A coral room (Kate Bush)

About the artist: Kate Bush (1958) is a British singer/songwriter, who in 1978 topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks with her debut single Wuthering heights. Many hits (singles and albums) followed. She is generally seen as one of the greatest influences on a generation of female pop/rock artists who came after her. Kate Bush currently has seven songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time (and one as a part of a duo).

About the song: A coral room is a track from her 2005 double album Aerial. It is a beautiful solo piano accompanied ballad of the type that she should have a patent on, a very personal sharing of her feelings upon the death of her mother. Run time 6:12.

A gentleman's excuse me (Fish)

About the artist: Fish, the stage name of British singer Derek Dick (1958), first became knows as the lead singer of neo prog band Marillion. He left the band in 1988 to embark on a solo career. Fish currently has two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: A gentleman's excuse me is one of the tracks of Fish' first solo album Vigil in a wilderness of mirrors, released in 1990. In this soft ballad Fish combines a touchy melody with sophisticated lyrics about a couple where the down-to-earth man is tired of the romantic woman's fantasies - for a while I thought that the lyrics could have a double meaning and hint at suicide ("Can't you get it inside your head, I'm tired of dancing"), but I have not been able to find anything on internet to support that. The piano play and orchestration are exquisite. Run time 4:15.

A routine day (Klaatu)

About the band: Klaatu were a Canadian rock group formed in 1973 - and for a while rumoured to be the Beatles reunited. After five studio albums, the group fell apart in 1982, except for an occasional reunion afterwards. Klaatu currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: A routine day is a track from the 1978 album Sir Army Suit. It can be seen as an homage to sixties' pop music, but the lyrics are biting in their directness. Never has a dreary unexciting life been described so sharply in pop music: "the life I live would even make a dead man yawn...". Great animated video to boot. Run time 3:09.

Adia (Sarah McLachlan)

About the artist: Sarah McLachlan (1968) is a Canadian singer-songwriter known for her emotional ballads and mezzo-soprano vocal range. As of 2015 she had sold over 40 million albums worldwide. Sarah McLachlan currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: this track from the great 1997 album Surfacing was the first big international hit for her, helped of course by her fame as the organizer of the hugely successful Lilith Fair concert tour at the time. The song, a US top ten hit, is a great ballad about a former partner who is now living in misery, beautifully sung and with simple but effective instrumentation. The chorus lines "We are born - innocent" are among the most haunting ever penned. It is one of those songs that I find more and more impressive with every new time I hear it. Run time 4:05.

Afscheid (Robert Long)

About the singer: Robert Long (1943-2006) was a Dutch singer and television presenter. He was the lead singer of the Dutch band Unit Gloria before embarking upon a successful solo career in the seventies. Several of his albums, typically comprising a mixture of cabaret and ballet, topped the Dutch charts. Robert Long currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Afscheid (Farewell) is a track from his 1974 debut solo-album of Dutch songs, Vroeger of later (English translation: Sooner or later). It is a relatively simple song, with Long's voice accompanied only by piano, but the text is of literary quality - it could have been a poem. Two lovers find that they have drifted apart, and that it is necessary to say goodbye. The total effect is incredibly moving. Run time 5:35.

After the goldrush (k.d. lang)

About the artist: Kathryn Dawn Lang (1961), known by her stylized stage name k.d. lang, is a Canadian pop and country singer/songwriter. To date she has recorded ten studio albums. k.d. lang currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: After the goldrush is a cover of the famous Neil Young song. It comes from the 2004 album Hymns of the 49th Parallel, a collection of  covers of songs by Canadian artists, also including Leonard Cohen and Joni Mitchell). I've always like this Neil Young song, but not particularly in his version. Her take it on it completely blows the original out of the water. Running time 4:00.

Amber waves (Tori Amos)

About the artist: Tori Amos (1963) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, and one of the most successful women in her genre. To date she has released 15 studio albums, many of which have received high praise. Tori Amos currently has eight songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Amber waves is the first track of her phenomenal 2002 album Scarlets walk, a concept album of an imaginary travel through America after the disaster of September 11th. It is a great song about a porn star who accompanies Scarlet (Tori) on the first part of a voyage through the USA. Tori characterises Amber perfectly in one simple line "from ballet class to a lap dance straight to video". The melody is haunting, with many submelodies, and especially fine in the "tell the Northern lights to keep shining" segment. Run time 3:39.

America (Simon and Garfunkel)

About the duo: Simon and Garfunkel were responsible for me getting interested in music around 1970. They were active from 1964 until 1970, with occasional reunions since then. Both embarked on solo careers, with Paul Simon's being particularly successful. They are among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 100 million records. My favourite act from the sixties. Simon and Garfunkel currently have five songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: America is a track from the 1968 Bookends album. It was released as a single in 1972. The lyrics vividly describe an imaginary trip through the USA of Paul and his girlfriend Kathy. We get both the personal viewpoints ("laughing on the bus, playing games with the faces", "Kathy, I'm lost, I said, though I knew she was sleeping - I'm empty and aching and I don't know why"), and the more general soul-searching of a nation for which this trip is symbolic ("Counting the cars on the New Jersey turnpike, they've all gone to look for America"). The melody is simple but memorable and the instrumentation, though more heavy than in most of their songs from that vintage period, is quite effective. Run time 3:32.

