Category: Chart Toppers

BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a popular seventies track that was recorded by American disco-funk band, Rose Royce. With over 2 million copies sold (in the U.S. alone) it was platinum certified, and in 1977 the “Car Wash” soundtrack went on to win the Grammy Award for “Best Score Soundtrack Album”. In 2004, the song was covered by Christina Aguilera (and Missy Elliott), who released their version as a single for the soundtrack of “Shark Tale”. On this very day, February 3rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America,…

Read More

Continuing our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s R&B-pop track was recorded by American girl group, Destiny’s Child. The lyrics within celebrate women who are not just financially (but emotionally independent as well). It encourages women (of all races) to take pride in their ability to support themselves (and not rely on others for validation). Ultimately, it became an anthem for female empowerment and gained widespread popularity. It topped the charts in many countries world wide, and was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records, for longest-running #1 song…

Read More

Beginning today, it’s time to kick off BLACK HISTORY MONTH (and the integral way it has affected the music industry as a whole). With that said, let’s jump right into it with an artist who epitomizes black history. The song I’ve decided to kick things off with is an iconic funk-rock track that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, the legendary, Stevie Wonder. In 1974, this song earned two Grammy awards, including “Best R&B Song” and “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. Years later, in the year 2010, Rolling Stone magazine placed…

Read More

“Flowers” is a song that was recorded by American pop singer, Miley Cyrus. The lyrics within express the narrator’s acceptance of being independent (and no longer feeling the need to rely on others). Its massive success helped it receive several nominations, including  “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year” and “Best Pop Solo Performance”. At the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for “Video of the Year”, “Best Pop Video” and “Best Cinematography”. On this very day, January 31st 2023, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

Read More

Co-written by lead singer, Michael Hutchence, “Need You Tonight” is a popular eighties song recorded by Australian rock band, INXS. Known for its distinctive guitar riff, funky bassline, and seductive lyrics, it blends elements of rock, funk, and new wave, creating a sound that is both energetic and danceable. The success of “Need You Tonight” solidified INXS’s status as one of the prominent bands of the late 1980s, and the song remains one of the band’s most iconic and recognizable tracks. On this very day, January 30th 1988, it was…

Read More

“Smoke Gets in Your Eyes” is a classic ballad that was written by American composer, Jerome Kern and lyricist, Otto Harbach. Over the years, it has been recorded by various artists, but the most popular version was released by The Platters (who were well-known for their soulful harmonies). Considered one of the group’s most memorable and enduring songs, in 2019, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, January 29th 1959, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

Read More

“Shape of You” is an R&B-inspired pop song that was recorded by English singer and songwriter, Ed Sheeran. It features a pop and dancehall-influenced sound with lyrics that describe the singer’s attraction to a woman’s physical appearance. Upon its release, it became a massive commercial success, topping the charts in numerous countries around the world, and becoming one of the best-selling digital singles globally. On December 10th 2018, it became the first song to hit 2 billion streams on Spotify.. On this very day, January 28th 2017, it was the #1 song…

Read More

The song, “I’m a Believer”, is one that was written by Neil Diamond and recorded by The Monkees (a popular American rock band formed in the 1960s). It’s characterized by its upbeat and catchy melody, featuring jangly guitars and the bands’ signature harmonies. The lyrics within express a joyful, upbeat sentiment about the singer’s newfound love and disbelief in the positive change it has brought. The song would go on to become a massive hit, and is considered as one of The Monkees’ most well-known and enduring signature songs. On…

Read More

The song “Timber” is a popular dance track that was recorded by American rapper, Pitbull. The lyrics within convey a celebratory atmosphere, encouraging listeners to let loose and have a good time. Upon its release, it became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. As of August 2023, the music video for “Timber” has over 1.4 billion views on YouTube, making it Pitbull’s most viewed video. On this very day, January 26th 2014, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

Read More

The song “Down Under” is a popular eighties track that was recorded by the Australian rock band, Men at Work. The lyrics within depict an Australian man who’s travelling the globe, meeting people who are interested in his homeland. The story is based in part on singer Colin Hay’s own travels abroad, including a prominent reference to a Vegemite sandwich (a popular snack in Australia). In October 2006, VH1 added it to their list of the “100 Greatest Songs of the 1980s”. On this very day, January 25th 1983, it was the…

Read More

Written by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, “Le Freak” is a song by American disco band, Chic. It features a very distinctive sound including the guitar riff, funky bassline, and catchy chorus. The lyrics within tell the story of Rodgers and Edwards being denied entry into Studio 54, a famous New York City nightclub (back in the 1970s). Nile Rodgers stated that the lyrics were originally meant to be “F Off” rather than “Freak Out”. Inevitably, the song became a massive hit, and is considered a disco anthem. The success…

Read More

“Sorry” is a song (by Canadian singer Justin Bieber) that received critical acclaim for its infectious melody and vocal performance. It features an upbeat and catchy pop sound with elements of tropical house and dancehall. The lyrics revolve around the theme of apologizing and asking for forgiveness in a relationship. The song achieved commercial success, topping the charts in several countries, and showcasing a more mature and polished sound for Justin Bieber. This new sound marked a transition from his earlier teen pop image to a more adult and contemporary…

Read More

“The Twist” is a dance song that was written by Hank Ballard, and originally released in 1958. However, it was Chubby Checker’s version of the song that became a massive hit, leading to the popularization of a unique dance style called “The Twist”. This dance, which became a social craze, involved twisting the hips while standing in one place. On August 6th 1960, the song officially became a national sensation after Chubby Checker performed it live on Dick Clark’s “American Bandstand”. On this very day, January 22nd 1962, it was…

Read More

“Just Dance” is a song recorded by American singer, Lady Gaga, which marked her breakthrough in the music industry. Its catchy chorus contributed to the song’s popularity, and it ultimately became one of her signature hits. The success of “Just Dance” helped propel Lady Gagas career, leading to the release of additional hit singles and establishing her as a major pop icon. The song received critical acclaim for its infectious nature and its role in shaping the pop landscape of the late 2000s. In 2009, the song was nominated in…

Read More

The song “My Prerogative” is an upbeat and assertive R&B track that addresses issues of personal freedom and independence. It remains as a notable example of the new jack swing era, combining elements of R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. The song’s success contributed to Bobby Brown’s prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It also earned him a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male”. On this very day, January 20th 1989, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

Read More