The song blog: 1965 - 2025
A blog of my favourite songs in every year from 1965 to the present. The only restriction is one song per artist, per decade.
1965
The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
https://youtu.be/nrIPxlFzDi0
The Temptations - My Girl
Happy, sweet, catchy and above all uplifting. Flows smoothly from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/swSytFVMHuU
Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
The lyrics talk about someone who was rich and well connected, and then lost it all. A process which is obviously hard and desperate on one level, but at the same time has a certain freedom and truth to it which comes through in the song and lends to it's power. The melody of the lyrics are put to the rhythm of the song in an ingenious fashion which influenced many later artists, and most importantly it works.
https://youtu.be/IwOfCgkyEj0
Roy Orbison - Pretty Woman
The catchy riff with the mellow voice is a great combination which puts this well known classic on the list.
https://youtu.be/mHPgco6GQk8
The Kinks - All of the day and all of the night
I'm surprised this was released way back in the 60's, it could easily have fitted in to the punk scene in the late 70's. A great rock song that still works in any indie club today.
https://youtu.be/fOGMRnKl5co
https://youtu.be/0WUdlaLWSVM
1971
John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
1972
Carpenters - Top Of The World
https://youtu.be/PinCg7IGqHg
https://youtu.be/WPG6Ak5FASk
https://youtu.be/fG8UuZ0NZGY
1981
https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4
Survivor - Eye of the tiger
The ultimate inspiring power ballad.
Iron Maiden - Run to the hills
English Heavy Metal at it's best.
Whitesnake - Here I go again
Another brilliant power ballad.
Toto - Africa
Uniquely comforting with a great depth, one of the classic 80's songs.
The Jam - A town called malice
A real foot tapper, and a great songs to dance to.
Alan Parsons Project - eye in the sky
Smooth, dreamy and well constructed song.
Prince - 1999
Great dance song.
Michael Jackson - Beat It
My favourite from the King of Pop.
Flock of seagulls - I ran
Had to pick the long version for the brilliant intro build up. Great guitar riffs and powerful solo.
Dexys midnight runners - come on Eileen
Dancefloor classic, always uplifting.
Pointer sisters - Automatic
Flows so well, with a unique quality to it while still being unmistakeably 80's.
Heaven 17 - Temptation
This always gets stuck in my head after I listen to it, so catchy and powerful.
Culture Club - Karma Chameleon
Totally danceable, smooth and happy.
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
Great rhythm and energy throughout.
Cyndi Lauper - Time after Time
One of the deepest most heartfelt songs I know. True Colors was a close second.
Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
Absolutely brilliant shout out rock song.
Cutting Crew - I just died in your arms tonight
Anyone not convinced music was so much better in the 80's than today yet? So much raw honesty and passion in this song.
Genesis - Invisible Touch
Great keyboard, and vocals from Phil Collins who gets in again as a band frontman as opposed to a solo artist.
The Housemartins - Happy Hour
One of the most well known party anthems, with a great chorus.
Crowded House - Don't dream it's over
Truly sublime song from these Antipodean masters, a great band.
Guns and Roses - Welcome to the jungle
Rock at it's best.
Another one of those unpretentious happy 80's pop songs
The Cure - Just like heaven
A masterpiece from start to finish.
Def Leppard - Pour some sugar on me
The best of Hair Metal.
Aztec Camera - Somewhere in my heart
A special, spiritual song. Not many Scottish entries so far, but there will be more.
Beastie Boys - (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)
Encapsulates the teenage rebellious spirit perfectly.
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Prefab Sprout - King of Rock and Roll
Boy meets girl - Waiting for a star to fall
Just so good to sing a long to, makes misery seem poetic and almost enjoyable.
Erasure - A little respect
One of my favourite 80's songs, with a reference to the 1988 Seoul Olympics in the video.
Stone Roses - I wanna be adored
Unique, atmospheric and expertly crafted. One of the great Manchester bands.
Neil Young - Rockin' In The Free World
A great rock anthem full of hope, we could do with some more of this today where the free world
Alannah Myles - Black Velvet
This song has stuck in my head more than any while making this playlist, what a chorus.
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Won't back down
Beautifully simple and defiant.
Pixies - Here comes your man
Magnificent, brilliant, beautiful. It's a shame I can only fit one of this and Monkey gone to
Bangles - Eternal Flame
Poetic genius, one of the best love songs.
Metallica - One
AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Pure rock, superb riff all the way through added to by great chords and vocals.
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 u
Very powerful, encapsulates a break up perfectly.
Nirvana - Drain You
Brilliant head-banging grunge song, which like alot of Nirvana songs is also a social critique.
Bryan Adams - Everything I Do
A great ballad with powerful lyrics, this spent the 2nd ever longest at number 1 in the UK charts (16 weeks)
Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy
So fucking angry, aimed in the right direction. I love it.
Metallica - Enter Sandman
A supreme rock song.
R.E.M - Losing My Religion
This is one of my all-timers. The way the song is constructed is brilliant, and it captures life so well
Charles & Eddie - Would I lie to you
A feel good song with great vocals and a great chorus.
Right Said Fred - I'm too sexy
Brilliant satire, very funny and a genuinely good song.
4 Non Blondes - What's Up
A very enjoyable sing along with real passion.
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Chemical Brothers - Hey boy hey girl
Hefner - Hymn for the cigarettes
Who knew it was possible for something so good to come out of smoking.