American Pie (Don McLean)

About the artist: Don McLean (1945) is an American singer-songwriter who had a world-wide success with his album American Pie. Don McLean currently has two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the title track of his hugely successful 1971 album. This impressive dirge about the day the music died clearly refers to the death of Buddy Holly in 1959, although the plane he died in was not called American Pie, contrary to popular belief. Some references in the lyrics are clear comments on developments (musical and political) in the sixties, including Dylan as The Jester, and Janis Joplin as 'the girl who sang the blues'. Some are rather obscure though, to say the least. McLean himself has always refused to clarify them in spite of several requests, and as a result numerous theories on interpretation have emerged.... they even made the columns of the famous Straight Dope by Cecil. That lyrical ambiguity remains one of the charms of this song. Run time 8:32.

American tune (Paul Simon)

About the artist: Paul Simon (1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose musical career has spanned over six decades. After initial successes in the sixties as the duo Simon and Garfunkel, his solo career took off in the early seventies. He is generally regarded as one of pop/rock's most important artists. Paul Simon currently has four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the most beautiful track from the 1973 album There goes rhymin' Simon is based on the melody of an old Lutheran hymn - the same used by Bach for the most poignant scenes of the St. Matthews Passion. The lyrics are among the most depressing he has penned, inspired by Simon's shock and disappointment with Richard Nixon's landslide presidential re-election in 1972, but the listener gets none of that directly in the text of the song. Instead, it poetically unveils the misgivings of an everyday urban labourer, fearful that the 'American dream' has eluded him forever. "Don't know a dream that's not been shattered or driven to its knees - I wonder what went wrong, I can't help it, I wonder what went wrong." Run time 3:44.

An island in the darkness (Strictly Inc./Tony Banks)

About the band/artist: a bit of a conundrum here, as the song is sometimes ascribed to the band Strictly Inc., and sometimes to Tony Banks. Strictly Inc. was a short lived 'band' formed by Tony Banks with Wang Chung lead vocalist Jack Hues. Tony Banks (1950) is a Brittish musician, songwriter and film composer, primarily known as the keyboardist and founding member of the rock band Genesis. Banks is also a prolific solo artist, releasing six solo albums that range through progressive rock, pop, and especially classical music. Strictly Inc/Tony Banks currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: in 1995, almost 20 years after the last progressive masterpiece by Genesis (One for the vine from the Wind and wuthering album), Tony Banks came up with this 17 minutes gem on the otherwise rather mediocre self-titled Strictly Inc. album. The singer is more than adequate, but the real strength of the song is the plethora of gorgeous instrumental passages, not only the pianowork from Banks himself, but also the guitar play of Daryl Stuermer. In many ways, this anachronistic and nostalgic epic reminds me of one of the best Genesis songs, Firth of Fifth. Run time 17:20.

Andorra (Colin Blunstone)

About the artist: Colin Blunstone (1945) is a British singer-songwriter, who started his career in the band The Zombies, and after their breakup embarked on a long and successful solo career. He was also guest vocalist on several outstanding tracks by the Alan Parsons Project. He is the only artist to appear in my list in three different acts. As solo artist, Colin Blunstone currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Andorra is a track from what is probably his best solo effort, the 1972 album Ennismore. It is an understated ballad, describing a journey, which has its beginning in Andorra, goes on in Barcelona and ends in the southern Spanish city of Grenade. The instrumentation is appropriate for the theme, featuring Spanish guitars and gypsy castanets. Run time 3:18.

Anesthetize (Porcupine Tree)

About the band: Porcupine Tree were a British progressive rock band formed by musician Steven Wilson in 1987. Originally their sound was more like psychedelic rock, but after 2000, it turned more to heavy prog. After ten well received and highly influential studio albums, the band split up in 2010, allowing frontman Steven Wilson to develop his solo career. Both the band and Steven Wilson solo are among my all-time favourites. Porcupine Tree currently have four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Anesthetize is a song from the 2007 album Fear of a blank planet, one of my five favourite albums of all time. Nicknamed "The Beast" during their inaugural tour for the new album, this is the first Porcupine Tree song exceeding the 15 minutes mark since The sky moves sideways of 1995. A devastating picture of a boy who is completely depressed, with impressive lyrics that really need to be read in full. Musically, there are a number of different segments, but they are very well held together in the best prog rock tradition, and with striking melody lines (especially the Only apathy... refrain). There is the short flirt with metal that we have come to expect but overall there is a mixed feeling of resignation and urgency that is very difficult to describe. Run time 17:42.

