Desert Island Discs – Songs
The concept of a “Desert Island Disc” is that if you were trapped on a desert island for the rest of your days, and could only listen to ten songs, what would they be. Interestingly, this list may not be the same as your “favorite songs” list. In considered listening to the same songs over and over again, you’ll want something that stands the test of time. For me that includes strong arrangements (both vocally & instrumentally), meaningful lyrics, and emotionally compelling performances. Ironically, only one of these songs appears on an album from my Desert Island Disc – Album List.
- Fire and Rain – James Taylor
- Homeward Bound – Simon & Garfunkel
- If You Could Read My Mind – Gordon Lightfoot
- Toulouse Street – Doobie Brothers
- So Far Away – Carole King
- Wichita Lineman – Glen Campbell
- Every Season – Nichole Nordeman
- Horse with No Name – America
- California Dreamin – The Mama’s and Papa’s
- Solsbury Hill – Peter Gabriel
Moondance – Van Morrison
In My Life – The Beatles
Your Song – Elton John
Annie’s Song – John Denver
Landslide – Fleetwood Mac
Desert Island Discs – Albums
The concept of a “Desert Island Disc” is that if you were trapped on a desert island for the rest of your days, and could only listen to ten albums, what would they be. Interestingly, this list may not be the same as your “favorite albums” list. In considered listening to the same albums over and over again, you need to look for content that is strong throughout, with few (if any) wasted tracks. You’ll also want something that stands the test of time, and that has some level of emotional depth. That narrows the competition significantly. Some of these are classic records, while others are simply personal favorites.
- Tapestry – Carole King
- Aja – Steely Dan
- Rumours – Fleetwood Mac
- Love Over Gold – Dire Straits
- Hotel California – The Eagles
- Sowing the Seeds of Love – Tears for Fears
- Boston – Boston
- Seal (1994) – Seal
- Crosby Stills & Nash (Debut)
- Life Beyond LA – Ambrosia
52nd Street – Billy Joel
Under a Blood Red Sky – U2
Bad Company (Debut)