Top 10 Greatest Keyboard Riffs in Rock

[@bravevoice2771]

Mojo..... learn the difference between a riff and a solo.

[@Daberney]

A.D. Stubbs: "Yikes" as in, "Yikes, I've got a massive erection"?

[@mark-o-man6603]

​@A.D. yo, if had been in jail with those two guys, I'd definitely smashed them in the shower.

[@poet7158]

Riff noun : a short repeated phrase in popular music and jazz, typically used as an introduction or refrain in a song. Rush's subdivision is not a riff , but a solo

[@baileyyeates3261]

I’m glad they added the doors, people forget that the doors had one of the best keyboardist/organist in rock history.

[@awaken77]

Nobody forgot, one of very influencial bands

[@76Draeger]

Sad part is that it lists Van Halen Jump as 1983 when the album was titled the same as the release year --- 1984

[@winter1235]

I guess The Final Countdown is too European for WM.

[@zoegappa125]

I see what you did there.

[@jsbmx2039]

that song should have been at least top 3

[@ccubsfan94]

I watched this vid a couple hours ago, heard it on the radio and could not figure out why it wasn't number one. I knew that song before I knew what songs were.

[@cypher_temjin]

When I saw the title of this video, I knew Final Countdown was in there. Man was I sadly wrong.

[@denisdrozdoff2926]

The Final Countdown is just as good as any of Swedish successful hair/pop-rock song, you can't put a whole country on that list.

[@rogexpo9430]

Roundabout by Yes deserves to be on this list and not just an honorable mention.

[@peggyfranzen6159]

roger esposito True.' Six Wives of Henry the Eighth'- live .Then listen to " Rock and Roll Prophet"-awesome.' I Am So Straight, I'm A weirdo."

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

Agree; I was assuming it was going to be #1 or #2 when I started watching.

[@siler7]

@@publiusvelocitor4668 Same. I could hear it in my head before I could remember the name.

[@beljorge701]

I am. Agree. Yes deserves the first place

[@fixitdude74]

There's quite a few Yes tracks with awesome keyboard riffs: as mentioned "Roundabout", Starship Trooper, Awaken, Perpetual Change, Your's is no disgrace, The Fish(Schindleria Praemeturus), Heart Of The Sunrise.

[@awaken77]

Almost everything from ELP, Deep Purple, Yes, The Doors, Genesis, Atomic Rooster, have great keyboard riffs

[@juliofc56]

Definitely Atomic Rooster, Tomorrow Night etc

[@matheusmartins1449]

In the cage

[@Emersonlakeorpalmer]

Elp first😏

[@vicferrari89]

Problem is, this song is so.............ya know, cheezy.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

Jon Lord’s Lazy is epic.

[@josezazueta19]

Ozzy Osbourne's Mr. Crowley.

[@ChristianIce]

How can a list lack a final countdown?

[@settratheimperishable4093]

I dunno it's like the most popular one... They need to put their shit together.

[@naughtygawd3269]

not even a honorable mention

[@localplaguedoctor8270]

Wasnt that a trumpet

[@hamsteralliance]

It's a keyboard playing a "synth brass" sound.

[@naughtygawd3269]

jesse boer it's still a synth sound

[@josephancion2190]

It's basically "top 10 keyboard parts in rock", and not "riffs".

[@RichardMedhurst]

the organ solo in House of the Rising Sun should've definitely been on this list. As epic as it is though, Baba O'Riley is well placed at n1. That keyboard riff is just insane. It's the very first thing you hear on the very first track on "Who's Next". Just legendary, known the world over. The entire song is literally a rock n' roll anthem.

[@DonZollFL]

Completely agree on both ends of the comment. Anthemic Baba O'Riley, but the Animals should have had a song on the list.

[@lafalconetafc6932]

I love both The Who and The Animals, but the list here is for riffs, not solos

[@LMTVVideos]

The Baba O'Riley keyboard riff is actually created by a Lowrey home organ from the 1970's with a feature called Marimba Repeat.

[@bobbyslater1198]

I've always heard that the "keyboard" sounds on Who's Next were actually synthesized drums, created by Keith Moon.

[@paulwatson746]

Difficult to disagree with that.

[@themanfromphoto]

By far the greatest keyboard riff is A Whiter Shade Of Pale by Procol Harum. So Iconic that a copyright suit made its way to the House Of Lords court in England.

[@CopperCettle]

I agree 100 %

[@GP-2000]

I thought it would be number 1 too. I think whiter shade of pale sold more singles than this list combined.

[@gamusin2044]

A great riff, but...isn't a rock song, is a oldie romantic ballad.There are a lot of awesome legendary riffs on another musical styles: Abba - Gimme gimme OMD - Enola Gay Eurythmics - Sweet Dreams, etc

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Yeah, I missed that too

[@nigeldepledge3790]

@@gamusin2044 - Quite right. You might even include Cars by Gary Newman, Einstein-a-go-go by Landscape and a whole slew of others if you're going to broaden this to other genres.

[@Philtration]

Half of these could have been Deep Purple and the other half The Doors.

[@user-mn1qf2mm8m]

Philtration Thanks man, this sentences was exactly what I was looking for. Ray Manzarak is in my opinion the best musician ever.

[@ashpighetti6970]

All of it could have been the doors

[@richardernsberger5692]

Riders on the Storm has a great keyboard riff.

[@chriss3838]

Truth!

[@pzooka]

Yeah the title should have read "top 10 most recognizable keyboard riffs" Ray manzarek was actually a jazz/blues guys taking advantage of the emerging rock and roll trend at that time which was slowly becoming more and more experimental. So luckily for him he even got to do a couple of jazz solos on light my fire, when the musica over, riders on the storm, etc He was clearly a smart guy and his abilities far exceeded the actual needs of the band. Ray manzarek and Jim Morrison were fuxking blessings to each other and all of man kind at that. Man the doors wrote so much great material

[@SilverSting420]

Final Countdown? Most iconic keyboard riff of all time? Actually a riff?

[@mozartronic9]

Agree! Totally absurd!

