Crimson and Clover - Tommy James and the Shondells

If you are like me, you probably didn't know this song was by Tommy James ( also famous for Mony Mony) and probably credited it to someone else, in my case Simon and Garfunkel. Released in 1969, this song is incredibly revolutionary in music with its unique wobble like guitar sounds. At the end too, there is a wobbly effect on his vocals, which he achieved by plugging his mic in through his guitar amp. An awesome sound with great effects, and some simple lyrics that are easy to relate to make this such a classic hit.

Famous Last Words - My Chemical Romance

For about a year, I was obsessed with the Black Parade album by My Chemical Romance, especially this song. They got their name when the bassist was hit by a book while working in a library that was titled Ecstacy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance. The Black Parade album is a Rock Opera, about a man who is diagnosed with cancer and then tells the story of his death, the afterlife, and his reflection on life. Famous Last Words is really his reflection on his life, and an incredible close to this album. Gerard Way, the main writer, believes that death happens for people in the form of heir favorite thing, in this case a parade. This would have been incredible to see live, as they donned a new persona, much like the Beatles Sgt Peppers band, with Gerard also taking on a role of the patient, much like Bob Geldorf when he portrayed Pink Floyd. I'm lucky enough to have this album on vinyl and think this is one of the best rock operas of our time.

(I Just) Died In Your Arms- Cutting Crew

A band started by a Canadian and a Brit, this one was written by Nick Van Eede for his band Cutting Crew in 1986. This song has one of the coolest openings I remember as a kid, but wasn't near as big of a fan of it back then. Being the 80's and with the name Cutting Crew, I had always kind of thought this song was a little emo and sad. It wasn't till I heard the song many years later that I realized the song is actually referring to sex, and Nick actually wrote the title line while having sex with his then girlfriend ( the dying referring to an orgasm). Still, a pretty good hit, with good composition, strong vocals, and an especially great opening and hook.

25 or 6 to 4 - Chicago

Horns are awesome, they can make a song, and for Chicago they make this one a hit. With its easy but catchy guitar riff, and it's hand off between lyrics and horns, it's hard not to get into this song. The guitar soloing in this song is not only awesome, but subtly follows along with the horns as to not distract from the lyrics. that brings me to the best part of this song ; the lyrics. They are simple, and are basically exactly what Robert Lamm was doing when he wrote them. If you listen to them, it just describes somewhat his life at the time. Although this song has been accused of being about drugs( because every good song is for some reason) it is just about him being up all night on tour and not being able to sleep or some up with anything to write ( searching for something to say, waiting for the break of day). The title itself is believed to be the time around when he wrote it, 3:35( or 3:34) am. Just an awesome example of early 70's music.

Save the Population - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their unique sound and slew of hits, and it's very hard to pick a favorite song that they wrote. When it comes down to it though, theres is something I love about the simplicity of this chorus ; the double singing, the bass riff, the guitar lick that is both full but not over bearing. The line itself I think is absolutely perfect, Stay all night, we'll save the population. Why is this song so overlooked amongst their hits? Mainly due to the fact that it was released on a greatest hits album, being one of only 2 from a new 14 written deemed worthy to be on the album. Not only that, but it was the last song on the cd, so many fans would likely have tuned out or just kept switching back to one of their favorite hits to listen again. This cd is one of the best greatest hits albums of all time, and this song is worth checking out.

When the Lady Smiles - Golden Earring

Credited as being the longest band still touring ( yes, even longer then the Rolling Stones), they have put together some strong hits. This Dutch band actually had the video banned at first, as one scene depicts him trying to rape a nun, which seems like almost nothing today when you watch it. The singer has such a cool sounding voice, and this song has a really cool build up to the chorus, making it one of their best hits. The video for this song is awesome in general too, it really seems to fit the song and the timing is perfect. Definitely proof why this band is considered the best Dutch band of all time.

When The Music's Over- The Doors

The theirs longest song by the Doors, this song appears on 1967's Strange Days as the closer. Probably one of their more psychedelic albums, this is a very under rated songs in my opinion. It's got some great keyboard, very subtle but awesome guitar work, and Jim's incredible voice. It also contains about a 4 minute quiet poem part which I think is just awesome. Definitely worth checking out, be it Doors fan or not.