THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL BRITISH ROCK SONGS. 
This post: #100-91. Continues tomorrow.

Caffé Latté celebrates…

THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL

BRITISH

ROCK SONGS

Rock and roll’s roots may have been American, but the Brits have been putting their own stamp on its sound and attitude since the 1950s. Some significant rock legends hail from the United Kingdom, including The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Clash, Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Elton John and David Bowie. This countdown focuses on 200 British tracks that have made the greatest impact on rock music.

*100

CANDLE IN THE WIND

Elton John

Both incarnations of "Candle In The Wind" have ensured this Elton John ballad a longevity that few would have foreseen. Originally a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, the single was included on the 1973 classic album 'Goodbye Yellow Brick Road'. It was re-recorded with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1987 and became a Top 10 hit in Britain and America. New lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin as a tribute to Princess Diana a decade later. The 1997 single remains one of the world's all-time best sellers.

 

*99

DON'T GIVE UP

Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush

Few duets can match the beauty and vulnerability of "Don't Give Up". The understated vocal delivery of both Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush makes the experience all the more moving and engaging. In 1986, the collaboration made the UK Top 10.

*98

THE BOYS ARE BACK IN TOWN

Thin Lizzy

Irish rock group Thin Lizzy delivered "The Boys Are Back In Town" in 1976. Written by lead vocalist and bassist Phil Lynott, this became the band's breakthrough hit.

*97

A WELL RESPECTED MAN

The Kinks

Lead singer and guitarist Ray Davies penned some classic songs for The Kinks that promoted a distinctly British flavour. "A Well Respected Man" was issued in 1965.

 

*96

SMOKE ON THE WATER

Deep Purple

It would be impossible to ascertain how many aspiring guitarists have given the unforgettable guitar riff from "Smoke On The Water" a go. The Deep Purple classic track features a immortal execution by Ritchie Blackmore. Its influence on hard rock and heavy metal continues to this day. Initially included on the 1972 album 'Machine Head', the track was released as a single the following year.

*95

LOVE MY WAY

Psychedelic Furs

"Love My Way" may not have been fully appreciated when it was issued in 1982, but the Psychedelic Furs song has aged splendidly over subsequent decades. The recording contains elements of punk, synth pop and new wave.

*94

FOOLS GOLD

The Stone Roses

The release of "Fools Gold" in 1989 finally raised the profile of indie / Madchester group The Stone Roses. Its Top 10 success inspired other Britpop acts.

*93

19th NERVOUS BREAKDOWN

The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones cleverly drew from its passion for American blues and rock and re-created a uniquely British style. "19th Nervous Breakdown" is one of the best examples in The Stones' catalogue. The single peaked at #2 in both Britain and America.

*92

THE SCIENTIST

Coldplay

Coldplay's future looked bleak prior to the group coming together to record a sophomore album. The result was 'A Rush Of Blood To The Head'. Unleashed in 2002, its second single was "The Scientist", another knockout piano-driven track that made the Top 10.

*91

BABA O'RILEY

Arctic Monkeys

The Who's 1971 album 'Who's Next' opens with "Baba O'Riley". Pete Townshend's lyrics describe a "teenage wastleland". The track has a cinematic feel to it as it unravels.

Check out the playlist on spotify with new songs added for each update of the countdown.