[@uzielonga5311]

Me temo que la mayoría de los puestos ni siquiera son riffs, la verdad no me gusta final count down pero admito que ese si es un riff de teclado

[@anthonyyyy2858]

Maybe they count it as pop?

[@TillyWacker]

its jump by van halen and we all know it

[@minibr0colli611]

Nah final countdown is kinda lame

[@kevindavis3985]

Ina-gada-da vida belongs in the top three, for sure.

[@ZiggyWalsh]

My thought exactly!

[@zeldamex]

I mean, Joy Division??? What the heck...

[@stephaniethompson6319]

Did you know that at 11:23 of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida, the organ part is actually God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman. Go listen!

[@almason253]

Nice!

[@DoomiteAsh]

Absolutely! Great song by a great band that didn't get near the respect they should have!

[@michaelbergman1708]

A-Ha: Take on me The Zombies: Time of the Season Edgar Winter: Frankenstein Booker T: Green Onions Devo: Whip It Pet Shop Boys: West End Girls Pretty much anything by The Cars.

[@IanPunter]

Green Onions probably FITS this category better than anything else. It is a pure riff and to me it just defined the 1960s more that any other song.

[@bobthebear1246]

ian poultry You are absolutely right.

[@JuniorBlitz]

Michael Bergman The songs you've listed aren't even rock. They belong in a different genre.

[@bestmetalandrocklists9120]

Michael Bergman since when is A-ha rock?

[@1256giff]

Booker T. played a Hammond organ not a synth.

[@christopherfujino]

I thought for sure "A Whiter Shade of Pale" was gonna be number one.

[@TimMiddleton]

so did I

[@moleman1976]

Goddamn, I didn't think of that one, but it's a good one. I still think Europe's "Final Countdown" should be top because of how recognizable that riff is. Nothing says synthesizer like FC.

[@fthees]

I do agree with Brian M. I love "A Whiter Shade of Pale" but for a "keyboard riff in rock" Final Countdown is #1 for sure. Or just kick Joy Division from that list :-)

[@jimsanderson4180]

I don't agree about "Final Countdown". It is just not famous enough. I was fresh out of high school when that song was released but I never heard it on the radio. As a matter fact I've never even heard of the band until you mentioned it in this thread.

[@superbracey]

Jim Sanderson Maybe it's a European thing. It's very famous in the UK. Don't know about the US.

[@theboyx323]

Where is Final Countdown and House of the Rising Sun?

[@frostyvr9805]

theboyx3 and spaceship superstar

[@FRN2013]

Also Child of Vision by Supertramp

[@Cornivus7]

Too mainstream

[@TheBretDark]

The Logical Song, Goodbye Stranger, Breakfast in America, and Gone Hollywood by Supertramp all have great keyboard parts also

[@domenbaumgartner8765]

Zeppelin ♫ yes!

[@ethanoreilly2002]

You are so right! Supertramp Breakfast fast in America has Incredible keyboard riffs! Even Just another nervous wreck has a great keyboard riff.

[@PajamaPantsStudios]

man, how did i not notice that?? i listen to those all the time!

[@neffam3]

I'm pretty sure every Supertramp song has a great keyboard riff

[@LtJackboot]

Inna Gadda Da Vida solo

[@freelanceer]

Dude, you forgot "In a Gadda da Vida" by Iron Butterfly and "Frankenstein" by Edgar Winter Group. Unforgivable

[@fredrix3599]

And what about Tobacco Road by Edgar Winter. Most complicated piano solo ever!

[@ernestogasulla7763]

Baba O'Riley is a programmed sequence... worst #1 choice ever. Subdivisions is just some chords. And no Tony Banks? Unfuckingbelievable...

[@KingInky13]

Also, should have chosen lazy over highway star for deep purple

[@JohnSmith-mx8wp]

+KingInky The intro to "Lazy" is the highlight of that whole album. Jon Lord could really bring it...check out his solo in "Flight of the Rat"

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Naw. When a song goes over 5 minutes you really need to ask why. Does it do anything worth being an entire side of a vinal disk? Naw. Iron Butterfly out. Too weird.

[@billkeithchannel]

#11 Bittersweet Symphony - The Verve #12 I'll Wait - Van Halen #13 Sunset Grill - Don Henley #14 Cars - Gary Neuman #15 Destination Unknown -Missing Persons #16 Kid's In America - Kim Wild #17 Don't You Want Me - Human League #18 Man Made - A Flock Of Seagulls #19 Draw Of The Cards - Kim Carnes #20 Twilight - Electric Light Orchestra and so on and so on and so on and so on.... #21 So On - P.M. Dawn #22 Funky Town - Lips Inc. #23 Body Language - Queen #24 Keep Feeling Fascination - Human League #25 State Of Independence - Donna Summer (Yes cover) #26 In The Air Tonight - Genesis #27 You Belong To The City - Glen Frey #27 Miami Vice Theme - Jan Hammer #28 Wind Him Up - Saga #29 Africa - Toto #30 Shock The Monkey - Peter Gabriel #31 Take On Me - A-ha! #32 Power Of Love - Huey Lewis And The News #33 West End Girls - Pet Shop Boys

[@ittlebitz]

"Cars" by Gary Numan used multiple synthesizers! And I think Dire Straits "Walk of Life" has a pretty memorable keyboard line as well!

[@richardharms2009]

as well as The Cars' Bye Bye love. Oh and don't leave out Genesis Abacab. Who Ra.

[@pavkey88]

10. Subdivisions- rush 9.Separate ways - journey 8. Foreplay long time - Boston 7. Fanfare for the common man - ELP 6. Love will tear us apart - joy division (seriously)??) 5. Jump - Van Halen 4. Shine on you crazy diamond - Pink Floyd 3. Highway star - Deep Purple 2. Light my fire - Doors 1. Baba o Riley - The Who Also, this list is horrible

[@KeeperOfPoops]

it needs more Europe - Final Countdown

[@JimmyLedezmaa]

Joy division love will tear us part is a good song but the piano was alright but I don't think it shouldn't have gotten up on there

[@jeremyc9593]

@Willliam Allison Thankfully, it had none.

