My Top Ten Songs

Here is a list of some of my most favorite songs.  Although I narrowed it down to ten, it is impossible to say these are my only favorite songs.

1. America - Simon and Garfunkel

The opening harmony on this song is simple yet beautiful.  The Plot is about two young people that go off looking for America and soon run out of money and food.  The emotion in this song is why I put it at number one.

2. Like a Child - Jars of Clay

My second CD ever was a Jars of Clay CD.  They are a christian pop band that uses a crisp acoustic guitar sound with family-friendly, Christ oriented lyrics to make some incredible music.  This is one of my most favorite songs and one of their greatest.

3. Classical Gas - Mason Williams

This is the second song I ever learned on guitar.  I would often ask people who claimed to be guitarists if they could play this song.  Most of them said no.  I felt that if I wanted to be a guitarist I needed to follow the standard I set for others.  I played it for the Hales Christmas talent show last year.

4. Elderly Woman Behind a Counter in a Small Town - Pearl Jam

My older brother kept trying to get me to like Pearl Jam when I was younger.  I refused to listen to him until he moved out of the house.  Then as I became a fan I came across this song and quickly fell in love.  I think the reason why I like it so much is because it reminds me of my small town and the "hearts and thoughts [that] fade ... fade away."

5. Sospiro - Franz Liszt

I fell in love with the movie Shine when I was younger, and not because it is about an Australian.  The piano music  and the story line I was introduced to in that film have always inspired me.  This song is especially beautiful.

6. Hide Your Love Away - The Beatles

The Beatles had many hits that were contenders for my top ten list.  This song however is simply a graceful ballad that highlights the Beatles prodigy in song writing.

7. Take It Easy - The Eagles

This song highlights my desire to be more laid back.  It is a pick-me-up feel-good song that has always put me in a good mood.  It also has some incredible banjo playing!

8. I Wonder - Louis Armstrong

This is a gem that I quickly fell in love with.  The jazz styled piano and trumpet are mesmerizing.  Not to mention the thick Louis Armstrong voice that made him so popular.

9. Sunshine of Your Love - Cream

I really began humming the main guitar riff in this song while on my mission.  I didn't even know what song it was, but I knew that when I got home from my mission I would find out what song it was.  I also knew then, long before my first cell phone that it would make a perfect ring tone.  That is all Becca knows this song as.

10. Big Girls Don't Cry (Personal) - Fergie

This one may surprise a few people.  This song reminds me of the humid pacific breezes and the gorgeous scenery of my first deployment.  I first heard this song when I was traveling to the beaches on Guam with some military friends.  It takes me back to the wonderful weather, adventures, and sea breezes of Guam and Hawaii, which is why it is on this list.

If any of you would like to hear some of these songs, you might be able to listen to them online.  If not, let me know and I will try to get you a copy of these great songs.