THE 200 MOST ESSENTIAL BRITISH ROCK SONGS.
This post: #20-11. Concludes next weekend.

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.

*20

YOU REALLY GOT ME

The Kinks

Two versions of "You Really Got Me" were recorded by The Kinks in the 1960s. The second was chosen as the single and is the rendition we are familiar with. What stands out is its raw power, driven by Dave Davies on guitar. The single topped the chart in late 1964.

*19

WUTHERING HEIGHTS

Kate Bush

Few acts made as spectacular splash on their debut as Kate Bush accomplished in 1978. Upon hearing "Wuthering Heights", the public became enamoured with the wistful track and the unique talent behind it. The single shot to the top in the UK, the first of several impressive hits by the teenaged singer / songwriter.

*18

SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY

U2

U2 tackled "the troubles" of Northern Ireland early on in its career. Few acts dared to be this brave while still cultivating a fan base. It soon became a signature song and an anthem. The single was lifted off the group's 1983 album 'War'.

*17

HEROES

David Bowie

David Bowie hatched "Heroes" with Brian Eno. The single is inspiring and aurally overwhelming. Arguably, the crowning gem among the gifted performer's canon. It was the title track from Bowie's 1977 album.

*16

SHE LOVES YOU

The Beatles

With "She Loves You", The Beatles re-wrote the how-to guide for pop songwriting. The band keep things simple yet infectious. In 1963, the disc zoomed to #1 around the planet as The Fab Four prepared to dominate popular culture in a way no other British musical act ever had thus far or has since then.

*15

YOUR SONG

Elton John

Uncomplicated lyrics courtesy of Bernie Taupin and a tender vocal delivery from Elton John has seen "Your Song" endure as a timeless jewel in the piano player's songbook. The single, released in 1970, made him a star. It reached the UK Top 10. Elton john had arrived.

*14

SPACE ODDITY

David Bowie

In 1969, the year man walked on the lunar surface for the first time, David Bowie revealed a glimpse of his songwriting talent with his composition "Space Oddity". The single tells the tragic story of Major Tom and the perils of space missions. It did not take off as a major hit until the 1970s, finally landing at #1 in 1975.

*13

WE WILL ROCK YOU

Queen

Brian May came up with the idea for "We Will Rock You". Today, it is hard to imagine a time before it existed. Released in 1977 as part of a double A-sided disc with "We Are The Champions", both Queen tracks became instant anthems. The single peaked at #2.

*12

HEY JUDE

The Beatles

Despite its length, "Hey Jude" became The Beatles' best selling single, reaching #1 worldwide. Written by Paul McCartney, the song contains hints of gospel, James Brownesque screams and orchestral variations that all manage to keep the listener engaged for its duration.

 

*11

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN

The Sex Pistols

With limited musical ability, The Sex Pistols shattered the rulebook for pop success in 1977. The stinging attack on the monarchy and the system in general struck a chord with fans, catapulting the single to #1 (some claim only #2).

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