20 Most Popular Songs by The Doors

20 Most Popular Songs by The Doors

The Doors were considered the crème de la crème of the 60s and 70s era and they ended up becoming one of the most influential bands of their era. Culturally, socially and creatively. The songs they released were always finding their way to the billboard charts and regardless of the divided opinion everyone has when it comes to them, one thing that remains for sure is that The Doors were one of the many oldie bands that helped shape the sound of numetal and modern rock music. The lead vocalist was Jim Morrison who unfortunately died in a Paris bathtub in 1971. The keyboardist was Ray Manzarek who always provided a hypnotic kind of vibe whenever he started playing on the keys. The drummer, John Densmore, and guitarist Robbie Krieger all made what we know The Doors to be all about today. In fact, one time Krieger mentioned that the major reason The Doors were still so relevant and viable was because they didn’t have a single bad song. Of course, the statement is open to scrutiny and mockery but the various nominations, six studio albums, and a few very catchy and popular classics would beg to differ. Anyway, here is a list of the 20 most popular songs by the Doors.

1. Moonlight Drive- 1967

This song was actually made a while earlier, when Jim Morrison sang a version of it to the keyboardist, Ray Manzarek, in 1965 while in Venice. Ray heard it and made the prompt they form a band and ‘make millions of dollars.’ Thus, the song was sat on for a while until The Door’s second album. With striking guitar chords from Robbie, it is not a surprise then that this song is as unforgettable as it is. It takes on a typical Morrison edge as it progresses from a warm and slow pace and that is why it remains an icon.

2. Alabama Song – 1967

Though it is a cover for the Bertolt Brech and Kurt Weil drinking song, The Doors’ version sounds like it was specifically made for them. Many have actually thought it is an original of theirs hence showing how well they killed this version. According to their producer, Paul Rothschild, Morrison, and Brecht were kindred spirits as they both challenged the conventions of their eras. The assumption, therefore, was that The Doors would similarly be able to do a good job with it. Fun fact: Right from the beginning, it is Ray Manzarek who suggested The Doors record this song

3. Waiting for the Sun- 1970

This was also the title of The Doors third album but since it was ready, it was instead squeezed into the ‘Morrison Hotel’ album. That’s why you will notice it is a bit misplaced in this album. It sounds a bit different from the other songs here which revisit their blues roots. That’s not to say however that it doesn’t leave a mark. It really does. The combination of Krieger’s very melodic and well-toned guitars, combined with Ray’s out-of-this-world ability on the keys, sums up how phenomenal the song ended up becoming thanks to that edgy style of delivery.

4. Hello, I Love You- 1968

During this period, The Doors were at their most commercial. Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that this song became number 1 and UK’s only sizable hit during Morrison’s lifetime. The story behind the lyrics is even more fascinating as it was written by Jim after seeing a beautiful girl walking along Venice Beach. Krieger later added on to it and has since refused accusations of copying its main riff from ‘All Day and All of the Night’ by The Kinks. He however accepted to having taken the drumbeat from Cream’s song, ‘Sunshine of Your Life.’

5. Strange Days- 1967

By their second album, The Doors had proved that they can really come up with unmatched studio innovations and this song attests to that. It has a heavy synth edge that you cannot really ignore as it is the backbone of the whole song. It gave Morrison a psychedelic vibe that made him popular to date. This song will take you back and remind you why baby boomers love their rock songs so much.

6. The Unknown Soldier-1968

As the son of an admiral serving in the Vietnam War, this song is more personal to Morrison than any other thing. It was released as a single in 1968 just as the reality of the war was hitting home for many people. The song, deliberately named ‘the unknown soldier’ due to the war connotations, shed light on how futile war can be and even in the music video, graphically demonstrated how bad it can be when Morrison is shown being executed by a firing squad as part of the act. It is quite a deep and real song and why it remains to be a favourite for many.

7. When the Music’s Over- 1967

The theatrical vocal depiction by Morrison in this song makes it the kind of song you just find yourself going back to. Krieger’s solo just catches you by surprise and you’re left wondering when exactly it switched up like that. In fact, that legendary solo is the highlight of the song along with the controversial and don’t care phrase by Morrison, ‘Cancel my subscription to the resurrection.’

8. Love Me Two Times- 1967

Released in 1967, this song was quoted as a favourite for many of the soldiers serving in Vietnam. This is because they most identified with the lyrics, “Love me two times I’m goin’ away.” It is the kind of bouncy blues rocker that is just perfect for Radi hence why it never gets old. Why it is still a favourite for so many? However, its suggestive lyrics made it have limited airplay although again Morrison couldn’t care less. That’s why he sang the lyrics even though he knew it would be controversial.

9. The Changeling- 1971

Morrison’s ravaged voice added to the edginess of this song unapologetically. He grunts midway through the song and gives it the funkiest sound you will ever hear in an oldie rock song. The lyrics to this song are also quite powerful, talking about leaving town and starting anew. It was somewhat prophetic as Morrison ended up decamping to Paris soon after he finished recording ‘LA Woman.’