[@belgianwaffles99]

Yeah, it was iffy, but I actually do appreciate Joy Division being on there. It was a forerunner to such an iconic sound for a while. But to each his own, and thank God we have enough great music to argue about it, right?

[@devinthierault]

Love Joy Division but the synth in that is simple as hell. I would've chosen something from Depeche Mode if they wanted something post-punk synth pop

[@OvExX]

Where is walk of life from dire straits?

[@guibox3]

Exactly!! I can't believe it wasn't even in honorable mention never mind right in the top 10!!

[@henleinkosh2613]

Yeah I was expecting that to be on this list as well

[@tudr46]

I can leave without listening to the rest of this stuff then. Walk Of Life should be #1

[@daweller]

Money for Nothing starts of with heavy synth

[@OvExX]

daweller no, that one starts with a snare drum flam and then guitar

[@Holdington]

Wait, Europe's Final Countdown wasn't mon the list?

[@ArturBernardoMallmann]

no.. final countdown is in the story and should be on this list, much more then joy divisions for example.

[@szender2021]

"the song itself is forgettable " ha ha

[@ArturBernardoMallmann]

bereantrb, The Final Countdown contains one of the most memorable riffs of the history! it's a fact. Music isn't just about innovation, yes it is important, but more important then this is create something that touch people! To do this a music need a good melody with a good logic and with a good expression of the feeling that will be passed! plus a good arrangement. About being a contributor to rock or keyboard.. this don't makes any sense. They have gilt of not being the first band to explore a instrument? just deserves respect who create a new and revolutionary technique?

[@philipkarovski281]

Yeah forgettable sure, that's why it's still played EVERYWHERE to this day and Europe are still active, because that riff isn't one of the most iconic riffs in hard rock and hasn't had a lasting impact, and Joy division is sooo awesome...

[@szender2021]

There is a great chord progression with the melody, and also great lead vocal, not to mention the guitar solo. It is not just a synt theme. The whole song is very coherent.

[@w1ngsfly]

I'm astonished there was no mention of Procol Harum's Whiter Shade of Pale.... Simply astonished.

[@deborahpaley21]

Ridiculous!

[@shirleymental4189]

@w1ngsfly Don't be astonished, this is WatchMojo fer fucks sake. I doubt their research goes beyond MTV

[@kazabushy]

It's not rock!

[@nickj7335]

Bushy's Barefoot Bar yes it is, it’s rock soul

[@kazabushy]

@@nickj7335 No Baroque pop. PH are more known as a prog rock band though.

[@juangomez7586]

Well I think that Depeche Mode - Just Can't Get Enough deserves at less a honorable mention...Does anyone else think the same????

[@bsvenss2]

It says "rock" in the title.

[@kostajovanovic3711]

They Probably don't consider them a rock band

[@nelsonricardo3729]

Yes! Vince Clarke is the king of synth.

[@oliverharper7411]

Well, whilst that's probably the most recognisable synth part in their back catalogue, I wouldn't say it's their best. They definitely need #1 if they do a pop list. Best synth band ever.

[@chuckaudio3191]

Between DM,Yazoo and Erasure, Vince should have his own top 10 list!

[@pardwayne]

"Won't get fooled again" sounds like a keyboard riff; "Baba O'Reily" sounds more like a programed loop.

[@StevePenningtonoO7]

It is and they're the best at doing that layering out the music absolutely incredible.

[@michaelbauers8800]

Marimba repeat on a Lowry. Who cares if it's basically an arpeggiator IMO :)

[@johaprog]

It is not a programed loop. He was playing faster every part.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Speed control dial.

[@Brekner]

Finally a decent top, where people might find out about good music...probably lots of negative comments and dislikes inc.

[@jasonharris1636]

"Light My Fire" is the greatest hook up break up makeup Revenge sex song ever

[@patsfan4life]

LOL okay......

[@publiusvelocitor4668]

It is?

[@kennyolszewski1053]

I'm a huge fan of Pink Floyd and I was not expecting shine on to make it

[@getlost8027]

I wouldn't quantify anything by Rick Wright in that tune a "riff".

[@jamesallen1816]

Get Lost. Shine On and Rick Wright are amazing but I agree, not a riff really.

[@dadams6593]

Have a Cigar has much more of a definitive riff to the song than Shine on IMO.

[@fvcostanzo]

It wasn't Rick Wright's best effort. I thought the opening to "Sheep" or even better, "Any Colour You Like" would have been more appropriate.

[@getulioprates]

Exacttly!!!! A precise observation.

[@StyxYRenegade]

I'd rather pick Tarkus over Fanfare for the Common Man for Emerson, Lake & Palmer

[@LittleLion93]

Yeash Tarkus was the first that popped in my mind.

[@StyxYRenegade]

LittleLion93 Like seriously, the intro itself is a 2.5 minute keyboard solo that keeps changing tempo. I was a tad disappointed that Tarkus didn't make it, but at least ELP was chosen.

[@davidscott129]

If they were going to pick ELP doing Aaron Copeland, I'd have preferred "Hoedown".

[@Juno1849]

Same.

[@davesmith6794]

Thank you for including Rush. They were always on the cutting edge of technology at any given time. From the minimoog, to the huge experimental modular systems, to the digital world of PPG Waves and all the way back again, Rush knew exactly how to sculpt that unique vision.

[@ernestogasulla7763]

But this is a horrible choice... Subdivisions is just some chords.

[@mandkhodge]

Dave Smith yes. Subdivisions was great keyboards but for a drum and guitar group they buried themselves in synth during this period.

[@johnserrano8258]

What about "Presto" and "Roll the Bones"?

[@bulldogdave]

SAGA, another great Canadian band (ignored on this list) was doing that way before Rush did.

[@66limelight]

@@mandkhodge, Yeah a lot of Rush fans complain about that period of their music but I love it. There is still plenty of guitar, bass and drums. Even when they were using more and more synth they were still very, very progressive and unique. I haven't listened to any of their music after Power Windows in years. That album and all the stuff prior is my fav period of their music.

[@iAdvanceMasked]

Disagree Should be 3. Firth Of Fifth - Genesis 2. Tubular Bells opening - Mike Oldfield 1. Roundabout - Yes Or shuffle em. Throw in U.K.'s "Presto Vivace and Reprise" off 'Dead Of Night' for good measure, too.

