Anna's Music World

Queen: A Day at the Races (1976) Song Ranking

Rating: 7/10

After the commercial success of their previous studio album, A Night at the Opera, expectations were high for Queen to deliver another successful and enjoyable album. This album serves as a sequel to that album in pretty much every way. From the names, to the cover art, to the musical styles, A Day at the Races certainly adds on to the group’s previous record.

In this post I’ll be ranking all the songs from Queen’s fifth studio album, A Day at the Races, from my least favorite to my favorite. Hope you enjoy reading this!

10. White Man (Track 7)

Okay, let me just say that the guitar work in this song is really cool, as is the drumming. I’ll also say that the lyrics are really interesting and insightful. With that being said, sonically it’s not really up my alley, and the melody does nothing for me. The sound is just more aggressive than I typically prefer.

9. Tie Your Mother Down (Track 1)

I feel like it’s probably unpopular to have this song so low, but oh well. This actually is a pretty fun song, and a nice opener for the album, but it doesn’t stand out too much to me. I always enjoy hearing Freddie go all hardcore rocker though.

8. You Take My Breath Away (Track 2)

Queen has always had an amazing knack for multi-layered harmonies, and this song is an amazing example of their harmonic brilliance. This song, while a little peculiar, is actually very beautiful. I do like it, but it’s just a bit unsettling to me, which is why I don’t have it higher up. Also, the part at the end freaks me out (it’s kinda cool though).

7. Teo Torriatte (Track 10)

Maybe if I understood the point of this song I would have it higher up, but alas, I don’t. I mean, I suppose it’s something about staying together and unity, but I can’t see much past that. The chorus and the ending part is nice, but the verses really aren’t my favorite.

6. The Millionare Waltz (Track 4)

I think one of the things that has given Queen enduring popularity is the experimental and somewhat bizzare songs that they would bury in their albums (Bohemian Rhapsody is the most mainstream example of this, but it can be found to even larger degrees in other songs). This song is campy and jaunty and playful, but sort of gloomy underneath it all. It’s just a weird but ultimately fun song. I enjoy listening to this song quite a bit, but it’s not the type of song I could listen to in any mood.

5. Drowse (Track 9)

And now we’ve reached my favorite songs from the album. This is a really cool song, and I think Roger did a great job on lead vocal. Brian May’s guitar work is also really great, as is Roger’s drumming. The lyrics are also really interesting. Overall, it’s just a pleasant sound, with a thoughtful concept behind it. “Out here on the street, we’d gather and meet, and scuff up the sidewalk with endlessly restless feet. And half of the time, we’d broaden our minds more in the pool hall than we did in the school hall, with the downtown chewing-gum bums, watching the nightlife, the lights and the fun.”

4. You and I (Track 5)

The bass and guitar in this song is really awesome. Not to mention, Freddie’s vocals are amazing as always. The backing vocals are really awesome as well. Plus, Roger’s drumming at the end is epic, and the piano work as well. Basically, every aspect of this song is just really great. The lyrics also tell a really nice story, and John did a great job with the writing.

3. Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy (Track 8)

One of my favorite musical styles for Queen is the jaunty little piano-driven tracks, with weird concepts and insane vocals. This song undoubtedly falls into that category. This is just an incredibly fun and playful song, and it’s an absolute blast to listen to. This type of song is what I was referring to earlier when I mentioned Queen having a lot of experimental and eccentric (but undeniably infectious) songs in their albums.

2. Long Away (Track 3)

“Take heart, my friend, we love you. Though it seems like you’re alone, a million lights above you smile down upon your home.” My favorite part of this song is the guitar. It’s stunning (and it kind of gives me similar vibes to ‘Ticket to Ride’ by The Beatles. Anyone else?). Not to mention, Brian takes lead vocal for this track, and he does an amazing job. He has such a sweet voice, and I really love his tone. The backing vocals are also amazing (but it’s Queen, so I would expect nothing less). Lyrically, this song is also really thoughtful and sweet (but still a little sad).

1. Somebody to Love (Track 6)

Of course, this song has always been and always will be an absolute banger. Queen has always had gospel-influenced songs, but I think this is the most notable. Somebody to Love is absolutely iconic, and a total blast to listen to. It’s hard to listen to it and not feel somewhat inspired and hyped up. It’s one of my absolute favorite Queen songs (I think it’s one of most people’s favorite Queen songs), and it’s just timeless.

Fleetwood Mac (1975) Song Ranking

Rating: 8.5/10

This was the first album Fleetwood Mac put out with their most beloved lineup of Mick Fleetwood, Christine McVie, John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks. To say that they put out a strong debut for the lineup would be a massive understatement. This is a truly great album, and it boasts some of the band’s best songs to date. I can see why Rumours is more acclaimed (and I would say I prefer Rumours), but it’s evident that this eponymous album planted the seeds for the greatness that would come from Rumours.

In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs from Fleetwood Mac’s self-titled record from best to worst. I hope you enjoy reading this, and feel free to give your opinions on the album!

11. I’m So Afraid (Track 11)

I’m So Afraid ends the album on a pretty dark note, both musically and lyrically. The guitar work in this song is great, as is the drumming, but that’s pretty much all I’m drawn to. It’s not a bad song at all, but it’s moodier than what I’d prefer. Really, it’s just not my type of song. Amidst an album full of upbeat, fun songs, it feels a bit out of place.

10. World Turning (Track 9)

I really like the instrumental of this song. It builds up pretty nicely, and all the instrumentation is done really well. I’m not crazy about the melody though, and I don’t have any connection to the lyrics.

9. Monday Morning (Track 1)

This song kicks off the album on an joyful and determined note. Lindsey sounds nice on this track, and I like the lyrics well enough. However, it’s not outstandingly enticing to me melodically, and out of all the songs on this record, it’s not a favorite. It’s decent, though.

8. Crystal (Track 6)

This is a very delicate and soft ballad, and it makes for a very pleasant listening experience. I don’t really have anything bad to say about this song (I mean, it could be shorter, but that’s about it). Lindsey sounds great, the backing harmonies sound great, the lyrics are nice, and the music is enjoyable. It’s just not as much fun to listen to as a lot of the other songs on this album, and I guess that’s why it’s not an absolute favorite. I do like it a lot though. “How the faces of love change, turning the pages. And I have changed, oh but you, you remain ageless. I turned around and the water was closing all around, like a glove, like the love that had finally, finally found me.”

7. Sugar Daddy (Track 10)

Here’s where we start getting into the songs that I really, really enjoy but wouldn’t call absolute favorites from the album. Looking past the awkward title of this song, it’s actually a really fun and sweet song. I’m a big fan of Christine’s voice, and though I could also see Stevie singing this one pretty well, I think she did a great job with this song.

6. Warm Ways (Track 2)

This song is relaxed, mellow bliss. This song sounds the way that an afternoon nap feels. Christine’s voice sounds like honey, and overall, this is just a very low-key, pleasant song to listen to. If you close your eyes as you listen, you can kind of feel yourself float away.

5. Over My Head (Track 5)

Christine gets lead vocal on a lot of songs on this album, and this is yet another instance where she knocks it out of the park. Lindsey’s guitar contributions on this track are great, and the drumming and percussion adds a nice rhythym to the song. It’s not exactly a true highlight of the record, but, stuck right in the middle of the tracklist, it manages to stand out enough that it doesn’t feel like a filler track to me.

