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Whenever I hear the word “Think,” I am reminded of the old Three Stooges routine when Curly says, “I tried to think, but nothing happens.” In rock music, the word “think” has been used a little differently in countless ways, weaving through themes of desire, self-awareness, and resilience.
Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me” sets the tone with its polished yet emotionally resonant exploration of love and independence, a hallmark of Tusk. Stevie Nicks takes a more introspective route with “Think About It,” offering heartfelt advice and encouragement on her debut solo album, Bella Donna. Tommy James & The Shondells bring youthful urgency and secrecy with “I Think We’re Alone Now,” a timeless anthem of forbidden romance. Rod Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy” blends playful flirtation with the glitz of disco, showing how humor and sensuality can coexist in a genre-bending hit.
Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor’s duet “I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” reimagines an R&B classic with warmth and chemistry, while The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You” captures the innocence and thrill of realizing romantic feelings. The Rolling Stones deliver sharp introspection and biting critique in “Think,” contrasting the tender optimism of other entries. George Harrison’s “Think For Yourself” calls for individuality and self-reliance, underpinned by inventive instrumentation that pushed the boundaries of Rubber Soul. Eddie Money’s “Think I’m in Love” infuses the list with a burst of 1980s energy, balancing raw passion and catchy hooks.
Finally, Aretha Franklin’s “Think” closes the list with a powerful declaration of freedom and respect, cementing its place as an anthem of empowerment.
# 10 – Think Of Me – Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac’s “Think About Me,” a Christine McVie composition, is a breezy yet emotionally charged song from the band’s iconic 1979 double album, Tusk. Recorded at the famed Village Recorder studios in Los Angeles, the track features the impeccable production of Lindsey Buckingham and the band, blending a crisp pop-rock sound with the layered instrumentation that defines Fleetwood Mac’s signature style. While not as experimental as many of the tracks on Tusk, “Think About Me” showcases McVie’s ability to craft deceptively simple melodies with underlying emotional depth.
Read More: Our 10 Favorite Fleetwood Mac Songs
# 9 – Think About It – Stevie Nicks
Recorded in 1981 at Goodnight L.A. Studios and Cherokee Studios, the song highlights Nicks’s evolution as a solo artist, with production by Jimmy Iovine and Roy Bittan’s shimmering piano work adding a tender depth to the arrangement. Supporting contributions from guitarist Waddy Wachtel and bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn bring a warmth and richness to the soundscape, reflecting the album’s polished yet emotionally resonant aesthetic.
Read More: Top 10 Stevie Nicks Albums
# 8 – I Think We`re Alone Now -Tommy James & The Shondells
Tommy James & The Shondells’ “I Think We’re Alone Now,” released in 1967, is an enduring anthem of youthful rebellion and clandestine romance. Recorded on Christmas Eve 1966 at Allegro Sound Studios in New York City, the track was produced by Ritchie Cordell and Bo Gentry, who helped craft its distinctive bubblegum sound. The recording features studio musicians, including Artie Butler on the ondioline, Al Gorgoni on guitar, and Bobby Gregg on drums, alongside James and Shondells guitarist Eddie Gray. This meticulous layering of instruments and strategic use of dynamics—such as quiet choruses contrasted with driving verses.
A commercial success, the single peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent an impressive 17 weeks on the charts, solidifying its place as one of the band’s most iconic hits.
Read More: Top 10 Tommy James And The Shondells Songs
# 7 – Do You Think I’m Sexy – Rod Stewart
Rod Stewart’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” released in 1978, represents a bold venture into the disco genre by an artist traditionally associated with rock and blues. Featured on his ninth studio album, Blondes Have More Fun, the song showcases Stewart’s willingness to experiment with his sound. Co-written by Stewart, Carmine Appice, and Duane Hitchings, the track was recorded at Cherokee Studios in Los Angeles. The production, led by Stewart and Tom Dowd, merges disco’s rhythmic pulse with Stewart’s characteristic rock sensibility. The song draws inspiration from Jorge Ben Jor’s “Taj Mahal” and features elements reminiscent of Bobby Womack’s “(If You Want My Love) Put Something Down On It,” highlighting its layered and eclectic musical foundation.
The song achieved massive commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the charts in the UK, Canada, and Australia. While critics were divided over Stewart’s move into disco, the track cemented itself as a cultural touchstone of the late 1970s. The accompanying music video, with its extravagant visuals, further amplified its appeal. Notably, Stewart donated all royalties from the song to UNICEF, adding an altruistic layer to its legacy. “Do You Think I’m Sexy” remains a standout in Stewart’s discography for its audacity and its enduring ability to get audiences moving.
