The 100 Greatest Songs of 1977 #1. Come Sail Away (1 Viewer)

[Tom Hagen]

83. Bonnie Tyler “It’s A Heartache” (from Natural Forces)

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Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler had a throat operation directly before this song was recorded, and this accounts for her gravelly, Rod Stewart style performance. This tune was one of the two big hits of Ms. Tyler’s career; the other of course was the Jim Steinman epic “Total Eclipse of the Heart”.

Neither of the 2 songs you mentioned was the soundtrack to an epic game of tractor chicken.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

Im trying not to be negative lol
This **** is hard, but as nice as the Bonnie Tyler song is, if I couldnt find 500 better songs from that year id give up.

If this list continues in this manner, I will be forced to do my own 1977 list....and no one wants that.

 

[timschochet]

82. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr.Blue Sky” (from Out of the Blue)

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With the band’s seventh album, Jeff Lynne finally got the sound he wanted for ELO…and that sound was The Beatles! Not that I’m complaining. I love the Beatles so I’m bound to love most of this stuff too. Not everybody did at the time. But **** em.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

82. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr.Blue Sky” (from Out of the Blue)

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With the band’s seventh album, Jeff Lynne finally got the sound he wanted for ELO…and that sound was The Beatles! Not that I’m complaining. I love the Beatles so I’m bound to love most of this stuff too. Not everybody did at the time. But **** em.

They had made Beatles-influenced music before, but really took it over the top here.

Mr. Blue Sky is one of the most "Beatlesque" songs you'll ever hear -- and yet it's not even the most Beatles-sounding track on that album.

 

[New Binky the Doormat]

82. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr.Blue Sky” (from Out of the Blue)

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With the band’s seventh album, Jeff Lynne finally got the sound he wanted for ELO…and that sound was The Beatles! Not that I’m complaining. I love the Beatles so I’m bound to love most of this stuff too. Not everybody did at the time. But **** em.

love it.

 

[rockaction]

This song, and the album it headlines, are acquired tastes for sure (and they were certainly even more so in 1977!)

I came to it fairly late in life but was an instant adopter. It's a great track off a great album. To many people, it makes no sense, but people are often so rigid in their genre expectations that Television falls too far outside the box for an open-minded listen. It's like a jam band met punk aesthetics and decided to synthesize. Rather than the having the punks spitting at the neo-hippies, they meet in the chasm of the twain.

Chasm of the Twain, by the way, is my new band that plays Nordic-influenced doom metal with blastbeats.

 

[rockaction]

88. Ramones “California Sun” (from Leave Home)

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The Ramones took a an early 60s surf rock tune, speeded it way up, and sang it so that the lyrics are pretty indecipherable. What’s not to love? A punk rock classic.

You've got Leave Home and Rocket To Russia sitting in front of you and you pick that cover and put it that far down in the countdown? C'mon, man.

That's obtuse, warden.

 

[timschochet]

88. Ramones “California Sun” (from Leave Home)

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The Ramones took a an early 60s surf rock tune, speeded it way up, and sang it so that the lyrics are pretty indecipherable. What’s not to love? A punk rock classic.

You've got Leave Home and Rocket To Russia sitting in front of you and you pick that cover and put it that far down in the countdown? C'mon, man.

That's obtuse, warden.

Um you do know I’m not limited to one song per artist, right?

 

[falguy]

82. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr.Blue Sky” (from Out of the Blue)

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With the band’s seventh album, Jeff Lynne finally got the sound he wanted for ELO…and that sound was The Beatles! Not that I’m complaining. I love the Beatles so I’m bound to love most of this stuff too. Not everybody did at the time. But **** em.

I am put in a happy mood the instant I hear this song come on. One of my go-to's when I'm feeling down. Love it.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

82. Electric Light Orchestra “Mr.Blue Sky” (from Out of the Blue)

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With the band’s seventh album, Jeff Lynne finally got the sound he wanted for ELO…and that sound was The Beatles! Not that I’m complaining. I love the Beatles so I’m bound to love most of this stuff too. Not everybody did at the time. But **** em.

Concerto For A Rainy Day is a great idea and album side.

 

[FairWarning]

86. Television “Marquee Moon” (from Marquee Moon)

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This song, and the album it headlines, are acquired tastes for sure (and they were certainly even more so in 1977!) But I’ve come to love both over the years, as this music somehow manages to combine post-punk with a jazz sensibility. Of course it goes without saying that if this were a most influential countdown, there are few songs that would be higher than this one.

If you do get a chance to listen to the album, make sure to sample “Guiding Light”; along with “Marquee Moon” it’s my favorite.

ill take a lot of heat for this, but I’ll never “get” this band at all. To me, it’s a band you’re supposed to like for music cred status. I think of it as part of a CD computation that is included with The NY Times Wine of the Month club.

