Classic songs everyone seems to know, but you were unaware of until recently

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This is odd ... I've been listening to the radio for years, I'm knocking 40, and I'd never heard The Isley Brothers' Behind a Painted Smile until last Sunday. The reason I remarked on it was that I think the operative line sounds oddly like Sabbath Bloody Sabbath. Anyway, my girlfriend said "oh come on - this is on every other Motown comp ... you must have heard it before!".

Anything similar happened to anybody else?

― Jez (Jez), Tuesday, 15 February 2005 13:00 (twenty years ago)

I love that song! Great to reach 40 and just discover it!

― Dadaismus (Dada), Tuesday, 15 February 2005 13:04 (twenty years ago)

Same thing happened to me with the Isleys' "Work to Do."

― ffirehorse, Tuesday, 15 February 2005 22:08 (twenty years ago)

Most of Neil Diamond's hits. I always knew he was somewhat popular in the 70s, but I had no idea that so many people seemed to have grown up on his music. I still maintain that I've heard "Sweet Caroline" in karaoke bars more often than I've ever actually heard the original recording.

Also, I think I was something like 19 or 20 before I heard "We Built This City." Actually, there's probably a ton of other examples. I have huge blind spots, especially when it comes to oldies and classic rock.

― jaymc (jaymc), Tuesday, 15 February 2005 22:23 (twenty years ago)

I've still never heard the original version of "Perfect Day".

― Ian Riese-Moraine (Eastern Mantra), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 02:41 (twenty years ago)

I couldn't hum you five tracks from The White Album

― Aaron A., Wednesday, 16 February 2005 02:45 (twenty years ago)

The Specials, "Ghost Town"

So awesome... but you've known that for twenty years.

― poortheatre (poortheatre), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 03:07 (twenty years ago)

Cheap Trick, 'Surrender'. I'll never fully understand what happened, but my only knowledge of Cheap Trick growing up was 'The Flame'. I realise now what a sad, sad thing that is to have to admit.

― VegemiteGrrl (VegemiteGrrl), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 04:17 (twenty years ago)

98% of the songs from the last dozen-or-so years, if those count as classic.

I was aware of it by title, but I never heard Madonna's "Lived To Tell" until recently. Quite bizarre, considering that every other hit from True Blue was permanently imprinted on my brain long ago.

― Myonga Von Bontee (Myonga Von Bontee), Wednesday, 16 February 2005 16:04 (twenty years ago)

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