Angie (Rolling Stones)

About the band: The Rolling Stones are a British rock band formed in London in 1962, and still going strong with four of the original members. Touted  "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World", they have released 26 studio albums and still draw sell-out crowds at their concerts. The Rolling Stones currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: in general I do not particularly like the Stones, but the exception is this song from the 1973 album Goats Head Soup. Angie was released as a single when I was 16, just at the time that I really started to get interested in pop and rock music. Nothing in their repertoire comes close to this world-wide number one hit, a heartfelt mournful ballad about a doomed love. The inspiration for the lyrics have speculatively been attributed to varied sources: Keith Richards' long time love, Anita Pallenberg; David Bowie's ex-wife, Angela Bowie; and even David Bowie himself, who Angela claimed to have once found in bed with Jagger (it was in fact Keith Richards' daughter Angela who inspired the name choice). "Everywhere I look, I see your eyes...." Run time 4:52.

Anne (Kayak)

About the band: Kayak is a Dutch progressive rock band formed in 1972, and still going strong after a time-out from 1982 until 1999. Their singles and albums sold well in the Netherlands, but they made little impact internationally. A pity, because they are my favourite Dutch band. Kayak currently have seven songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Anne is a track from the 1980 album Periscope life, and became a minor hit in the Netherlands. This enchanting ballad tells the story of Anna Boleyn, one of the doomed wives of Henry VIII, presented as a minstrel's tale with a multi-part choral introduction and gentle flourishes of recorder. Run time 4:20.

Ashes to ashes (David Bowie)

About the artist: David Bowie (1947 - 2016) was a British singer-songwriter, whose career stretched over six decades. He is generally recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, affecting subjects as diverse as fashion and classical music. He released dozens of studio albums, many of which were bestsellers. David Bowie currently has three songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time (and one as a part of a cooperation).

About the song: David Bowie was one of the most original artists in the first half of the seventies, but to my taste he petered out a bit in the second half of the decennium (I know many will disagree with this statement). He returned once more to his original greatness in 1980 with the album Scary monsters (and super creeps), and especially with the haunting song Ashes to ashes, a remarkably sharp critique on his first major hit Space Oddity, to which he refers in the lyrics with "Ashes to ashes, funk to funky, we know Major Tom's a junkie". The music is fabulous, and for many this is the best song he ever wrote. Run time 4:24.

At seventeen (Janis Ian)

About the artist: Janis Ian (1951) is an American singer-songwriter who was most commercially successful in the 1960s and 1970s. She released 22 studio albums, but was never able to repeat her early successes. Janis Ian currently has three songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: At seventeen is a delicate ballad from the highly successful 1975 album Between the Lines. Not only did the LP achieve platinum status, but the single At seventeen reached the USA top three and won a Grammy. Against a charming melody, she unfolds the feelings of a 17 year old ugly girl in astonishing detail. A sample from the lyrics: "To those of us who knew the pain of valentines that never came, and those whose names were never called when choosing sides for basketball", "Dreams were all they gave away for free to ugly duckling girls like me" or "And those of us with ravaged faces, lacking in the social graces, desperately remained at home, inventing lovers on the phone...". These are but a few of the many lines that strike a chord like hardly any other song. Run time 4:42.

Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)

About the artist: Gerry Rafferty (1947 - 2011) was a British rock singer-songwriter, who first was known as the lead singer of the band Stealers Wheel, and then in the mid seventies embarked on a solo career that yielded one huge hit. Gerry Rafferty currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Baker street is a beautiful song from the 1978 album City to city, and became a top 3 hit in the UK and the USA. It helped the album reach platinum status. The lyrics are somewhat depressing, dealing with the evil of drink, the inevitability of night-life loneliness, and the difficulty of getting back on your feet and starting anew. However, this is set off against the phenomenal instrumentation, crowned by the unforgettable saxophone solo by Raphael Ravenscroft, which has been rightfully hailed as rocks greatest sax break in the Guinness Rockopedia. Run time 6:28.

Bat out of hell (Meat Loaf)

About the artist: Meat Loaf (1947 - 2022) was an American singer and actor. He is noted for his powerful, wide-ranging voice and for his theatrical live shows. After the commercial success of his first two albums, he experienced some difficulty establishing a steady career. Nevertheless, he is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with worldwide sales of more than 80 million records. Meat Loaf currently has two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Meat Loafs stunning debut album Bat out of hell has been described quite aptly as a fascinating cocktail of Springsteen, Spector and Wagner. The title track is not as famous as the three hit singles (Paradise by the dashboardlight, Two out of three ain't bad and You took the words right out of my mouth), but in my opinion it is the best track on a CD that I consider one of the ten best CDs of all time. Almost 10 minutes of raw power with the piano solos and guest star Rundgren's motorbike-guitar as fascinating instrumental highlights, ending in the death of the singer ("and the last thing I see is my heart still beating, breaking out of my body and flying away.... like a bat out of hell!"). Run time 9:51.

Bedshaped (Keane)

About the band: Keane are a British rock band formed in 1995. They achieved mainstream, international success with the release of their 2004 debut album, Hopes and Fears. I consider this one of the best debut albums ever, and unfortunately the quality if their work has gone down gradually since then - even so, they made many worthwhile songs. Keane currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: their 2004 debut album Hopes and fears is a beautiful collection of melodic songs, but even so, one track stands out for me: Bedshaped. Musically, a little more complex than most of their songs, and an amazing accomplishment for a new band. Especially the start of the instrumental section, where for a few seconds an Enya like atmosphere is created, which quickly gives away to powerful synthesizer magic. The lyrics are, well, interesting. Somehow I don't think that my wife would regard a line like "bedshaped with legs of stone" as a compliment..... Run time 4:37.

