When I first heard the song Kryptonite, my mind immediately started putting together this list of songs I like that are about Superman, but I just needed a good reason to do it. Well, with today being Brad Arnold’s (Singer and Drummer from 3 Doors Down) Birthday and all, I felt its only appropriate to share the list today. Of course, my list is in no way completely, according the to Superman Home Page there are 444 songs that are about Superman and another 30-40 that reference him but not by name. I’ve included the link at the bottom of this post. My list is just a subset of that list, the ones I’ve heard and liked for the most part. However, it should be noted that while Shaq did not make my list, 7 of his songs are about Superman. What a surprise. Soulja Boys added another 5 to this list and Enimen, 50 cents, and Travis Tritt have all written multiple songs about Superman. Feel free to post your own rankings.
1) In honor of the Birthday boy, we’ll put “Kryptonite” on top. Its a fun song with a good beat that really kick started 3 Doors Down fame.
2) “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues” – The Spin Doctors put an interesting twist on the Superman theme by creating a song with a plan. Jimmy trying to get a date with Louis because, as the song is more widely known as, he has a pocket full of Kryptonite.
3) “Superman’s Song” – Crash Test Dummies – Another lead singer named Brad singing about Superman. One day I might have to do all the Brad sung songs. This song is so slow and mournful, it doesn’t get played on the radio nearly as much as I think it should. Thank goodness for CD’s and IPOD’s though.
4) “Land of Confusion” – Genesis - This song could have easily been left off, as I tend not to like too much politics in my music. But its still a great song. Interestingly enough, a former member of Genesis, Peter Gabriel also has a song mentioning Superman.
5) “White Wedding” – Billy Idol - Can’t help but to like this song, even though it can wear on you if heard in large doses.
6) “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” – Five for Fighting - One of the softer songs on the list. Absolutely amazing piano work and some of the best lyrics on this list. While I like Rush’s “Time and Motion” it doesn’t come close to this song.
7) While not a big fan of Rap or hip hop, this list could not be complete without something from the genre. Enimen has done 5 songs about Superman, and the one I found most catchy and in theme, was appropriately named Superman.
8) “Superman” - Alanis Morissette, Bush, Barbra Streisand - Easy to add more than 10 songs to the list when several artists all use the same name for their songs. Me? I am partial to Bush, but I don’t mind the Morissette song either. While Streisand has a great, even classic voice, this is not what I like hearing by her, even if it was featured in one of the movies.
9) I better toss in a country/western song as well, as Superman is represented well across all types of Music. Hank Williams Jr’s “Man of Steel” seems to be a good representative of this, although Tritt’s song could have been used as well.
10) While I am dying to include Jimmy Buffet’s “I can’t be your hero today”, I would let you down if number 10 wasn’t “I can’t get started” by Frank Sinatra. Either one makes a good ending to the list but how can ignore Frank on any list.
Of course, there are so many others. I struggled to find a way to include AC/DC but they fell just a little bit short. Maybe Angus’s Birthday is coming up and we can do a list on their songs. Who knows. Here is the link I promised you - Superman Songs! Enjoy.
