The Top 10 Songs That Robbie Robertson Named As His Favorites

Robbie Robertson names his favorite songs of all time. Robbie Robertson is a famous musician who added solo parts to his songs and albums and worked with Bob Dylan and his music band, The Band. In this article, we will list the 10 songs Robbie Robertson named as his favorite.

Let’s look at Robbie Robertson‘s life a little bit. Robbie Robertson is a legendary musician, composer, and guitarist who has left a permanent impression on rock music. He gained greatest fame as the songwriter and lead guitarist for The Band, one of rock’s most famous and creative music bands of all time.

Robbie Robertson, born in 1943 in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey at a young age, influenced by American roots music. He first came to fame as a member of Ronnie Hawkins’ backup band, The Hawks, where he refined his guitar skills and cooperated with future members of The Band.

However, it was with The Band that Robertson made his name. The music of The Band was a combination of rock, folk, country, and blues, with rich vocal harmonies and outstanding musicianship. Robertson wrote timeless songs for the band, including “The Weight,” “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down,” and “Up on Cripple Creek.”

The Band‘s farewell concert, “The Last Waltz,” in 1976, was one of their defining moments, and it was immortalized in a legendary concert film by Martin Scorsese. It included cameos by some of music’s biggest figures, including Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Neil Young, and Joni Mitchell, highlighting the band’s influence and impact on the business.

After The Band separated, Robbie Robertson began a solo music career, producing albums that showcased his songwriting abilities. He also got into film score song, working on different projects with Martin Scorsese, including “Raging Bull” and “The Color of Money.”

Robbie Robertson‘s legacy goes beyond his work with The Band and alone. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for his songwriting and guitar-playing ability.

In conclusion, Robbie Robertson is a legendary musician, composer, and guitarist whose work with The Band and as a solo artist has left an impression on rock music.

Robbie Robertson’s Favorite Songs of All Time

Robbie Robertson has shared his respect for other legendary musicians and pop and rock musicians. And Robertson picks his favorite songs of all time. Regardless, he loves to listen to different genres but also loves pop-rock, rock and roll, blues, and punk-rock musicians, specifically those who influence him. 

In the latest interview with the LA Times, before he died at 80 years old, Robbie Robertson shared the top 10 songs of all time. Check out Robbie Robertson‘s favorite songs of all time below!

Which songs does Robbie Robertson listen to?

• Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan
• Tears of Rage – Bob Dylan & The Band
• Sweet Dreams – Roy Buchanan
• Raised on Robbery – Joni Mitchell
• Brown Eyes Handsome Man – Chuck Berry
• The Ballad of Ira Hayes – Johnny Cash
• If You Know What I Mean – Neil Diamond
• The Best of Everything – Tom Petty
• Country Boy – The Band
• Bad Guy – Billie Eilish

1. Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

As one of the most recognizable and influential songs in the history of popular music, “Like a Rolling Stone” was written by the famous American singer-songwriter Bob Dylan. The song, first made available as a single in 1965 and later included on Dylan’s album “Highway 61 Revisited,” was a turning point for Dylan’s career and the development of rock and folk music.

“Like a Rolling Stone” sıng represented a stylistic change for Bob Dylan from his earlier acoustic folk style.

When it was first released, “Like a Rolling Stone” was well-received by critics and fans alike. It was a top-10 smash in the US and is frequently regarded as one of the finest songs ever made.

Robbie Robertson shares why he likes Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone” as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“When Bob recorded the studio version of the song, I accidentally went with John Hammond Jr. to the studio. He said, ‘Oh God, I forgot, I promised my friend I would stop in, he’s recording,’ and I was like, ‘OK, whatever.’

We went in, and they were recording ‘Like a Rolling Stone,’ and I thought, ‘Whoa, this guy’s pulling a rabbit out of the hat – I haven’t heard anything like this before. When I started playing with Bob, I didn’t know how so much vocal power could come out of this frail man. He was so thin. He was singing louder and stronger than James Brown. We were in a battlefield on that tour, and you had to fight back.”

2. Tears of Rage – Bob Dylan & The Band

Co-written by Bob Dylan and Richard Manuel of The Band, “Tears of Rage” is a moving and intense song. It is regarded as a significant tune on the joint album “Music from Big Pink,” released by The Band in 1968, and is frequently linked to it.

The album “Music from Big Pink,” which contains “Tears of Rage,” is frequently seen as a landmark in the evolution of Americana and roots rock music. Contrary to the dominant styles of late-1960s rock music, which were growing more experimental and psychedelic, the album’s organic and rootsy tone. A contrast from the usual bombastic compositions of the time, “Tears of Rage” is a perfect example of the album’s pared-down and emotionally evocative approach to music.

The song “Tears of Rage” by Bob Dylan and The Band has grown in esteem through time and is treasured for its literary profundity and emotional impact.

3. Sweet Dreams – Roy Buchanan

The famous American guitarist Roy Buchanan performs the timeless instrumental “Sweet Dreams” on the guitar. This eerie and emotional tune has forever changed the blues and rock music genres.

“Sweet Dreams” was included in Buchanan’s debut album, “Roy Buchanan,” released in 1961. It stands out for its expressive and emotional guitar playing. This song highlights Buchanan’s outstanding skills and unique approach to the Fender Telecaster guitar, which he was known for being a master of.

The guitar music industry has been forever changed by “Sweet Dreams,” which has influenced innumerable musicians of all genres.

The blues and rock classic “Sweet Dreams” stands out in Buchanan’s repertoire, praised for their ageless beauty and emotional depth. Throughout his career, Buchanan was noted for his inventive guitar playing.

4. Raised on Robbery – Joni Mitchell

The legendary Canadian singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell‘s song “Raised on Robbery” is one of her best. She included it on “Court and Spark,” her sixth studio album, released in 1974.

In her song “Raised on Robbery,” Joni Mitchell describes an accidental encounter with a man in a New York City bar. The song’s main character, a waitress from a small town, considers her life and experiences. The lyrics explore the intricacies of urban life and relationships with vivid imagery and sharp remarks.

The song’s composition is cheerful and vibrant, including a notable saxophone solo by famous jazz musician Tom Scott. This separation from Joni Mitchell’s earlier work and the addition of jazz to her folk-rock sound added to the album’s broad and varied musical environment.

The song “Raised on Robbery” exemplifies Joni Mitchell’s skill at presenting stories via lyrics. Her career has been distinguished by her talent for developing believable characters and appealing storytelling.

Robbie Robertson shares why he likes Joni Mitchell’s “Raised on Robbery” as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“And when they did, Joni said to me, ‘I listened to the whole song, and just listened to your guitar in it. The rhythm is incredible. And so when we remixed it, we turned it up.’ She and I have dinner every once in a while.”

5. Brown Eyed Handsome Man – Chuck Berry

The classic rock & roll song “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” was written and performed by the late American artist Chuck Berry. The song, made available as a single in 1956, is a classic illustration of Berry’s unique voice and storytelling skills.

The song “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” celebrates the allure of an attractive man with brown eyes. Themes like desire, charm, and the notion that people from all walks of life are drawn to this mysterious individual are all mentioned in Berry’s lyrics.

The role of Chuck Berry in the early years of rock & roll cannot be exaggerated, and “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” is only one of his numerous successes that contributed to the genre’s definition. His mastery of the guitar and lyrics affected numerous bands, such as The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.

Robbie Robertson shares why he likes Chuck Berry’s “Brown Eyed Handsome Man” as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“At the beginning of rock ‘n’ roll, ‘Brown Eyed Handsome Man’ stopped me in my tracks. There is a particular guitar sound on these early Chuck Berry records, and I thought, ‘What is that? How do you do that?’”

6. The Ballad of Ira Hayes – Johnny Cash

A powerful and moving song, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes,” was covered and performed by Johnny Cash, a legendary American country singer. The song released in 1964 as a track on Johnny Cash’s album “Bitter Tears: Ballads of the American Indian,” relates the terrible truel tale of Ira Hayes, a Native American who enlisted in the Marines during World War II.

