The accordion typically evokes cinematic scenes of a Parisian café or romantic strolls along the Seine. But the accordion has been a central part of the traditional and folk music of several cultures (such as Irish, German and Polish) as well as a featured sound in more contemporary pop, country and rock songs. You may not think of rock when you think of an accordion but ultimateclassicrock.com points out that, "while the accordion rarely is a lead instrument on a hit rock single, it has been employed to paint the corners with some extra flavor or add a celebratory atmosphere". In addition, Happy Media, an Australian-based youth culture publisher, suggests that since this instantly recognizable instrument is "designed to offer the breadth of musical functions, including melodies, drones and harmonies," making it "a powerful tool to incorporate in any song".
Here is a list of my top 10 songs that feature the distinctive and powerful musical instrument:
10. Oh Julie - Shakin' Stevens
Definitely a guilty pleasure. The song, which went to number 1 on the UK Singles Chart in 1982, was a staple at family parties and weddings.
Watch: Oh Julie
9. Come With Me Now - Kongos
This "accordion-tinged rock song" was a big hit for the South African band in 2012 and even charted in the US, reaching number 1 on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart.
Watch: Come With Me Now
8. King Of The World - First Aid Kit
Besides the accordion, this song from the Swedish folk duo features a fiddle and mariachi trumpets courtesy of New York folk/country rock band The Felice Brothers.
Listen: King Of The World
7. As Long As I Got You - Lily Allen
This song was an unexpected earworm from her 2012 album, Sheezus, and the use of the accordion hints at a Cajun influence. The accompanying video was shot at the 2014 Glastonbury Festival.
Watch: As Long As I Got You
6. Road To Nowhere - Talking Heads
A classic rock song from the band's 1985 album, Little Creatures. I love the song's driving drums and accordion refrain as well as its lyrics even though they suggest a grim future.
Watch: Road To Nowhere
5. Stereo Love - Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina
This song was a hit in clubs around the world in 2009 and whenever I heard it, I wanted to get on a plane and travel to some exotic island (helped by the music video which was shot in one of my favourite places in the world, namely Mykonos).
Watch: Stereo Love
4. Tu es foutu / You Promised Me - In-grid
The direct translation ("You're screwed/fucked") is a little more hard-hitting than the English version of the song, "You Promised Me". Both versions of this accordion-driven banger reached the top of charts around the world; it was one of my favourites from 2002/2003.
Watch: You Promised Me
3. Miss Chatelaine - k.d. Lang
A list of best accordion hits would not be complete without Miss Chatelaine, the second single from her seminal album, Ingénue. Did you know the song is a reference to a Canadian magazine, Chatelaine, which named k.d. Lang Woman of the Year in 1988?
Watch: Miss Chatelaine
2. Crazy - Madonna
I was obsessed with this track from Madame X as soon as I heard it. Besides featuring the stunning Portuguese accordion, the song also includes verses sung in Portuguese. Her performance of the song in the Fado club scene on the Madame X tour was definitely one of the (many) highlights of the show.
Listen: Crazy
1. Constant Craving - k.d. Lang
Constant Craving had to be at number one, right? The timeless hit, in which the dreamy accordion weaves in and out of the melody, complimenting her haunting harmonies, won a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1993 and an MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video. Once again, I was fortunate to experience the song live, a moment that left me with goosebumps from head to toe, and a tear in my eye.
Watch: Constant Craving
Weird Al is my favorite accordion player!
ReplyDelete