Category: Chart Toppers

“It’s All in the Game” is a classic love ballad that was originally an instrumental piece composed by Charles Dawes. The lyrics were later added in 1951. That said, it was Tommy Edwards’ version of the song (several years later) that took it to the masses. His sultry vocals and soulful energy helped spread it across the planet, topping charts in countries like Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Canada, and the U.K. (just to name a few). On this very day, October 13th 1958, it was the #1 song in America,…

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“Let’s Go Crazy” is a hi tempo, guitar-driven pop song that was recorded by the artist formerly known as Prince. Alongside his back-up band, the Revolution, this track begins with a sermon-like intro that fills the listener with anticipation. I think what I love most about this song (other than its raw energy) is the way Prince demonstrates how gifted a musician he truly was. On this very day, October 12th 1984, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Good Vibrations” is a hi-energy pop song that was recorded by American rap group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. With a unique combination of hip-hop, dance and pop, it samples the iconic bassline from the 1986 Loleatta Holloway song, “Love Sensation”. In 2019, Billboard magazine placed it on their list of the “Top Songs From the 90s”. On this very day, October 11th 1991, 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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“Close to You” is a melancholic pop song that was recorded by British reggae singer, Maxi Priest. It features a reggae and R&B arrangement, infusing the song with a laid-back, Caribbean vibe. Ron Wynn (from AllMusic) stated that the song is more of an R&B track (rather than an actual reggae song). Although I agree with this sentiment, there’s no denying the seductive and enduring appeal associated with this single. On this very day, October 10th 1990, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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The song “Closer” is an electronic dance-pop track that was recorded by American DJ duo, The Chainsmokers. The lyrics within tell the story of a soured relationship (from the past) and the desire to re-acquaint with that person. In 2017 (at the Staples Centre in L.A.), it received a grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”, and in 2018, the song was diamond certified after selling 10 million units in the U.S. On this very day, October 9th 2016, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“Love Bites” is an emotional power ballad that was recorded by English rock band, Def Leppard. The lyrics within explore themes of heartbreak (and the pain that comes from being in love). Lead singer Joe Elliott’s soaring vocals and a prominent use of acoustic guitars, helped make this track my favourite Def Leppard song of all-time. On this very day, October 8th 1988, 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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“Jack and Diane” is a classic rock song recorded by American singer-songwriter, John Mellencamp (formerly known as John Cougar). The lyrics within tell the story of a teenage couple (from a small American town) who experience young love (and the challenges of growing up). With its catchy sing-a-long hook and distinct guitar riffs, it went on to top the mainstream charts in Canada. On this very day, October 7th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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“A Moment Like This” is a soft ballad that was recorded by American pop singer, Kelly Clarkson. It was released as her debut single after winning season one of the reality TV series, “American Idol”. The lyrics within celebrate the joy and significance of achieving a personal milestone or accomplishment. When Clarkson was announced as the winner of “American Idol”, she became emotional, and sang the song as her final performance. On this very day, October 6th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Play That Funky Music” is an iconic seventies track that was recorded by American funk-rock band, Wild Cherry. Its distinct bassline (and disco-infused sound) helped it top the Soul charts in America. After selling approximately 2.5 million copies (in the U.S. alone), it earned a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, October 5th 1976, 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 their…

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“Oh, Pretty Woman” is a classic rock & roll track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Roy Orbison. The lyrics within tell the story of a man who sees a beautiful woman while walking down the street (and expresses his admiration for her). Within months of its release, this single was gold certified, and ultimately went on to sell more than 7 million copies. In 1999, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and was named as one of the “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll”. On…

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“Rock Me Gently” is a soft rock song that was recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter, Andy Kim. The lyrics within express the narrator’s desire for a safe and comforting relationship. Its catchy sound and upbeat tempo allowed it to peak at #2 in the U.K., while topping the charts in Kim’s native country, Canada. On this very day, October 3rd 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. From his…

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“Maggie May” is a blues-influenced classic rock song that was recorded by British singer-songwriter, Rod Stewart. The lyrics within tell the story of a young man who has a romantic encounter with an older woman (and begins to reflect on his emotions and the consequences of their relationship). In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine added it to their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”, and in 2017, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, October 2nd 1971, it was the #1 song in…

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“Girls Like You” is a song that was recorded by American pop rock band, Maroon 5. With over 3 billion views on YouTube, and more than 10 million units sold, this song became diamond certified. It topped the charts in several countries around the world, and in 2019 (at the Staples Centre in L.A.), it was Grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. On this very day, October 1st 2018, 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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“We’re an American Band” is a popular seventies rock track that was recorded by Grand Funk Railroad. The lyrics within celebrate the experience of being a touring rock band in America (highlighting the excitement and lifestyle of life on the road). Within one month after its release, this single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, September 30th 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 to use…

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“Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” is a soft rock song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Mac Davis. The lyrics within convey a message of caution, as the narrator expresses his reluctance with committing to a serious relationship. As a point of interest, in 1980, Mac Davis was hosting the “Muppet Show” and performed three of his songs, including this one (which is considered to be his signature track). On this very day, September 29th 1972, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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