Throughout the ’70s and into the power ballad infused ’80s, there were songs titled after women.
In all honesty, it’s not something specific to those decades, but most of the hits in rock music, with single names, spawned during those times.
The 1970s was a decade rife with these as we heard the names “Melissa”, “Beth” and “Rhiannon” play over the stereo. On June 23 I took in Boston’s show at the Molson Amphitheatre here in Toronto with a good friend, and when the band started up the chords to “Amanda” we looked at each other and started naming off songs named after women.
Of course Allman Brothers came to mind, as did The Band, Fleetwood Mac and Toto — their song named after Desperately Seeking Susan actress Rosanna Arquette.
But we had to dig a little deeper for others. So, after the concert, I went home and went through my extensive music collection to find some of the best rock songs put together, named after women.
Without further ado, my Top 25 Rock Songs Named After Girls.
25. |
|
Song: Sara
Band: Starship
Album: Knee Deep in the Hoopla
Year: 1985 |
24. |
|
Song: Janine
Band: Soul Coughing
Album: Ruby Vroom
Year: 1994 |
23. |
|
Song: Tallullah
Band: Jamiroquai
Album: Dynamite
Year: 2005 |
22. |
|
Song: Maureen
Artist: Nick Lowe
Album: Nick Lowe and His Cowboy Outfit
Year: 1984 |
21. |
|
Song: Julia
Artist: Chantal Kreviazuk
Album: What If It All Means Something
Year: 2002 |
20. |
|
Song: Jacqueline
Band: Franz Ferdinand
Album: Franz Ferdinand
Year: 2004 |
19. |
|
Song: Rio
Band: Duran Duran
Album: Rio
Year: 1982 |
18. |
|
Song: Valerie
Artist: Steve Winwood
Album: Talking Back To The Night
Year: 1982 |
17. |
|
Song: Michelle
Band: The Beatles
Album: Rubber Soul
Year: 1965 |
16. |
|
Song: Jessica
Band: The Allman Brothers Band
Album: Brothers and Sisters
Year: 1973 |
15. |
|
Song: Fancy
Artist(s): Bobbie Gentry / Reba McEntire
Album: Fancy / Rumor Has It
Year: 1969 / 1991 |
14. |
|
Song: Amanda
Band: Boston
Album: Third Stage
Year: 1986 |
13. |
|
Song: Barbara Ann
Band: The Beach Boys
Album: Beach Boys’ Party
Year: 1965 |
12. |
|
Song: Henrietta
Band: The Fratellis
Album: Costello Music
Year: 2006 |
11. |
|
Song: Maggie May
Artist: Rod Stewart
Album: Every Picture Tells A Story
Year: 1971 |
10. |
|
Song: Darlene
Band: Led Zeppelin
Album: Coda
Year: 1982 (Recorded from 1970-78) |
9. |
|
Song: Beth
Band: Kiss
Album: Destroyer
Year: 1976 |
8. |
|
Song: Roxanne
Band: The Police
Album: Outlandos d’Amour
Year: 1978 |
7. |
|
Song: Rosanna
Band: Toto
Album: Toto IV
Year: 1982 |
6. |
|
Song: Ophelia
Band: The Band
Album: Northern Lights – Southern Cross
Year: 1975 |
5. |
|
Song: Ruby
Band: The Kaiser Chiefs
Album: Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Year: 2007 |
4. |
|
Song: Jackie Blue
Band: The Ozark Mountain Devils
Album: It’ll Shine When It Shines
Year: 1974 |
3. |
|
Song: Rhiannon
Band: Fleetwood Mac
Album: Fleetwood Mac
Year: 1976 |
2. |
|
Song: Gloria
Band: Them
Album: The Angry Young Them
Year: 1964 |
1. |
|
Song: Peg
Band: Steely Dan
Album: Aja
Year: 1977 |