Category: Chart Toppers

The song, “Midnight Train to Georgia” is a classic soul track that was recorded by American R&B group, Gladys Knight & the Pips. The lyrics within tell the story of a woman who leaves Los Angeles, seeking a simpler life (while her partner joins her on the journey). Considered the group’s signature song, in 1974, it won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus”. In 1999, “Midnight Train to Georgia” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, November…

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The song “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” is a power ballad that was recorded by American singer, Meat Loaf (featuring added vocals by Lorraine Crosby). The lyrics within tell the story of a man who expresses how far he’ll go for his love interest (but there are certain limits). In 1993, it was the best-selling single of the year (in the U.K.), and in 1994, it won the Grammy Award for “Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo”. On this very day, November 8th 1993, it was…

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The song “Royals” is a popular track that was recorded by New Zealand singer-songwriter, Lorde. The lyrics within criticize the opulence and materialism often portrayed in mainstream pop culture (presenting an alternative perspective on the aspirations of young people). On January 26th 2014 (at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles), this song earned Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. On this very day, November 7th 2013, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Suspicious Minds” is a classic track that was first recorded (in 1968) by singer-songwriter, Mark James. However, it was Elvis Presley’s version (one year later) that dominated the North American music charts. The lyrics within convey a sense of paranoia and distrust (that can arise from a troubled relationship). In December 2003, Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. On this very day, November 6th 1969, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“You Needed Me” is a soft and emotional ballad that was recorded by legendary Canadian singer, Anne Murray. The heartfelt lyrics within convey the narrator’s sense of vulnerability (and gratitude) for someone very special. In 1979, it earned Murray the Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. It was also a very popular country single, winning an ACM award for “Song of the Year”. On this very day, November 5th 1978, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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The song “Macarena” is a Spanish dance track that was recorded by Latin pop duo, Los del Río. Alongside the “Macarena” line dance, this song became extremely popular, and has since transformed into a cultural phenomenon (often played at various parties and weddings). VH1 ranked it as the “Greatest One-Hit Wonder of All-Time”, and Billboard magazine placed it at #3 on their list of the “Top Songs of the 90s”. On this very day, November 4th 1996, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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“Someone You Loved” is a heartfelt ballad that was recorded by Scottish singer-songwriter, Lewis Capaldi. With his emotive vocals and raw honesty, the narrator conveys the sadness he feels inside (after breaking up with his ex-lover). With over 3 billion streams on Spotify, this track went on to win “Song of the Year” at the 2020 Brit Awards show. It has since been certified Diamond (or higher) in Brazil, France, Germany, Poland, Australia, and Canada.  On this very day, November 3rd 2019, it was also the #1 song in America,…

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“Hot Child in the City” is a seventies pop song that was recorded by British-Canadian musician, Nick Gilder. The lyrics within convey the many challenges and dangers faced by a young girl who’s navigating the streets of Los Angeles on her own. After reaching platinum status (and winning two Juno Awards), this song went on to top the charts in his native country, Canada. On this very day, November 2nd 1978, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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The song, “I’ll Be There” is a classic soul ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Jackson Five. It’s considered as Motown Record’s most successful single to be released during it’s “Detroit Era” (that took place between 1959-1972). With a young Michael Jackson on lead vocals, this track was ultimately inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in 2011). On this very day, November 1st 1970, 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…

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“Monster Mash” is a Halloween novelty song that was recorded by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers. The lyrics within describe a party where classic monsters such as Dracula, The Wolfman, and Frankenstein all come together to perform a special dance (called the “Monster Mash”). Narrated in a Boris Karloff-style voice, in 2021 (nearly 60 years after its release), “Monster Mash” re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at #37. On this very day, October 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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“Then Came You” is a soulful R&B track that was recorded by Dionne Warwick and The Spinners. With vocals and harmonies that are second to none, this song went on to achieve gold certification, and in 1974, it was grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, October 30th 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 to use the provided link. Released in July 1974, here’s…

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“Yesterday” is a classic ballad that was recorded by the legendary, Beatles. Praised for its emotional depth and melody, it features Paul McCartney on vocals (as he strums his acoustic guitar). With well over 2,000 versions of this iconic track, it’s considered one of the most covered songs in the history of recorded music. MTV and Rolling Stone magazine named it the #1 pop song of all-time, and in 1997, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, October 29th 1965, it was the #1…

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The song “Rise” is an instrumental jazz track that was recorded by American trumpeter and bandleader, Herb Alpert. Known for its smooth and jazzy sound, it helped showcase Alpert’s distinctive trumpet-playing skills. In 1979, this popular single earned a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Instrumental Performance”, and in 1996, a portion of the track was sampled on Biggie Smalls’ hit single, “Hypnotize”. On this very day, October 28th 1979, 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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“Mack the Knife” is a golden standard that was originally written for the 1928 musical, “Three Penny Opera”. However, it was Bobby Darin’s rendition of this classic that turned it into one of the greatest popular jazz songs of all-time. Many believe the lyrics within tell the tale of a scandalous criminal known as Mack the Knife, who’s actually a reference to notorious serial killer, Jack the Ripper. Without listening closely to the lyrics, you’d never know about its true message, as it gives off a fun, feel good vibe…

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“Saving All My Love for You” is a heartfelt ballad that was recorded by legendary American singer, Whitney Houston. The lyrics within tell the story of a woman involved in an affair, who longs to be with the man she loves.. The song was certified platinum (in the U.S.) and topped the charts in the U.K. In 1986, it earned Houston the Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, October 26th 1985, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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