A list of all the music I've found which is noteworthy for more than just an addictive tune.
Contents
TODO: Complete this list
Important: Be sure to also check out my List of Lists, not just for other lists you might like, but for some tips which will help you get the most out of this list.
This list is not yet complete. It just contains the stuff I copied and pasted from a "know any more?" thread that I posted.
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As mentioned elsewhere, if you know of something you think should be on it, please ContactMe.
Noteworthy Lyrics
Songs which are good because of their lyrics, rather than just their sound.
Epic Fantasy
TODO: Build this section.
Relationship/Love songs
Title |
Artist |
Verdict |
What Makes You Different |
The Backstreet Boys |
Excellent. The message is beautiful. |
Moonlight Shadow |
? |
Good. This is one where the message is important because of how it's presented. |
Moorlough Shore |
Caroline Lavelle |
Good. It may be a love song, but it's "giving context and character" to the love by focusing almost exclusively on the environment (which isn't urban) and doing an excellent job |
Where the Wild Roses Grow |
? |
Good. Don't listen to this for the first time when you're tired. It'll leave you feeling weird for hours. |
Perhaps Love |
John Denver |
Excellent. If you're going to write a song about love and nothing else, this is how you do it. I especially love the version with Placido Domingo. |
A Summer Song |
Chad and Jeremy |
Good. Another example of how much beauty you can get from love songs which don't shove the message in your face. |
Sci-fi Songs (space travel, far future, etc.)
Title |
Artist |
Verdict |
'39 |
Queen |
Excellent. The only song I've ever seen that bases it's lyrics around a little-known scientific phenomenon. (Time dilation) |
In the Year 2525 |
Zager and Evans |
Good. Makes me think "Ray Bradbury". |
The Noah Plan |
Peter Schilling |
Good. Gives that rare "pulp sci-fi" feel. |
War, Peace, and Goodwill Towards Others
Title |
Artist |
Verdict |
Forever Young |
Rod Stewart |
Fair. Beautiful sentiment, somewhat ordinary presentation. |
Give Up the Grudge |
Gob |
Good. In this one case, I'll judge the music video because it improves the presentation so well. |
I'm A Stranger Here |
Five Man Electrical Band |
Good. An interesting "clashing viewpoints" look at Earth's problems with an alien coming to visit. |
Lives in the Balance |
Jackson Browne |
Fair. Somewhat ordinary presentation but the details earn it a place here. |
Boom! |
System of a Down |
Another case where I have to judge the music video because it's such genius. |
One Tin Soldier |
The Original Caste |
Good. Good message, creative presentation. |
O Siem |
Susan Aglukark |
Good. Good message, creative presentation. The choice of imagery is what earns this one a place here. |
The War of 1812 |
Three Dead Trolls in a Baggie |
Excellent. A hilarious comedic account of the war of 1812 from a Canadian perspective. |
Turn! Turn! Turn! |
The Byrds |
Good. This is one of those rare songs where making the presentation almost hide the message really worked well. |
So This Is Christmas |
John Lennon |
Excellent. Beautiful presentation, beautiful message. |
Parodies
TODO: Build this section. (It'll definitely contain a lot of Weird Al stuff)
Unsorted
Title |
Artist |
Verdict |
Both Sides Now |
Judy Collins |
Excellent. A beautiful song with a beautiful message. |
Just Like Ali |
Tom Cochrane |
Good. Another one where I couldn't find a lyrics page. For those who don't know, the song is a tribute to his father and Mohammed Ali who both have Parkinson's disease |
Lily The Pink |
The Scaffold (and others) |
Excellent. This is one of the funniest non-parody songs I've ever heard. |
Only Time and May It Be |
Enya |
Fair. The messages don't have any specific qualities that jump out at you, but they do stick in your mind. |
Piano Man |
Billy Joel |
Good. A fun little bit of imagery. |
Scat Man |
Scatman John |
Excellent. A motivational message targeted at those who stutter. |
The Stars of Sparta |
Maria Antonakas |
Good. I couldn't find a lyrics page, but from what I do understand, it's either a creative love song, or a song about nostalgia. |
Y'all Want a Single |
Korn |
Excellent. I'm going to make one more exception and judge the music video. The irony of the medium-message combination is probably unbeatable. |
Pressure Washer |
Arrogant Worms |
Excellent. A hilarious musical caricature. |
The Guy With Computer Know How |
Arrogant Worms |
Excellent. A great laugh... though possibly a bit obselecense prone due to one verse. |
TODO: Add all my good Folk music (and other good music) here.
Non-English
TODO: Check whether I have anything worthy of this section. (And don't forget to include links to translations of the lyrics)
Noteworthy Sounds
TODO: Find the very few pieces special enough to deserve special mention and put them here.
