Category: Chart Toppers

“I’ll Be There for You” is a classic power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Bon Jovi. Written by the group’s primary songwriting duo, Richie Sambora and Jon Bon Jovi, the lyrics within express the narrator’s longing to make things right in a relationship that has been soured. Partially due to its catchy sound and emotive vocals, in 1990, it earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, May 17th 1989, it was the #1 song in…

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“That’s the Way Love Goes” is an R&B song that was recorded by American pop singer, Janet Jackson. It marked a noticeable departure from her previous work, incorporating a laid-back and sensual sound that resonated with her fans. Overall, this song won various accolades, including the AMA for “Favorite Soul/R&B Single”, and in 1994, it won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song”. On this very day, May 16th 1993, 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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“If I Can’t Have You” is a song that was written by Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees (and was originally intended for the soundtrack of the film “Saturday Night Fever”). However, it was Yvonne Elliman’s version that appeared on the film’s soundtrack, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female”. On this very day, May 15th 1978, 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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“West End Girls” is a classic eighties song that was recorded by English pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. It went on to become one of their most iconic and successful tracks, establishing them as significant figures in the synth-pop genre. The lyrics within explore themes of class and social issues, capturing a sense of urban life. In 1987, “West End Girls” won the Ivor Novello Award for “Best International Hit”, and that same year, it won the Brit Award for “Best British Single”. On this very day, May 14th…

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“Monday, Monday” is a classic folk-rock song that was recorded by popular vocal group, The Mamas & The Papas. The lyrics within convey a sense of melancholy, capturing the ambivalence that can accompany the start of a new workweek. In 1967, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. In 1998, heavily based on the popularity of this track, the Mamas & the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 13th 1966, it…

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“Mother-in-Law” is a classic R&B track that was recorded by New Orleans based soul singer, Ernie K-Doe. The lyrics within humorously describe the singer’s relationship with his mother-in-law, highlighting the challenges and stereotypes often associated with that type of family connection. On this very day, May 12th 1961, 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 as a single in 1961, here’s ERNIE K. DOE, with “MOTHER-IN-LAW”…

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“Freak Me” is a soul ballad that was recorded by American R&B group, Silk. Considered as the groups’ signature song, it was co-written and co-produced by Keith Sweat, for whom Silk was an opening act (at the time). After selling over 1.3 million copies domestically, the song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, May 11th 1993, 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…

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The song “Yeah” is an up-tempo R&B track that was recorded by American singer, Usher (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris). The lyrics within describe the narrator’s temptation to cheat with his girlfriend’s friend (while hanging out at a popular nightclub). In 2005, it was Grammy-nominated for “Record of the Year”, while winning the award for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. On this very day, May 10th 2004, 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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“Addicted to Love” is a pop-rock song that was recorded by English singer and songwriter, Robert Palmer. Known for its catchy hook and unique guitar riff, the accompanying music video features a group of impeccably dressed female models with slicked-back hair (playing guitars, keyboards, and drums). In 1987, the song earned Robert Palmer the Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance”. On this very day, May 9th 1986, 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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“Hotel California” is a classic ballad that was recorded by iconic American rock band, the Eagles. The lyrics within depict the pitfalls of the California music scene (during the 1970s). The “Hotel California” itself is often seen as a metaphor for the excesses of the music industry. One of the most memorable aspects of the track is its intricate guitar solo, played by Don Felder and Joe Walsh. In 1978, it won the Grammy Award for “Record of the Year”, and in 2023, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall…

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“Soldier Boy” is a classic song that was written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg, and recorded by American girl group, The Shirelles. The lyrics within express a young woman’s love and longing for her lover (who’s away serving in the military). Originally titled, “I’ll Be True To You”, the Shirelles felt there should be some sort of mention of the soldier involved, and hence, the name was changed. On this very day, May 7th 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“Morning Train” is an early eighties pop song that was recorded by Scottish singer, Sheena Easton. The lyrics within convey the anticipation (and longing) of a woman who’s patiently waiting for her partner to return from work. Considered by most as her signature song, in 1982, Sheena Easton won the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” (mostly due to the success of this single). On this very day, May 6th 1981, 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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“Last Night” is a song that was recorded by American country music singer, Morgan Wallen. The lyrics within center around the singer’s rocky relationship with a love interest (and his refusal to admit it’s over). In July 2023, it became the first song to achieve one billion on-demand streams in a single year, while topping the charts in both, Australia and Canada. On this very day, May 5th 2023, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (for an incredible 16 non-consecutive weeks). If you’d like to have…

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“Southern Nights” is a song that was written and originally recorded by American musician, Allen Toussaint. However, it was crossover-country artist, Glen Campbell’s version that ended up topping the charts in America. The lyrics within celebrate a particular beauty and warmth associated with evenings in the American South. In 1977, Glen Campbell’s version (of “Southern Nights”) was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association. On this very day, May 4th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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“Hypnotize” is a late nineties rap song that was recorded by The Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls). It was the final song posthumously released (shortly after he died in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles). The song’s catchy sound earned Biggie a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Solo Performance”, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #30 on its list of the “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, May 3rd 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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