100 SONGS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING. This post: AMERICAN PIE. Continues tomorrow.

Caffè Lattè pays tribute to 100 songs that innovated, changed the rules, defied convention and had a significant impact on the evolution of pop and rock music, presented in chronological order…

Check out the playlist on Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1j1WNc1Txp4Loh4txnqu7S?si=01aa2a187ada4e3d

100 SONGS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

1971

💥45 American Pie

Don McLean

“American Pie” stands out for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it is one of the rare exceptions where a song with a running time exceeding 8 ½ minutes managed to reach #1. This was some departure from the traditional 3-minute pop song. Furthermore, Don McLean’s epic continues to enthral subsequent generations. In the era of the singer / songwriter, the verses of “American Pie” still intrigue listeners to this day. Over the decades, many have pored over the song’s lyrics in an attempt to reveal its meaning. Numerous theories have been offered. It refers to the tragic plane crash that claimed rock legend Buddy Holly. Others suggest the song alludes to religion or the decaying of America. McLean has recently confirmed that he was also writing about the death of his father. “American Pie” may be about some or all of these themes. One thing seems certain: its words will continue to captivate fans well into the future. Other singer/ songwriters followed with songs that are equally intriguing. For example, who is Carly Simon singing about on “You’re So Vain”? What is Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” about? David Bowie’s lyrics have been interpreted and misunderstood.

1971-    Imagine

             Theme From ‘Shaft’

             What’s Going On

             The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

1969-   Whole Lotta Love

1968-   Helter Skelter

            Voodoo Child (Slight Return)

            Folsom Prison Blues Live

1967-   Sunshine Of Your Love

             A Day In The Life

             Respect

             Light My Fire

            Venus In Furs
             Strawberry Fields Forever

1966-   Good Vibrations

            Tomorrow Never Knows

            Eight Miles High

1965-   The Sounds Of Silence

            My Generation

            Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag

            (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

            I’ve Been Loving You Too Long (To Stop Now)

1964-  You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’

           You Really Got Me

           The House Of The Rising Sun

           Where Did Our Love Go

1963-  I Want To Hold Your Hand

           Blowin’ In The Wind

           Be My Baby

1962- Misirlou

1961- Crazy

1960- The Twist

          Cathy’s Clown

1959- There Goes My Baby

          What’d I Say (Parts 1 & 2)
1957- Great Balls Of Fire
          Jailhouse Rock

          You Send Me

          That’ll Be The Day

1955- Tutti Frutti

           Maybellene

1955- Rock Around The Clock

1954- That’s All Right Mama

1951- Rocket 88