The Beatles have been known for decades. Everyone knows who they are and their songs. All of their music changes your mood in special ways. Most of their songs are about love, so the songs can make people feel so many different ways.

The Beatles were a British band of boys that America fell in love with. The girls fell in love with them. Their music has affected so many bands that have come and gone since them. The Beatles have outlasted any other band ever brought up.

The Beatles has affected everyone. Music is a crazy thing. It has powers that nothing else can do. We all have our favorite bands, but everyone knows the Beatles. The Beatles is the band of the century.

I find that some songs continue to be touchstones for me. Just hearing the music I grew up with and revisiting certain songs again can send me hurtling back in time to my youth, remembering the events, thoughts and feelings of that time.

Here are some songs that have personal significance for me, as the music that helped define my youth.

1. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds by Elton John

   As a little girl, I remember waking up early on weekend mornings and listening to Elton John on my little blue plastic Panasonic Toot-a-Loop radio (I used plastic ear buds and my big sister's matching donut shaped radio was bright yellow decorated with peace sign stickers!)

   I had no idea what Elton was talking about when he mentioned the girl with kaleidoscope eyes, but I wanted to know more. This song fascinated me, as a kind of gateway to mysterious grown up stuff I then knew nothing about. I was a creative kid, I loved the imaginative lyrics and this song seemed all about play and wild fantasy worlds.

2. Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan

   Whenever I hear this song, I am transported back to my second grade class taught by Ms. Lynk. My teacher was a hippie and I decked myself out in love beads and braids and colorful outfits so I could be just like her. How I adored Ms. Lynk and some of my other teachers at the time! We used to sing this song in class, and perhaps that stimulated my interest in performing (I would later go on to perform in plays and study acting.)

   Memories of Dylan make me recall a time of peace and love and a circle of school kids swaying and singing along to that song. Everything seemed much simpler then, in an era before color coded alert levels, a time when the answer is blowin' in the wind…

3. American Pie by Don McLean

   American Pie was one of those songs that was everywhere as I was growing up, and it became a sort of anthem of my youth. In a time before iPods and music downloads, there was just the local radio station to rely on, along with spinning some vinyl. American Pie was constantly playing in the background when I was a little girl; at about eight and a half minutes long, the song seemed neverending to my young ears!

   The song has additional significance to me, because in 1964, Don McLean won the first ever talent search competition at a local summer fair called The Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York.

4. Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin

   Along with American Pie, Stairway to Heaven was another one of those songs that seemed to go on forever. This made it the perfect background music for school dances and for the prom! When someone asked you to dance during Stairway to Heaven, you were assured of spending many minutes out on the dance floor, holding on tight to your crush and swaying to the endless strains of Zeppelin.
   
   Stairway to Heaven always evokes for me memories of school dances in the old gym of our tiny rural high school in the Hudson Valley. When it wasn't being used for basketball games, our creaky old gym with the ancient wooden stage was dressed up in cheesy disco lights and lots of crepe paper for dances and special events. Led Zepplin makes me think of cotton ball clouds, too much construction paper and the crepe paper streamers that decorated the old gym for our junior prom theme: Stairway to Heaven (the effect was a little tacky, but fun!)

5. Rock Lobster by The B-52's

   School dances in our tiny farming community also featured a ritual called the battle of the “air bands.” I had a crush on a boy named Rick, a family friend. One night Rick dressed up with some classmates as The B-52's, complete with tight pants, punked out hair and sunglasses, and the group did their best Rock Lobster for the crowd.
   
   Punk seemed a little preposterous for our tiny, All-American community in upstate New York that certainly had no edge. But Rick rocked the house. I also remember getting to dance with Rick for endless minutes to Stairway to Heaven, which was divine.
   
   When I was a senior in high school Rick died in a tragic accident, but whenever I hear those songs it always brings me back to those sweet, innocent high school memories of the times we shared together.

6. We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos

   Who can forget the thrill of getting their learner's permit and hitting the open road? (and trying not to hit anything with the car!) We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos was the background music as I was first learning to drive. I loved the infectious pop beat and the girl power of this fun group. I loved every song on The Go-Gos Beauty and the Beat album and I played their songs over and over the summer I learned to drive (a tiny, four on the floor bright yellow compact Chevette with cool red racing stripes!)

