It's pretty simple really, you get the odd nitwit saying when 'Starships' blares out and begins to magnetise the intoxicated to the dancefloor that it is "the best song EVER". It could be the VK's talking, but regardless, it is not the best song ever, it is your favourite song. Only certain situations require a degree of being picky with your words, but maybe this is one of those times. Even right now my Dad is suggesting that 'The Boys are Back in Town' is the best song ever, and when I counter that with disagreement, he pulls a face. For example, my favourite song, as many of you already know is 'Stockholm Syndrome' by Muse, and whilst it is an incredibly epic song, it is not the best song ever. The best songs of all time have the power to change the world whilst at the same time maintaining their integrity and not delving into pits of simplicity. They can be long or short, loud or quiet, but in most examples, they are all four. Some of my nominations are obvious, others may not be, but decide for yourself if I'm on the right lines.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
Why: Erm... because it's Bohemian fucking Rhapsody, and it just about shits over anything. I have no idea what the band were dabbling in when they thought it would be a good idea to make this. The talent required for this is nothing short of mesmerising, and there's a reason that any songs considered "epic" nowadays are compared to this band, and in most examples this song. It broke the mould, it didn't have a typical structure and it still got to no.1 and stayed there for weeks!
Jeff Buckley - Hallelujah
Why: Much credit goes to Leonard Cohen for penning this wonderful piece of music, but it's Buckley's cover that is the most recognised version, fuck Alexandra Burke. You know a singer is special when he can take a song as moving as 'Hallelujah' and take you on even more of a pleasurable journey than the original. This man was a talent that was taken too young from us, and the world is poorer for having lost him.
Radiohead - Paranoid Android
Why: Known as 'the Bohemian Rhapsody of the 90's', Radiohead penned their indirect answer to Queen's operatic thundermonster, but without the opera. It also has the strangest music video of all time, albeit one of my favourites. It'll make you cry, it'll make you laugh, it'll make you mosh, it'll make you sway. Ladies and gentlemen, Radiohead.
Guns N'Roses - November Rain
Why: One does not simply refuse to air guitar to this song. Another monster of great size that displays Slash's virtuoso guitar style and proves that when Axl Rose wants to, he can sing and do it well. I don't usually rave about guitar solos, but being treated to three in this song is something that I personally savour. This was a nice and mature change given the image of the band being a bunch of no good punks, like an original Towers of London, but man oh man they pull it off with flare and style here.
Oasis - Champagne Supernova
Why: Many people are probably sick to death of 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger', and whilst they themselves are incredible tunes, this is the real gem of Oasis' back catalogue. It's not the most musically innovative song ever written, but it's a song that can bring people together in a mass singalong whether it be a festival (sadly not any more) or an indie nightclub. 'Champagne Supernova' is definitely a rival to 'Paranoid Android' for being one of the best songs of the 90's.
Queens of the Stone Age - A Song For The Dead
Why: I had to seriously consider putting this one amongst the aforementioned selections, but it has made it onto the list. If you haven't heard it, please have a listen. The heavy nature of it may detract some, but for it's complexity and the ability for drummer Dave Grohl to influence many to learn how to drum long after his stint in Nirvana, this is definitely a worthy competitor. Having said that, with every word I type in this paragraph, I question it's inclusion... well you know what, fuck it.
