Category: Chart Toppers

Today’s track is a classic folk-rock song that was recorded by American singer, Jim Croce. The lyrics within tell the story of a brash and aggressive man who meets an unfortunate fate when he encounters an even tougher man in a bar. In 1973, it was Grammy nominated for two awards, including “Best Pop Male Vocalist” and “Record of the Year”. On this very day, July 24th 1973, 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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Today’s track is a heart felt ballad that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Mariah Carey. The lyrics within (alongside Carey’s emotional & soulful delivery) express feelings of heartbreak, regret, and the desire to reconcile with a lost love. In 2006, it was nominated for eight Grammy Awards, including “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance”, and “Song of the Year”. On this very day, July 23rd 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…

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Today’s track is a romantic power ballad that was originally recorded by iTen. However, it wasn’t until American rock band, Heart, released their version, did it really make a mark on the music industry. The lyrics within express feelings of heartache, as the narrator yearns to have some one-on-one time with a particular love interest. In 1988, at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards show, it earned Heart a nomination for “Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group”. On this very day, July 22nd 1987, it was the #1…

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Today’s track is a classic rock song that was recorded by American singer, songwriter and pianist, Billy Joel. The lyrics within express Joel’s thoughts on the music industry’s changing trends and the pressure for artists to conform to certain images and styles. The underlying message seems to be a jab against the new wave movement that was resonating in America (during the early eighties). Eventually, this song would go on to reach platinum status and top the pop charts in Canada. On this very day, July 21st 1980, it was…

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Today’s song is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Nelly. It features a prominent sample from Chuck Browns’ 1979 hit, “Bustin’ Loose”. The lyrics within revolve around a party or nightclub atmosphere where things are really starting to heat up. In 2003, this song earned Nelly the award for “Best Male Rap Solo Performance”, and in 2008, VH1 ranked it on its list of the “100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop”. On this very day, July 20th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s…

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Today’s track is a classic rock song that was written by Bernie Taupin, and recorded by British singer and pianist, Sir Elton John. The lyrics within reminisce about the good old days of rock and roll, with references to a fictional dance that captures the spirit of the era. Billboard magazine referred to it as a “clever easy beat rocker with a sound and flavor of the 1950s”. I must admit that I love a lot of Elton John songs, but this one is hands down, my personal favorite. On…

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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, Canada and the U.K. On this very day, July 16th 1974, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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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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