7. Call Me by Blondie

   Before I got out of high school, something pivotal happened in my development: I discovered Blondie. Blondie was such a revelation to me and other girls. Here was a strong woman, unafraid to be powerful, individual and sexual. Anyone who undersold Debbie Harry as just another dumb blonde quickly changed their mind. Her lyrics, her sound and her delivery were unlike anything seen before, and she definitely helped change the role of women in the music industry. Every time I heard Call Me, I was impressed by how cool Blondie was, and their downtown New York vibe made me long to leave the Hudson Valley to pursue my own artistic career in New York City.

8. New York State of Mind by Billy Joel

   I'll admit it: I wasn't one of the cool kids in school. I was either a drama geek, or spending time in the library hitting the books, dreaming of my fabulous future that would begin when I left upstate New York.
   
   I recall hours spent in our small school library spinning Billy Joel records. I was in the honor society, which meant that I could wander the school and do what I wished during my study halls. So I chose to sit in the library and hang out in the peaceful courtyard there, or go into the music room and put on some headphones and listen to Billy Joel.
   
   Joel sang about Chinatown, and Riverside…and totally being in a New York state of mind. Whenever I hear that song I think about being young and dreaming of a performing arts career in the Big Apple, and a shiny new life that I felt was waiting for me in Manhattan.

Now that I've been to New York City and returned home to the Hudson Valley, I have a greater appreciation for growing up in a small town. These are some songs that make me fondly remember my youth in upstate New York.

Paul and George met at school. John had a band called “The quarry men” Paul and John met because they had a friend in common. Paul and George joined John's band. Ringo had a jazz band. He was the best drummer in Liverpool. Paul, John and George needed a drummer so they called Ringo.

Relationship Between The Beatles and The Rolling Stones

On the contrary of what many people think, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones were friends.

Did You Know...

They met when both bands were starting their career

They played in the same bars.

Some of the first songs of the Rolling Stones were written by Lennon and McCartney.

Rumour of Paul's Death

In 1996 Paul had a car accident and some people thought that he had died. They thought that the other three Beatles were looking for a substitute. His name was William Campbell and he was very similar to Paul.

Another thing that the people thought was that the other three Beatles, although they didn't want to admit Paul's death, they left clues in their albums and lyrics.

One of these albums was Abbey Road

Some of the clues were:

• Paul is without shoes because people are buried with no shoes.
• This car's patent is 28IF and people thought it meant that Paul would be 28 years old IF he was alive.
• George is in white clothes because he is the preacher; Ringo is the mourner because he is dressed in black clothes and John, dressed in working clothes, is the Grave Digger.

Sgt Pepper

In 1966 the Beatles decided not to tour anymore. Retirement from touring gave them plenty of time, for the first time in their career, to prepare their next record. Paul proposed that they should create fictitious characters for each band member and record an album that would be a performance by that fictitious band called "Sgt. Pepper"s lonely hearts club band''.It is considered the most influential rock album of all time.

The cover of the album is a colorful collage of many famous people that the Beatles admired. The concept was to create a scene that showed the Sgt Pepper band performing in a park.

The Break-Up

A big part of what broke up The Beatles was the tremendous egos(/igos) and differences of the four, and particularly the two main players Lennon and McCartney.

In the very beginning they sat across from each other and write together. Later the extent of their collaboration was trying to out do the other. The Beatles made it to the top not by trying to impress us, but by trying to impress each other. The thing that made the Beatles what they were was that each one was 25% of the whole. What destroyed them was egoism.

John Lennon's Death

In 1980, coming home late from a session, Lennon was killed by Mark David Chapman, a fan to whom he'd given an autograph earlier that day. Lennon turned and Chapman shot him five times. This happened not much time after Paul and john were able to mend their relationship, so it made impossible to think about them singing together again.

His murder was perhaps the most emotionally and shocking felt of all rock deaths.

The Who

The Who is one of my favorite bands. They have created a large amount of amazing songs and changed rock as we know it. This band also contains my favorite drummer, Keith Moon.

