One of the toughest lists ever compiled.
The Stone Roses have released their first singles in over 20 years with
'All for One' and
'Beautiful Thing' and, as they prepare to play in Marlay Park in Dublin on Saturday, Irish fans of the 'Roses are rejoicing the comeback that once seemed very unlikely to ever happen.
There is a reason why millions of people couldn't wait to hear what one of the most influential groups over the last 30 years were producing after over two decades away.
In the late '80s and early '90s, The Stone Roses were a musical giant, who inspired many to follow suit, namely
Oasis.
With that in mind, this JOE has set himself the almost impossible task of picking the five best 'Roses tunes.
Inevitably, some classics will have to be omitted, so feel free to share your own suggestions.
5. 'This is The One'
Many Manchester United fans will have a close affinity to this tune, while countless others will regularly hear it without even realising.
'This is The One' is often played in the Old Trafford tunnel before matches, but the tune is much more than just something to pump up a football team.
Like many 'Roses tunes, it starts with an attention-grabbing intro, before taking you on an uplifting and nostalgic journey throughout.
Class.
https://youtu.be/XcH2ERSw-CE
Clip via thenameisbond
4. 'She Bangs the Drums'
Released as their second single from their eponymous album, 'She Bangs the Drums' is the definition of a summer song.
Full of hope and longing, combined with John Squire's distinctive sound on guitar and Reni's relentless drumming, 'She Bangs the Drums' is one of those songs we could listen to endlessly.
... And that's exactly what we're going to do now.
https://youtu.be/EcpbGeyPUD8
Clip via thenameisbond
3. 'I Am the Resurrection'
This JOE likes the first three-and-a-half minutes of 'I Am the Resurrection' as much as a lot of their other handy songs, but it's the last six minutes or so that makes this number legendary.
Fans of course will know that this is when 'Resurrection' turns into an incredible instrumental, including that amazing moment at about 5:20 when, for four seconds, everything stops... before returning with a slick bang.
Impressively, it was improvised live in the studio, according to bassist Mani, as he explains here...
https://youtu.be/Xg3xYzX_bQs
Clip via The Stone Roses
Now, that's gotten us right in the mood to listen to the whole thing...
https://youtu.be/TbU7oVz0Uq0
Clip via tatsuna777
2. 'Fools Gold'
'Fools Gold' was released in 1989 and it is still honestly one of the freshest and coolest sounding tunes out there, nearly 30 years on.
It sounds a bit primitive; describing a song's sound as 'cool', but few other words spring to mind when this JOE considers the song.
There's nothing quite like the long version of this tune and, when generation-defining songwriters like Noel Gallagher say that they wish this was the song they wrote, you know it's a banger.
Here we are, the long version with the teasing intro, and all four of the lads at the top of their game...
https://youtu.be/BBsazIACpYM
Clip via Dougie Dewdney
1. 'I Wanna Be Adored'
I won't labour on the point too much here.
Just to say; 'I Wanna Be Adored' has one of the greatest introductions to a song of all time, with Ian Brown's vocals resonating with countless fans from different generations.
That's about as much as you can hope for with a song.
Enjoy...
https://youtu.be/4D2qcbu26gs
Clip via StoneRosesVEVO
Honourable mentions: 'Elephant Stone', 'Ten Storey Love Song', 'Waterfall', 'Love Spreads', 'Made of Stone'. The list could go on and on.
So, there you have it. No doubt, every fan is going to have something different, so hit us up with suggestions on our WhatsApp number 087-4001102, editorial@JOE.ie or on Facebook or Twitter.
Cover image via YouTube/tatsuna777.
