A to Z Music Challenge - R is for Rihanna, R.E.M., Rage Against the Machine, R.E.O. Speedwagon, Ramones, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, Kenny Rogers, Run DMC, Republica, Radiohead, Corrine Bailey Rae, Rascal Flatts, Lionel Richie, Smokie Robinson and Rush

Are you ready for this one?  This is one of those posts I warned you guys about that will be long. But worth it. Off we go.



Rihanna
Oh, Rhirhi.  I want to sit this girl down and tell her that she's way too beautiful, too young, too talented to waste any more seconds on an asshole with a neck tattoo and anger issues.  (Incidentally, I HATE the fact that this particular asshole is also talented and that I find myself singing along happily to his songs until I catch myself then kick myself in the shins). Sure, she's got issues. Her last album mostly sucked. But this song right here, the one that she can sing the hell out of live, this. Just this. Good lord. This.


R.E.M.
One of my favorite bands of the 80s and 90s, they helped make alternative music what it is. Their music appealed to a wide audience, from rock to pop, and the lyrics in their songs spoke to the souls of their fans.


Rage Against the Machine
Angry fast genre crossing metal, I'll probably always associate them with my later teenage years. As a public service announcement, if you went to Lollapalooza and bought a shirt don't wear it around people in their early 20s because they will have no idea what it means.


R.E.O Speedwagon
Arena rock, power ballads. Dudes with guitars singing songs to make girls throw their panties on the stage. Get your lighters up. Or the app on your phone. Or whatever.



Ramones
Um yeah. I'm going to consider the fact that they are in my son's top 5 favorite bands as a good thing and leave it at that. Sometimes being sedated wouldn't be so bad.



Red Hot Chili Peppers
Drugged out, under the bridge, literally. Heroin is nasty shit, but it makes for damn good music.


Rolling Stones
One of the oldest, one of the best. Still kicking ass these days, even if they're insanely wrinkly and wearing sensible shoes.


Diana Ross
She did diva better than anyone else did. Oh, the hair and the smile. Music wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for her.


Kenny Rogers
We're just going to pretend that he never made it out of the 80's, that he never made chicken and that he doesn't know what plastic surgery is. mmmmkay?  My dad loved this whole album, so I do too.



Run DMC
Easily one of the most important groups in the history of hip hop, we aren't going to talk about how old it makes me since I saw them live back in the day. No, we aren't. This is the one I picked because I left Aerosmith out all the way back in the A's, and I've seen them live too and we still aren't talking about how old I am.


Republica
Say what?  I know. Many of you might not even know who they are, but a few of their songs will forever remind me of my summers in college, meeting new crazy friends and enjoying those last moments of pseudo-youth.


Radiohead
Thom Yorke is one of the most interesting people in music, for sure. They're almost as well known for his quirks as their music. Regardless, they are one of the most influential bands from the late 90s and 2000s. Yeah, Creep is the song that made them popular, but I like this one better....because I'm waiting for the karma police to arrest a few people.


Corrine Bailey Rae
She has such an old fashioned, smooth voice, it's almost like she should belong to a different generation. This is one of those songs that should be in the rotation for all my friends. Because I said so.


Rascal Flatts
One of the few country acts to make my list, I love them just because I do. I would actually go see them live voluntarily, and I'd even use it as an excuse to buy some boots.  (I already have the hat, shhhh). This song. Stab me in the heart. The main reason I can't listen to country music is that it's way too goddamn real. I can't even listen to it now.

Lionel Richie
Hello?  Is it me you're looking for?


Smokie Robinson
Him and Kenny. Good lord. Step away from the surgery center. Please. This man is an icon in music, even if I can't stand to look at him these days. Just sing Smokie. Stop messing up your face. Oh, and there will be no contaminating this song with Gwenyth. No. No, no, no.


Rush
This is me pandering to my husband. I don't love Rush, but he does. So here.