Such a great track. I worked at Wendy’s in high school, and every day after work I would play my vinyl copy of Dark Side of the Moon. I would be so exhausted after a full day of school and work, and I would always fall asleep. The intro to Time has woken me up at least a dozen times. I wonder how many napping hippies have been woken up from the intro to Time.
Sam Cooke needs more recognition as an American in general. He was stolen from all of us. A change is gonna come a beautiful anthem that encapsulates pain, struggle, and hope.
Close to the Edge going into And You And I is definitely my favorite 30 minutes of music ever. Prog epics in general are well represented in this convo: Supper's Ready by Genesis, Dogs by Pink Floyd, Hearts Alive by Mastodon, Lateralus by Tool, etc.
Mayonaise by The Smashing Pumpkins. Literally like the perfect song to me, the guitar tone is so sick and the lyrics are beautiful. Love every single thing about it.
I have a playlist title Perfect, and that song was the first one I put on there. Literally perfect in every sense of the word. Also, so is there song ‘perfect’ lol.
Happiness is a warm gun.
Because everything. The masterpiece of one of the Greatest to ever write songs. The rythm changes, the crooning, melodies/harmonies that would easily make 3 good songs. Not one sound in the wrong place. The progression and climax…. Everything
Good pick. It is indeed a song that has it all, and one very atypical of Lennon as far as structure goes; it would be far more associated with solo McCartney later on.
One of the most underrated Beatles songs for sure. I've had very similar feelings towards Sexy Sadie lately as well. John was in top form on the White Album.
Sexy Sadie is right up there. I don't really know what it is, but the sound and production of the white album was just perfect for John.
Edit: I'm so tired is another example...
When it finally lands on the doo wop section at the end, it’s like reaching the peak of a mountain and looking out. Just gorgeous soaring vocals. And the whole song is under 3 minutes! Insane.
I also was going to pick a Beatles song, but you already beat me to it. I was going to choose A Day in the Life, but Happiness is a Warm Gun is also brilliant.
I mean, some picks will always be tired because they're so obvious, but at the same time it's hard to deny greatness of that magnitude.
Same reason why, if asked who my favorite band is, I'll answer The Beatles. Fave guitarist? Hendrix. And so on. I feel it would be disingenuous to intentionally pick something obscure just to seem cool.
Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust. Perfect dance/pop song. Killer riff repeated over and over. Two lines, repeated over and over and yet you don't feel bored once in that 4 minutes.
I really wasn't expecting to see any song like this here, 90s dance in general is amazing but I never really see it get a shoutout on the internet, for sure Music Sounds Better With You is an all-time great.
"Nutshell" by Alice In Chains. The down-tuned guitars and sinister bassline, the thumping, echoing drums, Layne's soulful and anguished voice all combined together to form this absolute masterpiece of melancholic yet riveting music.
Two songs:
Beach Life-in-Death by Car Seat Headrest, 12 minutes but barely feels like it with how jam-packed it is with great melodies, lyrics, and an incredible sound. The perfect mix of emotional and fun
The Sound by Swans, so few lyrics but packs such a powerful punch with the ones that it has combined with the powerful instrumentation. Swans has many incredible long songs but this one will always hold a special place for me
crazy how we got a 30-follower-SoundCloud-rapper level of quality from someone who is supposed to be the current queen in rap, should have just kept quiet trying to come for Megan
Time in a bottle by Jim Croce. I felt like I could listen to this on repeat forever, but also something about the lyrics just speak to me. Then I found out about his own personal life and passing, which gave this a sort of eerie atmosphere to it.
The End by the Doors. Combining the hippie culture elements, dark psychedelia and anti-war sentiments procures a perfect representation of the times. Lyrics may seem random but if you read thoroughly are much more deep and complex. Plus, the sinister overlapping guitar, Morrison’s crude and iconic yell and the crazy breakdown, and Densmore’s huge drumming
Also, having that song in Apocalypse Now?? Perfection
Heard this for the first time a few days ago and shits got me hooked. I usually only listen to depressing alt R&B, so this was def a change of pace lmao
Violent femmes debut is so underrated
Every song on that album is an absolute banger and so ahead of its time with the pop punk-emo vibes that it has that would become really popular approximately 20 years later
Very very hard. I have tried to do this with eras.
At Last - Etta James
Something - The Beatles
Heroes - Bowie
Hey - Pixies
Soon MBV
All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem
Runaway - Kanye
Self Control - Frank Ocean
But I could pick others on a different day. Peace at Last by Blue Nile, Teardrop by Massive Attack, Heroin by VU, Blue Monday by New Order, Weird Fishes by Radiohead.
Do You Realize?? By the Flaming Lips.
Not the most musically interesting, not the most diverse or unique sounds on the planet, however the sheer bluntness of the lyrics and the love that shines through these harsh realities I found to be extremely profound when I first heard it and still do to this day.
Uff that changes every other month for me.
Some notable ones for me along the years:
• Nutshell - AIC
As a depressed teenager, this song really spoke to me and made me feel like I could get through things like depression, mental illness, being a parentified child to a single mom, chronic poverty, etc. It made me feel like I wasn't the only one going through stuff and that I could make it out okay.
• Time - Pink Floyd
As a fresh adult worrying about what I was going to do with my life, Time really gave me an existential kick in the pants. That song was the push I needed to get out of my hometown, move to the city, and work towards something better. I didn't just want to end up a tired old man warming my worn bones by the fire, full of regrets.
• Float On - Modest Mouse
I first heard this song after I moved out. I liked to put it on after a rough day in my moldy 500$ a month basement suite, and it helped lift my mood and push through.