4. Say You Love Me (Track 7)

And now we’ve reached my absolute favorite songs from Fleetwood Mac! Say You Love Me is a very happy, fun, and feel-good song. It’s hard not to groove along to it, it’s very infectious. The instrumental sounds almost exactly the same as the one for Sugar Daddy, but we don’t need to talk about that. This song has a bit of a country-twang to it, but in a really fun and joyful way, rather than an annoying way. Also, musically, this song is pretty impeccable. The bass, guitar, drums, harmonies, it’s all awesome!

3. Blue Letter (Track 3)

Let me tell you, the first time I listened to this song, I was SHOOK. It was just so much better than I was expecting, and it’s definitely one of the best songs on this album in my opinion. Lindsey’s lead vocal is amazing, the guitar work is AWESOME, and the enthusiastic drum beat pretty much pushes the whole song forward. Honestly, the more I listen to this song the more I love it. The harmonies sound great, and the “I ain’t waiting” refrain at the end is super cool. If I’m being real, I don’t even know what this song is about because every time I listen to it I’m too busy jamming out to focus on the lyrics. IT’S THAT DANG CATCHY.

2. Landslide (Track 8)

“Oh, mirror in the sky, what is love? Can the child within my heart rise above? Can I sail through the changing ocean tides? Can I handle the seasons of my life?” Many consider this song to be Stevie’s balladic masterpiece, and I can 100% get behind that notion. Landslide truly is a masterpiece for what it is. This is a gentle, country-influenced ballad, and Stevie’s vocal performance is truly astounding. The first time I listened to this song, it was late at night, I was about to go to bed and I was really tired, and I found myself being incredibly moved by this song even in my half-asleep state. This song is about feeling afraid of the change that will possibly – and very often inevitably – happen in your life, which is a theme that really hits home with me. (This song uses that theme in reference to a relationship, but I believe it can go past that.) This is a very personal, touching, and honestly brilliant song, and it absolutely deserves it’s status as one of Fleetwood Mac’s best songs of all time. “Well, I’ve been afraid of changing, ’cause I’ve built my life around you. But time makes you bolder, even children get older, and I’m getting older too.”

1. Rhiannon (Track 4)

“She rings like a bell through the night, and wouldn’t you love to love her? She rules her life like a bird in flight, and who will be her lover? All your life you’ve never seen a woman taken by the wind. Would you stay if she promised you heaven? Will you ever win?” This was one of the first Fleetwood Mac songs I ever listened to, and I think it’s safe to say that it was the song that made me really start getting into the band. I had heard Go Your Own Way and Dreams before and liked them, but this song gave me the reassurance that this band wasn’t a two-hit wonder kind of band. Rhiannon is such a mysterious and mystical song, so it’s pretty much perfect for Stevie. Musically, it’s stunning, with gorgeous harmonies, an outstanding vocal performance from Stevie, and a wonderfully enchanting melody, I have nothing but praise for this song. It’s SO GOOD. The guitar in this song is also really cool, and just adds to the mysterious air. The character of Rhiannon is fascinating, and overall, this song is just pure iconic perfection. It’s undoubtedly one of my all-time favorites from the group, and one of my favorite songs from the 70s. “Dreams unwind, love’s a state of mind.”

5 Seconds of Summer (2014) Song Ranking

Rating: 7.5/10

Even before the release of their self-titled debut album, 5 Seconds of Summer had already achieved worldwide fame through several EP releases, as well as a stint in touring with One Direction. Though it was easy to brush them off as yet another boyband, they wanted to make a statement that they were no such thing (not that I have a problem with boybands of course. I’m a 1D girl for life). They played their own instruments, wrote their own songs, and gravitated towards a pop-punk sound, as opposed to a bubblegum pop musical direction.

Still, it’s evident that they’ve changed quite a bit in their musical style since the release of this record, and they’ve grown a lot in terms of their songwriting. Nonetheless, this is a very enjoyable record, and a strong debut from the boys.

In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs from 5 Seconds of Summer’s debut LP (I’m doing the deluxe version, just like I did for all the 1D albums) from worst to best. Hope you enjoy reading this!

15. Mrs All American (Track 11)

Okay, this isn’t even a bad song (there’s enjoyment to be had out of every song on this album) but I’m not crazy on the melody, and the lyrics don’t really live up to the excitement promised by the title of the song. Plus, I’m personally offended that they got rid of English Love Affair and replaced it with this song for the North American version of the album (I understand why, of course, but still). That song is undoubtedly superior.

14. Voodoo Doll (Track 15)

Yeah sorry, but I don’t really vibe with this song. It’s enjoyable, but the melody and the concept don’t really hook me. It’s definitely one of the more upbeat and fast-paced songs on the album, but the hook doesn’t really do it for me.

13. Everything I Didn’t Say (Track 6)

The “oh oh oh oh” chanting isn’t really my thing, and I don’t really love how the percussion was used during that section. When percussion is done right I actually really enjoy it (think of Ever Since New York by Harry Styles) but I think the way it was done here makes the song sound way to folky, and it just doesn’t really suit the vibe of the album in my opinion. The lyrics don’t suck, but they also don’t feel that unique to me. Sorry boys.

12. Never Be (Track 14)

This is a quintessential “let’s seize the day” song, and it’s not awful, but it’s pretty meh to me. Just like in Everything I Didn’t Say, they do this “oh oh oh oh” chanting section with heavy drumming, and it just brings the song into a weird folky territory that doesn’t match the rest of the song. The bridge is pretty great though. And I just realized that Ashton sings the bridge. Well there you go. It all makes sense now. His voice is so good, and I wish it could be used more (but I understand he’s the drummer and it’s hard for drummers to have big singing parts and stay on beat).

11. Long Way Home (Track 9)

“Take me back to the middle of nowhere, back to the place only you and I share. Remember all the memories? The fireflies and make-believe.” The more I listen to this song, the more it grows on me. I feel like by the time I’ve gotten this album memorized, this song may end up being a favorite, but as of right now it’s not quite there. The chorus isn’t really my favorite, but I really like the verses. The boys sound great, and it’s just a sweet song. I like the song concept; taking extra time to get to your destination because you want to spend more time with the person you’re driving with. Also, I like the bridge a lot. The thing is, it’s just a little bland to me.

10. Social Casualty (Track 13)

Here’s where we start getting to the songs that I actually like pretty well. I was originally going to have this a lot lower, but upon listening to it again, it’s kind of a bop. It kind of reminds me of a Fall Out Boy song. I’m not absolutely in love with it or anything, but it’s pretty good. Staying true to their punk-rock aspirations, this song is about not fitting in with most people you come across. I really like the chorus, Michael’s voice sounds great (I really like Michael’s voice). So does Luke’s though, but that’s to be expected.

9. Beside You (Track 7)

Okay, this used to be one of my least favorites on the album, but it’s really grown on me. It’s a pretty sad song, and I think the vocal performance does a good job of emotionally affecting the listener. The pre-chorus and chorus are the best parts of the song. I’m not crazy about the verses, but they’re not too bad. I also think a music video for this song would’ve looked cool (but we didn’t get one unfortunately).

8. Kiss Me Kiss Me (Track 4)

Not gonna lie, the “Here’s to teenage memories” line is a bit cringey to me, but I can look past it. This is a fun song, and I really like vocals in the chorus. Lyrically, it’s not a unique concept, but it’s handled perfectly fine. Sonically, it’s a blast, and I always enjoy it when I listen to it.

7. End Up Here (Track 8)

This is one of the more upbeat songs on the album. I can picture everyone jumping and screaming along to the chorus at a 5SOS concert. This song is about a feeling of amazement and confusion for being with someone who’s “out of your league”. It manages to be self-deprecating without being too dramatic. Also, when they trade out the drums for handclaps in the last chorus… IT SLAPS. (Also wanna say, shoutout to the Bon Jovi/Kurt Cobain references in the chorus.)

