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What Are Your “Five”?
This is an experiment. And I hope you’ll join in.
At this point in life, I’d venture to guess that you’ve absorbed a lot of music. A LOT. Look at your vinyl collection. I’ll wait…
Those albums, CDs, cassettes (yes, I still have mine), and maybe even a few 8-tracks have been the soundtrack to a Life. High school, college, first jobs, friends, relationships, marriage, divorce, adventures, all kinds of changes.
Among your music collection, there are certain albums that remain a go-to. They’re the equivalent of comfort food, the ones that never disappoint. The music that brings back memories and speaks to your soul, even years after first hearing it.
Now let’s extrapolate further. The songs. Which ones are your go-to?
Late-night host Stephen Colbert does a bit with his guests called “The Colbert Questionnaire.” It’s a thought experiment. One of the questions he asks is, “You only get to listen to one song for the rest of your life. What is it?”
I’ll give you more choices than that. What are the FIVE songs (just five, or we’ll be here all day) that you turn to again and again?
- What are the ones that hit you in “the feels?”
- What are the ones that get you through a bad day or challenging life event?
- What are the ones that never fail to get you dancing, crying, singing, laughing?
- What songs have certain musical elements that you appreciate?
Granted, your list may change over time, but as of today, what are your FIVE?
Just to get this party started, I’ll share mine. Share yours in the comments; let’s explore the generational playlist that we’ve collectively curated.
Can’t Find My Way Home (Blind Faith, 1969)
The lyrics are mysterious, the music even more. Steve Winwood’s ethereal voice just takes me…somewhere.
People’s Parties (Court and Spark, 1974)
Joni is my Spirit Animal. This song speaks to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider.
Here Comes the Sun (Abbey Road, 1969)
When it comes to the Beatles, I’ve always been Team George. The structure of the song, the hopeful lyrics, the gorgeous guitar licks. It’s a shot of spiritual serotonin.
Heard it Through the Grapevine (Everybody Needs Love, 1967)
Yes, Marvin’s version is great, but I’ve always preferred the funkier arrangement by Gladys Knight and The Pips. I could be in a coma, and some part of me would move when this song comes on.
When the Whip Comes Down (Some Girls, 1978)
So many Stones, so little time. But this one never fails to get me moving. As always, Keef does a lot with minimal chords.
OK, it’s your turn. Share your “Five” and why they matter to you.
-Cindy Grogan
Photo: Pexels
I’d really, really have to think of this to come up with a Top 5 all time. Probably some John Prine in there.
I recently discovered ‘Anything Can Happen’ by The Clean and ‘The Ballad of Jim Jones’ by The Brian Jonestown Massacre’ and those have been get-in-gear songs lately.
You know it depends on the day, night, hell, moment.
These five for this split-second in time…
*Let it Be-The Beatles
*Already Gone-The Eagles
*Don’t Go Back to Rockville-R.E.M.
*Make Love Stay-Dan Fogelberg
*Country Road-James Taylor
Hey Jude-The Beatles
This Time Baby’s Gone for Good-Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes
Let’s Get Married-Al Green
Don’t Worry Baby-Beach Boys
Guardian Angel-Mink DeVille
Breezin’. George Benson
In My Life. The Beatles
Just Dropped In. Kenny Rogers & 1st Edition
Sweet Caroline. Neil Diamond
The Summer Wind. Frank Sinatra
Breezin’. George Benson
In My Life. The Beatles
Just Dropped In. Kenny Rogers & 1st Edition
Sweet Caroline. Neil Diamond
The Summer Wind. Frank Sinatra
Breezin’. George Benson
In My Life. The Beatles
Just Dropped In. Kenny Rogers & 1st Edition
Sweet Caroline. Neil Diamond
The Summer Wind. Frank Sinatra
Get Back
And Your Bird Can Sing
Dr. Robert
Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Heart Club Band (reprise)
Old Brown Shoe
Can’t help it, saw the Beatles when I was 16, at Chicago’s Amphitheater. And at Comiskey Park a year later.
1. The Cheater—Bob Kuban
2. Chances Are—Johnny Mathis
3. You Are Too Beautiful—Johnny Hartman
4. Poinciana—Ahmad Jamal
5. Thing Called Love—Above and Beyond
1. Cristo Redentor – Charlie Musselwhite (Stand Back, 1967); Donald Byrd’s original version a close second
2. Pipeline – the Chantays (Pipeline, 1963)
3. A Hard Day’s Night – the Beatles (A Hard Day’s Night, 1964)
4. Green Onions – Booker T. & the M.G.s (Green Onions, 1962)
5. Exactly Like You – Django Reinhardt w/Stephane Grappelli (The Best of Django Reinhardt, 1960)
Really interesting list. Thanks!
