Songs – Listorati

10 Celebrities And The (Mostly) Hilariously Bad Songs They Released

Johan Tobias — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 21:52:20 +0000

Celebrities, for better or worse, have a tendency to try their hand in the music industry. However, when a celebrity is associated with a certain industry, it can sometimes be hard to place them within the world of music, and sometime it is better not to. But then again there are a few pleasant surprises, though not necessarily for the best of reasons.

See Also: 10 Spectacular Meltdowns That Cost Celebrities Credibility

Whether they started out in music before finding their true calling, or reached a degree of fame and with it gained a sometimes misguided faith in their musical talent, here are ten celebrities who have, surprisingly, released songs.

10 Brie Larson—She Said

Before her now successful career in film, Brie Larson had a short stint at making music. Following minor roles as a child actor, Larson embarked on a career in music, and released one album in 2005 Finally Out Of P. E.

The title of the album is a perfect summary of Larson’s music — bubblegum teen pop, though quite appropriate, because Larson was only sixteen at the time. She Said was the single to come out of the album though commercially it did very little.

Larson came to dislike the music industry due to her own self-written songs being dismissed for songs her record label wanted her to play. Essentially, Larson did not want to be molded into what her label wanted her to be, and left it all behind.^[1]

9 Macaulay Culkin (The Pizza Underground)—Pizza Gal

The premise of Macaulay Culkin’s band “The Pizza Underground” is a strange parody of the Velvet Underground, and Pizza Gal is just one of the bizarre songs Culkin has released.

The Pizza Underground parody many of the Velvet Undergrounds songs interlaced with various pizza-based jokes — yes really. Pizza Gal is a parody of Femme Fatale by the Velvet Underground, and musically is close to the original, but substitutes the original lyrics for pizza related themes.

Culkin called it “one of those good ideas you have when you’re drunk and you wake up and forget about it… but we’re taking it to the end of the joke.” There is a reason those ideas only happen when you are drunk, because they are terrible.^[2]

8 Andy Murray—Autograph

Andy Murray and fellow tennis player Novak Djokovic teamed up with Bryan Bros Band to provide a shining example of why celebrities should sometimes stick to what they are good at, whatever that may be.

In 2009, the collaboration gave us the song Autograph. The song details the inconveniences Andy Murray has to suffer when signing autographs for his eager fans. Autograph is as bad as it sounds.

Murray tries to rap on the song providing us with the lyrics “during Wimbledon it really gets crazy. My hand cramps up and my mind gets hazy” and “I sign and sign, but the line doesn’t end. Wake me up tomorrow, let’s do it again.”

We can all objectively say that Autograph is woeful, and is it really so bad that fans want an autograph? Stick to tennis please.^[3]

7Naomi Campbell—Love and Tears

Somewhat infamous model Naomi Campbell tried her luck in the music industry in an effort to branch out from the world of modeling. In 1994, Campbell released the appropriately named album Baby Woman, and Love and Tears was the single from the album.

Surprisingly Love and Tears is not as bad as would be expected from a model turned singer, but still proved that Campbell did not have much prospect in making music, as it was her first and last single and album.

Baby Woman was poorly received by critics and was commercially unsuccessful except in Japan.^[4]

6Frankie Muniz (Kingsfoil)—What Your Mother Taught You

Star of Malcolm in the Middle, Frankie Muniz had a brief run with indie pop band Kingsfoil from 2012 to 2014, in which he featured on the single What Your Mother Taught You.

As a longtime fan of the band, Muniz auditioned for Kingsfoil, and they duly accepted him into the group. Kingsfoil sported Muniz on drums for their 2012 album A Beating Heart is a Bleeding Heart, from which, What Your Mother Taught You came. Kingsfoil are not the first band to feature Muniz in their lineup as he also played in the group You Hang Up before joining Kingsfoil.

The song is your typical indie pop song, and the band is not too dissimilar to Coldplay. However, Muniz left the group in 2014 due to scheduling conflicts with filming of Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink 2.^[5]

5 Steven Seagal—My God

Martial artist and renowned tough guy actor Steven Seagal delved into the world of music with his debut album Songs from the Crystal Cave in 2004, from which My God was born.

Although Steven Seagal is a relatively accomplished guitarist, My God proves that if you have a certain degree of fame and fortune, and have the ability to roundhouse kick people in the face, nobody can stop you from releasing music.

My God is a strange dancehall-esque track that upbraids the concept of religion in the most infantile of ways. Seagal makes an attempt at irony in his lyrics like “Why do you force your will with a gun, let’s start another holy war” topped off with the chorus line “My God is better than your God, My God is bigger than yours.” The lyrics just come off as laughable rather than in any way spiritual especially coming from Steven Seagal.

Unbelievably, Seagal actually managed to get Stevie Wonder to play harmonica on the song, though even Stevie Wonder could not save the song.^[6]

4 Clint Eastwood—Bar Room Buddies

Bar Room Buddies was recorded by Merle Haggard and Clint Eastwood for the 1980 film Bronco Billy. (LINK 11). However, the song was released as a single in the same year, and was incredibly successful in the world of country music, reaching number one in the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Country music legend Merle Haggard carries the enchantingly strange duo whilst Eastwood tries to sing, but mostly fails to break away from his inimitable gravelly voice. The song details the two “Old chug-a-lug-a-lugging” bar room buddies’ drunken exploits.

Bar Room Buddies is a little slice of lighthearted nonsense but still quite fun, and the song actually stayed in the country charts for thirteen weeks.^[7]

3Val Kilmer—Frontier Justice

Having convincingly sang as Jim Morrison in the 1991 biopic The Doors, and having learned to play guitar for the film Top Secret, Kilmer took his musical credentials one-step further when he released the album Val Kilmer: Sessions With Mick in 2007.

He teamed up with friend Mick Rossi to write a series of songs for the album. The song Frontier Justice is a bluesy number in which the protagonist accounts his gunning down of his lover’s lover. It is eerie but well produced, and Kilmer actually has a decent singing voice.

Frontier Justice was released on Kilmer’s MySpace music blog before the full Val Kilmer: Sessions with Mick was self released on his website.^[8]

2 Ricky Gervais (Seona Dancing)—More To Lose

Seona Dancing were a short-lived ’80s new wave duo fronted by none other than comedian and actor Ricky Gervais. The duo was stereotypically ’80s new wave — big hair, makeup and no small amount of androgyny.

Sounding like a low-rent ’80s David Bowie, More to Lose proved that music was not Ricky Gervais’ calling. The song fails to rise above the dreary clichés ’80s new wave churned out; it is forgettable yet unforgettable to see Gervais fully clad in his new wave attire, which raises the question: what happened?

Seona Dancing released two mostly unsuccessful singles in the 1980s and disbanded in 1984. More to Lose went on to be quite popular in the Philippines, receiving substantial radio play through the 1980s. Fellow band member Bill Macrae did not reach the fame of Gervais, fading into obscurity after Seona Dancing’s disbandment.^[9]

1 Bruce Willis—Under The Boardwalk

Before John McClane there was Bruno Randolini — Bruce Willis’ soul and R&B singing alter ego, who actually had notable success through the late 1980s.

In 1987, Bruce Willis released his debut album The Return of Bruno complete with a fake documentary about Willis’ musical alter ego. Willis, or Bruno, covered Under the Boardwalk by the Drifters on the album, which was also released as a single. Carried by the Temptations who sang backing vocals, the song struggled commercially in the US, but somehow reached number two in the UK charts.

It is clear from the song that Willis is better suited to playing the rugged cop with a heart of gold on the silver screen than he is to singing because Under the Boardwalk is inescapably cringe-worthy. Willis cannot quite reach those high notes, and for the most part is propped up by his stellar cast of musicians.

Willis went on to record another album If It Don’t Kill You, It Just Makes You Stronger in 1989 before finally submitting to the on-screen Bruce Willis we know and love today.^[10]

Top 10 Freaky Urban Legends Hidden In Songs

Johan Tobias — Sat, 10 Aug 2024 14:41:35 +0000

Music and mythology seem to be many worlds apart. Yet, fascinating stories have emerged to prove that music is an art laced with mysteries. From satanic messages in “Hotel California” to Robert Johnson’s alleged pact with the devil, it seems that urban legends are an inherent part of fame.

Some songs, however, have more horrifying tales to tell. Here are some lesser-known myths hidden in 10 of the most cryptic songs ever written.

10 Famous Urban Legends Come To Life

10 The Forest Ogre
“The Erlking”

In 1782, young German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote a ballad that soon launched a terrifying urban legend. Entitled “The Erlking,” the musical piece tells the story of a sinister creature who preys on travelers and children.

Also known as the “King of Alders,” this forest monster is said to be a mistranslation of the original Danish “elf king.” Still, it has remained a haunting reminder of our childhood fears and the dark underworld hiding in the jungles.

Legend has it that a man was riding on a horse with his young son one eerie night. As they passed through the dark corners of the forest, the young boy suddenly heard whispers from the unknown. Terrified, he told his father about the ominous sign. However, the father reassured his child that it was just the wind “rustling with the dead leaves.”

The voice grew louder. But with his father ignoring him, the boy had no other choice. As they finally reached home, the father got the shock of his life. He found his poor son lifeless, with his soul allegedly consumed by the Erlking.^[1]

The story of the malevolent creature soon found its way into different communities and folk legends. In Dartmoor, for instance, a demon huntsman named Dewer is known to kill innocent children, hide them in sacks, and deliver the corpses straight to their parents. Another Erlking-inspired child killer is Ireland’s Tuatha De Danann, an evil creature known for leaving changelings in cradles to replace the poor infant victims.

9 Devil’s Dance
“Asereje” (“The Ketchup Song”)

In 2002, Spanish girl trio Las Ketchup conquered the international music scene with an unexpected hit. The song “Asereje” (“The Ketchup Song”), accompanied by awkward dance steps, became one of the best-selling singles of all time. But not long after it became an overnight sensation, rumors of backmasking and satanic references began to emerge.

It all started when an email message—allegedly from a newspaper in Chihuahua, Mexico—exposed hidden messages behind the song’s lyrics. The controversy focused on two major areas: the title and the song’s lead character named Diego.

If broken down and translated into English, “Asereje” also means “a being of heresy.” On the other hand, the alternative title, “Ketchup,” can be divided into two parts: “Up” (meaning “heaven”), and “chet” (loosely translated as “dung” or “sh–t”).

