 Saving the Best for Last: 25 Great Closing TracksBy
Douglas Newman Share:
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Although less and less relevant in the age of MP3s, an album’s sequencing used to be a vital part of the creative process. Important for pacing, creating a mood, and establishing a cohesive artistic statement, the order of the tracks was often mulled over as closely as the recording itself. Opening numbers have been given quite a bit of attention, especially with the now famous scene in High Fidelity where the employees of the ficticious Championship Vinyl record store debate their favorite Side 1’s, Track 1’s. We even did a similar list based on this scene here at JamsBio. The last songs of an album, however, haven’t been as widely discussed, so the editors at JamsBio have come up with some of the best final album cuts, listed chronologically. Let us know what some of your favorite closing songs are.
“Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands” from Blonde on Blonde
Bob Dylan (1966) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. A toss-up between this 11 minute opus and the equally compelling (and equally long), “Desolation Row.” Both are Dylan masterpieces, but I went with “Sad Eyed Lady” because I’m feeling romantic today and you can’t beat the power of this love song, written for his wife Sara Lownds. Closing out Blonde on Blonde, one of the greatest albums ever pressed to wax, “Sad Eyed Lady of Lowlands” is a defining moment in Dylan’s storied career.
“A Day in the Life” from Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
The Beatles (1967) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The Fab 4 closed the book on Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, one of rock’s most beloved albums, with this Lennon/McCartney song that’s really more like two separate pieces melded together. The majority of “A Day in the Life” was penned by Lennon with the middle eight by Paul McCartney and the parts connected by semi-improvised orchestral crescendo.
“Sister Ray” from White Light/White Heat
The Velvet Underground (1968) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The last song on the Velvet Underground’s most avant-garde album, White Light/White Heat, “Sister Ray” is a 17-minute burner recorded in one take and featuring highly improvised interplay between Lou Reed (vocals/guitar), John Cale (organ run through distortion pedals), Maureen Tucker (drums) and Sterling Morrison (guitar). This album, and specifically this track, paved the way for countless indie/no-wave/noise bands including Sonic Youth, DNA, Yo La Tengo, and Spirtualized.
“I Shall Be Released” from Music From Big Pink
The Band (1968) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The Band’s official coming out party as its own group was the masterful Music From Big Pink, and it’s final track is Richard Manuel’s spine-tingling rendition of Dylan’s “I Shall Be Released.” With Rick Danko and Levon Helm harmonizing in the chorus, this is the definitive version and must have been a fail safe way of keeping fans eagerly anticipating The Band’s next move.
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” from Electric Ladyland
Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Featuring one of Hendrix’s finest guitar solos, “Voodoo Child” provided a fitting end to the mind blowing double LP, Electric Ladyland. The song is influenced by Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ Stone” and features some amazing wah-wah, including a killer opening riff.
“Cowgirl in the Sand” from Everybody Knows This is Nowhere
Neil Young & Crazy Horse (1969) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. The first album to feature the talents of Crazy Horse, Everybody Knows This is Nowhere is a lean guitar album that features Young and his new backing band firing on all cylinders. Comprised of seven songs, the record boasts three of Young’s iconic tracks: “Cinnamon Girl,” “Down By the River” and the 10 minute long closing workout, “Cowgirl in the Sand.”
“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” from Let It Bleed
The Rolling Stones (1969) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Let It Bleed was a watershed moment for the Stones, proving that 1968’s Beggars Banquet wasn’t a fluke and that the band was a force to be reckoned with. Kicking off with the ominous “Gimme Shelter” and concluding with the stirring, choir and string-laden “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” Let It Bleed sounded a death knell to the peace and love vibes of the 1960s.
“Jack the Stripper / Fairies Wear Boots” from Paranoid
Black Sabbath (1971) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. Paranoid has become the yardstick by which all heavy metal albums have been judged, and with good reason. Every song on this classic record is fierce, with the final song adding a touch of levity (albeit only with the lyrics) to the 37 minute aural assault that precedes it. Apparently the title comes from an incident when Geezer And Ozzy were smoking outside and witnessed fairies in the park, running around wearing boots.