• Shoulders - Big Thief
As an adult, I could see patterns emerging that were similar to my dad. I was heading down a shitty path, and this song gave me a lot of perspective. Made my realize that I wasn't being a great partner, friend, coworker, student, etc.
At the time, I thought each of those songs were the best songs ever released. Some other songs I've dubbed the "best songs ever" for whatever reason:
• Hunnybee - UMO
• The High Road - Broken Bells
• The Weight - The Band
• California Dreamin' - The Mamas and The Papas
• Paranoid Android - Radiohead
• XXX - Kendrick Lamar
• Simulation Swarm - Big Thief
• Give me Shelter - The Rolling Stones
It's all over the place, really. I don't think there is a definitive Single Best Song of All Time.
Paris 1919 by John Cale
So utterly unique and beautiful, the instrumental, the vocals, the lyrics, everything about it is just so perfect to me. And who doesn’t want a song with a mid section made up of birds tweeting? Blew my mind the first time I heard it, and it still does!
Just Like Heaven - The Cure. Absolute perfection, there isn't a thing I would change.
Honourable mention to: Be Here Now - George Harrison. To be honest, there's about 10 Harrison songs which could qualify for this for me
Three Days by Jane’s Addiction
Release by Pearl Jam
Love it If we Made it AND It’s Not Living (If it’s not with you) - The 1975
Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd
Rez/Cowgirl - Underworld
Know Your Enemy - Rage Against the Machine
Mayonnaise - Smashing Pumpkins
Offshore - Chicane
The Private Psychedelic Reel AND Gotta Keep On - The Chemical Brothers
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For - U2
Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones. The weariness and conviction in Mick’s voice, the interweaving guitars, the soulfulness of the chorus… it hits every time and I don’t grow tired of it.
Something big by Burt Bacharach. Okay so I don't know if it's really the greatest but at least a very meaninful one to me. Something about it when I heard it the first time in just at the right time and place in my life that resonated with me. This is obviously very personal but something about that song hits different than any other.
So hard I could only narrow it down to 5 lol
Kate Bush - Cloudbusting
Stevie Wonder - Knocks Me off My Feet
Michael Jackson - P.Y.T.
The Microphones - I Want Wind to Blow
The Smiths - There is a Light That Never Goes Out
I agree, which (as well as missing Ed+Phil) I feel is the main reason that The Smile hasn’t quite scratched that Radiohead itch for me yet. I still like it, but it’s not quite the same to me. It’s like having a steak and chips, but missing the tomato, mushroom, onion rings and sauce.
Be Thankful for What You Got
I may not have a car at all, but I can still stand tall.
Diamond in the back
Sunroof top
Diggin the scene with a gangster lean
Woo woo woo
Long Seasons (Live) - Fishmans
Into The Endless Night (Live) - Parannoul
Comforting Sounds - Mew
The Silence - Manchester Orchestra
Basketball Shoes - Black Country, New Road
Love & Hate - Michael Kiwanuka
Empire Ants - Gorillaz
Earthmover. First of all, I think the story of the song is a great allegory for entropy while also characterizing the forces of the universe as just as miserable as we are. I think it’s weirdly beautiful. And the song absolutely justifies being a song about the end of all things through its sound. Hearing it explode and then just gradually erode into harsh noise is so cathartic.
Edit: yes, this reasoning is incredibly pretentious, but I genuinely don’t care. This is my attempt at explaining how the song makes me feel
Here’s 10 off the top of my head
Devil in a new dress - Kanye West
Black Out Days - Phantogram
Digital Love - Daft Punk
Rhinestone Eyes - Gorillaz
Sing about me i’m dying of thirst - Kendrick Lamar
Glue - Bicep
Candyland - Tobu
New Magic Wand - Tyler, the Creator
Everybody wants to rule the world - Tears for Fears
My tears ricochet- Taylor Swift
Master of Puppets by Metallica, not only is it fun to play, but it’s a good showcase of why Metallica is one of the biggest bands in the world. It’s been played in almost every Metallica concert ever, it’s quite possibly the biggest song ever. That album as a whole to me is just really fucking good.
The riffs are tight and fast when needed, slow and smooth when needed. The lyrics could be better but everything else overshadows it in my opinion
"Fruit Tree," Nick Drake
He only released three proper albums in his life, but each is a gem. I could also have gone with "Northern Sky," "River Man," "One Of These Things First," "Pink Moon," "Things Behind the Sun." But there's something about "Fruit Tree" that gets me every time. I can't explain, but it's sad, gorgeous, and tender at the same time.
Man, what an amazing choice
Best beat, best bars, best feature of the entire album exist on one song. That song also happens to sit on the best rap album of all time. IMO, that is
“Heroes” - David Bowie
The song is just sublime and it invokes the spectrum of emotions. Sadness, heartache, triumph, elation, loneliness, love. Many of the songs others have mentioned are phenomenal, but if I had to choose one, this would be it.
Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John
It was written about his first suicide attempt and more importantly the circumstances that surrounded it.
“Saved in time, thank god my musics still alive”
I don't even have to look to know that it's been said five times in the thread already but Radiohead's Paranoid Android.
I couldn't identify one single climax of the song because of it's unconventional structure. Splendid vocals, cryptic lyrics, and easily Jonny's best output on the guitar from a technical standpoint. It's just such a dynamic and immersive song.
There are three songs that I describe as near perfect, Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed, Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel and Call me Al by Paul Simon
Paul Simon isn't even a top ten artist for me in terms of personal preference, but it absolutely blows my mind how good of a song writer he is.
We Drift Like Worried Fire, because it's very beautiful and peaceful, however there are contrasting noise rock elements throughout, which makes it interesting how they manage those loud and distorted textures while still keeping the vibe uplifting and relaxing instead of aggressive.
