Late Night Music Part 148............."Title Tracks"

So many times in great albums, the title track is the one song that can sum up the entire story. While sometimes it's one that we know just as much as the rest of the album, sometimes it's a hidden gem that the artist leaves for the people who actually pick up the album and listen. However it's done, title tracks have given us some of the best songs ever on some of the best albums ever made.

Obviously, only songs that were the title track of an album were considered in this category. Also receiving votes were "All Things Must Pass" by George Harrison, "The Everglow" by Mae, "Live Like You Were Dying" by Tim McGraw, "Tusk" by Fleetwood Mac and "Closer" by Better Than Ezra.

"Thriller"- Michael Jackson. Was this one even up for debate?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA

"Hotel California"- The Eagles. This title track of the 1976 mega album by the Eagles set such a landmark in the 70's, that some people consider the Eagles the #1 rock band of the decade, and they would have a great case. This song peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and features one of the most famous echoing guitar solos in the history of music with Joe Walsh and Don Felder trading licks. The song would also go on to win the Grammy for Record of the Year at the 1977 Grammy Awards. Another interesting fact about the song is that while most people have their own interpretation of the song including one of being in an afterlife, Don Henley explained that the song was written about their own "interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles" where the Eagles were based at the time. The album would also stay at #1 on the Billboard 200 for several weeks. For a side note, this single featured a fantastic B-Side in the Eagles ballad "Pretty Maids All In A Row". I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iW1WHi60aq0

"Danceband On The Titanic"- Harry Chapin. What an interesting song. This title track to Harry Chapin's 1977 double concept album has always been one of his best tracks. I love how Harry used different instruments and genres within the song to emphasize certain lyrics. I love how this song is a realistic first person view of the historic shipwreck. No other singer I've ever heard literally turned every song into a "story" and made it a point to do so. I think that if Harry Chapin would have been around in a music video era, his videos would have been quite interesting and given him an even bigger cult following than he already enjoyed. Harry would have eaten up the early days of MTV. Just think about how great the video for this song would have been! I also love the interesting endings he always had to his songs, including this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5le92UmPmU

"Ma'Cheri"- Freshlyground. I haven't had the chance to feature one of my favorite new bands on here in a while, and this title track from their 2007 award winning album shows the true talent of this immensely awesome band. I have no idea what language this song is in, but I absolutely love hearing Zolani Mohala sing it. This unreal performance is taken from their DVD released to accompany the album, and their on stage chemistry can be felt through the screen. I've never seen a band be able to feed off each other so much and sound so flawless. The fact that Freshlyground can incorporate so much African sound into their music and still sound the way they do is amazing. I had the privilege to introduce several people to Freshlyground over the past few months, and all of them admitted that they were glad I did. If you ever want a great Pandora station, the station that this band creates is one of the most jazzy/soulful stations created. I actually know someone who has seen Freshlyground in concert, and she said her experience was very similar to the people in this video........exhilirating!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy6Ruj8rJMw

"Californication"- Red Hot Chili Peppers. What a super cool video! This would have been a fun game to actually play don't you think? While this album reached #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart, this song peaked at #69 on the Billboard Hot 100, but gained popularity by this widely popular and interesting video. I was always a semi-big Chili Peppers fan, but this album was absolutely insane. It was one of the few CDs I ever bought that I could seriously listen to all the way through. This album came in handy on many a family vacations where I wanted to tune everyone out. This song is very insightful about the dark side of the entertainment industry and life in general in the Hollywood area of Southern California. According to the band, this song was very similar to their mega hit "Under The Bridge" just because Anthony Kiedis had written some great lyrics, but the band couldn't decide how to put the song together. It was thrown together literally last minute, but I would say that the finished product was one of their best efforts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUKcNNmywk

"Magic Disk"- Asian Kung-Fu Generation. I have no idea what the lyrics to this song are, but something about this band just keeps drawing me to them. They seriously sound like an American band that sings in Japanese. This super catchy tune and title track from AKG's 2010 album was actually recorded in New York City, where the band has a huge following. I have to admit that I would love to see this band in concert even though I have no idea what they are saying. Bonus points to anyone who can actually translate this song for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeP3RQBktLg

"Drops Of Jupiter"- Train. I have to admit, I never gave a crap about Train until I saw them live. I knew who they were, knew a few of their songs, but they never struck me as a good band until their fantastic concert they put on at Southern Miss my senior year in 2004. This lead single and title track from their much anticipated sophomore album in 2001 was inspired by the death of lead singer Pat Monahan's mother, claiming that most of the lyrics came to him in a dream. The song peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for Record Of The Year at the Grammys, solidifying Train's spot in the mainstream. I really like Pat Monahan, he just always looks like he either has on a wig or is just a freaking manequin.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Xf-Lesrkuc

