Category: Chart Toppers

Today’s track is a popular eighties ballad that was recorded by English rock band, The Police. The lyrics within convey a message of love and intrigue, but despite its seemingly romantic sound, it actually tells a story of possessiveness and surveillance. Rolling Stone magazine included it on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”, and in 1984, it won the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year”. It was also famously sampled on Puff Daddy’s 1997 hit single, “I’ll Be Missing You” (which was a tribute to the…

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Today’s song is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Wiz Khalifa. It was created as a tribute to the late “Fast & Furious” actor, Paul Walker, who passed away in a car accident (back in 2013). In 2016, it received three Grammy nominations for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”, “Best Song Written for Visual Media”, and “Song of the Year”. It was also nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 73rd Golden Globe Awards. On this very day, July 17th 2015, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s…

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Today’s track is a popular disco song that was recorded by American soul singer, George McCrae. Written and produced by Harry Wayne Casey and Richard Finch (both members of KC and the Sunshine Band), this popular single is often considered one of the earliest disco anthems. A massive international hit, it went on to become a #1 song in many countries around the world, including Belgium, Sweden, Canadaand the U.K. On this very day, July 16th 1974, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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Today’s track is a soulful ballad that was originally recorded by Philadelphia music group, Harold Melvin & the Blue-notes. However, it was Simply Red’s version of the song that really caught the imagination of fans across America. So much in fact that it went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song” (in 1989). Written by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, the lyrics within explore themes of love, communication, and understanding (in a relationship). On this very day, July 15th 1989, it was the #1 song in America,…

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Today’s track is a romantic ballad that was recorded by American musician, Herb Alpert. With a combination of his smooth vocals and signature trumpet playing, Alpert initially performed the song on his CBS television special, “The Beat of the Brass”. Dedicating the track to his wife, Sharon, it went on to become a #1 single in both, Australia and Canada. On this very day, July 14th 1968, 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…

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Today’s track is an up-tempo urban dance tune that was recorded by American rapper, Pitbull. Selling over 8 million copies, and certified six times platinum, it went on to become one of the best-selling singles of all-time. Its massive popularity helped it reach the #1 spot in several countries around the world, including Belgium, Ireland, Russia, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, July 13th 2011, 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…

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Today’s track is a popular disco song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Donna Summer. Often referred to as the “Queen of Disco”, Summer’s powerful vocals are backed by a pulsating beat and catchy melodies. In 1980, at the 22nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony, it was nominated for “Best Disco Recording”, and that same year, it was also nominated for two American Music Awards. On this very day, July 12th 1979, 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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Today’s track is a catchy dance song that was recorded by Canadian pop singer, Carly Rae Jepsen. The lyrics within allude to a girl who experiences love at first sight and hopes for a call back (from her new crush). Eventually, this song became a viral sensation (through social media) and, in 2013, was Grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Solo Performance”, and “Song of the Year”. On this very day, July 11th 2012, 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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Today’s track is a power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Cheap Trick. A departure from their usual sound, this popular track helped the group achieve mainstream success. Reportedly, the band disliked the song at first, and (lead guitarist) Rick Nielsen apparently yanked it from the tape player and ground the cassette beneath his boot heel. I think he may have had a change of heart when the ballad established its place as the highest charting song in the band’s repertoire. On this very day, July 10th 1988, it was…

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Today’s song is a popular track that was recorded by American rapper, Cardi B. With a blend of hip-hop, trap, and Latin music, it samples the 1967 boogaloo hit, “I Like It Like That” (by Pete Rodriguez). Grammy nominated for “Record of the Year”, Rolling Stone magazine named it the “Best Summer Song of All-Time”. As of 2021, it is the most streamed song by a female rapper (in the U.K.). On this very day, July 9th 2018, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Strangers in the Night” is a classic standard that was recorded by legendary icon, Frank Sinatra. The lyrics within illustrate how two lonely people come together and fall in love at first sight. In 1967, it won a total of four Grammy Awards, including “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” and “Record of the Year”. On this very day, July 8th 1966, 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 in…

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“You Remind Me” is a popular and heartfelt track that was recorded by American R&B sensation, Usher. The lyrics within portray the narrator’s realization that his new romantic interest reminds him of someone from the past. In 2002, it won Usher his first Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. On this very day, July 7th 2001, 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, “8701”, here’s…

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“Rock the Boat” is a popular track that was recorded by American soul trio, the Hues Corporation. Its danceable rhythm (and catchy sound) helped it contribute to the popularity of disco music (during the 1970s). Over the years, it has been especially popular at weddings and birthday parties, as guests sit down in single file and pretend to row in unison. On this very day, July 6th 1974, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free…

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“Don’t You Want Me” is a retro dance track that was recorded by British pop band, the Human League. Often associated with the new wave movement, in 2022, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the “Greatest Dance Songs of All-Time”. Considered as one of the most successful singles ever to chart in the U.K., it peaked at #1 in many countries around the world (including Canada). On this very day, July 5th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“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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