390. “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” – Elton John
One of Elton John’s most prolific songs, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” was actually more inspired by The Rolling Stones’ Goats Head Soup than Abbey Road. It’s definitely a great song, but it’s also one of those that we’ve already heard so many times, it’s hard to actively desire to hear it.
Burnes’ Turns: No
Top 500 Consideration: No

389. “Radio Free Europe” – R.E.M.
I like R.E.M. a lot, but I’ve never understood the hype surrounding this song. It wasn’t even finished when it was recorded; Michael Stipe purposefully mumbles the lyrics because he wasn’t finished writing them. I guess it’s supposed to be sonically stimulating, but frankly I just find it to be annoying.
Burnes’ Turns: No
Top 500 Consideration: No

388. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” – U2
I already respected U2 going into this list and my admiration for them has only grown after hearing some of their classic tracks from albums I’d never heard, but this one doesn’t do it for me. It’s historically interesting since this was the band’s first Top 40 hit, but that’s where my interest in this song ends.
Burnes’ Turns: No
Top 500 Consideration: No

387. “Hit the Road Jack” – Ray Charles
It’s fascinating to think that No. 1 songs back in the day didn’t suck. I’m not sure where that started to change. Probably the ’80s. Naturally, “Hit the Road Jack” was a No. 1 hit when Ray Charles released it at the height of his fame in 1961, and it’s not hard to hear why. Over half a century later, the energy is still infectious.
Burnes’ Turns: Yes
Top 500 Consideration: Long Shot

386. “Maps” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Once again Rolling Stone gives us the opportunity to marvel at their choices for what constitutes a great song. I have a soft spot for “Maps” since Rolling Stone ranked it so high on their list of the best songs of the ’00s, a list that was crucial to my musical development when I got my first iPod. But looking back now, I really have no idea why the hold it in such high regard.
Burnes’ Turns: Yes
Top 500 Consideration: No

385. “Fake Plastic Trees” – Radiohead
I’m actually offended that this song is appearing at this point in the list, not because it doesn’t deserve to be in there, but because it is so criminally low. There is no doubt that this is one of the greatest songs ever recorded. The lyricism, the gentle acoustic undercurrent, and Thom Yorke’s instantly recognizable voice all come together to make this classic song no less than perfect. It’s possible that I may put this one in as the absolute greatest song of all time. It’s that good. If nothing else, it’s sure as hell better than that Chuck Berry swill we’re about to hear.
Burnes’ Turns: Yes
Top 500 Consideration: Yes

384. “Another Brick in the Wall Pt. 2” – Pink Floyd
Another classic. The anti-authority sentiments are great, but they’d be nothing without David Gilmour and Roger Water’s groovy mix. Throw Gilmour’s soaring solo into the equation and you get a timeless track that manages to still sound fresh after hundreds of listens.
Burnes’ Turns; Yes
Top 500 Consideration: Yes

383. “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” – Chuck Berry
Look, I respect Chuck Berry and his contribution to the formation of Rock n’ Roll. I can understand why people loved him in the ’50s, and he’s a certified badass for still putting on shows in this day and age. Unfortunately, his music has not aged near as well as he has. There’s nothing wrong with it, but to call this or any of his songs some of the greatest ever after music has progressed so far beyond is nonsensical.
Burnes’ Turns: No
Top 500 Consideration: No

382. “Wonderful World” – Sam Cooke
This is a very simple song that sounds pretty much identical to every other one by Sam Cooke. It may have been a hit in 1960, but it doesn’t quite translate today.
Burnes’ Turns: No
Top 500 Consideration: No

381. “Marquee Moon” – Television
Very cool song. At 10 minutes it probably runs a bit too long for the tastes of many, but things never get dull as listeners are taken on a swirling guitar ride with many interesting turns and unique surprises.
Burnes’ Turns: Yes
Top 500 Consideration: Long Shot