992. Californication by the Red Hot Chili Peppers (2000)

A lot of pop culture references in this one. The RHCP reference David Bowie, Kurt Cobain, Star Wars, Star Trek, the moon landing conspiracy theory, and Dorothy Stratten. It also examines the dark side of Hollywood with references to porn, fake boobs, plastic surgery, and the self destructive nature of many artists.

Best Line: Destruction leads to a very rough road but it also breeds creation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFMLARtqxCY

Love The Way You Lie by Eminem ft. Rhianna

#1 this week. Rhianna is soooo overrated. She can't sing, but her handlers know what to throw her way. The song title is appropriate. The Beatles outsold everyone in the last decade. After announcing this, the industry decided they needed a contemporary act to be #1 for appearances. So, they came back later and announced Eminem was the top selling artist of the 2000s.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46eac7tmXVg

993. Fields of Gold by Sting (1993)

This song is about romance, marriage, commitment, and death. It has an almost medieval feel to it. However, the general themes are universal and timeless.

Best Line: You'll remember me when the west wind moves

Upon the fields of barley
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxVH-5D6c-k&feature=avmsc2

994. Don't Worry Baby by The Beach Boys (1964)

Brian Wilson tried to capture the Ronettes "Be My Baby" on his own. This was the B-side to "I Get Around" making it one of the best releases ever. John Lennon and Garbage later borrowed from it.

Best Line: But I can't back down now because

I pushed the other guys too far

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QCZ_bv9aLc

995. Let's Get Rocked by Def Leppard (1992)

This one is for fun. Based in part on Bart Simpson! 18 years later, Bart is still on the air. The song marked Def Lep's first new album in 5 years and provided a counterpoint to Grunge which was taking over by this point.

Best line: I'm your average, ordinary, everyday kid,

Happy to do nothin'

In fact that's what I did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ygiTv7tEYm0

996. Juke Box Hero by Foreigner (1981)

Thirty years ago, Foreigner was huge. I was in elementary school. I no longer listen to Foreigner, but I do still like this one. Here's an ode to the early 80s...

Best Line: Thought he passed his own shadow, by the backstage door

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5_qhnWByA4

997. It's All Been Done by Barenaked Ladies (1999)

Reincarnation meets boredom? It's all been done seems to imply boredom while the references to Rome, the old west, and the 30th century indicate both continuity and reincarnation since the song's protagonist chats with a friend down through the ages.

Best Line: Alone and bored on a thirtieth century night, will I see you on the Price is Right?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs3xXlXSOKk&feature=fvw

998. Since You Been Gone by Rainbow (1979)

This was actually turned into a House song. It has also been covered by The Brian May band. Interestingly, Rainbow's version is a cover of Russ Ballard.

Best Line: Your poison letter, your telegram

Just goes to show you don't give a damn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYtdW5bD-7Q

999. Perfect Strangers by Deep Purple (1985)

A relationship falls apart, so the two people need to remain perfect strangers. It's a lonely song filled with a Zeppelin-like riff and mystic feel.

Best Line: I am the echo of your past.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ_kez7WVUU

1000. Stay (Faraway, So Close) by U2 (1993)

Frank Sinatra inspired U2 to write "Stay." Edge provides great backing vocals and the video was shot in Berlin. It's perhaps the most underrated U2 song. Personally, it takes me back to my old college apartment.

Best Line: Red Lights, gray morning, You stumble out of a hole in the ground.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2EW9RM2LGA&feature=fvw

1001. Gloria by Them (1964)

Written by Van Morrison, Gloria is the best example of Garage Rock ever. I always wondered if Gloria was a hooker because she always showed at midnight.

Best Line: G-L-O-R-I-A (Gloria!) G-L-O-R-I-A (Gloria!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTemzJvbErY

1002. He Stopped Loving Her Today by George Jones (1980)

Many consider this the greatest country song ever. Even after she cheated on the main character, he did not stop loving her....until he died! At least she attended the funeral. Does not get more country than that.

