The 50 Greats: 15-11

15. The Doors

Riders on the Storm
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1965-1973
Key Songs: “Indian Summer”, “Riders of the Storm”, “LA Woman”

The Doors were one of the most controversial bands in Rock history, much thanks to the drunken genius of Jim Morrison. Their music is unlike any rock music, with a dark mystical sound to it. It is psychedelic at its fullest, with the defining keyboard sound of Ray Manzarek, and the deep ranting voice of Morrison. His lyrics are very mysterious and gloomy, and take the listener on a trip. Songs like “Indian Summer” or “Riders on a Storm” are perfect examples of the Doors unique format that simply send you floating. Unlike most bands, the emphasis of their sound was in the keyboard instead of the lead guitar. The Doors were only around for a while, due to the early death of Morrison, yet have become in important significance in the genre of rock and roll.

14. Carlos Santana

The Carlos
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1966-Present
Key Songs: “Oye Como Va”, “Evil Woman”, “Migra Migra”

I have always enjoyed the music of Carlos Santana, starting back in high school when the hit song “Maria, Maria” came out, but it wasn’t until I saw him in concert that I recognized his incredible passion and skill. He is a guitar god, in the likes of Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, or Jimi Hendrix, dating back to the Woodstock hippy days. He may also be the fastest guitarist I’ve ever seen, and brings an authentic Spanish style to rock. Santana introduced a Latin style to the early stages of Rock and Roll, with an upbeat bluesy sound and some heavy percussion. The banging congas, symbols, and drums are the backbone of his sound, and his incredible tempo on the guitar really gets things going. It can be good music to move to, or just good music to chill to.

13. Enya

Peaceful Music of the Celtic
Genre: Celtic
Years Active: 1982-Present
Key Songs: “Let it Be”, “Now we are Free”, “Memory of Trees”

There is no music more peaceful and relaxing than the voice of Enya. Her music is the meaning of pure serenity, the essence of total comfort. Her Celtic music brings images of green pastures and the incredible landscape of Ireland. Or perhaps fictional settings like her tracks in Lord of the Rings, most notably, “Let it Be”. It is an ambient music that is very similar to Enigma, yet far superior in sound quality. It is instrumentation at its fullest, experimenting with all sorts of sound, mixed with Enya’s incredible peaceful voice, to create a pure mood of ambience. I began appreciating her music in high school, where my Irish Religion teacher would play her music for us. Ever since, I have come to cherish the peaceful, transforming sounds of Enya. They have become ideal for me during times of stress, relaxation, meditation, or pure awakening.

12. Bob Dylan

The Voice of Protest
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1961-Present
Key Songs: “Fourth Time Around”, “Like a Rolling Stone”, “All I Really Want to Do”

I remember the first time I began to understand Bob Dylan was watching his biography on PBS. I was familiar with his name, yet very unfamiliar with his music and what he stood for. It was then that I learned of this iconic legend of folk rock, a symbol of protest and counterculture. Starting in the early 60s, Dylan introduced a completely new original style where his lyrics defined his music. Along with his raspy voice, high-pitched harmonica, and basic acoustic, Dylan created a simple yet very complex type of folk rock. To really appreciate Bob Dylan, one must understand what his music stands for. It may not be ideal for a party or a social gathering, but is best when you just really want to do some thinking. His style goes beyond basic folk music, and should be considered among the category of art.

11. Simon & Garfunkel

A Bridge over Troubled Water
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1957-1970
Key Songs: “Cecila”, “America”, “Feeling Groovey”

The music of Simon & Garfunkel is soft and easy to listen to, a folk style with great harmony and powerful lyrics. It’s no question that Paul Simon was the real genius behind the group, yet it was Art Garfunkel’s impeccable vocals, that just made them one of the most enjoyable music phenomena of the 60s. It is an easy-going folk style similar to CSNY, with meaningful lyrics, simple acoustic, and great vocals. Even their upbeat songs are soft and smooth sounding. I always feel a sense of happiness when I hear their music. Songs like “Cecilia” or “Bye Bye Love” bring me a total image of cheerfulness and celebration, like the one I witnessed at Wrigley. On the other hand songs like “America” or “I am a Rock” bring me thoughts of hope and progress. It’s a music that brings peaceful happiness that I think almost everyone can enjoy and unite to.