75 and counting......

Not really sure where to begin with this blog. I am one of those people who literally loves every type of music. From Bluegrass, to Hip Hop, I love it all. I have a favorite song from every genre and every era. It's not a lie. I know so many songs by heart it is almost scary. I find myself constantly wanting to correct people when I hear people singing songs wrong. I thought trying to find just 20 movies was hard, but finding 20 songs is WAAAAAAAAY harder! SO I have decided to just go with the flow and stop when I feel like I shouldn't talk about any more songs. Also you should take note that I probably wont have any songs on here that are newer than say 2001, since I find today's music to be ridiculous most of the time. This will probably prove to be a lengthy blog, so get yourself some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the ride. In no particular order, here are my songs.......

1. Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding (1967)

Otis had such a distinct voice. He was one of the many famous singers who died too young. This song was actually recorded months before his death and was not released until after he died. When it become no.1 on the charts it was the first song to ever be recorded and become no.1 after the artist passed away. Otis wrote many songs including Respect, which would be made famous by Aretha Franklin. When I hear any Otis Redding song, I get all tingly. This was even mine and Dave's wedding song. He plays it for me whenever he gets a chance. Other Otis songs to listen to are "These Arms of Mine", "I've been loving you too long", "Pain in my heart", "My lover's prayer".

2. Alone - Heart (1987)

Ann Wilson has the most amazing voice and when she belts out songs, I almost want to cry. I really dislike it when people try to sing Heart songs. There are just certain groups, singers, that you shouldn't try to cover. I believe Heart is one of those groups. However, when Heart covers Led Zeppelin, it is nothing short of AMAZING!!! I really wish there was an Ann Wilson, Robert Plant duet album. Those two voices together, would be something to hear.

3. Purple Rain Soundtrack -Prince (1984)

I know I am supposed to be doing songs, not albums, but just to save space I didn't name every song on this album. It's really hard to pick just one Prince song, I could do a list of all Prince songs and reasons for liking each one. Prince is such a great talent. Singing, writing, producing, plus he plays guitar like a freaking genius, AND he can act. I mean, have you seen Purple Rain? (I know some of you will think I am crazy! He did a pretty good job acting in that movie, even if he was playing himself for the most part.) Don't even get me started on the Revolution or when he was just a symbol without a name. Also there is a song on this album called Darling Nikki and it's about a dirty girl. Makes me laugh every time.

4. The Ten Crack Commandments - Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

What? I like some rap songs. I prefer the early hip-hop/rap. I can't handle that bogus crap that comes out nowadays. I love Mos Def and KRS-ONE, and Common. I can't stand the ignorant rappers like T.I. and Lil Wayne. This song is just some good old fashioned rules that you should all follow in any business not just drug dealing. HAHAHA!! My mom is probably having a heart attack reading this. Sorry mom but I like this song and I promise this is the only song you will want to disown me for liking. Blame Dave for me liking Rap/Hip Hop

5. Mary Jane's Last Dance- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1993)

I feel like I have loved this song my whole life and then I realized it came out in 1993. I would have guessed the late 80s. Shows what I know. There is a long story that goes with this song that I will save for another time. It involves a little old lady at a nursing home in a wheelchair......

6. Joy to The World - Three Dog Night (1970)

The main person who influenced my love of music when I was younger, was my mom. She loves Three Dog Night and she always sang this song "Jeremiah was a bull froggy!" She knows those aren't the right words but she has this almost creepy frog obsession so that part of the song always makes her smile. I hear this song and can hear her singing it. It's one of those songs that triggers a memory about a person. I also like the song One by Three Dog Night.

7. Smile - Charlie Chaplin (1936) (Lyrics added in 1954)

When Chaplin wrote this song it had no lyrics. It was the soundtrack to the movie Modern Times. It has now been recorded many times by many different artists. It was one of Michael Jackson's favorite songs and was played at his funeral. My favorite version is sung by Nat King Cole

8. Octopus Garden - The Beatles (1969)

I am pretty sure Ringo Starr was on some major drugs when he wrote this song. It doesn't matter to me though. I sang and danced to this song when I was in Sunshine Generation!! (My first singing and dancing fore, when I was much much younger.) There are many Beatles songs that should be on this list, they are after all, one of the greatest bands of all time!!!! I just picked this one because it has sentimental value.

9. Imagine - John Lennon (1971)

I don't really think I need to talk too much about this song. If this song is not in your list of favorite songs, then you need help. Seriously!! Lyrically alone this song is a masterpiece.

