Fast tracks: Great songs that run under 3 minutes

"A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop-a-lop-bam-boom!" That's really all needed to be said about one of the most iconic songs of all time. Of course, during those early days of "rock and roll," songs weren't long in time. It was controlled frenzy, from the bombast of the tempo to the quirky and weirdness of the actual lyrics. Of course, it didn't matter. "Tutti Frutti" was fresh and innovative for its time, and remains one of the most influential rock songs ever. 

With Colonel Tom Parker behind the scenes, a 20-year-old Presley had a deal with RCA Victor in November 1955. "Heartbreak Hotel" (his first No. 1 pop hit) was released, and Presley made his first national TV appearance on CBS. The rest, as they say, was history, and Elvis was on his way to becoming music royalty. Though originally co-written by Mae Boren Axton and Tommy Durden, Presley gets a writing credit as well for this iconic hit that spent seven weeks atop Billboard's singles chart.

Originally recorded by blues and R&B star Big Mama Thornton in 1952, "Hound Dog" enjoyed its biggest success via Presley's version, which he did in July 1956. Toe-tapping, heart-pounding and filled with Elvis' (modestly) rebellious attitude, his take on "Hound Dog" was iconic the moment it touched ears. Presley's version sold more than 10 million copies around the world — making it his best-selling track of all time. It also sat atop the pop, country and R&B charts at the same during the 1956 calendar year. 

For four weeks, this iconic rock song from the legendary Del Shannon sat atop the Billboard Hot 100. Though upbeat in tempo and composition, the song is actually pretty sad, considering the gist of the piece is about a girl leaving her former beau. It's still relatable today as it was more than 60 years ago. Considered one of the greatest songs of all time, "Runaway" has been covered countless times, including by such unlikely bands as Misfits and Avenged Sevenfold.

Songs don't need to have words to be considered classics. Just take "Green Onions." One of the great "groove" tracks of all time. It's arguably the greatest rhythm and blues instrumental in music history. That's not a stretch to say. It's been used in numerous films and commercials throughout the years. While Booker T. Jones' work on the Hammond M3 organ is the highlight of the piece, Steve "The Colonel" Cropper, of Blues Brothers fame, played guitar on the song, which he also co-wrote.

Though well known for John Lennon’s work on the harmonica, this was one of the earliest Beatles songs written by Paul McCartney, going all the way back in the 1950s. It’s also one Beatles song that has been released in several different versions, including one with Pete Best on drums. The track’s release in the United States came almost two years after (in 1964) its original one in the United Kingdom, and to many critics and fans is the epitome of those days when Lennon and McCartney worked together in wonderful, musical harmony.

Co-written by Marvin Gaye, this Motown favorite became a classic thanks to Martha and the Vandellas, who took it all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and to No. 4 in the United Kingdom. And, it had reportedly had a great impact in terms of social consciousness and civil rights as an anthem of sorts for the black community. Also, we don't need to go into the Mick Jagger-David Bowie cover of the song from 1985, even if it did crack the top 10 in the U.S.

As we've seen, and will continue to see, there are plenty of iconic songs on this list. "My Girl" just might rate the highest, since it's a piece of American iconography. Written by Smokey Robinson and his Miracles bandmate Ronald White, "My Girl" was inspired by the former's wife. Of course, it was the signature tune by the Temptations, who scored their first No. 1 hit in the U.S. with a song that continues to span generations.

As Kinks lore has it, the original sound concept for "You Really Got Me" was to be more blues influenced. However, another hard-driving, power rock version was also recorded, and that's the on released. Good choice. It not only became the Kinks' signature tune, notably for Dave Davies' power chords on the guitar, but for the down-the-road influence it had on bands residing in such genres as punk and heavy metal. It reached No. 7 in the United States, and was superbly covered by Van Halen on its self-titled 1978 debut album. 

When the weather is cold, it's the right time to long for that warm California sun. That's what The Mamas & the Papas told us more than a half-century ago — Barry McGuire actually recorded the song first, in 1963. — and they made Los Angeles and Southern California seem like the next best thing to heaven. And, really, this tune is an anthem for those living in any cold climate during winter, and feel the need to get away to a warm, perhaps tropical, paradise.

In the wake of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," the Rolling Stones became bona fide rock stars in the United States — and pretty much everywhere else, for that matter. So, naturally the band was not only hounded for its time, but also to repeat the success of that breakout track with another superb hit. "Get Off of My Cloud" is a timeless Stones classic, as well as a message to critics, record-company big-wigs and overeager fans who pestered the boys for the next big hit. We think the guys ultimately answered the bell — time and time again.

One of the most covered songs of all time. And, perhaps the most beautiful composition from the Beatles. "Yesterday” showcases Paul McCartney’s lighter, melodic side. To many, it’s the Beatles’ greatest song, and often considered the best of all time in any genre. Of course, it continues to be a must for McCartney’s live shows and perhaps the song at the forefront of his legacy as a songwriter. There was even underrated 2019 film named after this masterpiece, which barely tops 2 minutes. 