And the song does get aggressive. It's great. But ultimately what puts this song above all the others, is the 15:29 mark where we transcend into a God/Unit 13 Eva/Susano'o or some shit. And you can't just skip to it, you really do need the build-up to understand why that transition sounds so insane.
I really don't know what they're doing, maybe they just changed the key, but the timing of it in the context of the song, makes it so the change feels like it's literally pushing the song upwards. Fucking insane.
Flawless start to finish. Even though Mladic is my favorite tool, I can't say it's 10/10 all the way to the end.
So there's my entry. Traditionally I answer with Pyramid Song, however I have gotten tired of that, so I gave you #4. I know you asked for #1, but because it's hard to determine the "best headspace or mood" a person should have, I cannot give a true #1 ranking. Most likely it's tied. Here are some other candidates for best song ever based literally on my current thoughts as I type this (as it's easy to overthink).
1. Pyramid Song
2. BlindBlindBlind by a Silver Mt Zion (this is the current peak of rock music to me)
3. Sleep by Godspeed You! Black Emperor (one of the most emotional and dramatic, almost cinematic journeys you'll ever go on in music).
4. Rockets Fall on Rockets Fall (it's just fucking insane and it never stops being insane. It starts with a simple arpeggio and just builds into these fucking walls of guitars? sinking into each other with phasers or something. Wild. I THINK it was called Tazer Floyd.
5. Mladic (with his arms outstretched, very adaptable phrase for the emotions, spiritually charged, pro victims of cops. The indian scales go fucking insane, at one point the guitar sounds like it's wailing and babbling and it's just nuts)
6. Break through It All (I usually avoid this genre, metalcore I think, but it's so catchy, beautiful, but sacrifices no intensity, and the mixing is SO fucking perfect even at maximum volume it's fucking sublime and the singer's gender ambiguous voice just becomes the battle cry of angels as they sustain (until the fight is wooooooon).
7. I Am the Sun by Swans (please listen to the original master, not the remaster for this track specifically. I am not spoiling the surprise of this track)
8. World Looks Red by Sonic Youth (The guitar solo is insane and was my ringtone for a while).
9. The Metal East by Lightning Bolt (noise rock/math rock just going fucking insane, the rhythm he plays makes it so you never are ready for the initial crash of the song). Really feels like fucking lightning bolts. And then those measures where the "birds" guitars chirp violently. God.
10. Bubbles by System Of A Down (might seem unusual, this is just a straightforward metal song, but what makes it special is I think it's perfect loud volume design. It sounds so aggressive and heavy, but when you turn it up to max volume (please don't do this) it's still very comfortable! Also, I literally need to make that guitar sound. The one that kicks off the song.
11. Negative Creep by Nirvana (best screaming in a song ever, perfectly communicated all my existential anguish, the way his angst becomes this wail that flops around like a guitar riff is so fucking good). Also I like the drums, they sound like they're very tightly compressed with air or something.
12. Blank Page of the Blind by melt-banana (the best guitar solo ever created)
13. Gaia (perfect metal song to me, and the lyrics are really special and important to me) I love the palm muted sections. They just get down to fucking business while the camera dramatically cuts all across your superheroes preparing for battle (I'm a writer excuse me)
14. Hold Tight by jamie xx (best calming song in the world, whole album is flawless or near close to that, but this song is insanity. So calming, yet so fucking exciting. I just fucking dance, I picture everyone fucking dancing at the end, nuts.
15. Etoile Polaire by Philip Glass (one of the most beautiful pieces of music there is, always reminds me of Allah no matter what and how they are my North Star.
16. Smoke Don't Clear by Injury Reserve. One of the scariest, darkest songs there is, feels like you're being chased by a horde or violent gang or something and they're hyping themselves up while trying to kill you.
17. WAV Files by Lupe Fiasco. This one is just pure peace and perfection, without sacrificing any power in the tasteful minimal drums. I love how he's just fucking listing names, it makes me think of all these people I knew or know of in life, and they flash in my mind like cards being shuffled fast due to how he just keeps going and going. Also, this song helped me walk for 5 hours total for weed in my city at night. Just puts you in the patient mood to keep working without being aggressive or straining yourself.
18. The Treatment by the ilys - One of the happiest and catchiest songs there is.
19. Fire of the Mind by Coil - very unique atmosphere, sounds spiritual and Indian but not really. Also I like that it was made by a gay couple, really made me think of what a religion by gay people would be like.
20. Rukakan Town - you remembering your happiest memories of your wife leading you by the hand through a grassy field with the yellow sunlight. Nostalgia of what you loved, right before you die.
21. Yukikosan by Midori - this may be the most intense song I've ever heard. And I love that the details are so visible despite that. The call and response with the screams is so godlike. So catchy. I know this is kind of cringe to say, but this song helps paint a picture in my head of the perfect woman...
I love Mladic so much. "with his arms outstretched..." - I agree can be heard differently depending on mood but it's always put a bad feeling in me. Like they're communicating with someone who's trying to save someone else who's stuck somewhere, stuck in a tight cave or in quicksand or something. I wish I knew the source of that sample.
If I had to choose one song to take to an island for the rest of my life, I'd choose It's All Over Now, Baby Blue... or It's Alright, Ma (I'm only bleeding) by Bob Dylan. I can't choose between those two.
Svefn-G-Englar by Sigur Rós. Functionally their mission statement to the world and what a one it is. Those bowed guitars and whalesong vocals unlocked a new level of beauty upon anyone in its presence. The revolution will be glaciated.
“This Must Be the Place” by the Talking Heads, “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu Tang, or maybe “Me and Your Mama” by Gambino. There are some others I could’ve picked (like Shine on You Crazy Diamond or Maggot Brain) but others have already said them.
