Favourite Songs of All Time



DISCLAIMER: The two introductory paragraphs written directly below were written when this post was started, almost 2 weeks ago. The concluding paragraph was written as I finished this post, just a couple hours ago. I thought I would abate confusion by explaining having 2 timelines occurring at the same time.  


     As Justine and I were cleaning last night, I put on some of my local file music from my computer as opposed to streaming music from Spotify and it reminded me just how much certain songs matter to me, whether they are sentimental, nostalgic, or simply just great songs! Base it on the fact that 3 songs had elapsed and I exclaimed at each one "Ugh! I love this song..." There are songs which I can put on and love no matter what mood I'm in and I've listened to each of them so often that I know every movement, drum fill, etc. and I thought it would be fun to try and cram a group of these mismatched songs together in a quantified list.

     I know that over the course of time this list will definitely change, and this is not me saying that these are the "Best songs of all time" because many could rightly argue with me over that, these are just songs which happen to be my favourite and have been for years. At the point of writing this, I do not even know how many songs will make it on this list; I'm sure the more that I think the more I will find reasons to include other songs on this list. I will include songs I've listened to for a long time, and songs which have only recently made it onto my "favourites" list. This list might be my most diverse yet, and that excites me. I know how much I will enjoy writing about these songs, as it will end up reflecting just how much I enjoy these songs.

David Sylvian - The Boy With The Gun

(Secrets of the Beehive: 1987)


     This is the first song I have decided to talk about, because this is the most recent discovery which I feel qualifies for this type of list. Last winter, in roughly September I discovered this album and it's creator through my glorious friend Spotify and I instantly fell in love with it. David Sylvian has the most haunting voice I've ever heard and the mystery and melancholy found throughout this album had me obsessed. This track stood out to me in particular because Sylvian's storytelling ability shines the brightest here.

     Longtime collaborator and another one of my favourite artists Ryuichi Sakamoto provides orchestral and arrangement assistance here and it truly elevates this song to new emotional heights. The combination of Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Double Bass, a String Section and Hand Drums along with David Sylvian's echoing croon make for a beautifully haunting song. I would be amiss to deny that this song and album hold a special place for me, because Secrets of the Beehive was practically all I listened to in the months leading up to wedding prep and getting married to Justine.

Porcupine Tree - Time Flies

(The Incident: 2009)


     Perhaps my favourite songwriter, Steven Wilson has impressed me with both his efforts as the frontman of Porcupine Tree, and with his solo albums. A man who has consciously decided to live alone to focus on music might not seem like the best to sing about relationships, but Wilson manages to be the most poignant songwriter I can think of. "Time Flies" is an odd track on The Incident, it is wedged in the middle and while all the other songs are on the surface very dark and grimy, "Time Flies" is a bright and airy sounding song about time, though it's underlying theme could be considered just as dreary.

     The reason this song has found its way on the list is first in my mind and the most base reason: it is just a joy to listen to. The bright guitar chords, Steven Wilson's layered harmonies and composition make it enjoyable to begin with. Where the meat of this song's importance comes from though are the lyrics. Wilson reflects on the passage of time since he was a child, and a female friend who is implied to be carefree and fascinating, plays the role of instructor to Wilson. While he is afraid of the passage of time, and sees the world passing by at a lightning-strike pace, she lives in the moment and doesn't take life seriously, which Wilson thinks is an irresponsible and sad way to live. She thinks the same about his manner of thinking.

     This song has just always caused me to think and I find it immensely sad, the lyrical implication that any one of your friends could see the way you live your life as sad or depressing because you view an ideal life differently is a scary and kind of numbing thought no matter how much you care about appearances. The fact that such a happy song can instil a sense of existential dread through such simple lyrics is a sure credit to Steven Wilson's songwriting ability.

Akercocke - Verdelet

(Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone: 2005)


     This is my favourite Metal song of all time, Akercocke are not my favourite Metal band of all time, that title will always go to Opeth, but their 2005 release of Words that Go Unspoken, Deeds that Go Undone floored me when I heard it for the first time a few years ago, and the mood for the 45 minute ride of Black and Death Metal, Progressive Rock, and New Wave was set from the first track: "Verdelet".

