The article is a personal selection of four songs released in 1973 that the writer says consistently provoke an emotional, physical response. It highlights how vocal performances, changes in musical intensity and reflective lyrics can make songs enduringly affecting, while making clear that the choices are subjective.

– Pink Floyd, “The Great Gig in the Sky”: from *The Dark Side of the Moon*, featuring Clare Torry’s wordless vocal performance, which the writer sees as conveying profound pain.
– Led Zeppelin, “Over the Hills and Far Away”: begins with gentle acoustic guitar before developing into heavier rock; it reached No. 51 in the US and grew in popularity over time.
– Paul Simon, “American Tune”: from *There Goes Rhymin’ Simon*, combining influences including Bach, hymns and contemporary politics in a restrained but emotionally resonant portrait of America.
– Elton John, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”: the title track of his seventh studio album, praised for Bernie Taupin’s imagery and John’s soaring chorus, with themes favouring rural calm over city life.