10. (Can't live without your) Love and Affection - Nelson (1990)

Judge me all you want to, but this song is catchy and makes me super happy. Plus Nelson was a band of two twin brothers who's father was Ricky Nelson! How can you go wrong?

11. Islands in the Stream - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers (1983)

This song was written by the Bee Gees, yet was a huge hit for Parton and Rogers. It has been called the greatest country duet by CMT television. I don't know if I would go that far, but none the less i love this song. I sang it in 8th grade choir class. We even had a dance to the song. Yes, I still know the dance and I have done it many times over the years. This fact makes me a nerd, and I don't care.

12. Baba O'Riley - The Who (1972)

Some people refer to this song as "teenage wasteland". Those people should be punched in the face. This is one of the most recognizable songs ever, but unfortunately people don't know the name. I love it anyway!!! I am sure you do too!

13. She's So Unusual (album) - Cyndi Lauper (1983)

Like I have said before, my list, my rules. I could never in a million years pick just one song off of this album and I knew you would get even more bored if I listed them individually. Yeah I can't even begin to tell you how much this album influenced me. In fact I actually owned the record. That's right, the vinyl. Not a cd or a cassette tape. There are pictures of me with headphones on my head after I have fallen asleep listening to this album. I knew it forwards and backwards. I still do. EVERY single song. I am pretty sure I had these songs memorized before I ever even went to school. My earliest memories of music are from this album. Crazy, right? THANKS MOM!!!!!! P.s. I really want a record player. I love the sound so much better than mp3s or cds.....sigh......

14. Standing Outside the Fire - Garth Brooks (1993)

When I first bought the Garth Brooks greatest hits tape (yeah I said tape), I was only interested in the song Friends in Low Places. Then I listened to the whole tape, over and over and over again. There was/is not a song on there that I do not like. This song, however, has some great lyrics and it is super catchy. I am sure most people will say, "boo Garth Brooks", "He Sucks", but those are the same people that sing along at the bar when Friends in Low Places comes on. We will ignore the work he put out when he decided to be "Chirs Gaines".......

15. Over the Rainbow - as sung by Sam Harris (not sure of the year)

This man's voice is out of control amazing. If you haven't heard his version of this Judy Garland song, then you are missing out. BIG TIME!!!! For those trivia buffs out there, Sam became famous for 15 after winning it all on Star Search. Of course the song has been done a million times by a million different people, but I love this one. THANKS TAMAR!!!!!

16. Dirty Diana, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Pretty Young Thing - Michael Jackson (various years)

I'm not even going to get into it. MJ is the GOAT!!!! Too bad he will forever be marred by the sexual abuse allegations, cause he had talent that is off the charts. I don't think anyone is a close 2nd. Madonna and Paul McCartney are distant runners up.

17. Beast of Burden - The Rolling Stones (1978)

I severely dislike The Stones. I hate it that they are always in the discussion of "greatest band of all time"!! However, even I love this song. That is all I am going to say because adding this song to my list made me sick a little.

18. Breaking Me - Jonny Lang (1998)

If you are into Blues, this song is great. Jonny Lang has 2 albums that I own and absolutely recommend. Wander This World and Lie To Me. His voice is nice and smooth and yet really intense. If you listen to the 2 albums, you'll know what I mean. Even some of the great Blues artists have praised him, so he is the real deal. I am sure none of you reading this have even heard of him, let alone heard this song. You should take a listen.

19. For The Good Times - Ray Price (1970)

Kris Kristoferson wrote this song, but Ray Price had the biggest hit with it. My Uncle Riley used to sing this song to me all the time. He was/is one of my favorite people EVER.

20. Freewill - Rush (1980)

I love Rush and was introduced to them by a person that I will not talk about since we are no longer friends. This is my favorite Rush song because the lyrics are great and it has a pretty awesome guitar solo halfway through the song. "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice", is still one of my favorite lyrics of all time.

21. Somebody to Love - Queen (1976)

I know there isn't much I need to say about Queen that hasn't already been said. I will just say that this is my favorite Queen song and I love Freddie's voice. He had a true rock voice and if ever there was anyone born to be a performer, it was definitely Freddie Mercury.

22. Fool in the Rain, Kashmir, Rain Song, Stairway to heaven, Whole lotta love, - Led Zeppelin (various years/albums)

My mom is in love with Robert Plant. Let me just say, that, that is one old dude who would get it!!! He personifies rock music and oozes sexiness. Let's not forget that his voice is a gift from god. I know that sounds cliche and ridiculous, but rock music owes as much to Led Zeppelin as it does to The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix's. Aside from Robert Plant being the led singer, you have freaking Jimmy Page as the guitarist, John Paul Jones on keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. Id say this was a musical match that will not soon be equaled.

23. Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears (1985)

I love Tears For Fears, and they actually have quite a few songs that I would consider to be one of my favorites. I also like Mad World, Shout, as well as Head over Heels and Sowing the Seeds Of Love. I think Tears for Fears in underrated and doesn't usually get the credit they deserve for writing/performing songs. Songs From the Big Chair is one of my favorite albums too.

24. Pennies From Heaven - as sung by Dean Martin (not sure what year)

Dino was one of many very famous people who recorded this song. I love his version because Dean's voice is just great. I don't think there will ever be another Rat Pack and I want to hit people who call George Clooney, "This generation's Frank Sinatra". I know most people would disagree, but I like Dean Martin more than Frank Sinatra. His voice gives me goose bumps. If you get the chance I highly recommend you listen to Dean sing Return to Me.....it will change your life. I promise. Or at least the way you look at the love of your life.

25. Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers (1957)

My Dad, Jerry, loves the Everly Brothers. He is the one who really influenced me when it came to older music. Every summer we went to the Kool Concert, which is a concert that the oldies station in Colorado would put on each year. I saw so many amazing groups, that it is hard to remember all of them. I will list a few just to give you a taste of how awesome those concerts were. Tommy James and the Shondels, The Temptations (not all the original members), Diana Ross and the Supremes (not all original supremes) The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, The Monkees, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and more that I can't remember right this moment. At the time I didn't realize how lucky I was to see all of those people. All I knew is I loved the music. Now, I can say I have seen some of the greatest acts of all time, even if they were not in their prime when I saw them.

26. I Want to be Loved Like That - Shenandoah (1993)

"Natalie Wood gave her heart to James Dean. A high school rebel and a teenage queen. Standing together in an angry world. One boy fighting for one girl. I want to be loved like that. I want to be loved like that. A promise you can't take back. If you're gonna love me, I want to be loved like that."  This is such a pretty song. I am sure no one has heard it, that reads this blog, but it is so romantic.

27. Love - Musiq Soulchild (2000)

Look, Dave, a song past 1999!!!! All because of my husband who sings this song to me, and doesn't do a bad job either. I wish the world could hear him sing.....anyway, this song and the lyrics are beautiful.

28.  Even Now - Linda Eder (1999)

If you are into Broadway, then you know who Linda Eder is. Her voice is unbelievable. This song gives me chills.

29. In Too Deep - Genesis (Phill Collins era 1987 U.S. release)

Genesis has a lot of songs that I like. I love this song because it's catchy and since I am a lyric freak, this song is a given.

30. Why Can't this Be Love - Van Halen (1986) (from the album 5150 Sammy Hagar era)

Like Genesis Van Halen has gone through many changes. They have had Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth as lead singers off and on since they began as a band way back in 1972. For my money though, it's the amazingness of Eddie Van Halen on guitar that makes this band so freaking awesome. I could have listed quite a few Van Halen songs on this list. I settled for this song because it is the first Van Halen song I ever heard, a very long time ago, and I still love it to this day.

31. Promises in the Dark, Shadows of the night, All Fired up - Pat Benetar (various years)

All I have to say is, thank you Ms. Benetar, you saved my life. I wont go into it in this blog, cause that may be for a different time. Just know that the song All Fired Up, got me through a VERY dark period of my life. That's the thing about music, about good music and good lyrics anyway, it can save you...... I know I am a nerd by the way.

32. Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx (1989)

This song was originally written by Marx for his wife. He was not going to release it. She encouraged him to. Thank you very much Mrs. Marx (AKA the dancing partner of Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing) What??? I figured you would like some trivia answers.....

33. Seasons of Love - Rent (Broad way version 1996)

Another song for my musical fan friends!!! There will be more to come so watch out.

34. Ill Stand By You - The Pretenders (1984)

I am pretty sure most of the people who read this blog will not read my comments on each song, so I wont bore you with crazy Niki stories. I do love this song. I was really excited when they sang it on Glee!!

35. Feel Like Makin' Love - Bad Company (1975)

Just a good ol' classic rock song!!

36. I Wanna Be There - Blessed Union of Souls (1997)

Blessed Union of Souls is more popular for their song Hey Leonardo, but this song is awesome!

37. MCs Act Like They Don't Know - KRS-One (1995)

KRS-One is an awesome lyricist. It's like listening to poetry with a beat when you hear him. I believe that is what hip/hop and rap in general have lost over the last decade. There are no longer any poets out there. Now everyone is just worried about making a buck and getting "street cred". Ill admit I didn't like hip hop until I met my husband who is a major hip hop/rap music know it all, but even I know the difference between real and fake hip hop.

