Category: Chart Toppers

The song “Amanda” is a powerful ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Boston. The lyrics within express the narrator’s deep affection for a girl named Amanda, as he tries to find the right words to let her know his strong inner feelings. It was eventually certified gold in Canada, where it went on to top the country’s national and contemporary music charts. On this very day, November 17th 1986, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

Read More

“Poor Side of Town” is a soulful ballad that was recorded by American singer and musician, Johnny Rivers. The lyrics within convey a form of separation and heartbreak that exists between the affluent and impoverished sides of town. The release of this single marked a turning point in Rivers’ career (which saw him move away from his earlier rock and roll style toward popular ballads). On this very day, November 16th 1966, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free…

Read More

“Wild, Wild West” is an upbeat eighties song that was recorded by English rock band, the Escape Club. Characterized by its rock (and dance-pop) elements, the lyrics within convey a sense of freedom and adventure (similar to the days of America’s old west). Considered by many to be a one-hit wonder, the song’s unique and infectious sound helped it top the music charts in Canada. On this very day, November 15th 1988, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

Read More

“You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” is a guitar-driven track that was recorded by Canadian rock band Bachman-Turner Overdrive. Written by lead singer, Randy Bachman, this classic rock song features a distinctive stuttering vocal effect in the chorus, which was initially intended as a private joke between Randy and his brother Gary (who had a stutter). Its infectious sound and energy helped it top the charts in various countries worldwide, including Denmark, Germany, South Africa, and Canada. On this very day, November 14th 1974, it was also the #1 song in…

Read More

“Save the Last Dance for Me” is a classic soul track that was recorded by American vocal group, The Drifters. The lyrics within tell the story of a man who’s at a dance with his partner but is unable to join her on the dance floor (due to a physical condition). Written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, this popular standard topped the music charts in South Africa, New Zealand, and Canada. On this very day, November 13th 1960, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

Read More

The song “Rock’n Me” is a classic seventies track that was recorded by the Steve Miller Band. Written by lead singer, Steve Miller, the lyrics within express his joyful and exciting experience of life on the road (as a touring musician). Billboard magazine labelled it “an immediate audience grabber” that went on to top the mainstream music charts in Canada. On this very day, November 12th 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…

Read More

The song, “Up Where We Belong” is a power ballad that was recorded by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. In 1983, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”, and that very same year, it also won an Academy Award for “Best Original Song”. The song’s immense popularity helped it top the charts in multiple countries around the world, including South Africa, Australia, and Canada. On this very day, November 11th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s…

Read More

“Heartache Tonight” is a classic track that was recorded by American rock band, the Eagles. The lyrics within convey a sense of celebration and a desire to live in the moment (in spite of the misery that might follow). The song’s immense popularity helped it top the charts in Canada, and in 1980, it won the Grammy Award for “Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. On this very day, November 10th 1979, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

“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…

Read More

“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…

Read More

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…

Read More

“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,…

Read More