Belfast child (Simple Minds)

About the band: Simple Minds are a British rock band formed in 1977. They have released a string of hit singles, becoming best known internationally for their 1985 hit Don't You (Forget About Me), from the soundtrack of the film The Breakfast Club. So far they have released 19 studio albums. Simple Minds currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Belfast child is an impressive rock ballad from the 1989 album Street fighting years. Based on the old Irish folksong She moved through the fair, recorded for instance by Loreena McKennit, this is one of a number of classics inspired by the tragic situation in Northern Ireland ("and the war is raging in this Emerald isle"). It does end on a more hopeful note though ("The streets are empty, life goes on - One day we'll return here, when the Belfast Child sings again"). Run time 6:41.

Beyond the pale (Pain of Salvation)

About the band: Pain of Salvation is a Swedish eclectic progressive metal band, who have released ten studio albums. Personally, I find their albums a bit uneven, but there are some great songs to find there. Pain of Salvation currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Beyond the pale is the closing song of their 2002 album Remedy Lane and it is superior over anything they have done. The original start, a repetitive simple guitar riff, sets the scene for a song with bewildering changes of pace and mood, full of energy and breathtaking moments, and with an intimacy in the lyrics that I cannot do justice in a short summary. The song ends with one of the greatest lines ever: "We will always be so much more human than we wish to be". Run time 9:55.

Biko (Peter Gabriel)

About the artist: Peter Gabriel (1950) is a British singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and activist. He rose to fame as the original lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis. After leaving Genesis in 1975, he launched a very successful solo career, with so far 13 studio albums. Peter Gabriel currently has eight songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time (and one as a part of a duo).

About the song: Biko is a track from Peter Gabriels third solo album, nicknamed 'Melt' (1980). It is a moving tribute to activist Steven Biko who died in a South African jail in 1977. Set against the background of a very South African sound (both voices and drum rhythm), the lyrics are sheer genius, including an immortal line like "You can blow out a candle, but you can't blow out a fire". The song has been a long-time live favourite and indeed features also on his tremendous Peter Gabriel Plays live double album of the early eighties. In contrast to some other tracks from that set however, I prefer the studio recording of Biko. It has that bit extra over the live version, especially in the moving final chorus of South African women. Run time 7:29.

Blinded by the light (Manfred Mann's Earth Band)

About the band: Manfred Mann's Earth Band is a British progressive rock band formed in 1971 by South African musician Manfred Mann, who had previously scored many hits in the sixties as leader of the band with his name. MMEB is still active today, and have released 15 studio albums. MMEB currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: this is a cover of the Bruce Springsteen song Blinded by the light, included in their 1976 album The roaring silence. They take the original and give it a totally new treatment, which has been likened to a master filmmaker visualizing a novel - surely one of the most impressive covers ever. A condensed version was released as a single and became a rather unlikely USA Billboard Hot 100 #1 hit. I prefer the extended album version, which has the merit of an inspired instrumental intermezzo. The ending of this song with its abrupt tempo change is particularly memorable. Run time 7:29.

Blood of Eden (Peter Gabriel)

About the artist: Peter Gabriel (1950) is a British singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and activist. He rose to fame as the original lead singer of the progressive rock band Genesis. After leaving Genesis in 1975, he launched a very successful solo career, with so far 13 studio albums. Peter Gabriel currently has eight songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time (and one as a part of a duo).

About the song: After his commercial breakthrough with the album So and the hit single Sledgehammer, Peter Gabriel typically did not cash in, but took six years to release his next regular studio album Us in 1992. The single Steam may be the best known track, but the highlight of the album is Blood of Eden, a bitter but beautiful song which deals with a broken relationship, undoubtedly inspired by his own divorce in that time. The lyrics are as usual great, with lines such as "I caught sight of my reflection, I caught it in the window, I saw the darkness in my heart, I saw the signs of my undoing" and the poignant Shakespearian "is that a dagger or a crucifix I see you hold so tightly in your hand?". Sinéad O'Connor provides additional vocals, and Peter Gabriel himself has stated that emotionally he feels very close to this song. Run time 6:37.

Breaking us in two (Joe Jackson)

About the artist: Joe Jackson (1954) is a British musician and singer-songwriter. He started as a New Wave artist, but gradually his style became more eclectic, and even classical. He released 21 studio albums, but Night and day was by far his most successful one. Joe Jackson currently has four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Breaking us in two is an awesome ballad from the 1982 album Night and day, which was his artistic and commercial breakthrough. What sets this song apart is the lyrics about a couple on the verge of breaking up. "Could we be much closer if we tried - we could stay at home and stare into each other's eyes - maybe we could last an hour, maybe then we'd see right through - always something breaking us in two....". One of the reactions that I had on my list many years ago is that this song is a rip-off of the Badfinger song Day after day. There are indeed considerable similarities in the melody lines of the songs. Not sufficient reason to change my mind about it though. Run time 4:52.

