Posted on 12/18/2002 10:40:19 AM PST by yankeedame
Tuesday, 17 December, 2002, 12:44 GMT
What's the best song in the world?
The BBC World Service is celebrating its 70th birthday by asking listeners and its online community to vote for the world's top ten songs. Votes are arriving from over 140 countries, predominantly India, for over 4,600 different songs.
The pick of Europe is an oldie: "We Don't Talk Anymore" by Sir Cliff Richard, and a handful of votes have been sent from China including "I Love Rock 'n' Roll" by Britney Spears.
Former first lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos prefers The Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah, while Bianca Jagger's favourite song is Bob Dylan's Knocking on Heaven's Door.
Talking to BBC World Service, she explained: "I love Bob Dylan because he played a very important role in my adolescence and still does today."
What do you think of the challenge to compile a world top ten? Are you surprised Cliff Richard is still so popular in Europe? Who should be number one?
The World's Top Ten chart will be unveiled on Saturday 21 December live on the internet.
"I personally want to choose the song One Love by the late Robert Nesta Marley. The world in which we live needs peace and that can only be achieved by one love." Paul Harding, Sierra Leone
"Amazing Grace. The true test of which is the best song has to be durability. Many songs chosen now by recent artists will fade into obscurity but there are songs that stand the tests of time and Amazing grace is an amazing example! It is simple yet powerful and I could sing it forever!" Tim Gibson, Singapore
"This will always be a personal preference, and will be different depending on age and nationality. My formative years were in the late sixties and early seventies, my favourite from that time being the inimitable "21st Century Schizoid Man" by King Crimson. " Mick, Belgium
"No answer. The music is fantastic because it is a world of diversity. This kind of questions are the globalization and homogenization of the universal stupidity and can be in the list of the top ten stupid concerns. For each place, time and culture there will be a very different and proper song." Ximena Duarte, Colombia
"My favourite song has to be 'Two wrongs don't make a right' by Wyclef Jean " Kendy Jean Pierre, Dominica
"How can anyone possibly choose one song. Today's favourite would have to be "Land of my Birth" by Jah Judah from Steppin Razor" Rooks, Botswana
"My choice would have to be the beautiful Meet on The Ledge written by Richard Thompson and performed by Fairport Convention. Its evocation of meeting loved ones again, and the uplifting and emotive melody makes it stand out as a true classic. Nothing else can compare to standing in a field in the middle of Oxfordshire at the Cropredy Festival at midnight, having enjoyed 3 days of quality music and singing along with the band and 17,000 other people is an almost spiritual moment. " James Turner, England
"I'm sorry, but a song about the day the music died has to be the best ever written. American Pie is true inspiration whenever and wherever. No competition.... " Phil Webster, England
" 'One in a Million' by Guns n Roses. A classic song with real MEANING " Don Black, USA
" 'The Promise' by Bruce Springsteen, a sad lament of broken promises and shattered dreams, penned by the hand of the world's most gifted songwriter " Peter Mulqueen, Ireland
"My favourite just has to be What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong." Sheila Nakazwe, Zambia
"It's amazing to see that the Indian maestro Ilayaraja hasn't been chosen. His songs won't make us dance but they are melodious and of course they will make the listeners light hearted and get peace of mind." Ginesh Gandhi, India
" 'Silent Night' - this song has crossed countless boundaries - both physical and mental. I even have a Hindi version. " John Broadway, UK
" 'A Nation Once Again' by the Wolfe Tones is a beautiful song of hope and pride." Alan Dalton, Ireland
"It's not easy to have one best song in your life because values change as one grows up. However, there is one song 'Home Alone' by the late Philly Bongole Lutaya - a Ugandan born singer who lived and died in Sweden. He sung this song in support of people affected and infected with HIV/AIDS. " Hao, UK
" 'It must be My Way' as it has been recorded by so many brilliant singers." Lorna Riviere, France
" 'All my Love' by Led Zeppelin. This is the best song in the world. It marries soulful lyrics with staccato melody as only Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham were capable of doing. This tune is a timeless expression of unparalleled musical virtuosity." Joe, USA
"My vote would have to be Pink Floyd's 'Learning to Fly'. For some reason I just find this song awesome! The song has such a great sound to it. I'm still surprised I haven't busted my car's speakers playing it at full volume!" Eric, USA
" 'In My Life' by the Beatles. A work of true genius. " Jim Vincent, USA
"My favorite song is Unravel by Bjork. Everything she does touches me, there is something very magical and Icelandic about her." Kristin, Iceland
"I pick 'A Nation Once Again' by The Wolfe Tones - guaranteed to get everyone singing." Nuala O'Donoghue, Ireland
"On the World Service - surely 'Lilliburlero'. " Rudolph Hucker, UK
" 'One' by U2. That song is great because it carries a message as well." Dora K, Bulgaria
"Nina Simone - Sinnerman. All 10 minutes and 19 seconds of it." Kur, UK
"The songs of the Ethiopian singer - Tilahun Gessesse are the best in the world. Many Westerners are very unfortunate for not having had the chance to hear any of his songs." Samuel T, Ethiopia
"Jingle Bells. Because it makes me happy and full of expectations." Joze Koporec, Slovenia
