The best song from 10 of my favourite albums.

[spicyapple]

First, I chose my 10 favourite albums, and from that, the one song I felt represents the entire album. So here goes, with comments.

Halo by Texas (White on Blonde)
Their first hit, Say Want You Want, became their biggest hit after two previous albums failed to connect with listeners. But the song that really epitomizes Texas' new direction is Halo; my favourite song from their 4th album. Their previous albums put a lot of emphasis on the slide guitar and sparse arrangements.

Summer Son by Texas (The Hush)
Building on their previous album, White on Blonde, Texas released Summer Son, a huge hit across Europe and most notably, the most inspired and dance-able track. In fact every song on this album is great, from When We Are Together which became a track in the movie, A Wedding Date, Day After Day and In Our Lifetime.

****** Me Pumps by Amy Winehouse (Frank)
Amy Winehouse's voice is so amazing, it's easy to compare her voice to the jazz greats from the 60's. Yet she is has a playfulness that across in this one song, about the misconceptions girls have about meeting the perfect guy to be happy.

Time After Time by Eva Cassidy (Time After Time)
Eva's cover of Cyndi Lauper's 80's classic is the best example of how she can transform a popular song and make it uniquely hers. She was discovered only after her death, which makes all her songs so amazingly poignant. If you've never heard her voice, this song and Fields of Gold are must listens. Her voice is so pure that her acoustic live performances are considered better than the CDs.

Painted by Numbers by The Sounds (Dying to Say This to You)
Swedish rock band front by a female vocalist, Maja is one of those rare finds you only stumble upon when you open your musical palette and embrace their unique sound. For some reason, I just love this band and their songs. Painted by Numbers is my favourite, followed closely by Night After Night (Alternative Version) and Queen of Apology.

Sound of the Underground by Girls Aloud (Sound of the Underground)
The first and best song from Girls Aloud. Despite their success, they are also critically lauded. Go girls! I love this song. 'Nuff said. I'll also have to give a shout-out to Love Machine from their What Will The Neighbours Say? album.

Inbetween Days by The Cure (The Greatest Hits)
Ok, I'm cheating a bit here listing a greatest hits compilation album. Friday I'm in Love is another great song.

Cannonball by Damien Rice (O)
A beautiful song with great personal tenderness about longing and love. Damien's songs are best experienced in quiet contemplation and introspection. For something more upbeat and sassy, try Volcano.

I Can't Give You Anything but Love by Diana Krall (When I Look in Your Eyes)
This song is the epitome of Diana's upbeat, breezy feel I love to hear more from her. It is such a contemporary song that will be played for generations; such a timeless yet contemporary classic. Her last two albums, From This Moment On and The Girl in the Other Room were disappointments.

Never Know by Jack Johnson (In Between Dreams)
I put this album on whenever I take a day-long hike. Never lets me down. Never Know is simply my favourite track from his outstanding album.

I hope it wasn't too long a post. What is the one best song from your favourite albums?

[calculus]

Halo by Texas (White on Blonde)
Their first hit, Say Want You Want, became their biggest hit after two previous albums failed to connect with listeners. But the song that really epitomizes Texas' new direction is Halo; my favourite song from their 4th album. Their previous albums put a lot of emphasis on the slide guitar and sparse arrangements


Their first single 'I don't want a lover' went top 10, in the UK at least (1989). You're right about their earlier stuff being quite different.

Splendid idea for a thread, I will be contributing later...:)

[Queso]

Time After Time by Eva Cassidy (Time After Time)
Eva's cover of Cyndi Lauper's 80's classic is the best example of how she can transform a popular song and make it uniquely hers. She was discovered only after her death, which makes all her songs so amazingly poignant. If you've never heard her voice, this song and Fields of Gold are must listens. Her voice is so pure that her acoustic live performances are considered better than the CDs.
I love this one. First heard it used in an episode of Smallville, but knew straight away it was Eva Cassidy. She had such a unique style.

[calculus]

It's taking me longer to do this than I thought so here are my first five. I'll add the next five as an edit later on.

On another day of course the choice could be completely different.

Tomorrow Never Knows – The Beatles (from Revolver)

This is such a great track, so far ahead of it’s time that it sounds utterly contemporary. I never tire of this album, although I do skip ‘Yellow Submarine’ quite often.

I’m Waiting For The Man – Velvet Underground (From The Velvet Underground & Nico)

Hard to choose my favourite from this album but in the end I went for the straightforward driving rhythm of this one. All the instruments blend together into one giant noise.

Just A Little Lovin’ – Dusty Springfield (from Dusty In Memphis)

The opening track from this soul classic. Everything about this album is just perfect.

Man Out Of Time – Elvis Costello (from Imperial Bedroom)

How to choose just one track from just one of the great man’s albums? This will have to do for today.

Two Sevens Clash – Cuture (from Two Sevens Clash)

Terrific roots reggae album, great harmonies and rhythms. I have played this record regularly over the last thirty years.