Category: Chart Toppers

“Baby, Don’t Get Hooked on Me” is a soft rock song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Mac Davis. The lyrics within convey a message of caution, as the narrator expresses his reluctance with committing to a serious relationship. As a point of interest, in 1980, Mac Davis was hosting the “Muppet Show” and performed three of his songs, including this one (which is considered to be his signature track). On this very day, September 29th 1972, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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“So What” is a pop-rock anthem that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Pink. The lyrics within convey a sense of independence and resilience, expressing a defiant attitude in the face of challenges and heartbreak. They’re primarily based on her separation from freestyle motocross rider, Carey Hart. It’s infectious sound and powerful beat helped it top the charts in multiple countries, including Germany, Portugal, Switzerland, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, September 28th 2008, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“Sugar, Sugar” is a bubble gum pop song that was recorded by fictional American rock band, The Archies. In actuality, the song was sung by Ron Dante (and was accompanied by Toni White and Andy Kim). Despite The Archies being a fictional band, “Sugar, Sugar” stands out as one of the most memorable songs of the sixties. Because songwriter Andy Kim was originally from Montreal, Quebec, in 2006, this popular track was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame. On this very day, September 27th 1969, it was the…

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“The Letter” is a classic pop track that was originally recorded by American rock band, The Box Tops. The lyrics within tell the story of a man who writes a heartfelt letter to his lover (expressing his loneliness and longing for her to come back home). Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”, and in 2011, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, September 26th 1967, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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The song, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love Babe” is a disco-inspired R&B track that was recorded by American soul singer, Barry White. The lyrics within express the intense feelings of love and desire that the narrator has for his partner. Considered as White’s signature hit single, this song went on to become certified gold in the U.S. On this very day, September 25th 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 to use the…

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“Missing You” is a powerful ballad that was recorded by British singer, John Waite. The lyrics within express the narrator’s longing for a past relationship and the desire to be reunited with that person once again. On February 26th 1985 (at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles), it was Grammy-nominated for “Best Pop Vocal Performance”, and eventually went on to top the national charts in Canada. On this very day, September 24th 1984, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“Dilemma” is an R&B ballad that was recorded by American rapper, Nelly (featuring vocals by singer, Kelly Rowland). The lyrics within describe a man that’s infatuated with a woman who’s already in an existing relationship. The song’s chorus samples the melody from Patti LaBelle’s 1983 hit, “Love, Need and Want You”. In 2003 (at Madison Square Garden) it was Grammy-nominated for “Record of the Year”, and won the award for “Best Rap/Sung Performance”. On this very day, September 23rd 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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“Fame” is a classic rock track that was recorded by legendary singer-songwriter, David Bowie. Accompanied by John Lennon’s backing vocals, the lyrics within touch upon what it’s like to be a celebrity (and the complex relationships that come with fame). It’s considered one of Bowie’s signature hits, and is one of his four singles included on the list of “500 Songs That Shaped Rock & Roll”. On this very day, September 22nd 1975, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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The song “Boogie Oogie Oogie” is a disco-funk track that was recorded by American dance group, A Taste of Honey. Known for its catchy bassline and danceable rhythm, this song helped earn the group a Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” (in 1979). After selling over 2 million copies, it became the first platinum certified single in the history of Capitol Records, and went on to top the charts in Canada. On this very day, SEPTEMBER 21st 1978, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“Sweet Child o’ Mine” is a popular eighties song that was recorded by American hard rock band, Guns N’ Roses. Characterized by its iconic guitar riff, the lyrics within are often interpreted as a love letter from lead singer Axl Rose, to his then-girlfriend, Erin Everly. Guitar World ranked it as one of the “100 Greatest Guitar Solos” of all-time, and in 2021, Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time” On this very day, September 20th 1988, it was the #1 song…

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“I’m Real” is a song that was originally recorded by American pop singer, Jennifer Lopez. However, it’s the murder remix version (featuring rapper Ja Rule) that put the song on a different level. This remix incorporates a distinct hip-hop sound (missing from the original), while sampling the track, “All Night Long” (by the Mary Jane Girls). In 2001, Lopez and Ja Rule performed this version at the MTV Video Music Awards. On this very day, September 19th 2001, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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The song “Gold Digger” is a popular track that was recorded by American rapper, Kanye West (featuring guest vocals by Jamie Foxx). With samples taken from the Ray Charles song, “I Got a Woman”, it’s interesting to note that it was Jamie Foxx who played the role of Ray Charles in the 2004 biographical film, “Ray”. Known for its catchy beat, humorous lyrics, and memorable chorus, this song went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Rap Solo Performance”. On this very day, September 18th 2005, it was the…

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“I Shot the Sheriff” is a song that was written and recorded by legendary reggae singer, Bob Marley. While Marley’s original version remains iconic, it was Eric Clapton’s rendition that brought the track to a wider audience (in North America). Clapton’s bluesy and rock-oriented interpretation showcased his guitar skills and (in my opinion) helped introduce reggae music to the masses. With lyrics that explore themes of justice and rebellion, the message was very on point for the societal changes taking place at the time. In 2023, Eric Clapton’s version of…

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“Maniac” is a very hi tempo dance track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Michael Sembello. It gained widespread popularity (in 1983) as part of the soundtrack for the film, “Flashdance”. The lyrics within depict the intensity and passion of a person who leaves it all on the dance floor. As a single, “Maniac” earned Grammy nominations for “Song of the Year”, “Record of the Year”, and “Best Pop Vocal Performance, Male. On this very day, September 16th 1983, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“SexyBack” is an upbeat dance song that was recorded by American pop singer, Justin Timberlake. Alongside Timberlake’s amazing falsetto vocals, the lyrics within convey the confidence (and ability) to drag some swag back to the dance floor. Certified triple platinum (in the U.S.), this track went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Dance Recording” (in 2007). That same year, Timberlake won the MTV Video Music Award for “Male Artist of the Year”. On this very day, September 15th 2006, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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