The Beatles

I bet you saw this coming. The Beatles should be on every greatest rock bands list. They are one of the most famous bands ever. Anyone who hasn't heard any of The Beatles music needs to crawl out from under their rock.

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are another one of my favorite bands. As with The Beatles, they are one of the most famous bands ever. Not only are they one of the most famous, but they are also one of the oldest bands ever, the band was formed way back in 1962!

AC/DC

This is probably my number one favorite band. They have a unique sound, and created so many rock anthems it's not even funny. AC/DC has a signature sound that just sticks with me and makes their songs very well known.

Motley Crue

How could I complete a list like this without a great 80's hairband like Motley Crue? This band was formed in 1981 by Nikki Sixx and Tommy Lee. Tommy Lee is one of the best drummers ever in my opinion. He would often perform stunts like playing the drums upside down. My favorite song from Motley Crue would have to be Kickstart My Heart. Give it a listen!

Guns N' Roses

Another great band. They have created some amazing and well known hits such as Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Chile o' Mine, Knockin' on Heavens Door, Live and Let Die, and November Rain. Guitar icon Slash is part of GNR, which has made them quite a bit more famous.

Led Zeppelin

Ahh yes, who could forget the Zeppelin. Formed way back in 1968, this is another one of the most famous bands ever. They have created songs such as the famous Immigrant Song, and Stairway to Heaven.

Iron Maiden

This British metal band was formed in 1975 by one of the best bassists ever; Steve Harris. They are known mostly from lead singer Bruce Dickinson's unique voice. Some great hits by them are Run to the Hills, and Number of the Beast.

Deep Purple

Another pioneer of metal/hard rock. I don't really know too much about Deep Purple, but I do know some songs such as Highway Star, and the very famous Smoke on the Water.

Pink Floyd

Last but not least is Pink Floyd. Pink Floyd are another English rock band formed in 1964. They have sold 74.5 million albums in the US alone. That's pretty good if you ask me.

That about raps it up for now. I'm sure I've left out a few famous band, but those are for another day. Hope you enjoyed my article! Feel free to comment.

1. Bat Out of Hell - Meatloaf

   

   This 1977 album has sold over 34,000,000 copies in 30 years, and sells about 200,000 copies each year. Successful? Muchly. Written by Jim Steinman, these songs tell stories mostly about love, with such famous titles like “Bat out of Hell” and “Paradise by the Dashboard Lights”. The fast-paced piano, brilliantly executed guitar, lyrics full of meaning and awesomely belted vocals make this a must hear album and, if you have the time and money, you should watch this guy live, believe me - he puts on one hell of a show.

2. Best of Bowie - David Bowie

   

   Released on the 35th Anniversary of Bowie's first album (“David Bowie”) “Best of Bowie” was released in 21 countries in total with each album having a different track listing depending on which songs were most popular wherever the different versions were released. A total of 63 different tracks were used at least once in each album, 62 of these being re-mastered versions. David Bowie's lyrics are also meaningful, just like Meat Loafs, and his songs are beautifully written. Some of the more famous songs from this compilation are: “Life on Mars?”, “Space Oddity” and “Under Pressure”.

3. Thefakesoundofprogress - Lostprophets

   

   Originally supposed to be only a demo, this album was recorded in one week with a budget of £5,000 by Welsh band Lostprophets. Even with massively popular hits “Shenobi VS Dragon Ninja” and “The Fake Sound of Progress” this album still managed to receive a bad review from All Music Guide who said “The only redeeming quality is the great production by Michael Barbiero, that allows all instruments to be heard perfectly in all their ennui-inducing glory, proving that no matter how much you polish up a turd, it's still a turd.” However, it also received several good reviews, proving that people have different views on this album. It's worth a listen.

4. Monsters of Rock - Various Artists

   

   The first compilation “various artists” album in my list, it's also the heaviest compilation album in my list, including some heavy songs such as “Why Can't This be Love?”, “Mama we're all Crazee Now” and “Poison”. This album contains loads of songs that you can really get into and would be great if you were throwing a rocking party with some of your friends. Heavy guitar, heavy drums, kicking vocals, up-beat rhythm. Brilliant.

