Category: Chart Toppers

The song “Like a Virgin” is an eighties pop track that was recorded by legendary singer, Madonna. The lyrics within convey the feeling of being in a new relationship, describing the freshness and excitement of the experience. On September 14th, 1984, Madonna opened the inaugural MTV Video Music Awards ceremony by playing this song (while donning a white wedding dress with a bustier, pearls, lace fingerless gloves, and a belt buckle with the words “Boy Toy” inscribed on it. On this very day, December 30th 1984, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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“Over and Over” is a classic rock song that was originally recorded (in 1958) by American singer-songwriter, Bobby Day. However, the most successful version of this track was recorded several years later by English rock band, The Dave Clark Five. A formidable part of the British Invasion (in the 1960s), this group’s mass appeal helped launch the single to #1 on the U.K. charts. On this very day, December 29th 1965, 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 “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” is a power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Poison. Written by lead vocalist Bret Michaels, the lyrics within use the metaphor of a rose and its thorn to convey the idea that even beautiful things can have their flaws. VH1 added it to their lists of the “Top 25 Power Ballads”, “100 Greatest Love Songs”, and “100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s”. On this very day, December 28th 1988, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“Lose Yourself” is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Eminem. The song’s powerful message and energetic production contributed to its widespread appeal (making it a timeless anthem for perseverance). In 2003, it won the Academy Award for “Best Original Song” (making it the first ever rap single to receive this honor). One year later (in 2004), it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Male Rap Solo Performance”. On this very day, December 27th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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“My Sweet Lord” is a spiritual track (from the early 1970s) that was recorded by English singer and ex-Beatle, George Harrison. The lyrics within were inspired by Harrison’s exploration of Hindu spirituality (and his experience with meditation). In 1972, it was grammy nominated for “Record of the Year”, and in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine added it to their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, December 26th 1970, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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The song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is a fun holiday jingle that was originally recorded (in 1994) by American singer-songwriter, Mariah Carey. Due to the song’s lasting impact, Carey has since been dubbed the “Queen of Christmas“. Over the years, this festive track has become one of the most popular (and enduring) Christmas songs of all-time. As of 2023, the Associated Press estimates the single’s royalty earnings at $100 million. On this very day, December 25th 2019, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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The song “Perfect” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by English singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It became 2017’s #1 Christmas single, and in 2018 (at the MTV Video Music Awards) it received nominations for “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Video”. An instant classic, this popular track topped the charts in multiple countries around the world, including Australia, Sweden, Greece, Italy, France, Canada, and the U.K. (to name just a few). On this very day, December 24th 2017, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“Candle in the Wind ‘97″ is a classic ballad that was recorded by English singer and pianist, Elton John. It was originally released (in 1974) but was rewritten as a tribute to Princess Diana (after her tragic death). In 1998, this renewed version won the Grammy Award for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance”. It went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all time, topping the charts in numerous countries, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, Canada, and the U.K. (to name just a few). On this very day, December 23rd…

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“Me and Mrs. Jones” is a classic soul ballad that was recorded by American R&B singer, Billy Paul. The lyrics within tell the story of an extramarital affair between the narrator and a woman referred to as “Mrs. Jones”. In 1973, this song earned Billy Paul a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”, and in 2018, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 22nd 1972, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“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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