1. Behind Blue Eyes by The Who (1971)
Off the Album Who's Next, "Behind Blue Eyes" is a song that has gotten over looked due to songs like "Baba O'Reilly" and "Won't Get Fooled Again," from the same album. The song has a sad and angry build up until the instrumental breakthrough halfway in where it picks up. It's filled with lyrics that everyone can relate too with themes like vengeance, loneliness, and pain in regards to love, that are convicted powerfully by Roger Daltrey. It's a Who track some people might miss on a playlist, but one that I wouldn't want left out.
2. Nights in White Satin by The Moody Blues (1967)
Off the Album Days of Future Passed, this Moody Blues song is a song that can't be unheard. The Moody Blues are a band many people wouldn't know today, but they have a unique take on music. Their poetic, mystifying lyrics leave people with a haunted feeling, though it draws the listener in with every note. The use of a full orchestra along with the deep, eerie voice of Justin Hayward, show why the song should live through the ages.
3. Something by The Beatles (1969)
Off the ever famous album Abbey Road, "Something" is another song that might get overshadowed by songs like "Here Comes the Sun" and "Come Together." "Something" is a very simple, yet beautiful love song. It forces the listener to view love in it's simplest, purest form. This song is a famous song by the band, but one that I feel deserves more credit.
4. Scenes From an Italian Restaurant by Billy Joel (1977)
Off the album Stranger, this song by Billy Joel has a good reputation but is often not remembered in comparison to songs like "Uptown Girl" and the crowd pleasing "Piano Man". The song is a seven and half minute story split into three parts. With a slow piano beginning and conclusion about an Italian restaurant surrounding the story of the upbeat perplexing life of Brenda and Eddie. The song is a classic Billy Joel piano masterpiece with rises and falls that make the song a captivating listen every time.
5. Gimme Shelter by the Rolling Stones (1969)
Off the Album Let it Bleed, "Gimme Shelter" is a very famous Stones song. Probably my favorite song of theirs, it's unmissable guitar opening sets the stage for a darker song filled with angry lyrics that has a beat anyone could find mesmerizing. A current favorite, but one that should also continue to be for a long time.
6. Roundabout by Yes (1971)
Off the Album Fragile, "Roundabout" is the longest song on this list being over eight and a half minutes. The song is an instrumental treasure filled with confusing lyrics that just seem to be mindless enough to sing along too until the music takes control. Yes is a band often forgotten, but this lengthy musical anthem shows a new appreciation for music due to it's roller coaster of feelings and beats.
7. Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters by Elton John (1972)
Off the album Honky Chateau, this creative titled song describes scenes from New York City that make it sound pure and simple instead of it's normal hustle and bustle. A ballad less acknowledged than "Your Song" or "Tiny Dancer," the song is beautifully written and connects to the heart of any New Yorker. The song does a lot with the limited music and relies heavily on John's powerful voice.
8. People are Strange by the Doors (1967)
Off the album Strange Days, this Doors song perfectly captures the dark, mysterious personality that they try to display. With lyrics that talk about being strange and lonely it puts a new twist on music for it's time. In my opinion one of the best vocalists of all time, Jim Morrison connects the listeners to the song with his deep voice and conviction in his words. It's a song I feel that deserves to be better remembered.
9. Turn the Page by Bob Seger (1973)
Off the album Back in '72, "Turn the Page" has a hypnotizing quality to it, exemplified by the initial saxophone solo. It's one of Seger's most famous songs, but it's deserved because of it's poetic and metaphorical nature. The literal story aspect of the song leaves the listener wanting more with it's jazzy feel and it's steady beat that only gains momentum at the very end with the sole rise of Seger's powerful voice.
10. Have You Ever Seen the Rain by Creedence Clearwater Revivial (1970)
Off the album Pendulum, "Have You Seen the Rain" deserves to be on this list because although it was popular at the time it hasn't been remembered. It has an unforgettable chorus with a rough and gritty conviction of the lyrics. It's a simple song, with a clear message and catchy beat. The rhetorical questions presented by the title leave the audience with a need to listen making it worthy of a classic.
