The 50 Greats: 20-16

20. Rolling Stones

Rock and Roll Icons
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1962-Present
Key Songs: “Tumbling Dice”, “Time Waits for No One”, “Sympathy for the Devil”

Along with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones are considered the leaders and innovators of rock and roll. Starting back in the early 1960s they created a new rebellious style that later became the basic structure of a rock and roll band. With Mic Jagger as the gritty front man, they ushered in a new prototype of rock and roll bands. Unlike the clean-cut, smooth sounding Beatles, The Rolling Stones brought a more edgy sound and character to Rock and Roll. Along with Keith Richards’s incredible guitar talent, the Stones have become an icon of rock and roll, and have been one the longest bands to stick together. Their music is very versatile, ranging from blues, hard rock, psychedelic rock, etc. Their music is ideal for almost any occasion, but I prefer listening to them at a pub drinking a beer. I think almost anyone can appreciate the powerful vocals of Mic Jagger in songs like, “Tumbling Dice” or the lead guitar of Keith Richards in songs like, “Time Waits for No One”.

19. Frank Sinatra

The Rat Pack Crooner
Genre: Swing
Years Active: 1935-1995
Key Songs: “Come Fly with Me”, “Aint that a Kick in the Head”, “Chicago”

Frank Sinatra is an icon of American pop culture, in the likes of Elvis Presley and Marylyn Monroe. His music is the epitome of mellow swing and jazz. During the Golden Years of jazz and swing, he brought a smooth, easy-going crooner style to his music. His fame went beyond music, as the leading member of the Rat Pack, ties with the mafia, and a taste for the movies. Yet it’s his suave music that really defines Sinatra. It’s the type of music you just want to snap your fingers to, perfect for a formal dinner, wedding reception, or anything classy.

18.The Who

The New Generation
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1964-Present
Key Songs: “Substitute”, “Baby O’Riely”, “I Can’t Explain”

It took me a while to really appreciate The Who, since their sound and style is so broad. It wasn’t until I saw a video clip of them performing that I realized what made them so unique. It was their rebellious destructive style. The Who brought a heavy sound to rock and roll, with some incredible lead guitar by Pete Townshend, amazing vocals by Roger Daltry, and phenomenal percussion by Keith Moon. Their music generally has a hard force to it, yet they have done some experimental stuff like in their rock opera “Tommy” which tells the story of Tommy, the Pinball wizard. “Tommy” to me, is the defining album of The Who that truly captures the band’s inventive imagination. They have countless hits, and their music is almost ideal for any situation, as long as it is loud. Songs like “Baby O’Riely” and “Substitute” just sound best when the volume is really cranked up.

17. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

The Voice of Woodstock
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1968-Present
Key Songs: “Just a song before I go”, “Suite Judy Blue Eyes”, “Long Time Gone”

CSNY are hands down the definition of harmony. They are a Super-Group made up of 4 stars with different histories. David Crosby was the party animal from the Byrds, Stephen Stills was the amazing guitarist from Buffalo Springfield, Graham Nash from The Hollies, and finally the late edition of Neil Young with his great guitar skills and awe-inspiring lyrics. CSNY managed to create a harmonic folk rock sound that really captured the peace and love of the Hippy movement. Their music was stirring and very political, as they challenged the Vietnam War and the establishment. They were the voice of Woodstock, and represented a culture that was against the norm.

16. Kayne West

The College Dropout
Genre: Rap
Years Active: 2000-Present
Key Songs: “Heard em Say”, “Homecoming”, “Stronger”

Although Rap and R&B were my music of high school, Kayne West is the only rapper on this list. The reason being is because I feel that he has created a new more modern sound to rap. He has made me see rap in a more artistic since, with his incredible lyrics, beats, and rhymes. Kayne has a distinguishing style that has practically reshaped the genre of rap and hip-hop. What I really love about Kayne is that he is a well put together, clean artist, unlike the typical mold of the gangster rapper. He collaborates with almost everyone, and creates all sorts of sounds from rock, soul, to even techno. Although he is very full of himself, it does not reflect on his music, and he has a certain energy that cannot be denied.

The 50 Greats: 25-21

25. Creedence Clearwater Revival

American Rock n Roll
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1967-1972
Key Songs: “Have you Ever seen the Rain”, “Bad Moon Rising”, “Fortunate Son”

If someone were to ask me to best describe American Rock n Roll, I would always think of CCR as the defining sound. I consider CCR as the American answer to the British invasion of the 60s. Lead by their primary guitarist and lyricist, John Fogerty, the band introduced a basic yet unique rock and roll style that became the defining sound of American rock and roll culture. Fogerty brought a ragged sound of swamp rock mixed with country rock, some jagged vocals, strong lyrics, and some heavy jamming. CCR’s music is pretty basic for the most part. Songs like “Have you ever seen the Rain”, “Proud Mary”, and “Bad Moon Rising” have been standards when it’s time to do some singing or jamming.