"The Bends"- Radiohead. Here's a surprise one for you. Awesome live performance here from Radiohead of the little known title track from their highly anticipated 1995 sophomore album. With the rise of British hard rock riding a huge wave in the mid 90's, Radiohead was one of the top bands in the world at this time, and this album was their chance to follow up on the success of their debut effort Pablo Honey which put them in the mainstream mix. This highly depressing yet complex song is one of their hidden gems, but is given a great rendition here on the show "Later with Jools Holland".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KG-adf3Z7_A

"On Your Side"- A Rocket To The Moon. Massachusetts band A Rocket To The Moon is just one of those bands I wish was more famous. This title track to their debut full length album is a great glimpse of the talent of these guys. I'm impressed becaue this song and cover art just don't seem to match up with the band name- does anyone else notice that? The album peaked at #82 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. I'll keep this song in mind for when I need it to make that special someone melt. What great lyrics! There is no doubt that lead singer Nick Santino was really in love when he wrote this song. I love seeing that side of songwriters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mfXbJe3dD4

"London Calling"- The Clash. This title track to the highly controversial and influential 1979 album by British punk band the Clash made waves all over the world, and despite not charting in the United States, it was the first taste most of the world got of the Clash. This dystopian single is considered by many people in music circles as one of the greatest songs in music history. This single was a hit in the UK peaking at #11 on the British Singles Chart, while the album went to #9. The album was also the Clash's coming out party in the United States peaking at #27 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The impact and influence of this song and album is so great that a film is currently being made about it due for release next year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfK-WX2pa8c

"Girl On Fire"- Alicia Keys. If you've seen the American Express commercial you've heard this song. This title track to her upcoming album due for release November 27 is the much anticipated follow up of her hit album The Element of Freedom. This version is the best of the three made for the song, as the radio version includes Nicki Minaj and will not end up anywhere near this blog. That much is a promise. This track peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot 100. This is easily one of Alicia's best songs, as it is based on her new life experiences of becoming a mother and her recent marriage to Swizz Beatz. There is just something about this woman's voice, I can listen to her sing for days. You may not believe me, but the first time I heard her first album Songs In A Minor, I knew instantly she was going to be a star. Sometimes there are just artists that transcend awesomeness.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qNSvr2mmQ8

"Let's Get It On"- Marvin Gaye. Marvin Gaye's ode to reproduction was an intertnational chart topper in 1973 when Marvin Gaye was one of the top solo acts in the world. The single shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Marvin Gaye to a mainstream crowd that he had never experienced before. The album also went to #2 on the Billboard Top LPs Chart, and is considered in many circles as one of the best albums ever made. The success of the album made Marvin Gaye the highest paid black artist of all time and also was the first album he had great creative control over since his renegotiated contract with Motown in 1972 after the success of What's Going On.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKPoHgKcqag

"2 Legit 2 Quit"- Hammer. After the super success of his 1990 mega album Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em in 1990, MC Hammer was under immense pressure to recreate the magic that made him a household name. After dropping the "MC" from his name, Hammer came out with this highly anticipated video which is still one of the most expensive music videos ever made despite its overwhelming lameness. This video does have some pretty impressive cameos though. This single went on to peak at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album also garnered some success selling around 6 million worldwide copies, but Hammer would eventually fade into obscurity until we saw him on "Behind The Music".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdk1gwWH-Cg

"How To Save a Life"- The Fray. Fueled by its popularity after being included in an episode of "Grey's Anatomy" this title track for The Fray's debut album shot to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it remained for a staggering 58 weeks. This effort also captured The Fray's first Grammy nomination in 2007. According to lead singer Isaac Slade, the song was influenced by a boy he worked with while he was a mentor at a camp for at risk youth who was also a musician. According to Slade, the boy had so many problems that no one could figure out how to work with him or "write a manual" on how to save him. If you look at their other songs, all of them have the same kind of really weird influences. Isaac Slade is a super songwriter and super lead singer, but he just looks so freaking stressed out when he sings. Am I the only who sees this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk

"I and Love and You"- The Avett Brothers. This title track for the Avett Brother's 2009 major label debut is fantastic on so many levels. I'm always glad to see bands like The Avett Brothers be so successful because they are raw musicians who don't play teeny bopper crap. I love this videos, as it just seems so emotional, just like this song, and just like this entire album. I also like how they are a true North Carolina hybrid band of sorts. They are part rock n' roll, part country, part folk, but 100% real in everything they write and sing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK8LFq4vMKQ