38. Piece of my heart - Janis Joplin (1968)

Don't really need to say much about Janis. She was one of the many artist who died too young.

39. Are You Experienced - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Keeping with the theme of people who died too young, we move on to Jimi Hendrix. Some would say he was the greatest guitarist who ever lived. I would not disagree with those people. It is hard to argue if you have ever seen footage of Jimi playing the guitar. It is damn near magical. Plus he was left handed which makes him even more awesome in my book. If you have never listened to this album, then you haven't "experienced" music my friend. I know that sounds ridiculously cliche and almost too cheesy, but it is the absolute truth.

40. Baby I Need Your Loving - The Four Tops (1964)

Oh how I wish I had grown up in the era of Motown. Not the garbage Motown of today. I wish I was around when groups like The Four Tops and The Temptations ruled the airwaves. My mom and her generation are so lucky.

41. UMF - Duran Duran (1993)

I love pretty much every single Duran Duran song. This song however, has a great beat and it gets stuck in my head every time I hear it. Plus who doesn't want to hear a song about the "ultimate mind f@#$"? o
Other Duran Duran songs that I love are "Hungry like the Wolf", "Ordinary World", "Notorious", "Girls on Film", "Rio", "Save a Prayer", "The Reflex", "Union of the Snake", "The Wild Boys", "A View to a Kill", and "All She Wants Is"!!!

42. Check Yes or No - George Strait (1995)

I love George Strait. When I was younger and my brother was going through his country music stage I thought he was crazy. Then all of a sudden I went through my own stage, and have never really gotten out of it. I love country music. I am not into the artists of today. Not a big Carrie Underwood fan or Taylor Swift. Give me George or Reba any day of the week and I am happy.

43. Spilled Perfume - Pam Tillis (1994)

I have been singing pretty much my whole life and this is the only song that I feel like I can sing and sound half way decent singing. If I ever get up enough nerve to sing in front of people. I mean REALLY sing, not just holler and carry on like I do, then this is the song I would sing.

44. 18 and Life - Skid Row (1989)

Mmmmm Sebastian Bach, I want to have your babies!!!! That is all I have to say about this situation here!

45. Forever Young - Alphaville (1984)

When I was younger I had a friend who was older than me. Her name was Skye and I had a huge crush on her brother. Skye died in a car accident when she was only 18. They played this song at her funeral and I have loved/hated it ever since. The lyrics to this song are almost too much to handle at times. I want to thank Jay-Z for bringing this song back onto the radio. His rap version has made it so that other stations play the original more often.

46. Dream a Little Dream - as sung by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald (I'm not really sure)

If you have never heard these two sing together, then you haven't heard music. It's breathtaking in the best way. A nice glass of wine and listening to a record player playing this song, that's how Id love to spend my weekend. Well, this song and any other Louis song. Hello, Dolly is definitely my second favorite song he sings!!

47. Lovesong - The Cure (1989)

Actually I love pretty much anything that this group has put out.

48.  Soldier of Love - Donny Osmond (1989)

That's right, I have this song on my list. Don't judge me!!!! It makes me happy and I don't care if it also makes me a nerd!

49. Out here on my own - Irene Cara (1980) From Fame

I love Irene Cara and this song is so good. It definitely deserved the Oscar...... Just saying

50. I Want it That Way- The Backstreet Boys (1999)

Judge me all you want, but this song is catchy and once it's in your head it doesn't go away. When I was younger I never had a boy band obsession. I didn't even like NKOTB when everyone else was swooning. I was all about Patrick Swayze, Jonathan Brandis, and River Phoenix. So when I was about to graduate from high school is when my obsession started. I own EVERY single Backstreet boy cd. Even the ones that you could buy at Burger King. I am sure no one knows what I am talking about, but that is ok. I will be on the Backstreet Boy bandwagon all by myself for as long as I live!!!

51. Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nothin to Fu** With - Wu-Tang Clan (1990ish or something)

Who cares about the year. If I were a rapper I'd want to be part of the Wu-Tang clan!!!!

52. Hello, I love you - The Doors (1968)

Jim Morrison is yet another example of someone who died far too young, and left everyone wondering, what if? What if he had lived to be even 30 years old??? Since I like good music I will say that there are many many Doors songs that should be on this list, but this is the song that made me love them. Well, this song and Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison in the movie The Doors!!

53. Just Like Jesse James - Cher (1989)

For the record, I love Cher!!! I love her music, her movies, and her bad ass attitude!!! That is all!

54. Dancing on the Ceiling - Lionel Richie (1986)

I know most people would say Hello is their favorite Lionel Richie song, but not this girl!!!