When combined, the resulting word can mean “heaven is sh–t” or a direct attack on the sky. Backmasking also applies to the rest of the lyrics—allegedly to conceal clues which describe Diego as Satan’s messenger.^[2]

The singers denied the rumors and repeatedly said that the song was based on the 1979 rap hit “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugarhill Gang. Turns out, Asereje is an example of mondegreen, in which a foreign song is reinvented due to a linguistic difference.

However, some international groups didn’t buy these explanations. In Dominican Republic, Mango TV banned all Asereje video clips. Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), an influential Christian sect in the Philippines, followed suit by preventing all its members from listening to the controversial song.

8 Texas Serial Killer
“Possum Kingdom”

Possum Kingdom Lake is a man-made body of water near the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It had remained an uneventful fishing spot until alternative rock band Toadies put a bizarre twist on its name.

In the mid-1990s, the band hit it big with their single “Possum Kingdom,” inspired by a string of creepy events linked to the lake. Lead vocalist Vaden Todd Lewis, the son of a preacher, wrote the song in a way that opens it up to various interpretations.

One theory suggests that “Possum Kingdom” recounts the story of a serial killer who lured young girls into his boathouse. Legend has it that he would rape and murder his victims inside the boathouse which supposedly still exists within the lake.

Another account revealed that the song was loosely based on a kidnapping and killing spree that happened near the Possum Kingdom Lake during the early 1980s. Local authorities allegedly hid all evidence of the past crimes to avoid turning off the tourists who frequented the lake.

In 1995, RIP Magazine interviewed the band to further explore the urban legends surrounding their song. Although the story was a mishmash of true events and folk legends, Lewis admitted that the lake holds a certain enigma.^[3]

He also shared the true story of a local stalker who had a strange habit of peeping into windows and breaking into people’s houses. The lake is also home to a popular spot—aptly named “Hell’s Gate”—where some tourists either went missing or died from drowning.

7 Ester’s Last Scream
“Love Rollercoaster”

The Ohio Players’ 1975 album, Honey, gained notoriety for two reasons: its provocative cover art and a creepy story hidden underneath. Legend has it that a woman was viciously murdered while the group was recording the album. As the story goes, the victim’s hair-raising scream can be heard between the first and second verses of the song “Love Rollercoaster.”

Several versions of the urban legend came out afterward. One story revealed that the scream actually came from the album’s cover model, Ester Cordet.

Rumor has it that she was required to wear an acrylic substance that looked like real honey during the photo shoot. However, some of the staff removed the paint rather hastily, tearing off Ester’s skin. She screamed—and eventually died—from the agonizing pain caused by the injury.

Other stories, however, claimed that Ester was raped and murdered while the group was busy recording the album. There were also other sources suggesting that the victim was a cleaning woman stabbed to death by a stranger outside the recording studio.^[4]

But members of the band denied the rumors once and for all. Turns out, keyboardist Billy Beck just wanted the listeners to relive the thrilling experience of a rollercoaster ride. So he belted out a diva-like scream (yes, it came from a dude), hitting the high notes the way Minnie Riperton did.

6 The Blood Libel
“Sir Hugh” (aka “The Jew’s Daughter”)
(Child Ballad No. 155)

“Sir Hugh” (aka “The Jew’s Daughter”) is a traditional British folk song dating back to a legend from the 12th century. It is a fine example of a ballad in which the lyrics tell a story of the song’s origin. But in this case, the background story falls between disturbing and macabre.

The song originated from a dark blood ritual considered to be a common practice among ancient Jews. To celebrate the Easter holiday, they allegedly murdered Christian infants and mixed the blood with unleavened bread (aka “matzo”). This bloody murder was also mentioned in an English variation of the song where a child named “Hugh of Lincoln” was purportedly killed by Jews in 1255.^[5]

Later, “Sir Hugh” (aka “The Jew’s Daughter”) began to popularize the legend in other countries, including the US. In fact, the song, without its anti-Semitic references, is said to have inspired another recurring legend called “The Mutilated Boy.”

In this story, young boys were allegedly castrated and left bleeding to death inside the comfort rooms of shopping malls. The culprits belonged either to a homosexual gang or a certain minority group who committed the crimes as part of their initiation rites.

10 Creepy And Outrageous Urban Legends That Turned Out To Be Completely True

5 Ode To The Black Plague
“Ring Around The Rosie”

Most people remember “Ring Around the Rosie” as a simple playground nursery rhyme. But according to legends, this song contains direct references to one of humanity’s darkest periods. Its origin dates to 1347–1350, when an estimated 25 million people died from bubonic plague.

Critics disagree, indicating that it was only in 1881 that “Ring Around the Rosie” first appeared in print. Still, the words from the song are strikingly relevant if put in the context of the Black Plague.^[6]

The “ring around the rosy” refers to one of the first signs of the bubonic plague: a reddish ring surrounding a rosy bump in the skin. At that time, people believed that the epidemic was airborne and that putting posies (flowers), incense, or scented oils into someone’s pocket would help neutralize the “foul air.”

The third line “ashes, ashes” is said to be an imitation of the sneezing sound. Again, this is strangely accurate as sneezing and coughing are two of the fatal final symptoms of bubonic plague. The final statement obviously refers to the massive death toll caused by the epidemic.

So, is it really an ode to the Black Plague?

Turns out, there are a gazillion versions of the song existing today. Some of them—including William Wells Newell’s 1883 version—even lack the last two phrases linking to the Black Plague. Whether or not the creepy version of the song predates the rest is still unknown.

4 The Kleenex Curse
“It’s A Fine Day”

Released in 1983, “It’s a Fine Day” is a classic song written by Edward Barton in collaboration with his then-girlfriend Jane Lancaster. It’s basically a feel-good song popularized by a Kleenex commercial that aired in Japan in the mid-1980s.

Looking back, the ad was something you wouldn’t expect from a company selling tissues. It featured a red baby demon sitting alongside a beautiful actress, later identified as Keiko Matsuzaka. They played the English (and probably the creepiest) version of “It’s a Fine Day” in the background—something that only some Japanese audience members could understand.

Soon enough, a very dark urban legend was born.

Rumor has it that local TV stations received multiple complaints from people who found the commercial too disturbing. Some even claimed that “It’s a Fine Day” originated from a German folk song and possessed a demonic curse.

Other stories are even more unforgiving. Supposedly, by nighttime, the voice in the commercial would suddenly change into a raspy version of an older woman and bring bad luck to anyone who heard it.

The people directly involved in the commercial were not spared, either. After the initial airing, all the staff and actors purportedly met unfortunate fates one by one.

For instance, the actor who portrayed the baby ogre died from a sudden organ failure. Depending on the version of the story, Keiko Matsuzaka either ended up in a mental institution or hanged herself. Other stories claim that Matsuzaka is still alive today but gave birth to a strange, demonic infant.^[7]

3 Hungarian Suicide Song
“Gloomy Sunday”

We’re all familiar with depressing songs driving some people crazy. The premise is the same for “Gloomy Sunday” except that it is deadlier than all other melancholy songs combined.

Its original Hungarian version, “Szomoru Vasarnap,” was written by composer Rezso Seress and lyricist Laszlo Javor. The song tells the story of a depressed woman who is thinking of ending her life after the loss of her lover. Upon release, the song was moderately successful. It wasn’t until 1936 that it gained sudden notoriety.

The Budapest police department reported at least 18 suicides directly linked to “Gloomy Sunday.” One of the fatalities was shoemaker Joseph Keller. According to reports, his suicide note included the lyrics of the song. Other victims listened to the song either from a recording or a Gypsy band before taking their own lives.

Although no known suicide related to “Gloomy Sunday” has been recorded in the US, as many as 200 cases worldwide were linked to the song’s disturbing contents. Most of the victims were young jazz fans who allegedly went into deep depression after listening to Billie Holiday’s 1941 rendition.

Another story tells of how Javor’s breakup with his girlfriend inspired him to write the song. Sadly, the girl ended up poisoning herself and left a note with only two words: “Gloomy Sunday.”

Reszo Seress was not spared from the curse. In 1968, he jumped to his death from his Budapest apartment allegedly due to his failing career. He was 68 years old.^[8]

2 Game Of Death
“Kagome, Kagome” (“Circle You, Circle You”)

“Kagome, Kagome” is a nursery rhyme usually sung in a popular Japanese children’s game. By simply looking at the lyrics, one can conclude that “Kagome, Kagome” is one of the most cryptic songs ever written for children. Several interpretations were made to explain its origin. Most involve grim details ranging from murder to a bloody treasure hunt.

In one story, the “bird in a cage” is seen as a direct reference to a prisoner waiting to be executed. The “evening of the dawn” has been interpreted as “the dawn patrol,” a person assigned to escort convicted prisoners on their final walk.

Another version claims that “kagome” is derived from kagomi (“pregnant woman”). Legend has it that during the time the song was written, an unborn child (i.e., the “bird in a cage”) was seen as a threat to in-laws greedy for an inheritance. So they either pushed the mother down the stairs or used other methods to forcibly abort the baby.

One of the most compelling interpretations, however, reveals that “Kagome, Kagome” holds the clues to finding a lost Tokugawa treasure. In February 1867, Prince Mutsuhito replaced the Tokugawa clan to become the new emperor of Japan. However, for the new empire to rebuild, it had to depend on the gold reserves stored in the government’s vault. Too late, they discovered that all the treasure was gone.

Oguri Tadamasa, a former finance governor of the Tokugawa clan, purportedly buried the treasure. Unfortunately, he was beheaded during the fall of Edo, taking all the secrets to his grave.^[9]

“Kagome, Kagome” suggests that the treasure might be buried somewhere in Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Despite excavation attempts, no link to the Tokugawa treasure has been found yet.

1 The Michigan Dogman
“The Legend”

As part of a 1987 April Fools’ Day celebration, deejay Steve Cook of WTCM-FM radio wrote a song called “The Legend.” As the goal was to intrigue his listeners, he wrote the lyrics by fabricating a story of a half-man, half-dog monster roaming the Michigan forests. He even added fascinating details such as the seven-year interval between reported “Dogman” sightings.

Written in a traditional Native American style, the ballad hit the airwaves just in time for the holiday. However, Cook later found out that the joke was really on him.

After playing the song, the WTCM-FM radio station received an overwhelming number of phone calls. The majority of the callers shared their own chilling tales of encountering a real “Dogman.”

Although most eyewitnesses didn’t know what to call it at first, the bizarre creature they had once encountered shared the same description as that of Cook’s fictional Dogman.

