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The 100 Greatest Songs of 1972. #1. All The Young Dudes (1 Viewer)

Keith Emerson was one of the more pompous asses in the music business.  Saw ELP open up for Deep Purple - he stopped the concert twice because he thought there wasn’t enough crowd involvement while he was playing.

 
timschochet said:
87. Emerson, Lake & Palmer “From The Beginning” (from Trilogy) 

https://youtu.be/hsJ9YXHqnr8

So this is one of the songs I was thinking of earlier: I’ve heard it all my life on classic rock stations and always really enjoyed it as a classic rock song with British folk elements (like so much of Led Zeppelin, for example). For many years I didn’t know the artist. Then I later learned it was ELP and it immediately became progressive rock for me because ELP is of course one of the greatest prog rock bands of all time. But is it prog rock? What, outside of the artist, makes it so? 
 

In any event this was ELP’s best selling single in the USA, their only ever top 40 hit (peaked at #39). 
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Keith Emerson’s synth solo at the end sounds pretty proggy. But otherwise it’s “acoustic classic rock.”

 
86. The Rolling Stones “Rocks Off” (from Exile On Main Street) 

https://youtu.be/_lNP-x94-SE

So I should start by warning you guys that I regard Exile On Main Street as the best album of 1972, and one of the top 5 best albums in rock history (in no particular order: Exile On Main Street, Abbey Road, London Calling, Revolver, Sticky Fingers). 
The song is a tremendous opening number, beginning with Keith’s tremendous guitar riff (or could that be Mick Taylor? I’ve no idea.) Mick Jagger’s vocals are a bit unclear (this continues all throughout the album) but who gives a ####? Great stuff. 

 
timschochet said:
86. The Rolling Stones “Rocks Off” (from Exile On Main Street) 

https://youtu.be/_lNP-x94-SE

So I should start by warning you guys that I regard Exile On Main Street as the best album of 1972, and one of the top 5 best albums in rock history (in no particular order: Exile On Main Street, Abbey Road, London Calling, Revolver, Sticky Fingers). 
The song is a tremendous opening number, beginning with Keith’s tremendous guitar riff (or could that be Mick Taylor? I’ve no idea.) Mick Jagger’s vocals are a bit unclear (this continues all throughout the album) but who gives a ####? Great stuff. 
Click to expand...
I hear you talking
When I'm on the street
Your mouth don't move
But I can hear you speak

What's the matter with the boy?
He don't come around no more
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?

I'm always hearing voices
On the street
I want to shout
But I can't hardly speak

I was making love last night
To a dancer friend of mine
I can't seem to stay in step
Come every time that she pirouettes over me

And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping

I'm zipping through the days
At lightning speed
Plug in, flush out
And fire the ####in' feed

Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you've kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more

But I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping

Feel so hypnotized, can't describe the scene
It's all mesmerized, all that inside me
The sunshine bores the daylights out of me
Chasing shadows, moonlight mystery

Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you've kicked before
I can't even feel the pain no more

And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping

And I only get my rocks off
While I'm dreaming
And I only get my rocks off
While I'm sleeping

Only get them off
Only get them off
Get them off
Only get them off, get them off
Only get them off

 
85. Pure Prairie League “Early Morning Riser” (from Bustin’ Out) 

https://youtu.be/_Kb7wZokLHQ

Bustin’ Out is a quintessential country rock album, filled with one gem after another. Other than the band’s biggest hit (coming up a little later) this is probably their best effort. Splendid stuff. 

 
84. Harry Chapin “A Better Place to Be” (from. Sniper and Other Love Songs) 

https://youtu.be/MazXSlekckI

Even in the era of the early 70s singer/songwriters, Harry Chapin was pretty unique. Most of his songs were stories, some of them pretty long (this one clocks in at eight and half minutes.) A lot of these were autobiographical. 
Chapin always believed “A Better Place to Be” was the best song he ever wrote. Personally I’m not sure I would go that far but it’s certainly up there among the Harry Chapin all time classics. 