55. We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel (1989)

A history lesson and a song? Yes please!! Plus I sang it in Sunshine Generation so it has to be good!!

56. God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood (1984)

I sang this song in Sunshine Generation as well. I have been super patriotic ever since. If my patriotism annoys you, then blame Lee Greenwood. Also the year after I sang this in Sunshine Generation we went to Folsom Field for the 4th of July and I saw Mr. Greenwood perform this song live. It was my favorite 4th of July EVER.......until this year!

57. I'll be there for you - Bon Jovi (1989)

Yeah, it's Bon Jovi!!! What more do I need to say. Except that they are probably the best band I have ever seen in concert (thanks to my mother - in - law), and Jon i super sexy in person. It doesn't matter how far away I was sitting either. There are of course other Bon Jovi songs that I love, but this one is my favorite. I also love the Young Guns 2 soundtrack, which was Jon's first solo album and even earned him an Oscar nom!


58. Should've been a cowboy - Toby Keith (1993)

Yet another song that I listened to over and over again when I was starting to appreciate country music. Yes Dave, it is possible to appreciate Country music.

59. (You're) The Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley (1963)

A very catchy pop tune that makes me smile when I hear it.

60. Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder (1973)

The more songs I think of, the more I realize I was born in the wrong era.... sigh..... Who doesn't like Stevie Wonder?? This song is awesome to tap dance to as well. It's fast, but gives ya a good work out!

61. Machinehead - Bush (1996)

Love me some Gavin Rossdale. He is super hot. Now he is just known as Gwen Stefani's hubby, but to me he will always be the lead singer of Bush. Apparently the band has formed again and they still tour. Razorblade Suitcase, and Sixteen Stone, will never be topped by them though.

62. The Heart Wont Lie - Vince Gill and Reba Mcentire (1993)

This song is just awesome and romantic. A lot of people don't like mooshy songs like this, but I do. I wish I could get Dave to like this stuff.

63. Civil War - Guns N Roses (1993)

I know this isn't the most popular Guns N Roses song, but I really like it and it makes me want to head bang. I don't do such things due to my head injury history of course, but the thought is there!

64. By My Side - Lori Morgan (1996)

Another great country duet song. I wish I could find a karaoke partner to sing this song with me.

65. Don't Stop Believin - Journey - (1981)

This song is my ring tone and the first three or four seconds of the song is my text message tone. That should tell you how much I love this song. Also you should know that when this song is playing in the bar and "the drunk girl" in the corner is singing it, I am not ashamed to say I am "THAT" girl!!!

66. Angel - Aerosmith (1988)

This has been one of my favorite songs at multiple times in my life, and for multiple reasons. Just love the lyrics and the music....

67. Insensitive - Jann Arden (1994)

I used to know someone I would dedicate this song to on a regular basis. They are no longer in my life, so yeah, moving on.... I do like this song though

68. Rush Rush - Paula Abdul (1991)

I know, I know, I should've picked a more popular Paula song. What does it matter, she is so drugged up she has no idea who likes her music anyway. Plus Keanu Reeves is in the music video!!! Really, what more could a girl ask for???

69. Battery - Metallica (1986)

"Crashing through the boundaries, lunacy has found me", are some of my favorite lyrics EVER!!!

70. 99 Problems - Jay-Z (2004)

I'm just excited I like a song that was made after 2000!!!

71.  Like a Prayer - Madonna (1989)

Not much can be said about Madonna that hasn't already been said. She is the only female on the same level as Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney though. I mean her name has become synonymous with pop music. The Immaculate Collection is probably the best greatest hits album ever compiled. Even Michael Jackson's Number Ones left off some of his best songs.

72. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac (1975)

It was really hard to pick just one Fleetwood Mac song, but in case you haven't noticed I really need to finish this blog. I love Stevie Nicks by herself as well.

73. Whatever Lola Wants - From the Musical Damn Yankees (1955)

I love this movie. I am such a musical nerd, but really, I don't care. Judge me all you want to.

74. Seize the Day, Carry the Banner, King of New York - From the movie Newsies (1992)

This musical is also a movie I know by heart. I love love love it!!!! I even own the sheet music....man, I am a nerd!!

75. Raining on Sunday - Keith Urban (2003)

I feel like this should be my last song on the list. 75 songs is a lot of songs to take in. I have so many more that I could add to the list, but I feel like this blog would never end. You get the picture right??? Obviously I love all kinds of music and listen to it all the time. I really need to compile a list of songs made only after 2000 that I like. That way I don't look like I haven't heard any music past 1999......