If you’re going to play music for people then make sure you know music that people want to hear. We’ve all been at a bar or nightclub and heard the band slog out another tired version of ‘Mustang Sally’ or ‘Brown Eyed Girl’. Why do they do that? Why don’t they choose fresh or clever songs to play? Well the smart answer is they should. But, people love to hear the same old songs because they love the same old songs. The familiarity brings them comfort and they can then let loose because they know the song and they’re in a comfortable surrounding. The other thing all these songs have in common is they make people want to dance, or at the very least, sing along. People love to feel like they are a part of the band!
So instead of rolling your eyes when you get these requests, it’s a much better idea to embrace these songs. Learn them! Make them sound familiar, yet original, by infusing your bands’ unique style into the songs. Knowledge is power. So take the time to learn a bit about the history of these songs and give them at least a little of the respect they may deserve. And then never put them in your playlist if you don’t have to! Just keep these in your hip pocket for the inevitable night some drunk girl comes up and says, “It’s my friends birthday tonight. Will you please play (Insert song here)” And you, of course, happily will.
1. Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd
This song is about Alabama and why people love it right? Um…no. Released in June of 1974, the song was originally written as a response to two Neil Young songs, “Southern Man’ and ‘Alabama”, that the guys in Lynyrd Skynyrd thought was a little bit of a cheap shot at southerners and their way of life. Even Neil Young has said, in retrospect, he’s not too happy with the way his lyrics came off in those songs. Lynyrd Skynyrd clapped back pointing to establishment politics (Watergate) and their own issues in the South (Birmingham, George Wallace).
Ultimately it’s become a feel good anthem at parties and bars and any negative connotations have been quietly forgotten.
2. Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
Oh god no! That song again?! It was released in June of 1967. It was originally edited because of suggestive lyrics like, “making love in the green grass”. Scandalous! Van Morrison has even stopped playing this song because he’s so bored with it. You can hear it every day on any oldies radio station. But the thing this song has is “brown eyed’ in it’s title. So every ‘Brown eyed girl’ thinks its written about them. “That’s my song!” you’ll hear them shriek across the bar when you play it. It always fills the dance floor. Even green or blue eyed girls think it’s their song. So it’s a song for anyone!
3. Play That Funky Music – Wild Cherry
This song was released in April of 1976. It was notable because of the use of the words ‘Funky’ and ‘White’ in the chorus. Were those two things ever found together? They were now! This song has a great funk bass and guitar riff that is almost guaranteed to get the crowd up on their feet. It was recorded by the band ‘Wild Cherry’ from Ohio. A true One-Hit-Wonder band. It’s on Billboards All Time Top 100 songs. Everyone knows this song!
4. American Girl – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Here’s another song that goes over great because every girl thinks its about her. Which I suppose in a way it is. It is a song about longing for something more. It was originally released in February of 1977. Although it didn’t really become a big hit until the 1990’s when it became ubiquitous in movies, TV and classic Rock radio. Also this is the last song Tom Petty ever played in concert. He played it to close out his show at the Hollywood Bowl on September 25th, 2017. I was lucky enough to be at that concert. It was a great time with a great band. Tom Petty sadly passed away just days later after that show. Heartbreaking.
5. Mustang Sally – Wilson Pickett
“…all you wanna do is ride around Sally, ride Sally ride…” Everyone knows this refrain. And everyone will sing it if you play it. This song was released in 1966. Although it was originally released by it’s writer, Bonny Rice aka Sir Mack Rice, it found it’s success with Picketts version. It was originally called ‘Mustang Mama’ but at a meeting with Aretha Franklin she suggested he call it “Mustang Sally’. Who can argue with the Queen of Soul?
6. Hard to Handle – Otis Redding/The Black Crowes
From the first crack of the snare this song gets people up and on their feet. Originally recorded by Otis Redding in 1967 and released in 1968 it received a modest amount f success. It’s been covered and played by dozens of band like The Grateful Dead, Tom Jones and The New Riders of the Purple Sage. But the cover that made the biggest splash was by The Black Crowes in 1990. That gave the song a new life and you’ll hear it played by almost every band in any corner bar in America on any given night.
7. I Love Rock and Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Joan Jett is a badass chick originally that rose to fame as a member of The Runaways. An all girl rock and roll group from L.A. in the 1970’s.
‘I Love Rock and Roll’ is a cover from a band called The Arrows which was originally recorded in 1975. Joan Jett made it a gigantic hit in 1982. It’s a statement song about young lust and rock and roll. What more could you need?
8. Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns and Roses
From that very first iconic guitar solo you know you are in for a ride when this song is played. It goes from a sweet and tender ballad to an all out rocker all in one song. Originally released in June of 1988 it went on to be a #1 single for the band. It’s said the song was written for Erin Everly, daughter of Don Everly from the Everly Brothers. Slash said the opening lick was a string skipping’ exercise that he was noodling around with that the band picked up on and from there a classic song was built.
9. You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
Released in August of 1980 by AC/DC this song is a classic rock grinder. I’m not sure, but I would guess about 98% of the bands that try to cover this song don’t have a singer that can do it justice. It just rides the crest of almost screaming. It’s no wonder Rock Critic Robert Christgau called it a “drum hooked fucksong”. One listen and you’ll know why too.
10. Twist and Shout – The Beatles
This song first became a hit in 1962 by The Isley Brothers. But then a little band from Liverpool came along and changed all that. The Beatles version was recorded at the end of a 13 hour day and John Lennons voice was thrashed from a cold.The did the song in one take. A second take was tried but John couldn’t physically sing it. So they kept the first take which turned out to be quite alright!
11. What I Like About You – The Romantics
This classic Power Pop song jumped into our hearts in in 1979. Although it was a popular song for the band to play live it really took off in the late 1980’s when it was used in TV, Movies and a Budweiser beer ad campaign. Some would argue its a cheap ripoff of other songs like Neil Diamonds ’Cherry, Cherry’ or The Standell’s ‘Dirty Water’ but no matter. It’s a classic now and people love it!
13. Wanted Dead or Alive – Bon Jovi
This song was released in 1987 and has gone on to be a classic. The opening riff, like ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’, has gone on to be played ad nauseam at guitar stores the world over. But every band earnestly plays this song and is usually rewarded with an audience sing along and of course the classic response ‘…wanted…’ during the chorus. People love it because it makes them feel like dangerous outlaws on the run from love. Rock out!
14. The Joker – Steve Miller
Thanks, Steve Miller. This simple little 3 chord song is covered by most everyone. You can rock it out, lay it back, give it a reggae groove. Whatever floats your boat. Plus it has the great line, “cause I speak of the pompatus of love.” Yeah, whatever that means. And of course who can’t help but wolf whistle every time you hear ‘some people call me Maurice’.
It’s a great tune that still plays well since it’s release in October of 1973!
This list is not all inclusive and of course there are probably hundreds of songs that bands should know and have in their back pockets.
Keep an eye out on this site for lists of songs that people love – but bands rarely play!
We’d love to hear what songs you think should be on this list! Comment below!!