 

[zamboni]

86. Television “Marquee Moon” (from Marquee Moon)

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This song, and the album it headlines, are acquired tastes for sure (and they were certainly even more so in 1977!) But I’ve come to love both over the years, as this music somehow manages to combine post-punk with a jazz sensibility. Of course it goes without saying that if this were a most influential countdown, there are few songs that would be higher than this one.

If you do get a chance to listen to the album, make sure to sample “Guiding Light”; along with “Marquee Moon” it’s my favorite.

ill take a lot of heat for this, but I’ll never “get” this band at all. To me, it’s a band you’re supposed to like for music cred status. I think of it as part of a CD computation that is included with The NY Times Wine of the Month club.

It's all subjective, but my interest in Television is basically the same as described by @rockaction above. Came to them later in life, but from front to back, Marquee Moon (especially the epic title track) just blew me away the first time I heard it. It - and still does - just sounds so different from most of the one/two chord aggressive attack that most punk bands were putting down. MM really is a one-shot out of nowhere album, as I am not nearly as fond of their other few albums. I did recently buy Tom Verlaine's solo album on vinyl, but haven't gotten around to listening to it yet.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

86. Television “Marquee Moon” (from Marquee Moon)

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This song, and the album it headlines, are acquired tastes for sure (and they were certainly even more so in 1977!) But I’ve come to love both over the years, as this music somehow manages to combine post-punk with a jazz sensibility. Of course it goes without saying that if this were a most influential countdown, there are few songs that would be higher than this one.

If you do get a chance to listen to the album, make sure to sample “Guiding Light”; along with “Marquee Moon” it’s my favorite.

ill take a lot of heat for this, but I’ll never “get” this band at all. To me, it’s a band you’re supposed to like for music cred status. I think of it as part of a CD computation that is included with The NY Times Wine of the Month club.

Your first sentence is understandable. Your other two are not.

 

[massraider]

I had tickets to see Lynyrd Skynyrd at Wings Stadium (Kalamazoo) like 9 days after the crash. Was looking forward to all 3 bands (Pure Prairie League, and Ozark Mountain Daredevils.)

11-21 year old BL had a soft spot for Florida style southern rock - Allman brothers, LS, the Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, et al. It was good music for while you were drinking Kentucky whiskey.

Does this classic K-Tel album ring a bell? My older cousin, owner of impressive jean jacket, wore this album out.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

I had tickets to see Lynyrd Skynyrd at Wings Stadium (Kalamazoo) like 9 days after the crash. Was looking forward to all 3 bands (Pure Prairie League, and Ozark Mountain Daredevils.)

11-21 year old BL had a soft spot for Florida style southern rock - Allman brothers, LS, the Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, et al. It was good music for while you were drinking Kentucky whiskey.

Does this classic K-Tel album ring a bell? My older cousin, owner of impressive jean jacket, wore this album out.

LOL at Steve Miller being on Southern Fried Rock. The guy was born in Milwaukee.

 

[zamboni]

I had tickets to see Lynyrd Skynyrd at Wings Stadium (Kalamazoo) like 9 days after the crash. Was looking forward to all 3 bands (Pure Prairie League, and Ozark Mountain Daredevils.)

11-21 year old BL had a soft spot for Florida style southern rock - Allman brothers, LS, the Outlaws, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, et al. It was good music for while you were drinking Kentucky whiskey.

Does this classic K-Tel album ring a bell? My older cousin, owner of impressive jean jacket, wore this album out.

LOL at Steve Miller being on Southern Fried Rock. The guy was born in Milwaukee.

Brat Rock

 

[massraider]

LOL at Steve Miller being on Southern Fried Rock. The guy was born in Milwaukee.

People who knew this:

Steve Miller's mom
You

 

[timschochet]

81. Eric Clapton “Cocaine” (from Slowhand)

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Originally a JJ Cale song. Clapton’s version is slow and bluesy. The YouTube I’ve selected is a terrific live performance.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

81. Eric Clapton “Cocaine” (from Slowhand)

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Originally a JJ Cale song. Clapton’s version is slow and bluesy. The YouTube I’ve selected is a terrific live performance.

I like Clapton a lot but for whatever reason never liked this song.

 

[timschochet]

80. The Clash “Janie Jones” (from The Clash)

Janie Jones - The Clash - Manchester 77

Janie Jones 15-11-1977 Manchester The Elizabethan Ballroom UK...Nothin' can beat the Clash....Nothin'...!!

youtu.be

So this short tune (like most songs on their debut album, it comes in right around 2 minutes) introduced the band for the first time. It’s classic punk rock (only the first two Clash albums are). I’ve always loved the opening drums, and to my surprise they were not performed by the band’s legendary drummer Topper Headon, but instead by their first drummer Terry Chimes, who didn’t last long.

