Tag Archives: hard rock

1983! Fire Up Your Roland TB-303 For the Year’s Top-12 Songs

This is a long one, but it’s only because we simply love this music. Our picks for the top-12 songs of 1983 include legendary new wave tracks, massive pop ballads, the early stages of Heartland Rock and two records that will come to define 1980s dance.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1983, plus tunes from 1982, ’81, ’79, ’78 and ’76 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on June 24, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1983 nominees (spoilers below; highlight to reveal):

  • “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” as performed by Eurythmics
    • Written by Annie Lennox and David Stewart; recorded summer 1982; released January 1983
  • “Sunday Bloody Sunday” as performed by U2
    • Written by U2; recorded fall 1982; released February 1983
  • “True” as performed by Spandau Ballet
    • Written by Gary Kemp; recorded fall 1982; released March 1983
  • “Blue Monday” as performed by New Order
    • Written by Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner; recorded late 1982; released March 1983
  • “Between the Sheets” as performed by The Isley Brothers
    • Written by Rudolph Isley, O’Kelly Isley Jr., Ronald Isley, Ernest Isley, Marvin Isley and Chris Jasper; recorded February 1983; released March 1983
  • “Blister in the Sun” as performed by Violent Femmes
    • Written by Gordon Gano; recorded July 1982; released April 1983
  • “Every Breath You Take” as performed by The Police
    • Written by Sting; recorded early 1983; released May 1983
  • “Naive Melody (This Must Be the Place)” as performed by Talking Heads
    • Written by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth; recorded late 1982; released June 1983
  • “Let the Music Play” as performed by Shannon
    • Written by Chris Barbosa and Ed Chisolm; recorded summer 1983; released September 1983
  • “Time After Time” as performed by Cyndi Lauper
    • Written by Cyndi Lauper and Rob Hyman; recorded June 1983; released October 1983
  • “Pink Houses” as performed by John Cougar Mellencamp
    • Written by John Mellencamp; recorded July 1983; released October 1983
  • “Jump” as performed by Van Halen
    • Written by Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth; recorded summer 1983; released December 1983

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on May 20, 2022 to find out the voting results, and May 22, 2022 for our discussion on 1983.

1982! As Synths Reign, Rap, Dance and Metal Take Big Steps Forward

We’ve reached the Year of the Synthesizer. It’s everywhere in 1982, from new wave-leaning rock to sleek R&B, and in every instance, it’s creating a new sound of pop. The digital age is fully in place, and Hall of Songs is here to chronicle all of it and select our top-12 songs of the year. 

But while keyboards and drum machines create the rhythms of some of the year’s biggest songs, a number of genres are making major moves toward the forefront. In this episode we’ll also hear metal, rap, dance hall and country.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1982, plus tunes from 1981, ’80, ’79, ’78, ’77 and ’76 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on May 20, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1982 nominees (spoilers below; highlight to reveal):

  • “Only You” as performed by Yazoo
    • Written by Vince Clarke; recorded January 1982; released March 1982
  • “Hallowed Be Thy Name” as performed by Iron Maiden
    • Written by Steve Harris; recorded January 1982; released March 1982
  • “Rosanna” as performed by Toto
    • Written by David Paich; recorded January 1982; released March 1982
  • “Planet Rock” as performed by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soulsonic Force
    • Written by Arthur Baker, John Robie, Soulsonic Force and Emcee G.L.O.B.E.; recorded 1981; released April 1982
  • “Amarillo By Morning” as performed by George Strait
    • Written by Paul Fraser and Terry Stafford; recorded April 1982; released June 1982
  • “Come on Eileen” as performed by Dexy’s Midnight Runners
    • Written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson and Billy Adams; recorded March 1982; released June 1982
  • “The Message” as performed by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
    • Written by Edward G. Fletcher, Melle Mel, Clifton Chase and Sylvia Robinson; recorded spring 1982; released July 1982
  • “Love My Way” as performed by The Psychedelic Furs
    • Written by John Ashton, Tim Butler, Richard Butler and Vince Ely; recorded April 1982; released July 1982
  • “Bam Bam” as performed by Sister Nancy
    • Written by Winston Riley and Ophlin Russell; recorded summer 1982; released summer 1982
  • “Mad World” as performed by Tears For Fears
    • Written by Roland Orzabal; recorded summer 1982; released September 1982
  • “Little Red Corvette” as performed by Prince
    • Written by Prince; recorded summer 1982; released October 1982
  • “Billie Jean” as performed by Michael Jackson
    • Written by Michael Jackson; recorded summer 1982; released November 1982

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on May 20, 2022 to find out the voting results, and May 22, 2022 for our discussion on 1983.