The absolute highlight of this song is the bridge though. ASHTON KILLS IT AS ALWAYS. Of course, the lyrics of the bridge are straight lies (they really tried to say that Ashton is a 6, huh? IF HE’S A 6 THEN WHAT AM I?) but whatever. I want to put this song up higher for the bridge alone, but I feel like it’s not fair to the other songs to put this one at the top of the list just because I’m an absolute sucker for Ashton Irwin and everything he does. Anywayyyyy, moving on.

6. Heartbreak Girl (Track 10)

Aaaand we’ve reached my favorites from the album! Look, I know the lyrics of this song are a bit cringey, but looking past that, it’s a pretty good song. The boys sound great, and they all do a good job of conveying the frustration of the lyrics in their vocals. The harmonies are really nice. Overall, this song, while cheesy, is a blast to listen to and I guess sort of a guilty pleasure. (Also, side note: I’m pretty sure Calum has said that he hates this song, to which I have to say… what has made your heart so cold, Cal?)

5. 18 (Track 5)

This is a comedic song, which is a vibe I really like for 5SOS. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which I think was kind of necessary, because otherwise this song would be very annoying. This song is about wanting to be older so that you can be with an older girl. The verses sound good, but the chorus is definitely the best part of this song. The harmonies, the melody, the guitar, the drumming. It’s absolutely infectious. Not to mention, the bridge is fricking awesome. Luke snapped.

4. Good Girls (Track 3)

Look, I’m not proud of it, but I can’t help the way I feel; the singles are the best songs on this album. They really did take the best four songs on the record and then made them into singles, so good on them for that. This is just an undeniably fun song, and it’s pretty impossible to listen to it and not smile and dance along to the chorus. The boys sound great, and overall, Good Girls is an absolute banger. “She said to me, “Forget what you thought, ’cause good girls are bad girls that haven’t been caught. So just turn around and forget what you saw, ’cause good girls are bad girls that haven’t been caught.'”

3. Don’t Stop (Track 2)

Every time I see someone make fun of Don’t Stop, a part of my soul dies. I just don’t understand how people can deny that this song is a BOP AND A HALF. The guys used to make fun of it a lot during the Sounds Good Feels Good era, but I’m pretty sure Luke and Cal have repented since then and admitted that it’s a bop, so I can forgive them. (Not gonna lie, though, the “Get away from me you giant Don’t Stop” joke was amazing.)

For anyone reading this who also keeps up with my Monthly Music series, you may remember that I discovered this song back in November and thoroughly enjoyed it. I guess this was the first 5SOS song that I properly listened to (not just hearing it on the radio when I was younger), so maybe that’s why it holds a special place in my heart. But anyway, the hook of this song is absolutely irresistible, the drumming is awesome, and this song just makes you want to move around. The bridge is perfection (Michael killed it), and Ashton’s part towards the end is I C O N I C.

2. She Looks So Perfect (Track 1)

“If you don’t swim, you’ll drown, but don’t move honey. You look so perfect standing there in my American Apparel underwear, and I know now that I’m so down. Your lipstick stain is a work of art, I got your name tattooed in an arrow heart.” I’m just gonna say, as far as pop anthems go, it doesn’t get much better than She Looks So Perfect. For a while this was the defining song of 5 Seconds of Summer (their What Makes You Beautiful). It was their debut single, and it’s pretty fricking great. It’s infectious, it’s fun, and it has just a bit more edge than what you would expect from this type of song. I understand that the band is probably bored of it (after all, they’ve been playing it for 6 years) but I’m probably never going to get sick of this song. It’s just such a feel-good anthem, and it’s delightful. Also, I don’t wanna say that it’s raunchy, because it’s relatively tame in the grand scheme of music, but it’s not as wholesome as you would assume when looking at the song title. This song is iconic, you’ve probably heard it before if you’re between the ages of 13 and 24, and it’s practically impossible not to scream along to the ‘heeeeyyyy-hey-hey’ chant at the beginning. “I made a mixtape straight out of ’94, I got your ripped skinny jeans lying on the floor, and I know now that I’m so down.”

1. Amnesia (Track 12)

“It hurts to know you’re happy, yeah, it hurts that you moved on. It’s hard to hear your name when I haven’t seen you in so long. It’s like we never happened, was it just a lie? If what we had was real, how could you be fine, ’cause I’m not fine at all.“ When I listened to this song for the first time, I more or less was put in a trance. I was incredibly surprised by how beautiful and heartfelt this song is. It really strikes an emotional chord with me. The lyrics are pretty gut-wrenching, because this song is basically about having to see your ex move on, while you’re not even close to being able to move on, and it leads you to question if what the two of you shared meant anything to begin with. The boys did an amazing job singing on this track, and it really sounds as if they’re feeling what they’re singing. This is BY FAR the best song on the album, and I don’t really know what to say, but it just really gets me in my feels. It’s impossible to listen to Amnesia and not feel yourself being moved by the pain and beauty of the song. “I wish that I could wake up with amnesia and forget about the stupid little things. Like the way it felt to fall asleep next to you, and the memories I never can escape, ’cause I’m not fine at all.”

May 2020: Music Recap

Here’s all the songs that I discovered or started listening to this past month!

1. Fade Into You – Mazzy Star

2. Don’t Stay Low – The Good Bad

3. Drunk On Halloween – The Wallows

I actually discovered this song awhile ago, but I started listening to it again this month so I’m gonna include it.

4. Steal Away – Robbie Dupree

I heard this song in Outer Banks and thought it sounded good, so I checked it out. Must say, it’s an absolute bop.

5. Would You Be So Kind – dodie

My friend introduced me to this song and I liked it (she may be reading this, and if so, you know who you are).

6. Amnesia – 5 Seconds of Summer

I’ve really gotten into 5SOS this past month, and I plan on reviewing their albums, so look out for that!

7. Oh Diane – Fleetwood Mac

8. Every Morning – Sugar Ray

9. I’d Love You to Want Me – Lobo

One Direction: Four (2014) Song Ranking

Rating: 9.5/10

With Midnight Memories, One Direction started to move away from the bubblegum-pop sound of their first two albums and into a more mature realm of songwriting. While I think that Midnight Memories is a great album, I also think it only planted the seeds for what became One Direction’s unique, personal sound. Four is the full bloom, and it sounds more artistic and personal than anything that came before it.

For me, there isn’t a bad song on this entire album. It’s near-perfect, and practically tied with their last album (for now) as my favorite from the band. Four sees 1D taking on a laid-back and groovy ’80s sound (I’d say the definining musical features are super strong harmonies and old-school guitar work), and I think they pulled it off amazingly.

In this post, I’ll be ranking all the songs on 1D’s fourth studio album, creatively titled Four, from my least-favorite to my favorite. Just keep in mind that I actually love every single song on this record, so this is going to be really hard for me.

16. Change Your Ticket (Track 13)

This isn’t a bad song by any means, but it doesn’t really fit on the album if you ask me. I mean, it’s not super out of place, but it sounds like it would’ve worked better on Midnight Memories. And also, it’s just a little more shallow than the rest of the songs on the album, but still. It’s good, just not great.