 

[HellToupee]

Janie Jones - Myra Hindley's 'prostitute controller' former friend

Pop singer Janie Jones was befriended by Hindley in prison in the 1970s, but ended up hating her once she confessed to her horrific crimes

www.bristolpost.co.uk

 

[timschochet]

Janie Jones - Myra Hindley's 'prostitute controller' former friend

Pop singer Janie Jones was befriended by Hindley in prison in the 1970s, but ended up hating her once she confessed to her horrific crimes

www.bristolpost.co.uk

Yeah, the real Janie was a character of some notoriety in England. I don’t think Strummer actually knew her; he just thought she would make a good subject matter for a song.

 

[timschochet]

79. Kansas “Portrait (He Knew)” (from Point of Know Return)

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My older brother was a huge Kansas fan. All throughout the summer of 1978, as I recall, he endlessly played three albums- this one, Leftoverture, and Masque. It got so I knew every song by heart. I wasn’t nearly as in love with them as he was except for a few select tunes- none more so than “Portrait (He Knew)”. Long afterward, over the years it became a staple of classic rock radio and I still listened everytime it came on. It’s that intoxicating opening theme, those great alternating flute, violin and keyboards. The song’s about Albert Einstein (though Kerry Livgren later rewrote the lyrics to make it about Jesus), but for me the words weren’t important compared to that haunting beat. Majestic.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Surprise pick, but I like it! I don't listen to Kansas that often anymore, as they are sort of a retired favorite, meaning one I played so much for so many years that I only revisit them once in a while now, but Point of Know Return was near the end of their great run of albums, with Portrait being a damn fine song.

 

[rockaction]

To me, it’s a band you’re supposed to like for music cred status.

You don't have to like anything for music cred status. Maybe to some people you do, but they're bigger ignoramuses than those who like stuff that music critics don't.

I don't think people like music for that reason -- at least, people on solid footing don't. People on solid footing like what they like. Glad to hear you're at least on solid footing per the comment you made. You know you don't like Television. And that's good. There are a lot of critical darlings (that will go unnamed here) that I have given a fair chance and don't care for, either. Or don't get. (I always go with "not getting it" because often, so many others do get it and I'm just the guy videotaping that bag like the teenager in American Beauty.)

 

[shuke]

To me, it’s a band you’re supposed to like for music cred status.

You don't have to like anything for music cred status. Maybe to some people you do, but they're bigger ignoramuses than those who like stuff that music critics don't.

I don't think people like music for that reason -- at least, people on solid footing don't. People on solid footing like what they like. Glad to hear you're at least on solid footing per the comment you made. You know you don't like Television. And that's good. There are a lot of critical darlings (that will go unnamed here) that I have given a fair chance and don't care for, either. Or don't get. (I always go with "not getting it" because often, so many others do get it and I'm just the guy videotaping that bag like the teenager in American Beauty.)

I love Marquee Moon because it's absolutely incredible. I couldn't care less about whether I'm "supposed" to like it or not.

 

[zamboni]

Point of Know Return was near the end of their great run of albums,

How long?

 

[timschochet]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

 

[zamboni]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

This would be top 10 easy for me, but that’s me.

ETA: no one can make a sloppy, choppy lengthy solo sound so sweet and emotional like Neil can.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

What’s not to like - great driving guitar and clever lyrics?

 

[timschochet]

I thought it would be a good time to mention here that the #1 song of the year, in terms of popularity, as sung by Debby Boone, will not be on this list. It won’t be on this list because it’s quite simply an awful song.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Tim just lit up my life.

 

[DocHolliday]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

What’s not to like - great driving guitar and clever lyrics?

Outstanding song from an artist that has a ton of outstanding songs.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I thought it would be a good time to mention here that the #1 song of the year, in terms of popularity, as sung by Debby Boone, will not be on this list. It won’t be on this list because it’s quite simply an awful song.

And wikkid continues to rest easy.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Surprise pick, but I like it! I don't listen to Kansas that often anymore, as they are sort of a retired favorite, meaning one I played so much for so many years that I only revisit them once in a while now, but Point of Know Return was near the end of their great run of albums, with Portrait being a damn fine song.

they opened for Bad Co when I saw them (Leftoverture tour).…kind of lost interest after they became popular

retired is a good way to think of it, I never listen to or think about the musuc of my teens until read through these threads

I’m always on to the next thing…

 

[Mookie Gizzy]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

About 79 spots to low. But that’s just me

 

[zamboni]

Surprise pick, but I like it! I don't listen to Kansas that often anymore, as they are sort of a retired favorite, meaning one I played so much for so many years that I only revisit them once in a while now, but Point of Know Return was near the end of their great run of albums, with Portrait being a damn fine song.

they opened for Bad Co when I saw them (Leftoverture tour).…kind of lost interest after they became popular

retired is a good way to think of it, I never listen to or think about the musuc of my teens until read through these threads

I’m always on to the next thing…

They had a bit of a renaissance in the early ‘80s - Fight Fire With Fire was decent with John Elefante taking over for Steve Walsh on vocals - but still had long passed their prime.