 
timschochet said:
84. Harry Chapin “A Better Place to Be” (from. Sniper and Other Love Songs) 

https://youtu.be/MazXSlekckI

Even in the era of the early 70s singer/songwriters, Harry Chapin was pretty unique. Most of his songs were stories, some of them pretty long (this one clocks in at eight and half minutes.) A lot of these were autobiographical. 
Chapin always believed “A Better Place to Be” was the best song he ever wrote. Personally I’m not sure I would go that far but it’s certainly up there among the Harry Chapin all time classics. 
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It’s a little more ponderous than most of his stuff, but it’s still great storytelling.

 
timschochet said:
82. America “Ventura Highway” (from Homecoming) 

https://youtu.be/0IvatagnV_M

Just more of that relaxing soft rock that I love so much. And yes I have listened to this with the car roof open while driving down Ventura Boulevard (it’s not technically a highway.) 
Click to expand...
A. You went from 84 to 82.

B. Homecoming is by far their best album. Since this is its most famous song, I figure it’s the only representative on your list, but about half a dozen others are worthy of consideration.

 
82. David Bowie “Five Years” (from The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars) 

https://youtu.be/4bcnO3VQ_fc

The link is to a version from the BBC back in the day that I’ve never seen before. Very cool.
 

Obviously a Bowie classic, like so many on this album. This one deals with the world ending (in 5 years or course) and it’s got some of his best lyrics (my favorite: I don’t think you knew you were in this song.) As always, Mick Ronson leads a band of stellar musicians.  

 
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Ghost Rider said:
Ventura Highway is definitely a damn fine song.  

Feels like all of Ziggy Stardust ought to be on here, and I am good with Five Years being placed this low.  Great song, but it feels like most of the songs on that record are a little better. 
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Ventura Highway is an enjoyable listen.   I have always considered it to be their best song just as Pip stated.   America has a couple of other strong songs and is a good choice when in the mood for some acoustic guitar folk music.   

 
DocHolliday said:
Ventura Highway is an enjoyable listen.   I have always considered it to be their best song just as Pip stated.   America has a couple of other strong songs and is a good choice when in the mood for some acoustic guitar folk music.   
Click to expand...
For sure. I only have their hits, but all are very good.  I lean more towards Sister Golden Hair, Tin Man, Sandman and You Can Do Magic (this was big when I first got into music in the early 80s), but Ventura Highway is certainly a good one as well. :thumbup:

 
Pip's Invitation said:
B. Homecoming is by far their best album. Since this is its most famous song, I figure it’s the only representative on your list, but about half a dozen others are worthy of consideration.
Click to expand...
America is another group my sisters like that my brother & I would drown out with guitar rock (we listened to a ton of prog but that discussions gets pedantic real quick.) I did like them more when I revisited their albums in my early 20s.

Ventura Highway is not about the blvd, though maybe was just relating his personal existence. The songwriter grew up in England as a military kid, and during a family vacation, sat on the side of the road if the PCH. Saw a road sign for Ventura…and clouds that looked like alligator lizards… 

 
81. Todd Rundgren “I Saw The Light” (from Something/Anything?) 

https://youtu.be/xoX52Sua8Oc

I’m only the most casual fan of Rundgren’s stuff; I like the hits (mainly from this album.) It is really cool that he played every instrument on this song; I’m always really impressed when an artist does that. 
But overall this song, like the other Todd Rundgren hits, is a pleasant tune from the era that I enjoy listening to and won’t turn off most times. But if, as many claim, there is true genius at work here, I’m afraid it’s passed me by. 

 
timschochet said:
81. Todd Rundgren “I Saw The Light” (from Something/Anything?) 

https://youtu.be/xoX52Sua8Oc

I’m only the most casual fan of Rundgren’s stuff; I like the hits (mainly from this album.) It is really cool that he played every instrument on this song; I’m always really impressed when an artist does that. 
But overall this song, like the other Todd Rundgren hits, is a pleasant tune from the era that I enjoy listening to and won’t turn off most times. But if, as many claim, there is true genius at work here, I’m afraid it’s passed me by. 
Click to expand...
And there goes my #1. You’re killing me.