15. Ready to Run (Track 2)

“There’s a devil in your smile, it’s chasing me, and every time I turn around, it’s only gaining speed. There’s a moment when you finally realize, there’s no way you can change the rolling tide. But I know, yes I know that I’ll be fine.” I’m pretty sure this a lot of people’s favorite from the album, and don’t get me wrong, I like it, but it’s just not one of my top favorites. The thing with this song is that I like the lyrics A LOT but the sonic direction they went with isn’t really my thing. Like I said for Change Your Ticket, I think this song would’ve fit well on Midnight Memories, because that album has a lot more folk-characterization than this one. “This time I’m ready to run. Escape from the city and follow the sun.”

14. Act My Age (Track 16)

Okay, I want to make it clear right off the bat that I will tolerate no Act My Age slander. This is an everlasting bop, and the best Irish-jig we could’ve hoped for. As I said, this ranking is very difficult for me because I genuinely enjoy and appreciate each song on this record. I want to rank Act My Age higher because it’s super fun, and I hate when people hate on it, but I have to put it here. I’m sorry Niall.

13. 18 (Track 4)

This was written by Ed Sheeran, which makes sense, because it’s a great lyrical ballad that makes you feel kind of nostalgic. This song is about a love from your teenage years that you look back on and wish you could revisit. This is a very sweet song, and I always enjoy it. Also, I just wanna say that the part in the bridge where it slows down and Louis comes in singing all nice and gently… HEAVENLY.

12. Steal My Girl (Track 1)

Okay, here’s where we’re starting to reach the songs that I really really like but aren’t absolute favorites. I love Steal My Girl. It’s a classic One Direction song, it’s booming, swoon-worthy, and incredibly catchy. It was a great choice for lead single, and an effortless radio hit. Lyrically, it doesn’t have as much depth as other songs on the record, which is why I don’t have it higher up, but I’m very much of the belief that a song doesn’t have to be some heart-wrenching, wise ballad to be a good song. Also, I don’t know if anyone will understand what I mean by this, but this song sounds like what a sunset looks like. You know?

11. Illusion (Track 14)

When those opening harmonies begin, let me tell you, I LEVITATE. WHO GAVE THEM THE RIGHT TO SOUND SO AMAZING? Harmonies are one of my musical weaknesses, and this song uses them pretty heavily in the chorus and hook, so needless to say, Illusion is a win for me. The weird thing is, I didn’t love this song when I first listened to the album (it just didn’t stick out much to me), but now I bop to it whenever I hear it.

10. Spaces (Track 10)

Man, I would’ve loved to see this live. This is a truly great song. It’s booming and grand, but it still feels a bit slow (in a good way). This album as a whole has a very booming, arena-rock feel to it, and this is a great example of that. This sounds like it was written for the sake of being performed for thousands of people at once. There’s a really emotional quality to this song for me, but I can’t really place what it is. I mean, the lyrics aren’t exactly happy, but something about the way that it’s sung just really gets me. Maybe it’s Harry. He really stands out on this song, and I think he sounds very emotive. The way he sings “even though I’ve tried” is so beautiful. Also, just to add onto all that – I really like the guitar section after the chorus. “Oh, spaces between us keep getting deeper. It’s harder to reach you even though I’ve tried. Spaces between us, hold all our secrets, leaving us speechless and I don’t know why. Who’s gonna be the first to say goodbye?”

9. Clouds (Track 12)

This is the closer for the standard edition of the album, which I think was an interesting choice. This song is very sonically upbeat, which isn’t typically the direction they went for with their finales. Still, this is an awesome song. I heard that they used to open up the OTRA shows with this song, and just… wow. That must’ve been really fricking epic to experience. This song just gets you pumped up and passionate. From the slick and insanely epic guitar riff in the chorus to Harry’s soaring vocals, this song is just so cool, and such an exciting track to listen to. Like, I literally bounce whenever I hear the chorus. It just gets you kind of pent-up. I dare you to listen to this and not scream along “HERE! WE! GO AGAIN!” whenever the chorus starts. It’s pretty much impossible.

Also side note (this is going to sound so incredibly stupid and niche but if you see it you’re gonna see it): I feel like this song sounds like an old Pokemon theme song? Like the chorus just gives me Pokemon theme song vibes. I hope someone reading this agrees with me.

8. Fool’s Gold (Track 6)

This is a really sad song, but it’s so calming and pleasant to listen to. I mean, it’s beautiful. Lyrically, it’s one of the best and most interesting on the album (in my humble opinion). This song is about having someone in your life who you know doesn’t truly care about you, someone who gives the same love they give you to a bunch of other people, but you love them a lot so you decide to stay with them. It’s a very real and vulnerable topic, and I really love that 1D reached a point where they could write songs about things like that. “And yes, I let you use me from the day that we first met, but I’m not done yet, falling for you, fool’s gold. And I knew then, you turned it on for everyone you met, but I don’t regret falling for you, fool’s gold.”

7. Girl Almighty (Track 5)

Okay, try to imagine: I didn’t even like this song when I first listened to it. I don’t even know why, there’s no excuse. I suppose I just thought it was a boring, bubblegum-pop number. I don’t know what I was on, though, because this song is amazing. For starters, it’s SO fun to sing. Secondly, it always gets me dancing. Thirdly, the vocals are great. Fourth, THE GUITAR. There’s a lot of great instrumentation in this song (the drumming is awesome) but the use of guitar in this song is impeccable. If you really listen to all the guitar work throughout this track, IT’S SO GOOD.

6. Once in a Lifetime (Track 15)

The penultimate track of the deluxe edition, Once in a Lifetime is a very mellow and breezy song (it’s the ‘Summer Love’ of Four). I think both this and Act My Age were good candidates for the closer. Act My Age ends the album on a lighthearted and carefree note, while this song would’ve ended it on a nostalgic and wistful note. The harmonies in this song are GORGEOUS, and I love how they basically harmonize for the entire chorus. Really, I just like how simple and effortlessly beautiful this song is. Acoustic guitar and harmonies – my two weaknesses. Also, just to point out: I really like how they strum on muted guitar strings in the beginning to open up the track. An interesting choice, but I like the way it turned out. “Somehow, it feels like nothing has changed. Right now, my heart is beating the same. Out loud, someone’s calling my name. It sounds like you. When I close my eyes, all the stars align and you are by my side.”

5. No Control (Track 8)

After the somewhat slowed-down and somber duo of Fool’s Gold and Night Changes, No Control is the song that’s used to bring back an upbeat sound and tempo for the album. Man, this song is great. I’m pretty much saying this right off the top of my head, but I’d probably say that this is the most beloved non-single song from 1D’s entire discography. Seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find any Directioner who doesn’t love this song. One of my favorite things about this song is how much Louis shines. Louis doesn’t usually get as many vocal moments in a song as some of the other members, but he gets the whole chorus in this song AND HE SLAYS IT. Overall, this is just such a catchy and infectious song, and it’s hard not to dance and sing along to it whenever you hear it.

4. Stockholm Syndrome (Track 11)

This song is pop music done to absolute perfection. Everything that I like about pop music, this song has it. A driving rythym, incredible vocals, an interesting story and concept, and an infectious quality that makes it impossible not to sing along. Harry wrote this song, and he’s said that it uses Stockholm syndrome (a syndrome where you fall in love with someone who kidnaps you) as a metaphor for being enchanted by someone who isn’t that good for you. It’s just a really cool song, and one of the most definitive songs on the album in terms of establishing a unique sound for the band.