Le Tigre - Deceptacon
The video is as good as the song.
Travis - Why does it always rain on me?
Another pleasant band from Glasgow.
Slipknot - Spit it out
Great energy and intensity in this song from one of the most unique
Deftones - Back to School
A fine, beautiful metal song full of passion. This genre
JJ72 - Snow
No nonsense rock song from this lesser known Irish band.
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag
Limp Bizkit - Rollin'
The scenario for this video is ridiculous, but this is a great nu-metal
Coldplay - Yellow
I don't think anyone knew just how big Coldplay would become when they released this. I like a few of their songs but they've never surpassed this for me.
Papa Roach - Last Resort
Another very good nu-metal hit from the millenium period.
At the drive in - One armed scissor
Raw emotion in this post-hardcore punk epic.
Eminem - The real slim shady
I've not listened to much hip-hop, this one is my favourite by a long way
Underworld - Born slippy
2005
https://youtu.be/vdkmhquF60o
Bloc Party - Banquet
Always great to dance to.
Babyshambles - Fuck Forever
Doherty's lyrical and musical talent still comes through post Libertines.
Kaiser Chiefs - Oh my god
This band were designed to become big and then slowly fade off. They were good for a while, and this was my favourite.
2016
Haley Bonar - Kismet Kill
2018
Parquet Courts - Total Football
1965
The Rolling Stones - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
A title that everyone can relate to, set to a powerful simple guitar riff and drumbeat which are constant throughout the song. A defiant rant about life's frustrations that keeps you hooked to the end.
https://youtu.be/nrIPxlFzDi0
The Temptations - My Girl
Happy, sweet, catchy and above all uplifting. Flows smoothly from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/swSytFVMHuU
Bob Dylan - Like a Rolling Stone
The lyrics talk about someone who was rich and well connected, and then lost it all. A process which is obviously hard and desperate on one level, but at the same time has a certain freedom and truth to it which comes through in the song and lends to it's power. The melody of the lyrics are put to the rhythm of the song in an ingenious fashion which influenced many later artists, and most importantly it works.
https://youtu.be/IwOfCgkyEj0
Roy Orbison - Pretty Woman
The catchy riff with the mellow voice is a great combination which puts this well known classic on the list.
https://youtu.be/mHPgco6GQk8
The Kinks - All of the day and all of the night
I'm surprised this was released way back in the 60's, it could easily have fitted in to the punk scene in the late 70's. A great rock song that still works in any indie club today.
https://youtu.be/fOGMRnKl5co
Sonny & Cher - I Got You Babe
Pure and simple, one of my favourite love songs.
1966
The Troggs - Wild Thing
Catchy rock song when few were around.
https://youtu.be/Hce74cEAAaE
1967
The Monkees - I'm a believer
Dreamy, smooth and with a shout out chorus. This song makes me want to get up and dance, flowing beautifully from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/wB9YIsKIEbA
https://youtu.be/9C1BCAgu2I8
Steppenwolf - Born to be wild
Great rock song, air guitar, head banging and shout out lyrics all apply. Surprised to learn it was released this early.
https://youtu.be/rMbATaj7Il8
The Troggs - Wild Thing
Catchy rock song when few were around.
https://youtu.be/Hce74cEAAaE
The Supremes - You Can't Hurry Love
Happy and very danceable.
The Four Tops - Reach Out I'll Be There
Euphoric, relentless and a great message - fantastic song.
Mamas and Papas - California Dreamin
I don't know any other song that makes me feel like this. Like the title suggests it's incredibly dreamy, in a 'spaced out' way. It sends you to a place that I imagine is a bit like being in the hippy era, that was such an important force for good at the time.
1967
The Monkees - I'm a believer
Dreamy, smooth and with a shout out chorus. This song makes me want to get up and dance, flowing beautifully from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/wB9YIsKIEbA
The Tremeloes - Silence Is Golden
Simple and powerful, a quintessential 60's song.
Procul Harum - A Whiter Shade Of Pale
A timeless masterpiece.
1968
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child
Iconic incredible guitar throughout, from a true legend of his craft. A joy to be in awe of.
https://youtu.be/IZBlqcbpmxY
Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs Robinson
Beautiful, innocent and unpretentious.
Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Child
Iconic incredible guitar throughout, from a true legend of his craft. A joy to be in awe of.
https://youtu.be/IZBlqcbpmxY
Simon & Garfunkel - Mrs Robinson
Beautiful, innocent and unpretentious.
Steppenwolf - Born to be wild
Great rock song, air guitar, head banging and shout out lyrics all apply. Surprised to learn it was released this early.
https://youtu.be/rMbATaj7Il8
Marvin Gaye - I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Atmospheric and compelling with fantastic vocals - one of the best ever covers songs.
