TOP 10 NON-GUITAR SOLOS IN ROCK HISTORY
Look, this list could have gone many ways depending on your age and how you were raised. I am sure there are a lot of songs I left off the list, but this is a list of not only the best Non-Guitar solos of all time, but some of the best songs of all time, period. The main criteria was finding solos that fit the song and made the song better. A solo that captures the essence of the song and would feel empty if removed.
10. The Zombies – “She’s Not There”
Electric Piano | performed by Rod Argent
One of the best songs of the 60s and features one of the greatest electric piano solos of all time. A very underrated and under appreciated band – and sometimes often overlooked band – from arguably the best decade of music.
9. AC/DC – “It’s A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘N Roll)”
Bagpipes | performed by Bon Scott.
I hate to say it, but this solo made it not only because it’s amazing – but it’s ironic. Bagpipes in rock ‘n roll? Crazy Australians. Pretty cool if you ask me. If you’ve never heard this song before and you hear those bagpipes for the first time, it’s impossible not to smile.
8. Lynyrd Skynyrd – “Tuesday’s Gone”
Piano | performed by Billy Powell
One of the best rock songs of all time – no doubt there. This song also has one of the best piano solos of all time. Without the piano solo in this song it would feel empty. It’s perfection.
7. Toto – “Africa”
Keyboard/Synthesizer | performed by David Paich
It’s hard for me to put this song above the piano solo in “Tuesday’s Gone” … but I did it anyways. This song is just an incredible pop song. A lot of people like to mock Toto – I embrace Toto. Don’t even try to sit there and pretentiously scoff at the placing of Toto on a “top solos” list. The keyboard solo in this song kicks ass and you know it.
6. The Allman Brothers Band – “Jessica”
Electric Piano | performed Chuck Leavell
The quintessential southern rock song. This song could be played from huge PA speakers on every southern highway in America on repeat and no one would get tired of it. The electric piano solo does not disappoint and is outstanding.
5. Paul Simon – “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard”
Whistling | performed by Paul Simon
It may not be earth shattering, groundbreaking, or thrilling, but the whistle solo in “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” captures the essence of this Paul Simon hit. It fits perfectly and anyone who knows this song loves to whistle along.
4. The Beatles – “In My Life”
Piano | performed by George Martin
Interesting fact: This piano solo was played by the Beatles’ audio engineer, George Martin, on piano and then sped up to a faster tempo. Because it is sped up, it sounds like an electric piano. This is one of my favorite Beatles songs and the randomness of the solo is awesome.
3. Bruce Springsteen – “Born To Run”
Saxophone | performed by Clarence Clemons
The best saxophone solo of all time. Hands down. No questions asked. Clarence Clemens rocks your face off in this song and leaves you asking for more. It’s a short solo – but a necessity. It makes the song for me.
2. Pink Floyd – “Great Gig In The Sky”
Vocals | performed by Clare Torry
The best vocal solo in rock history. Phenomenal and moving – fits the essence of the song perfectly. Clare Torry was quoted saying that she was “trying to make her solo sound like an instrument.” Well, damn good job to you.
1. Billy Joel – “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”
Piano | performed by Billy Joel, Saxophone | performed by Richie Cannata
THE BEST SONG OF ALL TIME. Yes, you read that right. The best song in Popular Music History. At over 7 minutes long this song is incredible every single second it radiates your ear drums. Impeccable musicianship and instrumentation. Perfect in every way possible. Great solos, too.
Honorable Mention:
The Beatles – “Martha My Dear”
6 Comments so far
Leave a reply
Organ solo, Roll with the Changes, REO Speedwagon.
I’d put Jr Walker’s sax solo on ‘Urgent’ by Foreigner right up there with Clarence’s on ‘Born to Run’…
Axel Rose’s whistle solo on ‘Patience’ can’t get any love?
How about Rick Wakeman’s keyboard solo in the extended version of Roundabout by Yes?
No drum solos?
Old school here (of course), drum solo on Iron Butterfly’s Inagoddadavida. My 2 cents.