     There is nothing I don't absolutely love about this song, Jason Mendonca's vocals are literally all over the place yet right where they need to be, whether stomach churning grunts, shrieks, or sublime baritone singing, he is really the perfect vocal chameleon. Not to mention David Gray's breakneck precision, or the eerie and tense synthesizers layered throughout the clean segments. This song manages to be effortlessly heavy, and spares no time thundering into a Death Metal rollick, something that had not yet been seen on their more typically Black Metal tinged albums.

     With complete grace, the whole band transitions from this opening punch to a measured drum gallop with, believe it or not, clean guitar passages reflecting 80's songs like "Every Breath You Take". The song is finished off with a graceful and melodic guitar passage drenched in Chorus pedal (which might not seem to fit in a Metal song, but boy does it work), ushered in by one final spine-chilling chopped up shriek by Mendonca. It it very hard to seem "sophisticated" in Metal music, but Akercocke provide a good show of it in their 3 piece tweed suits meant to echo the British sensibility found in 50's and 60's Hammer Horror films, not to mention the archaic atmosphere all of their music is shrouded in. Even without their buttoned up image, this album gives off an air of completely deserved haughtiness and mystique I have yet to find elsewhere in any music genre. Though it's ferocity is apparent, I think even a non-Metal fan could find something to appreciate in this.

Great Big Sea - When I'm Up (I Can't Get Down)

(Play: 1995)


     I could pick from any number of Great Big Sea songs for this list and had quite a hard time deciding which is my favourite Great Big Sea song, I have listened to them longer than any other band. I would truthfully say that they were the first band to pique my interest in music as an actual hobby and not something that just takes up "earspace". I remember a specific instance where as a treat from my Mom when I was roughly 11 or 12 I had the choice to pick from 2 things for her to buy for me, I don't remember what the other option was, but I do remember picking the newly released Great Big Sea album Something Beautiful. They've definitely left an impact on me.

     Likely Canada's best kept musical secret, Newfoundland's Great Big Sea existed in their own sphere of folky Celtic Rock. While influenced by many, such as The Chieftains, The Waterboys, and R.E.M. they are largely ignored. Though possibly I shouldn't say largely, Alan Doyle has received the Order of Canada after all. As for myself, I would say they are as important to Canadian Music as a band like The Tragically Hip. Though Great Big Sea has disbanded, they have been around for close to the same time as The Hip.

     "When I'm Up" is a song from Great Big Sea's earlier output, off the album Play. This album itself could almost be considered a greatest hits album because of it's simply stacked tracklist of songs that had remained in their live rotation for years. The song encompasses their sound perfectly, uplifting and catchy, while still suitable for a backyard party full of empty Bud Light bottles. Celtic influence is found in plenty with Fiddles and Bodhrán drums throughout. I simply urge any fan of Canadian music to check out this band if you haven't already.


Freddie Gibbs - Thug Till It's Over

(Unattached Single: 2013)



     Freddie Gibbs is one of the most popular under the radar Rappers out there. He holds the title in my head for being the best Rapper alive, possibly even the best Rapper. Period. I have been listening to him since my time at Capernwray in 2012, discovering his music with my great friend Joel. Much of the music I love ends up holding some kind of special sentimental value to me, and this is one of those times.

     "Thug Till It's Over" is probably the greatest unattached single I can think of, there was no promotion, no buildup, and it showed up as a free download through a link on Freddie Gibbs YouTube page. Freddie Gibbs has always had an ear for picking beats, and the beat is the most perfect thing about this song. Producer Cookin' Soul samples Makoto Matsushita's 1981 "Love Was Really Gone" and splices it perfectly, just enough so you wonder where it came from and just enough to let it breathe and become a really soulful song. This also led to my fascination and increased enjoyment in Funk music and Japanese Jazz, for which I am very grateful.

     The greatest thing about Freddie Gibbs as a Rapper is his raw versatility, Rappers often have a specific "flow" which they are best at or typically use, but Gibbs not only changes flows on different songs effortlessly, but he does it between verses and bars. The airy and downright pretty beat masks the darkened lyricism of Gibbs' rapping. Most of his lyrical content alludes to drug use and gang activity without glorifying, and doesn't shy away from showing the ugly side:

Point blank range, his brains all on my air max
Weak n*****, I took care of that, I'm aware of that

Devil just sittin' on my shoulder
Over the years, sold and grown much colder
Father be with me, I'm sick of slangin' these boulders
But I can't stop until I'm the king of these corners
Thug 'til it's over

     He raps all of these words, using varied flows in just over 10 seconds over a very slow beat, but he makes it seem effortless.

