100 SONGS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING. This post: I AM WOMAN. 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
1972
💥46 I Am Woman
Helen Reddy
In
the aftermath of the turmoil of the 1960s, various segments of society had been
empowered. Rights were being enforced for minorities such as African-Americans,
gays and lesbians and women. Aretha Franklin had started the momentum with “Respect”,
along with Lesley Gore’s declaration “You Don’t Own Me”. In 1972, a new anthem
emerged. Australian singer / songwriter Helen Reddy co-wrote “I Am Woman” with
compatriot Ray Burton. It was soon embraced by those in support of Women’s
Liberation. The single became the first of her 3 US #1 hits. Reddy’s success
also paved the way for other Australian performers on the world charts,
including Olivia Newton-John, Peter Allen and Rick Springfield.
1971- American Pie
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
“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. 
The
Beatles disbanded in 1970. As the planet mourned the loss of the group, all 4
members launched solo careers. Each one returned to the chart pinnacle in their
own right: Ringo Starr with “Photograph”, George Harrison with “My Sweet Lord”
and Paul McCartney / Wings with various singles including “Mull Of Kintyre”.
John Lennon released new music under monikers such as Plastic Ono Band and
under his own name. Of all if these, “Imagine” is the best remembered. The song’s
lyrics discourage religion, patriotism and the greed of the Capitalist West. Somehow,
instead of alienating, Lennon manages to convey his utopian vision in a way
that resonates to this day with religious, patriotic capitalists the world
over. Only a heart of stone cannot be moved by the possibilities offered by its
verses. Lennon wrote the song drawing inspiration from his wife Yoko Ono’s poetry
book entitled ‘Grapefruit’. Few songs affect listeners in the way this song still
can.When Lennon was assassinated on December 8, 1980, the single was re-issued. In this context, its cathartic effect helped the globe mourn the loss of one of rock music's most fundamental figures. 