Piano Man - Billy Joel

Music That Can't be Beat

Good ol' Billy Joel, a man who makes music about anything sound amazing. Going over this song reminds me how much I miss musicians who create music, not just produce it, there is a big difference and Billy Joel's music still surpasses the quality of many musician's today.

"Piano Man" is a powerful song to say the least. From the opening piano to the "la-la-de da" chorus, this song is genius all the way through. Let's break it down like normal. The piano, is amazing, creative and entertaining every moment of the song. I could talk about every transition, solo and chord, but it is safe to say this piano is nothing short of perfection in music. The harmonica accompanying the piano through the song is also so wonderfully done, it is hard not to want to go out and buy one to just learn the part from this song. The song is so full of life, the slower more solemn parts are emotionally engaging and the louder sections are easy goosebump givers. 

Joel's voice is fantastic. His lyrics are perfect. They tell a story, just about any person can sing along and they are complex enough on various layers of meaning and sing-ability that the song never gets boring to listen over and over again. Adding a lot of other instruments in the background during the more boisterous moments really fill the song at the right moments.

Easily one of the best songs ever written, and we'll keep listening to it for generations to come.

Originality: 10

Instruments: 10

Vocals: 10

Longevity: 10

Red Score: 10

Champagne Supernova - Oasis

90’s Mellow For Ages

After rocking out to this song a couple times today, I forgot how much I really do love Champagne Supernova. But, this isn’t a trip down nostalgia lane, this is a thorough look at why this song is so amazing. First we’ll look at that voice and those lyrics. Liam Gallagher has a distinct voice, it is very punk/alternative rock and the British accent gives it that extra flavor that we all love. His voice is never shrill or annoying, but is heartfelt and mellow, even higher pitched. The lyrics themselves are great. I don’t know if there is much of a deeper meaning or anything, but I love singing along with them and they never feel a bit cheesy. The bass line fits the time and style, it's nice, but never achieves greatness. The guitars are great, with notes spread here and there with strong chords that drive through that main parts of the song. The drums are standard and good, but nothing really that deep. The melodica (air piano, blow organ) playing through the background is genius and gives it that unique touch. The water effects in the beginning and other various ambient sounds are great, lots of personality. With all that said, I think the best part of the song is the way it all flows together so well, the song sounds like a long beautiful trip through an underwater paradise. It really is that perfect marriage of instruments that bring the song from great to amazing. I’m guessing that most people have heard this song at one point or another, and I hope you appreciate it for its sublime sound and easy rock that Oasis produces with ease.

Originality: 9.1

Instruments: 8.4

Vocals: 9.0

Longevity: 9.3

Red Score: 8.9

Band On The Run - Paul McCartney and WIngs

New Band, New Run

After the Beatles disbanded, Paul went on with his solo career (as did the other Beatles) and also created the band Wings. His songs in Wings are almost as memorable as the Beatles music and sound very much like them (for obvious reasons). Coming out on their third album, Band On the Run is a great example that Paul is a fantastic artist even without his original band of brothers. Band On The Run starts outs softly and very mellow/psychedelic. The second section is shorter and acts a beautiful bridge filled with a number of different instruments and then transfers into the last part. The third section picks up pace and focus a lot more on the vocals and acoustic guitar. It is a beautiful piece, well separated and a lot of fun. The beginning effects on the electric guitar are hypnotic and the bass in the last part moves around a surprising amount, it's hard to hear without intense speaker or wrap around headphones that can boost up the bass, so if you want to hear Paul on his bass, you'll have to work for it. Band On The Run was (in my opinion) Paul’s demonstration that he still had it in him after the Beatles (album and the song). His first two albums didn’t have that much of an impact, but it happens with artists that leave a group and go their own way, Gwen Stefani, Justin Timberlake and Sting to name a few. These solo artists find right after they are on their own that they aren't mega famous, but find their way to stardom soon after. I hope the nostalgia is great and you love the song as much as I do! Come back for tomorrows most interesting piece that Paul has done in a lot time.

Originality: 8.6

Instruments: 9.2

Vocals: 8.5

Longevity: 8

Red Score: 8.5