Category: Chart Toppers

“I Get Around” is a classic surf-rock song that was recorded by All-American sensation, The Beach Boys. The lyrics within capture a carefree spirit of California’s surfing culture (as a young man proudly describes his adventures with different girls). An upbeat and energetic track, in 2017, it was inducted into the prestigious, Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, July 4th 1964, 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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“Umbrella” is an urban pop track that was recorded by Barbadian singer, Rihanna. Co-written by Jay-Z, the lyrics within convey a message of being there for someone during challenging times (metaphorically using an umbrella to represent protection). It topped the charts in many countries around the world, and in 2008, it earned Rihanna her very first Grammy Award for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. On this very day, July 3rd 2007, it was 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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“Be with You” is an up-tempo dance song that was recorded by Spanish pop singer, Enrique Iglesias. The lyrics within convey a sense of passion and desire, expressing the narrator’s longing to be with that special someone. In 2001, it was Grammy-nominated for “Best Dance Recording” after performing exceptionally well in the U.S. nightclub scene. On this very day, July 2nd 2000, 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. Released…

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“Sundown” is a song that was written and recorded by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot. The lyrics within describe feelings of jealousy as the narrator observes his partner’s suspicious actions (particularly at sundown). As expected, this song performed exceptionally well in Gordon Lightfoot’s native land (reaching the #1 spot on Canada’s Mainstream Singles chart). On this very day, July 1st 1974, it was also 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. Released…

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“Viva la Vida” (translated as “Live the Life”) is a popular track that was recorded by British rock band, Coldplay. The lyrics within are inspired by historical and religious themes, drawing on imagery related to the French Revolution and the biblical story of King David. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it (at #9) on their list of the “100 Best Songs of 2008”, and in 2009, it won the Grammy Award for “Record of the Year”. On this very day, June 30th 2008, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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“The Reflex” is a popular eighties song that was recorded by British new wave band, Duran Duran. Most of the photography used in their abstract music video took place during the 1984 “Seven & the Ragged Tiger” tour at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. Shortly after its release, it went on to top the charts in several countries, including Ireland, Belgium, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, June 29th 1984, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“Got to Give It Up” is an uptempo funk song that was recorded by American soul singer, Marvin Gaye. The lyrics within express a carefree and celebratory attitude (encouraging people to let loose and enjoy life). In 2013, Robin Thicke’s hit single, “Blurred Lines”, was the subject of a lawsuit for allegedly copying this song without consent. On March 10th 2015, a federal jury found that “Blurred Lines” infringed on “Got to Give It Up” and awarded nearly $7.4 million to Marvin Gaye’s children. On this very day, June 28th 1977,…

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“Flashdance” is a song that was recorded by American singer and actress, Irene Cara. The lyrics within describe the dreams and aspirations of a young welder who aspires to be a professional dancer. As a single, “Flashdance” won the Academy Award for “Best Original Song”, along with a Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, June 27th 1983, 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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“Mr. Tambourine Man” is a song that was originally written and recorded by legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan. However, it was The Byrds’ version that truly resonated on the charts with its notable folk-rock arrangement (featuring jangly guitars and smooth harmonies). In 1998, The Byrds’ rendition of this classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2002, Bob Dylan’s original version followed suit. On this very day, June 26th 1965, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Despacito” is a Latin pop song that was recorded by Puerto Rican singer, Luis Fonsi (and rapper Daddy Yankee). The remix version features vocals by Canadian singer, Justin Bieber. The lyrics within describe the celebration of a romantic relationship and the desire to take things slowly (and enjoy the special moments). The word “despacito” actually translates to “slowly” in English. In 2018, the song won two Grammy Awards for “Best Urban Fusion/Performance” and “Best Short Form Music Video”. On this very day, June 25th 2017, it was the #1 song…

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“The Boy Is Mine” is an R&B duet that was recorded by American singers, Brandy and Monica. The lyrics within revolve around the theme of two women who realize they’re dating the same man (and fight to save their own individual relationship). Aside from winning three Billboard Music Awards, in 1999, it also won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group”. On this very day, June 24th 1998, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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“Dreams” is a classic song that was recorded by British-American rock band, Fleetwood Mac. Written by Stevie Nicks, the lyrics within are often interpreted as reflecting the emotional turmoil (and interpersonal conflicts) within the band. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #9 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, June 23rd 1977, 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. Taken from…

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“Time After Time” is an emotional ballad that was recorded by American pop singer, Cyndi Lauper. The lyrics within explore themes of love, commitment, and support, conveying a promise of being there for someone through thick and thin. VH1 ranked it on its list of the “100 Greatest Songs of the 80s”, and in 1984, it won the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Female Video”. On this very day, June 22nd 1984, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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“One Dance” is an R&B infused Hip-Hop track that was recorded by legendary Canadian rapper, Drake. Characterized by its dancehall and afrobeat influences, the lyrics within explore themes of love and desire. It topped the charts in 15 different countries worldwide, and went on to become one of the best-selling digital singles of all-time. On this very day, June 21st 2016, 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. Taken from…

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“I Can’t Help Myself” is a classic motown track that was recorded by American vocal quartet, the Four Tops. The lyrics within express a man’s intense and uncontrollable love for his partner, often using sweet and endearing terms like “sugar pie” and “honey bunch”. One of the biggest hits of the 1960’s, Rolling Stone magazine added it to their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, June 20th 1965, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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