Songs For Your Ipod: The List

Even in the Quietest Moments - Supertramp

11. Fool's Overture - Supertramp Even in the Quietest Moments (1977) - 10:52

The greatest symphonic progressive rock song ever produced was by Supertramp back in 1977. Led by Rick Davies piano, "Fool's Overture" is a study on how to manipulate the emotions of a listener. At first slow, it builds and builds to a fiery climax and then returns to a whisper. It also samples from Winston Churchill's famous 1940 "We Shall Fight on the Beaches" speech which adds that epic feel to an already perfect song.

12. The End - The Doors The Doors (1967) - 11:35

Jim Morrison's greatest song is the epic and psychedelic tale about a incestuous murderer hopped up on drugs. The song's meaning can be multi-layered and confusing but the music and Morrison's voice put you into a trance for the full length of the song. When Coppola used it at the start of his masterwork Apocalypse Now (1979) it became the Doors seminal song.

The Fine Art of Surfacing - Boomtown Rats

13. I Don't Like Mondays - Boomtown Rats The Fine Art of Surfacing (1979) - 3:49

Many people like this song thinking it is a lament on getting up for work or school the first day after the weekend. But actually, it has a more tragic subject matter. On January 29th, 1979 in San Carlos, California a 16 year old girl named Brenda Spencer fired a volley of bullets from her house toward the Cleveland Elementary School playground injuring nine people and killing two. When asked by a reporter why she did it she replied, "I don't like Mondays. This livens up the day." That lack of remorse in a girl so young gave Geldof the inspiration to write this masterpiece.

14. Straight Up Nigga - Ice-T O.G. Original Gangster (1991) - 3:43

There is nothing more appealing than a rap about how proud you are about whom you are and Ice-T did this perfectly with "Straight Up Nigga." The song is a hallmark in the world of Gangsta rap but it isn't so much the lifestyle that is lauded here as a pride in being a black man succeeding in America. There is no complaining, no lament on how blacks get the short end of the stick, just a proud and strong Nigga telling you how it is for him in the world; more people should take heed.

15. Crazy on You - Heart Dreamboat Annie (1976) - 3:54

The Wilson Sisters get their most raunchy on "Crazy on You." Ann sings at her most aggressively sexy and Nancy uses her guitar to kick the pace up into high gear. The song is about going wild on a man and you can just picture Ann, the raven haired beauty whipping you with her locks while mounted on your hips.

16. Go See the Doctor - Kool Moe Dee I'm Kool Moe Dee (1986) - 5:30

Teaming up with Teddy Riley (of Guy fame), Kool released this humorous single about what can happen to you if you engage in unprotected sex. Although the worse case scenario he describes doesn't involve AIDS (AIDS and HIV were just becoming known) it does make everyone think twice before dropping their pants. The song is presented with tongue in cheek which makes the message easier to take.

17. Piano Man - Billy Joel Piano Man (1973) - 5:38

Joel's greatest song, "Piano Man" is an ode to the average Joe. Joel arranges a piano led lament on life's disappointments for most people who come into a bar to "forget about life for awhile." Joel is a keen storyteller and "Piano Man" leaves a lasting impression when listened to for the first time. It is not recommended for the clinically depressed.

18. Mushaboom - Feist Let It Die (2004) - 3:44

Feist's first big single is a great example of the well crafted pop song. Light in every way, her voice teases and excites while she tells the simple story of love and living in small places unseen by everyone.

19. You Oughta Know - Alanis Morissette Jagged Little Pill (1995) - 4:09

If you have ever thought about divorce and want to try it with a clear conscience then Morissette's hit single "You Oughta Know" should not be listened to. The song spews out anger of the first degree directly at a man who has left his wife to shack up with another woman. The no holds barred tirade made this song every scorned woman's anthem and relationships between the opposite sexes have never been the same.

20. Rock Me Gently - Andy Kim Andy Kim (1974) - 3:28

Kim was a blip on the map back in the '70s pop scene with a few albums and a handful of hits none bigger than "Rock Me Gently." Not one for liking sappy Neil Diamond-like love songs, this writer thinks Kim's '74 hit is the exception. With just a touch of cheese and a whole lot of inspiration, Kim's "Rock Me Gently" is the perfect tribute to the love of your life.

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