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Last updated on Apr 1,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Kate Bush - Army Dreamers"Army Dreamers" is a song by Kate Bush released in 1980. It tells the story of a grieving mother for her young adult son, killed during military maneuvers. The song tackles the poignant theme of young soldiers losing their lives in service. Kate Bush, known for her unique style and distinctive voice, often explores complex subjects in her songs. The video for the song features Kate Bush in camouflage, surrounded by soldiers in a wooded setting. The music video is directed by Keef. Writer(s) : Catherine Bush Publisher(s) : Kate Bush Music Ltd Featured on the 1980 album Never for Ever
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 2 . Bing Crosby - Peace On Earth / Little Drummer BoyBing Crosby and David Bowie’s unexpected duet, "Peace On Earth / Little Drummer Boy," stands out as a rare blend of tradition and modernity. Filmed for Crosby's 1977 Christmas special, it pairs the classic "Little Drummer Boy" with an original counter-melody, "Peace On Earth." The interplay of Crosby’s warm crooning and Bowie’s delicate tenor creates a harmonious meeting of disparate eras and styles. Writer(s) : Ian Fraser, Alan W Kohan, Lawrence A Grossman,, Publisher(s) : One Zee Music, Unichappell Music Inc, Phraser Morton Music
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 3 . Roger Waters - Another Brick In The Wall (w/ Cyndi Lauper)Roger Waters, former member of Pink Floyd, collaborates with Cyndi Lauper for a live rendition of "Another Brick In The Wall" during the concert The Wall – Live in Berlin in 1990. The concert, organized to commemorate the fall of the Berlin Wall, brought together several renowned artists. Lauper, known for hits like "Girls Just Want to Have Fun," adds a unique touch to this Pink Floyd classic, making this performance particularly memorable. Proceeds from this single were donated to the "Memorial Fund for Disaster Relief." The music video is directed by Bill Yukich. Writer(s) : George Roger Waters Publisher(s) : Roger Waters Music Overseas Ltd Featured on the 1990 album The Wall: Live In Berlin
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 4 . XTC - Mayor Of SimpletonBritish rock band XTC’s "The Mayor of Simpleton," penned by Andy Partridge and helmed by producer Paul Fox, debuts as the vibrant lead single from their 1989 album "Oranges & Lemons." Initially molded as a slower, reggae-tinged track, it morphs into an effervescent pop anthem, anchored by Colin Moulding’s deliberately orchestrated bass lines, intricate guitar layers, and vocal harmonies. Reaching No. 72 on the Billboard Hot 100 and claiming the peak of the US Alternative Songs chart, it unfolds as a clever ode to emotional intelligence, playfully juxtaposing the narrator’s academic gaps with an endearing capacity for love. XTC, formed in 1972 and rebranded in 1976, sidestepped live audiences post-1982 due to Partridge’s stage fright but secured cult reverence with "Black Sea" and "English Settlement." "The Mayor of Simpleton" punctuates a three-year hiatus following 1986’s "Skylarking." The music video is directed by Jim Blashfield. Writer(s) : Andrew John Partridge Publisher(s) : Bmg Vm Music Limited Featured on the 1989 album Oranges & Lemons
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 5 . David Bowie - The Hearts Filthy LessonDavid Bowie’s "The Hearts Filthy Lesson," from 1995, marks a bold turn into industrial rock, crafted with Brian Eno’s experimental production techniques. Cryptic lyrics reference themes of decay and violence, embodied by the character Ramona A. Stone. The song’s gritty textures and dark tones align it with Bowie’s exploration of art and mortality, resonating with the unsettling aesthetic of the '90s. Featured in Se7en, the song illustrates Bowie and Eno’s fascination with industrial sounds, blending dissonance and rhythm into a dense sonic tapestry. Writer(s) : Brian Peter George Eno, Michael Garson (Usa), Erdal Kizilcay, David Bowie, Sterling Campbell, Reeves Gabrels Publisher(s) : Jones Music America, Tintoretto Music, Opal Music (Gb 1), Threptos Music Featured on the 1995 album Outside
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 6 . Electric Light Orchestra - TwilightFeaturing symphonic rock elements with modern synthesizers for its time, "Twilight" by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1981, stands out with its dynamic opening and rich vocal harmonies. Written by Jeff Lynne, the track became iconic after being used without authorization in the 1983 animated short film "Daicon IV Opening Animation," produced for the Daicon IV science fiction convention in Japan, and later became a cult favorite in Japanese otaku culture. The music video is directed by Bev Bevan. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne Publisher(s) : Alleytime Ltd, Polygon Music Featured on the 1981 album Time