The song’s words also describe the life of Ira Hayes, one of the six Marines shown in the famous photo by Joe Rosenthal in 1945 raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima. Hayes came home to prejudice, poverty, and personal hardships while being hailed as a hero. His life is depicted in the song in harsh and dramatic detail, emphasizing the struggles that Native Americans, particularly military veterans, endured in post-war America.

The song “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” has a simple, acoustic arrangement that allows Cash’s rich, resonant voice to communicate the narrative’s genuine passion.

It was a brave and significant move for Johnny Cash to record “Bitter Tears” and songs like “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” in his career.

7. If You Know What I Mean – Neil Diamond

American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond‘s emotional and reflective song “If You Know What I Mean” is well-known and well-liked. The song in Neil Diamond’s 1976 album “Beautiful Noise” demonstrates his skill at writing ballads with strong emotional resonance.

Diamond’s characteristic deep, expressive voice is used in the song’s lyrical composition, which also has piano, strings, and backup vocals. The music enhances the emotional effect of the song by providing a rich and evocative backdrop to the reflective words.

A defining characteristic of Neil Diamond’s career has been his ability to express nuanced emotions through his music and lyrics. The song “If You Know What I Mean” perfectly illustrates his songwriting talent and his ability to write songs that connect with listeners on a very intimate level.

Because of its honesty and emotional profundity, “If You Know What I Mean” has become a beloved song in Neil Diamond’s lengthy discography.

8. The Best of Everything – Tom Petty

Tom Petty, a legendary American singer-songwriter, has a song called “The Best of Everything” that is meditative and moving. It was included in the 1985 compilation album “Pack Up the Plantation: Live!” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. This song is frequently cited as one of Petty’s most sentimental and contemplative works.

The song has a delicate and sweet musical arrangement, with Petty’s unique vocals taking center stage. The guitar work’s dynamic complement to the lyrics’ heartfelt delivery makes for an affecting listening experience. One of the reasons Tom Petty is regarded as a famous musician is his capacity to express complicated emotions via his music and words. The song “The Best of Everything” proves his skill as a songwriter and ability to tell the ordinary human feelings of hope and desire.

9. Country Boy – The Band

“Country Boy” is The Band’s eighth album “Jericho.” The Band is a Canadian-American rock band. It was released in 1993, seventeen years after their “farewell concert,” and it included the group’s current lineup for the first time. It was also their debut record for Rhino subsidiary Pyramid Records.

Jim Weider, who had been playing guitar for the group since their 1983 reformation, Randy Ciarlante, who had joined on drums in 1990, and Richard Bell, who had joined as a keyboardist in 1991, joined the original members Levon Helm (drums/mandolin/guitar/vocal), Rick Danko (bass/guitar/vocal), and Garth Hudson (organ/keyboards/horns). There were fourteen more outside musicians. The latter group’s albums would frequently have this many guests.

10. Bad Guy – Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish is an American singer-songwriter whose chart-topping track “Bad Guy” marked her career’s breakthrough. The song, which was included in Billie Eilish’s debut studio album “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?” and was released in March 2019, was a significant factor in her ascent to fame on a global scale.

The song “Bad Guy” is a unique musical fusion of pop, electronica, and hip-hop components. The song stands out for its understated production, which features simple but enticing electronic sounds.

The song “Bad Guy” is known for its unusual music video, which blends well with the lighthearted and fantastical tone of the song. The song’s overall appeal is enhanced by the unique and captivating images in the music video.

The song was a huge critical and financial success because of its catchy tune and audacious and clever lyrics. The success of “Bad Guy” on the American Billboard Hot 100 list cemented Billie Eilish’s reputation as a pop phenomenon and a genre-defying performer.

Robbie Robertson reveals why he likes Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” as one of his favorite songs of all time:

“I’m curious, yeah. But I like her more than many of the others. I went to the season opener this year of Saturday Night Live. She was performing. I really like her, and I think this thing that she and her brother do is pretty magical.”

What are your thoughts on Robbie Robertson‘s favorite songs of all time? Let us know in the comment section!