[@progisloveprogislife4501]

Prog for the win

[@davep8221]

Excellent choices, and finally a Mike Oldfield fan.

[@Riloman17]

I'd put Close to the Edge over Roundabout.

[@davep8221]

@@Riloman17 And I'd put _Awaken_ over everything and anything. However, I still often say, my favorite Yes song is the one I'm currently listening to. Mike Oldfield's _Amarok_ (first song, side one ;-) towers over everything, except [REDACTED].

[@stevenpape2021]

Watcher of the skies over Firth of Fifth.

[@IsaacRaine63]

How can there not be Toto on here, e.g. Hold the Line or Africa

[@jomivira183]

Add this one - Toto -Hydra...bombastic...

[@herson7171]

No Final Countdown?

[@bryanmatthews1540]

I don't think the synth part in final countdown is a solo. isn't it just the intro riff? can't remember

[@red5robb1]

it doesn't have to be a 'solo'. they said that at the start of the video

[@nhl1770]

well it's not rock

[@thelolipoptroop7148]

+Bryan Matthews It's not supposed to be a solo, it's just a part

[@bryanmatthews1540]

O yeah. My bad. It's cool for being gay as fuck I guess.

[@MrBelmont79]

96 Tears- Question ? Wully Bully-Sam the Sham I'm a believer- The monkeys... These guys left out the most famous and catching tunes.

[@BobDetonado]

What? The Final Countdown - Europe Only Time Will Tell - Asia Man Of Miracles - Styx The Show Must Go On - Queen

[@Hatingmeisconforming]

Top 10 most viewed WatchMojo top 10 lists!

[@crazymango28]

yes!!!

[@lemmykilmester5779]

Are you stupid you can just look at their most popular videos on their KZbin page

[@crazymango28]

+Tarquin The Proud but I want them to explain why 😅

[@Hatingmeisconforming]

Tarquin The Proud It's supposed to be dumb

[@ImJCyo]

Topception.

[@Arnd2it]

How is "A Whiter Shade of Pale" by Procol Harum not on this list?

[@Kuyjac258]

Splitting hairs here but maybe because it's an organ not keyboard/synth? Totally agree though.

[@GaryAa56]

Thanks glad you caught A Whiter Shade Of Pale forgot that one

[@dennisw8263]

Splitting more hairs- an organ is a keyboard but not a synth. Several of those were not synths, the "Doors" used a Vox (small portable electronic organ).

[@TheStompboxer]

An electric organ technically is a synth.

[@stpaulimdog]

Plus they have Boston and Deep Purple's organ on there.

[@Gandellion]

How about top 10 underrated guitar solos? Or top 10 worst guitar solos? Basically all the guitar solo lists

[@Gandellion]

Top 10 songs that need a goddamn guitar solo

[@_dFour_]

+Clara I-M Top 10 Guitar solos that deserves another guitar solo while a guitar solo plays in the background!

[@WatchMojo]

We've done 2 lists on that! First: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGWxgH1qZ5J1ga8 Second: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aX-qiKFmo9qjeMU

[@lollijok]

which solo should be number 1 instead of comfortably numb? Please don't mention some Deathcore sh*t

[@bryanmatthews1540]

symphony of destruction- Marty Friedman ashes in your mouth-Marty Friedman I am a Viking yngwie malmsteen paradise city at mtv music award s buckethead ode to a country mouse- Bryan Matthews 7th gear- Bryan Matthews conquer or die- kiko

[@gangster60000000]

I don't understand why Green Onions - Booker T & the MG's isn't on this list... it's so iconic.

[@Solive62]

Sadly, Tony Banks of GENESIS was overlooked! He's the most prolific and progressive keyboardists of all time! "Firth of a Fifth", "Supper's Ready", "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight", Banks puts a lot of these guys to shame in any decade! No go MoJo!

[@MacXpert74]

Or 'Abacab' or 'Turn it on again' or "follow you follow me" :)

[@andrewschondel4231]

Right on, Abacab could have been #1

[@lionbatcher]

Came here to say that this list is not legit if it does not include Tony Banks.

[@kenetaylor59]

"Back in N.Y.C." End of discussion. That two-octave portamento MiniMoog bass drop at 4:17... holy god. Also, a totally not-apropos shout out to Phil Collins for being one of the few drummers in history who could make 7/4 groove. And could we talk about the gorgeous arpeggiated keyboard twinkles and thick string pads on "Hairless Heart?" Thanks for representing, Tony Banks fans!

[@kenetaylor59]

Oh, and yeah, "The Carpet Crawlers." Gotta remember that there were no digital tools at the time. He was just using analog arppegiation to do that. Truly stunning.

[@Dr_Do-Little]

Ray Manzarek is one of the most underappreciated musician in rock history. He's the one who create(d) The Doors sound. His riffs are absolutely mesmerizing. Wakeman's best riffs are not with Yes but on his personal material. Decent rank thou.

[@fabrizioluci801]

Ray Manzarek is God

[@vicferrari89]

Right but this song is so cheezy. Just say it, man, C.H.E.E.Z.Y. NOW SAY IT! ALL TOGETHER NOW, Say Cheezy.........CHEEZY!

[@moremoney2]

Under appreciated by who?

[@saemikneu]

my list (no specific order) Deep Purple - Lazy (intro) - played by Jon Lord The Animals - House of the Rising Sun (solo) - played by Vincent Price Nena - 99 Luftballons (99 Red Baloons) - played by Uwe Fahrenkrog-Petersen Europe - The Final Countdown - played by Mic Michaeli The Doors - Light My Fire - played by Ray Manzarek Led Zeppelin - No Quarter - played John Paul Jones (James Baldwin) Deep Purple - Rat Bat Blue - played by Jon Lord Atomic Rooster - 7 (Lonely) Streets - played by Vincent Crane The Beatles - Here Comes The Sun - played by George Harrison The Who - Baby O Reiley - played by Pete Townshend Iron Butterfly - In A Gadda Da Vida - played by Doug Ingle Booker T. and the MGs - Green Onions - played by Booker T. Jones A-Ha - Take On Me - played by Magne Furuholmen Eurythmics- Sweet Dreams (are made of this) - played mainly by David A. Stewart not rock but seriusly great: Stevie Wonder - Superstition - played by Stevie Wonder

[@yvescolin6169]

jesusfish the main instrument of 'superstition' is a clavinet, definitely a keyboard! ;-)

[@ivanyiattila3547]

Where is Genesis? A-ha is nothing to Genesis.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

It never occurred to me to play keys on Sweet Dreams, when you have THAT yummy, boomy drum part. YES, it's simple, but you need the right drum kit and drummer to not step all over it.

