Twenty one brilliant songs turning 50 years old this year

August

Big Star - “September Gurls”

For some reason, the genius of Alex Chilton and his and Big Star’s contribution to power pop and rock, in general, was never fully recognized, even when he and the band came up with such song gems like this one. Fifty years on, this song hasn’t lost anything from its brilliance.

Leonard Cohen - "Chelsea Hotel #2"

Cohen released this one first as part of his fourth album New Skin for the Old Ceremony. Slowly the song got a life of its own, as during live shows explaining that this was his ode to Janis Joplin. It doesn’t make much difference, as it was Cohen at his brilliant best, both musically and lyrically.

September

Jackson Browne - “Late For The Sky”

By the time of this song and the album of the same name Browne was at his songwriting peak, presenting himself as one of the best singer-songwriters not only of that time but further on. The song itself is possibly the pinnacle of his musical opus.

John Lennon - “Whatever Gets You Through The Night”

For many critics, Lennon’s Walls and Bridges album was considered a patch affair, but there were no doubts about this song, the lead single from the album. All the best qualities of Lennon’s songwriting were there, shining brightly for all to hear.