Modern Songs Ep. 8: Harry Styles & Smash-Hit ‘As It Was’ + Kanye West, Maggie Rogers, Orville Peck and More

Harry Styles has finally given 2022 its big pop smash. On this episode of Modern Songs, Tim and Chris talk about “As It Was,” the first song to come out of Styles’ forthcoming album “Harry’s House.” Spoiler: They like it. Then, they talk some Kanye by going deep into “Black Skinhead,” a song from his 2013 album “Yeezus.” Following that, Tim and Chris discuss some recent favorites, including music by Orville Peck and Maggie Rogers.

Modern Songs is a podcast devoted to the discovery of new music and the discussion of the greatest songs of the last 15 years.

Modern Songs Ep. 7: The Ascent of Wet Leg + Looking Back at HAIM’s ‘The Wire’

Everyone is talking about Wet Leg, the duo out of the Isle of Wight whose witty, ribald brand of punk and power pop took music lovers by storm over the last several months. On this episode of Modern Songs we join the conversation and talk specifically about “Ur Mum” from the new self-titled album. Plus, we’ll go back nine years to discuss another all-female rock band, HAIM, and its sensational “The Wire.”

Modern Songs is a podcast devoted to the discovery of new music and the discussion of the greatest songs of the last 15 years.

25th Election Results! We’re Numb After This Outcome

Did any songs join the 48 already inducted into the Hall of Songs? Chris and Tim go over the results of the latest election, in which songs from 1976 to ’79 battled against one another. Find out how the voters (you) voted, and listen to an impassioned plea by one of our hosts. You’ll never guess which one.

Songs by artists including Bill Withers; Chic; Blondie; Pink Floyd; The Cars; The Clash; and The Police – among others – are vying for Hall of Songs supremacy. Find out here how the voting shook out.

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

Full results coming soon!

24th Election Results! Let’s Add Some Drama to This Induction Ceremony

In this episode recapping our most recent voter election for the Hall of Songs, Chris asks Tim to make it a little more dramatic. Does it pay off? Did any songs make our prestigious hall of fame for songs, and if so, did more than one? 

Songs by artists including Bill Withers; Queen; Earth, Wind & Fire; Stevie Wonder; and the Ramones – among others – are vying for Hall of Songs supremacy. Find out here how the voting shook out.

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

Full results coming soon!

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.

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.

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.

1975! Bruce, Bohemians, and the Return of Bob

For some, 1975 is a banner year for music. 

It’s the year artists grasp the full capability of the studio recording with monumental tracks like “Born to Run” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It’s also the year the dance floor heats up with disco standouts from KC & The Sunshine Band and Donna Summer. 

Plus, a familiar face returns with a terrific album, and a new face emerges from the New York streets.

Join Tim and Chris is they discuss this great year, unveiling their top-12 songs from 1975.  Then, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1975, plus tunes from 1974, ’73, ’72, ’71, ’70 and ’69 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on February 11 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1975 nominees:

  • “Tangled Up in Blue” as performed by Bob Dylan
    • Written by Bob Dylan; recorded December 1974; released January 1975
  • “Shining Star” as performed by Earth, Wind & Fire
    • Written by Maurice White, Larry Dunn and Philip Bailey; recorded September 1974; released January 1975
  • “Get Down Tonight” as performed by KC and the Sunshine Band
    • Written by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch; recorded late 1974; released February 1975
  • “I’m Not in Love” as performed by 10cc
    • Written by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman; recorded late 1974; released March 1975
  • “Sweet Emotion” as performed by Aerosmith
    • Written by Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton; recorded March 1975; released April 1975
  • “Thunder Road” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
    • Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded July 1975; released August 1975
  • “Born to Run'” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
    • Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded August 1974; released August 1975
  • “Love to Love You Baby” as performed by Donna Summer
    • Written by Donna Summer, Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte; recorded June 1975; released August 1975
  • “Wish You Were Here” as performed by Pink Floyd
    • Written by Roger Waters and David Gilmour; recorded early 1975; released September 1975
  • “Crazy on You” as performed by Heart
    • Written by Ann Wilson and Nancy Wilson; recorded August 1975; released September 1975
  • “Bohemian Rhapsody” as performed by Queen
    • Written by Freddie Mercury; recorded August 1975; released October 1975
  • “Gloria” as performed by Patti Smith
    • Written by Patti Smith and Van Morrison; recorded September 1975; released November 1975

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.

1974 Hall of Songs Nominees: Welcome the Future of Popular Music

If there’s a word that describes the music of 1974, it’s “influential.” 

