10 Best Rock Album Closers Ever
5. Riders On The Storm - L.A. Woman
The final track from The Door's final album with vocalist Jim Morrison, "Riders On The Storm" is both equal parts relaxing and equal parts unnerving. A song that ends L.A. Woman on an incredibly evocative and expressive note, it has become one of the band's most well known songs, frequently appearing on greatest hits albums and other compilations.
Morrison's poetic lyrics tell the story of a hitchhiking serial killer, a premise partly based on the true story, as the narrator warns the listener not to let this man into their vehicles, should they meet a grisly fate.
Despite the grim nature of these lyrics, the music itself is incredibly soothing to listen to. The constant presence of one persistent bass line is enough to lull anyone into a sense of relaxation.
Meanwhile, Ray Manzarek's keyboard talents carry the majority of this song, emulating the sound of constant rainfall that makes this such an atmospheric listen.
Much like "Where Did You Sleep Last Night", "Riders On The Storm" becomes even more poignant with the context that this was the last song Jim Morrison recorded before his death at the age of 27, making the ending of this album even more haunting to listen to.