Hello - Lionel Richie

Hello is a 1984 hit by Lionel Richie, the third single off his Can't Slow Down album. This song is beautiful and has been used in many films and shows as a scene when someone needs to make a big decision or is romantically hurt. Starting in the Commodores, Lionel was a big part in most of their hits, and was able to expand that to his solo work.

Godzilla - Blue Oyster Cult

It's not often you can hear a song that has such a smooth flow and tells a story, but has such amazing guitar work in the background. Enter Blue Oyster Cult. This particular song is of course Godzilla and his destruction of Tokyo and just has a great feel to it. Starting out as the Soft White Underbelly, they eventually became BOC and have written a number of great hits, some well known and some not so much, but equally awesome. Godzilla was a big hit, but just couldn't match that of Don't fear the Reaper, and was one of the last big songs by a legendary band; definitely worth listening to.

When the Lights go Down - Triumph

Another wicked song by Canadian band Triumph, this song has some incredibly fantastic guitar work all throughout it from beginning to end, experimenting with different sounds and effects. When the guitar isn't soloing out, we are treated to a very driving rock beat with a strong riff, some awesome drumming, and Emmitts all too incredible vocal range. I love how this song begins and ends, with the acoustic type guitar. Triumph is quite often compared to Rush and this song is just another example of how hard they can rock.

Savior - Rise Against

For some reason, this song has been in my head for days so I suppose it's time to use. It really reminds me of a part of my life and for that reason has been a personal song to me ever since I heard it. Rise Against is a band that not only has a wide array of songs that are unique musically, but also have some of my favorite lyrics for newer age music. The song to me is about forgiveness and redemption, both of which are important social aspects to adhere too. It has a powerful kick to it, a slower bridge to emphasis the lyrics and just a great feel all around. Sometimes it is necessary to fix the past, but I suppose in certain cases it's just best to walk away.

Blue Collar Man - Styx

Another great song by Styx, this one kicks off with some solid keyboard work, and never takes off the throttle throughout this entire song. There is a lot of amazing musicianship being displayed here, especially in the drumming. Although seemingly mixed into the background, it is an incredibly elaborate rhythm delivered with incredible precision. One thing I've always loved about Styx is their ability to blend so many sounds together without any seeming overbearing. The guitar work is also top notch and I think James Young and Tommy Shaw deserve much more credit then they get for their musical abilities.

Synchronicity I & II - The Police

Taken from their last, and possibly greatest album, this seems like one of the lesser known songs off the album, being out shined by Every Breath You Take, Walking In Your Footsteps, and Wrapped Around Your Finger. In my opinion though, the driving keys and fast lyrics make part I a great opener to the album, and Sting's vocals in the second make it quite possibly the best song on the album. These two songs really prove to me that the biggest hits by a band may not always be you favorite, and that every album is worth listening to fully, not just focused in on the radio heavy hits. Synchroncity II is based off of a Carl Jung writing, is about the degradation of a mans home and work life, and then a parallel event of a monstrous being emerging from a loch. It is apparently supposed to represent perhaps the fathers anguish, as the two events are not related, but represent the same symbolical meaning.

Black Magic Woman - Santana

This song is pretty much a musical orgy in your ears. One of the slickest guitar riffs ever recorded, coupled by some of the best backing to ever exist is the only real way to describe the quality of music in this song. The solos are stunning and beautiful, the bass is powerful and driving, while the drums are light but with a solid bongo line to keep the rhythm. The lyrics are heartfelt and delivered with just as much passion as one would expect from the music. Unbelievably, although most people are familiar with Santanas version, which is clearly the best, it was surprisingly enough a Fleetwood Mac song, which has an entirely different feel to it together. Although both are worth a listen, Santanas version will always be the better in my opinion, although Fleetwoods is an incredible version in its on way.

The Look - Roxette

Hailing from Sweden, this duo has some great sounds and great guitar work, but most of all I love the combination of their voices. The Look is probably my favorite song by them highlighted by their call and response of "She's got the look" leading into the chorus. A late 80's band, you can still feel the electronic drums and 80's feel although they are still performing to this day. Although The Look was not this first hit, and actually the third single off their second album, it was the first to receive any air time in North America and is most likely responsible for them being known over here. This sog has a great feel and a well written chorus, and the line about a brown eyed girl turned blue has always painted such a picture in my mind that makes me want to write more visual lyrics.

Undun - The Guess Who

A great Canadian band, not only are they responsible for a slew of hits, Randy Bachman would also go on to form Bachman Turner Overdrive, another incredible rock group. This song has always been one of my favorites they do, and perhaps one of my favorites of all time. Starting with a super awesome beginning, the feel of this song is just so damn smooth, it's impossible not to enjoy it. Mix in some touching lyrics sang by just the perfect voice for them and one of the coolest and under toned drum rifts and you have yourself a hit. I was probably first introduced to it from Tarintinos Jackie Brown, but I've heard it's also one of Bachmans favorites, which is good for me. Basically, any song with jazz flute is a winner, and the powerful vocal ending always leaves me wanting more. Just a phenomenal song, in every aspect.

Happy Alone - Kings of Leon

Since the Kings of Leon have been exploding as of late, I think it's time to go back to their roots and their very bluesy first album. This is my favorite song off their first album, and quite possibly my favorite song by them. It has a smooth feel, a great bass line, awesome vocals, and a slick solo. This is the kinda song that makes you want to get up and move, and definitely encompasses the Southern feel. The whole Youth and Young Manhood album is worth a listen and contains many hits unknown to newer Leon fans. The name itself is quite the cool name, decided on by the three Followill Brothers, who's dads name is in fact Leon, hence the Kings of Leon

One Tin Soldier - The Original Caste

An early 60's protest song written by Canadians, this version was performed by the band The Original Caste. It's roots are considered Biblical, and carries a strong message in it. I especially like the big band sound that accompanies it, and the singing is incredibly moving as well.

Time is Running out - Muse

Great song by a band I don't know too much about, the lyrics in this song are incredibly written. I've heard several acoustic versions of this song and they all sound awesome mainly based on the fact of how well this song is written. Great start with a build up to the chorus, Muse is worth checking out for the strength of this song.

Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy - Elton John

A later Elton John hit, off the album of the same name, it is a concept album about Captain Fantastic (Elton John) and the Brown Dirt Cowboy (His lyricist, Bernie Taupin), and the beginning of their career and the struggles they endured. It feels ultimately personal, and there are a lot of great songs off this album. It has an easy feel that can easily be identified with for anyone who has had to struggle to pursue a dream.