[@kenmurray7312]

You must be from my generation if you remember Rat Bat Blue, from a great album!

[@TheNgandrew]

"Are Friends Electric?" by Gary Numan and the Tubeway Army.

[@taniasalu2405]

Anything Gary Numan, the original paranoid android.

[@SotR59]

I know these lists are personal opinion but missing and more memorable than some in this video: * Point of know return--Kansas. One of my top favorite keyboard riffs. * In a gada da vida. Iron Butterfly. How can you miss that one? * Hocus Pocus-Focus * Autobahn- Kraftwerk * Fire- Arthur Brown * Frankenstein -Edgar Winter * Booker T. and the MG's--Green Onions ....just to name a few.

[@joesycamore2899]

Never thought of Focus, they should be here.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Argent - Nexus.

[@ohnobro1424]

Point Of Know Return is such an underrated song

[@JayJoJonny]

Africa - Toto should at least get an Honorable Mention

[@BaddaBigBoom]

No ..that would be you :-)

[@jonasp.30]

JayJoJonny no it should be at number 1

[@epicdog3189]

Such a great song by a great band gets turned into a meme

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Speaking of Toto.... just saying, just saying cough cough hold the line

[@fivestring65ify]

@@PureHoney_ASMR Bullshit. Toto is a classic rock band.

[@LLiivveeeevviiLL]

Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark" got an iconic riff, recognizable at an instant for everyone listening to rock during the 80's. It is not just the intro, it comes back later in the tune.

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

If we're talking riffs, rather than overall keyboard parts/performance (and not counting piano) in rock songs, does "96 Tears" not count? "House of the Rising Sun"? "Freeze Frame"? At least a half-dozen songs by the Cars? Again, just from the riff aspect, I would've put "Hush" over "Highway Star". "Magic Carpet Ride" also is rifflicious. "Blinded By the Light" not only starts and carries on a keyboard riff, they managed to squeeze friggin' Chopsticks in there and get away with it. "All Of My Love" is made by John Paul Jones' synth strings. Amen to the already-mentioned "Final Countdown", "Inna Gadda da Vida", and "Frankenstein". Also, "Empty Pages" deserves an honorable mention.

[@vaca_velga_puta]

Also "because" of beatles, is art

[@kingjohnny4314]

Well its a top ten not 20 but i agree some songs should have been on the list insted

[@simonhebert2681]

My favorite is Dire Straits' Walk of Life !

[@blaisemacpherson7637]

Simon Hébert and..... now it’s stuck in my head. Oh yeah the boy can play

[@aristotleasparaguspodcast1129]

Me too

[@JustinStinoStamosZamora42]

Same! It's so such a gorgeous riff!

[@nedd.8479]

The Doors - Light My Fire Deep Purple - Child In Time Iron Butterfly - Innagaddadavida Joy Division - Love Will Tear Us Apart The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again Booker T & The MG's - Green Onions Yes - No Opportunity Necessary No Experience Needed Led Zeppelin - All My Love Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond Alan Parsons Project - Sirius

[@patsfan4life]

Good call with Zep All of my love

[@lizardofoz4650]

Mandred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded by the light

[@DavidFosterVlog]

Where's the final countdown from Europe? There were several here that don't come close to that one. #fail

[@ok5988]

And there is no Rainbow in the dark as well

[@WatchMojo]

By the sounds of things we're going to have to do ANOTHER Top 10 Keyboard Riffs in Rock! Drop your suggestions on our Suggestion Tool watchmojo.com/suggest/Another+Top+10+Keyboard+and+Synth+Parts+in+Rock

[@furripupau]

the safety dance obviously (it's rock because i said so)

[@SwedishBrownEye]

The Final Countdown by Europe is way more famous than most entrys on this list. Missing that one is a major fuck-up!

[@thegregors8484]

+Robert Sidén you got that right one of the best.

[@guibox3]

Dire Straits';Walk of Life'; is a must! Same thing with 'See Forever Eyes' by Prism. Check it out! I can;t believe you forgot it and put something like Joy Division over those!

[@chrisbassani1152]

oh and "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who

[@deancamp4914]

Yes's "Roundabout" should have been there..

[@seventscott3945]

Scott Campbell along with Starship Trooper and ... ok too many more to add !!

[@GherkmanProductions]

N.O 1 for sure

[@shred4life256]

it was an honorable mention...did you watch the video?

[@GherkmanProductions]

Shred 4Life Yes I did otherwise I wouldn't comment. It didn't make it on the list though.

[@T.A.C.S.94]

I was thinking South side of the sky

[@AndyxPandy]

Firth of Fifth by genesis should have been in the honorable mentions.

[@AndyxPandy]

In fact any keyboard solo by tony banks should of made it onto the list.

[@atrickofthefloyd4208]

Genesis never makes it onto any of these lists it's so disappointing, easily the most underrated band in my opinion

[@Jillbles]

YES. Absolutely.

[@2evil2jam]

Especially the Cinema Show solo, i mean it's 4 and half min of absolute keyboard perfection

[@sebastianrossi3544]

Tony banks and keith emerson are the best keyboard players of all time Keith emerson creares the sintetizer

[@graysadventureland4253]

To Live and Die in L.A. - Wang Chung. That electric piano riff at the beginning is pure 80's Gold!🔥

[@Gandellion]

YES correct number one for sure

[@TheImaginaryLens]

Rick should be number one with Tony Banks second

[@teemusid]

I prefer Tony's approach to playing, not to mention his versatility.

[@nerdsick3778]

wtf?! How is Take on me by Aha! not on this list...

