Best song ever written?

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Permalink Reply by Lon Milo DuQuette on September 12, 2011 at 9:42am

I'd have to say that Stardust, by Hoagy Carmichael and Mitchell Parish is the most perfect combination of lyric and music.

Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine is not a bad alternate ... you have to really be in love though to appreciate phrases like "rapture serene" but if you're crazy, stupid in love with an old flame ... it's the best song ever written. IMO

Permalink Reply by Walt Pilcher on September 12, 2011 at 11:20am

Many would say "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by E.Y. Harburg and Harold Arlen, from The Wizard of Oz.  First two notes an octave apart in a great musical expression of hope and vision that sets the tone for the lyrics that deliver wonderfully.

Permalink Reply by Jud Hair on September 12, 2011 at 1:24pm

For the modern or "rock & roll" era:

 

I'm going to go with "Let It Be" by Lennon & McCartney.

 

Close second ... "Imagine" by Lennon

 

Guess it's not hard to tell who I think are the best songwriters of the era.

Permalink Reply by Bob Crain on September 13, 2011 at 1:27am

Hard question as the criteria is pretty broad but here's a couple for you to ponder

Scenes From An Italian Restaurant - Billy Joel

Fountain Of Sorrow - Jackson Browne

This Shirt - Mary Chapin Carpenter

and throw in Natural Beauty - Neil Young......just to name a few.

Permalink Reply by Michael T. Swisher on September 13, 2011 at 3:44pm

Well, Stardust is terrific, but in that vein I would give my vote to Gershwin's 'Summertime.' The Beatles' 'Eleanor Rigby'ranks as their best song. No one mentioned Dylan so I would toss in his lesser known 'Blind Willie McTell' as a superior act of craft. Billy Joel is very good, but Springsteen's 'Rosalita' is as good. Chris Smither has penned some amazing tunes. His early 'No Love Today' is haunting and beautiful as is his later 'Leave the light on'. And Paul Simon? Surely both 'The Sounds of Silence' & 'Graceland' deserve homage. Keb'Mo, songs are written as well as any, with 'You Can Love Yourself' as particularly clever & 'Just Like You' for shivers up your spine. 

I have to also mention Brandi Carlisle' 'Terpentine'& 'Dreams'. And almost anything written by Carrie Newcomer ('Don't Push Send' or 'Betty's Diner'0 or Joan Armatrading (start with 'Love & Affection').

The very top of the list, however, goes to Joni Mitchell & 'Blue'.

Permalink Reply by Bob Crain on September 13, 2011 at 3:49pm

Blind Willie McTell and Blue.....excellent nominations!!!!