Such was the case with Robert Fortney, a resident of Cadillac, Michigan, whose first and last Dogman encounter dated back to the late 1930s. Fortney described the humanoid creature as a huge, black canid with “slanted, evil eyes and the hint of a grin.”^[10]

Another notable encounter happened in Big Rapids, Michigan, during summer 1961. One night, a man was sitting on a porch across from the manufacturing plant where he worked as a night watchman. At exactly 3:00 AM, he saw the frightening figure of a tall, brown-haired creature walking toward the driveway.

It alternated between walking on its four legs and standing up on two. A photography buff, the man instinctively took his Kodak Signet 35mm camera and captured a few shots of the mysterious creature. At that point, the Dogman rushed toward the woods, leaving no trail behind. To this day, the photo remains the strongest evidence yet that could prove the Dogman’s existence.

10 Bone-Chilling Urban Legends

Top 10 Universally Famous Songs With Deceptively Dark Undertones

Johan Tobias — Sun, 07 Jul 2024 12:22:46 +0000

Music is a universal language that can elicit any number of strong emotions in the listener. Like any art form, it is always subject to interpretation. In certain instances, a closer look at your favorite song can unveil what countless casual listens over the years have failed to expose. Sometimes, these hidden depths are decidedly creepy.

Spanning a wide array of unnerving topics and featuring references both subtle and overt, some of the best-known songs of all time may be about more than you might think at first. Whether through deceptively disturbing lyrics, emotion-evoking musical accompaniments, or a clever combination of both, these 10 well-known songs contain dark depths that you probably haven’t noticed.

10 “In The Air Tonight”
Phil Collins

“In the Air Tonight,” the monster hit from Phil Collins’s 1981 album Face Value, is undoubtedly a musical masterpiece that went on to define an entire generation. Anyone familiar with the number, however, may have noticed that it has a distinctively dark undertone, both musically and lyrically.

The lyrics are open to interpretation. But upon close inspection, it’s clear that the song is about someone who once committed some unspecified unspeakable act that was unknowingly witnessed by the singer at the time.

During the song, Phil is supposedly addressing this individual, revealing what he knows about him, and preparing for some long-overdue act of retribution. This is evidenced by the chorus line, “I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life.”^[1]

The music itself adds to the tense, atmospheric feeling of the song as described in the title. Having used minimal percussion throughout, the explosive drums introduced after the second verse bring the building tension to a dramatic climax. The vague, somewhat ominous lyrics and the obscure climax add to the overall spooky feeling of the song.

9 “Hotel California”
The Eagles

“Hotel California,” the title track from The Eagles’ fifth album, is a musical tour de force featuring contrasting styles, the best guitar solo of all time, and, yes, rather creepy lyrics.

In subsequent interviews, the band sought to put to bed the wild speculation about the lyrical contents of their biggest hit by claiming that it dealt with the hedonistic life of excess they were living at the time. Many believe, however, that the truth is somewhat darker.

The song concerns a traveler in the California desert who chances upon an unusual hotel. His strange experiences there seem likely to be about devil worship.

Feeling unable to address the subject head-on, the band supposedly made the song as a metaphoric allusion to Satanism with plenty of clues for those who care to look. The album cover is said to depict Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan in California in the 1960s. (Some people mistakenly believe that the Church of Satan was established in 1969, the very year mentioned in the song, but it was actually launched in 1966.)

The travelers remark upon arriving at the hotel that “this could be heaven or this could be hell.” A later reference to stabbing but being unable to kill “the beast” provides further clues. The final line of the song, “you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave,” can be interpreted as a description of the irrevocable act of selling one’s soul to the devil.^[2]

8 “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam

“Jeremy,” a classic Pearl Jam song, deals with a troubled youth who is bullied at school and emotionally neglected by his parents at home. Lead singer Eddie Vedder says the song was inspired by the true story of 16-year-old Jeremy Delle. In 1991, he committed suicide in front of his class and teacher in Texas. Having read the story in a newspaper, Vedder was so moved by the account that he proceeded to write a song about it.

What makes “Jeremy” particularly chilling, however, is not just the story that inspired it but the way the song unfolds. The majority of the song appears to be primarily from the perspective of one student who bullied the boy and the guilt the bully feels in having played a part in events that would follow as he “[tries] to forget this.”

The chorus, “Jeremy spoke in class today,” can be seen as a metaphor for the boy’s suicide. He spoke in the sense that he finally made a drastic statement and his actions bore out feelings that he couldn’t put into words. While the song does not refer to the suicide itself, knowing the story behind the lyrics makes it decidedly chilling.^[3]

7 “Paint It Black”
The Rolling Stones

“Paint It Black,” an early Stones’ masterpiece, is a classic example of style variations within a single piece of music. The slow, heartfelt, sitar-driven parts are interspersed with catchy, upbeat interjections, all overlaid by Mick Jagger’s soulful vocals. More than just an infectious tune, however, the song’s lyrics provide a vivid depiction of depression and the colorless worldview that accompanies it.

One could argue, though, that the color black is more commonly associated with evil than depression and that the song more accurately describes the innate evil that exists within us all. “I see the girls walk by dressed in their summer clothes, I have to turn my head until my darkness goes” is one such line that gives credence to this notion.^[4]

The associated uses of “Paint It Black” in film further support this point of view. The song famously plays over the closing credits in The Devil’s Advocate after the final twist of the movie reveals the ultimate triumph of evil. An instrumental version also features in Season 1 of the TV series Westworld where it provides background music to a particularly gruesome and violent gun battle.

6 “Hey Joe”
Jimi Hendrix

“Hey Joe,” the song that launched Jimi Hendrix’s incredible career, is an all-time classic. Yet the subject matter of the song is surprisingly disturbing. The lyrical contents concern a man who discovers his wife’s infidelity and decides to murder her. Later, we hear an account of the shooting. The song finishes with the man’s apparent plan to flee to Mexico to evade the authorities.^[5]

What makes the song even more creepy is the casual nature in which the whole issue is addressed, as if in a friendly conversation between friends. The song starts with the singer asking, “Hey Joe, where you goin’ with that gun in your hand?” The man being addressed reveals his murderous intentions in a rather offhanded reply.

Later, Joe gives a straightforward account of the murder by saying, “Yes, I did, I shot her.” This exhibits an apparent lack of remorse and macabre pride in his deed.

Additionally, the music retains an overall upbeat, positive feel which contrasts starkly with the business of premeditated murder. Perhaps, the song suggests that such things are necessary from time to time and are even a cause for celebration.

10 Incredibly Dark Stories Behind Influential Songs

5 “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”
Chris de Burgh

“Don’t Pay the Ferryman,” Chris de Burgh’s 1982 hit single, doesn’t seem like a song that contains any creepy content when given a casual listen. The tale told therein concerns an individual who wishes to cross a river. He is warned to refrain from paying the ferry operator until the service has been performed and he is delivered safely to the other side.

The darker nature of this song stems from the fact that the aforementioned ferryman is likely a reference to Charon, the hooded figure who ferries the dead across the river Styx that divides Hades from Earth in Greek mythology. The punishment for refusing Charon the required gold coin as payment is to be denied access to the underworld and forced to remain forever a ghost.^[6]

Multiple lyrical references throughout the song support this notion, which means that the perspective portrayed is that of a dead person consigned to an eternity in Hell. He is cautioned that he can’t let Charon swindle him in the bargain lest he suffer the consequences. An undeniably creepy point of view.

4 “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Oyster Cult

“(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” Blue Oyster Cult’s famous hit single, deals with the issue of death. As such, it has gone on to feature prominently in many horror films and books. Although many believe that the song deals with the inevitability of death and how it should not be feared, the lyrics could be interpreted as promoting suicide.

The lines “Romeo and Juliet are together in eternity . . . we can be like they are” appear to suggest that premature death is a means of evading the harsh reality of life and forever reuniting with loved ones. After all, Shakespeare’s famous young couple did commit suicide together.

Beyond the first two verses, played in A minor, the music takes a dramatic turn into a hauntingly wailing guitar solo. This appears to represent the reaper himself and contrasts starkly with the supposedly optimistic lyrics previously expressed.

Interestingly, when the music reverts to the style present in the first part of the song for the final verse, a distinctive feedback whine from the solo can still be heard in the background, a possible suggestion that the threat of death lingers always.^[7]

3 “Under The Bridge”
Red Hot Chili Peppers

“Under the Bridge” was the first mainstream hit by Red Hot Chili Peppers and possibly their greatest ever song. A complete departure from the band’s known upbeat funk sound, this song is a slow, sad ballad further enhanced by John Frusciante’s unique guitar style.

Inspired by a poem that lead singer Anthony Kiedis composed while driving one day, the song conveys his growing feelings of loneliness and isolation from the band. It also serves as a heartbreaking reflection on the life of former Peppers guitarist Hillel Slovak, who passed away in 1988.^[8]

What makes this song particularly chilling, though, is the last part that mentions the bridge beneath which Kiedis frequently used drugs. Considering that he was in the grips of addiction at the time of writing and that Slovak’s death was the result of a drug overdose, the lyrics “under the bridge downtown, I gave my life away” become a hauntingly accurate description of the self-destructive nightmare of drug addiction from which it can often feel like there is no escape.

2 “Fade To Black”
Metallica

“Fade to Black,” another ballad somewhat out of character compared to the band’s previous offerings at the time, is one of Metallica’s best-known songs. In fact, it is a staple of their live sets to this day.

The lyrics were written by James Hetfield after his favorite guitar amp was stolen in 1984. Dealing with the pain of loss and accompanying depression, the song seems to be about someone whose agony invites suicidal contemplation.^[9]

Heavy on poetic, depressing sentiments like “emptiness is filling me to the point of agony,” the eerie lyrics conclude with the singer’s apparent suicide as he says, “Death greets me warm, now I will just say goodbye.”

The gentle acoustic verses are separated by a musical interlude full of Metallica’s heavy power chord–laden guitar riffs, an apparent contrast between the singer’s inconsolable misery in the verses and his inexpressible rage at his hopeless situation.

1 “Iris”
Goo Goo Dolls

Written for the 1998 movie City of Angels starring Nicolas Cage, this beautifully tragic song seems to be about unrequited love. While open to interpretation, the lyrics could be seen to convey a somewhat darker sentiment, however.

“Iris” is from the perspective of an individual deeply in love with someone completely unaware of his existence. The description provided could be taken as that of an obsessive stalker, though. Furthermore, the line “you bleed just to know you’re alive” indicates that this supposed stalker is perhaps not entirely mentally stable.^[10]

The fact that the band almost certainly didn’t intend for their song to carry such dark undertones is interesting in itself. It just goes to show that the line between love and obsession can easily become blurred and is often simply a matter of perspective.