Read also: https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/in-the-footsteps-of-jim-morrison-in-paris/

10. Love Her Madly- 1971

Released also in 1971, This beautiful song was written by Robbie Krieger. It was a hit song from LA Woman, that caused The Doors’ producer to hand it over to Brice Botnick and make it popular. He described it as cocktail music with a Californian sunshine pop but now with the typical Doors kicker line, “Don’t you love her as she’s walking out the door?” which gives it the edge it requires.

11. The Crystal Ship- 1967

From the title of the song, you know that you are definitely in for such a ride. The haunting psychedelic ballad adds more to its melancholic vibe and it keeps reminding you why exactly The Doors is loved so much. In this song, Morrison is most poetic with his voice to accompany it. After all, what can ever go wrong with beautiful words? Absolutely nothing! Adding Manzarek’s beautiful keyboard solos and tunes, you have a gem in your hands. If the opening line of the song, “Before you slip into unconsciousness I’d like to have another kiss,” doesn’t capture your attention, I don’t know what will.

12. People are Strange- 1967

This is a song co-written by Morrison and Krieger and no wonder it is such a gem. The lyrics written by Morrison were inspired by his walk around the Laurel Canyon scene. He was people-watching and noticed that indeed, people can be quite strange. With a touch of ‘Alabama Song’ in it and its quirky German theatre influence, you get to have a piece that is absolutely beautiful and intriguing. Furthermore, the band performed a version of the song that has never been forgotten on the Ed Sullivan Show and the audience’s anticipation is just mind-blowing to watch. When all is said and done, this song is absolutely amazing!

13. Peace Fog- 1970

 To start with, the inspiring lyrics of this song fuse memories of Morrison’s childhood and hence why it is such a special song. When you get to understand its inspiration, you get to see its beauty in a different light. Morrison’s observations on civil unrest in America, and his impeding court cases from the incidents at New Haven and Miami concerts all contributed to the writing of the song. Combined with Krieger’s funky guitar skills and Morrison’s iconic growl, you end up having a gem that is impossible to dislike.

14. Touch Me- 1969

Released in 1969 under ‘The Soft Parade,’ album, this song without even many words, explains to you why Morrison was always referred to as ‘The Psychedelic Sinatra.’ Here, he applied his smoothest vocals and gave life to the top three US singles to be written by Robby Krieger. Their performance of this song on the ‘Smothers Brothers’ show on YouTube proves that indeed when it comes to vocals, Morrison isn’t faking. He was genuinely that good.

15. Break on Through- 1967

Released in 1967, this song is what opened the doors for the band, no pun intended. As their first debut single, the song opened their debut album that went on to establish the band’s taboo-challenging manifesto. The tune of the song set against a nova rhythm set it apart as the one single that broke new ground for the band and even gave them their first promotional films as it was featured in a number of them.

16. Roadhouse Blues (Morrison Hotel, 1970)

The biggest compliment I can pay “Roadhouse Blues” is that on first listen I assumed it was a traditional blues song that had been updated. It’s not; it’s a band co-write with lyrics by Morrison and is so authentic with Morrison’s wasted voice growling the lyrics, and the Lovin’ Spoonful’s John Sebastian blowing up a storm on harmonica, that it quickly became a standard of its own.

17. Riders on the Storm- 1971

This song has a particularly somber mood that ironically, is the one aspect that makes it quite beautiful. With this mood of impending death coming for you via the lyrics reference, “Riders on the Storm,” the song has become one of the best-known Doors’ songs. It has this striking sound effect that captures your attention from the word go. The distant thunder and falling rain and Morisson’s dubbed whispered vocals, create a forbidding aura that just makes you glued to the song. Ray’s piano then adds a jazzy quality to it and all this mashed up together produces the most beautiful sound you have ever heard. Fun fact: This was Morrison’s last recording with the band and so in a way, it was like he was saying his goodbye. The song has therefore always cast a ghostly shadow. Even 50 years later.

18. The End- 1967

Released in 1967, this is perhaps the most controversial song by The Doors. Its popularity soared even higher after being used in ‘Apocalypse Now.’ An even more enigma to it is how the song is based on the Oedipus’s Greek Mythology. A king who killed his father and married his mother as it had been prophesied. Hence, the song ended up proving to be a fitting climax to a very groundbreaking debut album.

19. Light My Fire- 1967

Released in 1967, the song is an erotic ecstasy that contains all kinds of controversial and uncomfortable airplay content. This is the song that introduced The Doors to the world when they topped the US charts in the summer of 1967. It remains essential and given how the band never disappointed thereafter, it goes to show that not only are they very talented, but also consistent in the delivery of good stuff. Krieger’s memorable solo in the song is also something that will always stand out every time you listen to this iconic song.

20. LA Woman- 1971

As usual, always save the best for last. Released in 1971, ‘LA Woman’ is probably the most popular and iconic Doors’ song although that entirely depends on one’s tastes. It is a typical LA anthem hence why it is considered so popular. The heart-thumping bass line thanks to Elvis’ bass player, Jerry Scheff, opens up the song and immediately it sells you. Densmore’s drumming dives right into it and gives the song a foundation and edge that’s simply put, unbreakable.

The Doors are hands down talented and mesmerizing. The fact that they also set pace for other upcoming bands later on, is something to be truly admired.