We usually celebrate the songs with the poignant, touching, romantic, or even nonsensical lyrics. How about the songs without lyrics or very little lyrics. The music dominates. Allowing the music to take you away, put a smile on your face, set the right mood...

Here are a few:

Breezin' - George Benson
Rise - Herb Alpert
Riviera Paradise - Stevie Ray Vaughn
Doin' It - Earl Klugh
Moments in Love - Art of Noise
Tiger Tiger - Duran Duran
Holding Back the Years - Craig Chaquico

funkyslsistah said:

Rose Arcana (Extended) - Arcadia

That just about brings tears to my eyes if I listen too close.

Of course, there's always the Miami Vice theme!

True Companion
Donald Fagen.


Even more so than most Steely Dan songs do,
this mystical number sets the (appropriate) mood quite nicely..

with each listen, you can hear the small, subtle embellishments that make this song so good.


the music itself does start out.. "subtly".. then spreads out, then builds into an "anti-climatic descent"..
after which come the wistful, hopelessly longing yet soothing lyrics:


"crewmen of the True Companion
I can see you're tired of action
in this everlasting twilight
'home' is just a sad abstraction

just beyond the troubled skyway
young men dream of fire & starshine
I've been dreaming of my own green world
far across the reach of space time.."

Steve Vai "4 the love of god"

Joshy said:

OH MAN! How could I forget? That song took me to another place when I heard it for the first time. I knew from the first few bars that I HAD to close my eyes. I took deep breaths, and I swear it took me on some kind of meditation. I felt so light afterwards.

Also, I dig ANYTHING by Vivaldi. Fall is my favorite season.

VinaBlue said:

totally!
thats the stuff like Sensual Everafter & The Rapture 7 East that drives me crazy! takes me 2 a whole new universe.
Pasion & Warfare is the only Vai cd i have.
ghotta get more

Joshy said:

Me too! Well, I have Fire Garden, but I haven't listened to it much. Have you met Jem? He's a BIG Vai fan. He plays just like him and he put down some guitar on my track. Click on my sig if you want to hear it.

The Cure
The B-52's
The Smiths

You gotta have the New Wave!

"Ce Matin La", Air and "Throb", Janet Jackson

Side 2 of "Heroes" and Low by David Bowie.

White - Wendy & Lisa

Ghost in the Strand - Sting

"Mostly instrumental"--does Trans Europe Express Count? What about "Voices Inside My Head?"

Oh yeah!

Tour De France - Kraftwerk

'River People' by Weather Report, check it out, great song!

How could I forget Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Computer Games?"

Oh, goodness! and... Mr. Scruff's "Get a Move On."

UptownDeb said:

I can vouch for "Voices Inside My Head." Definitely!

VinaBlue said:

Wow! I thought I was the only mad person to love this!

SquirrelMeat said:

Rose Arcana Extended?

(please confirm before I get all gushy.)

Blue Of Noon by David Sylvian totally makes me cry

VinaBlue said:

Yes! Its the version on the Promise 12" isnt't it?

funkyslsistah said:

I have a big soft spot for:

Prince - Arboretum
Depeche Mode - Moonlight Sonata
Tears For Fears - Listen

SquirrelMeat said:

Awww...man I wanna hear that! I thought the version on the tape (yes I have a tape, barely audible now), was long enough. It is beautiful. And with Sting's vocals, made it heartfelt as well.

SquirrelMeat said:

Ladies and gentlemen, please meet my new best friend.

I think it is on the Promise 12", but I can't remember right now. I have a full cd of Arcadia remixes and extended versions.