Category: Chart Toppers

“Red Red Wine” is a soft folk ballad that was originally written and recorded by Neil Diamond (in 1967). However, the most well-known version is today’s popular cover by British reggae band, UB40. Their rendition of Diamond’s single added a prominent reggae beat, and brought new energy to the track. More than 15 years after the original was released, this updated remake topped the music charts in several countries, including Ireland, New Zealand, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, October 19th 1988, it was also Oct the #1…

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“Oh Sheila” is an upbeat R&B song that was recorded by American funk group, Ready for the World. This song is often mistaken for the legendary Prince, due to vocal similarities and the belief that the song’s title alludes to one of Prince’s main collaborator’s, Sheila E. On this very day, October 18th 1985, 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 their self-titled album, here’s READY FOR THE WORLD,…

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“Kiss You All Over” is a popular disco-rock track that was recorded by American pop band, Exile. The lyrics within convey the sensuality and passion of a romantic relationship. It topped the charts in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, and in 2010, Billboard magazine ranked it as one of the “50 Sexiest Songs of All Time”. On this very day, October 17th 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 provided link. From…

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“Here I Go Again” is a power ballad that was originally recorded (in 1982) by British rock band, Whitesnake. After failing to chart effectively, the band decided to re-release the track (in 1987) with a beefier, more powerful sound. It was this version that resonated throughout North America. In 2012, the readers of Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #9 on their list of the “Best Hair Metal Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, October 16th 1987, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Someone Like You” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by British singer-songwriter, Adele. The lyrics within convey the narrator’s reflection of emotional heartbreak (recounting her feelings from a past relationship). In no time, this single became a global success, topping the charts in 19 different countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Canada, and the U.K. On February 12th 2012, it won the Grammy Award for “Best Pop Solo Performance”. On this very day, October 15th 2011, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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The song “Fallin’” is a bluesy R&B ballad that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Alicia Keys. The lyrics within explore the complexities of being in a relationship (expressing the ups and downs of falling in and out of love). Critically acclaimed, it won three Grammy Awards in 2002, including “Song of the Year”, “Best R&B Song”, and “Best Female R&B Vocal Performance”. In December 2009, Rolling Stone magazine ranked it on their list of “100 Best Songs of the Decade”. On this very day, October 14th 2001, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“It’s All in the Game” is a classic love ballad that was originally an instrumental piece composed by Charles Dawes. The lyrics were later added in 1951. That said, it was Tommy Edwards’ version of the song (several years later) that took it to the masses. His sultry vocals and soulful energy helped spread it across the planet, topping charts in countries like Germany, Sweden, Portugal, Brazil, Canada, and the U.K. (just to name a few). On this very day, October 13th 1958, it was the #1 song in America,…

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“Let’s Go Crazy” is a hi tempo, guitar-driven pop song that was recorded by the artist formerly known as Prince. Alongside his back-up band, the Revolution, this track begins with a sermon-like intro that fills the listener with anticipation. I think what I love most about this song (other than its raw energy) is the way Prince demonstrates how gifted a musician he truly was. On this very day, October 12th 1984, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Good Vibrations” is a hi-energy pop song that was recorded by American rap group, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. With a unique combination of hip-hop, dance and pop, it samples the iconic bassline from the 1986 Loleatta Holloway song, “Love Sensation”. In 2019, Billboard magazine placed it on their list of the “Top Songs From the 90s”. On this very day, October 11th 1991, 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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“Close to You” is a melancholic pop song that was recorded by British reggae singer, Maxi Priest. It features a reggae and R&B arrangement, infusing the song with a laid-back, Caribbean vibe. Ron Wynn (from AllMusic) stated that the song is more of an R&B track (rather than an actual reggae song). Although I agree with this sentiment, there’s no denying the seductive and enduring appeal associated with this single. On this very day, October 10th 1990, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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The song “Closer” is an electronic dance-pop track that was recorded by American DJ duo, The Chainsmokers. The lyrics within tell the story of a soured relationship (from the past) and the desire to re-acquaint with that person. In 2017 (at the Staples Centre in L.A.), it received a grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”, and in 2018, the song was diamond certified after selling 10 million units in the U.S. On this very day, October 9th 2016, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“Love Bites” is an emotional power ballad that was recorded by English rock band, Def Leppard. The lyrics within explore themes of heartbreak (and the pain that comes from being in love). Lead singer Joe Elliott’s soaring vocals and a prominent use of acoustic guitars, helped make this track my favourite Def Leppard song of all-time. On this very day, October 8th 1988, 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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“Jack and Diane” is a classic rock song recorded by American singer-songwriter, John Mellencamp (formerly known as John Cougar). The lyrics within tell the story of a teenage couple (from a small American town) who experience young love (and the challenges of growing up). With its catchy sing-a-long hook and distinct guitar riffs, it went on to top the mainstream charts in Canada. On this very day, October 7th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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“A Moment Like This” is a soft ballad that was recorded by American pop singer, Kelly Clarkson. It was released as her debut single after winning season one of the reality TV series, “American Idol”. The lyrics within celebrate the joy and significance of achieving a personal milestone or accomplishment. When Clarkson was announced as the winner of “American Idol”, she became emotional, and sang the song as her final performance. On this very day, October 6th 2002, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Play That Funky Music” is an iconic seventies track that was recorded by American funk-rock band, Wild Cherry. Its distinct bassline (and disco-infused sound) helped it top the Soul charts in America. After selling approximately 2.5 million copies (in the U.S. alone), it earned a platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, October 5th 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 use the provided link. From their…

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