AC/DC classic “Thunderstruck” is an essential piece for every guitarist’s repertoire and an ideal song to learn if you have power chords in your arsenal. Although its chords are relatively easy, its strumming pattern may prove challenging for beginners.
With just three chords and an easy-to-remember strumming pattern, this song is easy to learn. Additionally, it teaches about varying your strumming patterns to keep it sounding musical and interesting.
Wild Thing
Chip Taylor made his mark as an April Blackwood Music staff writer who wrote country tunes. Working at 1650 Broadway in New York – described by some as an even “sweatier” location than nearby Brill Building – when he wrote Wild Thing in 1965.
Taylor’s lyrics are so accessible to novice guitarists that even they can pick them up quickly, while its chord progression features the familiar rock A-major scale. As a result, this tune has become popular with many artists like Peaches and Tone Loc who recorded one of its most notable versions.
This song’s break features an unusual whistling instrument known as an ocarina that gives its tune its distinct sound. When they heard the demo version, The Troggs immediately recognized this characteristic and used it in their version; it even inspired a Gilligan’s Island parody and Weird Al Yankovic’s first rap song! Additionally, its music can also be found as part of Charlie Sheen’s character Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn’s entrance theme from 1989 film Major League.
The Star Spangled Banner
We all recognize the words to our national anthem – we may have even memorized them! However, what may surprise some is its incredible 208-year-old history. Written as a poem by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812 at Fort McHenry where he saw daylong battle between American and British forces; Francis set his poem to an English drinking song known as “To Anacreon in Heaven” (commonly known as “The Anacreontic Song”).
Since 1931, when Congress and President Herbert Hoover approved and President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed into law a bill making “America” our official anthem, it has served as our national song. However, it faced competition early on from songs like “Hail Columbia” and “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.” Additionally, some found its melody too challenging; having an octave and fifth range made singing it challenging even for professional singers.
Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Myself
Elvis’ rendition of this iconic love ballad, about an unfaithful lover, has become one of his most-beloved tunes over time. Played at many romantic events and weddings over time, its popularity remains strong today.
This rendition from the King of Pop is an absolute classic, featuring his powerful vocals with expert instrumentation. The tender lyrics have made this track popular among music enthusiasts; its straightforward melody and beautiful message combine for a touching love song experience.
Elvis’ song ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love’ was inspired by an old French melody called Pleasir d’amour.” It describes the feeling of love but being unable to express it freely; its beauty has touched millions and inspired musicians everywhere to compose their own versions – contributing greatly to its immense popularity.
Lorde’s Royals
Lorde’s hit single Royals made her name when it topped the US Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine weeks, as well as receiving numerous accolades, such as an APRA Silver Scroll award.
Many have misconstrued Lorde’s song to be about class struggle or wealth inequality, however this interpretation is incorrect as Lorde is criticizing not those richer than her but instead music industry for encouraging materialism through materialism-promoting music videos and albums.
Applying a Marxist lens to Royals reveals that its message isn’t about class conflict but instead concerns how media influence creates false consciousness and blurs lines between self and society. This theme often gets overlooked when discussing pop culture, making the lyrics of songs like Royals all the more important; their simplicity says a lot more than meets the eye.