100 Best Songs Ever (11-19)
Being so close to my most favorite songs ever, I decided to feature 11-19 this time, only because I want to keep the Top Ten together. I feel the need to reiterate the importance of this music, not just because it holds personal meaning for me, but because I truly believe some of these songs have the power to change lives for the better. These are songs that have deep meanings, happiness overflowing and energy bursting out. I love this music!
19. Fantasy / Daydream / Mariah Carey / 1995
I counted down the days waiting for Mariah Carey’s Daydream to come out. I believe this was when Mariah shined best. Using a sample of Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love”, there’s just the right amount of new sounds to compliment the already great instrumentation. The radio stations loved it too and played it nonstop, which usually turns me off a song, but in this case it just made me love it more. The dreamlike opening pulls you in and by the time Mariah hits those high notes, you’re on board. What I love is the addictive sounds, beeps and blips constantly pulsing through the song, keeping you interested and really defining the obsession in the lyrics. I always felt the song ended too soon, but it’s what makes you want to listen to it over and over. This song was really the beginning of Mariah’s new era in which she gained more creative control.
18. Dreamlover / Music Box / Mariah Carey / 1993
Music Box was the very first CD I ever owned (actually, I stole it from my sister) and I memorized the whole album word for word, including every vocal improvisation Mariah did. This song in particular was in heavy rotation in my tape and CD player, and I think I drove my mom halfway to insanity with it. It’s a perfectly perky song using a sample from The Emotions’ “Blind Alley”. Like “Fantasy”, Mariah successfully leaves you wanting more when the song ends, hence the constant replays. There’s a bit of jazzy stylization here, which makes the song fun to sing. The organ is reminiscent of classic love songs and the very-recognizable electronic riff that carries throughout is the track’s trademark.
17. Quicksand (Thievery Corporation Remix) / originally from Urban Angel / Natalie Walker / 2006
I stumbled on this track on YouTube one day. What a fantastic song! Natalie’s songs are always whimsical and refreshing. This is no exception. Besides the lazy drumbeat and Natalie’s angelic voice, what really makes this song shine is the airy instrumentation that sweeps throughout. Everything seems to echo around you: Turn it up real loud and you’ll know what I mean. I imagine this is what Heaven might sound like. Like Dido’s “Stoned”, this song has extremely somber lyrics about a failed relationship. In the end, Natalie sings of a new strength which seems to reflect in the music. It’s like a warm blanket that wraps you in to reveal a new beginning.
16. Bittersweet Symphony / Urban Hymns / The Verve / 1998
I watched Cruel Intentions just once on television, but that’s all it took to hook me on this song. As soon as it started, my hair stood up: What was that beautiful string melody? I later found out it was borrowed from the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time”, but that didn’t make it any less awesome. I absolutely love this track: The lyrics are pure poetry. When you can listen to the same melody through a song over and over and it doesn’t feel repetitious, you know it’s good.
15. Everybody Wants to Rule the World / Songs From The Big Chair / Tears For Fears / 1985
Who knew a simple guitar riff would make or break a song? I’m guessing this is on many best of lists. It defined a generation and conquered the charts across the globe. This song has a very definitive strength, and despite its lyrical ambiguity it always feels familiar. No matter what age you are, this song is enjoyable. Like many on my list, this song is perfect for a long drive on the coast. It always seems to end too quickly, and that leaves me coming back for more.
14. On The Horizon / Reason / Melanie C / 2003
Want a song full of sunshine and pep? This is it. If I’m ever down and out, I just pop this on and I’m instantly relaxed. If the sun is blazing and I’m in my car while it’s playing, I’m cured. The brass really makes this what it is. If songs could smile, this one certainly would. It never loses steam as it plays on and I could easily listen for hours. Melanie really sounds at home here, full of joy and life.
13. Solitary Man / The Feel of Neil Diamond / Neil Diamond / 1966
This was Neil’s very first chart topper, and it’s my favorite song of his. It floors me that he wrote such an intuitive tune when he was still so young. His knowledge of human emotions has always exceeded many others and his frank expression is marvelous. The highlight is the bridge with the fantastic horn arrangement, but the acoustic guitar is great too. I can’t believe it took me so long to get into Neil, but being older has made me appreciate it so much more.
12. The Need To Be Naked (Guido Osorio’s Virgin Mix) / The Need To Be Naked (Maxi Single) / Amber / 2002
This is far from brilliant songwriting, but I totally enjoy it regardless. I’ve always loved this remix way more than the original album version. I initially heard this on a remix radio station, and had trouble finding it later. Once I snagged the single I was in musical bliss for a while. This remix is so sensually happy, I can’t even explain it. The chords are simple and there’s nothing groundbreaking about the other instrumentation. Still, I can’t help but crank this up whenever I hear it. I love that it's such a long mix. Fun and sexy at its best!
