I've been looking at a few music lists recently and suggesting some omissions from them. Like five essential guitarists left out of a BBC list of 31. And then five rock drummers they missed when writing about a top 33. Now there’s another music list that has got my attention.
This time it’s Ultimate Classic Rock ranking their top 100 Rock songs. I have an issue with several of the songs listed, as do others here on Audiophix. In my case, not because they aren't good enough to make a top 100, the reason is that they just don’t rock.
The criteria for any list are important. For the top 100 rock songs you’d imagine it’s quite clear and simple. They have to be rock songs, that's a basic minimum. The list creator does acknowledge that they have strayed beyond rock in places, which just makes it a very weird list, or one with a very wrong title.
6 ‘rock’ songs that just don’t rock
There are plenty of rock songs out there, of all types, to select from. The problem would be keeping it to 100, not how on earth you would find enough to include. Which begs the serious question - What are these six classic soul/RnB and funk songs doing on that recent Ultimate Classic Rock list?
Percy Sledge - "When a Man Loves a Woman"
First up at number 87 on their list is this classic from Percy Sledge. It’s a superb song from a great singer. But he isn’t a rockstar and this isn’t a rock song.
Four Tops - "Reach Out I'll Be There"
Much the same applies to the Four Tops. Selected as the 65th best rock song. I'm not sure anyone was expecting a Motown hit on the list.
James Brown - "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine"
Funking it up at number 57 is James Brown. The man is proclaimed as the Godfather of Soul. Well, it’s lively, it’s energetic and high powered, but rock it isn’t.
The Supremes - "Where Did Our Love Go"
In a similar vein to others comes another star act from Motown. The Supremes had their first number one with this. It slotted in at number 45 in the top 100 rock songs, yet another surprise there.
The Jackson 5 - "I Want You Back”
Into the 30s and the Jackson 5 hit their stride with a great tune. Michael Jackson was just 11 at the time and had quite a career ahead of him. He crossed genres a few times, but he and the family rarely if ever strayed to be labelled as rock.
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - "The Tracks of My Tears"
A few steps higher at 35 we find a huge 1960s hit, one that endured over the years. Smokey Robinson and his brilliant voice took on the title of King of Motown. There’s definitely a clue re genre there!
There were others on the list that are doubtful too. More classics from Motown and a pure glam and sparkly disco number from Abba. “Dancing Queen made it all the way to number nine. The point is made though. You can’t have a list of rock songs where several just don't rock.
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