Ten years ago, as I was approaching my fortieth birthday, I posted a series of “top” lists in my life. I’m glad I decided to write them down as it provides a snapshot of how I felt ten years ago.
So a decade later I’m back, editing those posts into Top Fifty lists. As far as process, I’m not just going to back and simply adding ten. Instead, I took some time to reconsider and whether to omit or edit my selections.
For example, this first post is about music. I’ve continued to maintain a diverse taste in music, but those tastes continually change. While I still listen to new music, I’m finicky when it comes to adding newer songs when there are so many good ones from over the generations. Still, I like where I’ve landed below. I noted where I kept the band from the Top Forty list but swapped out songs.
At the end of the list, you can see what I decided to drop altogether. And note that this list is in no particular order.
Starman by David Bowie. One of the themes of my last decade is admitting that there were some artists I used to abhor but now adore. Bowie is chief among them.
Wake Up by Arcade Fire. Kept this on the list because the vibe remains strong.
Gun Song by Lumineers. They had about ten good songs, all of which were linked to their unique sound. They’re good at their baseline.
River by Leon Bridges. He’s a classic crooner. I’ll be interested to see how his sound matures in the coming years.
November Rain by Guns N’ Roses. Finally caught them in concert this past decade.
All Things Must Pass Away by The Beatles [replacing Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End]. While George published it, he developed it will songwriting with the band.
The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. In this last decade, I started to appreciate the mastery of Rumors. This is the standout song of that masterful work.
California Love by Tupac Shakur. Since I’ve become a tax payer in the state, I feel like I’m even more justified by having this song in the list.
The Boxer by Simon & Garfunkel. It’s hauntingly beautiful.
She’s Always a Woman by Billy Joel. In recent years, I curated a playlist of his music and am continually shocked at how prolific he was.
What Was I Made For? by Billie Elish. The best vocalist of her generation.
Sabotage by Beastie Boys. It’s not their classic rap sound, but displays the versatility of these three dudes from NYC.
Never Tear Us Apart by INXS. It’s the late 80’s / early 90’s in song form.
April Fool by Manchester Orchestra [replacing I’ve Got Friends]. This band has put out great albums for twenty years. Seen then three times live. So good.
Atlantic City by Bruce Springsteen. I never hated the Boss, but was never really interested in him either. Aging forces us to see things from new perspectives.
That’s Life by Frank Sinatra. Still my favorite song of his.
God Only Knows by The Beach Boys. They were my very first concert. Younger Steve loved Good Vibrations the most, but older Steve believes this song to be their most brilliant.
Living on A Prayer by Bon Jovi. Tommy and Gina forever.
I Shall Wear A Crown by T.L. Barrett Choir. A couple years ago I randomly came across this gospel tune. I listen to it on a lot of Sunday mornings.
Say It To Me Now by Glen Hansard. A new folk classic.
Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones [replacing Gimme Shelter]. Not the most complex Stones’ song, and Mick’s vocals wouldn’t be tolerated today, but it’s a great tune.
Helplessness Blues by The Fleet Foxes. I’ve loved this band for much longer than ten years, and finally saw them live in the last decade. This is perfect fall music.
Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar. Let’s be honest: the song got him the Super Bowl halftime show,
Astral Weeks by Van Morrison. I had some friends who went through a big Van Morrison phase in high school and I just didn’t get it. I guess I’ve changed.
Psycho Killers by The Talking Heads. Like Springsteen, I didn’t care for them as a kid. Not sure what changed in the last decade, but this band delivered tunes that have stood the test of time.
Walk by Foo Fighters. A great song by the last great rock band.
Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Kinda shocked that Petty didn’t make the list ten years ago. Maybe the pull of nostalgia is greater than it used to be.
The Times They Are-A-Changin’ by Bob Dylan [replacing Like A Rolling Stone]. Seasons change, and so do favorite Dylan songs.
Buddy Holly by Weezer. “They’ve been trash since 2001, son.”
Sisyphus by Andrew Bird. He’s become one of my favorites. The blend of lyrics, melodies, and instrumentals make him one of the most thoughtful artists I’ve ever heard.
Where the Streets Have No Name by U2. A hymn for its generation.
Tiny Dancer by Elton John. It’s hard to choose from his library, but this is the one.
Lose Yourself by Eminem. Shocked at how well this holds up, even though no one remembers Eight Mile.
Things behind the Sun by Nick Drake [replacing Northern Sky]. I’ll start a work day at my desk by pressing play on the Nick Drake channel and let it loop until I’m done.
Guerrilla Radio by Rage Against the Machine. Relevancy that has outlasted the media it references.
One by Metallica It one rocks so hard.
Ghosts by the Head and the Heart. They’ve struggled to replicate the success of their first album, but this song carries on.
Points of Authority/99 Problems Linkin Park & Jay-Z. Allows me to recognize two of my favorite performers of the 2000's.
Sunday Morning Coming Down by Johnny Cash [replacing Folsom Prison Blues]. Folsom is playful. Sunday Morning is vulnerable.
Legend Has It by Run the Jewels. This duo has produced some amazing songs, with an iconic mix of beats and lyrics.
Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. It’s crazy to think that this song will probably still be wildly popular long after I leave this world.
Somebody to Love by Queen [replacing We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions]. Love their music. Flabbergasted about that song choice from forty year old me.
Yellow Ledbetter by Pearl Jam [replacing Even Flow]. The band I learned to love in high school had an ever-developing sound. This song is a great example.
Danny’s Song by Kenny Loggins. I seriously considered dropping this, but I let it play a couple of times and remembered why I think it holds up.
All These Things That I Have Done by The Killers. Everyone knows Brightside, but this is their best song.
Love Me Tender by Elvis. This one’s for my wife. The cassette in her Chevy Barretta when we first started dating.
When the Levy Breaks by Led Zeppelin [replacing Kashmir]. The blend of instruments takes a simple, repetitive riff and makes it riveting.
Lady by Styx. I think this song has another run in it when GenZ/Alpha rediscover its greatness.
It’s A Long Way To The Top by AC/DC. You could easily pick one of a dozen of their songs, but this is the one I choose.
It is Well With My Soul by Horatio Spafford. It’s not really about a singular performance, but it’s my favorite hymn. It'll be sung at my funeral.
SONGS I DROPPED FROM MY TOP 40 LIST
Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. It’s a solid tune but didn’t have staying power.
In the Middle by Mat Kearney. I listened to it non-stop right before fatherhood in my thirties but I haven’t really gone back to it. I have to let this one slide.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. A classic but I’m not quite as excited about it as I was ten years ago.
Ain’t No Sunshine by Bill Withers. Again, still an amazing track but my feelings about it have waned.
Start Wearing Purple by Gogol Bordello. An entertaining song but I’m OK with letting it go.
Started From the Bottom by Drake. This omission is more a commentary on what happened to this man’s career. That was a tough ten years . . .
Young Folks by Peter, Bjorn, and John. The last one off my last list. It gets so many things right. I had to make a choice and it had to go.