3. Where Do Broken Hearts Go (Track 3)

“Yeah, the taste of your lips on the tip of my tongue is at the top of the list of the things I want. Mind is running in circles of you and me, anyone in between is the enemy. Shadows come with the pain that you’re running from, love was something you never heard enough. Yeah, it took me some time but I figured out how to fix up a heart that I let down.” I think this is an amazing song, and it was amazingly well done. Kinda think it should’ve been a single because I’m sure the music video would’ve turned out amazing, and I bet it would’ve been a radio smash. Something really cool about this song is that it’s sort of a breakup song, but it isn’t depressing. It manages to convey the feelings of regret and longing and urgency without being overwrought and sappy, and it just feels really genuine. Sonically, it’s gorgeous (lyrically as well) and it’s just an absolute delight to listen to. Definitely one of my favorite 1D songs ever! “Now I’m searching every lonely place, every corner calling out your name. Tryna find you but I just don’t know, where do broken hearts go? Are you sleeping, baby, by yourself, or are you giving it to someone else?“

2. Fireproof (Track 9)

I was sold on this song from the very first time I heard it. Even during first time listening to Four as a whole, I knew as soon as I heard Fireproof that it was gonna be top 3. It’s just that good. This is the smooth-rock jam that everyone needs in their life. From the opening guitar riff, to the driving drum beat that gives the whole song rhythym, as well as the relaxed and gliding vocals and stunning harmonies, this song is pretty much perfect. Not to mention, the lyrics are really good too.

1. Night Changes (Track 7)

I don’t even know where to begin with this song. It has such a special place in my heart, I’ll never really be able to properly express what it means to me, but I’ll try. For a little bit of background: I’d casually enjoyed One Direction’s music growing up, but I never really went out of my way to listen to them, and you couldn’t have really called me a proper fan. A few months ago, I was randomly going through old throwback songs on YouTube and I ended up watching a few 1D music videos. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their music, but I still held back from deciding to become a fan due to preconceptions about the band (which I quickly came to realize were false of course). Then, I ended up watching the Night Changes music video, and right when I heard this song, I knew I was a fan. So to make a long story short: this was the song that sold me on the band and turned me into the fan I am now. And to this day, it remains my absolute favorite One Direction song ever. It’s so incredibly beautiful and sweet and heartfelt. There’s such a nostalgic and reminiscent and comforting presence to be found in this song. The main message of this song is that everyone will have a certain point in their life where they become mature and they have to grow up, but there’s no reason to worry about it because it’s natural, and it won’t change who you are at heart. Sonically, this song is breathtaking. All of the boys do an amazing job with their parts (Harry absolutely KILLS me in the chorus. No one could’ve done it better than him) and don’t even get me started on THE KEY CHANGE AND HARMONIES RIGHT BEFORE THE BRIDGE. I GET CHILLS EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Not only is this my favorite 1D song ever, it’s one of my favorite songs of all time. The lyrics are so atmospheric and descriptive, they paint such a strong picture of what’s occurring. In short: this song is absolute perfection. “We’re only getting older, baby, and I’ve been thinking about you lately. Does it ever drive you crazy, just how fast the night changes? Everything that you’ve ever dreamed of, disappearing when you wake up, but there’s nothing to be afraid of. Even when the night changes, it will never change me and you.“ Those are some wise, wise words, and I live by them.

The Beatles: Abbey Road (1969) Songs Ranked

Rating: 9/10

Abbey Road, though it was not the last album to be released by The Beatles, was the last album to be recorded by the band. And honestly, what a great piece of work to end on (in the recording sense, of course). This album is often heralded as one of the greatest and most iconic of all time, and I can see why. It’s a very pleasant, creative, and polished record (not to mention that it’s arguably the most well-known and iconic album covers of all time).

In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs (that includes the individual songs from the medley) on The Beatles’ eleventh studio album, Abbey Road, from worst to best, based on my personal enjoyment. Hope you enjoy, and feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree with my ranking!

17. Her Majesty (Track 17)

Okay, this isn’t a bad song (in fact, it’s very charming), but it’s only 23 seconds, so how could I rank it any higher?

16. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) (Track 6)

Let me just preface by saying that there isn’t a bad song on this entire album. There’s enjoyment to be had out of each and every track. But this song is just too long for my taste, and it’s a bit repetitive. Still, if it were shorter, I would really like it because it’s very catchy.

15. Because (Track 8)

This is an… interesting song. It’s very eerie, and it sounds like something off of Sgt. Pepper. The harmonies are great and all, but it’s just not my type of song. It’s good for what it was meant to be though.

14. Polythene Pam (Track 12)

Let me say that I love the medley. It was such a cool idea, and I think they did a really good job with it. And there are actually some songs that I really enjoy and wish were longer from the medley, and I just like the way they all flow into each other, one after the other. This is an an enjoyable song, but it doesn’t really stick out as one of the medley’s highlights.

13. She Came In Through the Bathroom Window (Track 13)

This and Polythene Pam are essentially two halves of the same song, so all my thoughts for Polythene Pam are basically the same as my thoughts on this song. Still, I guess I just enjoy the tempo and melody of this one more.

12. Carry That Weight (Track 15)

The transition from Golden Slumbers into this is absolutely seamless and awesome, and it always catches me off guard because I forget how short each of the medley songs are. I like this song for bringing back the piano line and melody from You Never Give Me Your Money, and it just does a good job of restating previous musical notions from the medley.

11. The End (Track 16)

This is some great musical instrumentation (Ringo’s drum solo is awesome, and the guitar solo towards the end is amazing). As a jam session, it’s pretty great. But usually I prefer songs that have lyrics, and this song only has, like, three lines. For that reason, I don’t imagine that I’ll listen to it often. Still, it’s a pretty rowdy end to the huge impact of the Beatles. And I love the complete tone and tempo change towards the end, where it all slows down, and there are some very wise closing words: “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

10. Sun King (Track 10)

Okay, this song gets pretty nonsensical towards the end, but before that it’s actually a really beautiful song. It’s very mellow and atmospheric and… I don’t know… vibey? I won’t lie, the first 50 seconds of pure music is my favorite part of the song, but I will say that the harmonies are absolutely angelic.

9. Mean Mr. Mustard (Track 11)

I don’t know why, but there’s something I really like about this song. I really like the characters that The Beatles create in their songs (especially in this album), and I think this song just reminds me of a classic Beatles story-based song, where it’s fun and playful but still has very interesting lyrics. And the vocals are great on this track.

8. You Never Give Me Your Money (Track 9)

Wow. I mean, what a great track to kick off the medley with. This song is basically a medley within itself. Paul’s vocal versatility in this song is really impressive. He sounds so different in the three sections of this song, one would almost think it wasn’t him on lead vocal the entire time. I really like the piano at the beginning (and how that piano line comes up all throughout the medley) and I also really like the “out of college” section of this song.

7. Oh! Darling (Track 4)

There’s something really pleasant about this song. It kind of has a bluesy feel to it, which I think Paul pulls off really well. Of course, this song takes a rather agressive turn a little over a minute in, but it’s still good. I suppose Paul is just giving a very emboldened profession of love.

6. Come Together (Track 1)

Okay, hear me out. I know most people would have this much higher, but as I said earlier, this ranking (as with all my other rankings) is based off my personal enjoyment of the songs. I’ve heard this song so many times, so it’s kind of lost it’s freshness for me. That being said, this song is absolutely legendary in so many ways. An amazing opener for an amazing album, this song is really trippy but also really anthemic. From John’s bizarrely descriptive lyrics in the verses to Paul’s ever-iconic bassline, there’s a lot to love about this song.