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Top 10 Most Underrated Synthwave Songs Of All Time

Johan Tobias — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 12:01:01 +0000

The world of Synthwave is one like no other, inspired by the magical nostalgia of the 80’s, mixed with the modern sound of electronic music. As the now semi-underground genre slowly makes its way to a more mainstream status, some classic songs within the community are also gaining in popularity. So, the time is perfect to seize the opportunity to shine a light on the hidden gems of Synthwave. From lesser known artists and off-genre entities, to top tier stars from within the genre, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest Synthwave songs you may have never heard.

Top 10 Most Influential Synthwave Artists

10 “Clara” by Rebecca & Fiona

Rebecca & Fiona is a duo composed of two very enigmatic ladies from Sweden with a unique style. They have been around the block since 2010 and have been widely praised for their particular talent when it comes to blending modern and retro together. Their award-winning debut album “I Love You, Man”, an 80’s and 60’s pop hybrid complete with a mighty touch of modern House music, made them instant stars around the world.

Their true hidden gem, though, comes from their 2014 second album “Beauty Is Pain”, in the form of the song “Clara”, a brutally underrated Synthpop masterpiece graced with Rebecca & Fiona’s signature ethereal vocal style that gives the song a dreamy vibe that perfectly compliments its beautiful sense of nostalgia. While the song is part of another award-winning album, it is by far the most overlooked piece of the duo’s entire body of work.

9 “Neon Shade” by Starfounder

Being a criminally underrated artist in the world of Synthwave in general, we could say, in a way, that Starfounder’s entire discography is eligible for this list. The producer has been around for a couple of years now, and he shows no signs of stopping. His style falls heavily in the realm of Darksynth, and he excels at it in ways other people simply cannot.

While pretty much all of his songs could make it on here, the crown definitely goes to his 2018 artistic tour de force “Neon Shade.” The hard-hitting, obscure, yet insanely groovy beat of this gem grasps you from the very first seconds, and doesn’t let go. The production is flawless, complimented with a lead melody reminiscing of 80’s horror films. It simply oozes badass energy, and deserves to be one of the top hits of the genre.

8 “Words” by Lost Nights

Lost Nights is one of those artists who greatly enjoys playing with genres, in a way that makes his sound feel fresh and untouchble. And, as a result of this experimentation, he offers a variety of original takes on Synthwave. The perfect example for it would be the entirety of his 2019 debut album “Rewind”, but, more specifically, none of his songs hammer this point in harder than “Words”.

The sinister production, paired with the incredibly original robotic vocal design, makes “Words” an absolute marvel to listen to. The melodies are as catchy as it gets, and the ever-changing rhythmic of the drums make for a surprisingly transformative track, heavily driven by its meticulous sense of detail. Lost Nights truly gives us an impressive piece of art that we hope will soon go beyond the Synthwave community and reach mainstream audiences.

7 “Bad Tourist” by Madelyn Darling

Madelyn Darling is a young singer/songwriter who has made quite a solid name for herself within the universe of Synthwave in the past couple of years, which is quite an impressive achievement knowing she has only ever released three songs. And although these songs all have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community, it is ironically her most popular song that is also one of the most underrated Synthwave tracks ever made.

The only thing smoother than the effortlessly soothing beat of “Bad Tourist” is Madelyn’s impeccable vocal work. From the very first word, her soft and serene voice captures you and sends you into a galaxy of tremendous writing. “Bad Tourist” is one of those songs that definitely deserves to kick down the mainstream audience’s doors and become a certified hit, making of Madelyn the star she should be. And, if this song is any indication of what is to come for the singer, there is no doubt she will soon receive the recognition she is deserves.

6 “Gonna Live My Life” by Leandro Da Silva and Tom & Hills (featuring Jutty Ranx)

It is an odd thing when artists known for being in a very specific genre suddenly break their own rules to tackle another one. It generally comes from a personal desire to expand artistically, or simply from a passion project being brought to life. So, when EDM producers and DJs Leandro Da Silva and Tom & Hills teamed up to make a Synthwave record in 2017, people were understandably taken by surprise. Thankfully though, the trio delivered on every front.

With American band Jutty Ranx joining on the vocals, “Gonna Live My Life” is a dynamic, groovy and wistful track that will make you crave an afternoon on the beach with your friends as soon as the beat kicks in. Da Silva’s trademark undertones are still very present in the song, but every single cook in this kitchen put their hearts into making one of the best Synthwave tracks of that year. And while it may have had minor success in the EDM community, it largely flew under the radar in the Synthwave world… or in the world in general.

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5 “Creation” by DJ Ten (featuring Lost Nights)

DJ Ten is a highly respected figure in the vast universe of Synthwave. After all, he is the founder of NewRetroWave, the biggest network in the world for the genre, as well as one of its most prominent record labels. As an artist, he is also a powerful presence. When his EP “We Dream Loud” was finally revealed to the world in November 2019, the excitement was palpable. And it is with a sheer sense of euphoria that people to got to discover “Creation”.

Joining forces with Lost Nights, who bears a mighty set of vocals on the track, Ten delivers a compelling song, graced with a slow beat, beautiful melodies, a smooth vibe, and an enchanting sense of nostalgia that will transport you right back to the 80’s. “Creation” is a real masterpiece of the genre, one that is part of a brilliant body of work that solidifies once more DJ Ten’s status in the world of Synthwave.

4 “Paralyzed” by John & The Volta

French Indie Pop band John & The Volta (yes, it is a reference to John Travolta) has been around since 2017, and their 2013 debut EP “Empirical” introduced the world to the song “Paralized”, the original version of “Paralyzed”. The revitalized take on the song was released in their 2017 album “Low Life” and quickly became a fan favorite that established the band’s name in the Indie world.

“Paralyzed” is a charismatic effort from John & The Volta — one that graciously blends Synthwave with a masterful touch of Indie Rock, giving the track its own, very unique identity. If the hook doesn’t make you move even a little bit, we’re afraid nothing ever will. The song has had a moderate wave of success in 2019 after being featured in the third season of the Netflix original series 13 Reasons Why (just like their song “Bad Dreams” was featured in the second season), but it is still far from being the absolute hit it should be.

3 “Galactic Swing” by Florida Skyline

The beautiful sub-genre of Chillwave (or Lo-Fi Synthwave) has been tackled by many over the years, but few have been able to make it their own the way Florida Skyline has. Sadly, we lost Florida Skyline in late 2019, as she tragically past away at the young age of 17. But we are eternally thankful that she left behind her a unique and powerful body of work that we will be able to enjoy forever. The Moscow prodigy was a true master of the genre, and it was never as obvious as it was in her instrumental piece “Galactic Swing”.

The world-class production skill in this song is to die for. The melody work is precise and heavily detailed, creating a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly showcases the talent behind the track. Florida Skyline was only 15 years old when the song was released in her EP “Utopia”, back in June 2017, and we can only imagine what the future would have held for such a talent. And thus, “Galactic Swing” is a song that is entitled to far more recognition than it already has within the community. Rest in peace, Florida Skyline.

2 “Dance 1984” by Wayfloe

Despite being relatively new to the scene, Wayfloe needs no introduction in the Synthwave world. They are one of the most inventive acts the genre has ever known, and they especially stand out due to the glaring sense of mystery around them and their cryptic lyrics. But, while they have mostly been experimental with Synthwave, Wayfloe have also proven several times that, when they do tackle the genre in a more traditional way, they can still outdo almost anyone. Case and point: “Dance 1984”.

From their now iconic tracks “Neon West” with Firefox AK and “Fractions” with Jessie Frye, to the blissfully sinister “Godspeed” and “Moonwalker”, it is safe to say Wayfloe’s unique nostalgic dark tone has become an artistic signature no one can replicate. Which is why “Dance 1984” is such a delight. The track is a surprisingly joyful antithesis to an otherwise somber album with heavy themes. A happy and playful tune that simply expresses the desire to let go and have fun is the opposite of what anyone would expect from the boys in the round glasses, and that is the very reason why this underrated gem is so perfect.

1 “Jumping Judas” by Teenage Bad Girl & Illa J

It has been almost ten years since French duo Teenage Bad Girl has disappeared from the world. With several EPs and albums under their belt, they have had a few minor hits in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, mainly with their 2011 final album “Backwash”, which has gathered a bit of a cult following over the years, thanks to tracks like “X Girl” with Rye Rye, or the powerful “Fast Food Delivery”. And it is in that final album that the duo gave us what is, to this day, one of the greatest Synthwave tracks of all time.

“Jumping Judas” sees Detroit rapper Illa J join forces with Teenage Bad Girl to create an absolute banger of a record with a dark tone and a powerful lead melody creeping up on you midway through. The whole song is driven by Illa J’s impeccable flow and his old school style of rapping, as well as a flawless production by Teenage Bad Girl, blending several genres of music together, to glue it all with a heavy layer of 80’s synth. Almost 10 years later, very few Synthwave tracks can compare to the sheer brilliance of “Jumping Judas”, and the fact that this song does not get the reputation it has always deserved is an absolute outrage.

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Top 10 Greatest Songs To Never Hit Number One

Johan Tobias — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 03:57:09 +0000

The Hot 100 is not a meritocracy. If it was, then “The Monster Mash” would have just spent its 58th year at the top. Many of the most iconic songs ever recorded were denied the #1 position for comparably worse records. Immortal classics stalled at #2 behind forgettable one hit wonders, frivolous novelties, or just plain garbage. History has vindicated the following ten songs as transcendent. They just were not quite enough to prove it at the time.

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10 Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Song that kept it off: Kris Kross’ “Jump”

The stranger thing might be that “Bohemian Rhapsody” nearly topped the charts seventeen years after its 1975 release. The cultural power of Queen’s operatic odyssey has never faded. It took a couple of headbanging doofuses to revitalize interest in the classic rock mainstay. An iconic scene in Wayne’s World features five friends jamming out to the gloriously theatrical “Galileo” breakdown. The movie’s popularity spurred the song to chart seven spots higher than it did decades earlier.

The top two in May of 1992 were as backwards as Kris Kross’ pants. Outside of their gimmick, Kris Kross were a couple of kids who lucked into an irrepressible hit. It is not fair to write Kris Kross off as flashes in the pan, but “Jump” remains their singular defining moment. More importantly, “Jump” launched Jermaine Dupri’s production career.

