How many do you know?
Regardless of your musical preference, all the songs that you love so much are memorable because they somehow managed to move you or leave a lasting impression.
I’m a huge fan of stirring and strong lyrics but after hearing a recent instrumental track, I started to think. What songs are incredibly emotive and powerful without even using a single lyric?
Leonard Cohen, Bono, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan may all have the gift of the gab but they’re not on this list. Here’s some of my favourite tracks that are devoid of lyrics along with a brief description of why they register.
Let me know if there are any glaring errors or suggestions of your own.
FYI, I didn’t include any classical, dance or jazz tracks as those genres are predominantly devoid of lyrics to begin with.
Artist and Track: Rodrigo y Gabriela – Tamacun
In your mind’s eye: Why am I all of a sudden in a Mexican/Spanish bar where the drinks are flowing, guitars are blaring and girls in Flamenco dresses are dancing away to their hearts content?
Most likely heard: On the promo for any Spanish football match.
Artist and Track: The XX – Intro
In your mind’s eye: Wow! It’s like the music from a Hollywood trailer when shit has just gotten real, the dramatic stakes have been raised but there’s still hope. Only one person can save us (said in the voice of that ‘movie trailer’ guy)
Most likely heard: By advertisers in an effort to seem like they’re down with da kidz.
Artist and Track: Booker T. and M. G.’s – Green Onions
In your mind’s eye: Chill, I got this because no one, and I mean no one, will ever be as cool as me when I’m listening to this tune.
Most likely heard: On the soundtrack to any film where the main character is a suave gangster/charmer. What else would you expect from a band that played with the legendary Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Bill Withers?
Artist and Track: Mason Williams – Classical Gas
In your mind’s eye: Wait, wait a second! How the hell did I end up being utterly consumed by this song? It started off differently, didn’t it? Why can’t I stop my toe from tapping along?
Most likely heard: On the picket line during any strike by the employees of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Requested by Lenny of course.
Artist and Track: The Ventures – Wipe Out
In Your mind’s eye: Where’s that surfboard, ocean and sun?
Most likely heard: When the aliens land and ask mankind for a perfect example of how to play the drums and guitar in sync. Astonishing.
Artist and Track: Coldplay – Life in Technicolor
In Your Mind’s eye: Ok, so this song is going to be lodged in my brain.
Most likely heard: In the elevator of the world’s happiest company.
Artist and Track: And So I Watch You From Afar – BEAUTIFULUNIVERSEMASTERCHAMPION
In your mind’s eye: Why haven’t I heard this before? Did that just happen? Why is life so brilliant all of a sudden?
Most likely heard: On a festival field. Shortly followed by you dropping everything and running straight to the stage to watch.
Artist and Track: The Meters – Cissy Shuffle
In your mind’s eye: If I could walk into any room and choose just one song as my entrance music then it’s this track. In a word, strut.
Most likely heard: Everywhere, it’s one of those songs that everyone knows but they can’t remember the title of.
Artist and Track: Metallica – Orion
In your mind’s eye: So this is what it must be like to go on a Charlie Sheen-esque drugs bender while simultaneously feeling like you’re travelling through the stars with lightning coursing through your veins.
Most likely heard: At the end of a house party in the gaf of your friend that ‘really’ knows their tunes.
Artist and Track: Led Zeppelin – Moby Dick
In your mind’s eye: A gritty, dark and intoxicating club where the sweat is dripping down the walls but the entire room is utterly mesmerized and fixated on the band playing.
The singer is probably taking a break at the bar though while chatting up some girl.
Most likely heard: To settle debates on the topic of ‘who’s the best drummer of all-time’.
Artist and Track: The Velvet Underground – Ride into the Sun
In your mind’s eye: If I’m going out, then I’m going out happy, contemplative and with a tune in my ear.
Most likely heard: Probably over the final credits of some indie director’s debut feature.
Artist and Track: Explosions in the Sky – Your Hand in Mine
In your mind’s eye: Ok, I’m a little bit closer to understanding the emotional complexity of the human race.
Most likely heard: When you’re really trying to figure things out at 3am.
Artist and Track: Tourist – Your Girl (Majestic mix)
In your mind’s eye: That girl. (Yes, there’s muddled words but I haven’t a feckin’ clue what they say)
Most likely heard: On a lazy day when you’re lying in the park with people chilling out.
Artist and Track: Average White Band – Pick Up the Pieces
In your mind’s eye: Dance, everyone dance! Why aren’t you dancing?
Most likely heard: In any film that features a scene in a disco. Oh yeah, dance.
Artist and Track: Hoppipola – Sigur Ros
In your mind’s eye: Who needs words to articulate your thoughts when you have songs like this? And no, Hopelandic isn’t an acceptable language to rule this track off the list.
Most likely heard: Over a dramatic sports montage that’s aiming to perfectly capture the highs and lows of professional sport.
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