The Beatles - Hey Jude
The melody of the lyrics and the build up of the song is exceptional. Finishing in an iconic sing along crescendo, making it obvious why it's one of the most famous Beatles songs (even if it does go on a bit)
1969
https://youtu.be/aPEhQugz-Ew
Shocking Blue - Venus
Enjoyable, foot-tapping rock-pop song, again surprised it was so early. Before I only knew the cover version which features on a ladies shaving razor commercial (less of a fan of that)
1970
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Up around the bend
Great energy in this uplifting song, a real bounce to it. So catchy and dance-able.
https://youtu.be/BnRsaHXHznQ
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
A real rugged headbanging rhythm to this, classic rock backed up by the unhinged presence and vocals of Ozzy Osbourne.
https://youtu.be/FSGyXeRFLyE
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Up around the bend
Great energy in this uplifting song, a real bounce to it. So catchy and dance-able.
https://youtu.be/BnRsaHXHznQ
Black Sabbath - Paranoid
A real rugged headbanging rhythm to this, classic rock backed up by the unhinged presence and vocals of Ozzy Osbourne.
https://youtu.be/FSGyXeRFLyE
The Beatles - Let It Be
Deep, poetic and meaningful - a classic.
Eric Clapton - Layla
Ultimate guitar riff, so spaced-out and expressive in a way which is complexed, but not overly. The lyrics are fitted over this very effectively.
https://youtu.be/0WUdlaLWSVM
1971
John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads
An uplifting, foot tapping singalong.
John Lennon - Imagine
A poetic and dreamy guide for life.
1972
Carpenters - Top Of The World
A gorgeous happy and innocent love song.
Eagles - Take it Easy
Happy, flowing song from start to finish with some lovely guitar. What's not to like?
https://youtu.be/LfeNhwnO8hw
1973
T Rex - 20th Century Boy
Enthralling, exciting and captivating - just like rock and roll.
https://youtu.be/sQw3LBl2eEU
Happy, flowing song from start to finish with some lovely guitar. What's not to like?
https://youtu.be/LfeNhwnO8hw
1973
T Rex - 20th Century Boy
Enthralling, exciting and captivating - just like rock and roll.
https://youtu.be/sQw3LBl2eEU
Dawn - Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round The Old Oak Tree
A simple and happy song.
Steely Dan - My Old School
One of many uplifting jazz rock songs from these masters.
Elton John - Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting
One of the rockiest Elton John songs, and my favourite.
1974
Sparks - This town ain't big enough for both of us
Things generally go up a level from here on in. What a song, combining guitar and keyboard in a really exciting way.
https://youtu.be/QAzESJ62irI
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Call Me The Breeze
Sparks - This town ain't big enough for both of us
Things generally go up a level from here on in. What a song, combining guitar and keyboard in a really exciting way.
https://youtu.be/QAzESJ62irI
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Call Me The Breeze
An epic rock song with a great piano solo.
Bachman Turner Overdrive - You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
Driving classic rock from this Canadian band.
Deep Purple - Burn
6 minutes of rock heaven, combining guitar, keyboard and great solos.
https://youtu.be/LCnebZnysmI
1975
The Four seasons - December 1963
A beautiful disco song to glide on the dancefloor to (or wherever you are)
https://youtu.be/nDxhugRKZ8g
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make me smile
You've done it all... A true great sing along, happy song. They don't write them like this any more.
https://youtu.be/qpJ0cyXbMbI
https://youtu.be/p9nfVrusSMg
https://youtu.be/fJ9rUzIMcZQ
1976
Boston - More than a feeling
The second that high pitched riff comes in I'm hooked. Pure headbanging glory.
https://youtu.be/SSR6ZzjDZ94
Thin Lizzy - The boys are back in town
Exciting, vibrant, fantastic song!
https://youtu.be/SGZqDzb__bw
A unique band before their time, one of many great 10CC songs.
Sex Pistols - God save the queen
Pure Punk rebellion, iconic.
https://youtu.be/yqrAPOZxgzU
1978
Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Another simple, unpretentious classic that gets right to the heart of what a good song is.
6 minutes of rock heaven, combining guitar, keyboard and great solos.
https://youtu.be/LCnebZnysmI
1975
The Four seasons - December 1963
A beautiful disco song to glide on the dancefloor to (or wherever you are)
https://youtu.be/nDxhugRKZ8g
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel - Make me smile
You've done it all... A true great sing along, happy song. They don't write them like this any more.
https://youtu.be/qpJ0cyXbMbI
Rainbow - Man on the silver mountain
Lyrics you can really belt out, a euphoric and ecstatic rock song.
https://youtu.be/p9nfVrusSMg
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
An epic journey, brilliantly constructed. One of the most played songs on the list, and it's easy to see why. Combines meaningful deep lyrics and melody with a great rock-out guitar section. A song has to be very special to do that.
https://youtu.be/fJ9rUzIMcZQ
1976
Boston - More than a feeling
The second that high pitched riff comes in I'm hooked. Pure headbanging glory.
https://youtu.be/SSR6ZzjDZ94
Thin Lizzy - The boys are back in town
Exciting, vibrant, fantastic song!
https://youtu.be/SGZqDzb__bw
10CC - The things we do for love
Electric Light Orchestra - Livin' Thing
Such a special dreamy and gorgeous song.
1977
Pure Punk rebellion, iconic.
https://youtu.be/yqrAPOZxgzU
Ramones - Sheena is a punk rocker
Fun, simple, unpretentious and very danceable.
Talking Heads - Psycho Killer
A more complexed take on Punk, just as enjoyable.
The Motors - Dancing The Night Away
A thrashing rock epic.
Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive
Disco at it's best.
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
And it's go go go!
