I had my iTunes randomly and happened to play several Ryan Adams songs in a row. This singer-songwriter writes amazing lyrics that are smart and heartfelt. It made me think about what a great singer-songwriter he is and I thought about putting together a list of the songs that I love. I realize it has a lot more great songs, but I wanted to pick the 5 songs that I personally love the most. As a side note, he would have added “Wonderwall” but it is not his song. He just does a great job covering the cover of Oasis.

1. La Cienega Just Smiled – Golden Album

I heard that this song is about Ryan Adams standing on “La Cienega” street in Los Angeles and is reflecting on his life. I also heard that this song was about a prostitute. I like to think that it is the previous meaning.

“And I have you so close in the back of my mind It feels so good but damn it hurts And I’m too scared to know how I feel about you right now”

2. Two – Easy Tiger Album

I think this is a song about how an independent person was and how now it’s hard to do things just because you have to have that person in your life.

“And I’m fractured from before and I want to go home. Now it takes two and I used to take one. It takes two and I used to take only one.”

3. Shakedown on 9th Street – Heartbreaker Album

This song is funny. He is optimistic and full of life. I love when the band comes in with the tambourine and backing vocals. Just a fun song.

“Head to 9th Street, girl. Let’s go kicking with the boys and girls. Wear your dress and bring my ring.”

Someone will get it, it won’t be me LUCY Lucy my girl LUCY Lucy my sweet LUCY Lucy my girl “

4. To be young (it is to be sad, it is to be high) – Heartbreaker Album

This is my most favorite “titled” song. LOL. Just one look at the title and there is no way to hide the meaning behind this song. When you’re young … really … what else can you do?

“Oh one day when you look back You were young and a man you were sad When you are young you get sad When you are young you get sad, then you get high You get high”

5. Nobody Girl – Gold Album

This song is not on many people’s list of Ryan Adams favorite songs, but I must tell you that I love the songwriting of this song. He’s a great writer and I think when people put these lists together they strictly talk about the composition, but when you look at how this song is produced and put together, it really is a great song.

The song runs at 9:41 and the last 4 minutes or so is this great dubbing piece, solos, a Hammond organ and to top it off when the soul singers come to the end. Wow! I have to love it.

“Well the night makes moves and breaks like broken glass. Better take it easy, better let it go. Have you been leaking your name? And whispering in a bar all night. Better as a fool than that guy’s owner. from the heart “

Whether you agree with my selection of the best Ryan Adams songs, there is no question that he is a great artist and I am looking forward to hearing more of his work.