Category: Chart Toppers

Today’s song is a popular track that was recorded by American rapper, Cardi B. With a blend of hip-hop, trap, and Latin music, it samples the 1967 boogaloo hit, “I Like It Like That” (by Pete Rodriguez). Grammy nominated for “Record of the Year”, Rolling Stone magazine named it the “Best Summer Song of All-Time”. As of 2021, it is the most streamed song by a female rapper (in the U.K.). On this very day, July 9th 2018, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Strangers in the Night” is a classic standard that was recorded by legendary icon, Frank Sinatra. The lyrics within illustrate how two lonely people come together and fall in love at first sight. In 1967, it won a total of four Grammy Awards, including “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance” and “Record of the Year”. On this very day, July 8th 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 to use the provided link. Released in…

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“You Remind Me” is a popular and heartfelt track that was recorded by American R&B sensation, Usher. The lyrics within portray the narrator’s realization that his new romantic interest reminds him of someone from the past. In 2002, it won Usher his first Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance”. On this very day, July 7th 2001, 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 the album, “8701”, here’s…

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“Rock the Boat” is a popular track that was recorded by American soul trio, the Hues Corporation. Its danceable rhythm (and catchy sound) helped it contribute to the popularity of disco music (during the 1970s). Over the years, it has been especially popular at weddings and birthday parties, as guests sit down in single file and pretend to row in unison. On this very day, July 6th 1974, 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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“Don’t You Want Me” is a retro dance track that was recorded by British pop band, the Human League. Often associated with the new wave movement, in 2022, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it as one of the “Greatest Dance Songs of All-Time”. Considered as one of the most successful singles ever to chart in the U.K., it peaked at #1 in many countries around the world (including Canada). On this very day, July 5th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“I Get Around” is a classic surf-rock song that was recorded by All-American sensation, The Beach Boys. The lyrics within capture a carefree spirit of California’s surfing culture (as a young man proudly describes his adventures with different girls). An upbeat and energetic track, in 2017, it was inducted into the prestigious, Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, July 4th 1964, 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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“Umbrella” is an urban pop track that was recorded by Barbadian singer, Rihanna. Co-written by Jay-Z, the lyrics within convey a message of being there for someone during challenging times (metaphorically using an umbrella to represent protection). It topped the charts in many countries around the world, and in 2008, it earned Rihanna her very first Grammy Award for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. On this very day, July 3rd 2007, 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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“Be with You” is an up-tempo dance song that was recorded by Spanish pop singer, Enrique Iglesias. The lyrics within convey a sense of passion and desire, expressing the narrator’s longing to be with that special someone. In 2001, it was Grammy-nominated for “Best Dance Recording” after performing exceptionally well in the U.S. nightclub scene. On this very day, July 2nd 2000, 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…

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“Sundown” is a song that was written and recorded by legendary Canadian singer-songwriter, Gordon Lightfoot. The lyrics within describe feelings of jealousy as the narrator observes his partner’s suspicious actions (particularly at sundown). As expected, this song performed exceptionally well in Gordon Lightfoot’s native land (reaching the #1 spot on Canada’s Mainstream Singles chart). On this very day, July 1st 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. Released…

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“Viva la Vida” (translated as “Live the Life”) is a popular track that was recorded by British rock band, Coldplay. The lyrics within are inspired by historical and religious themes, drawing on imagery related to the French Revolution and the biblical story of King David. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it (at #9) on their list of the “100 Best Songs of 2008”, and in 2009, it won the Grammy Award for “Record of the Year”. On this very day, June 30th 2008, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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“The Reflex” is a popular eighties song that was recorded by British new wave band, Duran Duran. Most of the photography used in their abstract music video took place during the 1984 “Seven & the Ragged Tiger” tour at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, Ontario. Shortly after its release, it went on to top the charts in several countries, including Ireland, Belgium, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, June 29th 1984, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“Got to Give It Up” is an uptempo funk song that was recorded by American soul singer, Marvin Gaye. The lyrics within express a carefree and celebratory attitude (encouraging people to let loose and enjoy life). In 2013, Robin Thicke’s hit single, “Blurred Lines”, was the subject of a lawsuit for allegedly copying this song without consent. On March 10th 2015, a federal jury found that “Blurred Lines” infringed on “Got to Give It Up” and awarded nearly $7.4 million to Marvin Gaye’s children. On this very day, June 28th 1977,…

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“Flashdance” is a song that was recorded by American singer and actress, Irene Cara. The lyrics within describe the dreams and aspirations of a young welder who aspires to be a professional dancer. As a single, “Flashdance” won the Academy Award for “Best Original Song”, along with a Grammy Award for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, June 27th 1983, 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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“Mr. Tambourine Man” is a song that was originally written and recorded by legendary singer-songwriter, Bob Dylan. However, it was The Byrds’ version that truly resonated on the charts with its notable folk-rock arrangement (featuring jangly guitars and smooth harmonies). In 1998, The Byrds’ rendition of this classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2002, Bob Dylan’s original version followed suit. On this very day, June 26th 1965, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Despacito” is a Latin pop song that was recorded by Puerto Rican singer, Luis Fonsi (and rapper Daddy Yankee). The remix version features vocals by Canadian singer, Justin Bieber. The lyrics within describe the celebration of a romantic relationship and the desire to take things slowly (and enjoy the special moments). The word “despacito” actually translates to “slowly” in English. In 2018, the song won two Grammy Awards for “Best Urban Fusion/Performance” and “Best Short Form Music Video”. On this very day, June 25th 2017, it was the #1 song…

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