1001 Songs Challenge #712: Epic (1989)

On 11 February 2019 I set myself the challenging of reading 1001 Songs You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery (ed.) and following the book’s advice to the letter. I’ve previously read 1001 Films… and started 1001 Albums… but felt 1001 Songs… would be a sensible place to start for what I have in mind here.

My challenge is to read about one song per day and listen to it (YouTube and Spotify, I need you tonight!) before sharing my own thoughts. Some songs I will love, others I’ll hate, and I’m sure there will be those that leave me perplexed but listen to them I shall.

I’ll also try, and most likely fail, to pinpoint the best song from the 1001 on offer but I’m nothing if not foolhardy. Instead of one song, I’m predicting I’ll have about 100 favourites by the end and may have to resort to a Top 10 so far to maintain any semblance of sanity.

So long as I post everyday (including Christmas) then this challenge should come to an end on Wednesday 8 November 2021. Staying with the Barney Stinson theme I am hoping that the whole experience will prove to be…

Faith No More – Epic (1989)

We’re leaving New York today, dear reader, but remaining in the US as we make the long journey over to San Francisco in California. Formed in 1979 Faith No More focused on experimental rock, metal and funk as their genres of choice. We pick up their story in 1989 with the release of their third album The Real Thing and from there 1001 Songs have gone with the track, Epic. 

Epic describes a narrator who is in the midst of an experience, one that is leaving them feeling very good indeed. It becomes clear soon enough that were likely talking about drugs here but the song does not explicitly state this. Instead we are told of something epic, something magic and the lyrics then tease us by saying that people want all of it but are not able to have it. If this is drugs then it is likely a good idea you can’t have it all. The track ultimately concludes with the refrain asking “What is it?” Pretty confident it’s drugs but which drugs I am not sure about.  

Epic is an interesting piece. It sounds like a rock track with heavy guitar utilised but the vocals come across as often being delivered in the manner of a rap song. A variety of instruments come into play throughout and it rounds out with a delightful piano melody. You can’t fault the band for experimentation. Faith No More disbanded in 1998 but reunited eleven years later in 2009 and have continued to tour ever since.

Favourite songs so far:

The Animals – House of the Rising Sun (1964)

Simon & Garfunkel – The Sounds of Silence (1965)

The Beatles – A Day in the Life (1967)

The Doors – The End (1967)

Pink Floyd – Wish You Were Here (1975)

Meat Loaf – Bat Out of Hell (1977)

Queen – Don’t Stop Me Now (1978)

Ultravox – Vienna (1980)

The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (1984)

Tracy Chapman – Fast Car (1988)