The eight hundred fifty-ninth song: Given to Fly - Pearl Jam
There's a build in this track that almost sneaks up on you. The song starts as a ballad and the vocals feel like they stay that way, but there are crescendos in it that feel really powerful.
The eight hundred sixtieth song: Paranoid Android - Radiohead
Referenced as inspired by Bohemian Rhapsody, amongst others, I'd argue this is a more coherent work, with sections that properly attach. Both title and some of the lyrics invoke the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but there's also a genuine disorienting feeling running through the different emotions. It's haunting at times, depressed at others, with a total impression that stays incredibly strong.
The eight hundred sixty-first song: Come to Daddy (Pappy Mix) - Aphex Twin
I've never thought about the link between metal and electronic music, but the distorted vocals feel like they could be straight in a metal beat, both lyrically and with its vocal distortion. The underlying music produces that unsettling effect using purely electronic sampling, but the hardcore vibe really hits here. It's dark and unsettling, not something that works for a casual listen, but the haunting darkness works quite well in the mood it sets. It wouldn't be my choice in a club, but you can see how it would fit.
The eight hundred sixty-second song: Never Ever - All Saints
The contrast to all of this is this lost love ballad, lovely vocals over a sparse arrangement instead focussing on the harmonies from the group. It's a lovely combination, really sweet even if it's pretty sad here.
The eight hundred sixty-third song: Song 2 - Blur
There's something really giddy about this over the top punk song - the guitar is on point, the lyrics suitably simple and open to meet the expectations of the way post-punk poppy tracks came in. Even so, there's the elements of a parody in here, going so over the top to the point that it works on its own. It's still gorgeous and glorious.
The eight hundred sixty-fourth song: Time of Your Life (Good Riddance) - Green Day
Green Day is one of the bands that cemented my love for post-punk of the era. I'm not heavily into the scene or anything like that - selling out discussions don't really appeal to me - but there's some accessible in Green Day's emotions, their anger, and their engagement with modern topics. Time of Your Life hits that personal level, a ballad I want to sing along to and lyrics that probably hit home for most. And the strings... the strings elevate it to be that much more impactful.
The eight hundred sixty-fifth song: Broken Heart - Spiritualized
While the topic of this song is clear from the title, the way it's brought out is incredibly impactful. The string orchestra plays slowly, creating a depression that comes through in the lyrics. They're simple, but the depression is so clear in the sound and tone of it that it's unmistakable and bores straight into your heart.
The eight hundred sixty-sixth song: Into My Arms - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
There's an emotional core in Into My Arms that builds itself around its religious views. It's a sweet and loving interpretation that creates a loving ballad that is powerful because it doesn't try to say or do too much.