It’s a brand new year — and we’ve got a rockin’ calendar full of songs to kick things off! From a January friend to December’s bittersweet end, these gems are as good as any birthstone. Check out these rock songs about months.
“January Friend”- Goo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls 1998 album, “Dizzy Up the Girl” is best known for the hit singles “Iris” and ”Slide,” but sandwiched amid those more well known tracks is the song “January Friend.” The punk-sounding tune was written by bassist Robby Takac– who also sings lead vocals on it-and the band even performed the winter-titled tune at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
“February Stars”- Foo Fighters
From the 1997 Grammy-nominated album “The Colour and the Shape,” this ballad’s roots are said to have come from some of the final Nirvana sessions. According to The Rough Guide to Nirvana, in early 1994 Nirvana bandmates Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic worked on their own material when lead singer Kurt Cobain failed to show up for some scheduled studio time. “February Stars” was born from the studio session called “Dave Acoustic + Vocal.” According to Foo Archive, Grohl has said, “February Stars” is “Just a song about hanging on by the tips of your fingers and hoping you don’t slip and fall.”
“The Ides of March”- Iron Maiden
Just in time for St. Patty’s day, British heavy metal icons, Iron Maiden, churned out the all-instrumental “Ides of March” back in 1981. The song is from the band’s “Killers” album and its one of two instrumentals on the album (the other is titled “Ghengis Kahn.”) But lyrics or no, this ominous-sounding song isn’t your typical leprechaun fare!
“April Skies”- The Jesus and Mary Chain
The Scottish alt- punk band released the poppy-sounding “April Skies” in 1987, and it turned out to be one of their biggest singles in the UK. While the band is known for their chaotic live shows, in a 1998 interview with NY Rock, founding member Jim Reid acknowledged that some of his music borders on “bubblegum.” Reid said, “There’s nothing wrong with bubblegum. I dig bubblegum. Some of my favorite albums are bubblegum. Look at ‘Sugar, Sugar’ from the Archies, that’s first class bubblegum. It’s perfection and I don’t think that anybody could top that.”
“Then Came the Last Days of May”- Blue Oyster Cult
From the band that brought you “Godzilla’ and “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” here’s another uplifting ditty. “Then Came the Last Days of May” was actually found on BOC’s debut album back in 1972, but it was overshadowed by tracks like “Cities On Flame With Rock and Roll.” But the song has managed to stand the test of time; the band still performs “Last Days of May” at their live shows.
“Rainy Day in June”- The Kinks
The 1960’s British Invasion culminated with the Kink’s album, “Face to Face.” Rolling Stone called it the band’s breakthrough album, describing it as “one of the great albums of the Sixties.” One of the ballads on the loose concept album was the Ray Davies-penned, “Rainy Day in June,” a song that reminds us that April isn’t the only month for heavy showers.
“July Morning”- Uriah Heep
Uriah Heep’s 1971 album, “Look at Yourself” spawned the band’s epic song, “July Morning.” The song is highlighted by a four-minute organ solo – and four decades later the song still plays on; it is the anthem for the Bulgarian hippy-style celebration of the same name.
“August and Everything After” – Counting Crows
In 1993, California rock band Counting Crows released their debut album, “August and Everything After.” While the songs “Mr. Jones” and “Round Here” were chart toppers, savvy fans couldn’t help but notice the album’s cover, which featured handwritten lyrics to a song called “August and Everything After.” The album’s title song wasn’t included on the album, but a decade later the band surprised fans by performing the never-heard song live in concert.
“Wake Me Up When September Ends”- Green Day
Talk about doing triple duty! This song from Green Day’s 2004 “American Idiot” album featured a music video about the war in Iraq — and the song later became a de facto tribute to the victims of Hurricane Irene. But on VH1’s “Storytellers”, lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong said the song is about his father’s death.
“October”- U2
Back in U2’s early days, the band released the album “October.” The 1981 album’s title track can almost be mistaken for a George Winston piano ballad. But a minute and half into the two minute song, Bono’s voice emerges with four haiku-like lines.
“November Rain”- Guns ‘N Roses
This early 1990’s Guns ‘N Roses song was known for its length (it clocked in at nearly 9 minutes long) and ultra-expensive music video, which featured a cast of characters that included model Stephanie Seymour (Axl Roses’ girlfriend at the time) and “Headbanger’s Ball” host Riki Rachtman. But this is one depressing story. The vid starts out with a backdrop of a lavish wedding, but later switches to the bride’s funeral! On a happier note, in 2008, Guitar World named Slash’s lengthy solo on the tune as one of the 50 greatest guitar solos of all time (it placed sixth.)
“My December”- Linkin Park
This bonus track can be found on special editions of the classic Linkin Park’s 2000 album, “Hybrid Theory.” The lyrics speak of loneliness and regret — but is there something about the month of December that brings out the lonely hearts? Pop country star Taylor Swift’s “Back to December” tells a similar story of lost love. Oh well, there’s always the New Year!
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