I had my iTunes randomly and by chance it played several Ryan Adams songs in a row. This singer-songwriter writes amazing lyrics that are smart and heartfelt. He made me think of the great singer-songwriter that he is and I thought I’d put together a list of the songs I love. I realize he has a lot more great songs, but I wanted to pick 5 songs that I personally love the most. As a side note, I would have added “Wonderwall”, but it’s not his song. He just does a great job covering the cover of Oasis.
1. La Ciénega Just Smiled – Gold Album
I heard this song is about Ryan Adams standing on “La Cienega” street in Los Angeles and reflecting on his life. I also heard that this song was about a prostitute. I like to think that it is the previous meaning.
“And I hold you so close in the back of my mind. It feels so good, but damn, that makes it hurt. And I’m too scared to know how I feel about you right now.”
2. Two – Easy Tiger Album
I think this is a song about how you were an independent person and how now it’s hard to do things for yourself because you have to have that person in your life.
“And I’m broken from before and I want to go home Now it takes two and I used to take one It takes two and I used to take only one”
3. Shakedown on 9th Street – Heartbreaker Album
This song is just fun. He is cheerful and full of life. I love when the band comes in with the tambourine and backing vocals. Just a fun song.
“Head over to 9th street, girl. Let’s go out kicking with the boys and girls. Wear your dress and bring my ring.”
Someone is going to understand, it’s not going to be me LUCY Lucy my girl LUCY Lucy my sweet LUCY Lucy my girl “
4. To be young (it’s to be sad, it’s to be high) – Heartbreaker Album
This is my favorite “titled” song. LOL. Just one look at the title and you can’t hide the meaning behind this song. When you’re young…really…what else is there to do?
“Oh, one day, when you look back. You were young and you were sad. When you are young, you are sad.
5. Nobody Girl – Gold Album
This song is not on many people’s list of favorite Ryan Adams songs, but I have to tell you that I love the composition of this song. He’s a great writer and I think when people put these charts together they’re strictly talking about his songwriting, but when you look at how this song is produced and put together, it really is a great song.
The song is 9:41 long and the last 4 minutes or so are this great piece of overdubs, solos, a Hammond organ and to top it off when the soul singers come in towards the end. wow! I have to love it.
“Well, the night makes moves and shatters like broken glass. Better play it cool, better let it go. Have you been leaking your name? And whispering in a bar all night. Better as the fool than the owner of that kind of heart”.
Whether you agree with my picks for the best Ryan Adams songs, there’s no doubt he’s a great artist and I look forward to hearing more of his work.