Jungle Songs to Celebrate Anniversary of the Ali-Forman Fight

The 35^th anniversary of the most famous fight ever passed with little fanfare. Perhaps it was overlooked because of the excitement of the World Series, the anticipation of the upcoming NCAA basketball season, the lure of the NFL, or even the start of the hockey season. Whatever the reason, no one seemed to pay much attention to a significant anniversary in boxing, the classic heavyweight championship fight between Muhammad Ali and George Forman.

Ali, as everyone remembers, won the fight with an eighth round knockout against the stronger, more powerful Forman. Ali had become endeared to most of the audience on the African continent, as they clearly chanted "Ali! Ali! Ali!" each time the champ jabbed Forman with his quick wrists.

Even though the match occurred in late October, the heat was nearly unbearable, registering over 100 degrees in the ring. The heat somehow though seemed appropriate for a fight that was to be forever dubbed the "Rumble in the Jungle."

In honor of that great fight from three and a half decades ago, I offer this list of the best songs with "Jungle" in their titles.

10. "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns 'n Roses: This rocker has become an anthem at stadiums throughout the country, where fans get excited when they hear Axl scream out the opening title line.

9. "Run Through the Jungle" by Creedence Clearwater Revival: John Fogerty's gruff voice seems to fit perfectly with the sounds of the jungle. The guitar work here is easily recognizable as classic Creedence.

8. "Cowboy in the Jungle" by Jimmy Buffett: The contrast presented in the title fits well on Buffett's best album, Son of a Son of a Sailor.

7. "Jungle Telegraph" by The Eels: This song from Souljacker features the bongo playing appropriate in a jungle tune as well as a funky electric guitar and E.'s typically enigmatic lyrics.

6. "Jungle Work by Warren Zevon: One of the little-known gems from Bad Luck Streak at Dancing School, Zevon's follow up to the multi-platinum Excitable Boy, this track uses bass and drums to capture the sound of the jungle.

5. "The Jungle" by Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne chose to add elephant and Tiger sounds to his 70s pop blend of rock and symphony on this track from the ambitious Out of the Blue album.

4. "Jungle Boogie" by Kool and the Gang: The horns bleat with short, powerful notes on this 70s danceable track. Meanwhile, the drums keep your feet moving even before disco took over the dance halls.

3. "Jungle Love" by Steve Miller: One of the many hits from Miller's popular Book of Dreams album, on which Miller took a decided step toward pop and away from the alt-country evident on his prior discs.

2. "Jungle Love" by The Time: Morris Day leads the band on this enjoyable 80s number, highlighted by infectious keyboard work.

1. "Bungle in the Jungle" by Jethro Tull: Ian Anderson's invitation to physical pleasure is timeless. He uses clever rhymes, vivid jungle imagery and stellar wordplay as his flute makes a romp in the jungle a very enticing idea.