24. John Mayer

Bluesy Pop Rockstar
Genre: Rock
Years Active: 1998-Present
Key Songs: “Heart of Life”, “Waiting on the World to Change”, “Your Body is a Wonderland”

When I first heard John Mayer’s music, I did not know what to think. I was a senior in high school, and my art teacher would always play his album, “Room for Squares”. Although I never really minded the music, I remember all the girls were in love with him, and I began to think his songs were very popish. Especially songs like, “…I wanna run through the halls of my high school, I want to scream at the top of my lungs!” So it wasn’t until I got to college, during my sophomore year, that I began to see the other side of John Mayer, much thanks to Lauren. I found his newer music to be pretty chilled and very bluesy. When I later began to understand more of music, I learned of his story in which he dropped out of college and moved to New Orleans to get a more authentic taste of the Blues. I immediately began to respect John Mayer more as a musician. Although he still produces many pop-sounding songs, I cannot deny his skill on the guitar, along with his soothing sound, chilled rhythm, and simply good vocals.

23. Daft Punk

Electro
Genre: Electronica
Years Active: 1993-Present
Key Songs: “Around the World”, “One More Time”, “Harder, Stronger, Faster”

This French Techno group has been around for a while, and I have not really come to appreciate them until this past year. Their electronic style has it all; trance, power, rhythm, bass, and heavy visual components. I think it’s really awesome when a band can create some sort of concept or theme to their music, like the Beatles did with “Sergeant Pepper” or The Who did with “Tommy”. Daft Punk brings trippy visuals to their music with futuristic robotic themes. Their music is no doubt the music of the future. It can be uplifting at times yet also very transcending. Songs like, “Around the World” or “One More Time” are two of my favorite techno songs that just always get me going.

22. 112

High School Years
Genre: R&B
Years Active: 1998-Present
Key Songs: “Letter”, “Peaches and Cream”, “Cupid”

If I were to best describe my musical tastes of high school, the example I would give would be of 112. This R&B quartet had the rhythm, beat, and harmony that always put me in the right mood. In those days the music of 112 was the essence of cruising, chasing girls, partying, and just having a good time. It mostly reminds me of my junior and senior years with Palms, Serg, Kleeber, Brittany, Jill, and Jaybo. We were a very tight group in those days, and the album “Part III” was our jam. Whether it was cruising in Serg’s blazer or drinking at Palmer’s place, we had this entire album memorized and would always sing it at the top of our lungs. Although my tastes have recently moved away from R&B, I will always love 112 for its pastime significance in my life.

21. Jimi Hendrix

The Guitar God
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1966-1970
Key Songs: “The Wind Cries Mary”, “Hey Joe”, “Red House”

Jimi Hendrix had a guitar skill that simply cannot be matched. The thing that made him so great was that he introduced all sorts of new original sounds and techniques by infusing the blues with rock and roll. He took blues-rock to a new and higher level, with more passionate, daring, and flamboyant leads. His style to me is a free one, generally based in his guitar, which almost always brought heavy psychedelic tones. He had a distinctive deep voice that went well with his heavy experimental sounds. Some may argue that BB King, Clapton, or Page could challenge him, but I feel that Hendrix had a certain freeness to his music that can never be matched, and it is a shame he had to die at such an early age.

The 50 Greats: 30-26

30. R. Kelly

The Pied Piper
Genre: R&B
Years Active: 1993-Present
Key Songs: “World’s Greatest”, “I Believe I Can Fly”, “Step in the Name of Love”

R. Kelly takes me back to my high school days driving in my Ford Escort, singing at the top of my lungs. Or to my college freshmen days with Sergio, singing and dancing in the dorms. There was always something about his upbeat rap and rhythm that just always put me in a good mood. He has amazing vocals, and always sang the most inspirational songs. Although he has begun to hit rock bottom since the Child Pornography case, one cannot judge his music for it. Many of the musicians on this list have gone through some serious controversy, yet I have always felt that it should not reflect upon on their music. You just can’t deny such uplifting songs like “Happy People” or “Step in the Name of Love” where you just want to get up and start grooving.

29. The Eagles

Californian Easy Rock
Genre: Classic Rock
Active Years: 1970-Present
Key Songs: “Hotel California”, “Witchy Woman”, “Desperado”

I remember I was introduced to The Eagles by Nick Rager in my early college years, before I really entered my classic rock phase. The only problem was he accidently gave me an Aerosmith CD instead of an Eagles CD. After much hype from others I was eager to hear and listen to the real Eagles myself. I quickly realized as I began listening to the group that I already knew and enjoyed many of their songs. Songs like “Hotel California”, or “Life in the Fast Lane” or “Tequila Sunrise”. They brought a Californian style to rock and roll, with a country sound similar to Lynyrd Skynyrd, good vocals and many hit singles. Now I think of them as perfect music for an outdoor summer party.