5. All Killer No Filler - Sum 41

   

   Being one of my first favourite bands and being very influential to me Sum 41 had to have a place on this list. I first saw them when I was 6, where I got so excited I jumped up and down on my chair, fell off and hurt my knee. I went again last year with some friends, and it was a rocking concert. All Killer No Filler is the first full album by Sum 41 which was released in 2001 and sold over 1,000,000 copies within the first few months of it being on the shelves. Nowadays Sum 41 are a lot more rock-based, and this album shows just how they were when they were Punk artists, heated guitar, jet engine drums and rebellious lyrics are all on this album. This album contains some of their most famous hits like “Fat Lip”, “In Too Deep” and “Pain for Pleasure”.

6. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band - The Beatles

   

   Rolling Stone magazine ranked this as the number one album of all time in 2003, and lots and lots of people still hold this in high regard. Personally, it's my favourite Beatles album, with complex lyrical themes and well put together songs. And it's no wonder how good this album is due to the fact that it took 159 days to record, that's nothing in comparison with Lostprophets FSOP which only took a week! Their idea for this album was (after deciding they didn't want to tour anymore) was to create an alter-ego fictitious band to base the album around that could tour for them. And in this way they still tour each and every day.

7. The Best of the Best Air Guitar Albums in the World… Ever! - Various Arists

   

   There's not a song on this compilation that I do not like. This album was released as part of the “The Best… Album… Ever!” series, and features a three-CD track list containing fantastically fabulously famous songs such as “Free Bird”, “Crazy Crazy Nights”, “Fat Bottomed Girls”, “Johnny B Goode” and loads more. If I ever have this album playing on shuffle, I'm always pleased with what I'm listening to. This actually has quite a few songs on it that are also on “Monsters of Rock” so if you didn't want to spend too much money then I would recommend only buying one of these.

8. Greatest Hits - Queen

   

   I did a test today. I loaded up Google and did a search for “Queen” to see just how famous they are. And (just as I expected) Queen results appeared before any results about the actual Queen (monarch). That is quite an achievement don't you think? So why not buy their greatest hits? They're obviously one of the greatest rock bands in all history. You may not even know it but you might already know a Queen song without realising it. Some of the more popular ones from this album are “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Another One Bites the Dust”, “Don't Stop Me Now”, “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions”.

9. The Wall - Pink Floyd

   

   This is a brilliantly produced psychedelic album from the fantastic band Pink Floyd. Released in 1979, this rock-opera album focuses mainly a theme of isolation from other people. This entire album actually tells a story based around a fictional character named Pink. Pink loses his father (“Another Brick in the Wall (Part 1)”), is abused by teachers (“The Happiest Days of Our Lives”), was brought up by an overprotective mother (“Mother”) and was later left by his wife (“Don't Leave me Now”) which overall gives a sense of loneliness. Brilliantly composed and wonderfully performed this album is essential to any progressive rock fan.

10. S&M - Metallica

    

    And finally, my number one favourite album of all time is Metallica's S&M with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. This album gives such a brilliant twist of metal and classical music that provides such an overwhelming experience for the listener. Each and every track on this album has had orchestral parts written for it so that listening to each one is a whole new experience than just listening to the plain Metallica versions. This combines my love of metal music and my love of classical music. An orchestra in a rock band? Awesome.

Track List:Disc 1:

1. The Ecstasy of Gold
2. The Call of the Ktulu
3. Master of Puppets
4. Of Wolf and Man
5. The Thing That Should Not be
6. Fuel
7. The Memory Remains
8. No Leaf Clover
9. Hero of the Day
10. Devil's Dance
11. Bleeding Me

Disc 2:

1. Nothing Else Matters
2. Until It Sleeps
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls
4. Human
5. Wherever I May be
6. Outlaw Torn
7. Sad But True
8. One
9. Enter Sandman
10. Battery

So, whether you're in the shower with a fancy bathroom CD player, driving in your car and listening to some music while you wash the dishes, I recommend you have a quick listen to some of these albums.

For example, one of Mozart’s well known modes of composition was imitating sounds. Since childhood, he had the gift of capturing various sounds from his daily life or environment, and later incorporated them into his compositions. Beethoven, meanwhile, took every single note seriously. He endlessly wrote drafts of his compositions, edited and reedited them, similar to a man building a structure one stone upon another. Aside from his actual compositions that came out to the general public and became part of history, his works have dozens of different variations. Lots of people are unaware that these same compositions first evolved from different themes, revisions and variations before becoming a masterpiece.

