100 Favorite Songs: 56-60

Music of the '70s, '90s, and today!

56. “Bad Company” by Bad Company (1974)

I love anything that sounds like a grizzled drifter.


I love that the drummer is the only one bringing the crazy, while every one else mellowly goes about their work.

57. “Evil Woman” by Electric Light Orchestra (1975)

Strings + rock = fabulous combination. Also, fun falsetto.

Who knew Jeff Lynne had eyes?

58. “Paper Bag” by Fiona Apple (1999)

So many things to love: horn section, angry girl lyrics, and a melody in my range.

Happy birthday, Daddy?

59. “The Heart of Life” by John Mayer (2006)

I enjoy the inherent contradiction of playing an electric guitar gently like an accoustic, but I think it benefits this song. It gives the cheesiness with an edge that supports the song's lyrics.

I recommend this song for epic emotional breakdowns.

60. “Chop ‘em Down” by Matisyahu (2004)

Live at Stubb's is one of those albums I bought on a whim and have never regretted it. I'm tragically undereducated about Matisyahu's other work, but I love this guy live.

I will never be able to look at Matisyahu and not think of my sister's fiance.

100 Favorite Songs: 51-55

I can't come up with a cohesive or funny statement about this section other than all the songs are awesome.

51. “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” – Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell (1967)

Best duet ever? Probably.


Plus, these two were adorable performing together.


52. “Why Georgia” by John Mayer (2003)

I like to associate this song with driving around in a Volvo when I first got my license. I like to disassociate this song with John Mayer in real life.


I also can't stand looking at his face when he sings, so here are some lyrics.


53. “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel (1986)

I love the mood and rhythm of this song; it's incredibly romantic without being saccharine. I think I just love earthy '80s songs.

Here he is performing the song with Youssou N'Dour:


I love everything about this performance. Everything.


54. “Young Lust” by Pink Floyd (1979)

I think I meant to choose a second Pink Floyd song from another album besides The Wall, but too bad. I just love David Gilmour too much.


"Oooo, I need a dirty woman." So fun to sing.


55. “Another Night” by Real McCoy (1993)

Dance parties of my childhood were filled with the sounds of Real McCoy in tape cassette single form.


It just never gets old.

25 Days of Christmas Music: I'll Be Home for Christmas

John Mayer covers "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (1943) in 2008 for WPLJ's Scott and Todd in the Morning.