Broken bicycles/Junk (Anne Sofie von Otter and Elvis Costello)

About the duo: this was a once-off (one album) cooperation between Elvis Costello (1954), British  post-punk singer-songwriter, and Anne Sofie von Otter (1955), Swedish mezzo-soprano, famous for opera and art songs. This duo currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: at first sight, this 2001 album For the stars is a weird cooperation. Upon further reflection though, von Otter, although rightly famous for interpretations of songs by Berlioz and Mahler and the like, had shown in her CD of Kurt Weill songs that she can handle lighter material, whilst Costello had already ventured successfully into the classical cross-over genre in his cooperation with the Brodsky Quartet. Anyway, the result is fantastic, especially in the cunning amalgamation of Tom Waits's Broken bicycles and Paul McCartney's Junk - you would swear that this is one single song! Run time 4:06.

Brothers in arms (Dire Straits)

About the band: Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar)). They were active from 1977 to 1988 and again from 1991 to 1995. They are one of the world's best-selling music artists, with album sales of over 100 million (six studio albums, live albums and compilations). Dire Straits currently have five songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Dire Straits have been popular since their debut, but their big break-through came when they were chosen by Philips as the symbol of the new CD technology. The 1985 album Brothers in arms shot to twenty-three million-seller status. Artistically it was less consistent than the astonishing Love over gold that preceded it, but commercially it did far better. That was also caused by the videos accompanying the single releases, in particular the cartoon produced for the mega hit Money for nothing and the wistful video for the title song Brothers in arms, where the artists' pictures were skillfully transposed into sketch-type images. Leaving the video artistry aside, it should be noted that this song actually is a beautiful dark ballad, and a further highlight in their career. Run time 6:59.

By this river (Brian Eno)

About the artist: Brian Eno (1948) is a British musician, record producer, visual artist, and theorist best known for his pioneering work in ambient music and contributions to rock, pop and electronica. He started his musical career in 1971 as a member of the avant garde rock band Roxy Music, but went solo in 1973. His output has increased steadily to 20 studio albums. Brian Eno currently has two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: By this river is a track on my favourite Eno album, Before and after science from 1977. The entire second side of that album displays a serenity unlike anything in the pop music field, including this ballad, which sees Eno supported to great effect by German space music band Cluster in a composition that is pastoral, pensive and atmospheric. Run time 3:03.

Carpet crawlers (Genesis)

About the band: Genesis are a British rock band formed in 1967, whose output in the period 1970-1976 (the Gabriel and/or Hackett years) is among the very best of prog rock. After the departure of first Gabriel, and then Hackett, the remaining three members (Collins, Rutherford, Banks) opted for a more commercial rock sound that was highly successful for about 12 years. The band released 15 studio albums. One of my favourite bands for their prog years, even though I also appreciate some songs that came later. Genesis currently have nine songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Carpet crawlers (also known as Carpet crawl and The carpet crawlers - I went with the backside of my CD) is a track from the ambitious 1974 double album The lamb lies down on Broadway, Gabriel's swan song. Amidst a collection of wildly varying songs and instrumentals that tell the weird tale of Rael in the New York underground, we find one of the most beautiful ballads ever written. The original is far superior over the more recent re-recording that was included in the Turn it on again compilation CD. Run time 5:15.

Chance for a lifetime (Kayak)

About the band: Kayak is a Dutch progressive rock band formed in 1972, and still going strong after a time-out from 1982 until 1999. Their singles and albums sold well in the Netherlands, but they made little impact internationally. A pity, because they are my favourite Dutch band. Kayak currently have seven songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: a track from one of their best progressive albums, 1975's Royal Bed Bouncer. This song is the highlight of this great album with its tremendous drive. Unfortunately, the record company decided to cut out a marvelous instrumental interlude when they released this as a single, and that version appears on all compilations as well. Fortunately in 2006, I finally got hold of the album, and the better longer version is the one included in my list. Run time 4:14.

China (Tori Amos)

About the artist: Tori Amos (1963) is an American singer-songwriter and pianist, and one of the most successful women in her genre. To date she has released 15 studio albums, many of which have received high praise. Tori Amos currently has eight songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: in 1992, Tori Amos released the album Little Earthquakes, a shattering debut following the footsteps of Joni Mitchell, Carole King and especially Kate Bush. This is truly a landmark album, one of my top ten CD's of all time. One of the albums highlights is China, a tender song which deals with the difficulties of commitment in a starting relationship ("Sometimes I think you want me to touch you... how can I when you build a great wall around you - In your eyes I saw a future together, you just look away in the distance"). The melody is probably the best she has ever written and the instrumentation is fantastic, sensitive and melancholic. The piano almost seems to cry, whilst the strings ebb and flow rising to a crescendo during the chorus before returning to the background. Run time 5:00.