Best line: You know she came to see him one last time
Oh and we all wondered if she would
And it kept running through my mind
This time he's over her for good

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp5Rdb9ncfM

RS Mag Top 500 Songs #1-10

1. Like a Rolling Stone: Bob Dylan- Musically and lyrically different than anything before it. Everyone has been trying to copy it ever since.

2. Satisfaction: The Rolling Stones- The greatest pure rock song ever.

3. Imagine: John Lennon- Lady Gaga recently played the white piano which caused a major ruckus and people cried blasphemy!

4. What’s Going On?: Marvin Gaye- Gaye was tired of the Motown grind and changed it up with a socially conscious song which both spoke to the times, but also his personal life.

5. Respect: Aretha Franklin- The message combined with Aretha’s vocals made this a powerhouse.

6. Good Vibrations: The Beach Boys- Nothing sounded like this.

7. Johnny B. Goode: Chuck Berry- The second greatest pure rock song ever…

8. Hey Jude: The Beatles- The Beatles biggest hit. Amazing considering it’s over 7 minutes long.

9. Smells Like Teen Spirit: Nirvana- No one saw this coming…

10. What I’d Say: Ray Charles- Charles wrote this on stage in front of an audience.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #11-20

11. My Generation: The Who- Hope I die before I get old. How this is not in the top 10 is beyond me, but it’s close!

12. A Change is Gonna Come: Sam Cooke- Cooke was shot and killed in a Los Angeles hotel. He was chasing a white woman that stole his clothes. This song was released two weeks later. It is about the day when black Americans would be equal. It became a civil rights anthem.

13. Yesterday: The Beatles- If there is a perfect song, this is it.

14. Blowin’ in the Wind: Bob Dylan- Dylan’s first important work.

15. London Calling: The Clash- The whole album was post industrial/post apocalyptic.

16. I Want to Hold Your Hand: The Beatles- and Beatlemania was born.

17. Purple Haze: Jimi Hendrix- Originally the lyrics read Purple Haze, Jesus Saves.

18. Maybellene: Chuck Berry- Alan Freed played this over and over and over. This signaled the beginning of the rock era.

19. Hound Dog: Elvis Presley- Elvis redid Big Mama’s Thornton’s song, and changed some of the lyrics, and a musical revolution took off.

20. Let it Be: The Beatles- John had problems with the religious reference, but Mother Mary was Paul’s mom and not Mary of Mary mother of Jesus fame.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #21-30

21. Born to Run: Bruce Springsteen- Kind of describes Springsteen’s career by this point. People looking for one last chance at glory.

22. Be My Baby: The Ronettes- The greatest example of the Wall of Sound. It was a musical “Rosetta Stone.”

23. In My Life: The Beatles- The Beatles move from pop band to artists at this moment.

24. People Get Ready: The Impressions- Great whether done by the Impressions, Curtis Mayfield solo, or Jeff Beck.

25. God Only Knows: The Beach Boys- Hard to top Brian Wilson on the top of his game.

26. (Sitting on) The Dock of the Bay: Otis Redding- Both laid back and manic.

27. Layla: Derek and the Dominoes- Clapton in pain means good musical results!

28. A Day in the Life: The Beatles- IMO the greatest song ever made. George Martin took two separate songs and spliced them together while adding an orchestra!

29. Help!: The Beatles- John wrote this as a response to Beatlemania. He felt overwhelmed.

30. I Walk the Line: Johnny Cash- Dylan called this a “voice from middle Earth.” Cash’s demo tape got mangled, but he liked the sound and kept it. He then added wax paper to his guitar for an original sound. When you think of guitar innovation, Cash is not the first person to come to mind.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #31-50

31. Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin- Stairway begins in the middle ages and contains words inspired by a book about Celtic Britain and then transforms into a stadium rock epic as it continually builds to its crescendo 8 minutes later.

