Category: Chart Toppers

“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” is a funky soul track that was recorded by American vocal group, The Temptations. The lyrics within tell the story of a man whose father was absent and left a legacy of extreme hardship and instability. In my personal opinion, this song is particularly special for having the best bassline of all-time. In 1973, it won three Grammy Awards, and many years later (in 1999), this classic was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, December 8th 1972, it was the #1…

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“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” is a high energy pop song that was recorded by the English singing duo known as Wham. Written by lead singer, George Michael, his lyrical inspiration came one day before he and bandmate (Andrew Ridgely) were going out on the town. Michael fell asleep, but before he drifted off, he wrote a scribbled note with directions for Ridgely to wake him up before he goes. Ranked at #28 on VH1’s list of the “100 Greatest Songs From the 1980s”, this track sold 2 million…

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The song “Smooth” is a slightly Latin-infused rock track that was recorded by Santana (featuring vocals by Rob Thomas from Matchbox 20). The music video for this single was particularly cool as it showcased just how talented Carlos Santana is as a guitarist. In the year 2000, it won several Grammy Awards, including “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals”. On this very day, December 6th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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The song “Family Affair” is a very soulful track that was recorded by American funk band, Sly and the Family Stone. Celebrated for its sultry bassline, and Sly Stone’s unique vocal style, this song had a major influence on the development of R&B and funk music. In 2021, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #57 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time” On this very day, December 5th 1971, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Empire State of Mind” is an R&B-infused Hip-Hop track that was recorded by American rapper, Jay-Z (featuring vocals by Alicia Keys). Written as an ode to New York City, this song celebrates many of the Big Apple’s cultural influences and iconic landmarks. In 2011, it won two Grammy Awards for “Best Rap Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. A long-time fan of the New York Yankees, Jay-Z said that he was elated whenever this song was played during the 2009 World Series. On this very day, December 4th 2009, it was the #1…

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“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” is a melancholic pop song that was recorded by the American duo known as P.M. Dawn. With combined elements of Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop, this sultry track features a prominent sample from the Spandau Ballet song, “True”. It topped the charts in both New Zealand and Canada, while VH1 added it to their list of the “100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop”. On this very day, December 2nd 1991, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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“I Can See Clearly Now” is a slightly reggae-infused pop song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Johnny Nash. The lyrics within express a positive outlook, after a period of challenges that the narrator has experienced. A gold-certified single, this track went on to top the charts in both, South Africa and Canada. On this very day, December 1st 1972, 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 in…

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“The Time of My Life” is a popular eighties track that was recorded by singers, Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The lyrics within express feelings of joy and appreciation for the memorable time spent together with a love interest. In 1987, it won an Academy Award for “Best Original Song”, and in 1988, it also won the Grammy Award for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. On this very day, November 30th 1987, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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“MacArthur Park” is a song that was written by Jimmy Webb and famously recorded by singer/actor, Richard Harris (back in 1968). However, it was Donna Summer’s disco-infused version (10 years later) that took the song to new levels. The lyrics within describe a metaphorical story of love and loss in L.A.’s notorious, MacArthur Park. With Donna Summer’s powerful vocals, added to the song’s infectious beat, this song earned her first ever grammy nomination for “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, November 29th 1978, it was the #1…

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The song “Love Takes Time” is a powerful ballad that was recorded by singer-songwriter, Mariah Carey. Her pristine vocals and soulful melody helped the song top the charts in both Canada, and the U.K.. In 1991, this track helped Carey win the Soul Train Music Award for “Best New Urban Contemporary Artist”. On this very day, November 28th 1990, 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 her self-titled album, here’s MARIAH CAREY,…

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“Mony Mony” is a classic party song that was originally recorded by Tommy James and the Shondells (back in 1968). Although successful in its own right, it was Billy Idol’s version that really took North America by storm. Idol’s rendition of “Mony Mony” gave rise to an interesting trend that encouraged his audience to chant vulgar language during the chorus. This custom led to the song being banned at many high-school dances across North America. On this very day, November 27th 1987, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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“Shake It Off” is a high tempo pop song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Taylor Swift. The lyrics within convey a light-hearted message of self-confidence and resilience (in the face of criticism). Its infectious energy helped it receive multi-platinum certifications in Japan, Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the U.K.. In 2015, at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, it was nominated for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Pop Solo Performance”.  On this very day, November 26th 2014, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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“I’ll Make Love to You” is a soulful R&B ballad that was recorded by American vocal group, Boyz II Men. Topping the charts in several countries around the globe, it was certified platinum in the U.S. (with sales of more than 1.6 million domestic copies). In 1995, it won the Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. During that same ceremony, it was also grammy-nominated for “Record of the Year”. On this very day, November 25th 1994, it was the #1 song in America,…

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“Hey Jude” is a classic ballad that was recorded by legendary English rock band, The Beatles. The lyrics within were written as a comforting ballad for John Lennon’s son, Julian, during his father’s divorce from his mother, Cynthia Lennon. In the year 2001, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and in 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #8 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time”. On this very day, November 24th 1968, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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The song “Physical” is a popular eighties track that was recorded by the late British-Australian singer, Olivia Newton-John. The lyrics within use sultry metaphors (related to exercise) to convey a sense of sexual attraction and desire. Dominating the charts in various countries around the world, Billboard magazine ranked it #1 on their list of the “Top 100 Songs of the 1980s” On this very day, November 23rd 1981, 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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