"Ray Of Light"- Madonna. In 1998, Madonna was riding high after her hit album Bedtime Stories and her critically acclaimed performance in the movie Evita as well as the super successful soundtrack. What resulted was something that left everyone in the music world in shock when a techno/electric album came out which featured this super interesting video that would go on to win a staggering EIGHT VMA's in 1998. This single peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and catapulted the album to #2 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart. The craziest thing is that many of Madonna's follow up albums and singles have gone in the same direction. It's always great to see an artist who can reinvent themselves so successfully. Now if she just stop singing that stupid song with MIA and Nicki Minaj she'd be perfectly awesome. Let me add also, that I am a huge believer that Madonna ages very gracefully. She gets hotter as she gets older and I'm being dead serious.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4tD8dy9Reg

"Infinite Arms"- Band of Horses. I'm always glad when I can feature this Seattle band. They get more amazing every time I listen to them. This title track to their 2010 album helped it peak at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart that same year. The album was such a success that it was considered by everyone including the band to be their first "real" album because it was not only completely funded independently, but it was the first time the band had used a repeat lineup on an album. I've always liked BOH because they've got to be the only indie band in history to be covered by Cee-Lo. I smell a bonus video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Olr4iAzWoj8

"The Point Of It All"- Anthony Hamilton. Anthony Hamilton is so super underrated it's unreal. This track which rose to #19 on the Billboard R & B Chart paced an album that debuted at #11 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart in 2008. I love Anthony Hamilton, but he just looks like one of those guys that either just got out of jail or is a homeless guy playing the guitar in the French Quarter. Nonetheless, the guy has mad skills, and I'm so glad my good friend Melvin Hill played his music constantly while we shared an office at LSU URec.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyW6ww4U1lM

"A Different Light"- Sherwood. Have I mentioned that I miss Sherwood? This title track to their sophomore album and follow up to Sing, But Keep Going was so loved by me it was unreal. The album was famous for being the first ever album released on the new (and very quickly old) MySpace records, which also made several "making of" videos to accompany the album whiched peaked at #11 on the Billboard U.S. Heatseekers Chart. In a random piece of trivia, this album also featured the song "Best In Me" which was the opening theme for the MTV show "College Life". It's unbelievable how much I miss Sherwood every time I listen to them. I'll remind you again that if you ever have a chance to see a band live in your city, go. Sherwood came to Nashville while I was still living there and of course I missed it like an idiot. I still regret that one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QBcC54vApgE

"Teenage Dream"- Katy Perry. This is one of those songs that you seriously can't help but like. I mean any song that "Glee" makes sounds awesome TWICE has to be good right? I smell a bonus video. Katy Perry is so deceptively hot it's unreal. It's crazy how she can make slutty look good, but yet still come off as talented and cute. Then, these lyrics are actually really good. I don't know how artists do that. This single shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 where it became one of the top songs on the year, on what most people consider the biggest album of the same year, which also went to #1.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

"X & Y"- Coldplay. I surprisingly did not know this song before just now. This title track to Coldplay's 2005 album shows why the album went to #1 in nearly every country including the United States. Chris Martin is so amazing, and every time Coldplay is playing I tend to listen. Unreal live performance here from their famous recent appearance on "Austin City Limits". How in the world does he play the piano with all that crap on his fingers and wrists? That's pretty impressive. I have to see Coldplay live in concert before I die. Words can't desribe the feelings this song gives me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5ldYvrrdgY

"Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"- Elton John. One of the greatest singers ever released probably his greatest album ever in 1973 with this unbelievable title track to go with it. The song which was based on Bernie Taupin's childhood and his love for the movie "The Wizard of Oz" is one of Elton's most popular songs. The single shot to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped propel the album to an unreal 31 million copies sold making it one of the most famous albums of all time. This song also remains a staple on his live sets, which I saw recently.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kMVdazvII4

"Band On The Run"- Paul McCartney and Wings. 1973 saw the end of Apple Records, but it saw the completion of one of the greatest albums ever made and the best post Beatles album Paul McCartney ever created. The concept and concept song were hits across the world both shooting to #1 in the United States. The famous album cover featured Paul and Linda as well as six other British celebrtities. The song, talking about the liberation from prison of a fictitious band. I really wish Wings had stayed together past 1978. Even if Paul McCartney had never been a Beatle, I think they would have gone down as one of the best bands of all time because they were really starting to come into their own. That just shows how awesome Paul was- he was in one of the best bands ever......twice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBX2dySWGew

BONUS VIDEOS- "Teenage Dream"- Darren Criss. Great rendition of the song from "Glee".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vO3ZaWH15U

"Pretty Maids All In A Row"- The Eagles. Great live version of the Joe Walsh written Eagles classic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRSUBH5JFf4

"No One's Gonna Love You"- Cee-Lo Green. Actually a really good effort by the round mound of "The Voice". 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzAof7HjaxU

"Chicken To Change"- Freshlyground. Another great song from Freshlyground's latest album Radio Africa.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdf2lBIe4Ac

One of the most famous album covers ever!

The Fray

Sherwood

Freshlyground