My Favorite Long Songs (Part Two)

So what is the average length of a song these days? The average length of a popular song, according to the most recent Billboard Hot 100, is about 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Hit songs are about 3 minutes long because of two major factors: the historic popularity of the 45 rpm record and the monetization methods applied by radio stations and record producers throughout the 20th century. Here I’ll discuss some of my all-time favorite lengthy tunes.

“In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” is a psychedelic rock song by Iron Butterfly, renowned for its extended length and distinctive sound. Released in 1968 as the title track of their second album, it famously runs over 17 minutes, making it one of the longest tracks in rock history. The song’s single version, edited down to around 2:53 minutes, achieved significant commercial success,

reaching number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The title, a result of vocalist and organist Doug Ingle’s slurred pronunciation of “In the Garden of Eden,” fueled speculation about its meaning, with some interpreting it as a reference to the biblical Garden of Eden or the influence of drugs. Despite mixed critical reception,

the song has endured as an iconic piece of 1960s counterculture music. In 2009, it was named the 24th-greatest hard rock song of all time by VH1. Cash Box said that it was an “eerie blues work with a pounding rhythm backing and hypnotic chord structures”.

Ron Bushy’s two-and-a-half-minute drum solo was the inspiration for Ringo Starr’s drum solo on “The End” from the Beatles 1969 album, Abbey Road. The song is featured in a 1995 episode of The Simpsons, “Bart Sells His Soul”, in which Bart Simpson tricks Reverend Lovejoy’s church into singing the song as an opening hymn by handing out sheet music titled “In the Garden of Eden” by “I. Ron Butterfly”.

Lovejoy describes the hymn as “sound[ing] like rock and/or roll”, whereas Homer recalls a time when he and Marge “used to make out to this hymn”. The church organist, an elderly woman, collapses after playing for the entire seventeen minutes.

“Gates of Delirium” is a progressive rock epic by the British band Yes, featured on their 1974 album “Relayer.” The song was written by Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Patrick Moraz, and Alan White. Running over 21 minutes, it is renowned for its complex musical arrangements, intricate instrumentation, and thematic depth.

Inspired by Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” the song explores themes of war, peace, and human nature, with its lyrics delving into the brutality and futility of conflict. Musically, it showcases Yes’s virtuosity and innovation, incorporating intricate vocal harmonies, dynamic shifts, and extended instrumental passages. Music journalist and author Chris Welch gave a positive review for Melody Maker, praising the album as “one of the most successful and satisfying Yes albums”. He described “The Gates of Delirium” as a “powerful piece … and benefits by the time structures imposed by this single album.”

“Shine on You Crazy Diamond” is a progressive rock masterpiece by Pink Floyd, spanning over two parts and bookending their 1975 album “Wish You Were Here.” Totaling over 26 minutes, it is divided into nine segments, showcasing the band’s musical prowess and thematic depth.

While no official single version was released, the song was often played on radio stations in edited forms. Written by David Gilmour, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright as a tribute to former band member Syd Barrett, who struggled with mental health issues,

the song delves into themes of madness, alienation, and the fleeting nature of fame. Its haunting melodies, intricate guitar work by David Gilmour, and atmospheric soundscapes have solidified its status as one of Pink Floyd’s most iconic compositions. While it didn’t receive mainstream awards, “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” remains a cornerstone of progressive rock and has garnered widespread critical acclaim for its artistic merit and emotional resonance.