Cloudbusting (Kate Bush)

About the artist: Kate Bush (1958) is a British singer/songwriter, who in 1978 topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks with her debut single Wuthering heights. Many hits (singles and albums) followed. She is generally seen as one of the greatest influences on a generation of female pop/rock artists who came after her. Kate Bush currently has seven songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time (and one as a part of a duo).

About the song: Cloudbusting was the second single drawn from the amazing 1985 album Hounds of love. It will always be linked to the fantastic video clip featuring Donald Sutherland as her father and Kate in a short-haired wig as a little boy. Musically, it is a well-rounded masterpiece, with original instrumentation (cellos rhythmically dominating), a beautiful melody and great lyrics telling the tale of father and son from the child's perspective ("just saying it can even make it happen"). Kate was inspired by Peter Reich's A Book of Dreams which told of his relationship with his father Wilhelm. The video and song actually tell the true tale of Wilhelm eventually being arrested by the government and imprisoned for his ideas. He died behind bars. Run time 5:10.

Comfortably numb (Pink Floyd)

About the band: Pink Floyd were a British band formed in London in 1965. Their music changed from psychedelic rock to full-blown prog over the years. They are one of the most commercially successful and influential bands in popular music history, and are definitely in my top 3 bands. They have released 15 studio albums in varying line-ups, but consensus is that their best period is the seventies, in which they released a handful of stunning albums, including Dark side of the moon. Pink Floyd currently have four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the famous 1979 album The Wall may for me not be on the same high artistic level as many of their previous releases, but Comfortably numb is up there with the best of Pink Floyd. A true classic, both creepy and grand. It begins dramatically with the subdued lines "Hello, is there anybody in there - just nod if you can hear me." The dark verses open into the light of the chorus, wherein the point of view seems to shift from doctor to patient, recounting childhood episodes in an effort to figure out what has made him so 'numb', but in vain: "When I was a child I caught a fleeting glimpse out of the corner of my eye - I turned to look but it was gone, I cannot put my finger on it now - The child is grown, the dream is gone - I have become comfortably numb". At this point, the melancholy of the chorus gives way to one of rock's greatest guitar solos. And if you think that could not be improved, wait for the second solo at the end…. Run time 6:24.

Cup of coffee (Garbage)

About the band: Garbage is an American rock band formed in 1993 with Shirley Manson as lead singer. Garbage has released six studio albums and sold over 17 million albums worldwide. Garbage currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the 2001 album Beautiful Garbage received rather mixed responses. Some critics even accused the alternative rock band of selling out. Granted, it is a little more mainstream, but still a highly accomplished artistic effort. And it does sport the best song they have recorded. Cup of coffee describes the emotions after a love affair has ended in a very recognisable way without ever getting overly sentimental. Great lyrics, including lines such as "And no, of course, we can't be friends, not while I'm still so obsessed - I want to ask where I went wrong, but don't say anything at all". With a very original arrangement (including the eerie sounds of an ondes martinot), and Shirley Manson in vocal top form, this is so far one of the best songs of the 21st Century. Run time 4:31.

Dancing with the moonlit knight (Genesis)

About the band: Genesis are a British rock band formed in 1967, whose output in the period 1970-1976 (the Gabriel and/or Hackett years) is among the very best of prog rock. After the departure of first Gabriel, and then Hackett, the remaining three members (Collins, Rutherford, Banks) opted for a more commercial rock sound that was highly successful for about 12 years. The band released 15 studio albums. One of my favourite bands for their prog years, even though I also appreciate some songs that came later. Genesis currently have nine songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Dancing with the moonlit knight is the opening track of the superb 1973 Selling England by the pound album, one of the three best albums ever to my taste. Genesis hits the jackpot with this song, using intelligent texts full of wordplay (like "queen of May-be" and "Knights of the Green Shield stamp and shout" - Green Shield stamps having been used extensively in English shops), beautiful melodies and stunning vocal and instrumental performances. Of particular interest is the shift from ballad to energetic rock upon the invitation 'to join the dance', with appropriate changes in instrumentation. Run time 8:04.

Dead bird flies forever (Kayak)

About the band: Kayak is a Dutch progressive rock band formed in 1972, and still going strong after a time-out from 1982 until 1999. Their singles and albums sold well in the Netherlands, but they made little impact internationally. A pity, because they are my favourite Dutch band. Kayak currently have seven songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Dead bird flies forever is a track from the 1977 Starlight dancer album - well, at least in the original European release of that album. Although Kayak's sound is very much their own, it might be helpful for readers outside Holland to draw some comparisons: this time it is akin to early Pink Floyd more than anything else. It is a gorgeous song, and I still find it incomprehensible that it was cut from the album for the US release in favour of some older compositions. And the title itself is a candidate for one of the most original ever. Run time 4:18.

Desperado (Eagles)

About the band: The Eagles are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1971. They are one of the world's best-selling bands, having sold more than 200 million records, including 100 million albums sold in U.S alone. Their highest popularity was in the seventies, when they released six of their seven studio albums. The Eagles currently have four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the title track of their second album Desperado from 1973 is probably the most covered Eagles song of all time. In terms of subject it is a genuine cowboy song, fitting with their status as the leading country-rock group - in fact the album uses the old west cowboy as a metaphor for the rock star.It is a beautiful slow and deliberate ballad, with piano more dominant in the instrumentation than usual for this group. Run time 3:34.