I believe that without an understanding of the art and architecture of the Classical and Romantic periods, we will not fully understand the extent of their music also. The truth is, the art and architectural styles of the time heavily impacted the way composers created their music during that period. Mozart, Hayden, Beethoven and other great composers were molded by the overall progress of the society in which they lived in. The works of Classical and Romantic composers were simply products of the flourish of creativity and expression of that particular time in history. Art and architecture bloomed alongside music.

For me, music and art are just two separate modes of expression, and they reflect each other. So if we never had an idea about the art and architecture of the Classical and Romantic periods, or if such information never came to us, we wouldn’'t have the same perception of their music as we have now.

There is indeed a true relationship between the musical styles and artistic styles of the Classical and Romantic periods. The common thing between the musical styles and artistic styles was that they both mirrored the advancements of their age. In the same way that the rock and pop music of our day heavily reflect the kind of society we live in, so did Beethoven, Mozart and other composers mirrored and demonstrated the creative advancement of their era. By doing so, they left a mark on history which can never be erased.

Aretha Franklin, a famous artist known as the “Queen” of Soul, also sang “Eleanor Rigby“, yet the original and cover versions of the song sounded quite different. Eleanor Rigby has the same lyrics and same story in both the original song and cover versions, yet both songs are so different. How can something so similar be so different? Well, different genres of music come to explain part of the question.

Songs with exact same lyrics can be completely different and seem to tell different stories through music genres and the instruments commonly used with the genres. According to AOL Music, the Beatles were classic rock/alternative, which explains what type of music the Beatles played. The Beatles commonly played classical rock music and alternative, which mainly consists of guitars, a bass guitar, and a drum set; these genres included morose music with violins as well. Aretha Franklin's version was through soul music, which according to Dictionary.com is a combination of gospel music with “rhythm-and-blues” influence known commonly for its “earthy expressiveness, variously plaintive or raucous vocals, and often passionate romanticism or sensuality.

” This means soul music tends to be loud, emotional, and very expressive; all qualities Franklin projects in her version of “Eleanor Rigby” The Beatles used 4 violins, 2 violas, and 2 cellos--all instruments commonly used for dramatic effect and dismal music-- and to add to the instruments were the notes played. The Beatles played many low notes, creating a morose sense of desperation and loneliness appropriate for the song. The combination of uncanny notes and the seemingly impassive tone of Paul McCartney's voice created an eerie yet enjoyable experience for any music listener. During the verses of the song, many variations of the violas and cellos play, somehow drawing attention to the lyrics with the deeper sounds, while the chorus has one note playing at a higher pitch creating the sense of loneliness while saying “ ah , look at all the lonely people” creating a devastating combo to point out the song focusing on all the troglodytes of the world. While the Beatles had a morose take on “Eleanor Rigby,” Aretha Franklin's cover version was more energetic and distinctively happy. Aretha's band used a bass guitar, a drum set, backup vocals, and a piano, that all played higher notes and had a lively tune, the complete opposite of the original the Beatles had. Franklin's loud voice and enthusiastic singing projects happiness and curiosity. Franklin's view of the song could be interpreted to parallel another view on life, from tragedies and sadness to joy and innocent curiosity. The genres of music played an enormous part in differing the two similar songs, but in reality the songs were just different versions of the same story.

The two songs, though seemingly appear the same, are actually different aside from the story(song's message) and the lyrics. The songs focus on loneliness using Eleanor Rigby and Father Mackenzie as examples. Both songs only differ in enthusiasm and the setting's “feeling.” One portrays through sadness and desperation, while the other portrays through innocent curiosity and joy. The two songs also take on different narrative roles, the Beatles played as third person omniscient narrators, while Aretha Franklin sang in the first person referring herself as Eleanor Rigby with her comforting rhythm playing in the background seeming to express her song opposite to that of the Beatles in that it was happy. Franklin's song did not express sadness or loneliness, but curiosity and joy, which again is much different from that of the Beatles.

