As far as pop goes, I have a confession to make: Even though many people dislike when an "artsy" artist goes "pop", I think they sometimes do it just right. IMHO, this is definitely the case with Mike Oldfield.
(In fact, I was seriously considering starting an Oldfield thread, but let's not get too far ahead)
This (again, IMHO) is a pefect pop song for me (don't laugh):
Yes, it might be overplayed, but to me it just isn't. It has it all - a catchy melody, mysterious lyrics, a strange, "nighttime" atmosphere, Reilly's vocals (which is not that common, as far as pop goes) and - for a pop song - absolutely beautiful guitar solo (and guitar overall). In fact, it was the first guitar solo I've even known by heart, every note.
Also:
And many others. Yes, I prefer Mike when he's being his usual instrumental whatever self. But his wanderings throughout the pop land have always been very special to me.
EDIT: Also, regarding Shadow, I have read somewhere the urban legend it's supposed to be about John Lennon's murder. It's probably not, but the idea of it being sung by a woman that witnessed her lover being killed and having a visions of him at night gives it a new, haunting emotionality, with the lyrics like "see you in Heaven one day", "will you come to talk to me this night", "the night was heavy and the air was alive"... being very strong in that regard. In fact, it's one of the few songs capable of making me actually cry.
Okay, Judas, you're drubl, go to bed already.