Diamonds on the soles of her shoes (Paul Simon)

About the artist: Paul Simon (1941) is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose musical career has spanned over six decades. After initial successes in the sixties as the duo Simon and Garfunkel, his solo career took off in the early seventies. He is generally regarded as one of pop/rock's most important artists. Paul Simon currently has four songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: In 1986 Paul Simon collaborated with a number of black South African artists (who were still suffering from the Apartheid regime) and released the landmark Graceland album, a clear candidate for one of the ten best albums of all time. One of the best tracks on this album is Diamonds on the soles of her shoes, a co-operation with the South African folk pop group Ladysmith Black Mambozo. The sometimes bewildering rich girl/poor boy lyrics are among the best that Simon has written after his split from Garfunkel. Run time 5:58.

Do it again (Steely Dan)

About the band: Steely Dan is an American jazz fusion band founded in 1972 by core members Becker and Fagen. The band enjoyed critical and commercial success until breaking up in 1981. They reunited in 1993, and released in total nine studio albums. Steely Dan currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: I love many of Steely Dan's albums, but if we talk about individual songs, there is one that really sticks out: Do it again. This track from the 1972 debut album Can't buy a thrill shows Steely Dan at their strongest. Their high quality jazz influenced rock is combined on this US hit single with a strong text about a gambler who simply cannot give up. Donald Fagen has never sounded better than on this recording. Run time 5:56.

Don't give up (Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush)

About the duo: although these two giants had worked together before on the track Games without frontiers from Peter Gabriel's first solo album, this song from Gabriel's fifth album So, released in 1986, is a real duet with both taking an equal share of the spotlight. This was emphasized in the cover of the single version, in which they were billed as equals. For more information on these singers separately, see any of their many entries in my list.

About the song: when two of your favourite singers combine in a duet, you expect something special. Sometimes you are disappointed, sometimes the result exceeds expectations, like in this case. This beautiful ballad was released as a single and became an unlikely million seller. It has been covered many times, but no-one came even close to the magic of this combination. Run time 6:33.

Don't look back in anger (Oasis)

About the band: Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991 with Liam and Noel Gallagher as the main members. After seven studio albums, the band fell apart in 2009. Oasis have sold over 75 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. Oasis currently have one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the 1995 album (What's the story) Morning glory is a landmark of the nineties. On their second album, the ripping rockers of their successful debut album (Definitely maybe) are replaced by great rock ballads, which gave them hit after hit in the charts. Don't look back in anger is actually the fourth hit single from that album, issued after the runaway success of Wonderwall. Oasis had saved the best for last, they have never sounded better than in this Beatles sound-a-like ballad, with its soaring chorus - even the lyrics echo Lennon: "So I start the revolution from my bed". Run time 4:47.

Drive home (Steven Wilson)

About the artist: Steven Wilson (1967) is an English musician, singer, songwriter and record producer, most closely associated with the progressive rock genre. He became known as the founder, lead guitarist, lead vocalist and songwriter of the band Porcupine Tree, as well as being a member of several other bands, including Blackfield and No-Man. He released his first solo album in 2008, followed by four more over the years, mostly to great critical acclaim. Steven Wilson currently has five songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: as good as his first solo albums were, he outdid himself with the 2013 album The Raven That Refused to Sing (And Other Stories) - a beautiful but spooky homage to seventies' prog. Drive home is one of three songs on that album to make my list. Accompanied by a gorgeous video, this ghost story about a man who loses his partner in a car accident is an absolute beauty, with an amazing guitar solo by Guthrie Govan. Run time 7:37.

Easy livin' (Uriah Heep)

About the band: Uriah Heep are a British progressive hard rock band formed in London in 1969. Their lineup changed often, but they are still active. Over the course of their 51-year career, Uriah Heep have released a staggering twenty-four studio albums. Uriah Heep currently have two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the best known song from Uriah Heep is undoubtedly Easy livin', a track from the 1972 album Demons and Wizards. When this song was released as a single in Holland in 1973, I was hooked right away, and I still am. At just over two and a half minutes it is one of the shortest of the tracks that I selected for my list, but the power enclosed in this short duration is phenomenal. Great interaction of guitars, keyboards and David Byron's thrusting vocals. It remains the quintessential hard rock up-beat single of all time. Run time 2:37.

Entangled (Genesis)

About the band: Genesis are a British rock band formed in 1967, whose output in the period 1970-1976 (the Gabriel and/or Hackett years) is among the very best of prog rock. After the departure of first Gabriel, and then Hackett, the remaining three members (Collins, Rutherford, Banks) opted for a more commercial rock sound that was highly successful for about 12 years. The band released 15 studio albums. One of my favourite bands for their prog years, even though I also appreciate some songs that came later. Genesis currently have nine songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Entangled is a track from the 1976 album A trick of the tail, the first Genesis album after the departure of charismatic front man Peter Gabriel. With Phil Collins taking over the lead, the album consists of one prog masterpiece after the other. One of the highlights is this tender ballad written by Banks and Hackett, definitely one of the most touching songs in the Genesis catalogue. Beautiful, the way the songs ends in instrumental majesty in a dazzling combination of guitars, mellotrons and synthesizers. Run time 6:26.