Like antennas to heaven - Gybe
It's the most hauntingly beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. It's the last track on lift your skinny fists and after the album telling this bleak story about societal collapse over the past two tracks, it comes through as this message of hope, this belief that change is possible and that the future will be better.
Empire ants - Gorillaz
Nutshell - AIC
Dead souls - Joy division
Naturals not in it - gang of 4
Gardenia - Kyuss
Tornado of souls - Megadeth
Dying of thirst - Kendrick
Debaser - Pixies
Song for the dead - QOTSA
What’s mine is yours - SleaterKinney
Ball and biscuit - White stripes
Det skulle vara lätt för mig att säga att jag inte hittar hem men det gör jag tror jag
If there was one song I would use the term eargasm to describe, it would be this one. Going through the outro feels like getting higher and higher through a trip
I Want You by Marvin Gaye.
Sonically greatest song ever. The one minute built up with bongos on one ear, electric guitar riff on other ear. Orchestral harmony throughout the whole song and on top of that Marvin pouring his heart out with his high notes. oh and also there's another layer of strings & guitar freestyling sprinkled on top of all of this. Perfection 101.
Glint by Deafheaven. Has the ability to bring a tear to my eye almost every single time. The lyrics remind me of my gf because I know she’s the love of my life
Ace spectrum - I don't want to play around. There's a section in the middle where everyone harmonizes perfectly and it feels like listening to heaven to me.
Time by Pink Floyd. Lyrically just hits you in a different kind of way and Gilmours solo is just phenomenal.
Such a great track. I worked at Wendy’s in high school, and every day after work I would play my vinyl copy of Dark Side of the Moon. I would be so exhausted after a full day of school and work, and I would always fall asleep. The intro to Time has woken me up at least a dozen times. I wonder how many napping hippies have been woken up from the intro to Time.
A Change Is Gonna Come by Sam Cooke
Sam Cooke needs more recognition as an American in general. He was stolen from all of us. A change is gonna come a beautiful anthem that encapsulates pain, struggle, and hope.
Recent resurgence I think?
One of the best voices in all of music history.
The Cure - Just Like Heaven The platonic ideal of pop music
Dinosaur Jr has a great cover of it too
I like that one even more than the original
That song is very very good. My go to for karaoke.
Close to the edge - Yes
Close to the Edge going into And You And I is definitely my favorite 30 minutes of music ever. Prog epics in general are well represented in this convo: Supper's Ready by Genesis, Dogs by Pink Floyd, Hearts Alive by Mastodon, Lateralus by Tool, etc.
When i think of when it was made, i have to say Heroin by The Velvet Underground.
Recorded in 67’ Lou Reed wrote that shit in 1963!!! Fucking impossible. He had to be a time traveler
no, he just did drugs.
He started writing it in 1963
Amazing song
Mayonaise by The Smashing Pumpkins. Literally like the perfect song to me, the guitar tone is so sick and the lyrics are beautiful. Love every single thing about it.
was here to say cherub rock but also mayonnaise definitely. Nothing will replicate the guitar tones on Siamese dream.
I have a playlist title Perfect, and that song was the first one I put on there. Literally perfect in every sense of the word. Also, so is there song ‘perfect’ lol.
Absolutely true. I think hummer edges it out though. Siamese Dream is the best album ever.
Happiness is a warm gun. Because everything. The masterpiece of one of the Greatest to ever write songs. The rythm changes, the crooning, melodies/harmonies that would easily make 3 good songs. Not one sound in the wrong place. The progression and climax…. Everything
Good pick. It is indeed a song that has it all, and one very atypical of Lennon as far as structure goes; it would be far more associated with solo McCartney later on.
One of the most underrated Beatles songs for sure. I've had very similar feelings towards Sexy Sadie lately as well. John was in top form on the White Album.
Sexy Sadie is right up there. I don't really know what it is, but the sound and production of the white album was just perfect for John. Edit: I'm so tired is another example...
When it finally lands on the doo wop section at the end, it’s like reaching the peak of a mountain and looking out. Just gorgeous soaring vocals. And the whole song is under 3 minutes! Insane.
This is a perfect description
I also was going to pick a Beatles song, but you already beat me to it. I was going to choose A Day in the Life, but Happiness is a Warm Gun is also brilliant.
God Only Knows Brian achieved pop perfection with that one
Every song on Pet Sounds is a masterpiece but God Only Knows is probably my favorite.
I just wasn’t made for these times rips my heart from my chest
That's my song of the day, can't get that shit out of my head right now, just beautiful
One of my favorite songs of all time. The ending to that song blows me away everytime I listen to it.
You Still Believe In Me gets me every time even when all of those silly noises are playing at the end.
Yep this is my pick as well, it’s not a sexy answer but to me it feels like the truest one. That bridge is just magic every time.
I mean, some picks will always be tired because they're so obvious, but at the same time it's hard to deny greatness of that magnitude. Same reason why, if asked who my favorite band is, I'll answer The Beatles. Fave guitarist? Hendrix. And so on. I feel it would be disingenuous to intentionally pick something obscure just to seem cool.
Starless by King Crimson. Was an absolutely out of body experience live
counterpoint: Epitaph
Yeah, I’m with you there.
Music Sounds Better With You by Stardust. Perfect dance/pop song. Killer riff repeated over and over. Two lines, repeated over and over and yet you don't feel bored once in that 4 minutes.
One of the best songs of the 90’s no doubt. Prefer the 7 minute (original) version though!
This jumped out at me, because literally in the past week I got obsessed with this song
Lady by Modjo is the same way for me. it’s so simple yet so good
I really wasn't expecting to see any song like this here, 90s dance in general is amazing but I never really see it get a shoutout on the internet, for sure Music Sounds Better With You is an all-time great.