“Wars of Armageddon” from Maggot Brain
Funkadelic (1971) Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser. With a heady mix of psychedelia, hard rock, gospel, funk, soul and everything in between, Maggot Brain stands as Funkadelic’s crowning achievement and one of the decades grooviest platters. The final song on the record is “Wars of Armageddon,” a full-on jam featuring freedom chants, airport-departure announcements, and a aural freakout that’s pure bliss. As with the rest of Maggot Brain, Eddie Hazel’s blistering guitar work propels the song into the stratosphere.
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COMMENTS (96)
Anthony Fantano said:
Classy list! Google The Oct8pus said:
I keep forgetting how awesome The Jam is…I highly recommend the song “Eaton Rifles” nice… Jay said:
TV On the Radio’s 2008 album already makes a top 25 of all time list? The rest of the list was GOLD and then you went and did THAT? c’monnnn. Jeff said:
I wonder why I don’t see “Knights of Cydonia” from Black Holes and Revelations by Muse. One of their strongest albums with a very solid line and finishing very strong with Knights. It really was a very recent album that shows that not all music is going the way of pop but still has the great strength to continue on the ways of the great Rock bands of the past. It seems the majority of great talent today is going more towards pop to make better mainstream success while remaining wary to experiment and try their own thing. Muse has proven with this album that there are still great bands out there willing to continue on that way and not just shoot straight for the one hit pop phenomenon that most aim for today. Koufax said:
Tomorrow Never Knows by The Beatles. h. said:
C’mon Radiohead’s ‘Videotape’ was better, as was the Beatle’s ‘Tomorrow Never Knows.’ Otherwise very fine list. Androo said:
“The Fairest of the Seasons” performed by Nico, anyone? Silas said:
How did you pick “Dark Side of the Moon” over “Echoes”? moonwalkmcfly said:
Needs more Waterloo Sunset. John said:
Train in Vain by the Clash on ‘London Calling’. And it’s not even on the track list of the album! Scott said:
What about Champagne Supernova from Oasis’ (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? Epic. Ted said:
Actually, the last lines of Street Spirit (Fade Out)are “Immerse your soul in love”. Tony said:
The closing track to any Hold Steady album deserves to be on a list like this. Particularly Killer Parties from Almost Killed Me and How a Resurrection Really Feels from Separation Sunday. Smith+Fritzy said:
While not technically the last song on the album, throughout my teen years and beyond, I had the Red Hot Chili Peppers song “Sir Psycho Sexy” stuck in my head. An epic song to end Blood Sugar Sex Magik… it pulled the entire album together for a giant close. I can’t think of a time since that an “album” felt more like an album. steved said:
the whos Quadrophenia (1973) ends with the amazing Love, Reign o’er Me mikey said:
Only in Dreams - Weezer Shelia Tequila said:
Lullaby by 76 off their album Objects in Space thats a great last song for my money. Mike said:
Damage Inc. from Master of Puppets, by Metallica (1986). A huge, glaring omission. Easily one of the best thrash songs to come out of the 80’s. The album itself is typically listed in the top 5, if not no. 1, of the top metal albums of all time. The album itself was also ranked 168 for the top 500 albums of all time by Rolling Stone. Youtube Video here: Jon said:
Incubus - Aqueous Transmission anyone? Chilled-out epic style. WhatAreTheRules? said:
What are the “rules” for music sites like this? Can bloggers go around and show off awesome music like this without getting in trouble with various publishers, RIAA etc. ? Can you just have full clips + link to them etc. without the man getting pissed? I’m seriously asking this question because I don’t know what the rules are anymore. Great list, by the way. I’d also to praise “Sir Psycho Sexy.” RHCP has some songs that were good at the time but, in hindsight, maybe that great but “Sir Psycho Sexy” is always amazing.. Alex said:
“Freedom” by Rage Against the Machine from their self-titled album. Jesse said:
Cassandra Gemini from the Mars Volta’s album Frances the Mute is seriously an amazing half-hour closer to one of the finest experimental albums this side of the 21st century! Considering the band makes an effort to make cohesive albums to be listened to all the way through, I think at least ONE album’s closer should make the list. foho said:
pixies? fight club? c’mon! Joe said:
I’d have to go with A Wolf at the Door (It Girl. Rag Doll.) for the Radiohead song. The Stones song is a great choice though. Also the Beatles. Wonderful really. And I know this is all opinion anyway, but come on Desolation Row totally beats out Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands, even in the most romantic of moods (granted it is my favorite song possibly of all time.) Marc said:
Wind Up from Aqualung by Jethro Tull. Fantastic song that wraps up a great album. http://tinyurl.com/362hyz Ace said:
It’s actually “Stripper” in the BlackSabbath song, not ripper. Andre said:
Isn’t ‘Unison’ the last track on Vespertine.. and not ‘Aurora’.. which appears in the middle somewhere? Andrew said:
Before I read the article, I made a quick mental list and I think you hit every one except “Train in Vain,” which was mentioned by a commenter above. I would have taken “Desolation Row”, but that’s a reasonable argument. One to add: “40″ closes both of U2’s 1983 albums - Under a Blood Red Sky and War. I prefer the live version, but either version marks the end of U2’s early phase and hints at what’s to come with Unforgettable Fire and Joshua Tree. [...] bio has a good list and group of songs for their 25 best closing tracks. I was immediately intrigued when it began with Dylan’s “Sad Eyed Lady of the [...] dubplate said:
Great list, though one thing I will comment on is the stone roses album, the original uk release has ‘I am the resurrection’ as the last track which is far more fitting than ‘ fools gold ‘ which wasn’t even made for this album it was a remix added for the us release…….It’s still one of my top 5 fave albums. Andrew said:
Commenters are choosing “Tomorrow Never Knows” over “A Day in the Life”? Please be serious. “Tomorrow Never Knows” was unique and innovative, but “A Day in the Life” is in the argument as one of the greatest pieces of rock music ever recorded. It has to be here and should be unquestionably #1 on this list. George said:
Good list. I’d also add “The End” from Abbey Road (with “Her Majesty” sneaking in afterwards). mikey said:
where is closing time by semisonic? it’s the last song of all my awesome keggers. Glenn said:
you could have picked a Doors track. Final tracks include “The End”, “Maggie M’Gill”, “When the Music’s Over”, “The Soft Parade”, and “Riders on the Storm” Nick Tayor said:
Dream Brother - Faith by Jeff Buckley. The End - The Doors by… errr… The Doors. When the Levee Breaks - Led Zepplin 4 and so on. Ron Nichols said:
Never has a bonus track sounded more tacked onto a record than Fools Gold on the US version of the 1st Stone Roses album. If they really wanted it on there, they sound have put it in the middle between sides A & B, not following another 10 minute song, I Am the Resurrection, which should totally be on this list. Glenn C. said:
As a Radiohead diehard for many years, I much prefer “The Tourist” to “Street Spirit”. Lyrical, In fact, I think it is their finest work. One of Jonny Greenwood’s best guitar solos. Thom Yorke’s vocals at it’s finest and Phil Selway’s final high treble cymbal tops off a earth shattering song cycle. Glenn C. said:
As a Radiohead diehard for many years, I much prefer “The Tourist” to “Street Spirit”. Lyrically and sonically mind opening. One of Jonny Greenwood’s best guitar solos. Thom Yorke’s vocals at it’s finest and Phil Selway’s final high treble cymbal tops off a earth shattering song cycle. Steve Mullett said:
I don’t mean to embarrass you, but I just thought I’d point out that “penultimate” does not mean “best” or “definitive,” as you seem to be using it; it means “next to last.” So if you were trying to say exactly one band did a version of “I Shall Be Released” after The Band did it, then you were using that word correctly. Also, the last song on “Paranoid” is not “Jack the RIPPER/Fairies Wear Boots,” but “Jack the STRIPPER/Fairies Wear Boots.” It’s not about a murderer, but someone who takes his clothes off, apparently. Again, don’t mean to nitpick, but it’s what I do. Yabanjin said:
Not to mention that “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” is one of the greatest closing tracks from a film (Wall Street.) That must knock it up a few notches. Patrick said:
What about Take the Veil Cerpin Taxt (De-Loused in the Comatorium) or Cassandra Gemini (Frances the Mute)from The Mars Volta? Two of the most epic last songs ever, imo Frank said:
Amen Jeff, I have to agree with you that Knights of Cydonia is an excellent end to a great album, and while they experiment with different sorts of sound throughout the album, they come back and rock out on the final track. For those who haven’t already experienced it, Muse’s work is well worth checking out, and Black Holes and Revelations is a great place to start. dwight moody said:
“Gone for Good” Morphine’s Yes. Saddest darn song you’ll ever hear. Morphine tended to end their albums with a strong track; Cure for Pain ended with the haunting instrumental “Miles Davis’ Funeral.” and “The Night” ended with “Take me With You.” Kit said:
Disintegration - The Cure (title tracks for The Top and Pornography are also great closers) mcchabby said:
No Untitled 8 from Sigur Ros’ () ??? RHMF said:
Nice add on Kit…more good ones steve said:
only in dreams - weezer vogue models said:
takes me back to the good old times… .. said:
I think despite mine and everyone else’s gripes with the list it is a very solid list, especially on the internet where nothing is ever good enough for anyone this list stands out in my mind. Kudos! chris said:
god of wine off third eye blinds self titled has always been one of my personal favorite last songs. Scrum said:
Jungleland from Born to Run - ya know ya love the Big Man’s solo! Mike said:
Howsabout ‘Hurt’ from Nine Inch Nails’ - The Downward Spiral. Perfect end song to quite a conceptual and introspective album. It’s always an amazing end to the concerts also. Twas Johnny Cash worthy too =P matt said:
how could you forget the ‘ben wah balls’ track off blink-182’s first album??? TV Guide said:
Voodoo Child - double-plus-awesome! Great list, good lineup. me said:
i would have put Hurt by Nine Inch Nails on that list from downward spiral tom said:
Surf’s Up, Beach Boys Sam said:
Mew - Comforting Sounds from the album Frengers… (and i am not a fan of the band, but that particular song is amazing) Spanky said:
Great list but I dare anyone to listen to Rock N’ Roll Suicide as the closing track to The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars and tell me it doesn’t belong here. They lyrics and mood are haunting. Julie Paradise is a powerful closer by the Screaming Trees on their Sweet Oblivion. Disintegration by the Cure (mentioned above) is list worthy. The VU track listed above is incorrect. The greatest album closer of all time from any band, ever is… Oh! Sweet Nuthin’ by the Velvet Underground on their last album, Loaded. Douglas Newman said:
Hey Spanky, I wrote the article and I wanted to let you know that I was so close to including Bowie’s “Rock and Roll Suicide.” It was a difficult task narrowing it down to only 25. But I have to disagree about “Oh! Sweet Nuthin’.” A great song but not as mind-blowing as “Sister Ray.” Bill V said:
Don’t feel bad for adding the TV on the Radio. It’s nice to see a newer release on the list. tankboy said:
You left out The Velvet Underground’s “After Hours” and chose “Sister Ray” instead? Hm. I get that you like the sprawling noise and avant-punk of “Sister Ray” but, I don’t really think it qualifies as a closing track. It’s more an album side, while “After Hours” works better as a closing song to seal the mood of an album as a whole. Jeff said:
Who are these people? TigerMendoza said:
Don’t normally comment on these lists but some really good selections there especially page 3! Lloyd said:
What about Gold Dust Woman from Rumours? That is one sick song. David G. said:
Sorry, you absolutely, positively cannot forget Rocket Queen from G’nR’s Appetite For Destruction. That song blows most of that indy tripe out of the water. It’s an amazing ending to a great effin album, and the last 2 minutes are what rock n’ roll is all about. other omissions: Springsteen: Take your pick from any of these “Jungleland” off Born to Run, “Darkness on the Edge of Town” of Darkness album or “Reason to Believe” off of Nebraska. Another good one: Broken Chairs off of Built to Spill’s Keep it Like a Secret. David G. said:
just thought of another one: The Ocean off of Led Zep’s Houses of the Holy. Great album and a fantastic closer. Hilaire said:
Tori Amos - Pandora’s Aquarium Deyzmach said:
Jon, i agree with Aqueous Transmission its so chilled. [...] of a lost art, which is precisely what inspired the fine folks over at music social community site JamsBio to put together a list of the 25 best closing tracks in (mostly rock) music history. Overall, [...] EightE1 said:
“Thorn Tree in the Garden” by Derek and the Dominoes, from Layla. Two LPs worth of soul-melting blues ends with the saddest little acoustic piece. It’s exquisite. Rob mitch said:
i’m very surprised to see “the diamond sea” off washing machine by sonic youth not on here. it’s a much better song than most of this list but the fact that tv on the radio got put on the list instead just adds insult to injury. other than that tho this is isn’t a bad list Dave said:
umm hello!???? Dyers Eve from And Justice For all - Metallica Doug said:
Great list, but… FIND THE RIVER R.E.M. Doug said:
sorry, man on the moon, you know what I mean. Kevin said:
live’s white, discussion from throwing copper (great concert ender as well) [...] List Time: 25 Great Closing Tracks [...] [...] has 25 of ‘em. It’s a compelling list and they have done a fantastic job with it. Click here to be whisked away to the article. Posted by Musical Stew Daily Filed in ARTICLE Tagged: Best [...] exitingthesystem said:
The structure of an album can be what defines a great album from a truly great album. A well rounded album always ends with a conclusive track that leaves you wholly satisfied at the least. In someways more important than the opener, if it ends with a almighty climax chances are you are going to play it again soon. Great post. Corb said:
Where the FUCK is Free Bird????? Old_Davy said:
The Stone Roses’ “Fools Gold” was an interesting pick, but I’d nominate “Smog Moon” from Matthew Sweet’s brilliant album 100% Fun. Ken said:
The Arcade Fire - In the Backseat Bryan said:
Great list! But i think it requires “Slim Slow Slider” Van Morrison… and btw “Two Headed Boy Pt. 2″ Is the only song, movie, story, book, etc. that I’ve cried during… It was like the fifth listen through and I had said right before how I thought how it was one of the weaker songs.. then bam! A tear rolled on down lmao [...] And In the End: 25 Great Last Songs On An Album Although less and less relevant in the age of MP3s, an album’s sequencing used to be a vital part of the creative process. Important for pacing, creating a mood, and establishing a cohesive artistic statement, the order of the tracks was often mulled over as closely as the recording itself. Opening numbers have been given quite a bit of attention, especially with the now famous scene in High Fidelity where the employees of the ficticious Championship Vinyl record store debate their favorite Side 1’s, Track 1’s. [...] Derek Williams said:
Whoever chose these songs was on glue, acid, or some other trippy substance. Wake the fuck up. Google The Oct8pus said:
“Would?” - Alice in Chains - Dirt b. said:
The Show Must Go On - Queen, Innuendo, 1991 Come On said:
I hate to break it to you, but it’s Voodoo ChilE not Voodoo ChilD… TallMidget said:
What about Bloc Party the Silent Alarm album with “Compliments”? And yeah I totally agree with h. about Radiohead’s “Videotape” freakin brilliant! Paul said:
No “Greatest” list should include anything made within last five years. Time needs to pass to settle emotions and to let the music find its place in the canon. I have seen lists from the 90’s with Oasis albums in the top 10 of all time, yet now they are no longer there. This is an amazing list, but the albums from the 2000’s should be left off until they have proven their worth… Mark said:
Where is “Jungleland”? Rob said:
The first half of the list was pretty solid and then went downhill fast. To reiterate: Andy said:
lol at the Muse suggestion. Listen, I hate to tell you this, but if you listen to Muse and think they are a really good band, you know nothing about music. Muse is trash anyway you look at it, a jokingly pretentious and uninventive band (prog + yorke wailing). Get out there and expand your musical horizons and you will soon realize how terrible Muse really is. Bud said:
I like the list (especially Let it Bleed) and the suggestion of “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” Solid Vodka said:
For my money, you can’t talk about album closers without including “You Set the Scene,” the gorgeous, timeless last track on Love’s Forever Changes, one of the best albums of all time. And the version on the Forever Changes Concert CD is nearly as good as the original studio classic. The great Arthur Lee lives on! Aidan said:
Let me just say that you guys dropped the ball by not including marvin Gaye`s Inner City Blues from his epic album What`s Going On.From an album that expresses his fears and concerns for a country mixed up in racial riots and a doomed war in Vietnam, the song with it`s moody and dark undertones is like a plea for the sane to take back control of the asylum.Oh yeah, and it`s a pretty cool tune as well. Aadu K said:
Nothing in return (walk away) from Over the Under by Down. But also the closing songs from Down’s previous albums - Bury me in smoke from NOLA and Landing on the Mountains of Meggido from II: A bustle in your hedgerow - are easily best of their kind. |
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