Some of the year’s best songs, which Tim and Chris have nominated for the Hall of Songs, are among the most important ever written. In this episode we talk about the roots of electronic music and modern dance pop, plus styles that weren’t fully embraced for another generation or two.

After listening to our nominees, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1974, plus tunes from 1973, ’72, ’71, ’70, ’69 and ’67 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on January 28 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1974 nominees:

  • “Help Me” as performed by Joni Mitchell
    • Written by Joni Mitchell; recorded late 1973; released January 1974
  • “Return of the Grievous Angel” as performed by Gram Parsons
    • Written by Gram Parsons; recorded summer 1973; released January 1974
  • “September Gurls” as performed by Big Star
    • Written by Alex Chilton; recorded fall 1973; released February 1974
  • “Rikki, Don’t Lose That Number” as performed by Steely Dan
    • Written by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen; recorded fall 1973; released February 1974
  • “Waterloo” as performed by ABBA
    • Written by Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson; recorded December 1973; released February 1974
  • “Rock Your Baby” as performed by George McCrae
    • Written by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch; recorded late 1973; released June 1974
  • “You Haven’t Done Nothin'” as performed by Stevie Wonder
    • Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded late 1973; released July 1974
  • “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” as performed by Barry White
    • Written by Barry White, Peter Radcliffe and Tony Sepe; recorded early 1974; released August 1974
  • “Cat’s in the Cradle” as performed by Harry Chapin
    • Written by Harry Chapin and Sandra Chapin; recorded late 1973; released August 1974
  • “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” as performed by Bachman-Turner Overdrive
    • Written by Randy Bachman; recorded early 1974; released September 1974
  • “Fire” as performed by Ohio Players
    • Written by Billy Beck, Leroy Bonner, Marshall Jones, Ralph Middlebrooks, Marvin Pierce, Clarence Satchell and James Williams; recorded summer 1974; released November 1974
  • “Autobahn” as performed by Kraftwerk
    • Written byRalf Hutter, Florian Schneider and Emil Schult; recorded summer 1974; released November 1974

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on January 28, 2021 to find out the voting results, and January 30, 2022 for our discussion on 1975.

1973 Hall of Songs Nominees: The Beginnings of Punk, Disco, and Bruce

On Hall of Songs, the 1970s have truly arrived. 

Tim and Chris unveil their picks for the 12 best tunes of 1973, a wild year where musicians continue to stretch the limits of popular song. There’s the sneering punk of the New York Dolls and the lush dancefloor proto-disco of “TSOP.” Then there are massive stars who will come to define the decade: Elton John, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Dolly Parton, and Bruce Springsteen.

After listening to our nominees, VOTE for the greatest songs of all time! Songs from 1973, plus tunes from 1972, ’71, ’70, ’69, ’68 and ’67 are up for a shot to make the Hall of Songs! Vote now and come back on December 17 to find out which song or songs get in!

Our 1973 nominees:

  • “Dixie Chicken” as performed by Little Feat
    • Written by Lowell George and Fred Martin; recorded late 1972; released January 1973
  • “Ooh La La” as performed by Faces
    • Written by Ronnie Lane and Ronnie Wood; recorded January 1973; released March 1973
  • “Let’s Get It On” as performed by Marvin Gaye
    • Written by Marvin Gaye and Ed Townsend; recorded March 1973; released June 1973
  • “I Can’t Stand the Rain” as performed by Ann Peebles
    • Written by Ann Peebles, Don Bryant and Bernard Miller; recorded spring 1973; released July 1973
  • “Personality Crisis” as performed by New York Dolls
    • Written by David Johansen and Johnny Thunders; recorded April 1973; released July 1973
  • “Midnight Train to Georgia” as performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips
    • Written by Jim Weatherly; recorded summer 1973; released August 1973
  • “Living For the City” as performed by Stevie Wonder
    • Written by Stevie Wonder; recorded spring 1973; released August 1973
  • “Free Bird” as performed by Lynyrd Skynyrd
    • Written by Allen Collins and Ronnie Van Zant; recorded April 1973; released August 1973
  • “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” as performed by Elton John
    • Written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin; recorded May 1973; released September 1973
  • “Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)” as performed by Bruce Springsteen
    • Written by Bruce Springsteen; recorded summer 1973; released September 1973
  • “Jolene” as performed by Dolly Parton
    • Written by Dolly Parton; recorded May 1973; released October 1973
  • “TSOP (The Sound of Philadelphia)” as performed by MFSB
    • Written by Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff; recorded summer 1973; released late 1973

Listen to the full episode for more, and then vote for the songs that you think are the greatest of all-time. Scroll down or click here to vote. Then, come back on December 31, 2021 to find out the voting results, and January 2, 2022 for our discussion on 1974.