Undertones - Teenage Kicks
Another simple, unpretentious classic that gets right to the heart of what a good song is.
https://youtu.be/PinCg7IGqHg
Buzzcocks - Ever Fallen In Love
Permission to go crazy granted, such a great energy and excitement to this song from start to finish.
https://youtu.be/WPG6Ak5FASk
Dead Kenendys - California Uber Alles
Angry, political punk done very well.
https://youtu.be/fG8UuZ0NZGY
Generation X - Kiss me deadly
A punk epic.
https://youtu.be/D3Bfscle7aA
https://youtu.be/Fo6aKnRnBxM
https://youtu.be/mkBS4zUjJZo
1979
The Jam - Going Underground
Simply one of the greatest punk songs ever.
1980
Buggles - Video Killed the radio star
So very 80's, and right at the beginning of the decade. Incredibly catchy and dance-able.
https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs
https://youtu.be/D3Bfscle7aA
Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street
Melt in the mouth melody and a great euphoric riff.
https://youtu.be/Fo6aKnRnBxM
Bob Seger - Still The Same
A fantastic soft rock ballad, with a catchy piano hook.
The Jacksons - Blame It On the Boogie
Incredibly danceable, happy disco song.
Blondie - Atomic
The first New-Wave song of many, and one of the best.
The Clash - London Calling
The greatest punk song ever.
The Police - Message in a bottle
The Police at their riveting best.
1980
Buggles - Video Killed the radio star
So very 80's, and right at the beginning of the decade. Incredibly catchy and dance-able.
https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs
OMD - Enola Gay
Such an upbeat happy sounding song, about such a tragic topic.
Judas Priest - Breaking the law
No nonsense rock and roll, catchy and to the point.
Squeeze - Another Nail In My Heart
My favourite song from this too often forgot new wave/post-punk band.
Motorhead - Ace of spades
One of those songs you can totally lose it to, brilliant.
Blondie - Call Me
Why are there no artists like Blondie around anymore? Crying shame.
Joy Division - Love will tear us apart
One of the most poetic songs to ever come out of Manchester.
1981
Journey - Don't Stop Believin
An ultimate 10/10 power ballad, amazing. No better karaoke song.
Kirsty MacColl - There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis
Absolute danceable country classic, needs to be played in clubs and bars alot more.
Human League - Don't you want me
One of the most famous 80's songs, New Wave at it's best.
Electric Light Orchestra - Hold On Tight
Upbeat and danceable orchestral rock, which encapsulates so much of what makes ELO a great band.
Stiff Little Fingers - Just Fade Away
Euphoric punk from these Northern Irish legends.
Kim Wilde - Kids in America
Another great example of how much better 80's pop is than today's.
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
A very well constructed pop song.
The Police - Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
The Police deserve a second entry with this excellent unique rock-piano song.
1982
https://youtu.be/btPJPFnesV4
Survivor - Eye of the tiger
The ultimate inspiring power ballad.
Iron Maiden - Run to the hills
English Heavy Metal at it's best.
Whitesnake - Here I go again
Another brilliant power ballad.
Toto - Africa
Uniquely comforting with a great depth, one of the classic 80's songs.
The Jam - A town called malice
A real foot tapper, and a great songs to dance to.
Alan Parsons Project - eye in the sky
Smooth, dreamy and well constructed song.
Prince - 1999
Great dance song.
Michael Jackson - Beat It
My favourite from the King of Pop.
Flock of seagulls - I ran
Had to pick the long version for the brilliant intro build up. Great guitar riffs and powerful solo.
Dexys midnight runners - come on Eileen
Dancefloor classic, always uplifting.
1983
Flows so well, with a unique quality to it while still being unmistakeably 80's.
Heaven 17 - Temptation
This always gets stuck in my head after I listen to it, so catchy and powerful.
Culture Club - Karma Chameleon
Totally danceable, smooth and happy.
Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams
The pinnacle of synth-pop.
David Bowie - Modern Love
Great rhythm and energy throughout.
Cyndi Lauper - Time after Time
One of the deepest most heartfelt songs I know. True Colors was a close second.
Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
Absolutely brilliant shout out rock song.
1984
Hall & Oates - Out Of Touch
The melody of the lyrics and the vocals are fantastic, great pop song.
Phil Collins - Against All Odds (Take a look at me now)
An epic love song with a great build up, and fantastic vocals.
Deep Purple - Knocking at your back door
Great 7 minute rock song.
Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls
One of the best intros ever, such a smooth, powerful and danceable song.
Bryan Adams - Summer Of 69
Ultimate rock anthem.
1985
Starship - We built this City
So full of hope and defiance, everything a song should be.
Nena - 99 Luftballoons
Happy, bouncy and rocky - what's not to like?
Aha - Take on me
One of the best 80's dancefloor songs, smooth and dreamy.
Propaganda - Duel
Delightful and catchy synth-pop from this German band.
The Blades - Ghost Of A Chance
Subtle and compelling.
Huey Lewis and the news - Power of love
Uplifting classic 80s rock.
'Til Tuesday - Voices Carry
A beautiful smooth and atmospheric song with great vocals, quintessentially 80's.
The Smiths - The Boy with the thorn in his side
There's a real truth and depth to this song, and the lyrics are constructed in ingenious fashion.
The Waterboys - The whole of the moon
I could use the same description as for first song of this year, they just don't write them like this any more which is a real shame.
Tears For Fears - Everybody wants to rule the world
One of my all time favourites, I was excited to learn this was number 2 when I was born. The power in this song is immense, and the lyrics are a great guide for life.