 
80. Jackson Browne “Rock Me On The Water” (from Jackson Browne) 

https://youtu.be/C8eo9Q7GHTs

This album is so good, so full of great tunes. This one was a hit for Linda Rondstadt, but the original version, more raw, is better. The link is to Browne performing the song live in 1978 for the BBC. He was then at the height of his talent. 

 
timschochet said:
Sorry. But when we get to my #1, I will explain to you in some detail as to why I believe it should be regarded as the best song of the year. What in your opinion makes “I Saw The Light” worthy of that title? 
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To me it’s a perfect pop song. I just love the way the song starts on the 4 and the tempo just rolls like a boulder going downhill, it’s fast but not loud and hard. And it’s the first song on a great album, just a great way to kick things off

 
Mookie Gizzy said:
To me it’s a perfect pop song. I just love the way the song starts on the 4 and the tempo just rolls like a boulder going downhill, it’s fast but not loud and hard. And it’s the first song on a great album, just a great way to kick things off
Click to expand...
OK. Thanks! 

 
timschochet said:
81. Todd Rundgren “I Saw The Light” (from Something/Anything?) 

https://youtu.be/xoX52Sua8Oc

I’m only the most casual fan of Rundgren’s stuff; I like the hits (mainly from this album.) It is really cool that he played every instrument on this song; I’m always really impressed when an artist does that. 
But overall this song, like the other Todd Rundgren hits, is a pleasant tune from the era that I enjoy listening to and won’t turn off most times. But if, as many claim, there is true genius at work here, I’m afraid it’s passed me by. 
Click to expand...
Too low (Binky: high)

 
FairWarning said:
timschochet said:
Sorry. But when we get to my #1, I will explain to you in some detail as to why I believe it should be regarded as the best song of the year. What in your opinion makes “I Saw The Light” worthy of that title? 
Click to expand...
As the biggest Rungren basher on the board, this is probably a top 10-20 song for 72.  
Click to expand...


I like Todd's hits, but fall well short of the genius thing. But agreed that it's too low - this is a really good song. Top 20-ish seems about right. But we'll see what Tim's got for us. 

 
78. Eric Andersen “Blue River” (from Blue River) 

https://youtu.be/SKVqORK2byo

Canadian folkie Eric Andersen had been around all throughout the 60s, a fixture in the Greenwich Village scene, but never managed to get any attention outside of his fellow artists until this gorgeous song, in which he is aided by backup vocals from Joni Mitchell. Alas it was the only great thing he ever did, and disappeared into obscurity soon after. 

 
77. The Carpenters “Top Of The World” (from A Song For You) 

https://youtu.be/yUMAmI5YcBQ

Of all the Carpenters’ classic hits, this is probably the most dated sounding. The instrumentation is full on 70s cheese (in fact it sounds a LOT like “I Am Woman”) while the lyrics are rather trite. But it’s terrific anyhow. The melody is superb and Karen’s vocals are brilliant as usual- truly one of the best pop vocalists who ever lived. 

Back in the 90s Japanese punk rock girl group Shonen Knife did a splendid cover of this song- that opening guitar riff is awesome: 

https://youtu.be/-Ba360Dz1sQ

 
timschochet said:
77. The Carpenters “Top Of The World” (from A Song For You) 

https://youtu.be/yUMAmI5YcBQ

Of all the Carpenters’ classic hits, this is probably the most dated sounding. The instrumentation is full on 70s cheese (in fact it sounds a LOT like “I Am Woman”) while the lyrics are rather trite. But it’s terrific anyhow. The melody is superb and Karen’s vocals are brilliant as usual- truly one of the best pop vocalists who ever lived. 

Back in the 90s Japanese punk rock girl group Shonen Knife did a splendid cover of this song- that opening guitar riff is awesome: 

https://youtu.be/-Ba360Dz1sQ
Click to expand...
Criminally low ranking.   One of my favorite songs by the carpenters and one that I’m going to learn to play so that it can be added to the set list when the crowd is older at wineries.  As I have mentioned before, Karen is my favorite female vocalist.   The quality of her voice is off the charts.   

