Big Star is a highly influential American rock band that emerged in the early 1970s. Despite their limited commercial success during their brief existence, the band’s music has continued to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans alike. Known for their signature blend of melodic rock, power pop, and poignant lyrics, Big Star has left an indelible mark on the rock music landscape.
In this article, we will explore the 10 best Big Star songs of all time, taking into account their musical and lyrical quality, influence, and overall impact on the band’s legacy. From iconic tracks like “September Gurls” and “The Ballad of El Goodo” to lesser-known gems like “Thank You Friends” and “Nightime,” each song on this list captures the essence of what made Big Star such a beloved and influential band.
So, without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into the best Big Star songs of all time, and explore why they continue to captivate and inspire fans decades after their release.
1. Thirteen
“Thirteen” is a classic power-pop ballad by the influential 70s band Big Star. The song, written by band members Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, is a bittersweet reflection on adolescence and the nostalgia for the innocence and simplicity of young love.
The song features a catchy melody and jangly guitars that perfectly capture the carefree and optimistic spirit of youth. The lyrics are simple yet poignant, evoking the universal experience of teenage romance and heartbreak.
As the song progresses, the lyrics reveal a sense of longing and wistfulness for a time that has passed. The chorus, with its refrain of “Won’t you let me walk you home from school?/Won’t you let me meet you at the pool?” is both innocent and yearning, capturing the bittersweet longing of youth.
“Thirteen” has become a classic of the power-pop genre, and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of its themes and the timeless quality of its melody.
2. September Gurls
“September Gurls” is a quintessential power-pop anthem by the iconic band Big Star. Written by the band’s frontman Alex Chilton, the song is a celebration of unrequited love and the beauty of the titular “September gurls”.
The song’s opening riff immediately grabs the listener’s attention, and sets the stage for a driving, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the sense of optimism and yearning that infuses the lyrics. Chilton’s vocals are simultaneously soulful and urgent, conveying a sense of longing that is both heartfelt and relatable.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the titular September gurls and the effect they have on the narrator. Lines like “Summer’s gone, but I’ll never leave you” and “December boys got it bad” showcase Chilton’s knack for combining catchy hooks with poignant lyrics.
“September Gurls” has become one of the most beloved power-pop songs of all time, inspiring countless imitators and cementing Big Star’s status as one of the most influential bands of their era. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timelessness of its melody and the universality of its themes.
3. The Ballad of El Goodo
“The Ballad of El Goodo” is a standout track from the debut album of the influential 70s band Big Star. Written by band members Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, the song is a masterpiece of introspective, melodic rock that has become a cult classic among fans of the genre.
The song features a haunting, melancholic melody that perfectly captures the sense of existential longing and uncertainty that infuses the lyrics. Chilton’s vocals are plaintive and soulful, imbuing the song with a sense of yearning that is both heartfelt and relatable.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s search for meaning and purpose in life. Lines like “Feeling like a hundred bucks, exchanging good lucks face to face” and “There’s a full time reservation made in a bar at the railway station” showcase the band’s knack for combining introspective lyrics with catchy hooks and memorable melodies.
“The Ballad of El Goodo” has become a beloved cult classic among fans of power-pop and melodic rock, and is widely regarded as one of the best songs of Big Star’s career. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless quality of its melody and the universal appeal of its themes.
4. I’m In Love With a Girl
“I’m In Love With a Girl” is a standout track from the third and final album by the influential 70s band Big Star. Written by band member Alex Chilton, the song is a simple yet heartfelt expression of love and devotion that has become a beloved classic among fans of the genre.
The song features a simple, stripped-down arrangement that puts the focus squarely on Chilton’s plaintive vocals and the tender, introspective lyrics. Lines like “I’m in love with a girl, who’s in love with the world” and “She makes me feel like I’m the only one in the world” perfectly capture the sense of vulnerability and longing that comes with falling deeply in love.
As the song progresses, the melody builds in intensity, culminating in a soaring chorus that perfectly captures the exhilaration of newfound love. The song’s gentle, unassuming arrangement belies the emotional power and depth of feeling that it contains, making it a true classic of the power-pop genre.
“I’m In Love With a Girl” has become a beloved classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most enduring and popular songs. Its universal themes of love and devotion continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
5. Thank You Friends
“Thank You Friends” is a standout track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s third and final album. Written by band member Alex Chilton, the song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and appreciation for the friends who have helped the narrator through difficult times.