Compared to the short-lived fame of Kris Kross, “Bohemian Rhapsody” still remains omnipresent. Following the biopic that shares its name, “Bohemian Rhapsody” joined the exclusive list of songs that charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in three separate decades. It has quite the legacy. Still, the fact that Freddie Mercury’s signature tune lost to Kris Kross for eight continuous weeks is wiggida wiggida wiggida wack.^[1]

9 Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”

Song that kept it off: 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop”

New York’s post-punk revival was all about grit. Indie upstarts in the early 2000’s retreated to the abrasive aesthetics of bygone eras to recapture something lost in a post 9/11 world. It is cosmically unjust that the people who shepherded this sound into the top ten were a prepackaged reality show diva and the Swedish mercenaries responsible for Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. In their defense, they absolutely nailed it.

Pop Svengali Max Martin felt “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was missing something. He was alone. “Maps” is among the most celebrated songs of the new millennium. Martin still thought the tender ode of devotion needed a more powerful chorus. That idea eventually morphed into the single, “Since U Been Gone.” Clarkson’s anthemic roar saved her from American Idol irrelevance and prefaced a new age of pop singers backed by guitars from Katy Perry to P!nk.

On the other hand, her main rival, 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop,” was already a fading relic during its nine-week perch. By 2005, braggadocio rap’s reign was declining. “Candy Shop’s” insipid wit and ham-fisted metaphors encapsulated exactly why the genre waned.^[2]

8 The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby”

Song that kept it off: Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs’ “Sugar Shack”

Phil Spector is one of pop music’s worst villains. He should be remembered as an abusive demented murderer. Equally, he should be hailed for producing one of the purest bursts of euphoria ever put on record. History is funny like that.

Nowhere as bad as the monstrous Spector, Jimmy Gilmer and the Fireballs are responsible for another great injustice against the Ronettes. In the creative nadir between the explosive birth of rock and roll and the dawn of the British Invasion, goofy treacle like “Sugar Shack” could become the best-selling song of 1963. Among the lone geniuses climbing the charts, the Ronettes were the muses for Phil Spector’s innovative girl group sound. “Be My Baby’s” evocative opening heartbeat drum fill is the most overanalyzed 1963 recording outside of the Zapruder film. Conversely, “Sugar Shack’s” beat is a clumsy Hammond amble resembling a farting accordion. The Ronettes perfected the dizzying rush of new found love. It certain makes for a more compelling subject than a smarmy creep hitting on a woman at her job.^[3]

7 The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie”

Song that kept it off: The Singing Nun’s “Dominique”

Perhaps, the country needed a balm. Appropriately, the first #1 song in the wake of John F. Kennedy’s assassination was a simple ode to an earlier fallen Catholic leader. Few other justifications explain how the wholesome French ballad “Dominique” beat out one of the foundational chaotic texts in all of rock. Despite the fact that their sole hits could not be more sonically dissimilar, both The Kingsmen and The Singing Nun got into trouble with their respective governments.

The Kingsman’s formative garage rock stomper “Louie Louie” was so raucous that the FBI investigated its muddled vocals. Apparently not too busy dealing with the Kennedy assassination, federal officials spent two years listening to the amateurish cover to hear if the audio buried any questionable lines. They could have saved a lot of time just listening to the Richard Berry original. In the end, they determined that the lyrics were completely unintelligible. Embarrassingly, they never realized that drummer Lynn Easton shouts “f*ck” after flubbing his cue.

Sister Jeanne-Paule Marie Deckers’ track has a much sadder background. Belgian authorities hounded her for back taxes. They could not believe she never got any residuals from her global smash. Her label and convent scammed her out of a fortune. Decker was forced out of her convent. Following a crisis of faith, Decker started dating Annie Pécher. In 1985, the two long term partners intentionally overdosed on barbiturates and alcohol. A nearby note read, “We hope God will welcome us. He saw us suffer, so He should show clemency.”^[4]

6 Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”

Song that kept it off: Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World”

Marvin Gaye had enough. Begrudgingly stuck in the sidelines, he resented not fighting like his brother stationed in Vietnam. He could still serve his country. Using his dissolving family as a microcosm for society at large, Gaye saw how violence divided the nation. His soul-searching call for unity resonated with a bit less people than a song about getting drunk with a bullfrog.

Three Dog Night’s brassy fluke “Joy to the World” is one of the dumbest novelties of all time. “What’s Going On” is such a tightly constructed standalone single that it still served as the title track of a cohesive elegy of an album. “Joy to the World” barely strings along inane non sequiturs into something with the passing semblance of verses. So consumed by Vietnam, Gaye was thrown into depression. The only time the simpleminded Three Dog Night mention the war, they immediately undercut it by saying that they just want to make sweet love. Hopefully, this refers to someone other than their amphibian friend Jeremiah.^[5]

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5 Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”

Song that kept it off: Fergie’s “London Bridge”

In 2006, two songs posed questions. Along with Gnarls Barkley collaborator Danger Mouse, Cee Lo Green contemplated whether he was crazy to think he could will his marriage back from the dead after his wife asked for a divorce. Even if he could rekindle the relationship, would it merely be a bleak visage of what it once was? Why even be a part of a marriage like that? Fergie simply wondered, “how come every time you come around [her] London, London Bridge wanna go down, like London, London, London?”

The ethereal haunt of “Crazy” could not compete with twin raunchy powerhouses, Nelly Furtado’s dynamically flirtatious “Promiscuous” and Fergie’s obnoxiously clunky “London Bridge.” Fergie succinctly describes “London Bridge” in its own opening two words. If one can ignore the incredibly cumbersome simile that some anatomical feature is comparable to either a historical English landmark or a children’s nursery rhyme, it still contains the woefully cringeworthy refrain of “me love you long time”. If only history repeated itself and “London Bridge” had fallen down.^[6]

4 The Rolling Stones’ “19th Nervous Breakdown”

Song that kept it off: SSgt. Barry Sadler’s “The Ballad of the Green Berets”

During one of the most fruitful explosions in pop culture history, a plodding pretentious piece of pro-war propaganda was the bestselling single of 1966. The five weeks stay on the summit meant something assuredly better was blocked off.

In their own ways, “The Ballad of the Green Berets” and The Rolling Stones’ “19th Nervous Breakdown” are both reactionary records against disaffected youth. Their targets could not be more different. The Stones’ condemnation against spoiled elites is filled with venomous derision. Bill Wyman’s propulsive bass line elevates Mick Jagger’s mocking sneer into effigy of London’s Swinging Sixties. Barry Sadler’s take down is comparatively lifeless. The faux military drum roll is the closest thing to a pulse. It carries Sadler’s monotone story where a soldier dies and wishes his child joins the same organization responsible for his death. Stoic Sadler never questions the needlessly cruel conflict. He displays no emotion either way.

Barry Sadler did not have much success outside of pop music. The royalties off one song dried up pretty quickly. He moved to Nashville to revitalize his career. In 1978, he shot Lee Emerson Bailey, Marty Robbins’ and George Jones’ former manager, over a woman. Sadler claims that he saw a glint of metal in the unarmed Bailey’s hand. Sadler only served 28 days in prison for the lesser offense of voluntary manslaughter. Out of prison, Sadler moved to Guatemala to train Nicaraguan contras. Either accidentally by his own hand or in a robbery, Sadler was shot in the head. The resulting coma contributed to a fatal heart attack at 49. The Rolling Stones ended up doing pretty well for themselves.^[7]

3 Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin’ But A G Thang”

Song that kept it off: Snow’s “Informer”

Snow was not an imposter. He was a criminal living among Jamaican immigrants. Yet compared to the effortless swagger of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, Snow seems desperate. Every choice sounds like a man floundering his credibility. Gangstas threatening to stab someone are a lot more believable when they call it anything other than “licky boom-boom down.”

Snoop Doggy Dogg and Dr. Dre were at the door, ready to make an entrance. Snow did not back on up. Snoop and Dre would have given the #1 slot some much needed legitimacy. The first batch of rappers to top the chart were an assortment of ridiculous wannabees, like Vanilla Ice and Marky Mark, or momentary highlights, like P.M. Dawn. With his Toronto born patois, Snow is firmly in the first category. Snoop and Dre are neither. They were pioneering artists trailblazing a whole new style of hip hop, G-funk. Instead, the public chose a Canadian putting on a fake accent bragging about being anally probe by a police officer.^[8]

2 Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang”

Song that kept it off: Larry Verne’s “Mr. Custer”

The only time Sam Cooke hit #1 it did not count. Cooke’s shimmery coo “You Send Me” peaked in an early forerunner of the Billboard charts, the Best Sellers in Stores. In 1958, Billboard consolidated their respective lists into the Hot 100. When it came time to properly ascend, he was blocked by one of the most repellent hits ever.

In theory, both “Chain Gang” and “Mr. Custer” describe historical minorities suffering. In practice, the differences are stark. Cooke empathizes with the plight of abused prisoners yearning to reconnect with loved ones. Verne idolizes a genocidal madman and treats those fighting his invasion as a punchline. “Chain Gang’s” beat is driven by inmates’ sledgehammers, turning their tortuous exploitation into a celebration of resilience in an intolerant justice system. Conversely, “Mr. Custer” destroys any momentum by interrupting the melody with yelped out racist caricatures of Native American war cries and spoken word sketches. For a week in 1960, the record buying public preferred a yokel belching out a southern twang over the angelic voice of one of the greatest soul artists of all time. American taste has always been inexplicable.^[9]

1 Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”

Song that kept it off: Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing”

The most egregious block in chart history has nothing to do with the respective songs’ quality. Both “Baker Street” and “Shadow Dancing” have merits. They work as companion pieces for the same ennui. “Baker Street” wallows in bourbon-soaked dread. “Shadow Dancing” is cocaine propelled anxiety. Nor does it have anything to do with fatigue of Bee Gee’s cultural onslaught. In the height of disco, Barry Gibb was so prolific that his younger brother could turn his runoff into the biggest selling song of 1978. The problem with the “Baker Street’s” silver medal status is that its gold was stolen.

For six of “Shadow Dancing’s” seven-week run, “Baker Street” sat within striking distance. In one weeks, chart tabulators told America’s Top 40’s producers “Baker Street” finally broke through. Billboard chart director Bill Wardlow protested. Gibb’s managers threatened to remove him from a Billboard show if “Baker Street” knocked off “Shadow Dancing.” Host Casey Kasem re-recorded after Wardlow called. Even outside of the lyrics, “Baker Street” could not win.^[10]

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About The Author: Nate Yungman’s favorite song is “Baker Street.” If you thought this article was a load of number two, then you can email comments or questions to [email protected]. If you thought it was the tops, follow him on Twitter, @NateYungman

Top 10 Incredible Songs Based On Books

Johan Tobias — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:35:01 +0000

It’s not exactly a secret that many famous songs are based on, or were inspired by, books. The art of storytelling for the sake of entertainment, be it in written or musical form, is ancient and universal, so some degree of cross-over is expected.

