Creating the perfect song is a goal for many musicians. Not many achieve that goal objectively, but there are a few who have enough listeners who believe one of their songs is “perfect” that we can go ahead and give it to them. The three rock songs below were all perfect for the time of their release. They were so good, in fact, that their artists failed to overcome their success.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Video Killed the Radio Star” (The Buggles)
What’s there really to say after you release a song like “Video Killed the Radio Star”? Not only was this song on the precipice of new wave rock in 1979, jumpstarting a new genre, but it was also prescient in its dissection of the music industry. The Buggles proved they were forward-thinking in every way possible with this iconic track.
As far as debut singles go, there aren’t many songs that could be considered more of a resounding success than this one. It earned The Buggles fame, but it also gave them an insurmountable mountain to climb over the rest of their career.
[RELATED: 3 Classic Rock Albums From 1986 That Are Perfect From Start to Finish]
“You Get What You Give” (New Radicals)
New Radicals perfectly captured the emotions of an entire generation with “You Get What You Give” in 1998. This rock song summed up the transition from ’90s pessimism to ’00s upbeat disposition. This song is overwhelmingly hopeful, giving listeners the push they needed to shake off any leftover aggression.
New Radicals are a one-hit wonder by the traditional definition. Though frontman Gregg Alexander found success writing for other artists, “You Get What You Give” was the band’s shining moment. They did what many don’t have the willpower to do: release the perfect song and then walk away.
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” (Elvin Bishop)
By chart standards, Elvin Bishop is considered a one-hit wonder. To his many fans, that obscures the breadth of his career. At any rate, his name-making rock song “Fooled Around and Fell in Love” was so popular it overshadowed many of his other ventures, becoming more famous than the man who made it.
“Fooled Around and Fell in Love” perfectly captures ’70s soft rock. It’s the epitome of what made the movement so great. It’s longing, sultry, and perfect for radio play. It’s a pretty perfect effort from Bishop. One that completely rules his legacy.
(Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns)
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.