artist–Dr. Dre
Song–Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang
Top 5 hip hop single of all-time. Period.
Artist–Earth Wind and Fire
Song–I’ll Write a Song For You
Not the biggest EWF fan, but this is flawless. Great song, great melody, and the best of Philip Bailey’s falsetto.
Artist–Eightball and MJG
Song–Space Age Pimpin’
Literally flawless.
Artist–Erykah Badu
Song–Booty
I prefer “Other Side of the Game,” but it had to be said that this song begins to explain how she does it to these dudes.
Artist–Juvenile
Song–Juvenile on Fire
So many dreadful things to say about this one. But it’s dope. Hate me if you want.
Artist–Led Zeppelin
Song–Trampled Under Foot
Really, who knew Zeppelin could do funk?
Artist–Living Colour
Song–Solace of You
LC was so friggin’ versatile. If only Vern was a better guitar player. Yeah, I said it.
Artist–Nas
Song–NY State of Mind II
That verse about his friends is real, heartfelt, and incredible. Technically magnificent, too.
Artist–Notorious B.I.G.
Song–Niggaz Bleed
There’s a lotta ways you can go on here and still be in the clear. But since I couldn’t choose between the two versions of “One More Chance,” I went with the best story he ever told. Well, there’s “I Got a Story to Tell.” Yeah, this one’s hard. Lemme get back atcha.
Artist–Pink Floyd
Song–Wish You Were Here
First, it’s one of the few Floyd songs that’s best enjoyed on terra firma. Second, it’s Roger Waters’ masterpiece. Third, just go listen to it. I swear you’ll be glad you did.
Wow, that’s 25 already. Pick this up again next week?