The Top Ten: Tracks not as good as their intros
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.This list was suggested by my excellent former colleague Matt Chorley, who launched it with 'Bump N' Grind' by R Kelly; 'Never Ever' by All Saints; and the Beatles' 'All You Need Is Love'. Someone (David Bright) tried to nominate 'Gimme Shelter', by the Rolling Stones, but my power is absolute.
1. 'Block Buster!', The Sweet
Nominated by Simon Wilder and Tom Doran, who says that "Block Buster!" is to "Jean Genie" as Poundland is to Tesco.
2. 'Two Tribes', Frankie Goes to Hollywood
"It's a great song but fails to live up to the soaring air-raid/orchestral opening," says Tim Shipman.
3. 'Layla', Derek and the Dominos
"I like the intro and outro but could lose the rest," says Dave Gilmore.
4. 'Rapper's Delight', The Sugarhill Gang
"Never improves after the delight of the intro rap," claims Matt Chorley.
5. 'Papa Don't Preach', Madonna
Nominated by Richard Morris.
6. 'Spaceman', Babylon Zoo
Paul T Horgan and Emma, who says: "Sounded ace in the Levi's ad; crushingly disappointing in its entirety on Top of the Pops."
7. 'Seven Nation Army', The White Stripes
Nominated by Lucy Hunter Johnson.
8. 'Benny and the Jets', Elton John
Never goes anywhere. From Patrick Hennessy.
9. 'Sweet Child o' Mine', Guns N' Roses
Nominated by Martin and Marianne Talbot.
10. 'I Feel Love', Donna Summer
From Rob Warm.
Next week: Eponyms: words from a person's name, such as mesmerise.
Coming soon: One-word lines in films. Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments