We all suffer from that annoying human trait called “cognitive itch” where you can’t get a song or tune out of your head, as if your brain is scratching itself to relieve the monotony of it all. Some songs seem to make this weird cerebral side effect happen even more and they are usually classic songs that have been popular over the decades or often a song you heard on the radio the other day and can’t get you out of your head
To me, these are the top 3 brain-eating keyboard riffs that have plagued my brain at one point or another and seem to keep coming back again and again.
1. Light my fire – The doors.
Starting with a snare hit, this sinuous pop synth tune sneaks into your subconscious just before Jim Morrison starts singing the sad lyrics of this incredible classic. Many more Doors tracks, including other massive classics like Riders On The Storm, feature a memorable keyboard track, laid down by the masterful Ray Manzarek.
2. The final countdown – Europe.
Surely this has to be known as the most famous and most hated keyboard riff of all time? The pop artists of the 80s, Europe, have inflicted this tune on our psyche for many years and it has surely become a part of our daily lives, without our knowing it. The high-pitched melody invades my brain numerous times and leaves me just wanting silence.
3. Leap – Van Halen
This is another tune from the same time period as The Final Countdown. Memories of Eddie Van Halen swaying above the crowd, doing the splits in a skintight jumpsuit, and performing high kicks, come to mind as the opening chords of this staunch classic begin to play towards the first verse. Classic stuff that keeps us up until the wee hours of the morning.