The Ramones are, without a doubt, the heavyweight champions of the American punk movement, and are considered by many to be the originators of punk, forerunners of pop-punk, and innovators of hardcore. However, Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, and the boys could also play great love songs, demonstrating just how talented they all were.
Here I'm going to list my personal top five love songs from this amazing, influential band. To be as specific as possible, I'll omit any "lost love" songs like the depressing "Bye Bye, Baby" and the twangy "Questioningly," as well as songs the boys didn't write, like the classic "Baby, I Love You"--originally by the Ronettes--and "Needles and Pins," written by Sonny Bono.
Here we go--the top five!
*WARNING: Deep Cuts are included. Check them out!*
5. "She's The One"
This first one is a bit of a rocker, but it holds its own as one of the band's best songs period. The high energy pouring out of the whole band coupled with Joey's excited voice really gives the song's subject some special feeling--this will definitely be an enduring feature throughout the list. The best way to listen to this one is by watching the film "Rock 'N Roll High School," which stars the group along with Halloween alum PJ Soles. Joey's singing to her is simply perfect for the scene, and one of my personal favorite parts of the film.
4. "Oh Oh, I Love Her So"
One of the best songs of their second album, LEAVE HOME, this track drips with a fifties vibe given by the Americana in the lyrics, the pounding drums, and the minimalist guitar. Just hearing the group sing about meeting a girl "at the Burger King" and having "fell in love by the soda machine" exudes the band's nostalgia for a bygone age. Later on in the song, the couple go "down to Coney Island, on the coaster and around again," referencing their native New York. For Ramones fans, you can't go wrong with this sweet rocker.
3. "I Want You Around"
Another "Rock 'N Roll High School" song--for a long time found only on the soundtrack--that may be my favorite to play on guitar. This ballad definitely shows Johnny's guitar skills, even in the rhythm stuff he's known for; arpeggios and different strumming patterns abound. (For those less musically inclined, it means it's different from most of the Ramones' stuff up to that point). The performance in the film is priceless, too. PJ Soles sits on her bed smoking what is probably a joint while a record spins. All of a sudden, we start hearing Johnny strumming on an acoustic Fender, then it's revealed to us that he's sitting right in the room. Soon Joey appears and starts singing flamboyantly to the girl, getting close, starting to kiss her--all while Johnny sits there with a weird smile on his face, strumming that guitar. It's a must-see and a must-hear.
2. "Danny Says"
Probably the best song from the Phil Spector-produced END OF THE CENTURY, "Danny Says" combines the legendary megalomaniac's wall of sound technique with Joey's passionate vocals and beautiful lyrics. Above any other song, this one shows fans who Joey really was: a tall, lanky marshmallow who just wanted a girlfriend. The sad part of this one is that it was written for the singer's then-girlfriend, Linda, who would later break up with him and eventually marry Johnny. Though I usually side with Johnny on band issues, this one definitely is a splitter for me. Regardless, the song is near perfection and has some of the best instrumental work of the band's career--even if there were a few session musicians brought in to supplement.
1. "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend"
I had a hard time choosing between "Danny Says" and this final choice, but I think out of respect for its late writer, Tommy, and it's sheer impact, I have to go with "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend". The desperation in the execution of the lyrics is just dripping from this song; the entire thing is saturated with sadness. Extra guitar work thrown in by Mickey Leigh and Tommy Ramone add a sweetness to this early cut, while Johnny's basic rhythm lays the foundation for the song the band would sing "for all [the] suicidals out there". Without a doubt, "Boyfriend" demonstrates the impact just a few lines and fantastic vocal execution can do for a song. Perhaps the reason it's so great isn't that it's polished or different, but that it's a desperate love song written by a punk and played in the most punk fashion possible--and yet it remains entirely sincere. Not only is this the band's greatest romantic achievement, but probably the best punk love song of all time.
So what do you think, blog-readers? Sound off in the comments, either on Facebook or the Blog page, and remember to keep on SCAAAAAAAREAMIN'!
PS--Here are links for each song, with video when possible:
"She's The One," Live from "Rock 'N Roll High School"-- http://youtu.be/VozqqacnXng
"Oh Oh, I Love Her So" -- https://youtu.be/f8HxnhD4c6k
"I Want You Around", from "Rock 'N Roll High School" -- http://youtu.be/vmNerf4kea4
"Danny Says" -- https://youtu.be/5Aerah72IEI
"I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend" -- https://youtu.be/iS8oYNK73Ek