1986
Cutting Crew - I just died in your arms tonight
Anyone not convinced music was so much better in the 80's than today yet? So much raw honesty and passion in this song.
Genesis - Invisible Touch
Great keyboard, and vocals from Phil Collins who gets in again as a band frontman as opposed to a solo artist.
The Housemartins - Happy Hour
A joyful and danceable classic, there's nothing to dislike.
Billy Joel - A Matter Of Trust
A brilliant heartfelt and punchy rock song with fantastic lyrics.
Bon Jovi - Livin on a prayer
One of the most well known party anthems, with a great chorus.
Crowded House - Don't dream it's over
Truly sublime song from these Antipodean masters, a great band.
1987
Guns and Roses - Welcome to the jungle
Rock at it's best.
Belinda Carlisle - Heaven is a place on earth
Another one of those unpretentious happy 80's pop songs
The Cure - Just like heaven
A masterpiece from start to finish.
Def Leppard - Pour some sugar on me
The best of Hair Metal.
The Wedding Present - My Favourite Dress
Headbanging, jangly indie rock from the Yorkshire alt legends.
Aztec Camera - Somewhere in my heart
A special, spiritual song. Not many Scottish entries so far, but there will be more.
Beastie Boys - (You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)
Encapsulates the teenage rebellious spirit perfectly.
Fleetwood Mac - Everywhere
Pure bliss from one of the greatest 70's/80's bands.
1988
Prefab Sprout - King of Rock and Roll
Bouncy and great fun, as well a fantastic sing along.
Roxy Music - Jealous Guy
Smooth, emotional and dramatic with great vocals from Bryan Ferry.
Boy meets girl - Waiting for a star to fall
So happy and pure, a great love song.
Sugarcubes - Birthday
Great atmospheric song, made extra special by Bjork's vocals.
Morrissey - Every day is like sunday
Just so good to sing a long to, makes misery seem poetic and almost enjoyable.
Erasure - A little respect
One of my favourite 80's songs, with a reference to the 1988 Seoul Olympics in the video.
1989
Stone Roses - I wanna be adored
Unique, atmospheric and expertly crafted. One of the great Manchester bands.
Neil Young - Rockin' In The Free World
A great rock anthem full of hope, we could do with some more of this today where the free world
is under threat.
Alannah Myles - Black Velvet
This song has stuck in my head more than any while making this playlist, what a chorus.
Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers - Won't back down
Beautifully simple and defiant.
Pixies - Here comes your man
Magnificent, brilliant, beautiful. It's a shame I can only fit one of this and Monkey gone to
heaven on.
Bangles - Eternal Flame
Poetic genius, one of the best love songs.
Metallica - One
Superb anti-war metal song from the fantastic Metallica.
1990
AC/DC - Thunderstruck
Pure rock, superb riff all the way through added to by great chords and vocals.
Travelling Wilburys - Inside Out
One of many great songs from this supergroup, can you name all 5 members?
Pixies - The Happening
Beautiful, intricate, sublime.
Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 u
Very powerful, encapsulates a break up perfectly.
1991
Nirvana - Drain You
Brilliant head-banging grunge song, which like alot of Nirvana songs is also a social critique.
Bryan Adams - Everything I Do
A great ballad with powerful lyrics, this spent the 2nd ever longest at number 1 in the UK charts (16 weeks)
Rage Against The Machine - Know Your Enemy
So fucking angry, aimed in the right direction. I love it.
It's very important bands like this continue to exist, to question and defy the establishment.
Scorpions - Wind of Change
Epic
Scorpions - Wind of Change
Epic
Metallica - Enter Sandman
A supreme rock song.
R.E.M - Losing My Religion
This is one of my all-timers. The way the song is constructed is brilliant, and it captures life so well
with a deeply vulnerable and honest feel. The sort of song you'd play to an alien to teach them about humanity.
1992
Charles & Eddie - Would I lie to you
A feel good song with great vocals and a great chorus.
Right Said Fred - I'm too sexy
Brilliant satire, very funny and a genuinely good song.
Jimmy Nail - Ain't No Doubt
A great pop song, I never get tired of it.
A very enjoyable sing along with real passion.
The Cure - Friday I'm in Love
Sheer poetic beauty, is there anyone who doesn't like this song?
1993
https://youtu.be/7km4EHgkQiw
Sting - If I Ever Lose My Faith In You
Smooth and powerful song with good lyrics.
Sultans of Ping FC - Where's me jumper
Good fun, unique, everyone can relate.
Ace of Base - The Sign
Catchy danceable pop song with a good rhythm.
Billy Joel - The river of dreams
Catchy and full of hope from a great artist.
Crowded House - Distant Sun
Another great Crowded House song, with brilliant lyrics.
1994
https://youtu.be/AMD2TwRvuoU
Seal - Kiss from a Rose
Great vocals and passion, beautiful song.
Lightning Seeds - Lucky You
Classic happy Indie song.
Weezer - Buddy Holly
Happy Rock, always a dancefloor favourite.
NOFX - Linoleum
Great Punk blast.
Cranberries - Zombie
Superb heartfelt powerful ballad about the violence surrounding
Ireland and Northern Ireland at the time.
Blur - Parklife
Iconic britpop, still great on a night out.
Oasis - Live Forever
A masterpiece, from when Oasis were one of the best bands in the world.
