section122 Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 I guess that isn't my definition of signature song. My definition is a song that is not only popular with FANS (real fans of the artist, not just some folks who liek a song or 2), but also representitive of their sound - I think it goes beyond a song that is just the most recognizable. Case in point - Quessryche's biggest commercial success was Silent Lucidity, but is nothing like any of their other stuff - to say it is their signature song would be laughable. But, lots of top 40 people bought the album in 1991 and were probably surprised that all the other tracks were a lot heavier - I know when I saw them on the Empire Tour in 1991 there were people there who came thinking they whole show was going to be Silent Lucidity type music and were wondering what the hell was going on when Geoff Tate started belting out Queen of the Reich... wow I forgot all about that song! I think the varying definitions of signature song make this thread an interesting one. I have seen several songs listed that I disagree with, but then realize that is my perspective and not theirs. Here is some more 80s/90s power ballads that might not represent the bands style but that I think of when thinking about the band: Nelson - after the rain Skid Row - 18 and Life Meatloaf - Paradise by the Dashboard Light (why do women love this horrible song so much?!) Poison - Every Rose has its Thorns The formula of releasing a power ballad as the second single really helped launch quite a few bands regardless of how close to their actual musical stylings it was. (as an aside how awesome was hair metal?!) Some more for me: Van Halen (Roth) - Hot for Teacher Van Halen (Haggar) - Right Now Kansas - Carry on My Wayward Son Zeppelin - Stairway Lou Reed - Walk on the Wild Side Foghat - Slow Ride Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water Frampton - Do you feel like we do Heart - Crazy on you Rush - Tom Sawyer Manfred Mann - Blinded by the Light (extended version is so much better) Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name
LeviF Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Meatloaf - Paradise by the Dashboard Light (why do women love this horrible song so much?!) 1. It's a great karaoke song. 2. She bagged a husband in the end, didn't she?
shrader Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Pearl Jam, Jeremy Based on the reactions at live shows, I'd have to say Betterman.
The Cincinnati Kid Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Rusted Root - Send Me On My Way Kenny Chesney - She Thinks My Tractor's Sexy Tim McGraw - Barbecue Stain Dierks Bentley - What Was I thinking Carrie Underwood - Jesus Take the Wheel Jason Aldean - Big Green Tractor Keith Urban - Put You In A Song New Radicals - You Get What You Give Santana - Oye Come Va Beatles - I Wanna Hold Your Hand John Lennon - Imagine Bruce Spingsteen - Born to Run
GOBILLS78 Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Based on the reactions at live shows, I'd have to say Betterman. I'd say "Black."
ExiledInIllinois Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 (edited) Just get in an elevator and you'll hear The Doors' signature sounds. You said soundS. 2. She bagged a husband in the end, didn't she? Yeah, but under extreme duress... Any lawyer worth their salt could get that annulled. Edited July 9, 2012 by ExiledInIllinois
shrader Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 I'd say "Black." If I went with anything off of Ten, it would be Evenflow.
section122 Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Based on the reactions at live shows, I'd have to say Betterman. I'd say "Black." I know it isn't their signature but elderly woman behind a counter in a small town is by far my favorite Pear Jam song. As for their signature to me it has to be Yellow Ledbetter (that riff!) Vedder muttering make me cry right before the solo is amazing. Guitar Solos and the feeling from them... man I love music
GOBILLS78 Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 If I went with anything off of Ten, it would be Evenflow. Now, is that your personal feeling, or your perception of listeners in general? "Black" is the song I associate with them, but I understand somebody else would have a completely different idea. Another example is for Van Halen -- I don't think of anything but "Jump," but I'm definitely in the minority, apparently. I know it isn't their signature but elderly woman behind a counter in a small town is by far my favorite Pear Jam song. As for their signature to me it has to be Yellow Ledbetter (that riff!) Vedder muttering make me cry right before the solo is amazing. Guitar Solos and the feeling from them... man I love music I've had many a drunken campfires playing/singing "Elderly Woman..." with friends. Great song.
shrader Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Now, is that your personal feeling, or your perception of listeners in general? "Black" is the song I associate with them, but I understand somebody else would have a completely different idea. I went pretty scientific on it actually. They have played Evenflow more than any other song, almost 100 times more than Alive (which is 2nd on the list).
GOBILLS78 Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 I went pretty scientific on it actually. They have played Evenflow more than any other song, almost 100 times more than Alive (which is 2nd on the list). Interesting. I'd like to see the list.
truth on hold Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 That don't impress me much - shania twain Like a virgin - Madonna Brass in pocket - pretenders Hit me with your best shot - pat benatar Addicte to love - Robert Palmer
shrader Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Interesting. I'd like to see the list. http://pearljam.com/music You can filter by number of times played. It is very interesting to look at. I hope more bands have something similar on their websites.
boyst Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Keith urban - love somebody. I don't know the other one. Nlbut love somebody was in how to lose a guy in ten days Brad Paisley - Ticks or Alcohol George Strait - The Chair
truth on hold Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 The night Chicago died - whoever sang it, I'm not motivate to look it up, but I'd say it's definitely their signature song
ExiledInIllinois Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 The night Chicago died - whoever sang it, I'm not motivate to look it up, but I'd say it's definitely their signature song DO NOT ask me how I know this... I did not look it up either! Paper Lace Also in that era: Billy Don't Be a Hero: Bo Donaldson and the Haywoods. Wow... I need to go kill myself! Damn 45's as a child!
bbb Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 The night Chicago died - whoever sang it, I'm not motivate to look it up, but I'd say it's definitely their signature song I thought you were joking with Safety Dance for Men without Hats, etc. If you only had one song, you are not entitled to a signature song.
truth on hold Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 Someone else nominated MWOHs. But for the record they also had "all the little people living in china "
ExiledInIllinois Posted July 9, 2012 Posted July 9, 2012 (edited) What would Bob Marley and the Wailers be? One Love Honorable mention and personal favorite: No Woman, No Cry. I wouldn't say the popular: I Shot the Sheriff since Clapton did it with mord success. Edited July 9, 2012 by ExiledInIllinois
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