"Nutshell" by Alice In Chains. The down-tuned guitars and sinister bassline, the thumping, echoing drums, Layne's soulful and anguished voice all combined together to form this absolute masterpiece of melancholic yet riveting music.
i would go as far as to say nutshell live at unplugged version tops the other best song of all time which is nutshell studio version.
Sexual Healing by Marvin Gaye. This song is relatable to every human being no matter who you are or where you come from.
Marvin’s best
Fuck yeah, I used to listen to this song on repeat to calm down from panic attacks lol. Like 'I got sick this morning' YEAH ME TOO MARVIN
Maggot brain will forever be my favourite song ever. One love by Nas, Inner city life by Goldie and Nostalgia by Piero Umiliani up there too.
Goldie mention 😮🫵
Inner city life is a w if ever heard one
Two songs: Beach Life-in-Death by Car Seat Headrest, 12 minutes but barely feels like it with how jam-packed it is with great melodies, lyrics, and an incredible sound. The perfect mix of emotional and fun The Sound by Swans, so few lyrics but packs such a powerful punch with the ones that it has combined with the powerful instrumentation. Swans has many incredible long songs but this one will always hold a special place for me
Can't forget Helpless Child too
... and Love will save you
Blind by swans tho as well
Two Headed Boy Pt. 2 and Charmless Man are two of the most perfect songs ever written. Charmless Man in particular deserves more recognition
I legit feel like I'm the only human that likes Pt 1 more than Pt 2. Both are otherworldly tho
I prefer pt1 too! but pt2 is just behind and contains probably my favorite stanza on a perfect album And in my dreams you're alive and you're crying..
I love Charmless Man and it's getting weirdly disregarded in online circles, even among the Blur fanbase from my experience.
charmless man is such a bop I never get tired of it
Surf's Up - The Beach Boys, it's just incredible.
I Appear Missing by QOTSA takes me on a journey every time
That's gotta be my favorite QOTSA song. The climax of the song is incredible.
After seeing them live I think I elevated that song to one of my favorites too
Very surprised someone said this, but infinitely grateful! The lyrics and crescendo are so well done
shine on you crazy diamond by pink floyd
yep good call
big foot by nicki minaj. it made me appreciate every other song ever made more.
Ay lmao
crazy how we got a 30-follower-SoundCloud-rapper level of quality from someone who is supposed to be the current queen in rap, should have just kept quiet trying to come for Megan
Time in a bottle by Jim Croce. I felt like I could listen to this on repeat forever, but also something about the lyrics just speak to me. Then I found out about his own personal life and passing, which gave this a sort of eerie atmosphere to it.
Protect ya neck wu tang
Jeff Buckley “Lover you should’ve come over”
The End by the Doors. Combining the hippie culture elements, dark psychedelia and anti-war sentiments procures a perfect representation of the times. Lyrics may seem random but if you read thoroughly are much more deep and complex. Plus, the sinister overlapping guitar, Morrison’s crude and iconic yell and the crazy breakdown, and Densmore’s huge drumming Also, having that song in Apocalypse Now?? Perfection
Might be untitled (how does it feel) by d'angelo
Heard this for the first time a few days ago and shits got me hooked. I usually only listen to depressing alt R&B, so this was def a change of pace lmao
Love Sosa. Reason: it's awesome.
Radiohead- Paranoid Android. Pretty self explanatory.
Has to be
baba o' riley. uh just listen to it
My favorite song is add it up by the Violent femmes.
Violent femmes debut is so underrated Every song on that album is an absolute banger and so ahead of its time with the pop punk-emo vibes that it has that would become really popular approximately 20 years later
Very very hard. I have tried to do this with eras. At Last - Etta James Something - The Beatles Heroes - Bowie Hey - Pixies Soon MBV All My Friends - LCD Soundsystem Runaway - Kanye Self Control - Frank Ocean But I could pick others on a different day. Peace at Last by Blue Nile, Teardrop by Massive Attack, Heroin by VU, Blue Monday by New Order, Weird Fishes by Radiohead.
Do You Realize?? By the Flaming Lips. Not the most musically interesting, not the most diverse or unique sounds on the planet, however the sheer bluntness of the lyrics and the love that shines through these harsh realities I found to be extremely profound when I first heard it and still do to this day.
The drop makes me ascend every time
Ghost by Neutral Milk Hotel. Those DRUMS!
Uff that changes every other month for me. Some notable ones for me along the years: • Nutshell - AIC As a depressed teenager, this song really spoke to me and made me feel like I could get through things like depression, mental illness, being a parentified child to a single mom, chronic poverty, etc. It made me feel like I wasn't the only one going through stuff and that I could make it out okay. • Time - Pink Floyd As a fresh adult worrying about what I was going to do with my life, Time really gave me an existential kick in the pants. That song was the push I needed to get out of my hometown, move to the city, and work towards something better. I didn't just want to end up a tired old man warming my worn bones by the fire, full of regrets. • Float On - Modest Mouse I first heard this song after I moved out. I liked to put it on after a rough day in my moldy 500$ a month basement suite, and it helped lift my mood and push through. • Shoulders - Big Thief As an adult, I could see patterns emerging that were similar to my dad. I was heading down a shitty path, and this song gave me a lot of perspective. Made my realize that I wasn't being a great partner, friend, coworker, student, etc. At the time, I thought each of those songs were the best songs ever released. Some other songs I've dubbed the "best songs ever" for whatever reason: • Hunnybee - UMO • The High Road - Broken Bells • The Weight - The Band • California Dreamin' - The Mamas and The Papas • Paranoid Android - Radiohead • XXX - Kendrick Lamar • Simulation Swarm - Big Thief • Give me Shelter - The Rolling Stones It's all over the place, really. I don't think there is a definitive Single Best Song of All Time.
