Great music does not have to be dependent on memorable lyrics. Simply listening to the composition and creativity of an instrumental track can be just as rewarding. Here's a look at some of the great instrumental tracks. While discussing songs without words with a friend we created a list of our favorites. Here is our pick for the top twelve.
Yes, the title of this massive hit is mentioned in that Dracula-like voice on occasion, but this is one instrumental track that has stood the test of time. Though it was a one-hit wonder for The Champs in the late 1950, the song took on a whole new life thanks to its inclusion in 1985's Pee-wee's Big Adventure. And the dance the Pee-wee Herman did to the song has become a pop-culture phenomenon.
"Apache," Various artists (1960)
A number of artists have either covered or sampled this popular track that was written by Englishman Jerry Lordan and made famous by The Shadows in 1960. It was in the early 1970s that the version by the Incredible Bongo Band became a hip-hop anthem. Almost a decade later, the Sugarhill Gang turned it into a dance-party staple for group and line dancers around the world.
"Green Onions," Booker T & M.G.'s (1962)
One of the great "groove" tracks off all time. It's arguably the greatest rhythm and blues instrumental in music history, and a cut that's been used on numerous films and commercials throughout the years. While Booker T. Jones' work on the Hammond M3 organ is the highlight of the piece, Steve "The Colonel" Cropper, of Blues Brothers fame, played guitar on the song
"Wipe Out," The Surfaris (1963)
If "Misirlou" influenced generations of people to pick up a guitar, than "Wipe Out" did the same when it came to drumming. Along the same surf theme as Dale's classic, The Surfaris enjoyed massive success with a song that has stood the test of time quite well. Like "Miserlou," this piece is one of the most recognizable instrumentals of all time and has been used in countless movies and television commercials.
This was the piece that introduced the music world to Eddie Van Halen and his masterful guitar work. His "tapping" technique on the song earned him immense praise, and the entire effort is arguably the defining moment of his exceptional legacy. And it came on Van Halen's debut album, one of the most celebrated records in hard rock history. As a lead-in to the band's cover "You Really Got Me," makes for a potent back-to-back punch.
"Classical Gas," Mason Williams (1968)
A brilliant piece of work from this celebrated classical guitarist. Though many in rock or pop circles today have little recollection or knowledge of the song, it's enjoyed some steady staying power over the decades. Williams' exceptional acoustic piece, which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, has been used in films and even as the opening theme for a nighttime newscast in Baltimore during the 1970s.
"Black Mountain Side," Led Zeppelin (1969)
As a collective, Led Zeppelin are tremendous musicians. And, we're not just talking about the heavy stuff that the group became known for and as an influence on many hard rock acts that followed. That said, "Black Mountain Side" is a simply, folksy instrumental track, composed by the great Jimmy Page, that is truly a hidden gem on the band's debut record.
"Always with Me, Always with You," Joe Satriani (1989)
No doubt that Satriani is up there with the great guitarists in music history. And, from a technical standpoint, many will argue that he could be the best. There are many great Satriani tracks to choose from, but this is one of his most celebrated. It's also very likely his most recognizable as it earned plenty of FM radio airplay, and the video received some decent love on MTV.
"Sirius," The Alan Parsons Project (1982)
The opening track and lead-in to the band's hit "Eye in the Sky," off the album of the same name. These two tunes are perhaps the most recognizable from the band. And, this instrumental opener should be quite familiar to fans of the Chicago Bulls. It's the song that plays during the club's starting lineup introductions, and made super popular those dominant Michael Jordan championship years during the 1990s.
"Jessica," The Allman Brothers Band (1973)
This is an Allman Brothers Band classic, thanks to the brilliance of guitarist Dickey Betts, who composed the tune. A little more than seven minutes long on the band's Brothers and Sisters album, Betts named the song for his daughter, who was an infant at the time. Over the years, the track has been covered numerous times and appeared in movies such as Field of Dreams.
“Frankenstein," The Edgar Winter Group (1973)
This has to be up there with the great rock instrumentals of all time. A radio hit that went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, has long been a classic rock staple in the years that followed. While Winter's work on the ARP 2600 synthesizer and saxophone has become legendary, Ronnie Montrose's guitar and the bass effort from Dan Hartman add to the excellence of this superb cut.
"Soul Sacrifice," Santana (1969)
Long considered one of the great musical moments from the historic Woodstock festival from the summer of 1969. Carlos Santana was just a young pup at the time when this song was released on his debut album at the end of the '60s. Checking in at a little more than 6 1/2 minutes, Santana's axe work and a stellar drum performance from the great Michael Shrieve are the highlights of the track.
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