The six hundred third song: It’s Like That - Run-DMC
While rap has been coming up before, it feels like this is another step up - the political bent is still there, but there's a call and response that feels stronger and a harder sound in the music. It's an impressive build, partially one of production, but it feels like it's more real even as it breaks into the mainstream without compromising.
The six hundred fourth song: Rock of Ages - Def Leppard
Yeah, as a nineties kid I was wondering if I started the wrong song at first. The aggressive rock works well there, with its anthem quality in places. It's a big and bad rock song and I really like it.
The six hundred fifth song: Gimme All Your Lovin’ - ZZ Top
Gimme All You Lovin' feels like one of those classical hard rock songs - a good riff, lyrics that aren't too complicated. It gives a standard love song feel backed by a slightly more aggressive sound - even if it's far more upbeat than that might imply. It's simple and straightforward, but as a song that works.
The six hundred sixth song: Every Breath You Take - The Police
There's something sinister about this song - something that feels like it builds more in the modern world where there are so many more ways to do so. It's sweet and alluring and even that feels like it could be a commentary - even if initially the influence might not have totally been there. Even so, it's still as impressive now.
The six hundred seventh song: 99 Luftballons - Nena
This song's happy, optimistic sounding title - the release of 99 balloons - belies an underlying theme that you don't really get without hearing the German version. It's about a nuclear apocalypse, caused by the sight of these balloons, and it almost feels like the song is also creating the party before that happens. Considering the events of the 80s, when this was set, luckily it didn't go that way, but the ominous feeling really sticks there.
The six hundred eighth song: Zungguzungguguzungguzeng - Yellowman
The reggae track here has evolved a bit, but it feels like it still builds on the similar base. It is fine, decently rock inspired but not jumping to give me a lot more that I would enjoy.
The six hundred ninth song: Blue Monday - New Order
I wasn't expecting this yet - the build up from disco and synth pop to the dance music that dominated the clubs from the nineties wasn't something I thought I'd hear until later in the decade. This, however, feels like it could often fit in the club music that follows, the choral vocals set it apart too. I've enjoyed it a lot, as it really sets itself apart and gets you going.
The six hundred tenth song: The Trooper - Iron Maiden
We end with an aggressive metal tribute to soldiers and fighters, the song driving relentlessly forward. It's a hardcore metal track, perhaps a bit too much for me but it hits the notes it wants.