The Top Ten: Songs without a chorus

John Rentoul
Saturday 21 November 2015 19:05 GMT
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'Bohemian Rhapsody', Queen
'Bohemian Rhapsody', Queen (Getty Images)

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Strangely, two of these, 'Up the Junction' and 'Virginia Plain', also featured in the top 10 songs whose titles are only in the final words. There were disputes: Citizen Sane nominated 'Losing My Religion' by REM, but Stuart Ritchie and I ruled that it has a chorus. And no, there's no Bob Dylan. Editor's privilege

1. 'Cygnet Committee', David Bowie

Put on the agenda by Iain MacDonald. "Space Oddity", from the same album, was rejected on appeal from L Phelan ("Here am I sitting in a tin can…").

2. 'Sympathy for the Devil', the Rolling Stones

Craig McDonald hopes you guess his name.

3. 'Bohemian Rhapsody', Queen

From the chorus of Matthew Magee, Tom King, Robert Kaye, Adam Behr and Chi of November.

4. 'Stairway to Heaven', Led Zeppelin

Climbed by Ed West and Adam Behr.

5. 'All Along the Watchtower', Jimi Hendrix

"The standout on a whole album of chorus-free tunes, bar one," says Richard T Kelly.

6. 'Up the Junction', Squeeze

Nominated by Adam Behr. Also "Cool for Cats", from Matt Grist.

7. 'Virginia Plain', Roxy Music

What's her name, ask Samuel West and Ian Moss.

8. 'State of Independence', Donna Summer

"A pop song of genius," according to Simon Wilder.

9. 'Wish You Were Here', Pink Floyd

Postcards from Tom King, Chris Jones.

10. 'Baker Street', Gerry Rafferty

Sax substitute from Jon Kingsman, Robert Kaye and Truly S.

Next week: Longest-reigning British monarchs

Coming soon: Worst Christmas songs. Send your suggestions, and ideas for future Top 10s, to top10@independent.co.uk

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