This playlist is all about the big sounds and strong stories.
I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) – Meat Loaf
Let’s open with one of the strongest voices ever to smash rock n’ roll. This 1993 release is full of crescendos, thematic shading and strong singing.
Rock You Like a Hurricane – Scorpions
Following on with some good hard rocking. I love the guitar work, and that definitive declaration: Here I am! Rock you like a hurricane!
The Final Countdown – Europe
Still in the 80s, Europe tells the great story of a spaceship about to leave Earth
All Along The Watchtower – Bear McReary
The segue here is space travel. This cover of the Bob Dylan classic comes from the soundtrack to Battlestar Galactica season 3. McReary did a great job in finding a completely new sound for this tune, and it’s big and bangy. I love it!
You Know My Name – Chris Cornell
From one soundtrack to another. This was the theme song to the James Bond flick, Casino Royale.
Like a Stone – Audioslave
Slowing down, but still very dramatic, Chris Cornell continues on lead vocals.
Rolling In The Deep – Adele
Keeping with the blues feel. I think Adele’s got an amazing voice, and she deserves all the sales and accolades she’s currently enjoying.
Zip Gun Bop (Reloaded) – Royal Crown Revue
It’s not that much of a stretch from rhythm and blues to swung jazz is it? Some amazing horn work here.
From here, we’re going pretty metal. The genre pretty much lends itself to punch numbers so I’m not going to try to justify them. Each of these songs is big and strong, and is highly narrative.
Full Moon – Sonata Arctica
Hearts on Fire – HammerFall
Wish I Had an Angel – Nightwish
Welcome Home – Coheed and Cambria
This has been a pretty wide theme to play with. I like these songs also because I can belt them out when I feel like singing. What do you like to sing in the car?