The 10 Best Don McLean Songs of All-Time
Don McLean is an American singer-songwriter who is best known for his hits “American Pie” and “Vincent (Starry Starry Night).” McLean has released numerous iconic songs that have become staples of American culture throughout his career. He is often referred to as the “King of the Trail” and the “American Troubadour.” When it comes to concerts, McLean is a true showman. He has a powerful voice that fills up any venue, and his guitar playing is truly second to none. In this article, we will look at the 10 best Don McLean songs of all time. These are the tracks that have made him one of the world’s most well-known and beloved singer-songwriters.
10. Till Tomorrow (1971)
“Till Tomorrow” is a beautiful ballad written by McLean and recorded for his album American Pie. The song tells the story of a young man in love with a girl named Marie. He is going off to war, but he promises her that he will be back tomorrow. Sadly, the young man never returns, and Marie is left wondering what could have been. The song has very expressive and emotional lyrics, and McLean’s voice is perfect.
9. It’s Just The Sun (1978)
It’s Just The Sun isn’t that popular, but it’s a gem. The song is about a young couple struggling to make ends meet. The man is working two jobs, and the woman is taking care of their child, and they can’t seem to get ahead. The lyrics are beautiful, and the melody is haunting. It’s a song that will stay with you long after you’ve heard it.
8. Crossroads (1971)
The 8th best Don McLean song is “Crossroads.” It was released in 1971 on the album American Pie. Like many of McLean’s songs, “Crossroads” is based on historical events, specifically the Battle of Gettysburg. The song tells the story of a soldier who dies at Gettysburg and goes to hell, where he’s forced to relive the battle over and over again. McLean has said that the song is about the horrors of war, and it’s a powerful and moving track.
7. And I Love You So (1970)
Released in 1970, this album is a classic of the singer-songwriter genre. The song “And I Love You So” was written by Don McLean and is one of his most well-known and beloved tracks. The song talks about a love that is so strong it cannot be described in words. The lyrics are incredibly moving and emotional, and the song is often cited as one of the greatest love songs of all time. The song has also been recorded several times by artists like Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, and Glen Campbell, but still, nothing comes close to how good the original was.
6. Since I Don’t Have You (1981)
The final song on our list is the moving ballad “Since I Don’t Have You.” Released in 1981, the track was written as a tribute to Don’s late father. It is a nostalgic and passionate song, and it tells the story of a man who has lost everything he loved in life. The lyrics are incredibly powerful and perfectly capture the feeling of loss and longing. They describe how the protagonist would do anything to have his loved ones back by his side. “Since I Don’t Have You” is a true masterpiece and a must-listen for any fan of Don McLean.
5. Dreidel (1972)
Dreidel is a cheerful and upbeat song, perfect for the holiday season. It tells the story of a dreidel that is always playing and having fun. It’s a great song to listen to while you’re decorating for Christmas or to play with your children. It talks about how the dreidel never gets tired and always has a smile on its face.
4. Castles In The Air (1970)
Castles in the Air is a dreamy ballad about the impossibility of holding onto fleeting memories and moments. McLean sings about how life passes by too quickly, and before we know it, our castles in the air have disappeared. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Art Garfunkel, who had a hit with his version in 1981. The song is very melodic, and it will be sure to stay with you.
3. Crying (1980)
Crying is a song by American singer-songwriter Don McLean. It was written in 1980 and released on his album Crying. The song reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. In the song, McLean reflects on his life and what has led him to become a “crying man.” Several artists have covered the song, including Harry Nilsson, Rosanne Cash, and K.D. Lang.
2. Vincent (1972)
The song is about the life and death of Vincent van Gogh and McLean’s belief that he could have been a great artist if he had not taken his own life. The book about van Gogh inspired the song that McLean read in school. It talks about the personal life of van Gogh and his mental illness and how the people around him misunderstood him.
1. American Pie (1971)
Released in 1971, “American Pie” is Don McLean’s most well-known and acclaimed song. The lyrics are a poetic and cryptic telling of the history of America from the perspective of an everyman. Rolling Stone magazine has listed it as one of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, and it was inducted into the Grammy hall of fame in 2002.
Conclusion
All the songs above are excellent examples of Don McLean’s songwriting skills and talent. He is a master of folk rock, and his songs are timeless and relevant. If you’re not familiar with his music, then we highly recommend you check it out.