Discovering what stories influenced certain songs, however, can be fascinating not just for the insight it provides into the songs themselves, but for what it tells of the creative process behind the compositions and the individuals responsible. Whether you’re familiar with the songs in this list and the books behind them or not, you’re sure to learn something interesting. Let’s get to it, then

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10 Paranoid Android – Radiohead (1997)

Radiohead’s 1997 album Ok Computer stands out as one of the top alternative albums of the ’90s – they’ve got the Grammy to prove it. The record is packed with unique, stylistically innovative tracks, and Paranoid Android is arguably the best of the bunch.

The song was inspired by Douglas Adams’ sci-fi novel A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, and is told from the perspective of Marvin – a robot deeply depressed at having his infinite intelligence wasted on mundane, everyday tasks.

Wrapped within the six and a half minute tune, we find not just unusual chord progressions, catchy transitions, and Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals, but a relatable story of unrealized potential and fantasies of vengeance that closely mirror Yorke’s own personal experiences. And the influence of Adams’ work extends beyond just the song. The title of the album comes directly from a line in the story – a fitting nod to the author’s creative genius by a band whose musical innovation could be described as the same.^[1]

9 Pet Sematary – The Ramones (1989)

The Ramones are known today as one of the pioneers of the punk rock genre, and it was their ’89 hit Pet Sematary, written for the movie based on the horror novel by Stephen King, that helped propel them to greatness.
Opinions of the song are largely divided. Some people love it, some hate it. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it’s hard to deny that the tune, written in the band’s distinctive 3-chord style, is pretty catchy and does a fair job of incorporating the subject matter of the story upon which it’s based.

Speaking of the story, it’s well known that King is a big fan of The Ramones and he mentions them several times in the book. Fitting then, that they were chosen to write the song. Legend has it that Dee Dee Ramone penned the tune in the author’s basement after reading an early draft of Pet Sematary, but King himself has subsequently rubbished the claims. The movie has since been remade but, sadly (or not, depending on your musical preferences) the song was not featured in the 2019 release.^[2]

8 Scentless Apprentice – Nirvana (1993)

Whether you admire his musical work or not, it’s hard to deny that Kurt Cobain falls squarely into the category of tortured genius. Given his untimely death by suicide at an early age, it’s easy to look back at his songs and identify proof of the mental anguish that would cause him to take his own life. And while one could argue that it’s certainly there, one of Nirvana’s more disturbing songs, Scentless Apprentice, is based not on Cobain’s personal experience but rather on the novel Perfume, by Patrick Suskind – a story about a man born with an incredible sense of smell but no scent of his own, who takes to murdering young women for their scent.

The track is full of the raw, emotional power that defines the entire In Utero album, and the heavy-handed drumbeat and edgy guitar riff, both devised by Dave Grohl, give it a disturbing, frantic quality that fits perfectly with the dark subject matter. The star of this show, however, is Cobain on vocals. As he did so often in his short career, he elevates the song with unrestrained yet melodic screeching, making this not just a great tune, but a fan favorite live performance as well.^[3]

7 A Farewell to Arms – Machinehead (2007)

Machinehead set the metal world alight with the release of their 2007 album The Blackening, easily one of the best heavy metal compilations of recent time, possibly ever. Something just clicked for the Oakland boys on this one – the unique use of drop-B tuning gives it a heavier tone and feel even for the genre, the musical interplay and dynamic use of dueling guitar solos ups things a notch further, and Robb Flynn’s incredibly versatile vocals round out each and every song on the album perfectly.

One of the standout tracks on a record full of them is A Farewell to Arms. You could rightly call this 10-minute long tour de force a ‘power ballad’ although, by the time the gentle, melodic beginning develops into the full-fledged churching power chords and in-your-face style Machinehead are known for, it’s definitely more power than ballad.

The title of the track comes from Ernest Hemmingway’s iconic WWI novel, and whilst the song deals with the topic of war and destruction in a more general sense than did the novel, and omits and references to love entirely, the common theme and the name itself make it clear where the inspiration for this one came from.^[4]

6 Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones (1968)

One of the most iconic rock songs in history, this classic is the only Stones song solely credited to Mick Jagger, and firmly cemented the band’s occult orientated reputation. This wasn’t helped when a group of the band’s biker bodyguards stabbed a young man at a concert during a live performance of the song a year after its release. The truth, however, is the legendary song was based not on devil-worship or Satanism, but rather on a classic Russian novel, The Master and Margarita, by Mikhail Bulgakov
.
While soviet-era Russian literature is typically dark and depressing, Bulgakov’s story is just the opposite. Taking a light-hearted look at what would happen if the devil, a debonair gentleman, had visited the USSR during Stalin’s reign, the book blends humor and magical realism in a way similar to another contemporary great, Japan’s Haruki Murakami.

The Stone’s song builds on the theme, showing the devil – a man of wealth and taste – visiting various defining world events in history, from the crucifixion of Christ to the second world war and beyond. The intriguing subject matter makes the song worth listening to alone, but the musical elements present, from the distinctive African-sounding drumbeat, the instantly recognizable ‘hoo-hooing’ pre-verse, Keith Richards’ minimalist guitar solo, and, of course, Jagger with his typical vocal flourishes are what makes this number one of the most recognizable pieces of rock music in the world.^[5]

10 Weird Jobs That Legendary Rockers Had Before Becoming Famous

5 One – Metallica (1988)

Metallica are no strangers to literature inspired music. From Hemmingway to King, Lovecraft, and even the Bible, written works have appeared in their songs throughout the band’s decades-long career. A metal classic, and featuring one of the greatest guitar solos of all time, their ’88 song One is a brutal portrayal of the ravages of war and was directly inspired by Donald Trumbo’s famous anti-war novel, Johnny Got His Gun.

The story concerns a World War 1 soldier who wakes up in hospital and gradually realizes he’s had his arms and legs amputated and has lost all his senses. The song presents this nightmarish perspective chillingly in both the melodic verses and the emotion-ridden chorus line ‘Hold my breath as I wish for death/Oh please god wake me.’ By the time we reach the lyrical crescendo just before the solo, the listener is fully immersed in the plight of the soldier, the One, and the cruel, senseless anguish of war. As good as the original recording was, the band somehow seems to improve the song with each new playing which is why it remains one of their favorites and a staple of every live Metallica set even now, over 30 years on from its release.^[6]

4 Resistance – Muse (2009)

George Orwell’s famous dystopian novel, 1984, is one of the most widely read books of the last century, and some see the social science fiction construct as an ominous foreshadowing of where the world is swiftly heading. Political commentary aside, the story, at heart, is about love, and award-winning British alternative band Muse portrays this excellently in their Orwell inspired song, Resistance.

The novel had a massive impact on Muse frontman Matt Bellamy, and the song, with the lyrics, ‘Love is our resistance’ perfectly captures the essence of the story – Winston Smith’s ill-fated love affair with the mysterious Julia. In a society where a totalitarian regime controls everything, and even individual thought is policed, is not love the ultimate act of resistance? Orwell portrays this masterfully in the story and Muse, with Bellamy’s distinctive vocals and astute lyrical construction, presents a powerful song that is a fitting companion to one of the defining novels of the last hundred years.^[7]

3 Rocket Man – Elton John (1972)

Rocket Man is one of Elton John’s most popular songs, so much so that it was chosen as the title for the musician’s recent biographical film. Space exploration was a big deal when the song was released back in 1972 when the Apollo missions were ongoing, and John is often accused of stealing the idea for this song from another space-based classic by David Bowie. But, Bernie Taupin, the man who wrote the lyrics for Rocket Man, got his inspiration instead from the Ray Bradbury short story of the same name.

The story is told from the perspective of a child who’s astronaut father is conflicted about leaving his family behind and venturing to the stars, and whilst that is the basis of the lyrical contents of the song as well, the whole thing also forms an astute extended metaphor of the meteoric rise to stardom that musicians, or anyone famous, experiences. From the obligatory drug use (I’m gonna be high as a kite by then) to the isolation that comes with rising to the top (It’s lonely out in space), the challenges of family life (Mars ain’t the kind of place to raise your kids), the lyrics mirror not just Bradbury’s story but John’s musical journey as well and combines a literary masterpiece with a stark look at the realities of life in the spotlight.^[8]

2 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Iron Maiden (1984)

Iron Maiden, no strangers to literary-inspired songs, did something quite special when they retold Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s epic 1779 poem The Rime of the Ancient Marnier in a song of the same name on their excellent 1984 album Powerslave. Rather than incorporating the general idea of the poem in the song, the band chose to retell the tale in its entirety, complete with some of the poet’s original lines, and did so in the crunching, fast-paced metal style that has since seen them acknowledged as one of the founding acts of the heavy metal genre.

Both poem and song concern a naval captain who has a profound experience at sea and, having survived against the odds, goes about telling his story to anyone who’ll listen. The moral of said story being: love all of God’s creatures. Not exactly what one would expect from a band responsible for classics like, The Number of the Beast and Bring your Daughter to the Slaughter. But then it does involve an encounter with Death, animated corpses, and a pesky albatross, so it’s right up Iron Maiden’s dark, twisted alley. The song tends to get lost in amongst the band’s wealth of excellent offerings over the years, but any fan of the genre or 18th-century classical poetry (or both) would do well to check it out.^[9]

1 The Alchemist – Blue Oyster Cult (2020)

Yes, they’re back. Over 57 years since they first formed, legendary rock outfit BOC has proven, once and for all, that they are one of the most underrated bands in history, and the fact that they haven’t yet been inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame is an ongoing travesty. But never mind. Their most recent album, The Symbol Remains, is a throwback to everything that made the band great to begin with and I’m going to go out on a limb here and call it one of the best albums of the year. Period.

