The two hundred and fourty-ninth song: I Say a Little Prayer - Aretha Franklin
Another Burt Baccarach song, Aretha Franklin covers it in one of its most famous renditions. The melody sounds a bit off to me compared to the versions I am used to, but it swings better and suits Franklin's voice far better. The background vocals add to that, adding a bit of a soul feel to the song that suits it well.
The two hundred and fiftieth song: The Snake - Al Wilson
Continuing the rise of soul, this song comes in with quite a brash sound, trumpets dominating some smooth vocals. It creates the feeling of a fable being told through music, some of the vocals adding some eerieness, but the message also coming across quite well. It sounds as much of a performance pieces as it's a song, but that adds to the size of the song really well.
The two hundred and fifty-first song: Oh Happy Day - The Edwin Hawkins Singers
And so we move into gospel music, probably one of the best known ones in the genre. It's been covered many times since, and this version starts off slower than I'd expect considering how the song is usually performed. That usually adds some pep, but this version feels more contemplative - still exuberant, but still more reverend than it would otherwise be. I can imagine that this song would be impressive in person as well, the size of the choir being lost in the limitations of the recording.
The two hundred and fifty-second song: Israelites - Desmond Dekker & The Aces
And jumping a step further, we now get into reggae. This song sounds odd, with a memorable chorus that, I'm sure, makes a point, but feels like it's just become part of culture more as "This is what reggae sounds like" than making much of a point. The lyrics, then, are mostly impenetrable, but it creates a sound that certainly would have seemed new at the time.
The two hundred and fifty-third song: Wichita Lineman - Glen Campbell
Starting off with a string section, the song settles into a bigger produced country song. It's pretty poppy, a country ballad that mostly manages to feel inoffensive and pleasant to listen to. It's simple and relaxing, a bit of peace, but to me not as memorable as other songs - despite, or perhaps because of, the production. It's done well, but overshadows the ballad a bit.
The two hundred and fifty-fourth song: I Heard it Through the Grapevine - Marvin Gaye
This is a song that, for me, is made thanks to the vocals. The music isn't that substantial - well produced, present in the right places and sounding good, but also at a bit of a distance to allow Marvin Gaye to shine through. It again has a distance in it that work to create something simple and deliberate, telling its story in part through its sound.
The two hundred and fifty-fifth song: America - Simon & Garfunkel
Simon & Garfunkel deliver something outside this world here. It doesn't quite match the trends we've heard elsewhere, but as a folk sound, it works to create an atmosphere, a song that sounds good, with smart lyrics that tell its story effectively. There's clear substance here that is masterfully told. It's a hopeful road trip, and it comes through as that.
The two hundred and fifty-sixth song: Ain’t Got No; I Got Life- Nina Simone
Back to soul, we get another story about emptiness, in a way, but also triumph in poverty and celebrating what you have and yourself. There is a religious component in this - obviously - but there's a lot of pride in there as well. It makes for a compelling two minute statement that works well - even if it's a medley of two distinct songs, it works on so many levels.
The two hundred and fifty-seventh song: Piece of My Heart- Big Brother & The Holding Company
A rock love song, this is a cover that seems to have been made a lot rockier by the band. It creates a unique sound that works incredibly well and I wonder how this would compare to the original. Janis Joplin's vocals are what really make this special, putting in a ragged but powerful sound that echoes throughout and filled the room as we were listening. It's weird - this started out as a soul song, but it doesn't show here, and the band gets the credit for making it their own. The guitar solo later in the song shows this too, building on the excitement as well. Everything shows the hurt and pain in here, and that's what made it amazing to listen to.