Top 5 Ryan Adams Songs
I had my iTunes randomly and it just happened to play several Ryan Adams songs in a row. This singer-songwriter writes amazing lyrics that are smart and sincere. He made me think of what a great singer-songwriter 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 former meaning.
“And I hold you so close in the back of my mind. It feels so good, but damn it makes it hurt. And I’m too afraid to know how I feel about you now.”
2. Two – Easy Tiger Album
I think this is a song about how he was an independent person and how now it’s hard to do things for himself because he has to have that person in his 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 only take one”
3. Shakedown on 9th Street – Heartbreaker Album
This song is just funny. It is cheerful and full of life. I love when the band enters with the tambourine and the choirs. Just a fun song.
“Head to 9th Street, girl. Let’s go kicking with the boys and girls. Wear your dress and bring my ring.”
Someone will 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 lists 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 and the last 4 minutes or so is this big piece of overdubs, solos, a Hammond organ and to top it all 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 slide. Have you been leaking your name? And whisper in a bar all night. Better 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.