I certainly didn’t expect the response I received after my last post (TOP 10 SONGS YOU’VE PROBABLY NEVER HEARD or you forgot). As it turns out, it was one of the most popular posts I’ve ever written. Although I only received one comment, you guys have sent me a number of emails, as well as your own lists of songs. Thanks.

Since we both enjoyed the list so much, I’m going to add 10 more songs from my past that are both meaningful and filled with long, forgotten memories. I hope you will give these the chance you gave the last list.

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

Tucson, Arizona (Gazette) – Dan Fogelberg (1984)

Dan Fogelberg is a master storyteller and this was one of his best stories. Taken off of his “Windows & Walls”LP, which was itself a story of loss and loneliness. This is a tale of lost hope and tragic consequences.

Country Lanes – The Bee Gees (1975)

The video I have attached makes this song far more poignant than I can ever write about. It is a classically written tune by Barry Gibb (sung by Robin Gibb) about longing for the one you love. In light of his twin brother’s death, the song and video pierced my heart.

Silence and I – Alan Parsons Project (1982)

A masterpiece, both lyrically and musically, written, arranged and played entirely on a synthesizer. While some claim that Parsons sold his soul to techo-pop, when played in concert – with a full orchestra – the talent the man possesses is amazing. This song is his most ambitious and most enjoyable.

Big Man on Mulberry Street – Billy Joel (1986)

I was a huge “Moonlighting” fan back then. I was also a huge Billy Joel fan (still am). Put the two together and you have absolute magic. When I found this video on YouTube, I knew I had to include it. This was Joel’s anthem to the New York street punk who thought much higher of himself than did anyone else. Sort of a mirror rendition of Big Shot.

Talking To The Moon – Don Henley (1982)

From his debut album, I Can’t Stand Still, this was Don Henley at his peak. Reminiscent of the sorrow he portrayed on The Last Resort and Wasted Time, this song is a tear-jerking reminder that even cowboys get lonely and sad.

Wild West Show – Big & Rich (2004)

Although this is a rather recent song (and all of the others are at least 20-25 years old), I added this because it’s just so damn good. I’d never heard of Big & Rich prior to this, but I now own everything they’ve done. This song mixes old Mexican/Native American imagery woven in modern day love and war. The lyrics tell one story and the imagery another. Together, the song just soars.

Inspector Mills – America (1982)

From their comeback album View From the Ground, this song showcases the vocal talent and soft, melodies that America famous. One of the few ballads Gerry Beckley wrote that actually told a story, as opposed to just unrequited love, this song was the gem of this album, and maybe the finest one they had ever recorded.

Words of Wisdom – Christopher Cross (1983)

The studio version of this song tells a better story than the one I attached. But still, this song showcases the musical talents and lyrical imagery that made Cross a household name in the early 80’s. The screaming guitar solo at the end closes out an album that was very personal and emotional (one of the songs included was the hit Think of Laura)

Is It Okay if I Call You Mine? – Paul McCrane (1980)

There were two songs off the Fame soundtrack written and sung by Paul McCrane, better known for his role as Dr. Robert Romano, on the TV show ER. Faced with a choice of a career as an aspiring singer-songwriter, he chose the glitter of television and has made a successful career out of it. But I must wonder what would have happened if he chose music instead. This song, and the equally beautiful Dogs In The Yard attest to the potential he had.

The Only Living Boy in New York – Simon & Garfunkel (1970)

Paul Simon wrote this song in 1969 when Art Garfunkel left New York to follow an acting career. While the two remained a musical duo for the recording of their next LP, Simon’s anxiety, jealousy and insecurities raged. The LP, Bridge Over Troubled Water turned out to be the last studio album the two ever recorded together. I think Paul Simon did pretty well on his own since.