 
76. Rod Stewart “You Wear It Well” (from Never A Dull Moment) 

https://youtu.be/PigMNwgufmk

Never A Dull Moment was the follow up to Every Picture Tells A Story, and it failed to match the greatness of that amazing album. But this song could have belonged on the earlier work; it has a song structure similar to “Maggie May”. 
As usual during this era of Rod’s career, he is assisted by several members of the Faces, particularly Ronnie Wood who co-wrote the tune and plays a number of instruments on the recording. 

 
timschochet said:
75. The Rolling Stones “Sweet Black Angel” (from Exile On Main Street) 

https://youtu.be/Cwekn8dDxCo

A rare political song for the Stones, Jagger wrote this tribute to Angela Davis and then the band recorded it acoustic style with some West Indian instruments added. The result is pretty magical. 
Click to expand...
Great tune off a masterpiece  of an album. Pretty good for a mediocre blues cover band ;)

 
74. Paul Simon “Duncan” (from Paul Simon) 

https://youtu.be/0e-Quw2QGo8

“Duncan” continued Simon’s exploration of Andean folk music which began with “El Condor Pasa” from his previous album, Bridge Over Troubled Water. Between the two “Duncan” is actually the better song IMO. The instrumental, flute led chorus is simply gorgeous. 

 
timschochet said:
83. America “Ventura Highway” (from Homecoming) 

https://youtu.be/0IvatagnV_M

Just more of that relaxing soft rock that I love so much. And yes I have listened to this with the car roof open while driving down Ventura Boulevard (it’s not technically a highway.) 
Click to expand...
Sorry catching up on this.  I liked because it made the list don't like because it seems way too low.  Great song and thank you for doing this.  I always enjoy these threads.

 
Mookie Gizzy said:
To me it’s a perfect pop song. I just love the way the song starts on the 4 and the tempo just rolls like a boulder going downhill, it’s fast but not loud and hard. And it’s the first song on a great album, just a great way to kick things off
Click to expand...


Yeah, "I Saw The Light" was a good pop song but a blatantly calculated attempt on Rundgren's part to have a hit record and he doesn't hold it in high regard (he dismissed it in an interview I read as from "My moon, spoon, June, rhyming period"). He is obviously channeling Carole King (not that that is a bad thing) so it doesn't really come across as fresh and original IMO, 

 
73. Nick Drake “From the Morning” (from Pink Moon) 

https://youtu.be/xPe5ZQx0OpQ

Written and recorded shortly before he died (either from suicide or overdose) this song, like the rest of the album, is starkly, ethereally beautiful, it sounds nothing like any other song recorded in 1972; in fact it’s about 20 years too early. For me personally, it’s about the most relaxing music I can listen to. 

 
timschochet said:
81. Todd Rundgren “I Saw The Light” (from Something/Anything?) 

https://youtu.be/xoX52Sua8Oc

I’m only the most casual fan of Rundgren’s stuff; I like the hits (mainly from this album.) It is really cool that he played every instrument on this song; I’m always really impressed when an artist does that. 
But overall this song, like the other Todd Rundgren hits, is a pleasant tune from the era that I enjoy listening to and won’t turn off most times. But if, as many claim, there is true genius at work here, I’m afraid it’s passed me by. 
Click to expand...
I’m more familiar with Rundgren’s work as a Producer. Threads like these remind me I am familiar with his songs, I just don’t remember they are his.

 
timschochet said:
86. The Rolling Stones “Rocks Off” (from Exile On Main Street) 

https://youtu.be/_lNP-x94-SE

So I should start by warning you guys that I regard Exile On Main Street as the best album of 1972, and one of the top 5 best albums in rock history (in no particular order: Exile On Main Street, Abbey Road, London Calling, Revolver, Sticky Fingers). 
The song is a tremendous opening number, beginning with Keith’s tremendous guitar riff (or could that be Mick Taylor? I’ve no idea.) Mick Jagger’s vocals are a bit unclear (this continues all throughout the album) but who gives a ####? Great stuff. 
Click to expand...
Hard to decide which one to take off the list, but IMO Who’s Next has to be in the top 5.

 
timschochet said:
73. Nick Drake “From the Morning” (from Pink Moon) 

https://youtu.be/xPe5ZQx0OpQ

Written and recorded shortly before he died (either from suicide or overdose) this song, like the rest of the album, is starkly, ethereally beautiful, it sounds nothing like any other song recorded in 1972; in fact it’s about 20 years too early. For me personally, it’s about the most relaxing music I can listen to. 
Click to expand...


Great album, excellent song. I'd hardly call it relaxing, though. The picking of the guitar strikes me every time and is really actually intensely done and the topics are intense, which is only enhanced by the starkness of the unaccompanied delivery. I hope "Pink Moon" is on the list also. 

 
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