1981! Darkness! Choosing Our Top-12 Songs From This Wild Year

Welcome to 1981. It’s a year that marks some big changes in the music and pop culture landscape. For one, everything sounds so crystal clear and digital this year. Plus, “Ladies and gentlemen … rock ‘n’ roll.” MTV debuts and completely shifts everything, from how we look at music to what songs actually chart.

Tim and Chris talk about 1981 and pick their top-12 songs from the year that was. 

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1981, plus tunes from 1980, ’79, ’78, ’77 and ’76 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on May 6, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1981 nominees (spoilers below; highlight to reveal):

  • “Tom Sawyer” as performed by Rush
    • Written by Rush and Pye Dubois; recorded October 1980; released February 1981
  • “Bette Davis Eyes” as performed by Kim Carnes
    • Written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon; recorded December 1980; released March 1981
  • “Dancing With Myself” as performed by Billy Idol
    • Written by Billy Idol and Tony James; recorded 1980; released March 1981
  • “Super Freak” as performed by Rick James
    • Written by Rick James and Alonzo Miller; recorded December 1980; released April 1981
  • “Computer Love” as performed by Kraftwerk
    • Written by Ralf Hutter and Florian Schneider; recorded 1979-80; released May 1981
  • “Pull Up to the Bumper” as performed by Grace Jones
    • Written by Kookoo Baya, Grace Jones and Dana Mano; recorded 1980; released May 1981
  • “We Got the Beat” as performed by The Go-Go’s
    • Written by Charlotte Caffey; recorded late 1980; released July 1981
  • “I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)” as performed by Daryl Hall and John Oates
    • Written by Sara Allen, Daryl Hall and John Oates; recorded March 1981; released September 1981
  • “Controversy” as performed by Prince
    • Written by Prince; recorded August 1981; released October 1981
  • “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic” as performed by The Police
    • Written by Sting; recorded June 1981; released October 1981
  • “Don’t You Want Me” as performed by The Human League
    • Written by Jo Callis, Philip Oakey and Philip Adrian Wright; recorded summer 1981; released October 1981
  • “Under Pressure” as performed by Queen and David Bowie
    • Written by Roger Taylor, Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, John Deacon and Brian May; recorded July 1981; released October 1981

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on May 6, 2022 to find out the voting results, and May 8, 2022 for our discussion on 1982.

1980! Looking to a Synthesized Future with a New Decade

The ’80s. We did it! In this episode of Hall of Songs, we begin our journey through this turbulent decade by highlighting 12 songs that reflect the changing sound and landscape in popular music. We have old standbys like country, reggae, and arena-sized rock, but we also have more electronic-based songs from the likes of Talking Heads and Joy Division.

These are our picks for the top-12 songs of 1980. The songs join others already nominated for the Hall of Songs in our ballot.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1980, plus tunes from 1979, ’78, ’77 and ’76 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on April 22, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1980 nominees (spoilers below; highlight to reveal):

  • “He Stopped Loving Her Today” as performed by George Jones
    • Written by Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman; recorded fall 1979; released April 1980
  • “Breaking the Law” as performed by Judas Priest
    • Written by Rob Halford, KK Downing and Glenn Tipton; recorded January 1980; released April 1980
  • “I’m Coming Out” as performed by Diana Ross
    • Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers; recorded December 1979; released May 1980
  • “Could You Be Loved” as performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers
    • Written by Bob Marley; recorded early 1980; released June 1980
  • “Redemption Song” as performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers
    • Written by Bob Marley; recorded early 1980; released June 1980
  • “The Breaks” as performed by Kurtis Blow
    • Written by Kurtis Blow, Robert Ford Jr., James B Moore, Russell Simmons and Larry Smith; recorded spring 1980; released June 1980
  • “Love Will Tear Us Apart” as performed by Joy Division
    • Written by Ian Curtis, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Bernard Sumner; recorded March 1980; released June 1980
  • “You Shook Me All Night Long” as performed by AC/DC
    • Written by Angus Young, Malcolm Young and Brian Johnson; recorded April 1980; released July 1980
  • “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” as performed by Pat Benatar
    • Written by Eddie Schwartz; recorded spring 1980; released August 1980
  • “Once in a Lifetime” as performed by Talking Heads
    • Written by David Byrne, Brian Eno, Chris Frantz, Jerry Harrison and Tina Weymouth; recorded July 1980; released October 1980
  • “Romeo and Juliet” as performed by Dire Straits
    • Written by Mark Knopfler; recorded summer 1980; released October 1980
  • “Ace of Spades” as performed by Motörhead
    • Written by Eddie Clark, Lemmy and Phil Taylor; recorded August 1980; released October 1980

