The 100 Greatest Songs of 1979 #1 “Comfortably Numb” Pink Floyd (1 Viewer)

[timschochet]

10. Supertramp “Take the Long Way Home” (from Breakfast in America) 

https://youtu.be/7btmeE8Ewa8

The last song written for the album, this was never meant to be its best moment; that was clearly supposed to be “The Logical Song” with its grandiose message of alienation. Yet I believe that “Take the Long Way Home” with its complaints about marriage and celebration of rockstardom, is actually a better tune and arguably the finest thing Hodgson ever wrote. My only qualm with it is that the opening takes a bit too long; otherwise perfect. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Glad we’re in agreement on this. I would posit that Goodbye Stranger is also better than The Logical Song.

 

[timschochet]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

 

[DocHolliday]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

This song always puts me in a better mood.  

 

[Pip's Invitation]

In December 1979 I had an interminably long car ride during a snowstorm. The two songs from the radio I remember most from that trip were Refugee and Dance the Night Away. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

The song used to signal closing time for the bar located next to the dorms.

I love it.  I remember one long night of studying when I stopped in for a cold one and saw the gang and still had my backpack on loaded with books sipping my brew and slowly dancing around the dance floor singing this tune.  

I thought you would have it number-one.  I would have.  Great tune.

 

[rockaction]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

VH II is better than VH I. There I said it. There's no doubt in my mind. A lot of it has to do with this song.

eta* For Leory's tear, I'll concede it has a lot to do with D.O.A., too. 

 

[Aerial Assault]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

This, along with "Runnin' with the Devil," showcases that cool aspect of VH that so many other four-piece metal or hair bands or whatever you want to call them of that era did not have: the ability of both EVH and Anthony to sing excellent background vocals.  Anthony's outstanding high voice was such a counterpoint to his appearance.  

 

[Tau837]

VH II is better than VH I. There I said. There's no doubt in my mind. A lot of it has to do with this song.

Wow, I don't think this at all. I like VH II, but I don't think it comes close to VH I, which IMO is better top to bottom.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Wow, I don't think this at all. I like VH II, but I don't think it comes close to VH I, which IMO is better top to bottom.

Agreed.  II is very good, but probably only my 4th favorite from the original Roth era.  I is a beast from start to finish, and remains the best thing Van Halen ever did (under any lineup).

 

[timschochet]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

I had this song pretty highly ranked on the one hit wonder list and then again on the New Wave greatest songs list, so I’ve run out of things to write about it. So let me just mention that the album, The Age of Plastic, has 3 other very good songs on it: “Elstree”, “Living in the Plastic Age”, and “Clean Clean”. 

 

[HellToupee]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

I had this song pretty highly ranked on the one hit wonder list and then again on the New Wave greatest songs list, so I’ve run out of things to write about it. So let me just mention that the album, The Age of Plastic, has 3 other very good songs on it: “Elstree”, “Living in the Plastic Age”, and “Clean Clean”. 

 

[Tau837]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

I had this song pretty highly ranked on the one hit wonder list and then again on the New Wave greatest songs list, so I’ve run out of things to write about it. So let me just mention that the album, The Age of Plastic, has 3 other very good songs on it: “Elstree”, “Living in the Plastic Age”, and “Clean Clean”. 

This is schitck, right?

 at this being ranked #8.

 

[timschochet]

This is schitck, right?

 at this being ranked #8.

No shtick. One of the very best songs of 1979 (or any other year.) 

 

[Tau837]

No shtick. One of the very best songs of 1979 (or any other year.) 

Yeah, this is where your OP statement fails badly:

Just as with my 1971 thread: this is an objective list of the greatest songs of the year. It is not a list of my personal favorites. If you disagree with me keep In mind that I am smarter than you and know more than you do about everything. 

Still really enjoying the thread, though.  

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Gotta give credit to its historical significance: first video ever played on MTV.

And it's a very good song. I felt unexpected joy when it showed up at the end of the movie Take This Waltz.

But no, I wouldn't have it anywhere near the top 10 on my list of songs from 1979. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

This is schitck, right?

 at this being ranked #8.

Yep.  It's a good song, but better than most of the hits from The Wall (except for the obvious biggie still coming, barring an epic fail, which could easily happen) or any of those Supertramp hits? No freaking way.

 

[Nipsey]

Take the Long Way Home

https://clyp.it/l01iyf3c

 

[timschochet]

7. AC/DC “Highway to Hell” (from Highway to Hell) 

https://youtu.be/l482T0yNkeo

Angus Young’s classic guitar riff, and Bon Scott’s amazing vocals, are the two main reasons this song is regarded as one of the all time greatest hard rock anthems. Listening today it doesn’t sound dated at all; this is absolutely timeless rock and roll. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

 "In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone to far"

Sounds like the Buggles dude made the same mistake I did.  Bought an 8 track player instead of a cassette deck.