5. Octopus’s Garden (Track 5)

That opening guitar… I mean – wow. George really went off. I’ll admit, typically Ringo’s songs aren’t my favorites, but I really like this one. It’s so playful and wholesome, and it feels like you’re just swimming around in some beautiful underwater garden with cute little cartoon-octopi floating around you. So in summation, a really fun and enjoyable song! It has completely charmed me.

4. Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (Track 3)

I genuinely love this song, and I will forever defend it. I don’t care if the other Beatles weren’t stoked on it, I think Paul created a real gem here. Fun fact: the first time I listened to Abbey Road I was working on homework, so I didn’t pay too much attention to the lyrics, and I remember just happily bouncing along to this song. Needless to say, when I relistened and actually paid attention to the lyrics, I was a bit shocked. This is a song about a hammer-wielding serial killer named Maxwell, and it’s very sonically upbeat and playful. I actually love the juxtaposition. Normally I find it unsettling when dark subject matter is met with cheery presentation, but I really like it here.

3. Golden Slumbers (Track 14)

Take the fact that this song is a minute and a half long and it’s in the top three as a statement for how great it is. It’s so beautiful and enchanting. For starters, the phrase “golden slumbers” paints such a serene picture. Not to mention, the piano and strings combination is pretty much faultless, and Paul’s vocals are grandiose and passionate without feeling too overwrought. To conclude, this is just a gorgeous piece of music, and I wish it was longer, but at the same time, the fact that it’s so short just means that it’s pretty much perfect the whole way through. “Once there was a way to get back homeward. Once there was a way to get back home. Sleep, pretty darling, do not cry, and I will sing a lullaby. Golden slumbers fill your eyes, smiles await you when you rise.”

2. Something (Track 2)

Ah, what a lovely ode to the person in your life who absolutely captivates you in ways you can’t even explain. I tell you, love songs don’t get much better than this. The melody of this song is pretty simple, but oh so charming. George Harrison has always made standout tracks for me (which you’ll also see evidenced by my top choice from this album) and this song is no exception. This song is a highlight of pure excellence on an already exceptional album. “Something in the way she moves attracts me like no other lover. Something in the way she woos me… I don’t want to leave her now, you know I believe and how.”

1. Here Comes the Sun (Track 7)

This very well may be my favorite Beatles song ever, and even further, one of my favorite songs of all time. This song is pure beauty. When I tell you that I feel my soul ascend from my body when I hear those opening guitar chords, I’m not even exaggerating (okay maybe a little, but you get the point). Like I said, George has always made some of my favorite songs off of the Beatles albums I’ve listened to, and this song is the one that really cemented him and his talent in my eyes. I tell you, you can’t listen to this song and not feel instantly joyous. It’s like magic. The sound of this song is literally (as the lyrics describe) the sun coming out and shining down upon the world after a long and lonely winter. This song is flowers blooming and birds singing in the springtime air. It’s so beautiful, and honestly, this song to me demonstrates the true magic and power of music. To think that a three-minute recording could reassure me of how beautiful life can be is astounding, but it’s so true. Music has the power to make you feel happy when nothing else can, and that’s what this song is to me. I realize I probably sound like I’m being dramatic and overhyping this song, and that’s a valid point of view to have, but this song just means a lot to me personally (if you can’t already tell) and I really want to convey how much of an absolute masterpiece it is.

Louis Tomlinson: Walls (2020) Song Ranking

Rating: 8/10

Walls, Louis Tomlinson’s debut solo studio album, shows a lot of emotional and musical maturity. While I am a huge fan of One Direction’s music, I don’t think it’s unfair to say that they weren’t allowed to get too personal in those songs. Walls sees Louis pouring his heart out about everything that’s been going on in his life, and I think he managed to put together a great selection of songs. I would say something about how great the lyricism throughout this album is, but we’ve always known that Louis is an amazing songwriter (the majority of One Direction’s best songs were written by him).

In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs from Walls from worst to best. Hope you enjoy!

12. We Made It (Track 4)

I actually really like the guitar in this song, and I like the descriptiveness in the verses, where Louis details the earlier memories from his relationship. However, I’m not crazy about the hook, and the melody of the chorus doesn’t really grab me.

11. Don’t Let It Break Your Heart (Track 2)

I really like the message of this song, which is that life is inevitably going to give you challenges, but you have to keep going and keep your head up. But similarly to We Made It, I’m just not crazy about the hook (I really like the phrase “don’t let it break your heart”, I just don’t love the way it was sung). Also, I’ve heard people say that the chorus of this song sounds like Steal My Girl, and I guess I sort of hear it, but not really.

10. Too Young (Track 5)

This is a really sweet and gentle song. It’s an ode to a partner who Louis let go of because he kept hearing people say that they would never last (due to their young age). This song sees him regretting that decision, and apologizing to the partner. It’s a really nice song, but sonically, it’s not too enticing to me. “It’s been two years since I’ve seen your face. I’m tryna find some better words to say before I let this moment slip away…”

9. Two of Us (Track 3)

“It’s been a minute since I called you, just to hear the answerphone. Yeah, I know that you won’t get this, but I’ll leave a message so I’m not alone. This morning I woke up still dreaming, with memories playing through my head. You’ll never know how much I miss you, the day that they took you, I wish it was me instead.” Okay, this is an incredibly beautiful and sad song. It was written for his late mother, Johannah, and it’s basically about Louis trying to keep going with his life even if she’s not physically with him anymore. The lyrics in this song are so powerful and honest and raw, and I really admire Louis for making this song, because it must have been really hard for him. I feel kind of bad for ranking this song relatively low, but melody-wise, it’s not really up my alley, and it gives me temporary depression every time I listen to it. Nonetheless, this is a very heartfelt and personal song.

8. Always You (Track 8)

I’d argue that this is one of the more musically-differentiated songs on Walls. It’s more pop-oriented than most of the songs on this album, and I actually really like the instrumental track for this song. Louis’ vocals are really nice, and the lyrics are solid as always. It’s not an absolute favorite, but it’s very respectable.

7. Kill My Mind (Track 1)

This was one of the first songs that I listened to from the album, and I really liked it, so I thought it was going to be one of my top favorites, but due to the very impressive tracks scattered throughout Walls, I guess it’s going to be placed in the middle. This is a really cool song. I think that sums it up pretty well. This song is just cool. It’s upbeat and energetic and slick, and Louis doesn’t hold back when it comes to melody and vocals in this song, which I appreciate.

6. Defenceless (Track 11)

This is a really good song. Lyrically, it’s pretty vulnerable (as the title suggests). The chorus is really cool and grabbing. This is a pretty good song, and I definitely like it a lot within the context of the album, but it’s not an absolute favorite. “No, you don’t have to keep on being strong for me and you. Acting like you feel no pain, you know I know you do. And I can’t get inside when you’re lost in your pride, but you don’t have a thing to prove.”

5. Perfect Now (Track 10)

I really wish I didn’t enjoy this song as much as I do. Curse you, amazing acoustic guitar. In general, I tend to cringe a little at songs that highlight the insecurities of a girl, and then basically use them to say “But I still like you.” Now, you may have just read that and thought, “What the frick Anna? You’ve stated that you like both What Makes You Beautiful and Little Things, two songs that fall into that category.” And yes, it’s true. I enjoy both of those songs. WMYB, mostly because it doesn’t get too specific about the girl’s insecurities, and Little Things, mostly because it’s a great acoustic ballad regardless of the lyrical content, and the lyrics are sweet if you take off your cynical-lensed goggles. And that’s why I can say that I like this song. Lyrically, it’s a bit cringy, but it’s well-meaning, and this song sounds great (especially in the verses. Man, those verses sound crazy good). Louis’ voice sounds wonderful, and the practically-foolproof musical combination of guitar and strings is so sweet and delicate.