"All time favourite has to be Simon & Garfunkel Bridge over Troubled Waters, but with American Pie a very good second. And Cliff is still so popular because he is still good and has been for six decades - rock on Sir Cliff!" Angel, UK
" 'Imagine' by John Lennon - a song that promotes true love instead of all the other nonsense " LJ, Hong Kong
"A real genius in music is Dr Ilayaraja. I support this poll as it has brought to light the genius of music Dr Ilayaraja who has composed a symphony with the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has scored music for more than 800 films and over 4,000 songs. I am happy to see this real talent being focused on now. I hope now the world music lovers can cherish his evergreen song. " Murali, India
"If I was pushed to allocate emotion to a song I remember the Gorky Park peace concert in Russia during the late eighties when the Berlin wall came down. The Scorpions sang Winds of Change that night with scenes of the wall being ripped down by authorities and civilians alike. This is a precious moment in the history of mankind captured by one of the best songs of all time. " Darren B, Ireland
"I judge a song as great if it brings tears to my eyes. Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World does that every time and a very close second is Tina Turner with Simply the Best. " Fred Campbell, England
" 'In My Life' by the Beatles. All the more poignant after the death of John Lennon " Sarah, Ireland
"There are far too many great songs to pick an all-time favourite! I like a lot of the choices people here have made though, and (thanks to my dad) I'm a sucker for most things by the Rolling Stones. How about 'Jumping Jack Flash' for a suggestion that has nothing to do with culture and everything to do with rock 'n roll? " Vicki, UK
"It's got to be the version of 'Over the Rainbow' sung by Eva Cassidy. It's by far the most moving song I've ever heard. " Andrew, UK
"On the basis of song lyrics, the most beautiful song to me is the hymn 'I Vow to Thee My Country'. Powerful, evocative stuff." Kay, UK
" 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star' as sung by my 19 month old daughter - who can barely talk yet - would melt anyone's heart! Lisa T, UK
"With or Without You by U2. " Sarah, UK
" 'There She Goes' by The La's. Sheer pop perfection. " Steven O'Neill, UK
" My choice is 'Once in a Lifetime' by Talking Heads. " Andrew Watson, The Netherlands
"Which is the best song is not a fair question! It would be the same as asking a parent which of their children do they like more??!! Music is a mood, it's like musical cells that mutate inside your soul, it's also memories of events in your life. At this moment my mood calls for Fragile by Sting but in five minutes it could be Lazy by Deep Purple, Une Belle Histoire by Michelle Fugain or one of my own songs!! " Alex Cage, the Netherlands
"I agree with Alex (Cage) about music having a lot to do with the mood you're in. In my case, it can range from Largo by Handel, to Beautiful Red Dress by Laurie Anderson and then back again to Too Handsome to be Homeless by Babybird! Never a dull moment! " TDA, Netherlands
" 'Hotel California' by the Eagles and 'Careless Whispers' by George Michael. They rock. " Rahul, USA
"Elvis Presley's 'Love Me Tender' - or any song by Elvis. We may not have royalty, but Elvis was and still is The King! " Rebecca, USA
"I think that Louise Armstrong's 'What a Wonderful World' expresses what this world should be all about- love." Nancy H, Canada
"Most people's memories are very short, and the younger generation are more likely to take part. So I predict that something from the last couple of years will win. I myself could not name a favourite song. My memory is as bad as the next person's. One of my favourite pieces of music though is Cavatina, the theme from 'The deerhunter'. Is it the best? I doubt it. But it moves me." Morgan Johnston, Switzerland
"The best music is a confluence of artistry, melody, rhythm and lyrical meaning. So through my mind surge two song titles, first is Queen's "Under Pressure", the second "Amsterdam" by Jacques Brel. My preference goes to Monsieur Brel's song, I suppose out of a bias for the great metropolis it celebrates " Michael, USA
"I know not many people will agree, but my fav song of all time is 'Waterfalls' by TLC." Scott, Wales
" 'Comfortably Numb' by Pink Floyd has to be the greatest song ever. " Frank Lopez, Spain/UK
"I should say 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from Queen, because it is just the best lines and the guitar sound is great. " Monique, Netherlands
" 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' by the incomparable Joy Division is the greatest song ever written, It moves me to tears every time I hear it." Mike Proctor, UK
"The best song I think is 'All you need is love' by The Beatles. There's not enough love and I agree with comments below, not enough silence either. " Charles Monroe, Ireland
"To choose ones all time favourite song is really hard to do. Not only does it depend on your style of music, but also in your mood at the time. Most kids tend to be more rebellious and so choose more acidic music. Some kids choose the teen music like Brittney Spears. That¿s all well and fine, but will these artist stand the test of time? Although I am a Beatles fan for many reasons, I still enjoy a lot of the music that my parents listened to, like Sinatra, Glenn Miller etc. These people have and will stand the test of time. I believe music should bring out the goodness in us or help us to reflect on our lives, not scream at our parents or preach hate. As of right now, my favourite song would have to be " The Long and Winding Road" by, who else, The Beatles. There are so many good songs though!!!! " Larry, USA