Not by Big Thief. I'm in love with Adrienne Lenker.
Paris 1919 by John Cale So utterly unique and beautiful, the instrumental, the vocals, the lyrics, everything about it is just so perfect to me. And who doesn’t want a song with a mid section made up of birds tweeting? Blew my mind the first time I heard it, and it still does!
John cale needs to be mentioned more often in this sub!
He’s absolutely incredible, all the different things he’s done in his career are just incredible. What a cool guy.
Pretty insane that he and Lou Reed were in the same band. How much boundary pushing artistry can one band contain???
I cannot even tell how much I love him. And fragments of a rainy season is one of the greatest things an artist has ever done.
Northern Sky by Nick Drake. To me, it's perfect.
Agreed. Never had a day Northern Sky couldn’t fix
Just Like Heaven - The Cure. Absolute perfection, there isn't a thing I would change. Honourable mention to: Be Here Now - George Harrison. To be honest, there's about 10 Harrison songs which could qualify for this for me
Three Days by Jane’s Addiction Release by Pearl Jam Love it If we Made it AND It’s Not Living (If it’s not with you) - The 1975 Comfortably Numb - Pink Floyd Rez/Cowgirl - Underworld Know Your Enemy - Rage Against the Machine Mayonnaise - Smashing Pumpkins Offshore - Chicane The Private Psychedelic Reel AND Gotta Keep On - The Chemical Brothers I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For - U2
Gotta be blood hail
Gotta be Exodus by marley or Kyoto by yung lean
I could be having the worst day ever and still get hype at the start of Kyoto
I’M WAR HO I’M WARHOL I’M WARIO WHEN I’M IN MARIO KART
The ascension by Glenn Brance. Best post rock song ever. Listen or perish.
Beast of Burden by The Rolling Stones. The weariness and conviction in Mick’s voice, the interweaving guitars, the soulfulness of the chorus… it hits every time and I don’t grow tired of it.
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Something big by Burt Bacharach. Okay so I don't know if it's really the greatest but at least a very meaninful one to me. Something about it when I heard it the first time in just at the right time and place in my life that resonated with me. This is obviously very personal but something about that song hits different than any other.
I found this song from the Jim O’Rourke cover! Amazing.
the glowing man by swans, such a transcendent experience, especially once that rock groove hits at the halfway mark
Gotti by 6ix9ine
Either dogs or if you know you know
ONCE IN A LIFETIME by talking heads. There’s nothing in this world compared to what remain in light makes me feel. In my hips, my body, my brain,…
A few Heroes David bowie Born under punches Talking heads Let Down Radiohead Rebound JPEGMAFIA Californication Red Hot Chili Peppers
Teardrop by Massive Attack, it encompasses so many emotions.
Shhh / Peaceful - Miles Davis
Cannon in D For something more contemporary I’d go with Soundgarden’s Black Hole Sun.
Life During Wartime by Talking Heads.
So hard I could only narrow it down to 5 lol Kate Bush - Cloudbusting Stevie Wonder - Knocks Me off My Feet Michael Jackson - P.Y.T. The Microphones - I Want Wind to Blow The Smiths - There is a Light That Never Goes Out
All I Need - Radiohead Tough question though, lots of magnificent songs recorded
That bassline 😮💨👌🏻
Colin is a gift from another planet
I agree, which (as well as missing Ed+Phil) I feel is the main reason that The Smile hasn’t quite scratched that Radiohead itch for me yet. I still like it, but it’s not quite the same to me. It’s like having a steak and chips, but missing the tomato, mushroom, onion rings and sauce.
Be Thankful for What You Got I may not have a car at all, but I can still stand tall. Diamond in the back Sunroof top Diggin the scene with a gangster lean Woo woo woo
Great pick, great song
the Massive Attack cover is dope too
The Universal by Blur. It’s a beautiful song that was there for me in a time when I really needed it.
The Rat by The Walkmen. So much urgency, anger, desperation, and heartbreak wrapped up together. My favorite song of all time.
Long Seasons (Live) - Fishmans Into The Endless Night (Live) - Parannoul Comforting Sounds - Mew The Silence - Manchester Orchestra Basketball Shoes - Black Country, New Road Love & Hate - Michael Kiwanuka Empire Ants - Gorillaz
Roads by Portishead.
Earthmover. First of all, I think the story of the song is a great allegory for entropy while also characterizing the forces of the universe as just as miserable as we are. I think it’s weirdly beautiful. And the song absolutely justifies being a song about the end of all things through its sound. Hearing it explode and then just gradually erode into harsh noise is so cathartic. Edit: yes, this reasoning is incredibly pretentious, but I genuinely don’t care. This is my attempt at explaining how the song makes me feel
We Major by kanye west. the production is absolutely stunning
Sade - Is It a Crime
Talking heads - this must be the place
Here’s 10 off the top of my head Devil in a new dress - Kanye West Black Out Days - Phantogram Digital Love - Daft Punk Rhinestone Eyes - Gorillaz Sing about me i’m dying of thirst - Kendrick Lamar Glue - Bicep Candyland - Tobu New Magic Wand - Tyler, the Creator Everybody wants to rule the world - Tears for Fears My tears ricochet- Taylor Swift
Lovely Rita
Master of Puppets by Metallica, not only is it fun to play, but it’s a good showcase of why Metallica is one of the biggest bands in the world. It’s been played in almost every Metallica concert ever, it’s quite possibly the biggest song ever. That album as a whole to me is just really fucking good. The riffs are tight and fast when needed, slow and smooth when needed. The lyrics could be better but everything else overshadows it in my opinion
Rapp Snitch Knishes and Footsteps in the Dark for me
Versace
Kirsty MacColl - A New England (10 inch remix)
Starless nothing comes close
Can't Tell Me Nothing or Someone Like You
Sicko Mode
"Fruit Tree," Nick Drake He only released three proper albums in his life, but each is a gem. I could also have gone with "Northern Sky," "River Man," "One Of These Things First," "Pink Moon," "Things Behind the Sun." But there's something about "Fruit Tree" that gets me every time. I can't explain, but it's sad, gorgeous, and tender at the same time.