4. Only the Brave (Track 12)

My favorite part of this song is the guitar. If you can’t tell, I’m a sucker for acoustic guitar (I mean, pretty much all types of guitar, but especially acoustic). Louis’ voice sounds absolutely lovely in this song, and the lyrics are very interesting and introspective. This is a short but sweet closer for the album, and an overall lovely track.

3. Fearless (Track 9)

Maybe I just automatically like songs that are called Fearless (yes, that was a Taylor Swift nod). This song has a slightly sad quality to it, but it’s still kind of inspiring. Honestly, I don’t know why this song strikes a chord with me, but it does. Firstly, Louis sounds great. Secondly, the melody of this song is one that I can really get behind. Thirdly, I kind of take this song to be a bit reflective of Louis’ time in 1D, and maybe some of the nerves that he felt during that time, so that adds a certain sentimental and emotional quality to the song.

2. Walls (Track 6)

You can hear a lot of Louis’ musical influences in this song, which is cool. This was a song that I was really pleasantly surprised by. When I first heard it I knew it was gonna be one of my favorites. Louis’ voice sounds really great here, and the melody of this song is beautiful. You can also tell that this song means a lot to Louis (I’m pretty sure he’s said that it’s his favorite on the album, which is why he made it the titular track) and the lyrics are very thoughtful and self-reflective. My favorite part is when he sings “I watch them all come falling down for you”. I guess because he just sings it in a really nice way. Overall, this is just a great song.

1. Habit (Track 7)

“I always said that I’d mess up eventually. I told you that, so what did you expect from me? It shouldn’t come as no surprise anymore. I know you said that you’d give me another chance, but you and I knew the truth of it in advance, that mentally you were already out the door.” I don’t think this was the first song that I heard from the album, but it was definitely one of the first ones I heard, and I knew right away it would be hard to beat. This song is fricking awesome. It’s by far my favorite. From the gorgeous guitar (yeah okay, we get it. I’m an absolute sucker for acoustic guitar) to Louis’ wonderful vocals, and the touching lyrics, this song is just pure beauty. Louis mentioned in the track-by-track that this song is somewhat inspired by his relationship with his career, which I think is cool. I put this song in one of my monthly music recaps because it was just so good that I had to add it to one of my playlists. In summation, this song is amazing and incredibly beautiful, and Louis did an amazing job with it. Also, we love the 1D reference in the second verse. “I took some time ’cause I ran out of energy, of playing someone I heard I’m supposed to be, but honestly, I don’t have to choose anymore. And it’s been ages, different stages, come so far from Princess Park. I’ll always need you in front of me, in front of me.”

Queen: A Night at the Opera (1975) Song Ranking

Rating: 9/10

A Night at the Opera was Queen’s fourth studio album, and arguably their most famous one to date. This album boasts some of the best songs in their entire discography, as well as some of the most iconic songs of all time (if you’re familiar with the track list, I’m sure you’ll know which song I’m referring to).

I’ve heard before that Queen is more of a singles band rather than an album band, so I was pleasantly surprised by this record. It didn’t really feel as if there were many filler tracks, and if there were, they were still enjoyable. Overall, I would say this was a very pleasant and fun listen, and an amazing artistic statement from the band.

In this post I’ll be ranking all of the songs from A Night at the Opera from worst to best. I hope you enjoy reading this, and feel free to let me know if you agree or disagree with my thoughts!

12. God Save The Queen (Track 12)

This is a nice instrumental. The instruments sound great and all, but this song is barely over a minute long and there are no words, so I feel like I have to put it at the bottom.

11. The Prophet’s Song (Track 8)

I’m sure critics love this song, and it’s definitely one of the more interesting tracks on the album, but this is my subjective ranking, and I don’t imagine that I’m ever going to listen to this song outside of the album. Actually, to be completely honest, I’ll probably skip it upon future relistening. I mean… it’s like eight minutes long, and it kind of freaks me out.

10. Sweet Lady (Track 6)

The sad thing is, I think this song could’ve been really really good. The guitar is so fun and exciting, and Freddie’s vocals sound great (what a shock). There’s just something about this song that doesn’t really do it for me, but this isn’t a bad song by any means. In fact, I’d say it’s pretty good.

9. Good Company (Track 10)

There’s something very enjoyable and fun in the weirdness of this song. I’d say they definitely went a more experimental route for this track, but I think it paid off pretty well.

8. I’m In Love With My Car (Track 3)

This is a pretty decent song. A little weird in terms of lyrics, but still enjoyable. However, and I mean this as no type of insult to Roger, there’s something a off-putting about listening to a Queen song where Freddie isn’t on lead vocal. To be fair, though, I can’t really picture Freddie singing this.

7. Lazing On A Sunday Afternoon (Track 2)

This song is so weird, but fun. I feel like that’s the general consensus for this whole album: it’s weird, but fun. This song is a little trippy when it comes to the vocals, but nonetheless, it just gives me happy vibes. They managed to capture the feeling that would be associated with lazing on a Sunday afternoon, but still keep it interesting. Plus, the guitar towards the end is awesome.

6. Death On Two Legs (Dedicated To) (Track 1)

“You’re a sewer rat decaying in a cesspool of pride. Should be made unemployed then make yourself null and void.“ As the first song on the album, this song definitely got me excited for what was coming. It’s definitely the most hardcore song on the album, and I think Freddie did an amazing job with the more aggressive and angry vocal style. I’d say this is a great song to listen to when you’re just really angry at people in your life and want to stick it to the man. When I say this song is angry… it is angry. Like, these lyrics are vicious. There’s almost something comical about going straight from this song into Lazing On a Sunday Afternoon.

5. You’re My Best Friend (Track 4)

This song is pure cheeriness and affection (but it manages not to feel too corny). It’s incredibly catchy, and once you know the words, it’s near impossible not to sing along to this song. I also like what this song is about. It’s often said that you’re partner should also be your best friend, and that’s basically what this song is about. It’s just really wholesome and fun.

4. Seaside Rendezvous (Track 7)

Something that I think the band did really well on this album was capturing the feeling of the lyrics and making that feeling absolutely palpable through the vocals and instrumentation. This song, true to the bubbly lyrics, is incredibly playful, jaunty, and merry. Similarly to You’re My Best Friend, it’s just an instant mood-booster and a nice moment of pure lightness and happiness on what feels like an otherwise very reflective album.

3. ’39 (Track 5)

I guess this song just really took me by surprise. The rhythm guitar is absolutely infectious and makes you feel instantly optimistic. The vocals are also extremely pleasant and sweet. This is a beautiful song, and I wasn’t expecting it to be a standout track, but it absolutely is. The storytelling of this song is also really cool. Overall, this song just feels very triumphant and optimistic.

2. Love Of My Life (Track 9)

“Love of my life, you’ve hurt me. You’ve broken my heart, and now you leave me. Love of my life, can’t you see? Bring it back, bring it back, don’t take it away from me, because you don’t know what it means to me.” This is an incredibly enchanting and beautiful song. It’s actually one of my all-time favorites from Queen. I love how it’s just piano almost all the way through, and then at the end they bring in a harp (not to mention a surprisingly successful guitar solo. One wouldn’t think that electric guitar would do well in this song, but I think it actually works pretty well.) Freddie’s vocals are as fascinating as ever. He has such vulnerability and passion and desperation in his voice for this song. And the backing harmonies from the rest of the band aren’t to be overlooked. They’re absolutely stunning. The lyrics are very genuine and vulnerable. This is a beautiful song, and an absolute gem from Queen’s discography. “Back, hurry back, please bring it back home to me, because you don’t know what it means to me.”