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on April 22, 2022 to find out the voting results, and April 24, 2022 for our discussion on 1981.

1979! Bad Times? Good Times? This Year, New Voices Emerge

Welcome to 1979, and in this episode of Hall of Songs, we find that the 1970s are over a year early. Synthesizers are taking over popular music, totally new sounds hit the airwaves, and darkness seeps into just about everything … even the cheery songs.

Here we pick our top-12 songs of 1979. Agree? Disagree? After listening, head to hallofsongs.com to vote for the best of the best. Our ’79 picks join picks from years past in the Hall of Songs ballot. Vote, and you’ll have a say into what’s considered the absolute greatest songs of all-time.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1979, plus tunes from 1978, ’77 and ’76 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on April 8, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1979 nominees:

  • “Pop Muzik” as performed by M
    • Written by Robin Scott; recorded fall 1978; released March 1979
  • “Good Times” as performed by Chic
    • Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers; recorded fall 1978; released June 1979
  • “My Sharona” as performed by The Knack
    • Written by Doug Fieger and Berton Averre; recorded April 1979; released June 1979
  • “Rock With You” as performed by Michael Jackson
    • Written by Rod Temperton; recorded early 1979; released August 1979
  • “Cars” as performed by Gary Numan
    • Written by Gary Numan; recorded summer 1979; released August 1979
  • “I Wanna Be Your Lover” as performed by Prince
    • Written by Prince; recorded spring 1979; released August 1979
  • “Typical Girls” as performed by The Slits
    • Written by Viv Albertine, Ariane Foster, Tessa Pollitt and Paloma Romero; recorded summer 1979; released September 1979
  • “Rapper’s Delight” as performed by The Sugarhill Gang
    • Written by Bernard Edwards, Nile Rodgers, Sylvia Robinson, Henry Jackson, Michael Wright, Guy O’Brien, Curtis Brown and William Hankshaw; recorded August 1979; released September 1979
  • “Message in a Bottle” as performed by The Police
    • Written by Sting; recorded February 1979; released September 1979
  • “Here Comes My Girl” as performed by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
    • Written by Tom Petty; recorded spring 1979; released October 1979
  • “Comfortably Numb” as performed by Pink Floyd
    • Written by David Gilmour and Roger Waters; recorded summer 1979; released November 1979
  • “London Calling” as performed by The Clash
    • Written by Joe Strummer and Mick Jones; recorded August 1979; released December 1979

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on April 8, 2022 to find out the voting results, and April 10, 2022 for our discussion on 1980.

1978! The Most Fun Episode of Hall of Songs Ever

We got a little bloated, a little overboard over the past few episodes of Hall of Songs. So, let’s clear the room and bring in the fun.

Submitted for your approval are our top-12 songs from 1978, a year where studio artistry was at an absolute peak, artists were crossing genres once again, and ultimately, the best songs were just plain fun. We have party jams, feel-good tunes, and rip-roaring rock. You’ll enjoy this one.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1978, plus tunes from 1977, ’76, ’71 and ’69 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now at hallofsongs.com and come back on March 25, 2022, to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1978 nominees:

  • “Wuthering Heights” as performed by Kate Bush
    • Written by Kate Bush; recorded summer 1977; released January 1978
  • “Rock Lobster” as performed by The B-52s
    • Written by Fred Schneider and Ricky Wilson; recorded February 1978; released April 1978
  • “Surrender” as performed by Cheap Trick
    • Written by Rick Nielsen; recorded late 1977; released April 1978
  • “Just What I Needed” as performed by The Cars
    • Written by Ric Ocasek; recorded February 1978; released May 1978
  • “Le Freak” as performed by Chic
    • Written by Bernard Edwards and Nile Rodgers; recorded January 1978; released August 1978
  • “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” as performed by Buzzcocks
    • Written by Pete Shelley; recorded August 1978; released August 1978
  • “Heart of Glass” as performed by Blondie
    • Written by Debbie Harry and Chris Stein; recorded June 1978; released September 1978
  • “Teenage Kicks” as performed by The Undertones
    • Written by John O’Neill; recorded June 1978; released October 1978
  • “I Will Survive” as performed by Gloria Gaynor
    • Written by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris; recorded summer 1978; released October 1978
  • “Don’t Stop Me Now” as performed by Queen
    • Written by Freddie Mercury; recorded August 1978; released November 1978
  • “September” as performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
    • Written by Maurice White, Al McKay and Allee Willis; recorded September 1978; released November 1978
  • “What a Fool Believes” as performed by The Doobie Brothers
    • Written by Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins; recorded August 1978; released December 1978

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on March 25, 2022 to find out the voting results, and March 27, 2022 for our discussion on 1979.

23rd Election Results! Do the Voters Give the People What They Want?

We at Hall of Songs have been bemusing over the recent lack of new songs entered into our very prestigious salon. Could the voters figure it out and come to some consensus once in a while? 

After discussing our picks for the top-12 songs of 1977, and then slotting them onto our ballot, we waited with baited breath to see if the voters would finally respond. In this episode, we get a clear answer. Find out if any songs have been elected to the Hall of Songs, joining the 48 already entered.

Listen by clicking above, and subscribe at Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Full results coming soon!

1977! The Year of Music Excess

Big productions, big statements, big hooks, and lots of style: 1977 is a year not be messed with.

Listen to the latest episode of Hall of Songs, in which Tim and Chris unveil their top-12 songs from 1977. We’ll talk more disco, more heavy guitar, more soft rock, experimental pop and rock and … well, just you wait.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1977, plus tunes from 1976, ’75, ’73, ’72, ’71 and ’69 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on March 11 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1977 nominees (spoilers below; highlight to reveal):

  • “Margaritaville” as performed by Jimmy Buffett
    • Written by Jimmy Buffett; recorded November 1976; released January 1977
  • “Dreams” as performed by Fleetwood Mac
    • Written by Stevie Nicks; recorded summer 1976; released February 1977
  • “Marquee Moon” as performed by Television
    • Written by Tom Verlaine; recorded September 1976; released April 1977
  • “I Feel Love” as performed by Donna Summer
    • Written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte; recorded late 1976; released May 1977
  • “Barracuda” as performed by Heart
    • Written by Ann Wilson, Roger Fisher, Nancy Wilson and Michael Derosier; recorded spring 1977; released May 1977
  • “Best of My Love” as performed by The Emotions
    • Written by Maurice White and Al McKay; recorded late 1976; released June 1977
  • “‘Heroes'” as performed by David Bowie
    • Written by David Bowie and Brian Eno; recorded summer 1977; released September 1977
  • “Deacon Blues” as performed by Steely Dan
    • Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen; recorded early 1977; released September 1977
  • “Mr. Blue Sky” as performed by Electric Light Orchestra
    • Written by Jeff Lynne; recorded summer 1977; released October 1977
  • “Stayin’ Alive” as performed by Bee Gees
    • Written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb; recorded summer 1977; released December 1977
  • “Flash Light” as performed by Parliament
    • Written by George Clinton, Bootsy Collins and Bernie Worrell; recorded 1977; released November 1977
  • “Lovely Day” as performed by Bill Withers
    • Written by Paul Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon and Glen Matlock; recorded 1977; released Decemebr 1977

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on March 11, 2022 to find out the voting results, and March 13, 2022 for our discussion on 1978.

22nd Election Results! We’re Hangin’ Down at Dino’s

Finally, the dam breaks as our 22nd Election for the Hall of Songs yields multiple inductees. 

Come along for a 30-minute ride as we discuss how the best songs of the early and mid 1970s fared in our most recent election. Among the nominees: “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Superstition,” “Dancing Queen” and “Don’t Leave Me This Way.” Also, yes, we’re heading to Dino’s Bar & Grill.