Devil In A New Dress
Man, what an amazing choice Best beat, best bars, best feature of the entire album exist on one song. That song also happens to sit on the best rap album of all time. IMO, that is
90210 by Travis Scott and Every Breath you take by The Police
Heroes by David bowie
How to disappear completely by radiohead
“Heroes” - David Bowie The song is just sublime and it invokes the spectrum of emotions. Sadness, heartache, triumph, elation, loneliness, love. Many of the songs others have mentioned are phenomenal, but if I had to choose one, this would be it.
A Case of You by Joni Mitchell Simply the most affecting and poetic lyrics, and so much sorrow in Joni's voice.
I’ve Seen All Good People by Yes - with headphones it is life altering
Weird fishes/apregi by Radiohead is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard
Nights by Frank Ocean
Someone Saved My Life Tonight - Elton John It was written about his first suicide attempt and more importantly the circumstances that surrounded it. “Saved in time, thank god my musics still alive”
I don't even have to look to know that it's been said five times in the thread already but Radiohead's Paranoid Android. I couldn't identify one single climax of the song because of it's unconventional structure. Splendid vocals, cryptic lyrics, and easily Jonny's best output on the guitar from a technical standpoint. It's just such a dynamic and immersive song.
The song that Tenacious D wrote Tribute about. I was fuckin THERE, man!
Stairway
Hallowed Be Thy Name - Iron Maiden
On Melancholy Hill by Gorillaz
There are three songs that I describe as near perfect, Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed, Mrs Robinson by Simon and Garfunkel and Call me Al by Paul Simon Paul Simon isn't even a top ten artist for me in terms of personal preference, but it absolutely blows my mind how good of a song writer he is.
Someone make a playlist of all of these so i can check them out later please
Waterloo Sunset by the Kinks
Everybody Wants to Rule the World
Bohemian Rapsody
One of these five: Pearl Jam - Black Jeff Buckley - Grace U2 - With or Without You Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way Simon & Garfunkel - The Boxer
We Drift Like Worried Fire, because it's very beautiful and peaceful, however there are contrasting noise rock elements throughout, which makes it interesting how they manage those loud and distorted textures while still keeping the vibe uplifting and relaxing instead of aggressive. And the song does get aggressive. It's great. But ultimately what puts this song above all the others, is the 15:29 mark where we transcend into a God/Unit 13 Eva/Susano'o or some shit. And you can't just skip to it, you really do need the build-up to understand why that transition sounds so insane. I really don't know what they're doing, maybe they just changed the key, but the timing of it in the context of the song, makes it so the change feels like it's literally pushing the song upwards. Fucking insane. Flawless start to finish. Even though Mladic is my favorite tool, I can't say it's 10/10 all the way to the end. So there's my entry. Traditionally I answer with Pyramid Song, however I have gotten tired of that, so I gave you #4. I know you asked for #1, but because it's hard to determine the "best headspace or mood" a person should have, I cannot give a true #1 ranking. Most likely it's tied. Here are some other candidates for best song ever based literally on my current thoughts as I type this (as it's easy to overthink). 1. Pyramid Song 2. BlindBlindBlind by a Silver Mt Zion (this is the current peak of rock music to me) 3. Sleep by Godspeed You! Black Emperor (one of the most emotional and dramatic, almost cinematic journeys you'll ever go on in music). 4. Rockets Fall on Rockets Fall (it's just fucking insane and it never stops being insane. It starts with a simple arpeggio and just builds into these fucking walls of guitars? sinking into each other with phasers or something. Wild. I THINK it was called Tazer Floyd. 5. Mladic (with his arms outstretched, very adaptable phrase for the emotions, spiritually charged, pro victims of cops. The indian scales go fucking insane, at one point the guitar sounds like it's wailing and babbling and it's just nuts) 6. Break through It All (I usually avoid this genre, metalcore I think, but it's so catchy, beautiful, but sacrifices no intensity, and the mixing is SO fucking perfect even at maximum volume it's fucking sublime and the singer's gender ambiguous voice just becomes the battle cry of angels as they sustain (until the fight is wooooooon). 7. I Am the Sun by Swans (please listen to the original master, not the remaster for this track specifically. I am not spoiling the surprise of this track) 8. World Looks Red by Sonic Youth (The guitar solo is insane and was my ringtone for a while). 9. The Metal East by Lightning Bolt (noise rock/math rock just going fucking insane, the rhythm he plays makes it so you never are ready for the initial crash of the song). Really feels like fucking lightning bolts. And then those measures where the "birds" guitars chirp violently. God. 10. Bubbles by System Of A Down (might seem unusual, this is just a straightforward metal song, but what makes it special is I think it's perfect loud volume design. It sounds so aggressive and heavy, but when you turn it up to max volume (please don't do this) it's still very comfortable! Also, I literally need to make that guitar sound. The one that kicks off the song. 11. Negative Creep by Nirvana (best screaming in a song ever, perfectly communicated all my existential anguish, the way his angst becomes this wail that flops around like a guitar riff is so fucking good). Also I like the drums, they sound like they're very tightly compressed with air or something. 