The Mellow Lonny–15 Soft Rock Favorites
I recently drove to and from Durham, NC to the Duke Diet & Fitness Center. It’s a wonderful place and now I am an 11 time “graduate” of their program. I am feeling good (and am thinner) but time will time how it sticks. Weight control has been a life long struggle that I hope to defeat.
One of the things I enjoy about the trip to Durham is the drive of about 7 hours. It allows time for thought, reflection and listening to music. Normally I turn up the volume and listen to hard driving tunes that I’ve written about in the past in my post, Top 20 Songs Guaranteed to Get You a Speeding Ticket. I still like them. But this trip I found myself listening to the first minute of the hard driving songs, but then moving on.
What surprised me was that I enjoyed listening to slower, more reflective tunes and those I listened to longer and more intently, hence the title “The Mellow Lonny”. Guess that comes with age (Turning 65)
The following are the mellow tunes I most enjoyed. The list in itself shows my age since they are populated largely with songs from the 60s and 70s. By definition they have stood the test of time. So here at the top 15 Mellow Favorites in reverse order:
15. Every Time You Go Away—Paul Jones
This song was written by Daryl Hall and first performed by Hall & Oates. But Paul Young’s cover in 1985 was the big hit, and the one I enjoy most.
14. Sunny—Bobby Hebb
Great 60s tune. Great lyrics:
Sunny, yesterday my life was filled with rain.
Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain
13. Caroline No–Brian Wilson/Beach Boys
Written by Brian Wilson and performed by the Beach Boys and later by Wilson solo.
12. Father & Son—Cat Stevens
1970’s Tea for the Tillerman was such a terrific album by Cat Stevens and this song was particularly great. It’s time to look past the politics and appreciate his music again. He never should have changed his name from Steven Katz (bad joke)
11. One Less Bell to Answer–5th Dimension
A tender heartfelt song about the sorrow of a break up.
10. Galveston–Glen Campbell.
I wasn’t a big fan of the late Glen Campbell in the 60s and 70s, but later came to really like his songs. Wichita Lineman, By the Time I Get to Phoenix, Dreams of the Everyday Housewife, and others. But I really love Galveston.
9. Love Theme from Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso is my favorite movie of all time and the instrumental soundtrack reinforced the angst of the young and then older Salvatore (aka Toto). Haven’t seen this movie? Don’t delay.
8. Have I told You Lately-Van Morrsion
Written and recorded by Van Morrison in 1989 it was covered by Rod Stewart as well. This is such a tender song with wonderful lyrics. The fact that it is often (over) played at weddings doesn’t diminish its power.
7. Harvest Moon—Neil Young
This song puts me in such a calm state. I used to use it as “cool down music” when I taught step aerobics classes years ago. That was a trip in itself.
6. Never My Love—The Association
Great 60s tune. The Association had wonderful melodies and vocals. Cherish and Everything That Touches You were great too.
5. No More I Love You’s—Annie Lennox
What a tender song, which won the 1995 Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and what a tremendous talent Annie Lennox is.
4. Celebrate Me Home—Kenny Loggins
What a moving song. His best I believe.
3. When October Goes—Barry Manilow
I realize that I open myself up for abuse for this pick, yet I think this song is truly beautiful
2. Cavatina—Deer Hunter
This instrumental is so moving and the movie is a classic as well. I also remember the instrumental being used at Yankee Stadium behind a montage of film of Mickey Mantle a few days after he passed away in 1995
1. Alfie-Dion Warwick
Is it the Burt Bachrach music or Hal David lyrics that make this song so great? Actually it’s both, but the key lyric, “What’s it all about, Alfie. Is it just for the moment we live?” talks to everyone in reflecting on their lives. Originally recorded by UK artist Cilla Black for the movie of the same name, the song became a bigger hit by Dionne Warwick in 1967. Burt Bachrach has often said it is his favorite song. Mine too.
So I expect grief about how how I am getting soft and about too much “getting in touch with my feminine side” stuff. So bring it on. I can take it.
More Strumings
- Tips= To Insure Prompt Service
- It’s All Over.
- A DJ Once More.
- States Rights and States Responsibilities.
I happen to think that’s a GREAT playlist!
Love it. Some of my favorite songs from the past.
As I read the name of each song, and played it in my head, I could even remember some of the things I was doing when I heard those songs, back in the day.
Thanks for forcing me to take some time to “smell the roses”. this morning.
Thanks, An. Glad you liked the list. Obviously I do too.