Right then, @POPS and indeed anyone else. You’re obviously well immersed in music of many types. Me too – from Shostakovich through Cole Porter to Macca and Marc Knopfler. One thing I find fascinating is The Popular Song. I’ve compiled a list on Amazon Music thingey and listen it it while cooking in the after noon. Just off to Just about to make poached tarragon salmon with compilation in background. It is not simple hits that get to No. 1. I’m meaning compositions that get covered again and again and seem to appeal to very wide age ranges. So, ages ago, I thought I’d try to compile a list of what might be considered the Top Ten Popular Songs. Well, I’ve got 54 now and still discovering more.
Biggest problem, of course, is that beauty is in the ear of the listener. However, if you set yourself a set of criteria, like: engaging lyric that can make you smile or cry or both; good tune with melody one can remember; something a bit different musically (like The Beatles Help! switching the lead lyric to the chorus singers and chorus to solo singer); number of covers by succeeding artists. Plus anything else you can conjure up.
Despite vast number compiled, I reckon the top three should contain Bridge Over Troubled Water by S&G; Stardust by Hoagy Carmichael; Eleanor Rigby. Maybe not in that order though.
Loads of problems, of course. Trying to push away personal preferences; unusual recording performance, like Goin’ Back by Carole King only really ever done by Springfield; “obscure” little numbers by McCartney which you suddenly remember (Mother Nature’s Son, say).
What do you think? Am I really bonkers to even try? What would you choose? What criteria do you think are right? Any thoughts, suggestions, votes or whatever will be gratefully received from anyone . ?