Category: Chart Toppers

“We Found Love” is a high tempo electro-dance track that was recorded by singer-songwriter, Rihanna. The song’s music video portrays the narrator as a drug-abusing thrill-seeker in a relationship that quickly spirals downward (into addiction and domestic violence). In 2011, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Music Video”, and in 2012, it won “Video of the Year” (at the MTV Video Music Awards). Having sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, it is considered one of the best-selling singles of all-time. On this very day, December 21st 2011, it…

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“Turn! Turn! Turn!” is a classic folk song that was written by Pete Seeger (in 1959) and later recorded by American rock band, The Byrds. The lyrics within reflect on the cyclical nature of life (emphasizing that there’s a time and season for every purpose). The song’s timeless message and melodic appeal have contributed to its enduring popularity. It went on to chart within the Top 10 in Canada, Germany, and New Zealand (where it reached #1). On this very day, December 20th 1965, it was also the #1 song…

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“Kung Fu Fighting” is a classic disco track recorded by Jamaican-born singer, Carl Douglas. In 1974, it received a gold certification, and eventually went on to sell eleven million records worldwide (making it one of the best-selling singles of all-time). This success helped it top the charts in many countries worldwide, including France, Austria, Belgium, Canada, and the U.K. (just to name a few). On this very day, December 19th 1974, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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The song “Run It” is a popular R&B track that was recorded by American singer, Chris Brown. It features an upbeat R&B/Hip-Hop sound that showcases Brown’s soulful vocal abilities. In 2006, the song’s music video earned nominations (at the MTV Video Music Awards show) for “Best New Artist” and “Viewer’s Choice”. On this very day, December 18th 2005, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link. From his self-titled album, here’s…

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“Here Comes the Hotstepper” is a Caribbean style pop song that was recorded by Jamaican reggae singer, Ini Kamoze. Known for its catchy and upbeat sound, the lyrics within contain elements of “dancehall” and “toasting” (a type of reggae vocal delivery). The song’s popularity spread quickly around the world, topping the charts in countries like Denmark, New Zealand, and Canada. On this very day, December 17th 1994, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to…

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The song “Babe” is a power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Styx. Written by lead singer, Dennis DeYoung, the lyrics within express feelings of sadness and pain (when separated from a loved one). It’s said that the singer wrote the track as a birthday present for his wife, Suzanne. Topping the charts in Canada and South Africa, this love song went on to win a People’s Choice Award as the best song of 1980. On this very day, December 16th 1979, it was the #1 song in…

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“Drop It Like It’s Hot” is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Snoop Dogg. In 2005, this single was grammy nominated for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group”, and on December 10th, 2009, it was named the most popular rap song of the decade (by Billboard magazine). On this very day, December 15th 2004, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link.…

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The song “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye” is a classic track (from the late 1960s) that was recorded by American pop-rock band, Steam. Over the years, it became known for its catchy chorus (and was often used in various sports arenas as a taunting anthem (played whenever the visiting team was about to lose). By the beginning of the 21st century, record sales had exceeded 6.5 million copies which led to multi-platinum status On this very day, December 14th 1969, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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“Please Mr. Postman” is a popular motown song that was recorded by American girl group, The Marvelettes. The lyrics within describe a young woman who pleas with the postman, asking him to hurry up and deliver a letter from her sweetheart. Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”, and in 2011, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 13th 1961, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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“I Am Woman” is a popular seventies song that was recorded by Australian-American singer, Helen Reddy. Celebrated for its message of gender equality, it ultimately became an anthem for female empowerment. Released during the counterculture era, it was a staple for the women’s liberation movement, and in 1973, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, December 12th 1972, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided…

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“Fly, Robin, Fly” is a catchy disco song that was recorded by German dance group, Silver Convention. Characterized by its catchy disco beat (and pulsating rhythm), in 1976, this song received a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Instrumental Performance”. On this very day, December 11th 1975, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link. From the album, “Save Me”, here’s SILVER CONVENTION, with “FLY ROBIN FLY”…

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“Family Affair” is a popular urban track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Mary J. Blige. The song’s modern R&B sound, coupled with Mary J. Blige’s powerful and soulful delivery, contributed to its success. It topped the charts in France and Canada, and Rolling Stone magazine would eventually add it to their list of the “100 Best Songs of the 2000s”. On this very day, December 10th 2001, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel…

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“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is a funky soul track that was recorded by American vocal group, The Temptations. The lyrics within tell the story of a man whose father was absent and left a legacy of extreme hardship and instability. In my personal opinion, this song is particularly special for having the best bassline of all-time. In 1973, it won three Grammy Awards, and many years later (in 1999), this classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 8th 1972, it was the #1…

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“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a high energy pop song that was recorded by the English singing duo known as Wham. Written by lead singer, George Michael, his lyrical inspiration came one day before he and bandmate (Andrew Ridgely) were going out on the town. Michael fell asleep, but before he drifted off, he wrote a scribbled note with directions for Ridgely to wake him up before he goes. Ranked at #28 on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Songs From the 1980s”, this track sold 2 million…

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The song “Smooth” is a slightly Latin-infused rock track that was recorded by Santana (featuring vocals by Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20). The music video for this single was particularly cool as it showcased just how talented Carlos Santana is as a guitarist. In the year 2000, it won several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals”. On this very day, December 6th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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