Category: Chart Toppers

It’s Day Eight of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring a song that was recorded by legendary soul singer, Dionne Warwick (and a few iconic friends). The lyrics within convey a message of friendship and support, emphasizing the idea that friends are there for each other during difficult times. In 1987, the song’s massive success, helped it win two Grammy Awards for “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, February 8th 1986, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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Welcome to Day Seven of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring today’s ballad that was recorded by American R&B singer, Toni Braxton. This emotional track has sold over 10 million copies worldwide (and nearly 3 million in the U.S. alone), making it one of the best selling singles of all-time. In 1997, it won the award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance” at the 39th Annual Grammy Awards show. On this very day, February 7th 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…

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Day Six of BLACK HISTORY MONTH features a classic funk song that highlights a catchy and upbeat melody, with a driving bassline and funky guitar riffs. The urban legend (associated with this song) revolves around a high-pitched scream that can be heard in the background during the instrumental break. According to legend, the scream is that of a woman being murdered in the studio. However, this is widely regarded as a myth, and the scream is thought to have been a sound effect or a member of the band. The…

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Day five of BLACK HISTORY MONTH features a classic Motown song that was first recorded by American girl group, the Shirelles (whose version became a major hit in the U.S., and beyond). Rolling Stone magazine placed it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”, and Billboard magazine placed it at #3 on their list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs”. On this very day, February 5th 1961, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please…

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As we continue our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song, “Together Again” was an R&B-Dance track was recorded by American pop singer, Janet Jackson. The lyrics within explore themes of love, loss, and the hope of being reunited with a loved one (in the afterlife). According to co-writer, Jimmy Jam, this song had a deeper meaning (for Jackson) because it was about a friend she lost to AIDS. Certified platinum in the U.S., the song received positive reviews globally, and topped the charts in Poland, Hungary, the Netherlands, and…

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a popular seventies track that was recorded by American disco-funk band, Rose Royce. With over 2 million copies sold (in the U.S. alone) it was platinum certified, and in 1977 the “Car Wash” soundtrack went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack Album”. In 2004, the song was covered by Christina Aguilera (and Missy Elliott), who released their version as a single for the soundtrack of “Shark Tale”. On this very day, February 3rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America,…

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Continuing our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s R&B-pop track was recorded by American girl group, Destiny’s Child. The lyrics within celebrate women who are not just financially (but emotionally independent as well). It encourages women (of all races) to take pride in their ability to support themselves (and not rely on others for validation). Ultimately, it became an anthem for female empowerment and gained widespread popularity. It topped the charts in many countries world wide, and was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records, for longest-running #1 song…

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Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

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“Flowers” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Miley Cyrus. The lyrics within express the narrator’s acceptance of being independent (and no longer feeling the need to rely on others). Its massive success helped it receive several nominations, including  “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for “Video of the Year”, “Best Pop Video” and “Best Cinematography”. On this very day, January 31st 2023, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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Co-written by lead singer, Michael Hutchence, “Need You Tonight” is a popular eighties song recorded by Australian rock band, INXS. Known for its distinctive guitar riff, funky bassline, and seductive lyrics, it blends elements of rock, funk, and new wave, creating a sound that is both energetic and danceable. The success of “Need You Tonight” solidified INXS’s status as one of the prominent bands of the late 1980s, and the song remains one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable tracks. On this very day, January 30th 1988, it was…

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“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is a classic ballad that was written by American composer, Jerome Kern and lyricist, Otto Harbach. Over the years, it has been recorded by various artists, but the most popular version was released by The Platters (who were well-known for their soulful harmonies). Considered one of the group’s most memorable and enduring songs, in 2019, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, January 29th 1959, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“Shape of You” is an R&B-inspired pop song that was recorded by English singer and songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It features a pop and dancehall-influenced sound with lyrics that describe the singer’s attraction to a woman’s physical appearance. Upon its release, it became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world, and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles globally. On December 10th 2018, it became the first song to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify.. On this very day, January 28th 2017, it was the #1 song…

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The song, “I’m a Believer”, is one that was written by Neil Diamond and recorded by The Monkees (a popular American rock band formed in the 1960s). It’s characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, featuring jangly guitars and the bands’ signature harmonies. The lyrics within express a joyful, upbeat sentiment about the singer’s newfound love and disbelief in the positive change it has brought. The song would go on to become a massive hit, and is considered as one of The Monkees’ most well-known and enduring signature songs. On…

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The song “Timber” is a popular dance track that was recorded by American rapper, Pitbull. The lyrics within convey a celebratory atmosphere, encouraging listeners to let loose and have a good time. Upon its release, it became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. As of August 2023, the music video for “Timber” has over 1.4 billion views on YouTube, making it Pitbull’s most viewed video. On this very day, January 26th 2014, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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The song “Down Under” is a popular eighties track that was recorded by the Australian rock band, Men at Work. The lyrics within depict an Australian man who’s travelling the globe, meeting people who are interested in his homeland. The story is based in part on singer Colin Hay’s own travels abroad, including a prominent reference to a Vegemite sandwich (a popular snack in Australia). In October 2006, VH1 added it to their list of the “100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s”. On this very day, January 25th 1983, it was the…

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