25 best songs ever.
- Across the Universe | Beatles
The older I get the more I think this is hands down my favourite song of all time. The melody is beautiful, but the words lift me up and empower me every time I hear them. If it’s been a while, it’s worth a listen.
- River | Joni Mitchell
This song somehow manages to make me cry every single time I listen to it. Haunting, poetic, nostalgic… it’s just beautiful. - Rain Song | Led Zeppelin
I went through a crazy Led Zepp phase in my late teens and I love so much of their music for so many reasons, but this is my favourite, and I never get sick of it. As soon as I hear those first couple of chords, I go to my happy place. - Walk on the Wild Side | Lou Reed
This song is too cool for school. And how can anyone resist singing along? Do de do de do do do do do de do de do…. - Son of a Preacher Man | Dusty Springfield
I think I got into this song after Pulp Fiction – one of the best movie soundtracks of all time. Love that breathy voice. Love the story. - Big Yellow Taxi | Joni Mitchell
Who doesn’t love this song? Makes me want to dance around the room with a stupid grin on my face. - Never Tear Us Apart | INXS
This is my favourite singstar/karaoke number, baaahahahahaaa! Love it. Love the raw emotion. - Love Rears Up It’s Ugly Head | Living Colour
Takes me back to the 90s. Love his voice, love the funk, love the story. It’s just one of those songs that you never forget. - Wish You Were Here | Pink Floyd
Another band I fell in love with in my late teens, and to me this song is so full of life and love and history that it will always be up there. PF have some amazing music, but I will always come back to this one song, and the sound of that crackly radio. - Pacifier | Shihad
One of my favourite bands of this decade (although I’m pretty sure they were around in the late 90s too) and one of only two songs from this decade on my entire list! (Oh god, does that make me old?!) - Bohemian Rapsody | Queen
What can I say? Did this song just win the JJJ Hottest 100 of all time? I think it did. - Suck my Kiss | Red Hot Chili Peppers
These guys are a defining band for X-geners and it took me a little while to decide which one of theirs is my fave, but it has to be this. Makes me want to jump around like a crazy 16 year old. - Fields of Gold | Sting
One of the most beautiful love songs ever. - Fake Plastic Trees | Radiohead
I tossed up putting Creep on the list instead of this one, since that was more of a defining song for me. But I like this better. Tom Yorke’s voice gives me chills… I’ve never liked Radiohead quite as much as I did when they released this. - Mad World | Tears for Fears
Haunting and disturbing, but gosh it makes me feel. - Brass in Pocket | Pretenders
Makes me want to sing! Karaoke!!! - Angie | Rolling Stones
Another epic love song. - Summertime | Gershwin
I’ve known and loved this song since I was a little girl. And I never get sick of hearing covers of it either. - Breathe me | Sia
Her voice and that piano gets me every time. I could seriously listen to this song on repeat all day long. - Your song | Elton John
I just can’t resist a classic soppy love song! - Porcelina | Smashing Pumpkins
There had to be a Pumpkins song in here somewhere, and it had to be this one. A little obscure perhaps, but their best, in my opinion. Love the epicness of it. The instrumentals blow my mind. It’s just a beautiful, beautiful song, even though I have no fricking idea what it’s about because I’ve never been able to understand Billy Corgan’s singing. - Sitting on the Dock of the Bay | Otis Redding
I’m pretty sure it’s the whistling. - Try a Little Tenderness | Andrew Strong cover
The Commitments would be on my ‘Best movies ever’ list, and it seems fitting that since it’s a movie about awesome music that at least one of the tunes from it would get into this list. - Under the Milky Way | The Church
I also love the George cover of this and the Bobby Flynn cover too. It’s just a beautiful song. - Please forgive me | David Grey
This is a pretty special song for hubby and I: it featured at our wedding right after our first dance.
There are many more I want to add, but if I keep going it would take away from the power of these 25. But I have to say, it was really hard to not honour some of my favourite bands and singers of all time: Coldplay, George, Regina Spektor, Ani di Franco, Powderfinger, Eskimo Joe and Kings of Leon.
I’d love to hear what you think! Are some of your favourite songs ever on my list? What song have I shamefully forgotten?!
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alyda - I think I love you! this list is incredible!
Helen - I thought you and I would have more similar taste in music but I would only include a couple of these in my top 25! I think my top 3 are Lock It by Falling Joys, Tomorrow Wendy by Andy Prieboy and the chick from concrete blonde, and Fade Into You by Mazzy Star.
claire - all fine songs…. but missing a few imho…. total eclipse of the heart : bonnie tyler, baba o’reilly : the who, tiny dancer : elton john, iris : goo goo dolls – songs i could listen to forever and a day.
oh, and every time we say goodbye : ella fitzgerald – my dad’s all time favourite song.
xxx
Julianna - Just did a catchup of your blog from far away and I continue to be impressed. Everytime I think you have achieved the best you can do you up it and go one better. I love you daughter.
Christine Pobke - oh yes!! love this list (though i don’t know some of the songs you’ve listed). xoxo
Laura - Isn’t Ani DiFranco just amazing! Katie have you ever listened to Fiona Apple? It’s super emotive female gone crazy sometimes but if you love all of this you may love her!