American Pie. The two words alone make nearly anybody recall the massive seven minute opus created by Don Mclean. The song is so evocative and powerful it nearly crushes all of Don’s other accomplishments in it’s wake.
Or so you’d think. Though at first glance Don may seem like a one hit wonder, this here guide will detail a few of Don’s other gems for you aural pleasure. Without further ado, the top ten songs of Don Mclean.
10) Magdalene Lane – The beautiful ringing of harmonics introduces this tune to you with a gentle embrace. Featuring an even pace with clever lyrics, this tune is bound to stay with you long after you’ve heard it. Though the version on Don’s first album is excellent, the faster version with a more barren arrangement on Don’s Solo Live record is the one that’s sure to win you over.
9) Bronco Bill’s Lament – Among Don’s most underrated songs, this tale recounts the life of a cowboy who yearns to be young again. With an incredible vocal performance and an arrangement evocative of classic country songs, this song remains a criminally under appreciated diamond in Don Mclean’s discography.
8) Empty Chairs – A legendary story is intertwined with this song, making it even more shocking that it remains fairly unknown to the populace today. This song was performed live for Lori Lieberman, who’s response spurred Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel to write a little song called ”Killing Me Softly’. Lori’s recorded version was met with minimal fanfare, but Roberta Flack’s version 2 years later won her *three* Grammy awards. The rest, as they say, is history.
7) Castles In The Air – It’s likely you’ve heard this song on the radio before. Or rather, one version of it. However, you’re robbing yourself of the complete experience of this wondrous ditty if you don’t seek out the original version of it on Don’s first album. Featuring a beautiful arrangement and a faster tempo that were both nixed on the newer version, you’ll be delighted at hearing this great song in a new light.
6) Crossroads – One of Don’s finest ballads remains a rarely heard tune to his casual fans. With only a voice and a piano, Don’s superb craftsmanship and art are on full display here.
5) Three Flights Up – A beautiful story detailing the lives of each of the tenants of a three story building, each floor has it’s own musical feel and tonality. A mammoth undertaking but Don is up to the challenge and shows why he’s destined to become of the most respected songwriters around with this song off his first album.
4) And I Love You So – On the flip side, a simple love song can be equally as moving. A staple of classic rock radio, we’re now moving into the territory of Don’s more well known songs. And with good reason, this song’s influence has caused it to be covered by many artists. But only one captures the absolute passion in it’s lyrics, and that performance is by Don Mclean.
3) Mountains Of Mourne – Though it’s very appreciated in Ireland, the song continues to slip under the radar of the rest of the world. Though not written by Don, his performance on this track is nothing short of amazing. Many argue that this is the definitive version of this song, and I have no qualms with that statement.
2) American Pie – Not much can be said of this song that hasn’t been said many times already. In short, it will live forever.
1) Vincent – A song in tribute to Vincent Van Gogh, the story goes Don was looking at Vincent’s paintings and the song ”wrote itself’. It shows, as this song captures all at one the breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking yearning of Vincent’s art and life.
Though he may be known as ”the guy who wrote American Pie” to many, Don offered us a veritable cornucopia of immortal songs. And unlike the famous line from American Pie, his music will never die.