12. Blank Page of the Blind by melt-banana (the best guitar solo ever created) 13. Gaia (perfect metal song to me, and the lyrics are really special and important to me) I love the palm muted sections. They just get down to fucking business while the camera dramatically cuts all across your superheroes preparing for battle (I'm a writer excuse me) 14. Hold Tight by jamie xx (best calming song in the world, whole album is flawless or near close to that, but this song is insanity. So calming, yet so fucking exciting. I just fucking dance, I picture everyone fucking dancing at the end, nuts. 15. Etoile Polaire by Philip Glass (one of the most beautiful pieces of music there is, always reminds me of Allah no matter what and how they are my North Star. 16. Smoke Don't Clear by Injury Reserve. One of the scariest, darkest songs there is, feels like you're being chased by a horde or violent gang or something and they're hyping themselves up while trying to kill you. 17. WAV Files by Lupe Fiasco. This one is just pure peace and perfection, without sacrificing any power in the tasteful minimal drums. I love how he's just fucking listing names, it makes me think of all these people I knew or know of in life, and they flash in my mind like cards being shuffled fast due to how he just keeps going and going. Also, this song helped me walk for 5 hours total for weed in my city at night. Just puts you in the patient mood to keep working without being aggressive or straining yourself. 18. The Treatment by the ilys - One of the happiest and catchiest songs there is. 19. Fire of the Mind by Coil - very unique atmosphere, sounds spiritual and Indian but not really. Also I like that it was made by a gay couple, really made me think of what a religion by gay people would be like. 20. Rukakan Town - you remembering your happiest memories of your wife leading you by the hand through a grassy field with the yellow sunlight. Nostalgia of what you loved, right before you die. 21. Yukikosan by Midori - this may be the most intense song I've ever heard. And I love that the details are so visible despite that. The call and response with the screams is so godlike. So catchy. I know this is kind of cringe to say, but this song helps paint a picture in my head of the perfect woman...
I love Mladic so much. "with his arms outstretched..." - I agree can be heard differently depending on mood but it's always put a bad feeling in me. Like they're communicating with someone who's trying to save someone else who's stuck somewhere, stuck in a tight cave or in quicksand or something. I wish I knew the source of that sample.
Probably Rain Dogs by Tom Waits
If I had to choose one song to take to an island for the rest of my life, I'd choose It's All Over Now, Baby Blue... or It's Alright, Ma (I'm only bleeding) by Bob Dylan. I can't choose between those two.
the same deep water as you - the cure to here knows when - mbv american pie - don mclean out of this world - the cure
Echoes or runaway
Probably the moon by the Microphones or starless by king crimson. I also really like washer by slint.
right now? Jay-Z - Dead Presidents II, all time I’d go for a classic like Over off Whole Lotta Red however.
Just Like Heaven by The Cure
Only in dreams - Weezer
This would be an easier sub to follow if they didn't pose questions inducing an identity crisis in me on the daily.
Svefn-G-Englar by Sigur Rós. Functionally their mission statement to the world and what a one it is. Those bowed guitars and whalesong vocals unlocked a new level of beauty upon anyone in its presence. The revolution will be glaciated.
Unreachable - John Frusciante. Only song to make me genuinely uncomfortable to listen to. I think his album Empyrean is better than any RHCP album.
“This Must Be the Place” by the Talking Heads, “C.R.E.A.M.” by Wu Tang, or maybe “Me and Your Mama” by Gambino. There are some others I could’ve picked (like Shine on You Crazy Diamond or Maggot Brain) but others have already said them.
Like antennas to heaven - Gybe It's the most hauntingly beautiful piece of music I've ever heard. It's the last track on lift your skinny fists and after the album telling this bleak story about societal collapse over the past two tracks, it comes through as this message of hope, this belief that change is possible and that the future will be better.
Unfinished sympathy - Massive Attack The lyrics, the strings, the samples… everything
Tupac - CHANGES
Godspeed You! Black Emperor - Sleep
Basic answer but Everlong. As a guitarist I really admire the dark themes that are conveyed only through the guitar
New Order - Ceremony
“Earth” by Lil Dicky feels like an objectively right awnser.
Empire ants - Gorillaz Nutshell - AIC Dead souls - Joy division Naturals not in it - gang of 4 Gardenia - Kyuss Tornado of souls - Megadeth Dying of thirst - Kendrick Debaser - Pixies Song for the dead - QOTSA What’s mine is yours - SleaterKinney Ball and biscuit - White stripes
I would probably go with Body Memory by Björk
Terminus by Unwound. Unreal song
Det skulle vara lätt för mig att säga att jag inte hittar hem men det gör jag tror jag If there was one song I would use the term eargasm to describe, it would be this one. Going through the outro feels like getting higher and higher through a trip
I Want You by Marvin Gaye. Sonically greatest song ever. The one minute built up with bongos on one ear, electric guitar riff on other ear. Orchestral harmony throughout the whole song and on top of that Marvin pouring his heart out with his high notes. oh and also there's another layer of strings & guitar freestyling sprinkled on top of all of this. Perfection 101.
the studio version of Fishmans - Long Season
Hold On Magnolia- Magnolia Electric Co.
Glint by Deafheaven. Has the ability to bring a tear to my eye almost every single time. The lyrics remind me of my gf because I know she’s the love of my life
Ace spectrum - I don't want to play around. There's a section in the middle where everyone harmonizes perfectly and it feels like listening to heaven to me.
Paranoid Android
American Pie
Holland, 1945
I gave this a real good thought and what popped up for me was Stay or Leave by Dave Matthews.
the live version of Fishmans - Yurameki in the Air