1970 - "All Right Now" - Free

Sure this song is overplayed. Forever a staple on set lists played by bar bands throughout North America, it's also immortalized on that TV commercial peddling Wrigley's gum. 

Still, I never tire of hearing it. You don't turn this song off, you turn it UP.

In one word? CLASSIC. There's something magical and reassuring about that guitar riff. 

And this sort of desert isle list just has to have at least one classic rock anthem. 

In fact, I'll posit that "All Right Now" may actually be THE original 'classic rock' tune before the genre of classic rock was even established. Discuss. 

1970 Honourable Mentions: 

"Cinnamon Girl" – Neil Young & Crazy Horse 
Wasn't this the beginning of grunge?

"Cecilia" – Simon & Garfunkel
Must be embraced - played everywhere, enjoyed by all

1969 - "Space Oddity" - David Bowie

1969 = "Space Oddity" - David Bowie.
These first few years will be the hardest ones since I don't have any actual memories of enjoying them when they were released. But thanks to the magic of the internets, I have access to a treasure trove of lists and videos. In an era highlighted by the Stones, Beatles and Led Zep, here we have fledgling folk artist David Bowie spacing out about outer space.

Fave lyric: "For here, am I sitting in a tin can". 

The dreamy atmosphere, irresistible melody and inspired vocals make this one a long-time keeper ever since I first stumbled upon the video during the early 90s on MuchMusic (remember when the station played music?). The video was shown as a segue to an episode of Mike & Mike's Excellent X-Canada Adventures about Cavendish, PEI, leading into a story about the juxtaposition of Anne of Green Gables and some of the newer commercial attractions of the day. Like a space shuttle replica...   

Back to Bowie..."Space Oddity" helped inspire Peter Schilling to write a sort of sequel in this 1983 new wave hit featuring the Major Tom character. At the time who could have ever imagined the legions of artists, musicians and trends later influenced by his work.

1969 Honourable Mentions: None

#1. One-hit Wonders: "Sleeping Satellite" - Tasmin Archer (1992)

More than just my top one-hit wonder, this is easily one of my favourite songs period.

It can be easy to overlook a somewhat low-key pop song from the early 90s, a key high-water mark in music history as multiple genres (grunge, dance, rave, hip hop, Garth Brooks) were all producing memorable tracks. 

But Tasmin Archer's debut single "Sleeping Satellite", from the ironic album title Great Expectations, is nothing short of a pop masterpiece, a special song full of wonder that only comes around every blue moon.

Everything is beautiful about this song: the synth intro, the dreamy melody, Tasmin's inspiring vocals, the subtle guitar, the soaring bridge once the organ kicks in and a great vocal outro. 

"Sleeping Satellite" has both soul and groove, an exquisite slice of hypnotic pop.

And how about the depth of those lyrics. 

Archer talks about relationships using the moon landings as a metaphor. She asks her lover "Did we fly to the moon too soon? and "Have we peaked too soon?" now that both of them are clueless about what to do with their relationship after a great start.

The tune hit #1 on the UK charts, while only peaking at #32 in the US, more evidence that my musical taste is more aligned with the Brits. In fact, the first time I ever heard the single was when I lived in Vancouver enjoying a "UK Chart Attack", a Top 40 program broadcast on a local radio station. 

#2. One-hit Wonders: "You Get What You Give" - New Radicals (1998)

Nostalgic. Fun. Satirical. 

Sometimes a band comes out of left field and whacks us over the head with an irresistible pop song. "You Get What You Give" by New Radicals is one such shining example. 

The song is more than just another hit single. It's a really, really, really catchy tune. 

And a juggernaut. 

The frenetic rhythm of the piano melody and frontman Gregg Alexander's soaring falsetto drive the relentless pace. 

Despite some cynical lyrics tearing up the world of celebrity, "You Get What You Give" is also one of the most feel good tunes ever produced. The uplifting "You've got the music in you" lyric is downright spiritual. 

My only beef: the low blow against Beck near the end.   

Why no encore you may ask. Well, the New Radicals didn't break up for any complex reasons; Alexander just really didn't like fame or success. 

#3. One-hit Wonders: "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" - Modjo (2000)

The disco-influenced house hit single "Lady (Hear Me Tonight)" by French duo Modjo is a major throwback. Now almost twenty years old, I would consider this track in the timeless category. 

That catchy guitar riff is a Chic sample that impeccably accompanies the bass-fueled groove. 

The nostalgic video featuring various shenanigans of three teenagers perfectly captures the spirit of youth.