32. Sympathy for the Devil: The Rolling Stones- Anastasia did scream in vain…Mick was right!

33. River Deep-Mountain High: Ike and Tina Turner- Overrated if you ask me…

34. You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling: The Righteous Brothers- You can tell this is a Phil Spector produced song about 1 note into it…

35. Light My Fire: The Doors- This made the Doors stars, but they had to cut the 7 minute song down to 3.

36. One: U2- U2 drops their 80s self righteousness for irony. Written as the band was falling apart…it helped bring them back together.

37. No Woman, No Cry: Bob Marley- Probably the greatest Reggae song of all time.

38. Gimme Shelter: The Rolling Stones- Rape, Murder…it’s just a shot away. Allegedly inspired by rioting in the U.S.

39. That’ll Be the Day: Buddy Holly- Inspired by a John Wayne phrase in The Searchers,

40. Dancing in the Street: Martha and the Vandellas- Wonder what Martha is doing now?

41. The Weight: The Band- Robbie Robertson wrote about the impossibility of sainthood.

42. Waterloo Sunset: The Kinks- Not about Napoleon; it’s about a guy that does not feel he needs friends.

43. Tutti-Frutti: Little Richard- Always thought this was about a sandwich or ice cream or something.

44. Georgia on my Mind: Ray Charles- A cab driver convinced Charles to record this.

45. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis Presley- a song about suicide?

46. Heroes: David Bowie- Bowie opened the 911 tribute concert with this.

47. All Along the Watch Tower: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- and Hendrix made it howl…

48. Bridge Over Troubled Water: Simon and Garfunkel- Friendship done at an epic level.

49. Hotel California: The Eagles- The Eagles take on Los Angeles hedonism.

50. The Tracks of My Tears: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles- Pete Townsend was inspired to write “Substitute” after hearing this song.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #51-60

51. The Message: Grandmaster Flash- The first time I heard this was in the early 80s on MTV. I laughed uncontrollably. Almost 30 years later, the joke’s on me!

52. When Doves Cry: Prince- This song defines 1984 for me.

53. When a Man Loves a Woman: Percy Sledge- In Michael Bolton’s case, When a man needs a hit song (stole that from the old Living Colour TV show).

54. Louie Louie: The Kingsmen- What are they saying??

55. Long Tall Sally: Little Richard- Little Richard is awesomeness.

56. Anarchy in the U.K.- The Sex Pistols- I am the anti-christ..I am an anti-christ…

57. White Shade of Pale: Procol Harem- They combined classical music with rock n roll.

58. Billie Jean: Michael Jackson- Established Michael as a Super Super Super star and set the template for 80s culture, fashion, and got blacks on MTV leading to the hip hop revolution.

59. The Times They Are a Changin’: Bob Dylan- Dylan picked up the vibe before most people did. A defining song of the period.

60. Let’s Stay Together: Al Green- Amazing how popular this song was. Even made the Pulp Fiction soundtrack.

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #61-70

61. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On: Jerry Lee Lewis- The single flopped four times before Lewis got a hold of it. He added piano and energy and it became a smash.

62. Bo Diddley: Bo Diddley- Very influential beat. You can hear it in hundreds of songs.

63. For What It’s Worth: Buffalo Springfield- They predicted the clash between authorities and anarchy that accentuated the late 60s.

64. She Loves You: The Beatles- Initially panned by America, it made a comeback after Beatlemania began.

65. Sunshine of Your Love: Cream- What a riff.

66. Redemption Song: Bob Marley- Inspired by Marcus Garvey who was a bit of a clown.

67. Jailhouse Rock: Elvis Presley- Some lyrics that elude to big gay prison love.

68. Tangled Up in Blue: Bob Dylan- Great lyrics, great song.

69. Crying: Roy Orbison- Some of the best vocals ever!

70. Walk On By: Dionne Warwick- and call the psychic friends network!

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #71-80

71. Papas a Brand New Bag: James Brown- Considered the first funk hit.

72. California Girls: The Beach Boys- Not to be confused with Katy Perry crap.

73. Superstition: Stevie Wonder- IMO his best work. Jeff Beck on guitar.

74. Summertime Blues: Eddie Cochrane- The ultimate teen summer anthem. Later covered by the Who.

75. Whole Lotta Love: Led Zeppelin- Robert Plant’s lyrics paid homage to old blues legends…and  the band in court ended up in court until 1985.

