83. Hey Jude! by Wilson Pickett

"Hey Jude" by Wilson Pickett

Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Produced by Rick Hall and Tom Dowd
Released on Hey Jude (1969)
Released as single in 1968
Peaked at #23 on Billboard Hot 100
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Why is Wilson Pickett on this list and not the Beatles? Because Wilson Pickett knows how to scream. The coda (the na-na-na section) is the payoff. McCartney, in the original does his best, but Pickett pierces my soul.

When I first heard this on a compilation album of Duane Allman's work as a session musician, I just wanted know what Allman could do with a Beatles song. Allman's guitar work is great, but I was not fully prepared for the raw fire of Wilson Pickett's voice. It's like he's sweating and fighting for every note. He's a singer who leaves nothing in the tank. Everything is just out there. No filter; no holding back; just pure emotion.

Sometimes I feel like I can't really scream and yell because of singers like Wilson Pickett. What do I have to scream and yell about anyway? When he lets out his beautifully visceral wail, it's like he's screaming for all of us. Truly great art always comes from pain and heartache. McCartney saw the pain and heartache of a son estranged from his father and captured that in a brilliant song. I know nothing about Wilson Pickett's life. His voice tells me he's seen and felt a lot of pain and sadness. Where else can that come from?

His wail is from the heart and it is a gift. It is beautiful; it is painful; it is glorious.

Right now, "Hey Jude" by Wilson Pickett is (probably) my 83rd favorite song of all time.