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 7 . Todd Rundgren - Bang The Drum All DayTodd Rundgren’s "Bang The Drum All Day," released in 1983, has become an anthem for anyone preferring fun over work. Rundgren played all the instruments, mainly electronic ones, a novelty at the time. Football fans know it as the celebratory tune for Green Bay Packers' touchdowns at Lambeau Field since 1995. Writer(s) : Todd Harry Rundgren Publisher(s) : Fiction Music Inc Featured on the 1983 album The Ever Popular Tortured Artist Effect
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 8 . David Bowie - Hallo SpaceboyOriginally conceived as an instrumental piece called "Moondust" by Reeves Gabrels, the song was revised by Bowie and Brian Eno and released in 1995 as "Hallo Spaceboy." In 1996, the remixed version by Pet Shop Boys incorporated elements from their song "Space Oddity," adding a pop dimension to the track. Bowie performed "Hallo Spaceboy" with Nine Inch Nails during his American tour, and later with Pet Shop Boys at the 1996 Brit Awards. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : Brian Peter George Eno, David Bowie Publisher(s) : Opal Music (Gb 1), Tintoretto Music Featured on the 1995 album Outside
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 9 . Radiohead - Jigsaw Falling Into PlaceRadiohead’s “Jigsaw Falling Into Place,” unveiled as the lead single from their seventh studio album, "In Rainbows," on December 10, 2007, encapsulates a moment of sonic tension and lyrical urgency. Released weeks after the album’s disruptive pay-what-you-want debut on October 10, it lands at No. 30 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 69 in Canada, carving its understated imprint globally. Thom Yorke’s soaring vocals intertwine with acoustic guitar, propelled by Nigel Godrich’s meticulous production, recorded at Halswell House and Tottenham House. The all-band affair, punctuated by Phil Selway’s percussive drive and Jonny Greenwood’s quiet intensity, finds its visual counterpart in Garth Jennings’s minimalist headcam video, stripping away artifice amidst a sea of "In Rainbows" tour performances in 2008. The music video is directed by Adam Buxton. Writer(s) : David Bowie Publisher(s) : Jones Music America Featured on the 1997 album In Rainbows
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 10 . Yes - It Can HappenFeaturing Trevor Rabin on guitar and production, "It Can Happen" by Yes, released in 1983, combines progressive elements with catchy choruses. The initial version of the song was sung by Chris Squire before being re-recorded with Jon Anderson for the album "90125." Writer(s) : Trevor C Rabin, Christopher Rus Sell Squire, John Roy Anderson Publisher(s) : Tremander Songs, Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp, Affirmative Music, Carlin Music Corp Featured on the 1983 album 90125
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 11 . David Bowie - Absolute BeginnersReleased March 3, 1986, David Bowie's "Absolute Beginners" serves as the theme for Julien Temple's film of the same name. Recorded August 1985, the track highlights Rick Wakeman on piano and Don Weller's saxophone solo. Chart success includes No. 2 in the UK, No. 1 in Finland, Ireland, and Poland, and No. 5 in Australia, though only reaching No. 53 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Bowie performed it live during the Glass Spider Tour (1987), "Mini" Tour (2000), and Heathen Tour (2002). The music video is directed by Julien Temple. Writer(s) : Thomas Edward Yorke, Philip James Selway, Edward John O Brien, Jonathan Greenwood, Colin Charle Greenwood Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1986 album Absolute Beginners: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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 12 . Kate Bush - This Woman's WorkKate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work” occupies a distinct space in late ’80s music, delivering a haunting blend of intimacy and emotional heft. Commissioned for the pivotal scene of John Hughes’s film *She’s Having a Baby*, the track transcends its cinematic origins, becoming a cultural touchstone far removed from its initial purpose. Elegant and minimalist, its piano-driven arrangement and Bush’s ethereal voice evoke a fragile yet deliberate intensity. The lyrics, a reflection on regret and the fleeting nature of support in moments of crisis, unfold like an inner monologue. This isn’t just a song; it’s an emotional confession wrapped in poignant crescendos. Its understated production, nestled within the broader art-rock sensibilities of 1989’s *The Sensual World*, reinforces the power of restraint over flamboyance. In terms of chart presence, it underwhelmed upon release, peaking modestly at #25 in the UK. Yet, the song's resonance has outlasted many of its contemporaries, re-entering the charts in 2005 after a TV talent show performance reignited public interest. Its endurance isn’t in its sales numbers but in the way it has been dissected, covered, and sampled. Maxwell’s smooth reinterpretation in 1997 brought the song to a new audience and achieved greater mainstream success, highlighting its universal appeal. Then there’s the 2014 *Before the Dawn* residency in London, where Bush performed it live, decades after retreating from the stage. The song came to life again, each note reminding audiences of the delicate tension between vulnerability and strength. While the lyrics remain timeless, their meaning seems to shift with the listener, adding layers to Bush’s enigmatic artistry. “This Woman’s Work” defies reduction. It’s not a ballad, nor is it strictly tied to the art-rock label Bush is often associated with. It instead hovers in the blurred lines between music and catharsis, its understated brilliance underscoring her ability to turn personal reflection into something profoundly collective. Featured on the 1993 album The Broadway Album