76. Strawberry Fields Forever: The Beatles- John looks at his childhood.

77. Mystery Train: Elvis Presley- This song was 2 years old when Elvis did it. It sounds like it came out of the thirties.

78. I Feel Good: James Brown- Brown performed the song in a Frankie Avalon movie--very strange.

79. Mr. Tambourine Man: The Byrds- When the Beatles meet Dylan, you get the Byrds.

80. You Really Got Me: The Kinks- James Hetfield later claimed Metallica got schooled by Ray Davies

Rolling Stone Mag's Top 500 Songs #81-90

81. I Heard it Through the Grapevine: Marvin Gaye- Revolutionary in it’s use of dark tempo. When the first chords are struck, the listener knows something sinister is afoot.

82. Blueberry Hill: Fats Domino- Someone call Richie Cunningham!

83. Norwegian Wood: The Beatles- Revolutionary song. Listen to George’s sitar. John cleverly wrote about an affair he had in a way that hid it from his wife. Oops.

84. Every Breath You Take: The Police- The greatest dark stalker song ever…and no one knows it!

85. Crazy: Patsy Cline- A song about congress and spending! (j/k)

86. Thunder Road: Bruce Springsteen- Captures the hope and hopelessness of the 70s.

87. Ring of Fire: Johnny Cash- Long after this song came out, Cash actually burned down a forest.

88. My Girl: Temptations- Made a comeback in the 80s. They closed out Live Aid. To me, that is mind boggling.

89. California Dreamin’: The Mamas and the Papas- One of the best songs about longing, this helps define a very brief moment in the 1960s.

90. In The Still of the Night: The Five Satins- For me, this defines the fifties.

Rolling Stone Mag's Top 500 Songs #91-100

91. Suspicious Minds: Elvis Presley- The king makes a comeback.

92. Blitzkrieg Bop: The Ramones- Established the blueprint for punk.

93. I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For: U2- A reaction to materialism.

94. Good Golly Miss Molly: Little Richard- Another song that slipped by the censors back in the 50s.

95. Blue Suede Shoes: Carl Perkins- The title came from Johnny Cash, the song is so good that is made the top 500 twice (Elvis at #430).

96. Great Balls of Fire: Jerry Lee Lewis- blasphemy to his relatives…song about lust.

97. Roll Over Beethoven: Chuck Berry- Covered by the Beach Boys and Beatles…

98. Love and Happiness: Al Green- Green geared this tune for his audience which was mostly female.

99. Fortunate Son: Creedence Clearwater Revival- Song is about rich people that plan wars and send the poor to fight them.

100. Crazy: Gnarls Barkley- I have no idea why this is here…

RS Mag's Top 500 Songs #101-115

101. You Can’t Always Get What You Want: Rolling Stones- But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.

102. Voodoo Child: The Jimi Hendrix Experience- Where have you gone Joel Zumaya?

103. Be Bop A Lu-La: Gene Vincent- The record company was looking for another Elvis and came up with Vincent. He lost his leg in a motorcycle accident and came up with this echo-y hit.

104. Hot Stuff: Donna Summer- When disco met rock.

105. Living for the City: Stevie Wonder- A depressing 7 minute manifesto on urban life.

106. The Boxer: Simon and Garfunkel- The character in the song can’t find a job, a home, or love. So, he hangs with the whores.

107. Mr. Tambourine Man: Bob Dylan- Later covered by the Byrds and William Shatner.

108. Not Fade Away: Buddy Holly- Huge influence on the British Invasion.

109. Little Red Corvette: Prince- What is he singing about here? Hmmmm…

110. Brown Eyed Girl: Van Morrison- One of the great fillers ever…Sha-la-la…

111. I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (Too Stop): Otis Redding- Redding’s first hit.

112. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry: Hank Williams- Anyone sound sadder than Hank Sr.?

