EP.15 Rock and Roll for GrownUps

John Lennon – Instant Karma (3:18)
Released in 1970, this track was one of the first solo songs by John Lennon to gain massive acclaim after The Beatles. Featuring Alan White (later of YES) on drums, Lennon famously wrote, recorded, and released the song all in a single day. Produced by Phil Spector, Instant Karma became a top 5 hit in both the UK and the US.

Joe Cocker – She Came in Through the Bathroom Window (3:13)
Originally a Beatles song from their Abbey Road album, Joe Cocker’s soulful 1970 cover brought a bluesy flair to this quirky track. Cocker was known for reimagining Beatles classics, and his distinctive voice made this version a standout.

Harry Nilsson – Everybody’s Talkin’ (2:34)
This Fred Neil-penned track became a defining moment in Harry Nilsson’s career when it was featured in the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. Its melancholic tone paired perfectly with the film’s themes, earning Nilsson a Grammy nomination and solidifying his place in rock history.

Thunderclap Newman – Something in the Air (3:53)
Produced by Pete Townshend of The Who, this 1969 protest anthem topped the UK charts for three weeks. Written and sung by Speedy Keen, it became an enduring symbol of the counterculture movement, later appearing in films like The Magic Christian and Almost Famous.

The Who – Who Are You (5:13)
Released in 1978, this track became one of The Who’s signature songs, known for its pounding drums and Roger Daltrey’s intense vocals. Tragically, it was the last song recorded by Keith Moon before his untimely death, adding emotional weight to the track’s legacy.

Dr. John – Right Place, Wrong Time (2:50)
This funky 1973 hit showcased Dr. John’s unique blend of New Orleans R&B, rock, and funk. It became his highest-charting single, peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and its groove remains instantly recognizable.

Raspberries – Go All the Way (3:19)
This 1972 power-pop classic, with its infectious chorus and hard-driving riff, was one of the Raspberries’ biggest hits. Written by Eric Carmen, the song was banned by some radio stations due to its suggestive lyrics but became a cult favorite nonetheless.

Rolling Stones – Let’s Spend the Night Together (3:29)
Released in 1967 as a double A-side with Ruby Tuesday, this song was controversial for its overtly sexual lyrics. Despite initial resistance, it became a rock standard and a quintessential example of the Stones’ rebellious spirit.

Roxy Music – Love Is the Drug (2:40)
From their 1975 album Siren, this funky, seductive track was a major hit for Roxy Music, showcasing Bryan Ferry’s suave vocal delivery. Its blend of glam rock and disco made it a staple of the mid-’70s music scene.

Dire Straits – Money for Nothing (8:22, album version)
Featuring a guest vocal from Sting, this track from 1985’s Brothers in Arms is a biting commentary on the music industry. Its iconic riff and satirical lyrics made it one of Dire Straits’ most enduring songs and earned them a Grammy for Best Rock Performance.

Aerosmith – Sweet Emotion (4:10)
This 1975 classic was a breakout moment for Aerosmith, combining Steven Tyler’s cryptic lyrics with Joe Perry’s innovative talk box guitar riff. It became their first Top 40 hit and solidified their place in the pantheon of great American rock bands.

ZZ Top – I Thank You (3:24)
Originally recorded by Sam & Dave in 1968, ZZ Top gave this R&B classic a blues-rock makeover on their 1979 album Degüello. The band’s raw energy and Billy Gibbons’ gritty vocals made their version a standout.

Ace – How Long (3:22)
Written and sung by Paul Carrack, this smooth and soulful track became Ace’s biggest hit in 1974. Carrack would go on to lend his voice to other hits with bands like Squeeze (Tempted) and Mike + The Mechanics (The Living Years).