1. Bohemian Rhapsody (Track 11)

Honestly, what could I even say to do this song justice? My mind is practically blanking right now because there’s so much to discuss with this song, but at the same time, it’s hard to put any of it into words. This song is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. Literally everyone knows this song. Bohemian Rhapsody has been analyzed to death by music lovers and critics, but it’s so complex and chaotic that it’s honestly hard to get a true grasp of what Freddie is singing about. Despite this song’s length (I mean… it’s not even that long though…) it seems to fly by. This is undoubtedly Queen’s masterpiece song, and, as I think most people would agree, one of the best and most important songs in the history of rock music, or just music in general.

U2: Achtung Baby (1991) Song Ranking

Rating: 8/10

After their major blow-up in fame, U2 was seeking reinvention. They achieved it with Achtung Baby, which branched away from their usual stadium-rock sounds and inched towards influences of alternative rock and industrial music. In my opinion, this album has some truly amazing songs, some of which are highlights of their entire catalog, but also some songs that are hard to get into.

In this post, I’ll be ranking all the songs from U2’s seventh studio album, Achtung Baby, from best to worst. Without further ado, let the ranking commence!

12. Love Is Blindness (Track 12)

This isn’t even a bad song by any means. I don’t know why, but I just don’t enjoy it that much. It’s just a little to slow and eerie for me, and it feels sort of stagnant. I kinda wish this album had ended on a more triumphant and upbeat note.

11. Even Better Than the Real Thing (Track 2)

This song has a nice energy, and it feels very upbeat, likely due to the fast-tempo. Honestly, it’s a pretty good song, but I guess the melody and the hook don’t really grab me. The guitar work is amazing though.

10. Zoo Station (Track 1)

This song has a very cutting and harsh sound to it, but still manages to sound like a U2 song. Normally I wouldn’t, but I actually like the vocal distortion on Bono’s voice in this song. I like this song as an album opener, but I don’t imagine that I’ll listen to it much outside of Achtung Baby.

9. Acrobat (Track 11)

Here’s where we reach the songs on this album that I like a lot, but aren’t my absolute favorites. This is a really cool and unique song, and I think Bono’s vocals are really great. I find it kind of hard to focus on the lyrics though, because the music is really nice and it kind of stole my attention. “And I must be an acrobat to talk like this and act like that. And you can dream, so dream out loud. And you can find your own way out.”

8. Ultra Violet (Light My Way) (Track 10)

This song is a journey to listen to. It’s one of those songs that starts out really slow and quiet, and then builds into something grand and impassioned. It’s pretty nice.

7. Tryin’ To Throw Your Arms Around the World (Track 9)

I was originally gonna have Ultra Violet in this spot, but I just love the instrumental in this song. The drums, the guitar, the bass; it all sounds so good. This was a pleasant surprise because when reading reviews for this album, I didn’t see many people heralding this song as one of their favorites, but I think it’s pretty good. It’s just a nice, chill jam.

6. The Fly (Track 7)

The guitar in this song is so freaking cool. Plus, the lyrics are really interesting. This song has a very aggressive and angry feel to it in the verses, and then the chorus feels more happy and inspirational. I really like the chorus of this song.

5. So Cruel (Track 6)

This song sounds really great, but the lyrics are actually pretty sad. Bono sounds great, and all the instrumental work is fantastic. I think I would like this song just a tad more if it came to some huge crescendo, but it’s also good as it is.

4. Until the End of the World (Track 4)

“I took the money, I spiked your drink. You miss too much these days if you stop to think. You lead me on with those innocent eyes, you know I love the element of surprise. In the garden, I was playing the tart. I kissed your lips and broke your heart.” We’ve now reached my absolute favorite songs from this album! The beginning of this song is low-key terrifying, but other than that, I really like this song. Probably because of the biblical themes in the lyrics (apparently it’s about Jesus and Judas). Really, the lyrics in this song tell such a strong story, it’s amazing. Plus, the guitar is incredible in this song. That’s not to discredit the drums and bass, though, because those sound awesome as well.

3. Mysterious Ways (Track 8)

This is one of the few songs on this album that doesn’t make me feel as if U2 was involved in some huge, global conspiracy. This is a relatively light song when compared to the rest of the tracks on Achtung Baby, and I really appreciate it for that. What can I say? I love my easily-enjoyed tunes. That’s not to say this isn’t a super cool song, though, because it is. The music in this song is so catchy and fun, and it allows the song to be a radio-hit (at least for the time it came out) while still being interesting and compelling.

2. Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (Track 5)

“You’re dangerous, you don’t know what you want. Well you left my heart empty as a vacant lot for any spirit to haunt.” I wasn’t expecting this song to be one of the best from the album because I hadn’t heard much about it in the reviews I read, but it’s without a doubt one of my favorites. That may be because it sounds like something from The Joshua Tree. There’s something so passionate and curious about this song, and it just feels very adventurous. The chorus of this song is really compelling, and the song as a whole just feels like classic U2 to me. Additionally, the lyrics are really great. Plus, the “don’t turn around” part at around 4 minutes in is really cool to me. “Ah, the deeper I spin. Ah, the hunter will sin for your ivory skin. Took a drive in the dirty rain to a place where the wind calls your name, under the trees, the river laughing at you and me. Hallelujah! Heaven’s white rose, the doors you open I just can’t close.”

1. One (Track 3)

“Did I disappoint you or leave a bad taste in your mouth? You act like you never had love, and you want me to go without. Well, it’s too late tonight to drag the past out into the light. We’re one, but we’re not the same. We get to carry each other.” This is undoubtedly the most iconic song from Achtung Baby, and one of the most iconic songs in U2’s whole catalog. Truly, it deserves all that renown and praise. This song is absolutely anthemic, and it serves as a great reminder that love doesn’t always work out, but it’s something that is worth fighting for. As far as U2 songs go, this is one of the all-time greats, and definitely in my top 5 songs from the band. This song, while a little bit sad, manages to be inspiring and uplifting within it’s sadness, and I think that’s where the true beauty of this song lies. “Did I ask too much? More than a lot. You gave me nothing, now it’s all I got. We’re one but we’re not the same. Well we hurt each other, then we do it again. You say love is a temple, love a higher law. Love is a temple, love the higher law. You ask me to enter, but then you make me crawl, and I can’t be holding on to what you got when all you got is hurt.”

April 2020: Music Recap

April has been a pretty boring month for me, but I have made some great musical discoveries! Here they are:

1. Honeymoon Avenue – Ariana Grande

2. This Will Be Our Year – The Zombies

3. Misery – Maroon 5

4. The Way – Ariana Grande & Mac Miller

This was a song that I’d heard before, so I recognized it as soon as I heard it, but I didn’t know what it was called before.

5. One Less Bell to Answer – The 5th Dimension

6. Habit – Louis Tomlinson

7. The A Team – Ed Sheeran

Of course, I’ve heard this song many times throughout my life, especially a few years back, so I didn’t really “discover” it this month, but I sort of rediscovered it I guess.

8. Two Way Street – Kimbra

9. Runaround Sue – Dion

10. No Name – Ryan O’Shaughnessy

I actually prefer his Britain’s Got Talent audition version, but I couldn’t find a version of that that was just the song, so I’ll put the studio version.

11. Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around – Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Two musical legends in one amazing song.