Critics and fans of The Beach Boys will claim this is the band's finest musical moment. The B-side to "Wouldn't It Be Nice," "God Only Knows" barely cracked Billboard's Top 40, yet its multiple vocal parts and innovative harmonies were like nothing heard before. With Carl Wilson on lead vocals, the lyrics question how God would allow the main character to go through life without a significant love interest. Invoking God, especially in the title, was something hardly ever seen in mainstream music in the 1960s. Roughly 20 session musicians playing various instruments were called upon to participate in the recording. 

For many rock fans at the time, this was the track that introduced the world to The Doors. The first song from the band's exceptional debut hits a home run on the first pitch. It's a heart-pounding, foot-thumping rock song that also showcased the brilliance, not only of legendary frontman Jim Morrison, but of the band as a collective. Interestingly enough, "Break On Through" was not a hit in the United States, but eventually became a classic rock staple as Morrison and Co. began to grow on the music-listening public. 

From the standpoint of pure guitar playing, ability and creativity, there are none better than Hendrix. Though there is plenty of room for argument, "Purple Haze," the second single released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience might actually be the greatest performance moment of his career. Call it hard rock, psychedelic rock or even heavy metal. Just make sure it continues to be called great, even though it wasn't a Top 40 hit. 

How many music fans actually know that another music legend, the great Otis Redding, wrote "Respect." He recorded it two years before Franklin's classic and most recognized version was released. Many artists are associated with one particular song, but perhaps none more so than Franklin and her search for some "R-E-S-P-E-C-T." Considered an anthem for the feminist cause, Franklin's "Respect" won two Grammy Awards and has transcended music to become a staple of pop culture. 

Co-written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter, "Soul Man" made it all the way to No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to the venerable soul duo of Sam & Dave. While the turn has a rolicking feel, according to legend, Hayes was inspired by happenings from the Civil Rights Movement of the day. Though it was a major hit for Sam & Dave, "Soul Man" is best known to some generations for the Blues Brothers' Saturday Night Live version from 1978. 

As legend has hit, the track was result of an acid trip experience by singer Grace Slick. "White Rabbit" became one of the defining songs of the 1960s, as well as the Vietnam era, and certainly for Jefferson Airplane. From 10-foot tall Alice to a hookah-smoking caterpillar, the imagery Slick creates in roughly two-and-a-half minutes is really quite remarkable. It's easy to see why it was at the forefront of the psychedelic sound of the decade.     

According to music lore, the legendary Otis Redding began writing this classic while on a houseboat in Sausalito, Calif., in August 1967. He and legendary guitarist Steve Cropper eventually finished the track, which was released in early 1968, shortly after Redding's death in late 1967. Redding's detail in the lyrics, as he sat watching the water, listening to the waves and seagulls soaring above, is something special. It remains the defining performance aspect of his legacy. 

Anti-Vietnam songs were a staple of the 1960s and into the '70s. However, this CCR classic was one of the more mainstream anthems that continues to resonate to this day. That's because it's enjoyed prominence in pop culture (Forrest Gump) and been covered countless times by such bands as Dropkick Murphys. Throw in the fact that is fast-paced and extremely short, is another reason it's easy to digest — whether one agrees with the intent of the track or not.

It must be a great song if it can knock the Beatles' "Let It Be" out of the No. 1 spot in the Billboard Hot 100. From the Jacksons' second album, it was among Michael Jackson's finest musical moments — regardless of his age and experience. In the annals of music, and not just Motown, "ABC" is another iconic song on this list. It's a large part of pop culture and another example of the greatness that was to come for Michael Jackson. 

Though Led Zeppelin III was a departure from the band's first two studio releases, offering a more folksy sound, However, the album's opener is hard rock at its best. Jimmy Page's famous opening riff, combined with John Bonham's steady underlay on the drums, continues through most of the song. Not to mention Robert Plant's renowned "Aahhhh!" shriek. It should be the considered one of the great album openers of all time. 

Three minutes might as well have been an eternity when it came to the Ramones' iconic catalog. Quick, snappy punk at its finest, that was the simplistic brilliance of the Ramones. From Road to Ruin (1978), "I Wanna Be Sedated" might be the most recognizable Ramones track. Touring takes its toll on even the most veteran musicians, and the Ramones were no different. "Twenty-twenty-twenty-four hours to go" is one of the most iconic lines in punk rock. 

This was the first true introduction to Ginger, Baby, Scary, Sporty and Posh Spice, and pop music fans couldn't get enough — especially those girls and young women looking for a little empowerment. Girl groups have come and gone, but the Spice Girls were trendsetters from the beginning with their catchy songs, lively videos, trendy fashion sense and declaration of "girl power." Thanks to "Wannabe," artists like Charli XCX, Haim and even Lady Gaga have cited the band as an influence.

Not only is this classic White Stripes tune fast and tight, it's even under 2 minutes in run time. A furry of distorted greatness from Jack White, while Meg more than holds her own with some frenetic pounding on the drums. It was the first White Stripes song to crack the United States' Modern Rock Tracks chart. The number was critically praised, with some even comparing the effort to something out of the Ramones' catalog.