The Best Instrumental Pop and Rock Songs
Contents
Looking for the best instrumental pop and rock songs? We’ve got you covered with our list of the top tunes. From classics like “In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” to more recent hits like “Clocks” by Coldplay, these songs are sure to get your toes tapping.
What is instrumental pop?
Instrumental pop is a style of popular music in which the musical accompaniment takes precedence over the lyrics. The term “instrumental pop” is somewhat vague, and can be used to describe a wide range of different styles of music. In general, though, instrumental pop tends to be fairly restrained and mellow, with a focus on melody and atmospherics over elaborate technique or rhythms.
The best instrumental pop songs are those which manage to capture the feeling and emotion of a song without resorting to words. While many instrumentals are simply reworkings of existing pop songs, the best ones manage to create something new and unique, with their own identity and atmosphere. Here are ten of the best instrumental pop songs.
1. “A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
2. “Theme from swell” by Pye Corner Audio
3. “Waves” by Mr Probz
4. “Requiem for a Tower” by Craig Armstrong
5. “Meridiani” by Max Richter
6. “First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes
7. ” Lux Aeterna” by Clint Mansell
8 .”Sadeness (Part I)” by Enigma
9.”May It Be” by Enya
10.”Blues Run the Game” by Jackson C. Frank
What are the benefits of listening to instrumental pop?
Instrumental pop and rock songs are a great way to relax, focus, and unwind. If you’re looking for music to help you wind down after a long day or week, instrumental pop and rock songs can be ideal.
There are many benefits of listening to instrumental music, including:
-Reducing stress and anxiety
-Promoting relaxation
-Improving focus and concentration
-Increasing productivity
-Boosting creativity
-Fostering positive emotions
The best instrumental pop songs of all time
Instrumental pop and rock songs have been around since the 50s, and they’ve continued to be popular ever since. They’re perfect for when you need a break from the lyrics, or when you want to focus on the music. Here are some of the best instrumental pop and rock songs of all time.
“A Whiter Shade of Pale” by Procol Harum
This 1967 classic by British rock band Procol Harum reached number one in the UK and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song features a distinctive organ solo and is considered one of the first progressive rock songs.
“Classical Gas” by Mason Williams
“Classical Gas” by Mason Williams is widely considered to be one of the best instrumental pop songs of all time. The song was released in 1968 and quickly rose to popularity, eventually winning two Grammys. The song is based on a classical guitar melody and features a unique and catchy arrangement that has made it a favorite among both pop and rock fans.
“Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles
“Eleanor Rigby” is a song by the Beatles, released on their 1966 album Revolver and as a double A-side single with “Yellow Submarine”. The song was written primarily by John Lennon (credited to Lennon–McCartney), and includes a violin solo by George Harrison. It is sung from the point of view of two elderly people, living out their lives in a churchyard.
Lennon wrote the lyrics after reading an article in the Daily Mirror about pop songs with religious themes. He was inspired to write a song about loneliness and isolation, which he felt was prevalent in modern life. The melody was composed by Paul McCartney, who wanted to write a song in the style of Aaron Copland. The Beatles recorded “Eleanor Rigby” at Abbey Road Studios in London in April 1966, using two violins, a viola and cello played by members of the London Symphony Orchestra.
The song was well received by music critics and became a commercial success, reaching number 11 on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. In 1967, it won two Ivor Novello Awards: Best Pop Song and Song of the Year (for.” Eleanor Rigby”). McCartney later recalled that he felt Lennon “nailed it” with his lyrics for “Eleanor Rigby”.
“The Entertainer” by Scott Joplin
“The Entertainer” is a 1902 ragtime composition by African-American composer Scott Joplin. One of the best-known works in the ragtime repertoire, it was notably used in the 1973 film The Sting, winning Joplin a posthumous Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is now considered one of the most famous and recognizable piano pieces in history.
“Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin
George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” was originally composed for piano and orchestra, and first performed in 1924. The work is now considered a American classical music standard, and has been recorded by numerous musicians over the years.
The piece opens with a solo clarinet playing a now-famous “bluesy” lick that becomes the main melody of the work. The piano then enters with a jazzy chord progression that sets the overall tone of the work. The orchestra comes in soon after, helping to create a rich and full sound.
Even though the work is nearly 100 years old, it still sounds fresh and modern today. It is a perfect example of how instrumental pop music can stand the test of time.
The best instrumental rock songs of all time
Instrumental rock songs are those that rely on instruments instead of vocals to tell a story or create an atmosphere. This can be done with any type of instrument, but guitars are often used because they are so versatile. There are many great instrumental rock songs out there, but these are some of the best.
“In the Hall of the Mountain King” by Edvard Grieg
This piece is from the Norwegian composer’s iconic work, Peer Gynt, and it has been used in countless films and TV shows over the years. It is an excellent example of how a composition can evoke a certain feeling or mood without the need for lyrics.
“The Battle of Hernani” by Hector Berlioz
“The Battle of Hernani” is a song by French composer Hector Berlioz, written in 1839. The piece is based on the play “Hernani” by Victor Hugo. It is considered to be one of the first examples of musical dramatization, and was highly influential in the development of symphonic music.
“The Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner
This famous piece of classical music was used in the film “Apocalypse Now” to chilling effect. It is epic in scope and scale, and features some of the most thrilling orchestration ever put to film.
“The 1812 Overture” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Composed in 1880 by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, “The 1812 Overture” is a bombastic, stirring piece of classical music that has become one of the most iconic and well-known pieces of instrumental music ever written. The overture was originally composed to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s invading French army in the Battle of Borodino, and features prominently a cacophony of cannon fire and church bells.
Over the years, “The 1812 Overture” has been adapted and performed by numerous pop and rock artists, including The Beach Boys, Queen, ELO, Kiss, and Deep Purple. In recent years, it has also been used extensively in popular culture, appearing in films like “The Hunt for Red October”, “Armageddon”, and “Independence Day”.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best instrumental pop and rock songs are those that manage to create an emotional response in the listener without the use of lyrics. The songs on this list all achieve this in different ways, whether it be through the use of hypnotic grooves, gorgeous melodies, or pure sonic experimentation. What ties them all together is that they show that sometimes the best way to express oneself is through music alone.
