10cc, fronted by founding member Graham Gouldman, remains a vibrant force in music today, consistently touring and captivating audiences with their impressive catalog of hits. Their legacy is built upon five consecutive hit albums, each brimming with classic tracks that have stood the test of time. But with such a wealth of material to choose from, pinpointing their very best is no easy task.
Before forming 10cc, Graham Gouldman had already established himself as a hit songwriter, penning classics for iconic bands like The Yardbirds (‘For Your Love’, ‘Heart Full of Soul’) and The Hollies (‘Bus Stop’). When he joined forces with the equally talented Eric Stewart, Kevin Godley, and Lol Creme, the stage was set for 10cc to create truly monumental music.
Ranking the ten best 10cc Songs is a subjective but exciting endeavor. We’ve dived deep into their discography to present a definitive list, counting down to the ultimate 10cc masterpiece.
1. The Dean and I
From their self-titled debut album, ‘The Dean and I’ showcased 10cc’s art-pop sensibilities right from the start. Penned by Lol Creme and Kevin Godley, this track is a quirky and catchy tune with shared lead vocals from the songwriting duo. As the fourth single from 10cc, it climbed to number 10 in the UK charts, signaling the band’s early commercial success and unique musical identity. This song exemplifies their playful approach to pop, blending clever lyrics with an infectious melody.
2. Good Morning Judge
‘Good Morning Judge’, a single crafted by Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman, hails from 10cc’s 1977 album Deceptive Bends. Reaching number five in the UK, this song is driven by a distinctive piano riff and tells a humorous tale of a car thief with no remorse. The lyrics, with lines like “A pretty thing took a shine to me / I couldn’t stop it so I let it be… “I found a car but I couldn’t pay / I fell in love and I drove it away,” are delivered with a wry charm that’s characteristic of 10cc’s storytelling style.
3. Art for Art’s Sake
The catchy phrase “Art for art’s sake, money for God’s sake, okay,” originated from Graham Gouldman’s father, Hymie, and perfectly encapsulates the theme of this 10cc hit. ‘Art for Art’s Sake’, a top-five single from the album How Dare You!, cleverly critiques the commercial pressures within the music industry. Graham Gouldman, who co-wrote the song with Eric Stewart, explained that it reflected their growing awareness of the music business’s values as their career progressed. With lead vocals from Eric Stewart and Lol Creme, the track became another example of 10cc’s ability to blend social commentary with irresistible pop hooks.
4. The Wall Street Shuffle
‘The Wall Street Shuffle’, a 1974 single from Sheet Music, once again saw Eric Stewart and Graham Gouldman joining songwriting forces. Another UK number 10 hit, this song is rich in financial wordplay, as evidenced by lines like “You need a yen to make a mark.” However, it’s not an ode to wealth; instead, it’s a satirical look at the excesses and darker sides of financial markets and those involved. Lyrics like “Bet you’d sell your mother / You can buy another” paint a cynical yet insightful picture of the world of high finance, delivered with 10cc’s signature musical wit.
5. The Things We Do For Love
‘The Things We Do For Love’ marks a significant point in 10cc’s history, being their first single released after Kevin Godley and Lol Creme’s departure. Eric Stewart recounted how Kevin Godley reacted negatively to the song during recording, famously saying he didn’t want to create “any more crap like this.” Despite this initial reaction, fans embraced the track, driving it to number 6 in the charts upon its 1976 release. Featured on the Deceptive Bends album, ‘The Things We Do For Love’ proved to be a crucial hit that solidified 10cc’s continued success as a streamlined duo.
6. Donna
‘Donna’ is where it all began for 10cc. This debut single, penned by Godley and Creme, made an immediate impact, reaching number 2 in the UK charts. Eric Stewart accurately described it as having “something” special, recognizing the appeal of this absurd doo-wop parody. ‘Donna’ launched 10cc into superstardom almost instantly, showcasing their unique blend of musical parody and genuine pop craftsmanship. The song’s success set the stage for their remarkable career.
7. I’m Mandy Fly Me
Another number six hit, ‘I’m Mandy Fly Me’, appeared on How Dare You!, the last 10cc album to feature the original lineup until their brief reunion in 1992. The inspiration for the song came to Eric Stewart from a stark contrast he observed in Manchester: a homeless person juxtaposed with a glamorous airline advertisement. He recalled the “beautiful poster… of this gorgeous stewardess inviting you onto the plane,” adding that the ad line, something like “I’m Cindy, fly me,” had a suggestive undertone. Graham Gouldman provided the initial chords, and Kevin Godley significantly reworked the rhythm, contributing to the song’s distinctive and memorable arrangement.
8. Rubber Bullets
‘Rubber Bullets’, written by Graham Gouldman with Godley and Creme, was featured on their 1973 self-titled debut. While it didn’t chart in the US, it soared to the top of the UK singles chart, becoming 10cc’s first number one hit. Eric Stewart expressed surprise and pleasure that the BBC didn’t ban the track, despite limiting airplay due to assumptions it referenced the Northern Ireland conflict. In reality, the song, with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics and catchy melody, was inspired by prison riot films, particularly those featuring James Cagney, adding another layer of 10cc’s characteristic wit and musical misdirection.
9. Dreadlock Holiday
Genre-hopping can be risky for bands, but 10cc successfully navigated a foray into reggae with ‘Dreadlock Holiday’. While some lyrics might be viewed differently today, over 45 years later, the song was intended as a satirical observation of tourists abroad who lack cultural sensitivity. The line “Don’t you walk through my words, you got to show some respect” encapsulates this theme. The song was rooted in real experiences of Graham Gouldman in Jamaica, as well as Eric Stewart and Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues in Barbados. ‘Dreadlock Holiday’ topped the UK charts and achieved number one status in several European countries, proving 10cc’s versatility and ability to experiment with different styles while maintaining commercial appeal.
10. I’m Not In Love
‘I’m Not In Love’, the second single from The Original Soundtrack album, has become 10cc’s signature song. This number one hit in the UK also reached number two in the US, cementing its global popularity and enduring appeal. Written by Eric Stewart with contributions from Graham Gouldman, the song initially faced skepticism from Godley and Creme. Godley famously dismissed it as “crap” and urged Stewart to discard it. However, Stewart persisted, and it was ultimately Godley who played a crucial role in its transformation. He suggested moving away from a guitar-based arrangement to the vocal-led masterpiece we know today, featuring layered vocals creating a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape. ‘I’m Not In Love’ earned three Ivor Novello Awards in 1976 and has been featured in countless films and TV shows, solidifying its place as one of the most iconic and beloved songs of the 1970s and within the 10cc songbook.
10cc’s impressive discography is a testament to their songwriting prowess, musical innovation, and enduring appeal. These ten songs represent just a glimpse into their rich catalog, showcasing their ability to blend artful complexity with mainstream success.
