Top 10 The Doors Songs
They’re riders on the storm. Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Doors Songs.
For this list, we’ve chosen our entries based on a combination of the artist’s fan favorites and their most commercially successful songs.
#10: “When the Music’s Over”
Strange Days (1967)
The album closer to The Doors’ sophomore effort is so good you actually hope the music isn’t over when you hit the 11-minute mark. The lengthy psychedelic rock track meanders along with the help of Ray Manzarek’s piano bass and Jim Morrison’s moody vocals. After crafting a dark and quiet atmosphere, the band brings us to a noisy but effective climax that leaves us wanting more.
#9: “Love Me Two Times”
Strange Days (1967)
With Robby Krieger-penned lyrics, and Manzarek on harpsichord, “Love Me Two Times” perfectly blends the band’s blues roots with psychedelic rock. Despite daring lyrics about love and sex, Strange Days’ second single was a top forty hit for The Doors and quickly found a home in the band’s live sets.
#8: “The Crystal Ship”
The Doors (1967)
The Doors managed to pack just the right amount of romance into this short and sweet tune that was also the B-side to the “Light My Fire” single. At just a little over 2-and-a-half minutes long, “The Crystal Ship” features Morrison crooning away while its poetic lyrics and the band’s musical talents set the mood. It’s since made several pop culture appearances and has been covered by multiple artists.
#7: “Touch Me”
The Soft Parade (1969)
This Krieger-penned tune off The Soft Parade is a super sexy number that flawlessly melds symphonic rock with psychedelic rock. In fact, “Touch Me” hit the third spot of the Billboard Hot 100 in no small part thanks to Morrison’s confident vocals and Four Seasons-inspired keyboard riff. Along with its brass and string arrangements, the song is also notable for its sax solo.
#6: “People are Strange”
Strange Days (1967)
Influenced by European Cabaret, this top twenty single deftly captures what it feels like to not be like everyone else. Reportedly addressing hippie culture and possibly Morrison’s own feelings as an outsider, “People are Strange” may be only a little over two minutes long but thanks to its psychedelic rock sound and musical richness, it proved The Doors could do a lot with very little.
#5: “L.A. Woman”
L.A. Woman (1971)
In order to attain a fuller sound and incorporate a natural reverb into his singing, Morrison recorded the vocals for their sixth album in the studio bathroom. In addition to Mr. Mojo Risin’’s passionate performance, the effort’s title cut features the band in full force along with an extra guitarist and some electric bass. The almost-eight-minute track stands out especially for its effective combination of blues and psychedelic rock.
#4: “The End”
The Doors (1967)
As the last song on The Doors self-titled debut, this appropriately titled track is an epic number for many reasons: namely, its apocalyptic ambiance, spoken word and dramatic climax. The 11-minute-plus number is also memorable for its fusion of acid rock, raga rock and art rock, which serves to heighten its theatrical nature. Perhaps because of this, the song was famously used in “Apocalypse Now.”
#3: “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”
The Doors (1967)
The Doors’ first ever single may not have been an American chart hit, but it still became a smash with music lovers and concert-goers alike. Featuring Bossa nova and jazz-fusion flavors alongside some blues and protopunk elements, “Break On Through” was the perfect introduction to Morrison’s trademark vocals, Jon Densmore’s animated drumming, Krieger’s electric guitar and Manzarek’s keyboard riffing. And let’s not forget that unusual organ solo.
#2: “Riders on the Storm”
L.A. Woman (1971)
The Doors crafted the stormy atmosphere of this jazzy, bluesy, acid rock track by using recordings of real thunder and rain, as well as Manzarek’s electric piano playing. Add Morrison’s echo-y lyrics and an eastern-inspired melody and you’ve got an American top twenty hit. Supposedly the last song they recorded together, “Riders on the Storm” is also a fan favorite later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Honorable Mentions
“Roadhouse Blues”
“Hello, I Love You”
“Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)”
“Love Her Madly”
“Peace Frog”
#1: “Light My Fire”
The Doors (1967)
You’d be hard-pressed to find a classic rocker that doesn’t recognize the organ intro to this Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper. Even without a bass player, The Doors were able to fashion a provocative and cutting-edge sound based on Morrison’s deep voice and Ray Manzarek’s keyboard playing. Nowhere is this more evident than on this acid and psychedelic rock single, which isn’t only their signature track but also often considered one of greatest rock songs ever.
Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite song by The Doors? With more entertaining top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com