[@navrotron22]

"Rock Genre"

[@nerdsick3778]

+Antonio James 😥

[@mrprogrock1]

they are just a pop group

[@mr.whatever1949]

I don't think that is counted for rock music

[@talisbriedis]

Aha-ha-ha-ha-haaaaa......no, there is no place for them here.

[@luismg2130]

Genesis - In the cage. That solo totally kicks ass.

[@luismg2130]

The whole TLLDOB album is a keyboard masterpiece indeed.

[@Cpayne30]

The Lamb is a masterpiece!!!

[@earscapesmusic6091]

A standout track to be sure!

[@MrDemonology]

Yeah, no mention of any of Genesis top hits...This list wasn't well researched or thought out at all.

[@areciosmith]

Well, maybe they don't consider Stevie Wonder's Supertitious as rock but...

[@christophermorrison8632]

And for a completely catchy riff, higher ground just nails your ears from the first beat.

[@DonPirloPi]

1 Baba O'Riley (The Who) Honorable Mentions: - Walk of Life (Dire Straits) - Here I Go Again 87 (Whitesnake) - Light My Fire (The Doors) - Karn Evil 9 (Emerson, Lake & Palmer) 2 The Final Countdown (Europe) 3 Jump (Van Halen) 4 Foreplay / Long Time (Boston) 5 Roundabout (Yes) 6 All My Love (Led Zeppelin) 7 Shine On You Crazy Diamond (Pink Floyd) 8 Highway Star (Deep Purple) 9 Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) (Journey) 10 Subdivisions (Rush)

[@garyclark9185]

Xanadu RUSH

[@Sultanofszing]

In a Gadda da Davida?????!!!

[@danielfronc4304]

Sultans Of Zing Ya' got that right. If you want to talk iconic, say no more.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Saw Iron Butterfly live in '69 with The Rotary Connection. Both bands were incredible!

[@soralb6368]

It sounds like rock and/or roll

[@IvorPresents]

Iconic but hardly virtuosic, Better work done by the Vanilla Fudge.

[@kevinfager.]

Say what?

[@FrothingFanboy]

Absolutely ridiculous that In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida wasn't even mentioned. One of the most iconic organ parts in rock history.

[@73twall]

When I was a kid, "Separate Ways" and Baba O'riley" resided heavily in my head. So catchy it's infectious

[@kevinbirnbaum6460]

Happy to see ELP make your cut, but Emerson's best stuff was in Karn Evil 9. "Welcome back my friends to the show that never ends..."

[@chinshihtang]

Or maybe "Pictures at an Exhibition"?

[@mytripvegas]

Well said.

[@LittleLion93]

Or Tarkus!

[@Trickboy36]

End of "Lucky Man". Short but iconic. And originally an outtake I think. At least Emerson didn't think much of it. I think he was still tinkering with the Moog.

[@Rekko82]

Finally WM noticed ELP. More artistic than Pink Floyd or Genesis.

[@marciacarl718]

Any Pink Floyd song. Rick Wright was classically trained. He was an amazing singer as well!! Listen to Echoes

[@damont4091]

Marcia Carl you hit the nail right on the head

[@abhivandan8710]

A Keyboard solo form Pink Floyd is there on the list.

[@jimcyr7380]

Marcia Carl yeah but pink floyd also insanely talented !! Esp if you ever used lsd. Im gen x possible before and i can listen to floyd all day . What ever happened to creativity anyway????

[@jacksonbrown2174]

Have A Cigar also has really good keyboards from Rick Wright.

[@nigeldepledge3790]

Yes, Pink Floyd is in the list. They never feature the same band twice in the same list.

[@gaderius]

IN A GADDA DA VIDA???????????????????????

[@cbfall]

:O

[@ericknebel5905]

👏

[@N-Grezi]

it realy is more of a organ sound then a synth sound in my opinion :/

[@octomonkey1980]

The Boston tune was an organ piece as well though?

[@carlosmontenegro6835]

Yes, but #8 Foreplay/Long Time by Boston is specifically called out for its organ.

[@thanks58]

"Time of the season" The zombies, "runaway" Bonjovi, "Black magic woman" Santana, Should be on the list or even honorable mention.

[@victormontano7148]

Where is Gary Numan, "CARS" iconic synth sound.

[@studiofox4159]

totaly agree with you victor especially the crazy riff on the intro of "heartbeat city" please google it guys if you never heard of it

[@victormontano7148]

Missel Baer I should check thst out for sure!.

[@vincentwhitley8197]

Amen! Also, no Wonder or Winwood.. Not even honorable mention

[@davedagreat69]

I don't think I've ever heard Gary Numan described as rock!

[@victormontano7148]

davedagreat69 But i suppose you've herd of pop rock right?, anyway Gary Numan sure was a musician genius!.

[@nhl1770]

What's next? Top ten ways to wipe your ass

[@ViktorPopov2000]

xD

[@previewreview2364]

I love how people think it's watchmojo running out of ideas when people on their website actually submit ideas for their lists....so if you want original content just make a suggestion on their page. Otherwise, shut the fuck up!

[@TheOmegaRiddler]

#2 - 3 shells

[@janidoe4561]

+Preview Review idiots don't realize that. They just want to make a comment that's been seen over a thousand times

[@previewreview2364]

+Team Valor Damn straight...

[@christophercleveland7974]

What? No Supertramp?

[@michaelbauers8800]

Yeah, so many amazing piano pieces from them. I thought about that too. I think they were thinking keyboards did not include the piano, because consider how many great things got left out. Poor piano - it's a keyboard but it's percussive, so hides in people's blind spots when talking epic keyboard work in rock songs. Needs to say, top 10 non piano keyboard riffs maybe :) [ No electric piano either I heard ]

[@manuel5091]

Christopher Cleveland Yea, Hide In Your Shell for exemple

[@mikereiss4216]

No Yes either.

[@Chordonblue]

How can you miss the intro to 'Bloody Well Right'? It's a crime!

[@airtempest8945]

Chuck Hunnefield It's the crime of the century!

[@RTBurruss]

Where are The Cars? Also, this list would have been better if it were split into synths and non-synth keyboards (organ, clav, EP), as the latter three are usually kept separate in most keyboardists' minds, especially if you're not gonna go ahead and throw piano in the mix.

[@patsfan4life]

Good call with the Cars.... Moving in Stereo is legendary

[@daveinmilwaukee]

Can't go wrong with the Cars. But my top pick would be "Dangerous Type."

[@fivestring65ify]

@@patsfan4life Everything Greg Hawks did is legendary.

[@fivestring65ify]

@@daveinmilwaukee Bye Bye Love. Dangerous Type. Touch and Go.

[@gabg1538]

Rush have to be in there!

[@gabg1538]

Only #10?!

[@VirusVox]

This is a travesty

[@alexsaab8089]

I know Rush has to be atleast top 5

[@Torgo1969]

Given how neglected Rush is by the masses, I consider it to be One Little Victory to see them make this list, even at #10!

[@gabg1538]

+Torgo1969 I was thinking of Xanadu

[@SouthOCmixdown]

I can appreciate the fact WatchMojo did their best to do a comprehensive list, with such an eclectic and nearly infinite assortment of songs and keyboardists available. I always associated them with much weightier compilations like, "Top Ten Uncensored Penis Shadows In Movies", and the like. But they really should have separated pop from surreal new wave to hard rock/metal to prog rock. You simply cannot have bands like Joy Division, The Who, The Doors VH, Boston, Rush, Journey, Yes and ELP in serious analytical musical discussion. Entirely different bands with different aims. And Fanfare For The Common Man is impressive as is most of Emerson's work. But not Karn Evil 9 or Lucky Man? Half of Wakeman's solo work and work with Yes could also be included. Ever heard his solos from the Tales Topographic Oceans-LP? He didn't even like the album and his work was fucking legendary on it. Geoff Downes may have not been as skilled as Wakeman but his work with Yes and Asia deserves mention. John Paul Jones/Zep- Your Time Is Gonna Come, In The Evening, Carouselambra, All Of My Love? David Paiche of Toto/Boz Skaggs? Greg Hawkes from The Cars? Gary Numan? Patrick Moraz with Yes and Moody Blues in the 80's? Mike Lindup of Level 42? Jens Johansson on The Cage with Sonata Arctica? Vince Welnick or The Tubes and The Dead? Richard Barbieri from Japan and Porcupine Tree? Lyle Mays w/Pat Metheny? David Frank's work with EVERYBODY in the 80's till today? See, just too many to list and too many great riffs and highly influential songs to even mention. I could name about 20 songs by Tony Banks from Genesis alone, that certainly belong on this list(I Know What I like(In Your Wardrobe), Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, In The Cage, Afterglow, Dance On Volcano, The Brazilian. Hell, even 'pop throwaway' riffs like That's All, Illegal Alien and Abacab could compete or surpass many of the keyboard works listed here and Banks could play them in his sleep. So in all, this is my reasoning as to why 'Top Ten'-lists in wholly subjective, lush and criminally overpopulated fields like pop/rock keyboard playing, can never do art or the artists making it justice.

[@MissMetalMelissa]

great comment and musical knowledge. but um, you forgot 'turn it on again' by banks and genesis. just kidding ;) actually you helped jog my memory to so many great songs and artists that i will be tracking down on spotify\yt this weekend to create entirely new playlists. epic suggestioning!

[@brianodeci08]

+SouthOCmixdown I like your list. You're right you really can't narrow down a subject like best keyboard riffs to just 10. That's asinine. Personally, I prefer Claude Schnell's riff from "Rainbow In The Dark", over any cheese pop Jon Cain Journey riff. Also yes, Tony Banks is the alpha and omega of all rock key players prog or not. He literally changed 80's pop and prog music forever. Wakeman and Emerson may have had the superior chops, but Tony had the better and most evolved and complete material as a keyboardist by far.

[@leverage1976]

good job mentioning d. paiche he is so damned good &influential w/toto & boz but everybody also forgets that brutal chord riff &solo from d. henley's sunset grille. one of the most edgy, brutal &haunting thing ever done on keys

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

annabo xc agree on Oh, Sherrie and Too Much Time...

[@mvunit3]

SouthOCmixdown and Logan Black - South; you have tastes much like mine and made some great points. Logan, there with you with Vangelis, and don't forget "Chariots of Fire" :). I guess I have too many bands, genres and "keyboard" melodies, solos and musicians in my head to list ;).

[@swray2112]

Billy Preston on the Beatles 'Get Back" should be on the list, as well as something from Depeche Mode and New Order

[@djesno]

Joy Division took that New Order spot, yo.

[@gregmixing]

Hey Bulldog qualifies better as a great Beatles keyboard riff.

[@TheSponge71]

Don’t Let Me Down (The Beatles) has a nice piano riff imo, great song too.

[@bobbyslater1198]

Saw New Order with Echo & The Bunnymen. Great show.

[@wascawywabbit0987]

Billy Preston was Fab.

[@タマトリエノコロタ]

My ranking: 1 Goodbye Stranger - Supertramp 2 Firth Of Fifth - Genesis 3 Carouselambra - Led Zeppelin 4 Just What I Needed - The Cars 5 Light My Fire - The Doors 6 The Only Thing She Needs - U.K. 7 Africa - Toto 8 Living Sin - Emerson, Lake And Palmer 9 Parallels - Yes 10 Walk Of Life - Dire Straits

[@ben9675]

Where's Take on Me?

[@rayhallistapelaamista1844]

Its not rock

[@awaken77]

It still great song. and there's a lot of rock and metal covers to Take On Me: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppCYhIqbhsxoeaM

[@ruthlopez7661]

When is watch mojo do a take on me

[@tubefan10]

Chickenwomp it's actually possible to be 100% right without being a jerk about it. You should try it sometime. Lol.

[@albundy6008]

This is a list of real rock music, not pop bullshit

[@edsonandrade100]

No Tony Banks from Genesis ???

[@danhaas7792]

Indeed I'd have loved to see the solo intro of "Firth Of Fifth" on the list. Not a sheer riff like "Jump", but piano playing at the most beautiful... and later repeated with a rocking keyboard sound.

