It’s that time of year: when everyone and their mother second-guesses and overanalyzes the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s latest nominees for induction.
2017 is no exception. People will grouse about glaring omissions and “Why were they nominated?” But, in the end, it’s all about the music.
Here’s our latest Pause-and-Playlist – we’ve selected our two favorite songs from each of the 2017 nominees. Good luck to them all!
(Follow along with our Pause-and-Playlist on Spotify, or click on the Spotify player at the bottom of this page.)
Bad Brains – 
- “Banned in D.C.” (1982)
- “Sailin’ On” (1982)
Joan Baez –
- “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down” (1971)
- “Diamonds & Rust” (1975)
The Cars –
- “Just What I Needed” (1978)
- “Drive” (1984)
Chic –
- “Le Freak” (1978)
- “Good Times” (1979)
Depeche Mode –
- “Enjoy the Silence” (1990)
- “Personal Jesus” (1990)
Electric Light Orchestra –
- “Evil Woman” (1975)
- “Mr. Blue Sky” (1977)
J. Geils Band –
- “Give It to Me” (1973)
- “Centerfold” (1981)
Janet Jackson –
- “When I Think of You” (1986)
- “Rhythm Nation” (1989)
Jane’s Addiction –
- “Jane Says” (1988)
- “Been Caught Stealing” (1990)
Journey –
- “Any Way You Want It” (1980)
- “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” (1981)
Chaka Khan –
- “Ain’t Nobody” (1983)
- “I Feel For You” (1984)
Kraftwerk –
- “Autobahn” (1975)
- “Trans-Europe Express” (1977)
MC5 –
- “Kick Out the Jams” (1969)
- “Looking at You” (1970)
Pearl Jam –
- “Jeremy” (1991)
- “Better Man” (1994)
Tupac Shakur –
- “Dear Mama” (1995)
- “California Love” (1995)
Steppenwolf –
- “Born to Be Wild” (1968)
- “The Pusher” (1968)
Joe Tex –
- “Hold What You’ve Got” (1964)
- “I Gotcha” (1972)
Yes –
- “I’ve Seen All Good People” (1971)
- “Roundabout” (1971)
The Zombies –
- “She’s Not There” (1964)
- “Time of the Season” (1968)