“Eleanor Rigby” is commonly used as a cover song; many artists edit and changed a few things in “Eleanor Rigby“ in order to make the cover version a unique expression of the band. Both the original and cover versions of Eleanor Rigby tell the same story, but are presented completely differently. One song presents itself through happiness and curiosity, while the other song presents itself as loneliness's associate, sadness. In the verses, the Beatles had a quicker yet constant “plucking” sound which created an unnatural sense of despair, while in the chorus the small amount of fluctuation helped elude a monotonous song. Franklin's version, however, kept a constant upbeat rhythm and only had a pause before the death of Eleanor Rigby, in a sense giving proper respect to Eleanor by not having too jolly music. Franklin's version keeps her constant upbeat rhythm throughout most of the song with her back-up vocals constantly echoing “Eleanor” in the background. Franklin's version is paralleled quite nicely with her life; she has a successful and happy life and therefore interpreted “Eleanor Rigby” as such. The Beatles also had a similar parallel, since they split up in the 1970s to go solo; they were lonely just like Eleanor Rigby.

1. “I'm so lonesome I could cry” Hank Williams

   “I've never seen a night so long” “The moon just went behind the clouds to hide it's face and cry”. Hank Williams wears his heart on his sleeve and the pain in his voice. “He's lost his will to live” “I'm so lonesome I could cry”

2. “Tears in Heaven” Eric Clapton

   An outpouring of strength in the face of excruciating pain. “Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven” “Will it be the same, if I saw you in Heaven” “Would you hold my hand, if I saw you in Heaven” A song about the loss of a child and the enormous task of having to move on.

3. “I don't like Monday's” Boomtown Rats

   A song written about a real-life event of a sixteen year old girl in California who went on a shooting spree and showed no remorse. The senseless act of violence and it's toll on innocence. “sweet sixteen ain't that peachy keen” “I wanna shoot the whole day down”. “The lesson today is how to die”.

4. “I will always remember you” Sarah Mclachlan

   II will remember you, will you remember me?” “Don't let your life pass you by” clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose”. An emotional plea disguised with an Angel's voice. A tearful question most of us have wondered and imagined in a moment of despair.

5. “Cat's in the Cradle” Harry Chapin

   A song about how brief our time with our children really is. Inevitable pain caused by an unintentional sequence of events. “When he hung up the phone, it occurred to me, my boy grew up to be just like me”

6. “Everybody Hurts” REM

   Raw, REM seems to find that painful space in all of us. “when your day is long, and the night, the night is yours alone” “and you're sure you've had enough of this life, hang on”. A plea to hold on and to understand that everyone hurts. “If you think you've had too much of this life”.

7. “With or Without You” U2

   This song live is amazing. “See the storm set in your eyes” “I'll wait for you” “slide of hand and twist of fate” “on a bed of nails, she makes me wait”. Intricate, poetry in voice. “and you give yourself away”. Passionate and wild.

8. “Hallelujah” Jeff Buckley

   Recently surfacing again. Jeff Buckley's rendition of this song is poignant and haunting. You feel the intensity of the broken spirit. A cry for redemption.

9. “Landslide” Stevie Nicks

   “Can I sail through the changing ocean tides, can I handle the seasons of my life?” “I don't know”. Feeling the overwhelming loss when you lose sight of who you are and where you're going.

10. “Yesterday” The Beatles

    One of the most beautiful ballads the Beatles had ever recorded. “Yesterday, my troubles seemed so far way.” “Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play” A sensitive wondering of what could have been and questioning why it couldn't be that way.

11. “No More Drama” Mary J. Blige

    From the real life of Mary J. Blige who suffered from depression and paranoia during a low point in her life that nearly destroyed her. “Broken heart again, another lesson learned, know your friends, or you will get burned” “No more pain, no more pain, no more drama in my life”. A testament to how strong the human spirit can be. “Only God knows where the story ends for me”

12. “Time after Time” Cyndi Lauper

    “Caught up in circles, confusion is nothing new”. Beautifully timeless. The sweetness that is true love. “if you fall, I will catch you. I will be waiting” “Time after Time”

13. “Mad World” Gary Jules

    From the “Donnie Darko” soundtrack. “Their tears are filling up their glasses, no expression, no expression” “The dreams of dieing are the best I've ever had” Agonizing and moving.