[@Twongo]

Both Lamb and the Cage rate higher than 8/10ths of this list. And where is Wakeman?

[@oddities-whatnot]

Edson Andrade This is a truly shabby list, trying to be cool and nothing more. The greats don't make this list.

[@cockshield]

Tony Wanks from Master System

[@anonymusum]

That list is pure bullshit.

[@dukem10able]

Very glad to see Foreplay/Long Time made it on this list. It definitely deserves a spot on one of the greatest keyboard riffs in Rock.

[@awaken77]

and one of the hardest to play

[@cormacbrowne9448]

...and how about damned near ANYTHING off Deep Purple in Rock?

[@rorykennedy2767]

Perfect strangers has one of the most badass organ intros and riffs in rock!

[@SWIFTY5150]

@@rorykennedy2767 it's one of my favorites.

[@lapaz62]

No Procol Harem or Iron Butterfly.

[@PANJEAK]

In A Gadda Da Vida should be No 1 :)

[@michaelsmith-gd5tc]

Carouslelambra or no quarter by led Zeppelin,suppers ready or the knife by genesis?

[@Arnarost]

Child in time???????????????????????

[@wviampero]

Not as Iconic

[@roberthanna6486]

Should of replaced highway star for sure

[@soakedbearrd]

Great song, but not better than Highway star (as far as keyboards/organ)

[@vonfaahquard8532]

i prefer it to Hwy Star, and the main riff is actually driven by Lord. Too each their own though

[@diederiksamsom4562]

"Not better than Highway Star" 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Best joke ever 😂😂👏👏 Child In Time is better than Stairway To Heaven and Bohemian Rhapsody

[@atomheartmothersuite7913]

I came here for ELP How is it not number 1???!??!?!?!?!?

[@ukkovuorela4196]

Procom Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale?

[@grindlayforrest109]

Emo Tarkus, left the rest behind and still no-one's ever caught up. RIP Keith, unlikely your talent will ever be surpassed.

[@bherber]

Have to expose some stuff here as a keyboard player. The stuff you're hearing on The Who keyboard track is not actually being played by a guy. It's pre-programmed computer stuff. I'm sorry, but if this were a track of the 10 best computer aided keyboard tracks, sure throw it in there, but I'd love to see the guy actually play what's on the album by himself

[@missteachbytouch8623]

Bryan Herber when I saw The Who (farewell tour #1) they had two off stage keyboard player

[@bobbyslater1198]

I saw them at Shea Stadium.There were no keyboards about.

[@BanHaterZ]

Where's Iron Butterfly's "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida"?

[@aalazzawe]

agree

[@elgenio00100]

I was scrolling thru the comments to see if anybody else thought of “in-A-Gadda-Da-Vida” being on this list

[@B1GDaddyFatStax]

I did the same thing.

[@markkalfahs1047]

it's in the Garden of Eden....

[@stockrbot73]

Final Countdown, Owner of a Lonely Heart and Why Can't This be love definitely deserve to be on this list

[@kevingrover1554]

How could you have a list like this without including Alan Parsons...even as a mere Honorable Mention?

[@karelkubat6086]

"We skipped the light fandango Turned cartwheels cross the floor I was feeling kinda seasick But the crowd called out for more" Now tell me that you don't have the keyboard tune stuck in your head for the rest of the day. Talk about iconic....

[@bobbyslater1198]

I have "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" by The New York Rock & Roll Ensemble.

[@jjaypem5154]

Great addition. Back when Procol Harem was only on FM radio, we had a Catholic church organist who played that solo as a meditation melody after communion, doctored a little with a slower tempo to make it harder to ID. Used to LMAO.

[@Hogan1950]

Poxiest bleeding lyrics ever written.

[@peterf.229]

I know I was shocked that wasn't mentioned.

[@tn0wl361]

Tom Sawyer is a preemptive estimate of mine...

[@taniasalu2405]

You forgot Gary Numan's 'Cars', and a-ha's 'Take On Me'. Both instantly recognisable and iconic keyboard riff songs. Numan's music was ahead of its time.

[@loiseaunoir1021]

As far I'm concerned for keyboards, the prog bands of the 70's is all I need.

[@theasianpersuasion]

Next idea: Top ten paintings by DaVinci that include colours that have 2 vowels

[@marshy5437]

yes plz

[@bryanmatthews1540]

muav

[@pillowdaily7431]

I'd like to see you make top ten videos everyday. Suggest ideas.

[@pianoman_luke]

FOR GOD'S SAKE. If you make a video about keyboard riffs don't talk while the riff is playing. That destroys the whole sense of the video.

[@santhoshmenon577]

Can't believe they missed "The Final Countdown "

[@mrspymaster1231]

Roundabout better be on here

[@mrspymaster1231]

I skipped and saw roundabout, at least it was an hb

[@CapnRiggs2k5]

should have been on the list. just sayin'

[@Bluuu3]

Literally had roundabout stuck in my head while reading this

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

definitely should have been here instead of the crap from journey

[@EclecticoIconoclasta]

Tanner Phoenix i don´t know what the fuck you are talking about. anyway keep being a moron through listening to crap music

[@TheEquinoxeHD]

Technically that synth-part in Baba o'riley isn't played on keyboard, it's a sequence created on ARP2600

[@spgtenor]

Yeah, they screwed up, and put a sequencer as number 1?

[@LanusseJoaquin]

Skynet bro

[@bluesrocker91]

TheEquinoxeHD It isn't actually the ARP. It's a Lowry-Berkshire organ set on it's "marimba repeat" mode and was actually played by Pete Townshend. The ARP was just used to give it some slight phasing... They used the same technique with Won't Get Fooled Again, using a different rhythm setting on the organ.

[@TheEquinoxeHD]

Oh, I was sure it was played on ARP. Good to learn something new then :) Thanks for the info.

[@concretebuilding]

Not quite. WGFA was done through the EMS VCS 3, not the ARP. Townshend goes through the motions he used in an interview.

[@ironheart9122]

Very pleased Boston was featured

[@hernansalcedo1]

This is a very interesting video. Thank u for posting it. Greetings from Venezuela.