"I'm a dogmatic atheist, but nonetheless, 'Jerusalem', sung by a youth choir in a cathedral, is the most thrilling experience I've had. A truly beautiful piece of work." Richard Cole, USA
" 'Vande Mataram' the Indian national song " Rajesh Bagdi, US
"Boy, you don't want to get into world's best song and then only vote for English-language songs. Musically, my favourite song is a Hindi song called "Dheeme Dheeme". Lyrically, you can't compare songs because you are bound by language, and english-language songs have a decided edge because most of the Internet is in English (87%), and most of the Internet community speaks English. Oh, and I don't speak Hindi and am not Indian. " mike, USA
"If a pop tune is to be chosen, then there is only one choice: Simon & Garfunkel's 'Bridge Over Troubled Water.' " Kevin MacDuff, USA
"Robbie Williams' 'Feel' is a very powerful song I would say. So far I consider it to be the best of all pop songs. " Christina, Latvia
"Hard to choose between 'What a wonderful world' Louis Armstrong and 'Eleanor Rigby' Lennon & McCartney but then again there is this 'While my Guitar gently weeps' by George Harrison - there are so many!! " Tariq Dilawar, Pakistan
"The best song in the world? What, of all time? That's quite a tall order given the diverse choice available, plus the fact that for every song I know and love, there must be hundreds I DON'T know which I would love more. My "favourite" of anything changes from day to day but the classic which springs to mind right now, which gives me chills for no tangible reason, is Dusty Springfield's 'Son of a Preacher man'. " Naomi, UK
"Springsteen's 'Born to Run' is the greatest rock song in history." Drew Hunkins, US
"There are too many songs which I love. But the classic of all classic has to be 'Stairway to Heaven'/Led Zepplin. " Henry Webb, UK
"U2's 'With or without you' never fails to make the hairs on the back of my neck prickle." Dave W, UK
"These days silence is the rarest and best aural experience by far. " Frank H, Canada
"My favourite song is 'Moon River'. It struck a chord when I was a child and it's with me today!" Joan, USA
"There is obviously something seriously wrong with a lot of people out there. How can Cher get to number 4 with a song that sounds as if she sang it whilst gargling? My vote would go to 'Losing my Religion' by REM or Radiohead's 'Creep'. Now to get back to "writing" that silent record so it can be released in time for Xmas. " MC, UK
"Please, please, please, not Queen's over produced Bohemian Rhapsody, and not John Lennon's 4th form poetry lesson lyrics on Imagine. One of my favourites is 'Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying' by Rickie Lee Jones. " Andrew W, England
"Haven't there been enough top tens recently? What purpose do they serve, other than to generate pointless arguments about something so purely subjective as an individual's tastes? " Michael Carter, UK
"To vote, one must have a computer and or internet access, how many people in third world countries have that luxury? It's a bit like the Miss World contests - has every single or at least the majority of the world's people aware or consulted in these surveys. Of course that's rather an impossible task which is why no contest should have "The best/most beautiful etc" in its title.
Here in America, the major media promote or favour some artists or songs while the street might think differently. For some Rage Against the Machine and or many protest music groups like Public Enemy, N.W.A. or say Tupac are the greatest but the Mainstream media wouldn't agree for obvious reasons. Trying to pick a favourite song is like trying to pick a favourite animal. All being said, one of my favourites are 'Fortunate Son' by Credence Clearwater Revival. " Sri S, USA
"For some reason I find myself humming 'Summertime', 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Dream a Little Dream' for the last 25 years, so they're my all-time favourites. S Nath, UK
"One of my favorites is Ave Maria. " Pat Scott, Texas, USA
"Lots of worthy contenders - but if Lennon's saccharine dirge 'Imagine' wins, this computer's going through the window." Chris B, England
"The Beatles hit 'Yesterday', yet still the one to top. R Kimball, US
"Who really cares what other people like? These so-called charts are biased, never really reflect public opinion and are not personal. Who do I think should be number one...? Pink Floyd were the best song writers in England, but alas, that's MY opinion." James Collins, UK
" 'My Way' by Frank Sinatra. " Kamran Ezdi, Lahore, Pakistan
"Having heard a lifetime of almost every conceivable kind of music, I am convinced that the greatest aural experience is one of complete silence in a world gone mad with noise. It is all too rare that we can enjoy that state but the closest audible sensation would be the rustling of a breeze and the chirping of a few birds.' Mark, USA
"If I had to choose a song it would be 'Angel of Death' by Slayer. If I didn't I'd agree with Mark except throw in the sound of leaves rustling and waves lapping the shore." John B, UK
Yes, in 1995.
Written by Bruce Johnston.
How 'bout the flip side: "Put The Bone In"
Beach Boys
Best Song of All Time by any group ever.
Always pleasant to hear it. Rush Limbaugh is reviving it in honor of "Hans Blix and the Inspectors".
Thank you for the great post. That song always makes me weep. It's so important to remember that our children have their own struggles and crosses to bear. Sometimes we--or at least I do--tend to dwell on what they haven't yet accomplished, and overlook that they have become good and decent people, which is all that really matters in the end.
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