Read More: Carmine Appice: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
# 6 -Linda Ronstadt – I Think It’s Gonna Work out Fine (with James Taylor)
Linda Ronstadt’s collaboration with James Taylor on “I Think It’s Gonna Work Out Fine” is a captivating reinterpretation of Ike and Tina Turner’s 1961 R&B classic, bringing their distinctive voices and musical sensibilities to this playful duet. Featured on Ronstadt’s Get Closer album, released in 1982, the track exemplifies the dynamic versatility both artists were celebrated for during this period. Recorded at The Sound Factory in Los Angeles and produced by Peter Asher, the song blends nostalgic charm with contemporary polish. Ronstadt and Taylor’s chemistry shines through, underscored by a backing ensemble that included Russ Kunkel on drums, Bob Glaub on bass, and Waddy Wachtel on guitar. The precise interplay of their voices mirrors the affectionate banter of the original, while infusing it with a modern, laid-back groove.
Read More: Top 10 Linda Ronstadt Songs That Leave You Breathless
# 5 – I Think I Love You – The Partridge Family
I wonder how many people viewing this list could say that this was one of the first singles that ever brought when they were around ten years old. Do you remember how big this song was? Bursting onto the music scene in 1970, “I Think I Love You” by The Partridge Family became an unforgettable pop phenomenon. Written by Tony Romeo and recorded at Western Recorders in Los Angeles, the track was produced by Wes Farrell, who crafted its lush, radio-friendly sound. David Cassidy provided the lead vocals with backing from Shirley Jones, while studio musicians from the legendary Wrecking Crew—including Hal Blaine on drums, Joe Osborn on bass, and Larry Carlton on guitar—created the vibrant instrumental foundation. “I Think I Love You” achieved monumental success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning gold certification.
Read More: Top 10 Partridge Family Songs
# 4 – Think – The Rolling Stones
“Think” by The Rolling Stones offers a bracing blend of sharp lyricism and biting instrumentation, showcasing the band’s evolving artistry during the mid-1960s. Recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood during December 1965 and March 1966 sessions for the Aftermath album, the track was produced by Andrew Loog Oldham. Featuring Mick Jagger’s assertive vocals and Keith Richards’ fuzz-driven guitar, the song exudes a raw energy that reflects the band’s willingness to experiment with new textures and themes. Supporting this dynamic core are Brian Jones on rhythm guitar, Bill Wyman on bass, and Charlie Watts on drums, with the rhythm section providing a tight backbone for the song’s confrontational tone.
Read More: Top 10 Rolling Stones Album Covers
# 3 – Think For Yourself – The Beatles
“Think For Yourself,” penned by George Harrison for Rubber Soul (1965), represents a pivotal moment in Harrison’s songwriting evolution, signaling his emergence as a creative force alongside Lennon and McCartney. Recorded at Abbey Road Studios on November 8, 1965, under the production of George Martin, the track is distinguished by its innovative use of tonal ambiguity and unconventional instrumentation. Paul McCartney’s dual bass lines—one clean and the other distorted through a fuzzbox—add a unique texture, marking one of the earliest instances of a fuzzbox being used on a bass guitar. This experimental approach complements the song’s message of independent thought, a theme that resonates throughout its sharp and reflective lyrics.
The song’s lyrical content, with lines like “Although your mind’s opaque, try thinking more if just for your own sake,” urges listeners to reject conformity and embrace individuality. While this could be interpreted as a critique of societal norms or a disillusioned lover, the tone evokes the introspective ethos of Rubber Soul. This is a sentiment that contrasts with the playful optimism of The Partridge Family’s “I Think I Love You” and the pointed critique of The Rolling Stones’ “Think.” Where “Think For Yourself” finds strength in its measured wisdom, The Rolling Stones deliver their message with more direct aggression, offering a fascinating dichotomy between introspection and confrontation.
Read More: Top 10 Beatles Love Songs
# 2 – Think I’m In Love – Eddie Money
Eddie Money’s “Think I’m in Love,” a standout track from his 1982 album No Control, marked a pivotal moment in the artist’s career, rejuvenating his presence on the charts. Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Tom Dowd, the song brought together Money’s gritty vocals and a polished rock arrangement. Written by Money and Randy Oda, the track’s irresistible hooks and dynamic instrumentation captured the energy of early 1980s rock. The song features Randy Jackson on bass, Gary Ferguson on drums, and Jimmy Lyon on guitar, creating a tight musical foundation that perfectly complements Money’s emotive delivery.
Read More: Top 10 Eddie Money Songs
# 1 – Think – Aretha Franklin
Aretha Franklin’s “Think” is a commanding anthem of empowerment and independence, written by Franklin and her then-husband Ted White. Originally recorded for the Aretha Now album in 1968, the track epitomizes Franklin’s unmatched ability to blend social commentary with irresistible grooves. Produced by Jerry Wexler at Atlantic Records’ studios in New York, the song features an outstanding lineup of musicians, including Franklin herself on piano, Jerry Jemmott on bass, Roger Hawkins on drums, and Spooner Oldham on Hammond organ. The vibrant horn section, led by Willie Bridges and Wayne Jackson, and the soulful harmonies of The Sweet Inspirations add depth and power to the arrangement.
Read More: 10 Essential Aretha Franklin Songs
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Another possible addition; a personal favorite, from my later collegiate days: 1978’s *Every Time I Think Of You” from The Babys/John Waite.