Green Day - Basket Case
Has been one of my favourite songs since I left high school, I still love it. The guitar
just sounds so immense from start to finish, it's the perfect song to lose your mind to.
The fact that's what the song is about makes it even better.
1995
https://youtu.be/Hg-xk762M0Y
Del Amitri - Roll to me
Great happy guitar pop song.
Alanis Morrisette - You Oughta Know
Great rock song, great chorus.
Marilyn Manson - The Beautiful people
Weird, heavy, beautiful, free.
Presidents of the USA - Lump
Very good rock song.
Pulp - Common People
Truly epic britpop masterpiece
1996
https://youtu.be/B-3UpL6MkZ0?list=PLdliqlInBqX23DCc2Jk-PgApDoUPlaLdC
Bluetones - Slight Return
Happy plucky britpop.
Mcalmont and Butler - Yes
Orchestral masterpiece, incredibly powerful.
Ocean colour scene - The day we caught the trainSuch a good indie rock song, everything fits together so well and great to sing along to.
Kula Shaker - Hush
Great cover of the original Deep Purple song.
Reel big fish - Sell out
Great upbeat and rocky Ska song.Placebo - Nancy boy
Satisfying and powerful.Ash - Girl from Mars
Guaranteed to revive a dancefloor
Manic Street Preachers - A Design for life
One of the most passionate and meaningful songs of the modern era, incredible.
1997
https://youtu.be/fHiGbolFFGw?list=PLdliqlInBqX23DCc2Jk-PgApDoUPlaLdC
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Excellent up and down 'rollercoaster' rock song, from a superb band.
Natalie Imbruglia - Torn
Excellent pop song, very harmonious. Charlatans - North Country BoyA beautiful rich indie song with great build up.The Seahorses - Love Me and Leave MeRivals The Stone Roses best work.The Verve - Lucky Man
Deep and uplifting epic song from another great Manchester band.
Belle and Sebastian - Lazy Line Painter Jane
One of my favourite ever songs, from my favourite band. So many instruments combine with male and
female vocals to make a song that is encapsulating from start to finish. Atmospheric and euphoric,
with a great build up.
1998
https://youtu.be/jRGrNDV2mKc?list=PLdliqlInBqX23DCc2Jk-PgApDoUPlaLdC
Korn - Freak on a leash
Exciting and energetic, the first nu-metal song on the list.
Less than Jake - All my best friends are metalheads
Bouncy, lively and headbanging Ska.
Stereophonics - The bartender and the thiefPure rock joy.
The Beautiful South - Perfect 10A very catchy and clever song.
New Radicals - You get what you give
Totally uplifting and positive, with great vocals and lyrics.
Offspring - Pretty fly (for a white guy)
Must be one of the few entries that made number 1 in the charts. Very catchy and fun pop-punk song.
The Delgados - Pull The Wires From The WallAn absolute masterpiece, it's easy to see why this was top of John Peel's Festive 50 for this yearAlkaline Trio - Bleeder
Great raw emotion in this excellently crafted punk epic.
1999
Chemical Brothers - Hey boy hey girl
A great Electronic/Big Beat song.
Shed Seven - Going For Gold
A beautifully smooth and euphoric song.
Hefner - Hymn for the cigarettes
Who knew it was possible for something so good to come out of smoking.
Le Tigre - Deceptacon
The video is as good as the song.
Travis - Why does it always rain on me?
Another pleasant band from Glasgow.
Slipknot - Spit it out
Great energy and intensity in this song from one of the most unique
bands of the time.
2000
Deftones - Back to School
A fine, beautiful metal song full of passion. This genre
needs a revival.
JJ72 - Snow
No nonsense rock song from this lesser known Irish band.
Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag
A great pop rock song and party anthem.
Limp Bizkit - Rollin'
The scenario for this video is ridiculous, but this is a great nu-metal
song from one of the biggest bands of the time.
Coldplay - Yellow
I don't think anyone knew just how big Coldplay would become when they released this. I like a few of their songs but they've never surpassed this for me.
Papa Roach - Last Resort
Another very good nu-metal hit from the millenium period.
At the drive in - One armed scissor
Raw emotion in this post-hardcore punk epic.
Eminem - The real slim shady
I've not listened to much hip-hop, this one is my favourite by a long way
from what I've heard.
Underworld - Born slippy
Iconic electro club classic from a great film.
2001
Muse - New born
Rock brilliance was still around in the early noughties, an epic song.
Jimmy Eat World - Bleed American
Another superb passionate rock song.
Sum 41 - Fat Lip
Canada's answer to Green Day, this song encapsulates the punk non-conformist
spirit very well.
Strokes - Last Nite
One of the most played songs of the noughties. It takes rock back to basics with a sixties
vibe, things going full circle.
Travis - Side
A beautiful smooth, deep and poignant song.
Alkaline Trio - Crawl
Punk can be vulnerable and poetic too, this song does it very well.
System Of A Down - Chop Suey
Unique, fantastic song from these nu-metal geniuses. They combine heavy rock with melodic
phases better than any other band I've heard. Their lyrics are also very valuable.
2002
Idlewild - You held the world in your arms
I keep coming back to this song. So uplifting with it's combination of rock guitar and
violin. Manics-esque.
Justice vs Simian - We are your friends
One of my favourite electro songs.
Sheryl Crow - Soak Up The Sun
Powerful, compelling and uplifting.