11. Hollywood (Oakenfold Full Remix) / Hollywood (Maxi Single) / Madonna / 2003
Another fabulous remix on my list, this has a contagious energy that makes you want to get up and go. Paul Oakenfold almost never disappoints and this is no exception. I can’t pick anything specific about this that turns me on: The whole thing seems to create an atmosphere all its own. There are subdued moments, intense highs and somber lows. Claps, piano melodies and lush choral effects take this to another level of remix brilliance.
19. Fantasy / Daydream / Mariah Carey / 1995
I counted down the days waiting for Mariah Carey’s Daydream to come out. I believe this was when Mariah shined best. Using a sample of Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love”, there’s just the right amount of new sounds to compliment the already great instrumentation. The radio stations loved it too and played it nonstop, which usually turns me off a song, but in this case it just made me love it more. The dreamlike opening pulls you in and by the time Mariah hits those high notes, you’re on board. What I love is the addictive sounds, beeps and blips constantly pulsing through the song, keeping you interested and really defining the obsession in the lyrics. I always felt the song ended too soon, but it’s what makes you want to listen to it over and over. This song was really the beginning of Mariah’s new era in which she gained more creative control.
Music Box was the very first CD I ever owned (actually, I stole it from my sister) and I memorized the whole album word for word, including every vocal improvisation Mariah did. This song in particular was in heavy rotation in my tape and CD player, and I think I drove my mom halfway to insanity with it. It’s a perfectly perky song using a sample from The Emotions’ “Blind Alley”. Like “Fantasy”, Mariah successfully leaves you wanting more when the song ends, hence the constant replays. There’s a bit of jazzy stylization here, which makes the song fun to sing. The organ is reminiscent of classic love songs and the very-recognizable electronic riff that carries throughout is the track’s trademark.
I stumbled on this track on YouTube one day. What a fantastic song! Natalie’s songs are always whimsical and refreshing. This is no exception. Besides the lazy drumbeat and Natalie’s angelic voice, what really makes this song shine is the airy instrumentation that sweeps throughout. Everything seems to echo around you: Turn it up real loud and you’ll know what I mean. I imagine this is what Heaven might sound like. Like Dido’s “Stoned”, this song has extremely somber lyrics about a failed relationship. In the end, Natalie sings of a new strength which seems to reflect in the music. It’s like a warm blanket that wraps you in to reveal a new beginning.
16. Bittersweet Symphony / Urban Hymns / The Verve / 1998
I watched Cruel Intentions just once on television, but that’s all it took to hook me on this song. As soon as it started, my hair stood up: What was that beautiful string melody? I later found out it was borrowed from the Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time”, but that didn’t make it any less awesome. I absolutely love this track: The lyrics are pure poetry. When you can listen to the same melody through a song over and over and it doesn’t feel repetitious, you know it’s good.
Who knew a simple guitar riff would make or break a song? I’m guessing this is on many best of lists. It defined a generation and conquered the charts across the globe. This song has a very definitive strength, and despite its lyrical ambiguity it always feels familiar. No matter what age you are, this song is enjoyable. Like many on my list, this song is perfect for a long drive on the coast. It always seems to end too quickly, and that leaves me coming back for more.
14. On The Horizon / Reason / Melanie C / 2003
Want a song full of sunshine and pep? This is it. If I’m ever down and out, I just pop this on and I’m instantly relaxed. If the sun is blazing and I’m in my car while it’s playing, I’m cured. The brass really makes this what it is. If songs could smile, this one certainly would. It never loses steam as it plays on and I could easily listen for hours. Melanie really sounds at home here, full of joy and life.
This was Neil’s very first chart topper, and it’s my favorite song of his. It floors me that he wrote such an intuitive tune when he was still so young. His knowledge of human emotions has always exceeded many others and his frank expression is marvelous. The highlight is the bridge with the fantastic horn arrangement, but the acoustic guitar is great too. I can’t believe it took me so long to get into Neil, but being older has made me appreciate it so much more.
12. The Need To Be Naked (Guido Osorio’s Virgin Mix) / The Need To Be Naked (Maxi Single) / Amber / 2002
This is far from brilliant songwriting, but I totally enjoy it regardless. I’ve always loved this remix way more than the original album version. I initially heard this on a remix radio station, and had trouble finding it later. Once I snagged the single I was in musical bliss for a while. This remix is so sensually happy, I can’t even explain it. The chords are simple and there’s nothing groundbreaking about the other instrumentation. Still, I can’t help but crank this up whenever I hear it. I love that it's such a long mix. Fun and sexy at its best!
Another fabulous remix on my list, this has a contagious energy that makes you want to get up and go. Paul Oakenfold almost never disappoints and this is no exception. I can’t pick anything specific about this that turns me on: The whole thing seems to create an atmosphere all its own. There are subdued moments, intense highs and somber lows. Claps, piano melodies and lush choral effects take this to another level of remix brilliance.
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