The song features a driving, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the sense of joy and celebration that comes with the realization that one is not alone in the world. Chilton’s vocals are soulful and passionate, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of sincerity and depth of feeling that is both inspiring and relatable.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s journey from isolation and despair to a place of hope and renewal. Lines like “Thank you friends, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you” and “There’s a place where everyone can be happy” perfectly capture the sense of communal joy and solidarity that the song embodies.
“Thank You Friends” has become a beloved classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most enduring and popular songs. Its universal message of gratitude and appreciation for the people who make life worth living continues to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
6. Nighttime
“Nighttime” is a standout track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s second album. Written by band member Alex Chilton, the song is a haunting and atmospheric meditation on the mysteries of the night.
The song features a brooding, hypnotic melody that perfectly captures the sense of danger and excitement that comes with venturing out into the world after dark. Chilton’s vocals are moody and introspective, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of mystery and intrigue that is both captivating and enigmatic.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the nocturnal world and the hidden secrets that it contains. Lines like “No one knows what goes on behind closed doors” and “You don’t have to be afraid of the nighttime” showcase the band’s knack for combining introspective lyrics with atmospheric arrangements and memorable melodies.
“Nighttime” has become a cult classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most evocative and haunting songs. Its enigmatic lyrics and brooding, atmospheric melody continue to captivate listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
7. Daisy Glaze
“Daisy Glaze” is a standout track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s debut album. Written by band members Alex Chilton and Chris Bell, the song is a beautifully crafted example of the band’s signature blend of melodic rock and power-pop.
The song features a buoyant, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the sense of optimism and excitement that comes with the first flush of love. Chilton’s vocals are passionate and soulful, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of romantic longing and youthful energy that is both infectious and relatable.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s infatuation with a girl named Daisy Glaze. Lines like “Daisy Glaze, oh what a thing to do, fallin’ in love with a girl like you” and “Daisy Glaze, I’m in love with you” perfectly capture the sense of wonder and enchantment that comes with falling head over heels in love.
“Daisy Glaze” has become a beloved classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most enduring and popular songs. Its infectious melody, passionate vocals, and relatable lyrics continue to inspire and captivate listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
8. In the Street
“In the Street” is a standout track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s debut album. Written by band members Chris Bell and Alex Chilton, the song is a driving, high-energy ode to the joys of living life to the fullest.
The song features a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the sense of freedom and excitement that comes with youth and rebellion. Chilton’s vocals are passionate and energetic, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of exuberance and infectious enthusiasm that is both uplifting and inspiring.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s love for the simple pleasures of life. Lines like “I’ve been waiting for so long, to sing my song” and “Don’t you know that it’s just you and me against the world now” perfectly capture the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose that the song embodies.
“In the Street” has become a beloved classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most enduring and popular songs. Its infectious melody, passionate vocals, and relatable lyrics continue to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
9.Feel
“Feel” is a standout track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s third album. Written by band member Alex Chilton, the song is a beautifully crafted example of the band’s signature blend of melodic rock and power-pop.
The song features a melancholy, introspective melody that perfectly captures the sense of emotional turmoil and inner conflict that comes with love and loss. Chilton’s vocals are haunting and soulful, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of yearning and longing that is both powerful and emotive.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s struggle to come to terms with his feelings. Lines like “I can’t find my way, I feel so alone” and “I need someone to tell me what is right from wrong” perfectly capture the sense of confusion and uncertainty that the song embodies.
“Feel” has become a cult classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most evocative and haunting songs. Its introspective melody, soulful vocals, and poetic lyrics continue to resonate with listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
10. When My Baby’s Beside Me
“When My Baby’s Beside Me” is a classic track from the influential 70s band Big Star’s debut album. Written by band member Chris Bell, the song is a driving, high-energy tribute to the transformative power of love.
The song features a catchy, upbeat melody that perfectly captures the sense of joy and excitement that comes with being in love. Bell’s vocals are passionate and energetic, imbuing the lyrics with a sense of exuberance and infectious enthusiasm that is both uplifting and inspiring.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become increasingly poetic and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the narrator’s devotion to his beloved. Lines like “I can’t be all that I want to be, but I can love you more than you will ever know” and “When my baby’s beside me, I know I needn’t have no fear” perfectly capture the sense of security and comfort that love can bring.
“When My Baby’s Beside Me” has become a beloved classic among fans of Big Star, and remains one of the band’s most enduring and popular songs. Its infectious melody, passionate vocals, and relatable lyrics continue to inspire and uplift listeners of all ages, making it a timeless and unforgettable track.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