Rock and Roll Doctor-Little Feat
Just One More Day-Otis Redding
Jumping Jack Flash-Rolling Stones
Bohdisattva-Steely Dan
Goodness Gracious-Kevin Gilbert
Ooh….”Bodhisattva” — excellent….
1. The Girl from Epanema, Getz/Gilberto;
2. You Never Can Tell, Chuck Berry
3. Fire & Rain, James Taylor
4. Winterwood, Don McLean
5. Rubber Soul (No way can I reduce the Beatles to just one song).
That is one badass list, Gina…
Close To The Edge (Yes, 1972)
Somebody To Love (Queen, 1976)
Once In A Lifetime (Talking Heads, 1980)
Overkill (Men At Work, 1982)
Subdivisions (Rush, 1982)
These are great. I also love “Close to the edge.”
Songs touch me in ways with feelings that I will carry for the rest of my life. All the songs below are only immediate but “necessary” choices. I could probably add 1000 more. Thanks for helping me “feel” today.
The Flamingos – I Only Have Eyes For You
The Beatles – A Day In The Life
Pink Floyd – Us And Them
The Doors – Riders On The Storm
Santana – Soul Sacrifice (Live at Woodstock)
This comes with a surgeon general’s warning that this might be a whole different list tomorrow. Or maybe in an hour. Or the next 15 minutes….
Everything That Touches You – The Association
The Kiss – Judee Sill
You Keep Me Hangin’ On — Vanilla Fudge
Life in a Northern Town — The Dream Academy
Dear Prudence —The Beatles or The Five Stairsteps (both versions are lovely)
Really interesting picks…
Cindy,
Like several others here have said, this list will change depending on my mood or the moment I’m in, but here’s 5 of my favorites:
1. The Beatles – You Won’t See Me
2. Elton John – Burn Down The Mission
3. Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing
4 The Rolling Stones – Dead Flowers
5 – Aretha Franklin – The House That Jack Built
One More Cup Of Coffee – Bob Dylan
Bruised Orange (Chain of Sorrow) – John Prine
It Makes No Difference – The Band
And Your Bird Can Sing – Beatles
Hiawatha – Laurie Anderson
“Angel,” by Aretha Franklin: Its longing subject matter, sweeping arrangement, and soaring dynamics
“Times Square,” by Marianne Faithfull: She went there and sang about so we wouldn’t have to
“Bewitched,” by Ella Fitzgerald: The most perfect pop song sung by the greatest jazz singer
“Don’t Let Me be Misunderstood,” by Nina Simone: It expresses exactly how I feel sometimes
“Because,” by the Beatles: John had one more before he checked out; it’s like Zen
There are more, but these are the ones that come to mind now.
These are all really great picks, readers! And interesting, too. Thanks!
1) Hey Jude – The Beatles
2) Layla- Derick and the Dominos
3) Born To Run- Bruce Springsteen
4) Changes- David Bowie
5) Miracles – Jefferson Starship
… another great article, Cindy, and a great list from you! And an excellent challenge. This one is really worth pondering, but if I have to create a cover-all-bases list right off the top without thinking about it and refining it, how about: “Love You Inside Out” (Bee Gees), “Going Mobile” (The Who), “Can’t Hide Love” (Earth Wind & Fire), “Good Times Bad Time” (Led Zeppelin), and “This Whole World” (Beach Boys).
Thanks, Henry. Yes, at this point in our lives, it’s challenging…but in a good way!
Blue Sky – The Allman Bros.
Day Tripper – Beatles
You Were On My Mind – We Five
Your Saving Grace – Steve Miller Band
Over the Rainbow – Stan Getz
I can easily switch out other Beatles songs, Steve Miller songs, and Stan Getz songs on any given day.
Reading these wonderful lists, I have come to the conclusion that The Beatles are a popular group.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. 😁
Close to the Edge – Yes – the album and song that changed the way I thought about music and what a “rock band” was capable of. Love reign o’er me – The Who – an epic ballad that brings their finest album to a monumental close. Just my imagination – The Temptations – a perfect record, not a note out of place and the vocals, divine. Waterloo Sunset – The Kinks – lots of songs about my hometown but this is my favourite. Dangerous Decisions – The Neutrons – instrumental magic from an offshoot band of the Welsh wizards, Man.
Home (This Must Be The Place) – Talking Heads
Life on Mars? – David Bowie
That’s Entertainment – The Jam
California Stars – Billy Bragg & Wilco (via Woody Guthrie)
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd
Home (This Must Be The Place) – Talking Heads
Life on Mars? – David Bowie
That’s Entertainment – The Jam
California Stars – Billy Bragg & Wilco (via Woody Guthrie)
Wish You Were Here – Pink Floyd