Minus the bear - Absinthe party at the fly honey warehouse
One of the lesser known songs on the list so far, as well as one of the most unique.
Sublime.
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi battles the pink robots part 1
A song for life, motivation, inspiration and so on.
Melys - Chinese Whispers
An absolutely delightful, epic song.
Foo Fighters - All my life
I generally feel this band are a bit overated, probably because of the Nirvana connection,
This song deserves to be on the list though.
Queens Of The Stone Age - No One Knows
Top class rock song and a great band.
The Delgados - Favours
Such a rich emotional journey, and incredible song and one of my favourites of the decade.
2003
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Y Control
Atmospheric and subtle rock song that builds up beautifully.
NOFX - Separation of church and skate
Full throttle punk rock, brilliant for letting off steam.
Postal Service - Such great heights
Poetic Indie Pop
White Stripes - Seven nation army
Now terribly overplayed at football tournaments around the world, this shouldn't distract from
the quality of the song.
R.E.M - Bad Day
Really happy feeling song, despite the title.
R.E.M - Bad Day
Really happy feeling song, despite the title.
Black eyed peas - Where is the love
Important song, straight from the heart.
Belle and Sebastian - Stay Loose
The onerous task of picking one Belle and Sebastian from a decade...
This one has so many of the qualities that makes them a great band.
British Sea Power - Fear of drowning
Atmospheric masterpiece, the whole album is brilliant.
2004
Libertines - Can't stand me now
Brilliant song, such a shame this band couldn't stick together for longer.
Morrissey - First of the gang
Beautiful, poetic, and unmistakably Morrissey.
Keane - Somewhere only we know
Similar to Coldplay, but this song is arguably better than anything they've done.
Green Day - Holiday
Difficult to pick just one song from Greenday's most accomplished album.
Metallica - Whiskey In The Jar
This is an excellent cover of the Thin Lizzy original.
Modest Mouse - Float On
For me this songs is about reincarnation. However you see it it's refreshingly optimistic.
Franz Ferdinand - Take me out
One of the most iconic songs from the noughties.
The Killers - All these things that I've done
This band exploded onto the scene with a fantastic album, an American take on British new-wave/indie music.
https://youtu.be/vdkmhquF60o
Bloc Party - Banquet
Always great to dance to.
Babyshambles - Fuck Forever
Doherty's lyrical and musical talent still comes through post Libertines.
Kaiser Chiefs - Oh my god
This band were designed to become big and then slowly fade off. They were good for a while, and this was my favourite.
2006
https://youtu.be/9gnsWamIB4s
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
Fantastic song.
Dirty pretty things - Bang bang you're dead
The rest of the Libertines could still produce very good music, a song about the split from Barat's perspective.
The Gossip - Standing in the way of control
Full of energy and life, great song.
Milburn - lipstick lickin'
Songs like this are a dying breed, which is tragic because they're priceless.
Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
The last time a new band came out that really excited me. The song and video are beautifully raw and punk inspired. This kind of music could still be made today, but the industry has been taken over by more manufactured songs that don't have the same integrity or energy.
https://youtu.be/9gnsWamIB4s
Camera Obscura - Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken
Fantastic song.
Dirty pretty things - Bang bang you're dead
The rest of the Libertines could still produce very good music, a song about the split from Barat's perspective.
The Gossip - Standing in the way of control
Full of energy and life, great song.
Milburn - lipstick lickin'
Songs like this are a dying breed, which is tragic because they're priceless.
Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
The last time a new band came out that really excited me. The song and video are beautifully raw and punk inspired. This kind of music could still be made today, but the industry has been taken over by more manufactured songs that don't have the same integrity or energy.
2007
https://youtu.be/2tgobYY8C0c
Jens Lekman - Opposite of Hallelujah
Beautiful and poetic, with a fantastic rhythm and use of violin.
Sambassadeur - The Park
A really dreamy and smooth guitar song that pulls you in right from the start.
Manic Street Preachers - Your Love Alone
Sing it loud, sing it proud.
Vaselines - Son of a gun
Classic Glasgow indie pop.
Kings of Leon - Fans
Excellent band, this one of their many excellent songs.
https://youtu.be/2tgobYY8C0c
Jens Lekman - Opposite of Hallelujah
Beautiful and poetic, with a fantastic rhythm and use of violin.
Sambassadeur - The Park
A really dreamy and smooth guitar song that pulls you in right from the start.
Manic Street Preachers - Your Love Alone
Sing it loud, sing it proud.
Vaselines - Son of a gun
Classic Glasgow indie pop.
Kings of Leon - Fans
Excellent band, this one of their many excellent songs.
2008
https://youtu.be/Nj6SO_yKMe8
Los Campesinos - You Me Dancing
Unique and fun.
Pendulum - Propane Nightmares
Powerful, techno electro rock
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Great electro disco song, atmospheric and danceable.
https://youtu.be/Nj6SO_yKMe8
Los Campesinos - You Me Dancing
Unique and fun.
Pendulum - Propane Nightmares
Powerful, techno electro rock
Hot Chip - Ready For The Floor
Great electro disco song, atmospheric and danceable.
2009
https://youtu.be/e6Bf3Bhm9jw
Summer Cats - Wild Rice
Such a gorgeous, little known song. I'm sure this could be number 1 if
it was promoted enough.
