Epic Popular Songs


The Epic Poem stands as the highest literary expression.

To compare lowly rock and pop songs beggars a response.

But so be it. Your nominees have to be at least 6 minutes in length, have a notable instrumental solo, and have lyrics parsing a freshmen college standard. No lists of tress, or multiple battles or dedications to Queens most Glorious. 

jpwarren58

61:

"Marquee Moon" is one of my favorite "Wave" albums.

I purchased it after seeing them here in 1978, and later on the Red album.

 

DeKay

"Papa Was A Rolling Stone" by The Temptations.

"Sex Machine" by Sly & the Family Stone

"Gilbert Street" by Sweet Thursday

"Marquee Moon" by Television

"Love Hangover" by Diana Ross

"Memphis Blues Again" by Bob Dylan

Traffic - Low Spark of High Heeled Boys

Boz Scaggs - Loan Me a Dime

Neil Young - Words

The Doors - The End

King Crimson - The Court of the Crimson King

Iron Butterfly  In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida

So no Stairway to Heaven?

Hotel California? Freebird? Layla?

The 6 minute requirement assumes extended quality, just as an Epic Poem assumes the same. 

"Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald" by Gordon Lightfoot. IMO, most of his songs are like epic poems. Great artist!

Not sure why you put the 6 min limitation of songs, unless it's to exclude almost all but every Bob Dylan song.  Having said that, IMHO there is one Pop/Rock song that stands above all other, even 50+ years on.  Sympathy For The Devil.  Even though the guitar solo is almost all one note, the energy and violence (?) is palpable.  

Do you actually think that I have any nominees?

I prefer "lowly" PowerPop.

I did like the orig River Deep Mountain High in honor of the forthcoming Spector on Showtime.