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 13 . Robert Plant - Big LogBorn from experimentation with a TR-808 drum machine, which inspired the drum pattern and handclaps, "Big Log" by Robert Plant, released in 1983, showcases a softer, introspective side of the former Led Zeppelin singer. With melodic guitar and a dreamy ambiance, the song stands out for its melancholic atmosphere. The music video was filmed in California and Nevada, at iconic locations like the Amargosa Opera House and Hotel and the Calico Ghost Town. The music video is directed by Storm Thorgerson.. Writer(s) : Robert William Blunt, Robert Plant, Jezz Woodroffe Publisher(s) : Hit And Run Music Ltd (Publishing), Bay Music Blunt Ltd, Sons Of Einion Ltd Featured on the 1983 album The Principle of Moments
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 14 . Electric Light Orchestra - So SeriousReflecting Electric Light Orchestra's transition to more electronic sounds, "So Serious" was released in 1986. Jeff Lynne later had a successful career producing for artists like George Harrison and Tom Petty. The music video is directed by Peter Christopherson. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne Publisher(s) : Emi April Music Inc Featured on the 1986 album Balance of Power
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 15 . Kate Bush - Running Up That HillReleased in 1985, "Running Up That Hill" is one of Kate Bush's most iconic tracks. With its powerful synthesizers and introspective lyrics, the song explores the desire to understand and switch roles in a relationship. The track experienced a resurgence in popularity after being featured in the 2022 TV series "Stranger Things," introducing Bush to a new generation of listeners. The music video is directed by David Garfath. Writer(s) : Kate Bush Publisher(s) : Kate Bush Music Ltd Featured on the 1985 album Hounds Of Love
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 16 . David Bowie - Let's DanceHighlighted by a guitar riff played by then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan and released in 1983, "Let's Dance" marked a turning point in Bowie's career, produced by Nile Rodgers of Chic. The song, reflecting influences of funk and post-disco, became a massive commercial success and the best-selling single of Bowie's career. The music video, shot in Australia, is famous for the red shoes mentioned in the lyrics, which became a symbol of the oppression of Australian Aboriginals. The music video is directed by David Mallet. Writer(s) : David Bowie Publisher(s) : Jones Music America Featured on the 1983 album Let's Dance
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 17 . David Bowie - Wild Is The WindDavid Bowie’s 1976 rendition of "Wild Is The Wind" somehow manages to be both reverently nostalgic and unmistakably his own. Originally penned by Dimitri Tiomkin and Ned Washington and famously interpreted by Nina Simone, Bowie’s version doesn’t just inhabit the song—it smolders inside it, giving it the kind of emotional gravity that feels deeply cinematic. Recorded during the "Station to Station" sessions at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles, the track is a fascinating outlier amidst the album's otherwise cocaine-fueled experimentation with funk and krautrock influences. The delicate interplay between Earl Slick’s guitar work and Bowie’s achingly passionate delivery transforms what could’ve been a mere homage into an exercise in measured theatricality. Even if the orchestration leans towards lush melodrama, it’s Bowie’s voice—fragile yet commanding—that gives the song its poignant edge, hovering somewhere between despair and devotion. When the track was later adopted as part of his 1981 compilation "ChangesTwoBowie" and released as a single in the UK, it notched a modest No. 24 on the charts, proving its peculiar appeal beyond mere fan service. With its monochrome-laced music video by David Mallet blending live footage with stark visuals, the song feels like an elegant time capsule of Bowie’s introspective side—unmistakably intimate but still towering in ambition. Featured on the 1982 album Strange Kind of Love
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 18 . David Bowie - This Is Not AmericaConjured for *The Falcon and the Snowman*, “This Is Not America” pairs David Bowie’s restrained melancholy with Pat Metheny’s cool jazz textures. The title, lifted from a line muttered in a Mexican prison scene, anchors the track’s cold-war disillusionment. Recorded in Montreux, Bowie adds airy "Sha-la-la"s solo, the Group lacking a vocalist to match his tone. His vocal later resurfaces on P. Diddy’s “American Dream.” Publisher(s) : Jones Music America, Donna Dijon Music Publications Featured on the 1985 album The Falcon and the Snowman: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