Fake plastic trees (Radiohead)

About the band: Radiohead are a British rock band formed in 1985. Their unique experimental progressive rock albums released from 1995 onward (especially The Bends and OK Computer) were well received by critics and public. They have made nine studio albums so far. Radiohead currently have two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: although I rate OK Computer as their best album, both songs in my list come from the 1995 album The Bends. Fake plastic trees is a marvelous acoustic style ballad with poignant lyrics about the empty and fabricated modern life - plastic trees is not bad enough, by adding the fake in front of it they make a very clear statement. Run time 4:50.

Firth of Fifth (Genesis)

About the band: Genesis are a British rock band formed in 1967, whose output in the period 1970-1976 (the Gabriel and/or Hackett years) is among the very best of prog rock. After the departure of first Gabriel, and then Hackett, the remaining three members (Collins, Rutherford, Banks) opted for a more commercial rock sound that was highly successful for about 12 years. The band released 15 studio albums. One of my favourite bands for their prog years, even though I also appreciate some songs that came later. Genesis currently have nine songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Firth of Fifth is the best song on the brilliant 1973 album Selling England by the pound. It is cited by many as the best prog rock song of all time. This majestic song of the sea weaves a magic spell for almost ten minutes, alternating between Peter Gabriels magnificent vocals and Tony Banks' keyboard virtuosity, and with Steve Hackett pulling off an amazing guitar solo in the middle section. Run time 9:38.

Firth of Fifth (Steve Hackett)

About the artist: Steve Hackett (1950) is an English musician, songwriter, singer, and producer who gained prominence as the lead guitarist of the progressive rock band Genesis from 1971 to 1977. His solo career from that year onward yielded dozens of studio albums, but very few highlights. For me his best solo work is the albums in which he revisits Genesis songs with a range of guest vocalists. Steve Hackett currently has two songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: I am reluctant to include cover versions of songs where the original is already in the list, but this is one of the few exceptions. Hackett recorded new versions of several Genesis anthems with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on his 1996 album Watcher of the Skies - Genesis Revisited. It sounds like a recipe for disaster, but actually some of the remakes sound quite good, and his take on Firth of Fifth is brilliant. The first notes are already breathtaking, with a quiet glockenspiel (I think this is the instrument used - could also be a xylophone) setting the scene. The singing by prog rock veteran John Wetton (ex King Crimson, UK, Asia) is as good as it gets if Peter Gabriel is not around. The instrumental break brings the biggest and most intriguing changes. No flute solo, no piano solo, instead Steve comes in with a fantastic acoustic guitar solo – followed by a recreation of his original electric guitar solo. The original version is still even better, but this cover is so good that I decided I had to include it. Run time 9:39.

For Emily whenever I may find her - live (Simon and Garfunkel)

About the duo: Simon and Garfunkel were responsible for me getting interested in music around 1970. They were active from 1964 until 1970, with occasional reunions since then. Both embarked on solo careers, with Paul Simon's being particularly successful. They are among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 100 million records. My favourite act from the sixties. Simon and Garfunkel currently have five songs in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: the intriguingly titled For Emily (whenever I may find her) is the shortest track in my list at just over two minutes. This delicate little love song was originally released on the brilliant 1966 album Parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme, but has become better known in the live version which is systematically included in their Greatest Hits compilations. It shows off Art Garfunkels voice at his peak in lyrics that are among the most unusual and poetic that Paul Simon has ever written: "What I dream I had:, pressed in organdie, clothed in crinoline of smoky burgundy, softer than the rain. I wandered empty streets down past the shop displays. I heard cathedral bells tripping down the alley ways, as I walked on. " Run time 2:14.

Forbidden colours (David Sylvian)

About the artist: David Sylvian (1958) is a British singer-songwriter and musician ,who came to prominence in the late 1970s as frontman of the New Romantics band Japan. Following their breakup, he embarked on a solo career, which has been described by AllMusic as "far-ranging and esoteric," and has included collaborations with artists such as Ryuichi Sakamoto, Robert Fripp, Holger Czukay, and Fennesz. David Sylvian currently has one song in my list of about 200 best pop/rock songs of all time.

About the song: Forbidden colours has a complicated history. It was recorded for the 1983 movie Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, and was a hit single in several countries including the UK. A different version was recorded in 1984 and released as the B-side to  the single Red Guitar from his first solo album Brilliant trees. This version, which was later included as a bonus track on the 1987 album Secrets of the beehive, is the one I prefer. At least two more versions have been recorded in later years. The song itself is beautiful, with a Japanese inspired melody that is one of the most haunting ever written. The text with its Christian references ("The wounds on your hands never seem to heal, I thought all I needed was to believe - Here am I, a lifetime away from you, the blood of Christ, or the beat of my heart") is thought provoking and poetic. Run time 5:59.