The Symbol Remains is packed with a wide array of incredible songs and The Alchemist, which feels like a classic 80’s metal tune, is one of the best. Based on H.P Lovecraft’s early short story, The Alchemist is a retelling of a chilling tale of betrayal and murderous revenge between a French noble and a wicked sorcerer. The song drips with the same dark malevolence Lovecraft was a master at depicting. Everything from the haunting keyboard intro to the crashing power chords and Buck Dharma’s electrifying solo exudes a sense of magical evil, and when Eric Bloom croons the pre-chorus line transplanted whole from the story, chills are sure to ensue. It’s not too surprising that this song is so good – BOC and Lovecraft make for a perfect combination and the result speaks (or shrieks) for itself.^[10]

Top 20 Best Rock Bands Of All Time

About the author: I’m 32 years old and I live in South Africa. I work full time in logistics and I’m a freelance writer in my (limited) spare time. I have various projects in the works, including a potential novel, and I regularly participate in the Reedsy Prompts short story contest, where a growing collection of my work is available for reading. I have been a shortlisted finalist there twice so far.

Top 10 Chillwave Songs

Johan Tobias — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:56:34 +0000

While the wide universe of Synthwave has given birth to a number of beloved sub-genres since its inception, few have become more popular than the ethereal and dreamy sound of Chillwave. An atypical and incredibly unique incarnation of Retro culture, Chillwave is an elegant mix of 80’s vibes and modern electronics, all wrapped up in a sophisticated layer of cinematic nostalgia. Here are 10 Chillwave songs that will send you straight to a world of dreams and wonder:

Top 10 Synthwave Albums Of All Time

10 “Soleil Bleu” by LÜNE

French prodigy LÜNE has quickly become one of the top artists in the Chillwave bubble. His signature style is a clever mix of Synthwave and French House that many artists have unsuccessfully tried to replicate. “Soleil Bleu” is an insanely groovy track that confirms without the shadow of a doubt that LÜNE is one of a kind. The song is part of his 2018 debut EP “Rêve Lucide” (which is French for Lucid Dreams), and while every single song in it is a joyful piece of art with its own merits, “Soleil Bleu” definitely takes the cake as the best of the bunch.

9 “Caligula” by Windows 96

Brazilian composer Gabriel Eduardo, better known as Windows 96, has built quite a reputation for himself since his 2016 debut. But, despite already being praised for his inventive body of work, he has continued to regularly raise the bar. In 2018, Windows 96 released his 6th album “One Hundred Mornings”, and immediately, the opening track “Caligula” swept people off their feet. “Caligula” is a slow, progressive and soothing intro with a retro melody often compared to German masters Kraftwerk.

In other words, the song is a great representation of the legacy left behind by 80’s Electronica, and Windows 96 is living proof of retro music being as alive and modern as ever. “Caligula” (and the rest of Gabriel’s catalog) is a true love letter to an era of music that feels like a dream to so many, and his ability to capture that feeling and atmosphere is a testament to his incredible talent.

8 “L.E.V.E.L” by Emil Rottmayer

Emil Rottmayer is a gifted artist from the UK that has been a pillar of the Chillwave genre since his 2016 debut single “Distraction”. His catalogue is as consistent as can be, every single one of his songs showcasing a lush and sophisticated style that only he can capture. That said, of all of his songs, 2020’s “L.E.V.E.L” is the one that best incapsulates his impeccable production work. The song is smooth and intelligently built with a retro atmosphere designed to feel like a trip right back to the 80’s.

7 “America Online” by The Midnight

The Midnight are amongst the absolute elite of the Synthwave world. They have perfected the genre almost to perfection, and it was only a matter of time before they took a crack at Chillwave in their own unique way. That song finally came in the form of their 2019 single “America Online”, a true masterclass of melodic ingenuity that shocked their fans to no end. The song is stellar, made complete with a beautiful vocoder (reminiscing of Daft Punk’s sound) that perfectly blends with the nostalgic vibe of The Midnight.

The Midnight later came back to Chillwave in their 2020 album “Monsters”, with songs like “Helvetica” and “Night Sky”, which are all wonderful in their own right, but nothing can compare to the original surprise of “America Online”. The song was a revelation for many of their fans, and it is yet another pillar responsible for popularizing the genre to wider audiences.

6 “Night Sky” by Krosia & A.L.I.S.O.N

Both Krosia and A.L.I.S.O.N have become some of the more well-known artists of Chillwave, praised for their brilliant melody work. So the excitement at the idea that there could come a day where they join forces to make a legendary song together was 100% warranted. And “Night Sky”, the Chillwave fever dream that finally came true in 2019 after their first team-up “Once” a year prior, was no disappointment. The soft and ethereal collaboration perfectly marries Krosia’s clever composition style with A.L.I.S.O.N’s signature groove, and it quickly became a fan favorite in the community.

Top 10 Most Underrated Synthwave Songs Of All Time

5 “Hometown” by French 79

Simon Henner, French guitarist of the Kid Francescoli project, decided to create a solo project in the year 2014. And thus, French 79 was born. Since then, Simon’s music has become a true staple of modern Synthpop. From his debut classic “Between The Buttons”, to his mega-hit “Diamond Veins” with Sarah Rebecca, he very quickly proved to be one of the most talented composers the genre has ever known. And none of his songs prove that more than “Hometown”, the artistic tour de force from the 2019 album “Joshua”.

Accompanied by a gorgeous music video inspired by Steven Spielberg’s 1977 film “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “Hometown” is a beautiful, groovy and overall brilliant song full of style and creativity. It grabs you from the very start and doesn’t leave you until the very end.

4 “Dynamic” by Voyage

Voyage’s warm and fuzzy signature sound is a perfect representation of what Chillwave evokes in people’s minds when mentioned. Songs like “Paraside”, “Allude” or “Beyond” are all considered classics that capture the dreamy atmosphere of the genre to perfection, but 2018’s “Dynamic” is by far the greatest of Voyage’s efforts. The song has become a major inspiration for Synth artists, and the influence it has had will definitely be staying for a long, long time.

3 “Godspeed” by Wayfloe

Wayfloe has only been around since 2015, but the mysterious French duo is without a doubt one the greatest entities the Synth-verse has ever known since its inception. Their creativity is a true force of nature that no one can quite understand or replicate, and given how versatile and unpredictable they can be with their music, it was more than obvious that a Chillwave track by Wayfloe was going to arrive at some point.

2019’s “Godspeed” is one of the most beautiful songs the genre has to offer. The melody work in it is out of this world, and it perfectly showcases Wayfloe’s innate ability to adapt to any genre with a specific sound that still feels like their own. The song being a part of their debut album “Neon West”, which is full of Synthwave modern classics such as “Rose Ellen Dix”, “Scarlet Speedster” or the now legendary “Fractions”, but “Godspeed” definitely stands out as one of Wayfloe’s absolute best.

2 “Slow Peels” by Com Truise

In the eyes of many, American producer Com Truise is the one person to be credited for both the invention and the rise of Chillwave as a genre. As Synthwave was being born and solidified in the mid-2000’s, he is the one that essentially crafted the smooth and atmospheric sound that is now the basis of all Chillwave songs. The track “Slow Peels”, in his 2011 debut EP “Cyanide Sisters”, is the perfect example of the credit he deserves. While it isn’t his most popular song, it is by far its most powerful in terms of what it represented for the future of the genre.

In essence, Com Truise is the father of Chillwave, and “Slow Peels” feels like a starting point for the incarnation it has taken over the last decade. The glitchy and dissonant aspect of the song, paired with ethereal melody work, creates an “old TV” feel that has become synonymous with the genre today. And if we can assert that all 11 tracks of the “Cyanide Sisters” EP worked as a starting point for Chillwave to emerge as a sub-genre, “Slow Peels” is definitely the song out of the bunch that sounds the most with the current iteration of it.

1 “Resonance” by HOME

This now iconic and dreamy classic is an absolute powerhouse of melody and nostalgia. One of the only Chillwave songs (and the first) to hit mainstream audiences, racking up over 100 million views on YouTube alone, “Resonance” is widely considered to be one of the greatest songs in the Synth Universe, elevating producer Randy Goffe (better known as Home) to the status of living legend within the community. The song has proven to be so incredibly popular that, in 2019, Electronic Gem (the YouTube channel that made the song a hit) pulled a brilliant April Fool’s joke by releasing a video titled “Resonance 2″, tricking over 180,000 people into clicking on it.

To this day, ”Resonance” is Chillwave’s finest piece of art, one that has raised the bar extremely high in the Electronic music genre as a whole. It kickstarted an era of Vaporwave aesthetics that became a staple of internet culture, and it paved the way for a number of future artists to popularize the genre to bigger audiences. And while HOME has released a fantastic catalog of genre-defining music with songs like “Head First” and “Come Back Down”, nothing can compare to the hypnotizing perfection of his 2014 masterpiece”.

Top 10 Most Influential Synthwave Artists

Top 10 Songs That Evoke Powerful Emotions

Johan Tobias — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 23:25:32 +0000

Music stirs emotion.

Different melodies evoke feelings of sadness, joy, defiance, relaxation, fear and more. Researchers are even conducting ongoing studies to solve what they call “the mystery of how music can evoke so many nuanced emotions.”^[1]

On this list are just a few of the songs that have made people cry, laugh, feel victorious, and stand united all over the world.

10 Odd Scientific Facts About Emotions

10 For a chuckle – “Pretty Fly For A White Guy” – The Offspring

There are quite a few hilarious songs out there, guaranteed to get a least a chuckle or two from even the most hardened music fan. These include “Axel F” by Crazy Frog, “I Can’t Dance” by Genesis, “Witch Doctor” by Cartoons and “Barbie Girl” by Aqua. Some feel that “I’m On A Boat” by Lonely Island featuring T-Pain is one of the funniest songs ever written and performed. Others prefer “White & Nerdy” by “Weird Al” Yankovic.

Those who love the 90s (and punk rock in particular) however, pretty much agree on The Offspring’s “Pretty Fly For A White Guy.” for a little amusement.

9 To be instantly annoyed – “Baby” – Justin Bieber

There are hundreds of contenders for ‘most annoying song ever’. They are listed on the internet in dozens of articles and include songs such as “Who Let The Dogs Out”, repetitive dance tunes like “I’m Blue” by Eiffel 65, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus, and just about anything ever sung by Nickelback. Of course, there is also “Friday” by Rebecca Black that evoked such strong feelings in music fans around the world that the comments cannot be repeated here (fun fact: four years later she was redeemed by a brilliant performance on a TV talent show).