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 19 . Electric Light Orchestra - Rock 'N' Roll Is KingShowcasing Jeff Lynne's ability to fuse traditional rock with modern orchestral arrangements, "Rock 'N' Roll Is King" by Electric Light Orchestra, released in 1983, celebrates classic rock and roll with infectious energy. Writer(s) : Jeffrey Lynne, Publisher(s) : Alleytime Ltd, Polygon Music Featured on the 1983 album Secret Messages
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 20 . David Bowie - Fame 90Fame '90 sees David Bowie's 1975 chart-topper "Fame" undergo a sleek remix treatment, emerging just in time for the Sound+Vision Tour and Changesbowie compilation. Co-written with Carlos Alomar and John Lennon, the original track crowned Bowie with his first US number one single. Revived in remix formats like the House Mix, Hip Hop Mix, and Gass Mix, with Queen Latifah lending her voice on one version, it balances retro grit with ‘90s polish. The Gass Mix shines on the 7" vinyl picture disc. The music video is directed by Gus Van Sant. Writer(s) : Carlos Alomar, David Bowie, John Winston Lennon Publisher(s) : Unitunes Music, Chrysalis-Music-Ltd, Mainman Saag Ltd New Y, Lenono Music, Jones Music America Featured on the 1990 album ChangesBowie
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ABOUT Art RockArt Rock, the MusicArt Rock emerges in the 1960s, characterized by its desire to incorporate elements from other types of music (classical, jazz, avant-garde, etc.). It stands out for its sophisticated approach, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and a certain intellectualization of music. One of the most notable features of Art Rock is the complexity of its compositions. Unlike traditional rock songs that often follow a verse-chorus-verse structure, Art Rock pieces explore non-linear and more elaborate structures. Art Rock artists integrate extended instrumental sections, unexpected transitions, and multiple movements within a single song, reminiscent of classical music suites. Art Rock also distinguishes itself through the use of unconventional time signatures. Instead of sticking to the traditional 4/4, compositions can shift between signatures like 7/8, 5/4, or even mixed signatures within the same piece. This approach creates more complex and varied rhythms, adding an extra dimension to the music. Art Rock, the WordsArt Rock artists aren’t afraid to experiment with a wide range of instruments, often borrowed from other musical genres. Beyond the traditional rock setup of guitars, bass, and drums, they incorporate classical instruments like violin, cello, piano, and brass. Electronic instruments like synthesizers, mellotrons, and theremins are also commonly used to create unique and innovative sound textures. Production techniques in Art Rock are often cutting-edge. Artists and producers explore advanced recording methods, such as multi-tracking, tape reversal, and sophisticated studio effects. They play with the soundscape, using stereo creatively and manipulating sounds to create immersive auditory landscapes. Art Rock, the SoundLyrics in Art Rock tend to be more poetic and introspective than in traditional rock. Artists tackle deep and complex subjects, such as alienation, the search for meaning, and intense personal experiences. The lyrics are often metaphorical and open to interpretation, encouraging listeners to think and uncover hidden meanings. The lyrical themes in Art Rock are frequently influenced by literature and visual arts. Artists draw from literary works, artistic movements, and philosophical concepts to enrich their texts. References to writers, painters, and art currents are common, creating a strong link between music and other art forms. This multidisciplinary approach reinforces the intellectual and artistic nature of the genre. Art Rock, the Cultural ImpactArt Rock has had a considerable influence on rock music and many other genres. By introducing complex song structures and advanced sound experimentation, Art Rock has broadened the horizons of traditional rock. Its influence is also felt in genres such as new wave and alternative rock. Art Rock has also left an indelible mark on popular culture. The visual and conceptual elements of Art Rock have become essential components of music presentation, influencing not only how artists perform but also how they are perceived by the public. Art Rock has always sparked varied, often polarizing, criticism. While some critics and fans praise the genre’s innovation and complexity, others criticize it for being pretentious and elitist. Art Rock has played a crucial role in the evolution of fashion regarding gender and androgyny. Artists often challenged traditional gender norms, wearing clothing and makeup that blended masculine and feminine elements. This fluidity inspired many fashion designers to explore similar concepts in their collections. |
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40.50% / -2.28%