The 10 Best Classic Rock Songs About the Telephone
In the era before beepers, cell phones, and computers, communication was limited to face-to-face interactions or the good old landline. The telephone was a lifeline, and songs about it reflected the emotions and struggles of people during that time. From melancholic ballads to upbeat rock anthems, these classic rock songs about the telephone are a nostalgic trip back to a bygone era.
#10 – Hanging On the Telephone – Blondie
We kick off our list with a standout track from Blondie, "Hanging on the Telephone," which opens their 1978 album Parallel Lines. This album catapulted them into stardom, fueled by the massive hit "Heart of Glass." We highly recommend checking out the rarely seen video below.
#9 – New York Telephone Conversation – Lou Reed
Was there anyone cooler than Lou Reed? The man left behind a legacy of fantastic rock and roll albums, starting with the Velvet Underground and continuing through his phenomenal solo career. His song "New York Telephone Conversation" is quintessential Lou Reed, released on his brilliant Transformer album in 1972.
#8 – Switchboard Susan – Nick Lowe
As we continue to delve into our list of telephone songs, we present an interesting one. The song "Switchboard Susan" was released on Nick Lowe’s Labour of Lust album. The song was originally written by Mickey Jupp. Nick Lowe was producing Mickey Jupp’s album Juppanese. Backing up Jupp on the album was Rockpile.
#7 – Sylvia’s Mother – Dr. Hook
If ever there was a song that defined the sad truth of always having to deposit more money for a few more minutes on a payphone, it was the song "Sylvia’s Mother." This classic by Dr. Hook broke the hearts of so many people who fell in love with the sad story told in the song.
#6 – Love on the Phone – Suzanne Fellini
Arriving in the sixth spot on our classic rock songs about the telephone list is a new wave classic by Suzanne Fellini titled "Love on the Phone." This song was released in 1980 on Suzanne Fellini’s debut album Suzanne. It wouldn’t be hard to argue that Suzanne Fellini was pretty much a one-hit wonder. However, what a song this was.
#5 – London Calling – The Clash
At the halfway point on our list is the classic song by The Clash, "London Calling." The song was the title track to the band’s 1979 double album, which has always been viewed as one of the greatest double albums ever released.
#4 – "Rikki Don’t Lose That Number" – Steely Dan
Steely Dan’s "Ricky Don’t Lose That Number" was released in 1974. It was the opening track on the band’s third album, Pretzel Logic, which many fans consider one of the band’s best.
#3 – "Telephone Line" – Electric Light Orchestra
I haven’t met too many people who dislike this song. Electric Light Orchestra’s stunning track "Telephone Line" was released on the band’s A New World Record album. This is one of those brilliant songs that showcases Jeff Lynne’s talents in numerous ways.
#2 – Operator – Jim Croce
As we begin to wind down our telephone songs list, we turn to one of the most heartbreaking songs about the telephone ever written. Jim Croce’s "Operator" tells the very sad story about a man reaching out to his ex-lover one more time just to tell her he’s fine, although he knows he’s not.
#1 – 867-5309/Jenny – Tommy Tutone
How could we not close out this list and top it off with probably the most memorable song about the telephone ever written? Tommy Tutone’s one-hit wonder "867-5309/Jenny" may have become one of the most popular songs ever released.
Conclusion
These classic rock songs about the telephone are a nostalgic trip back to a bygone era. From melancholic ballads to upbeat rock anthems, they reflect the emotions and struggles of people during that time. Whether you’re a fan of Blondie, Lou Reed, or Tommy Tutone, there’s something for everyone on this list.
FAQs
Q: What is the most memorable song about the telephone?
A: Tommy Tutone’s "867-5309/Jenny" is probably the most memorable song about the telephone ever written.
Q: Who wrote the song "Switchboard Susan"?
A: The song "Switchboard Susan" was originally written by Mickey Jupp.
Q: What is the title track to The Clash’s 1979 double album?
A: The title track to The Clash’s 1979 double album is "London Calling."
Q: Who is the lead vocalist of Steely Dan?
A: Donald Fagen is the lead vocalist of Steely Dan.
Q: What is the name of Jim Croce’s song about the telephone?
A: Jim Croce’s song about the telephone is titled "Operator."