113. That’s All Right: Elvis Presley- Some consider this the first rock song.

114. Up On The Roof: The Drifters- Later covered by former lead singer Ben E. King.

115. You Send Me: Sam Cooke- This might be the best pop song ever.

RS Magazine's Top 500 Songs #116-140

116. Honkey Tonk Women: The Rolling Stones- Nothing screams strip club like Honkey Tonk Women.

117. Take Me To The River: Al Green- Later covered by the Talking Heads

118. Crazy in Love: Bouncy- Broke Bouncy as a superstar

119. Shout: The Isley Brothers- Pistons games in the late 80s played this.

120. Go Your Own Way: Fleetwood Mac- Song defines a generation. The first one to witness a 50% divorce rate and the disillusionment of the 70s.

121. I Want You Back: Jackson 5- Opened Motown to funk.

122. Stand By Me: Ben E. King- This song was played on my HS bus every day when I was in the 10th grade.

123. The House of the Rising Sun: The Animals- One of the all time riffs…reminds me of Casino nowadays.

124. It’s a Man….World: James Brown- James Brown telling the sisters!

125. Jumpin’ Jack Flash: The Rolling Stones- Here’s another I thought would be top 100.

126. Will You Love Me Tomorrow: The Shirelles- A bit risqué for the time. Shows that being clever is better than being blunt.

127. Shake, Rattle, and Roll: Big Joe Turner- Raunchy lyrics changed for the Bill Haley version.

128. Changes: David Bowie- The song defines youth…and Bowie himself.

129. Rock and Roll Music: Chuck Berry- One of the all-time classics.

130. Born to Be Wild: Steppenwolf- Easy Rider!

131. Maggie May: Rod Stewart- Over rated!

132. With or Without You: U2- I thought this might have kicked off the Top 100. Guess I was wrong…not that U2 is underrepresented here. They have 8 songs in the top 500.

133. Who Do You Love?: Bo Diddley- People probably know the George Thorogood version better. Also covered by the Doors.

134. Won’t Get Fooled Again: The Who- Pete Townsend ripping on his own generation.

135. In the Midnight Hour: Wilson Pickett- They pushed the second beat and held back the 4th making this quite unique. Of course, it would have been unique with Pickett anyway.

136. While My Guitar Gently Weeps: The Beatles- with Clapton on guitar…George brought him in hoping he could get the lads to behave.

137. Your Song: Elton John: John Lennon loved this song.

138. Eleanor Rigby: The Beatles- We reviewed this song and its meaning in 8th grade English.

139. Family Affair: Sly and the Family Stone- Sly got in trouble with the Black Panthers for having whites in his group. He told them to deal with it.

140. I Saw Her Standing There: The Beatles- Nowadays, when Paul sings the opening line, it’s a bit creepy.

Rolling Stone Mag Top 500 Songs #141-150

141. Kashmir: Led Zeppelin- Robert Plant may be the only person that could have come up with lyrics to this. His band mates added the eastern music.

142. All I Have to Do Is Dream: The Everly Brothers- They later joined the marines.

143. Please, Please, Please: James Brown- Recorded in the 50s before he was Soul Brother #1.

144. Purple Rain: Prince- Prince attempted to copy Bob Seger and came up with Purple Rain.

145. I Wanna Be Sedated: The Ramones- It’s about how the road sucks.

146. Everyday People: Sly and the Family Stone- It is frightening how talented Sly was.

147. Rock Lobster: The B-52s: Now this is unique…and it still is.

148. Me and Bobby McGee: Janis Joplin- Should be in the top 100 with room to spare.

149. Lust for Life: Iggy Pop- about living a debaucherus lifestyle.

150. Cathy’s Clown: The Everly Brothers- Hard to picture the brothers as marines.