Steelheart - I'll Never Let You Go

Steelheart, formed in 1989 as Red Alert, came to prominence near the end of the metal era. Their debut album, released in 1990, was certified gold. However, this song was their only hit single, making them a one hit wonder. 

Temperament that it hits on: Melancholic 

I'll Never Let You Go rings melancholic from start to finish. The whole theme of the song is a man and a woman spending eternity together - something that melancholics take very seriously. It is also a slower song with stronger reactions at certain points, which is also typical of the melancholic temperament. 

You'd think that a band called "Steelheart" might not have it in them to produce such a sincere song. At any rate, I like it. 

Matchbox Twenty - Unwell

Matchbox Twenty is a rock band, active since 2007 (they were originally formed in 1995 but went on hiatus in 2004), and was a popular band in the late 1990's and early 2000's. Their last hit album to date came out in 2012. 

Temperament that it its on: Melancholic 

Melancholics tend to struggle with what other people may think of them more than the other temperaments. A typical melancholic is also very methodical (and prone to anxiety if he can't think straight), which this song relates very well. 

Bill Haley and his Comets - Rock Around the Clock

Bill Haley and his Comets were active from 1952 until 1981, the year of Bill Haley's death. This song, recorded in 1954, is often credited as the first rock and roll song ever, and was one of the best selling. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. 

Temperament that it hits on: Sanguine 

You all saw this coming. 

Billy Vaughn - Sail Along Silv'ry Moon

Billy Vaughn was the most successful bandleader of the rock era, charting many hits from 1954 to 1970. This song, released in 1958, was one of them. 

Temperaments that it hits on: Melancholic / Phlegmatic 

Sail Along Silvy'ry Moon, based on its title, seems to be about a journey by sea. Based on the way it sounds, it seems to be a lonely (or almost lazy) trip. Whichever way you look at it, it matches those two introverted temperaments. 

This is one of my favorite instrumentals of all time. Unlike some others that seem to have no apparent connection to their titles (such as Green Onions by Booker T and the MG's, or Les Brown's A Foggy Day), the song actually fits its title very well. It's a very good song. 

Bob Luman - Let's Think About Livin'

Bob Luman was active from 1956 until his death in 1978. A country and rockabilly singer, he once tried out with the Pittsburgh Pirates before his musical career. 

Temperament that it hits on: Sanguine 

People with the sanguine temperament tend to enjoy life to its fullest. I guess this song emulates just that. 

Since I listen to a lot of 1950's music, I can understand the humor behind this song. He's poking fun at Marty Robbins, whose character is killed in El Paso (which will appear on this blog at some point), the Everly Brothers, and Patti Page. 

Autograph - Turn Up The Radio

Autograph, active mainly from 1984 through 1989, debuted with this song in 1984, which was very popular. However, they never could pick up where they left off with this one, and they are considered a one hit wonder. 

Temperament that it hits on: Sanguine 

You knew that this was coming. Sanguines are usually the ones who like to party, "need a minute of play for every moment they have to work," and rock on. I do not have much sanguine in me, but I do really like songs such as these. 

If you know me well enough, it might seem kind of ironic that I would like this song, since I'm usually the one asking to turn the radio down, complaining that it hurts my ears. Luckily, whenever I listen to this song on my own, I am free to adjust the volume as I wish. 

Soul Asylum - Runaway Train

Soul Asylum, founded in 1981 as "Loud Fast Rules," was a relatively popular band in the 1990's. In fact, this song, released in 1993, won the award for the best rock song. 

Temperament that it hits on: Melancholic 

Runaway Train is a song about a kid who ran away from home, and is struggling emotionally. This song is obviously very melancholic.