 

[timschochet]

 "In my mind and in my car, we can't rewind we've gone too far"

Some of the best lyrics of the year, really. 

 

[timschochet]

6. Talking Heads “Life During Wartime” (from Fear of Music) 

https://youtu.be/jShMQw2H2cM

The link is to the live version from 1983, and as I’ve written before, it’s the single best live performance of any band I have ever seen on film. 
The song itself seems out of place for 1979; it feels very 21st century. (Musically that is; the lyrics are definitely dated.) 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

This ain't no fooling around. 

 

[Ghost Rider]

Good song, but there are a number of songs on Fear of Music that are better. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

Good song, but there are a number of songs on Fear of Music that are better. 

I Zimbra. Set the template for Remain in Light. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

"Cities" has such a great driving rhythm.

 

[timschochet]

5. Donna Summer “Hot Stuff” (from Bad Girls) 

https://youtu.be/1IdEhvuNxV8

One of the best rock songs of the era, featuring a kick ### guitar solo by Steely Dan’s Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, who in recent years has worked as a missile consultant for the Defense Department. Sadly, in later years Donna refused to perform this song because, having converted to Christianity, she regarded the lyrics as too racy. It’s probably her best ever performance. 

 

[FairWarning]

9. Van Halen “Dance the Night Away” (from Van Halen II) 

https://youtu.be/pQ9pYwCKopE

David Lee Roth claims this song is about a woman having sex in the back of a truck who fled the cops with her pants on backwards into the bar where the band was playing. OK? 

Whatever it’s origins, it’s got a killer guitar riff and it began the image of the band as extremely happy hard rockers (especially Eddie) that would continue through “Jump” and their other huge hits. 

FairWarning approved.

 

[Ghost Rider]

5. Donna Summer “Hot Stuff” (from Bad Girls) 

https://youtu.be/1IdEhvuNxV8

One of the best rock songs of the era, featuring a kick ### guitar solo by Steely Dan’s Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, who in recent years has worked as a missile consultant for the Defense Department. Sadly, in later years Donna refused to perform this song because, having converted to Christianity, she regarded the lyrics as too racy. It’s probably her best ever performance. 

It's a disco song, not a rock song despite the ripping guitar solo, but it's a great one regardless.

 

[DocHolliday]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

I had this song pretty highly ranked on the one hit wonder list and then again on the New Wave greatest songs list, so I’ve run out of things to write about it. So let me just mention that the album, The Age of Plastic, has 3 other very good songs on it: “Elstree”, “Living in the Plastic Age”, and “Clean Clean”. 

One of these things is not like the others.   

 

[HellToupee]

One of these things is not like the others.   

Very

 

[northern exposure]

8. The Buggles “Video Killed the Radio Star” (from The Age of Plastic) 

https://youtu.be/W8r-tXRLazs

I had this song pretty highly ranked on the one hit wonder list and then again on the New Wave greatest songs list, so I’ve run out of things to write about it. So let me just mention that the album, The Age of Plastic, has 3 other very good songs on it: “Elstree”, “Living in the Plastic Age”, and “Clean Clean”. 

You knock Brass In Pocket down a few spots for the video and don't knock this one down about 20 spots for its video?

 

[timschochet]

4. The Commodores “Sail On” (from Midnight Magic) 

https://youtu.be/5zwhoFKwzHg

I believe that Lionel Ritchie’s greatest years as a songwriter and recording artist were as a member of the Commodores. “Sail On” was one of a handful of exquisite ballads that he penned for this group- I also include “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” on that list. But “Sail On” might be the best of those, and it is the best ballad of 1979. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Great tune.  I had it on my list but not top-five.  Still a great tune.

 

[Mr. Mojo]

4. The Commodores “Sail On” (from Midnight Magic) 

https://youtu.be/5zwhoFKwzHg

I believe that Lionel Ritchie’s greatest years as a songwriter and recording artist were as a member of the Commodores. “Sail On” was one of a handful of exquisite ballads that he penned for this group- I also include “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” on that list. But “Sail On” might be the best of those, and it is the best ballad of 1979. 

Lionel Richie had one of the best voices in that era. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

To me is this clearly the best of the Commodores' big ballads because it's the most interesting musically. The melody is fantastic and so are the subtle guitar touches toward the end. 

 

[falguy]

4. The Commodores “Sail On” (from Midnight Magic) 

https://youtu.be/5zwhoFKwzHg

I believe that Lionel Ritchie’s greatest years as a songwriter and recording artist were as a member of the Commodores. “Sail On” was one of a handful of exquisite ballads that he penned for this group- I also include “Easy” and “Three Times a Lady” on that list. But “Sail On” might be the best of those, and it is the best ballad of 1979. 

Sail On, Easy, and Still are 3 ballads I never tire of. 

