Songs With An “R” Are Dramatic! Raucous! Full Of Love – Courtney That Is!
I had a great time looking at songs “with an R” because they cover a wide range of music, but all have the infectious energy that the best music does – so let’s get going!
“Redbone” by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino is actually the musical side project of “Atlanta” Actor Donald Glover, and this song got nominated for Record Of The Year and Song Of The Year when released in 2017…and for good reason – Glover is a creative force right now!
This is a funky slice of classic soul with a raspy “Macy Gray” swagger to it – here is the music video:
Next up, I’ve got one of the biggest bands in the world in the 1990’s – but these two brothers just couldn’t get along!
Noel and Liam Gallagher made some of the most energetic rock music of that decade, with classic songs like “Supersonic”, “What’s The Story (Morning Glory?)”, “Live Forever” and many many more, but this one begins with an “R” and is a great example of how good they were!
When they weren’t fighting! And remember, Noel will also be known for his lyrics:
“Tomorrow never knows what it doesn’t know too soon…”
Chew on that!
Here’s the music video for “Roll With It!”
I am a huge fan of British music, and for some reason, my favorite bands are all “one word” bands!
Coldplay is just one of many – here are more: Doves, Elbow, Kasabian, Keane, Travis, Athlete…in fact, I shared a story about all of them – check out these great bands here:
The next song in my “Music With An R” is the title track of Bruce Springsteen’s album that was nominated for all of the major awards of 2002, which is fitting as it dealt with the tragedy of 9/11…
“The Rising” by Bruce Springsteen
In the aftermath of 9/11, Bruce Springsteen wrote songs of a nation mourning, angry and finally, rising up…
“Sky of blackness and sorrow (a dream of life)
Sky of love, sky of tears (a dream of life) (ooh ooh ooh)
Sky of glory and sadness (a dream of life)
Sky of mercy, sky of fear (a dream of life) (ooh ooh ooh)
Sky of memory and shadow (a dream of life)
Your burning wind fills my arms tonight (ooh ooh ooh)
Sky of longing and emptiness (a dream of life)
Sky of fullness, sky of blessed life
Come on up for the rising
Come on up lay your hands in mine
Come on up for the rising
Come on up for the rising tonight”
Here is the brilliant title track:
“The Rising” won best rock album, and it’s as powerful today as when it was released – a masterpiece from The Boss…read more about it here:
Next up is a short-lived but explosive band, fronted by Country Love:
“Rock Star” – AKA “Olympia” by Hole
It’s the story of a song with two titles…the band Hole only had a few albums, but they were filled with angry anthems of growing up isolated and marginalized, like this classic song – check out the lyrics:
“Well I went to school in Olympia
Everyone’s the same
And so are you, in Olympia
Everyone’s the same
We look the same
We talk the same
We even fuck the same”
Hard to argue with those lyrics…here is an audio only clip – I want you to hear the mistake at the start, followed by a giggle:
Now here is a live clip from the band’s performance of the song in London 2011 – check out the incredible energy from the crowd!
Why “Rock Star” is actually “Olympia”!
Now, some backstory: the song is actually called “Olympia”, whigh is the capital of the state of Washington, about 60 minutes south of Seattle. However, the original song “Rock Star” was supposed to be on this album, but was switched out AFTER the album sleeves were printed – so “Olympia” became known as “Rock Star”!
The entire album is terrific, and on my list of “songs with an H”, I included another classic song called “Doll Parts” – you can see the video here:
Next up, some more rock’n’roll anarchy, courtesy of The Ramones!
“Rock’n’Roll High School” by The Ramones
More anarchy related to school, thanks to this classic punk band from the 70’s, legendary for no long lasting more than 3 minutes!
“Well I don’t care about history
Rock, rock, rock ‘n’ roll high school
Cause that’s not where I want to be
Rock, rock, rock ‘n’ roll high school
I just want to have some kicks
I just want to get some chicks
Rock, rock, rock, rock, rock ‘n’ roll high school”
Here is the official music video for the song:
This is a great film – you can see the movie trailer and lots of trivia here:
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Hope you enjoyed this “R” music!
Categories: Art, Books / Media, Classic Rock, London, Music, Obscure Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
My wife is a huge Oasis fan, John. I am fond of ‘Wonderwall’, and ‘Look Back In Anger’. The only problem is that those brothers are both obnoxious people in ‘real life’, and that actually affected me liking the band, which is unusual for me. When Liam was married to Patsy Kensit, I was still an EMT, and was called to their house in Maida Vale one night. He was just horrible as a person, and I am guessing he still is.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Pete, Liam actually thought “This Is Spinal Tap” was a real documentary! Sorry to hear you had to deal with that idiot. For a moment they were brilliant, but it faded…
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This is another great post, John. I am always pleased when I know 50% of the stars you mention and for this post, I do.
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Thanks for reading Robbie!
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Courtney Love—yipes! Afraid I’m happier with some Springsteen or Coldplay.
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That’s a GREAT song – she is without a doubt a acquired taste but for a brief moment she was a great Singer!
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I don’t know these movies. Yikes!
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Loved rock and roll high and Coldplay is one of my fav bands too
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Great choices John! Springsteen’s The Rising is especially powerful.
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Thanks….I will be sharing my 911 story this fall on the 20th anniversary…I was in NY that day.
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