Here’s something I haven’t done in a while – a top 10 list. I was listening to an old cassette (yeah, I still have over 300 of those suckers lying around somewhere) and it got me thinking about songs that I loved, but haven’t heard in ages. So, for your listening pleasure, here is a list of ten songs that you may not have heard, or you probably have forgotten if you had. These ten songs are some of my own guilty pleasures.

I’ve included a YouTube link to every song. Some are of live version where I couldn’t find the original track. They are really not in any order.

TOP 10 SONGS YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD (or you forgot)

Can We Still Be Friends? – Todd Rundgren (1978)

I’d forgotten all about this song until I watched an old commercial on some retro website. Then the memories just flooded back. It’s nice to know I can still be surprised at my age.

Open All Night – Daryl Hall and John Oates (1982)

Touch choice between this and another song by them, but I stuck with this. Haunting sound, depressing lyrics – what more could you ask for in a sad memory?

Old and Wise – The Alan Parsons Project

My swan song as a DJ – even if I was the only one listening at the time. Maybe the most sincere lyrics ever written in a pop song. You can make all the Dr. Evil jokes you want, but the Alan Parsons Project knew how to write a song.

Pretty Maids All in a Row – The Eagles (1976)

Not the best song on Hotel California, but maybe the most overlooked. Joe Walsh has never been known for his soothing voice, but he sure knew how to bring a tear to my eye with this song.

Baby, As You Turn Away – the Bee Gees (1975)

Last song on the Bee Gees finest pre-disco albums (I guess that would be redundant). Melodic and sincere as any Barry Gibb masterpiece. When the song ends, I’m left craving for more.

Poor Shirley – Christopher Cross (1980)

In an album with 4 major hits, 5 Grammy awards and Michael McDonald(?), this song perhaps showcases the sincerity and wit that Christopher Cross seemed to have flowing through his music. Unfortunately, he turned out to have just a couple of albums worth of contemporary hits. But his voice remains the same all these years past.

All My Life – America (1979)

I could choose any number of America songs here and come to the same conclusion – when they are at their best, their harmonies can soothe the beast in all of us. Maybe they were lyrically challenged (hello? Horse With No Name, anyone?), but after almost 40 years in the music business, they can still bring a crowd to their feet.

Shangri-La – Electric Light Orchestra (1976)

Jeff Lynne’s vocals soar in the closing song of A New World Record. Bittersweet and lovely. Operatic and mellow. This was the finest example of ELO’s meshing of old world opera and new world rock. Just when you think it’s over, it comes back to haunt you even more.

Little One – Chicago (1977)

Written just prior to his accidental self-inflicted shooting death, this song was a testament to Terry Cath’s struggle to be on the road and to be a loving father to his baby daughter. It tears at my heart deeply to know this was the last song he ever recorded. I can only imagine what it does to her.

Rose of Cimarron – Poco (1976)

Poco was the band the Eagles were supposed to be. While Henley, Frey and company were making it big, they were just turning out wonderful country-rock music that was melodic and catchy. This song tells the story of a one-hour gunfight in the old west and its sweet harmonies and intricate guitar play give this tremendous realism of the old west.