14. “Angels” Robbie Williams

    Sadness laced with hope. A search for unconditional love. “She won't forsake me” “I'm loving Angels instead” “She offers me protection, a lot of love and affection. Weather I'm right or wrong” “She breathes flesh to my bones”

15. “Under the Bridge” Red Hot Chili Peppers

    Triumphant but sad all at the same time. A true account of racing against the odds. Loneliness reflected. A bittersweet love story between man and his city of angels.

16. “Mahogany” Diana Ross

    “Do you know where you're going to, do you like the things that life's been showing you?” A song about looking back at what should have been.

17. “Nothing Compares 2 U” Sinead O'Connor

    “It's been 7 hours and 15 days, since you took your love away”. Brilliant and heart wrenching. Honest to the core. Sinead's version sends shivers everytime.

18. “Bohemian Rhapsody” Queen

    In my opinion, one of the best songs of all time. “Mama, I just killed a man, put a gun against his head, pulled my trigger, now he's dead”. Epic and remorseful regret.

19. “Voices Carry” Aimee Mann

    “In the dark, I like to try to read his mind. But I'm afraid of the things I might find”. Paralyzing fear and an emotional portrayal of torment.

20. “One” U2

    “Did I disappoint you, leave a bad taste in your mouth”, “you act like you never had love and you want me to go without”. A song about forgiveness and letting go.

1. The White Stripes- Seven Nation Army

   Smoke on the Water for the bass. I know its meant to be played on the guitar but no-one cares its awesome

2. Red Hot Chili Peppers-Give It Away

   Slap bass at its finest played by the master himself Flea. Notice the incredible string of pull offs towards the end.

3. Muse-Hysteria

   You had to have seen this one coming apart from being unbelievably hard for an amateur bassist; this line carries the whole song and perfectly accompanies Matt Bellamy's vocals.

4. AFI-Miss Murder

   Another one that if you didn't see coming your slightly retarded just in this list for the sheer coolness of that opening line and the slap bit in the verse.

5. U2-With Or Without You

   This is just about as simple as it gets, just 4 notes but sometimes that's what makes a song awesome keeping it simple.

6. Red Hot Chili Peppers- Soul to Squeeze

   Pretty much anything that this guy does is cool but this line in particular because it's a step in such a different direction for Flea from this aggressive funk slap guy to this melodic cool player.

7. The Who- My Generation

   Not just for the solos but for the way the songs is carried through the verses by the killer 8th root note line.

8. The Beatles- Come Together

   Paul McCartney doesn't often get credit for being the awesome bassist that he is. But its songs like these that not only demonstrate this but also how he brought the bass into the fore front of rock music.

9. Aerosmith-Sweet Emotion

   Tom Hamilton's unbelievably melodic bass line played very high up the neck is an incredible demonstration of how talented he really is.

10. Pink Floyd-Money

    Roger Waters's most complex bass line, not a guy particularly known for inventive bass lines but when he writes one it dam well works.

11. Victor Wooten

    The guys a freak, what can I say anything he pulls out is worthy of topping any list ever made just listen to some of his solo work to see his incredibly innovative slap/pop technique.

12. Led Zeppelin-Rock and Roll

    John Paul Jones carries this songs perfectly, often regarded as the quiet one of the band he isn't often given the recognition he truly deserves but this song shows just what he's capable of aswell as being a master arranger for the band.

13. Red Hot Chili Peppers-Nobody Weird Like Me

    One of their lesser known tracks it's the speed that this one is played at that gets it in here for me the way Flea maintains the quality his playing at that speed is mind-blowing.

14. Rocky Horror Picture Show-Time Warp

    Ok so it's not really a song but it's a fantastic bass line easy enough to make it realistic for an amateur bassist but hard enough to improve you're playing.

15. The Police-Message In A Bottle

    Ok last one Stings bass lines are almost never complicated but always give a song just what it needs. Really the Police were about the songs not the music and Stings lines represent that either way it still blends excellently with the guitar and his rhythm section grouping with Stuart Copeland is up there with the best.