Listen by clicking above, and subscribe at Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

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Results here (spoilers!):

Let’s congratulate the following songs on making the Hall of Songs …

The Boys Are Back in Town / Thin Lizzy – 75% (1st round)
Born to Run / Bruce Springsteen – 68.75% (2nd round)
Wish You Were Here / Pink Floyd – 68.75% (2nd round)

Continuing to the next round of voting

Blitzkrieg Bop / The Ramones – 62.5% (1st round)
Sir Duke / Stevie Wonder – 62.5% (1st round)
Maggie May / Rod Stewart – 56.25% (2nd round)
Anarchy in the U.K. / Sex Pistols – 56.25% (1st round)
Dancing Queen / ABBA – 53.12% (1st round)
You Can’t Always Get What You Want / The Rolling Stones – 50% (6th round)
Free Bird / Lynyrd Skynyrd – 46.87% (4th round)
More Than a Feeling / Boston – 43.75% (1st round)
Superstition / Stevie Wonder – 43.75% (5th round)
Sweet Emotion / Aerosmith – 40.62% (2nd round)

Eliminated from the ballot

Jolene / Dolly Parton – 34.37% (4th round)
Don’t Leave Me This Way / Thelma Houston – 34.37% (1st round)
Thunder Road / Bruce Springsteen – 31.25% (2nd round)
Let’s Get It On / Marvin Gaye – 28.12% (4th round)
Here Comes the Sun / The Beatles – 25% (8th round)
Tangled Up in Blue / Bob Dylan – 25% (2nd round)
Lean on Me / Bill Withers -25% (5th round)
Cherry Bomb / The Runaways – 15.62% (1st round)
Lowdown / Boz Scaggs – 15.62%
Desperados Under the Eaves / Warren Zevon – 12.5%
As / Stevie Wonder – 12.5%
Love Hangover / Diana Ross – 9.37%

1976! A Wonder-Ful Year + Punk’s Big Boom and Peak Disco

A whole lot is happening in 1976 in music, and we at Hall of Songs are here to break it down.

We present our picks for the top-12 songs of a big year where disco peaks, punk breaks out, and Stevie Wonder reigns supreme. You’ll hear the ultimate in classic rock perfection along with the complete destruction of the pop formula.

After listening to Tim and Chris, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1976, plus tunes from 1975, ’73, ’72, ’71 and ’69 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on February 25 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1976 nominees:

  • “Love Hangover” as performed by Diana Ross
    • Written by Marilyn McLeod and Pamela Sawyer; recorded late 1975; released February 1976
  • “Lowdown” as performed by Boz Scaggs
    • Written by Boz Scaggs and David Paich; recorded September 1975; released February 1976
  • “Blitzkrieg Bop” as performed by The Ramones
    • Written by Tommy Ramone and Dee Dee Ramone; recorded February 1976; released February 1976
  • “The Boys Are Back in Town” as performed by Thin Lizzy
    • Written by Phil Lynott; recorded December 1975; released April 1976
  • “Desperados Under the Eaves” as performed by Warren Zevon
    • Written by Warren Zevon; recorded 1975; released May 1976
  • “Cherry Bomb” as performed by The Runaways
    • Written by Joan Jett and Kim Fowley; recorded 1976; released June 1976
  • “Dancing Queen” as performed by ABBA
    • Written by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson; recorded August 1975; released August 1976
  • “More Than a Feeling” as performed by Boston
    • Written by Tom Scholz; recorded early 1976; released August 1976
  • “Sir Duke” as performed by Stevie Wonder
    • Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded 1974-1976; released September 1976
  • “As” as performed by Stevie Wonder
    • Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded 1974; released September 1976
  • “Don’t Leave Me This Way” as performed by Thelma Houston
    • Written by Kenneth Gamble, Leon Huff and Cary Gilbert; recorded 1976; released October 1976
  • “Anarchy In the U.K.” as performed by Sex Pistols
    • Written by Paul Cook, Steve Jones, John Lydon and Glen Matlock; recorded October 1976; released November 1976

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down to vote. Then, come back on February 11, 2022 to find out the voting results, and February 13, 2022 for our discussion on 1976.