But for a list like this, we should probably look to the one person that seemingly had the ability to p——— off the entire world in 3 minutes and 39 seconds, at the tender age of 16. Yep, it is Justin Bieber and his song “Baby.” (The official music video has 11 million dislikes on YouTube)

8 For a chill-out moment – “Pure Shores” – All Saints

If you need a time out and a bit of a calming tonic after being annoyed by the previous song, why not give “Weightless” by Marconi Union a try, or chill out to “Watermark” by Enya. If you’re not into instrumental music, you can always listen to “Strawberry Swing” by Coldplay. These songs are all part of a list of 10^[2] that scientists came up with and are said to be the most relaxing songs in the world. Adele also made the list with “Someone Like You”, but if you need a dreamy vibe to shake off all thoughts and sounds of Bieber, “Pure Shores” by All Saints might just be the song for you.

7 To get pumped up – “Immigrant Song” – Led Zeppelin

There is nothing like a good rock song to get you amped up (once you’re done chilling to the sound of the All Saints, that is.) Just think “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC and “We Will Rock You” by Queen. Some people like listening to a medley of rap artists and whatever rock band they love, while others stick to hard rock or even heavy metal. There are an infinite number of options for a list like this, because there are so many amazing bands and singers out there.

If you need a song to get you pumped before an exciting event or just to kick your exercise routine into high gear, “Immigrant Song” will probably suffice. Especially this live version from the 70s.

6 For that rebellious streak – “They Don’t Care About Us” – Michael Jackson

Over the years, many bands and solo artists simply couldn’t stand by and let atrocities happen without protesting. These protests usually took the form of songs that became instant classics worldwide. Well-known protest songs include “Imagine” by John Lennon, “Idioteque” by Radiohead, “Zombie” by The Cranberries and “Masters of War” by Bob Dylan.

If you feel like raging against the machine and feed your rebellious side for a bit, you may want to add “American Idiot” by Green Day to your playlist or perhaps “Take The Power Back” by Rage Against The Machine. One of the most popular protest songs still played on radio stations around the world, is “They Don’t Care About Us” by Michael Jackson. The lyrics hold up to this day and might just satisfy your defiant streak.

10 Heartwarming Stories To Restore Your Faith In Humanity

5 For goosebumps (not in a good way) – “Sweet Dreams” – Marilyn Manson

Horror movies use eerie soundtracks to amp up the fear factor. Besides these soundtracks, there are also some truly scary songs out there, with terrifying lyrics. This includes the ominous “Hamburger Lady” by Throbbing Gristle, “One” by Metallica and “Frankie Teardrop” by Suicide.

In 2010, an online poll put Marilyn Manson’s music video of his cover of “Sweet Dreams” at the top of a list of scariest music videos. Add his very creepy vocals to that and you have a freaky song you might want to listen to in broad daylight only.

4 To celebrate a victory – “We Are The Champions” – Queen

Sometimes life goes so well in general, that people just feel like breaking out into song. And there are perfect songs to amplify those types of moments. For instance, if you’ve struggled to find a new job and out of the blue you are offered a dream position. Or you are given a travel opportunity of a lifetime. Some triumphs are far more personal; perhaps you have survived a terrible disease or started a new life after a messy divorce. Tunes such as “I’m Still Standing” by Elton John would make for an awesome life theme song in situations like these.

This best soundtrack for any type of victory, however, must be “We Are The Champions” by Queen. Freddy Mercury possessed the perfect vocal to create the stirring melody, especially during live performances. The song is so awesome, scientists back in 2011 declared it to be the ‘catchiest song’ in music history.

3 For a little happiness – “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves

Some songs just put a smile on your face. Neuroscientists have determined that the ‘happiest’ songs are always slightly faster than the average song and the lyrics are either utter nonsense or about a happy event. Their ultimate feel-good playlist includes “Dancing Queen” by ABBA, “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys and “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor. The ultimate happy song however, is the one that will have you tapping your toes in no time: “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves.

2 For those days when a good cry is in order – “Fix You” – Coldplay

It’s customary for many people to put on a sad song when they’re feeling down, and just have a good cry. People who are lonely often listen to sad songs because they identify with them and it sometimes makes them feel less alone and less misunderstood. Sometimes a person doesn’t even have to feel down, for a song to release all kinds of emotions and cause tears to flow involuntarily. Whether you are feeling the need to cry it all out to a sad soundtrack or just love melancholy music, a song like “Fix You” by Coldplay is bound to get your tear ducts going.

“Fix You” is universally accepted as one of the saddest songs ever written. Chris Martin wrote it for Gwyneth Paltrow to comfort her after the death of her father.

1 For a ray of hope – “We Are The World” – Artists for Haiti

2020 was definitely a year in which many people lost their hope that things will ever get better. Covid-19 followed us into 2021, and there is just no telling when this pandemic will finally be over. Throughout history, whenever hardships and disaster struck, music would be the one thing that united the world and inspired people to make a difference. If you are in dire need of a little hope and inspiration to make the start of 2021 just a little brighter, even if just for a few minutes, listen to this live version of “We Are The World” as sung by Artists for Haiti. The song was recorded by several music artists in 2010 and released as a charity single after the Haiti earthquake. The song and music video exemplify the strength of the human spirit in the face of dire circumstances and might just provide that little bit of inspiration we all need right now.

+ “We Are The World” – USA For Africa

“We Are The World” was originally written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and recorded by supergroup USA for Africa in 1985. The original version is still the most beloved, and when watching the video of all the well-known artists singing together, it is easy to see why.

We may even get a new version in lieu of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic as the suggestion was already put forward by Lionel Richie early in 2020.

Top 10 Emotional Olympic Moments

Estelle

Estelle is a regular writer for .

Songs – Listorati

10 Celebrities And The (Mostly) Hilariously Bad Songs They Released

10 Brie Larson—She Said

9 Macaulay Culkin (The Pizza Underground)—Pizza Gal

8 Andy Murray—Autograph

7Naomi Campbell—Love and Tears

6Frankie Muniz (Kingsfoil)—What Your Mother Taught You

5 Steven Seagal—My God

4 Clint Eastwood—Bar Room Buddies

3Val Kilmer—Frontier Justice

2 Ricky Gervais (Seona Dancing)—More To Lose

1 Bruce Willis—Under The Boardwalk

Top 10 Songs With Dark Back Stories

10 These Are the Days of Our Lives – Queen

9 Circus – Eric Clapton

8 3 AM – Matchbox 20

7 You learn – Alanis Morrissette

6 Have You Forgotten – Darryl Worley

5 Never Learn Not to Love – The Beach Boys

4 Cassie—Flyleaf

3 Zombie – The Cranberries

2 John Wayne Gacy, Jr. – Sufjan Stevens

1 Pretty – KORN

Top 10 Freaky Urban Legends Hidden In Songs

10 The Forest Ogre“The Erlking”

9 Devil’s Dance“Asereje” (“The Ketchup Song”)

8 Texas Serial Killer“Possum Kingdom”

7 Ester’s Last Scream“Love Rollercoaster”

6 The Blood Libel“Sir Hugh” (aka “The Jew’s Daughter”)(Child Ballad No. 155)

5 Ode To The Black Plague“Ring Around The Rosie”

4 The Kleenex Curse“It’s A Fine Day”

3 Hungarian Suicide Song“Gloomy Sunday”

2 Game Of Death“Kagome, Kagome” (“Circle You, Circle You”)

1 The Michigan Dogman“The Legend”

Top 10 Universally Famous Songs With Deceptively Dark Undertones

10 “In The Air Tonight”Phil Collins

9 “Hotel California”The Eagles

8 “Jeremy”Pearl Jam

7 “Paint It Black”The Rolling Stones

6 “Hey Joe”Jimi Hendrix

5 “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”Chris de Burgh

4 “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”Blue Oyster Cult

3 “Under The Bridge”Red Hot Chili Peppers

2 “Fade To Black”Metallica

1 “Iris”Goo Goo Dolls

Top 10 Most Underrated Synthwave Songs Of All Time

10 “Clara” by Rebecca & Fiona

9 “Neon Shade” by Starfounder

8 “Words” by Lost Nights

7 “Bad Tourist” by Madelyn Darling

6 “Gonna Live My Life” by Leandro Da Silva and Tom & Hills (featuring Jutty Ranx)

5 “Creation” by DJ Ten (featuring Lost Nights)

4 “Paralyzed” by John & The Volta

3 “Galactic Swing” by Florida Skyline

2 “Dance 1984” by Wayfloe

1 “Jumping Judas” by Teenage Bad Girl & Illa J

Top 10 Greatest Songs To Never Hit Number One

10 Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

9 Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”

8 The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby”

7 The Kingsmen’s “Louie Louie”

6 Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On”

5 Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy”

4 The Rolling Stones’ “19th Nervous Breakdown”

3 Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg’s “Nuthin’ But A G Thang”

2 Sam Cooke’s “Chain Gang”

1 Gerry Rafferty’s “Baker Street”

Top 10 Incredible Songs Based On Books

10 Paranoid Android – Radiohead (1997)

9 Pet Sematary – The Ramones (1989)

8 Scentless Apprentice – Nirvana (1993)

7 A Farewell to Arms – Machinehead (2007)

6 Sympathy for the Devil – The Rolling Stones (1968)

5 One – Metallica (1988)

4 Resistance – Muse (2009)

3 Rocket Man – Elton John (1972)

2 The Rime of the Ancient Mariner – Iron Maiden (1984)

1 The Alchemist – Blue Oyster Cult (2020)

Top 10 Chillwave Songs

10 “Soleil Bleu” by LÜNE

10 The Forest Ogre
“The Erlking”

9 Devil’s Dance
“Asereje” (“The Ketchup Song”)

8 Texas Serial Killer
“Possum Kingdom”

7 Ester’s Last Scream
“Love Rollercoaster”

6 The Blood Libel
“Sir Hugh” (aka “The Jew’s Daughter”)
(Child Ballad No. 155)

5 Ode To The Black Plague
“Ring Around The Rosie”

4 The Kleenex Curse
“It’s A Fine Day”

3 Hungarian Suicide Song
“Gloomy Sunday”

2 Game Of Death
“Kagome, Kagome” (“Circle You, Circle You”)

1 The Michigan Dogman
“The Legend”

10 “In The Air Tonight”
Phil Collins

9 “Hotel California”
The Eagles

8 “Jeremy”
Pearl Jam

7 “Paint It Black”
The Rolling Stones

6 “Hey Joe”
Jimi Hendrix

5 “Don’t Pay The Ferryman”
Chris de Burgh

4 “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper”
Blue Oyster Cult

3 “Under The Bridge”
Red Hot Chili Peppers

2 “Fade To Black”
Metallica

1 “Iris”
Goo Goo Dolls