Pains of being pure at heart - Come Saturday
Beautiful indie-pop punk from New York.
https://youtu.be/e6Bf3Bhm9jw
Summer Cats - Wild Rice
Such a gorgeous, little known song. I'm sure this could be number 1 if
it was promoted enough.
Pains of being pure at heart - Come Saturday
Beautiful indie-pop punk from New York.
2010
https://youtu.be/GWQzwU_imT0
Stornoway - Watching Birds
Not from the Scottish island, but Oxford. Good folk rock.
Manic Street Preachers - Some kind of Nothingness
One of the Manics more spiritual songs.
Belle and Sebastian - I didn't see it coming
The first song on a brilliant album.
https://youtu.be/GWQzwU_imT0
Stornoway - Watching Birds
Not from the Scottish island, but Oxford. Good folk rock.
Manic Street Preachers - Some kind of Nothingness
One of the Manics more spiritual songs.
Belle and Sebastian - I didn't see it coming
The first song on a brilliant album.
2011
https://youtu.be/TlYJKfunfC0
Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and see
Smooth flowing, pleasant song from Arctic Monkeys 2.0
British Sea Power - We are sound
Powerful, atmospheric rock.
https://youtu.be/TlYJKfunfC0
Arctic Monkeys - Suck it and see
Smooth flowing, pleasant song from Arctic Monkeys 2.0
British Sea Power - We are sound
Powerful, atmospheric rock.
2012
Grimes - Oblivion
High pitched, enjoyable electronica.
Alabama Shakes - Hold On
Good catchy rock with a raw feel.
Grimes - Oblivion
High pitched, enjoyable electronica.
Alabama Shakes - Hold On
Good catchy rock with a raw feel.
2013
Chvrches - Mother We Share
A pulsating and holy energy throughout - a very special song.
Chvrches - Mother We Share
A pulsating and holy energy throughout - a very special song.
The Strokes - One Way Trigger
Upbeat and catchy indie rock with great vocals in the chorus.
Kings Of Leon - Supersoaker
Kings Of Leon - Supersoaker
Joyful, bouncy and jangly Pop Rock.
Editors - Bird Of Prey
This song has so much beauty and depth, a masterpiece.
Editors - Bird Of Prey
This song has so much beauty and depth, a masterpiece.
A song you can really rock out to - very rare in modern popular music.
War on drugs - Red Eyes
War on drugs - Red Eyes
Atmospheric and symphonic rock.
Pixies - Indie Cindy
Pixies - Indie Cindy
A sublime and tender gem from the Boston masters.
2015
All We Are - Keep Me Alive
All We Are - Keep Me Alive
A unique, subtle and clever song.
Courtney Barnett - Pedestrian At Best
Pulsating and relentless rock, with poetic and intelligent lyrics.
Low - What Part Of Me?
This songs blows me away every time, my favourite of the decade.
2016
Haley Bonar - Kismet Kill
Haunting, deep and rich.
Emma Pollock - Don't Make Me Wait
Unfortunately The Delgados weren't together in the 2010's, but Emma still manages to conjure a lot of the orchestral rock magic in this song.
Teleman - Glory Hallelujah
Uplifting Pop Rock done very well.
Bleached - Sour Candy
Riveting Pop Punk.
Interesting, unique and captivating.
2018
Parquet Courts - Total Football
Intelligent Post Punk (it's referring to American Football, not actual Football)
First Aid Kit - Fireworks
Dreamy and enthralling.
2019
Julia Jacklin - Pressure to Party
Enjoyable Australian Indie Folk.
2020
Fairport Convention - The Year Of Fifty Nine
One of the happiest sounding songs you'll ever hear.
Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbot - You and Me (Were Meant To Be Together)
A poetic and joyous masterpiece.
2021
Manic Street Preachers - Afterending
Poignant and reflective.
The Offspring - We Never Have Sex Anymore
Punchy Pop-Punk with a Ska influence, the best song The Offspring have released in 20 years.
Adele - Easy On Me
Very powerful and incredible singing, even for Adele.
The Wedding Present - We Should Be Together
Layered and beautiful.
2022
CMAT - No More Virgos
Excellent smooth Alternative Indie.
Pixies - Human Crime
Another fine example of the head-banging, atmospheric and intelligent Rock The Pixies are famous for.
Belle and Sebastian - Talk To Me, Talk To Me
So upbeat and catchy.
2023
Stephen Sanchez - Until I Found You
A refreshing old-school simplicity is what makes this song so good.
2024
The Libertines - Run Run Run
Punchy and powerful in the lyrics and music, they've still got it.
Anna Erhard - Not Rick
Delightfully quirky and catchy, very original.
Bright Eyes - Bells and Whistles
An enjoyable sing (and whistle) along, a good upbeat song.
Billy Joel - Turn The Lights Back On
Somewhat out the blue, this is an excellent addition to his catalogue.
Green Day - Suzie Chapstick
Not a typical Green Day song, this has a dreamy and smooth 60's style which works very well.
2025
Mute The TV - Depression Session
Catchy and tuneful indie rock.
Blondshell - 23's A Baby
Powerful, majestic and memorable.
Humour - Plagiarist
Punchy and original, with a beautiful chorus.
The Charlatans - We Are Love
Soothing and interesting, it's always reassuring when a band can continue to produce good music well after their conception.
Allo Darlin' - My Love Will Bring You Home
A really beautiful and heart warming song.
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