There are some songs that will be played over and over again, by generation after generation, and will never become outdated. But to me, 7 stand out.
1: Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
‘Sweet Home Alabama’ is Southern Rock at its finest. Nothing will ever come close to touching this song. Out-of-this-world guitar solos, incredible heavy hitting drum fills, and stellar vocals. If you don’t believe me, let the awards speak for themselves. The single was certified gold in 1974, ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest songs of all time and recognized by CMT as the #1 Southern Rock song of all time.
The sound of these simple chords that reminded Withers of the church hymns he had heard growing up become a perfect compliment to the vocal gloriousness in which Withers delivers some of the most relatable lyrics of all time. “Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.” Amen, Mr. Withers. Amen. This song full of camaraderie has become a staple within sports teams, friends, and hits home with every person, ever, forever.
3: Wagon Wheel – Old Crow Medicine Show (OCMS)
Thought this song was by Darius Rucker? Not so fast my friends. Although Darius did a phenomenal cover of the diddy, and included Duck Dynasty in his music video, preferring it to the original Old Crow Medicine Show version is like rooting for the Soviets during “The Miracle On Ice“… Just plain wrong. Although in part taken from Bob Dylan’s song “Rock Me Mamma,” OCMS rewrote it, revamped it, and wrote a timeless tune. Having the world’s catchiest chorus, a great melody, and immortal lyrics makes this song my most played on iTunes, and a song that will never get old for anyone.
4: I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
There really isn’t all that much to say here. This song sends a delightful shiver down the spine of any listener, and certainly gives me goosebumps every time it comes on. Whitney’s voice is that of an angel’s. Although Whitney may have passed, the legacy this song leaves is one that will live on forever.
5: Apache – The Sugar Hill Gang
I presume you’re asking, Apache? What in God’s name is this song? Let me give you a hint… “Jump On It! Jump On It!” This bongo band dropped their famous synth-infused, rap-spitting, dance song back in 1981. If I did my math right, that was 23 years ago. And 23 years later, this catchy hit is still a fan favorite. The lyrics may not be the most intellectual lines you’ve ever heard, but who cares? I sure don’t. It’s all about the dance. Whether you’re chilling in the hospital nursery, just married, or hanging out in the old folks home and this song comes on, good luck trying not to gyrate your hips. It’s the dance craze that swept the nation and hasn’t left. Appearing in movies, tv shows, and video games– this dance is unavoidable.
6: Semi-Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind
‘Semi-Charmed Life’ is the 1997 smash hit that brought the modern rock band Third Eye Blind into the eyes of the public, and remains a classic 17 years later.The buoyantly infectious rock song, with catchy guitar riffs and spirited “doo-doo-doo-doos” in the chorus, makes this an absolute ear assassin… it’s killer good.
The flow is amazing and transitions from chorus to verses are seamless. As a listener, it seems like one big jam. It’s filthy. But the real reason it made my top seven is simple- it can be played anywhere. Party? Turn it up and dance. Rough day? Turn it up and listen to the lyrics about a man wanting out of an addiction and finding inspiration. Road trip? Turn it up, hit every note in the air guitar solo, air drum like you never had before, and fail miserably in an attempt to hit the high notes. Regardless of location, surroundings and year in time, if this song comes on- look out every person within a 300 foot radius.
This song is my underdog pick to round out my seven. It may not be the most well known song of all time, seeing as both Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith and Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly never really did much following ‘Jump.’ But these 11-year-old child musicians debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and hung out there for eight weeks.
At 11 years of age, my mom was still laying out my clothes for school. Meanwhile, these two had their single hit certified double platinum. Bonkers. Now, you may only know this song because of it’s appearance in ‘Friends With Benefits,’ but you can’t tell me you didn’t love it. The minute this song comes on, I’m jumping uncontrollably and wishing I had those haircuts. As the 90s hip hop begins to pump through my veins, I can’t be stopped. Mac Daddy sums it up best, “some will try to rhyme but they can’t rhyme like this.”
