"The Best of Times" by Styx

"The Best of Times" really represented the 70s band Styx at its finest. Sometimes having a tendency to get a little too bombastic, pretentious or generic, "The Best of Times" (from 1981) showed a surprising restraint and a glorious melody about enjoying our blessings. Lead singer Dennis DeYoung's almost theatrical voice (he did go onto Broadway) and Tommy Shaw's shaggy-haired-bad-boy-but-sometimes-sensitive guitar hero presence meshed perfectly here to create "The Best of Times," musically-speaking, for Styx. Love the metaphor about a closing Chicago theater and the changing times of America in the 1970s and early 80s.

Click here to hear sample of "Best of Times," or purchase to download

"Daisy Jane" by America

Music critics frequently assaulted America for sounding like a Neil Young rip off and for too much filler on its albums.  But millions of people couldn't have been wrong purchasing music by America. The reason for America's popularity was simple: straightforward yet memorable pop and rock songs that connected with the people and with some occasional cerebral lyrics. "Daisy Jane," from 1975, was one of America's finer moments. A stunning ballad of lost love, the leisurely piano and harmonies shine through in this song that reminds us of the purity -- and emotion -- of music before it often became too high-tech and distant.  Brilliant song by a very good band.

Click here to hear a sample from "Daisy Jane", or purchase to download

"Baby Blue" by Badfinger

Pure, classic pop/rock from 1971 with a driving beat and a haunting melody that will give you goose bumps. Although clearly influenced by the Beatles, Badfinger had its own sound -- often moody and complex.  Right away, the song grabs you with the wistful, remorseful lyrics:


Guess I got what I deserved
Kept you waiting there too long, my love
All that time without a word
Didn't know you'd think that I'd forget or I'd regret
The special love I had for you, my baby blue

This might be Badfinger's greatest song and makes one wonder what they could have done if not the personal tragedies that ended two of the band members' lives.

Click here to hear a sample of "Baby Blue" or to download