The 50 Greats: 35-31

35. Beach Boys

Summertime Music
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1960-Present
Key Songs: “Do it Again”, “In My Room”, “Pet Sounds”

The Beach Boys brought a wide range of music to the rock and roll era. Sure they are probably best known for their popish high voiced songs, like “Good Vibrations” or “Wouldn’t it Be Nice”, but they’re sound went beyond that. Although I would be lying to say I didn’t enjoy the early Beach Boys, my true appreciation for the band came with their 1966 psychedelic album “Pet Sounds”, which is one of my favorite albums of all time, perhaps maybe behind Dark Side of the Moon. Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys not only had impeccable good voices, yet they were also very inventive and experimental.

34. Chopin

Music of Romance
Genre: Classical
Years Active: 1800s
Key Songs: "Minute Waltz", "Fantasise Impromptu", "Grande Valse Brilliante"

This Polish Pianist and Composer was a master of the Classical piano and romantic music. Dating back to the 1800s during the period of enlightenment, Chopin provided a harmonic melody to his music that was unlike the heavy strong forceful notes of Beethoven or Bach. His music is peaceful, relaxing, and very expressive. It is piano at its fullest, with many scales and notes, complex and masterful, yet still easy and enjoyable to listen to.

33. Fleetwood Mac

Flying with the Albatross
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1967-Present
Key Songs: “Albatross”, “Landslide”, “Never Going Back Again”

Fleetwood Mac is a tricky band to analyze since they’ve gone through so many changes and so many different sounds, yet I feel that their glory years were during the mid 1970s with the amazing vocals of Stevie Nicks. Their album “Rumors” was the defining sound of the band with classic hits like “Go Your Own Way”, and “Don’t Stop”. Their sound generally has a simple bluesy-acoustic rock to it. One of my favorite Fleetwood songs is “Albatross” which is an instrumental composition, and is one of the most stimulating songs I know.

32. Ray Charles

The Genius of Rhythm and Blues
Genre: Blues
Years Active: 1947-2004
Key Songs: “Georgia”, “I’ve Got a Woman”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside”

Ray Charles is no doubt a master of the blues, and is even more incredible having been blind throughout his entire success. There aren’t many as gifted and skilled at music as he was. I always knew of him, yet didn’t really understand his genius until the movie “Ray” came to theatres. Afterwards, I began a new admiration for his deep bluesy voice, and his upbeat rhythmic style. He sings with great soul and passion, most notably in the songs “Georgia” or “Baby its Cold Outside”.

31. Doobie Brothers

Jesus is Just Alright
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1970-Present
Key Songs: “Jesus is Just Alright with Me”, “Listen to the Music”, “Black Water”

Doobie Brothers were a band similar to Fleetwood Mac, in that they went through several changes throughout the years. Their music has a vast sound to it that mixes a rhythmic country, boogie, and rock and roll. I consider their sound to be very similar to Three Dog Night in a way. Their defining song to me is “Jesus is Just Alright with Me”, which just always puts me in a good mood when I hear. They have uplifting music with some good jam sessions.