Opeth - The Baying of the Hounds

(Ghost Reveries: 2005)


     You would think it would be easy for me to pick a song from my favourite album of all time; it was not. Ghost Reveries is a perfect album, I WILL find a reason to lay out my full thoughts on this masterpiece one day, I just need to think of when to do it *cough cough Halloween*. This song is one of my favourites off of Ghost Reveries, and I do consider it a perfect song so I will just get into it.

     In 2005, Opeth released this album and it was a departure from their previous material. While they were always largely considered a Progressive Metal band, their sound was always more linked with Death Metal. Ghost Reveries split opinions, it was their most progressive album to date. Introducing the talents of Per Wiberg, a keyboardist and singer, gave their sound a very classic edge. Mikael Akerfeldt (one of my idols, and the best singer in Metal music) finally seemed to become comfortable in his truly great singing talents, and his voice became sexy. I am comfortable enough in my sexuality to mention that. This deserved self confidence allowed him to experiment with layered vocals and falsettos that give this album an ethereal feel.

     "The Baying of the Hounds" is the most "Rock" oriented song on the album, launching right from the beginning in a very Deep Purple-ish romp, despite Akerfeldt's ever deadly growls. Per Wiberg's organ presence can be heard here more than ever. I will not delve into the full concept of the album here, but this song is about the Victorian era protagonist of the album falling further into the darkness of the tragic paranormal goings-on he is experiencing in his life, evidenced on other tracks, and ultimately being pursued by Hell-hounds. Though the concept sounds schlocky, Akerfeldt's writing ability shines through here quite wonderfully in the despair and terror ridden final minutes:

And I embrace bereavement
Everything beloved is shattered anyway
I would devote myself to anyone
I would accept any flaws

     The duality of this passage is simply beautiful. The protagonist has recently lost his bride to be, and a darkened shade of her former self now haunts his manor. He at this point feels lost without her and wishes for the touch and desire of anyone. Simultaneously, he feels damned by the forces of evil pursuing him (in the form of the hounds) and he is at the point where he would "devote himself" to any deity who may be able to redeem his living hell... I. Love. Opeth.

Van Morrison - Hymns to the Silence

(Hymns to the Silence: 1991)


     Versatile could be Van Morrison's middle name, and it did end up being the name of his most recent solo studio album in 2017. Morrison is the definition of a man who is undeniably more than his hits. "Brown Eyed Girl" is a great song, but there are so many more songs of his which deserve higher honours in my opinion. Over the course of his staggering 51 year recording history, he has released 39 studio albums and has toured relentlessly. He is placed at the bottom of this list due to the sheer amount of respect I have for him as a musician. He is undoubtedly my favourite artist, regardless of genre. I want you to see this entry after every other artist on here, its a fitting way to end a "favourites" list.

     Hymns to the Silence is a journey of a listen. Ever faithful Wikipedia lists the album's genre(s) as: Rhythm and Blues, Folk, Pop, Celtic, Rock, Gospel. Even then I don't think that is a satisfactory roundup of the sounds found here. Though there are many other great songs on this album, the centrepiece for me has always been the title track. "Hymns to the Silence" is a deeply complex, emotional song. It was included on my wedding playlist, and I have thought about using it as my funeral song, whenever that may come. 

     In "Hymns to the Silence", the rambling, winding nature of much of Morrison's music is subdued, but still present. The lyrics of a Van Morrison song aren't important, and rarely ever come together in any meaningful way. What is more important, is the way in which they're sung. Listening to a song like this feels more like putting your ear to a window into Morrison's head, hearing his innermost thoughts and feelings. This is a love song, but a sad one: "When I'm away from you, I just have to sing, my hymns to the silence". Morrison's love life has always been rocky and tragic, from divorces to even deaths. The song is always giving off an incredibly open picture of being incredibly lonely and yearning, though the lyrics are masked by the beautifully reverent instrumental.


     While creating this list over the slower than usual course of a couple weeks, I had always had it titled as "Favourite #? Songs of All Time" because I wanted it to be natural. If I am to be choosing my favourite songs of all time, I should keep the list going until there are no more which come instantly to my head. This is what I did here, and it ended up being 7. 7 is a lucky number! I am very proud of this list, and enjoyed writing this more than any other post I have done yet. Writing about music I love is truly a passion for me, I realise now. It is writing a post like this which makes me realise that I  do absolutely not care if anyone reads this. I am quite content with that attitude.

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