 

[Doug B]

4. The Commodores “Sail On” (from Midnight Magic) 

A lot of casual fans aren't aware of the country-music influence on Lionel Richie's songwriting. It's quite apparent in the first several verses of "Sail On", which ingeniously weaves country, Latin, and soul throughout the track.

 

[Pip's Invitation]

A lot of casual fans aren't aware of the country-music influence on Lionel Richie's songwriting. It's quite apparent in the first several verses of "Sail On", which ingeniously weaves country, Latin, and soul throughout the track.

And of course, he wrote the country crossover hit "Lady" for Kenny Rogers. He gave it to Rogers after the rest of the Commodores rejected it; it was 1976 and they weren't ready to pivot from funk to ballads yet. 

 

[Leroy Hoard]

And of course, he wrote the country crossover hit "Lady" for Kenny Rogers. He gave it to Rogers after the rest of the Commodores rejected it; it was 1976 and they weren't ready to pivot from funk to ballads yet. 

As Kenny used to say,  "You've got to know when to hold 'em".

 

[DocHolliday]

Lionel Richie had one of the best voices in that era. 

Great voice.   Great song writer.   Simply a very talented musician 

 

[timschochet]

3. The Clash “Train in Vain” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/aUzBgeI5dpc

The Clash’s greatest song ever was almost an afterthought; it was added to London Calling at the very last minute, and it doesn’t even show up on the original track listing, just a “bonus” song at the end. 
But as composed and sung by Mick Jones, “Train in Vain” is a superb love song filled with angst and the disappointment of a great betrayal. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

I'm glad they finally found Mick in the supermarket. 

 

[Pip's Invitation]

43. “Hey Hey My My (Into the Black” Neil Young & Crazy Horse 

Um, yeah, this is way, way too low. 

 

[rockaction]

3. The Clash “Train in Vain” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/aUzBgeI5dpc

The Clash’s greatest song ever was almost an afterthought; it was added to London Calling at the very last minute, and it doesn’t even show up on the original track listing, just a “bonus” song at the end. 
But as composed and sung by Mick Jones, “Train in Vain” is a superb love song filled with angst and the disappointment of a great betrayal. 

It took me until my thirties to get the Clash and when I finally did, it hit like a brick. 

Did you lie-ie-ie-ied when you spoke to me? 

 

[timschochet]

2. Michael Jackson “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” (from Off the Wall) 

https://youtu.be/yURRmWtbTbo

This was the King of Pop at his very best, despite the silly spoken monologue at the beginning of the song. It’s a very powerful and irresistible tune and he wrote it, (though Quincy Jones has a lot to do with how great it sounds.) 

From what I’ve learned of Michael Jackson the person he was not a good guy. Very likely a pedophile. And I would also add that this is not my favorite genre of music in particular. But despite all that, it’s simply impossible to deny this guy’s amazing talent. 

 

[Bracie Smathers]

Great tune and worthy to be in the top songs of 79.  I had you taking this in the top-ten.

 

[Bracie Smathers]

3. The Clash “Train in Vain” (from London Calling) 

https://youtu.be/aUzBgeI5dpc

The Clash’s greatest song ever was almost an afterthought; it was added to London Calling at the very last minute, and it doesn’t even show up on the original track listing, just a “bonus” song at the end. 
But as composed and sung by Mick Jones, “Train in Vain” is a superb love song filled with angst and the disappointment of a great betrayal. 

I actually missed that it got added later to the album since it wasn't listed so great catch Tim.

 

[Tau837]

Now that #1 is obvious, the countdown is essentially complete. These songs were egregious misses IMO and would be in my top 10-15 (in no particular order):

• I'm Gonna Crawl - Led Zeppelin
  
• Crazy Little Thing Called Love - Queen
  
• Cool Change - Little River Band
  

These would have been contenders for my top 100 (in no particular order):

• Goodbye Blue Sky - Pink Floyd
  
• Nobody Home - Pink Floyd
  
• In the Evening - Led Zeppelin
  
• Carouselambra - Led Zeppelin
  
• Dangerous Type - The Cars
  
• Jane - Jefferson Starship
  
• Once Upon a Time in the West - Dire Straits - pretty egregious to include zero songs from this album IMO
  
• Where Do You Think You're Going? - Dire Straits
  
• Lady Writer - Dire Straits
  
• The Long Run - Eagles - definitely ahead of Heartache Tonight
  
• Is She Really Going Out With Him? - Joe Jackson
  
• Don't Bring Me Down - ELO
  
• Cheap Sunglasses - ZZ Top
  
• I Thank You - ZZ Top
  
• Flirtin' with Disaster - Molly Hatchet
  
• Head Games - Foreigner - definitely ahead of Dirty White Boy
  
• Lonesome Loser - Little River Band
  

That is 20 songs for the next 100...

 

[Gr00vus]

Now that #1 is obvious,