Paste Magazine has published a ranking of the 25 greatest songs ever written about Ohio, compiled by a lifelong resident of the state. The list celebrates the Buckeye State's musical legacy, from rock 'n' roll origins to modern anthems. It highlights artists like Kid Cudi and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, emphasizing Ohio's cultural impact.
In a heartfelt tribute to his home state, an Ohio native writing for Paste Magazine assembled a list of the 25 best songs about Ohio, reflecting on the state's entry into the union in 1803 and its production of notable figures, including eight presidents, Neil Armstrong, and LeBron James. The author notes Ohio's role in inventing rock 'n' roll at the 1952 Moondog Coronation Ball in Cleveland and lists influential musicians such as Trent Reznor, Tracy Chapman, Dave Grohl, and Chrissie Hynde.
The ranking spans decades and genres. At number 25, Kid Cudi's 2008 track 'Cleveland is the Reason' from his debut mixtape A Kid Named Cudi pays homage to his hometown with references to Superman and local streets. Modest Mouse's 1996 'Ohio' from This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About repeats the state name 20 times, capturing its flat, lonely essence. John Denver's live staple 'Saturday Night in Toledo, Ohio' (1975) humorously depicts Midwestern mundanity, drawing laughs from audiences.
Higher up, The Band's 1969 'Look Out Cleveland' warns of an impending storm, possibly referencing Cleveland, Ohio. Hawthorne Heights' 2004 emo hit 'Ohio is For Lovers' from The Silence in Black and White became iconic, rivaling Virginia's tourism slogan. The Mountain Goats' 'Going to Cleveland' (1993/1999) evokes escape and the Cuyahoga River's call.
The list includes Counting Crows' 2002 'Four Days' urging a rise into 'Ohio skies,' Guided By Voices' 1996 'Dayton, Ohio/19 Something & 5' on imperfect existence, and The Beach Boys' 1976 'Back Home' idealizing rural Ohio summers. Phil Ochs' 1970 'Boy in Ohio' nostalgically recalls Columbus youth, while Damian Jurado's 1999 'Ohio' laments a breakup tied to the state.
Ian Hunter's 1979 'Cleveland Rocks,' covered by The Presidents of the United States of America, became a city anthem, earning Hunter the key to Cleveland. The Jayhawks' 2000 'Somewhere in Ohio' conveys urgency, and Pretenders' 1984 'My City Was Gone' mourns Akron's industrial decline.
Randy Newman's 'Dayton, Ohio – 1903,' covered by Harry Nilsson in 1970, evokes early 20th-century simplicity. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony's 2002 'Cleveland is the City' shouts out neighborhoods and sports teams. The National's 2010 'Bloodbuzz Ohio' from High Violet reflects roots with lines like 'I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees.' R.E.M.'s 1986 'Cuyahoga' addresses the polluted river, and Sun Kil Moon's 2003 'Carry Me Ohio' portrays the state as a healing force.
Randy Newman's 1972 'Burn On' references Cuyahoga River fires, featured in Major League. Bruce Springsteen's 1995 'Youngstown' details steel industry woes. The Michael Stanley Band's 1983 'My Town' affirms Cleveland pride. Gillian Welch's 2003 'Look at Miss Ohio' tells of a girl's dreams. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's 1970 'Ohio' protests the Kent State shootings. Topping the list is The McCoys' 1965 'Hang On Sloopy,' Ohio's official rock song, inspired by jazz singer Dorothy Sloop.