Ry Cooder is a legendary guitarist and songwriter whose career has spanned over five decades. He has been a major influence on American roots music, from blues and country to rock and roll. Cooder is known for his exceptional slide guitar playing, soulful vocals, and eclectic musical tastes. His music is deeply rooted in the traditions of American folk music, but he has also ventured into genres such as Latin, Hawaiian, and African music. In this article, we will explore the top 10 best Ry Cooder songs of all time. From classic blues tunes to original compositions, these songs showcase Cooder’s exceptional musicianship and songwriting skills. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Ry Cooder or just discovering his music, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So sit back, grab your guitar (or just your favorite beverage), and let’s explore the best of Ry Cooder’s incredible body of work.
1. Across the Borderline
“Across the Borderline” is a powerful and emotional song written by Ry Cooder, John Hiatt, and Jim Dickinson. The song was originally released on Cooder’s 1987 album “Get Rhythm” and has since been covered by many artists. The song tells the story of a person who is traveling across the border between Mexico and the United States, seeking a better life. The lyrics touch on themes of poverty, desperation, and the desire for freedom. The haunting melody and Cooder’s soulful vocals add to the song’s melancholic and reflective mood. The lyrics are especially poignant in today’s political climate, where border issues continue to be a contentious and divisive topic.
2. The Chieftains- Dunmore Lasses
“Dunmore Lasses” is a traditional Irish tune that has been performed by many artists over the years. Ry Cooder’s version, which features the renowned Irish band The Chieftains, is a beautiful and lively rendition that captures the spirit of the original. The tune is a fast-paced reel that showcases the virtuosity of the musicians involved. Cooder’s guitar playing is especially impressive, as he seamlessly blends his signature slide guitar sound with the traditional Irish melody. The Chieftains, with their expert use of traditional Irish instruments such as the tin whistle, fiddle, and bodhrán, bring a unique energy to the performance. The result is a joyful and uplifting song that celebrates the rich musical heritage of Ireland.
3. Crossroads
“Crossroads” is a blues-inspired instrumental track from the renowned musician Ry Cooder. The song starts with a melancholic and slow guitar riff that sets the mood for the rest of the piece. As the song progresses, the tempo picks up, and the guitar becomes more energetic, culminating in a rousing, up-tempo solo that showcases Cooder’s incredible skill and passion for the blues. The song’s title is a nod to the legend of Robert Johnson, the iconic bluesman who, according to folklore, sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads in exchange for his incredible musical talent. Cooder’s interpretation of this myth is evident in the song’s haunting and introspective sound, which perfectly captures the melancholic and bittersweet spirit of the blues.
4. Paris, Texas
“Paris, Texas” is the iconic theme song from the 1984 film of the same name, which was directed by Wim Wenders and starred Harry Dean Stanton and Nastassja Kinski. The song, which was composed and performed by Ry Cooder, perfectly captures the film’s atmospheric and meditative mood. The haunting and beautiful guitar melody, played over a simple, repeating chord progression, creates a sense of spaciousness and longing that perfectly complements the film’s stunning desert landscapes and quiet, reflective scenes. The song’s title refers to the film’s setting in the small Texas town of Paris, where the protagonist, Travis, searches for his long-lost wife and child. Cooder’s beautiful and evocative music captures the themes of loss, loneliness, and redemption that run through the film’s narrative.
5. Mamma Told Me Not To Come
“Mama Told Me Not To Come” is a cover of the classic Randy Newman song, which was originally recorded by Three Dog Night in 1970. Ry Cooder’s version of the song features a bluesy, soulful arrangement, with Cooder’s soulful guitar playing and soulful vocals. The song’s lyrics, which are about a young man who is tempted to indulge in a wild party but is warned by his mother not to do so, take on a new, bluesy dimension in Cooder’s version. The song’s infectious groove and Cooder’s masterful musicianship make it a standout track on his 1979 album “Bop Till You Drop.” Overall, Cooder’s cover of “Mama Told Me Not To Come” is a classic example of his ability to take a familiar song and make it his own, infusing it with his unique blend of blues, soul, and rock.
6. Seneca Square Dance
“Seneca Square Dance” by Ry Cooder is an instrumental track that beautifully blends traditional American folk music with a modern sensibility. The track features a lively fiddle tune that is accompanied by Cooder’s signature slide guitar and a toe-tapping rhythm section. The track is inspired by the Seneca people, an indigenous group from New York State, and their traditional square dance. The tune has a contagious energy and is impossible to resist dancing to. The instrumentation is masterfully executed, with each instrument adding to the overall sound without overpowering one another. The track has a timeless quality and is a testament to Cooder’s skill as a musician and his deep appreciation for American roots music.
7. Viva Sequin/ Do Re Mi
“Viva Sequin/Do Re Mi” is a medley of two classic American folk songs. The track begins with “Viva Sequin,” a lively instrumental tune that showcases Cooder’s exceptional slide guitar playing. The song has a Latin flair and features a horn section that adds to the festive atmosphere. The second half of the medley is “Do Re Mi,” a classic Woody Guthrie song about the struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression. Cooder’s version is faithful to the original but with his own unique twist. His slide guitar adds an emotional depth to the song, while the backing vocals provide a sense of unity and solidarity. The track is a testament to the enduring power of American folk music and the importance of social commentary in music. Cooder’s masterful playing and arrangement make this medley a must-listen for any fan of folk music.
8. Boomer’s Story
“Boomer’s Story” by Ry Cooder is a classic roots-rock tune that showcases the artist’s skill as a guitarist and storyteller. The song features a simple, catchy melody that is accompanied by Cooder’s signature slide guitar playing. The lyrics tell the story of a man named Boomer who is trying to make sense of the changing world around him. The song captures the sense of nostalgia and longing that many people feel as they look back on their youth. Cooder’s emotive vocals and bluesy guitar solos make this track a standout on his eponymous album. “Boomer’s Story” is a testament to the enduring power of American roots music and its ability to capture the human experience.
9. How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?
“How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?” is a powerful protest song that was originally written by Blind Alfred Reed during the Great Depression. Ry Cooder’s version, which was released in 1970, features his signature slide guitar playing and a driving rhythm section. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the struggles faced by working-class Americans, from hunger and poverty to government corruption and corporate greed. Cooder’s emotive vocals and searing guitar solos give the song a sense of urgency and righteous anger. The track is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for economic justice and the importance of speaking truth to power.
10. Tap Em Up Sold
“Tap Em Up Sold” is a lively instrumental track that showcases Ry Cooder’s exceptional guitar playing. The song features a driving rhythm section and a catchy melody that is impossible to resist dancing to. The track is inspired by the music of the Mississippi Sheiks, a popular blues band from the 1920s and ’30s. Cooder’s version is faithful to the original but with his own unique twist. His slide guitar playing is virtuosic, and he effortlessly blends different styles of music, from blues and jazz to country and folk. “Tap Em Up Sold” is a testament to Cooder’s skill as a musician and his deep appreciation for American roots music.
Samuel Moore 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.
