Fun Rankings: Part 1

So, to start my blog officially, I thought I would do some rankings! Personally, I really enjoy looking through some of my favourite films, video games and music and sorting through them to work out which ones are among the best. This post will hopefully be a great way of seeing some of my personal tastes when it comes to those categories, as well as a discussion point to see what your guys favourites are! To start off, we'll be ranking my five favourite songs (bear in mind I'm not a qualified music critic and this list is very subjective and likely to change. This is just of the 24th of January 2020)!

5: (Don't Fear) The Reaper

Artist: Blue Oyster Cult

Released: 1976

Album: Agents of Fortune

To start of this list is an absolute classic of a rock song, in my opinion. This one is pretty overlooked, with melancholy tones and a great story to guide us through the music. Blue Oyster Cult are known for their 'psychedelic style' and this is seen in (Don't Fear) The Reaper in full force. From the rhythmic drumbeats to the ghostly sounds of Buck Dharma's hammer home the song's message on the inevitability of death.

4: Wish You Were Here

Artist: Pink Floyd

Released: 1975

Album: Wish You Were Here

Next is Pink Floyd's classic, Wish You Were Here. Starting with a radio broadcast that directly follows Have a Cigar, the song is remembered as a classic from the band, being recognised as one of the greatest rock songs of all time. Wish You Were Here is one of Floyd's most celebrated albums. being optimistic and uplifting, the song is probably the most positive on this list! David Gilmour's powerful vocals lead the band through a truly fascinating piece of music.

3: O Children

Artist: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Released: 2004

Album: Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus 

The next song is both the most modern and most melancholy. While Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds' most recognised song is Red Right Hand, made famous as the introductory song to Peaky Blinders, it is O Children that resonated deeply with me. More a lament than a song, it challenges the nature of loss in war and life, framing the only people who are unquestionably innocent and worth protecting as children. A highly emotional song, every time I hear it brings a new feeling of melancholy; and I love it.

2: Comfortably Numb

Artist: Pink Floyd

Released: 1979

Album: The Wall

You can probably tell by now that I'm a fan of classic rock. This one just goes to show it. I love Pink Floyd but it's their weird and edgy Comfortably Numb that stands as their best in my eyes. Traversing through a psychedelic image of drugs, leading to a first steady guitar solo, followed later by a godly performance from David Gilmour (yet again) which stands among one of the best of all time. The inspiration for many a cover and remake (and this blog's title), this hit is truly worthy as its status as one of the greatest songs ever released.

1: Stairway to Heaven

Artist: Led Zeppelin

Released: 1971

Album: Led Zeppelin IV

Rounding out my top songs is (in my opinion) the greatest rock song of all time. Aptly titled, all eight minutes of this masterpiece are glorious, from the recorders of the intro, to the electric middle and rounding off with my second favourite guitar solo of any song (the first being from Free Bird for those curious). The first time I heard this song, I was stunned into silence and every time I hear it is pure luxury. Led Zeppelin are the kings of rock, my favourite band of all time and the pioneers of the greatest rock song ever put to our ears.

Thanks for reading guys! I'd love to know whether you agree with my choices or are shocked by them! Either way, art is completely subjective, so for those who don't agree, you're more than entitled to that opinion (just know you're wrong). Hopefully I'll catch you guys on the next post! For now, stay comfortable and dumb.