 

[John Maddens Lunchbox]

I thought it would be a good time to mention here that the #1 song of the year, in terms of popularity, as sung by Debby Boone, will not be on this list. It won’t be on this list because it’s quite simply an awful song.

This must be one of those space/time continuum things.
If Tim says it, the opposite must be true, but in this case the opposite isn’t true so I need to travel back in time to the Enchantment under the sea dance, steal Marvin Berrys guitar and punch Biff Tannen.

 

[timschochet]

77. Fleetwood Mac “Gold Dust Woman” (from Rumours)

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1977’s best album has a lot of sublime songs on it, including this one, Stevie Nick’s tribute to a drugged out lady (herself?) Stevie is bigger than life here.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

78. Neil Young “Like a Hurricane” (from American Stars ‘n Bars)

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Not very high on my list of favorite songs by this artist but I don’t dislike it either. It’s actually pretty good IMO.

#17 on my Neil countdown, and a lot of people in our demographic would have it higher (Binky: lower). Incredible soloing.

Neil debuted this song live in December 1975 and played it at almost every show during his extensive touring in 1976. People were primed for it when it finally appeared on record.

 

[zamboni]

77. Fleetwood Mac “Gold Dust Woman” (from Rumours)

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1977’s best album has a lot of sublime songs on it, including this one, Stevie Nick’s tribute to a drugged out lady (herself?) Stevie is bigger than life here.

My personal favorite off the album. IMO arguably better than the one than I assume will be in the top 10 (which I also love).

 

[Pip's Invitation]

77. Fleetwood Mac “Gold Dust Woman” (from Rumours)

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1977’s best album has a lot of sublime songs on it, including this one, Stevie Nick’s tribute to a drugged out lady (herself?) Stevie is bigger than life here.

My personal favorite off the album. IMO arguably better than the one than I assume will be in the top 10 (which I also love).

Rumours had four massive hit singles and Gold Dust Woman wasn’t even one of them. I presume we’ll see more from it, maybe a lot more.

However, the first single, which might be the one you’re thinking of, was released in December 1976, which makes it ineligible if Tim is using his usual criteria.

 

[zamboni]

77. Fleetwood Mac “Gold Dust Woman” (from Rumours)

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1977’s best album has a lot of sublime songs on it, including this one, Stevie Nick’s tribute to a drugged out lady (herself?) Stevie is bigger than life here.

My personal favorite off the album. IMO arguably better than the one than I assume will be in the top 10 (which I also love).

Rumours had four massive hit singles and Gold Dust Woman wasn’t even one of them. I presume we’ll see more from it, maybe a lot more.

However, the first single, which might be the one you’re thinking of, was released in December 1976, which makes it ineligible if Tim is using his usual criteria.

No - talking about a different tune.

 

[timschochet]

76. Ted Nugent “Cat Scratch Fever” (from Cat Scratch Fever)

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I’m not a particular fan of this guy, neither his personality, statements, or actions over the years. But musically, in his heyday, Nugent produced some very good hard rock. This song is not nearly as great as his magnum opus “Stranglehold” but it’s still quite listenable with a terrific riff.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Leaving all political stuff out of it I prefer Ted's earlier work, which includes the Amboy Dukes.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Gold Dust Woman is one of my favorite Stevie songs by FM. Love it.

Cat Scratch Fever is solid, but I can't say I ever went out of my way to hear songs by Nugent from his solo career. I heard the biggies on classic rock radio enough back in the day.

 

[timschochet]

75. Randy Newman “Short People” (from Little Criminals)

Randy Newman - Short People (Official Video)

Randy Newman - Short People (Official Video)From the album Little Criminals (1977)

youtu.be

So this is a song that, despite being Newman’s biggest ever hit, has been treated with disdain over the years, mainly because people took it way too seriously. Like so much of this artist’s early, pre-Disney material, it’s satire. And it’s pretty brilliant satire set to an infectious New Orleans style melody which Randy Newman does better than pretty much everyone. The Eagles sing backup, in harmony, on the original recording.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I strenuously object to Cat Scratch and Short People being ranked ahead of Like a Hurricane, and ask the court to strike it from the record.

 

[Uruk-Hai]

mainly because people took it way too seriously.

That's the truth. God, even my dumb *** 15 year-old self got it.

The LAX/soccer bros in my high school blasted this thing everywhere, thinking it was their superiority anthem. I should have asked them their thoughts on "Sail Away", but that would have been wasted breath,

 

[Uruk-Hai]

I strenuously object to Cat Scratch and Short People being ranked ahead of Like a Hurricane, and ask the court to strike it from the record.

Demi, is that you?