28. The Cranberries

Inspirational Meditation
Genre: Celtic Rock
Years Active: 1990-2003
Key Songs: “Dreams”, “No Need to Argue”, “Linger”

The Cranberries brought a unique blend of heavy gothic rock mixed with soft meditational rock. On one side was their gothic heavy rock style with songs like “Zombie” or “Salvation. On the other side, was their more peaceful relaxing songs like “Dreams”, “Just My Imagination”, “Dreaming my Dreams”. All of it just seemed to work thanks to the amazing Irish vocals of Dolores O’Riordan. I can mostly attribute the Cranberries to calming me in high school before a big soccer match or track meet. I still always enjoy listening to them during times of stress or change.

27. Vivaldi

Beauty of the Violin
Genre: Classical
Years Active: 1700s
Key Songs: “Four Seasons”, “Andante”, “Sicilano”

When one says Vivaldi what else can one think besides beautiful music of the violin? He brings a peaceful flowing sound, smooth notes without any pauses, unbreakable! His work is the essence of Italian beauty and art, and I think he belongs at the top of the classical musicians, far above Beethoven, Brahms, or Bach. His true masterpiece is the “Four Seasons”, which is a violin concerto that is broken up into four parts each being named after the four seasons. I always thought there was something incredible about each piece of the “Four Seasons” that somehow managed to really capture the general mood of that season. Vivaldi was a true artist who could truly define life with music.

26. Rokysopp

The Epitome of Soccer
Genre: Electronic
Years Active: 1998-Present
Key Songs: “Follow My Ruin”, “What Else is There”, “Remind Me”

This Norwegian electronic group always reminds me of soccer. They bring a real modern sound to techno music, with good trance and good beats. I first heard of them in my Fifa Soccer game, and they were hands down my favorite track on the game. It was during the 2006 World Cup that I went through a huge soccer phase, right along with a huge Rokysopp phase. They’re music has this really cool foreign European sound to it, that always puts me in the mood to watch or play some soccer!

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.

The 50 Greats: 40-36

40. Tiesto

The Foremost DJ of Heavy Trance
Genre: Trance
Years Active: 1985-Present
Key Songs: “10 Seconds Before Sunrise”, “Morning Star”, “Adagio for Strings”

Tiesto was introduced to me by Peter Troitter in Chicago, as his favorite techno artist. He is regarded as the greatest DJ in the business, yet I myself have put several others above him. He has an upbeat trance style, with strong bass, and lots of complexity. Tiesto’s music is ideal to run or work out to, but not necessarily ideal for relaxing. I think of it as heavy upbeat trance, good for dancing or just getting pumped up.

39. Wilco

Easy Living in Chicago
Genre: Rock
Years Active: 1994-Present
Key Songs: “Impossible Germany”, “Handshake Drugs”, “Jesus Etc”

The music of Wilco will always remind me of my year in Chicago, most notably my spring and summer days. Being from Chicago themselves, I always consider Wilco as the Ultimate Chicago Rock Band. Their music is that easy-going soft-rock style that I love, that often mixes some good jamming and some good psychedelic. Their song “Impossible Germany”, is quite possibly one of my favorite songs all together, and has a guitar solo unlike any other. Their music is ideal for some good chilling and good listening.

38. Donovan

Imaginative Psychedelic Folk
Genre: Classic Rock
Years Active: 1965-Present
Key Songs: “Catch the Wind”, “Atlantis”, “Colours”

Donovan was Britain’s answer to Bob Dylan in the mid 1960s during the peak of the hippy flower-power movement. His style is similar to Dylan, yet he sings with a much softer, smoother, and clearer voice. His music is simple easy-going acoustic folk, and some of his lyrics are very creative like, songs such as “Atlantis” that tell of extreme fairy tales and imaginary worlds. I think Donovan has a gentle sound to his music that is perfect for a long road trip.

37. Enigma

Ambient Relaxation
Genre: Ambience
Years Active: 1980-Present
Key Songs: "Celtic Dream", "Deep Forest Meditation", "Return to Innocence"

The music of Enigma is a blend of Ambience and Electronic Beat. The founder Michael Cretu succeeded in creating his own authentic sound, which has become an essential to pure relaxation and meditation. The music is always ideal in the evening perhaps before or even during sleep. It is also nice to wake up to.

36. Jack Johnson

Hawaiian Mellow Music
Genre: Rock
Years Active: 2001-present
Key Songs: “Dark Water and Stars”, “Traffic in the Sky”, “Upside Down”

Jack Johnson takes me back to my college days, cruising around in EJ’s Honda or getting wasted at the Bluebird. His music is generally a mellow Hawaiian acoustic style, yet he still produces some more upbeat songs. I think his music is always best to listen to during the summertime, especially because it has that gentle Hawaiian sound to it. Some of his songs are also pretty transcending, like “Dark Water & Stars”, where he just kind of takes you on a trip. It’s a very versatile music, that goes well when chilling or goes well partying.