Category: Chart Toppers

“West End Girls” is a classic eighties song that was recorded by English pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys. It went on to become one of their most iconic and successful tracks, establishing them as significant figures in the synth-pop genre. The lyrics within explore themes of class and social issues, capturing a sense of urban life. In 1987, “West End Girls” won the Ivor Novello Award for “Best International Hit”, and that same year, it won the Brit Award for “Best British Single”. On this very day, May 14th…

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“Monday, Monday” is a classic folk-rock song that was recorded by popular vocal group, The Mamas & The Papas. The lyrics within convey a sense of melancholy, capturing the ambivalence that can accompany the start of a new workweek. In 1967, it won a Grammy Award for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”. In 1998, heavily based on the popularity of this track, the Mamas & the Papas were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On this very day, May 13th 1966, it…

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“Mother-in-Law” is a classic R&B track that was recorded by New Orleans based soul singer, Ernie K-Doe. The lyrics within humorously describe the singer’s relationship with his mother-in-law, highlighting the challenges and stereotypes often associated with that type of family connection. On this very day, May 12th 1961, 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 as a single in 1961, here’s ERNIE K. DOE, with “MOTHER-IN-LAW”…

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“Freak Me” is a soul ballad that was recorded by American R&B group, Silk. Considered as the groups’ signature song, it was co-written and co-produced by Keith Sweat, for whom Silk was an opening act (at the time). After selling over 1.3 million copies domestically, the song was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. On this very day, May 11th 1993, 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…

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The song “Yeah” is an up-tempo R&B track that was recorded by American singer, Usher (featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris). The lyrics within describe the narrator’s temptation to cheat with his girlfriend’s friend (while hanging out at a popular nightclub). In 2005, it was Grammy-nominated for “Record of the Year”, while winning the award for “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”. On this very day, May 10th 2004, 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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“Addicted to Love” is a pop-rock song that was recorded by English singer and songwriter, Robert Palmer. Known for its catchy hook and unique guitar riff, the accompanying music video features a group of impeccably dressed female models with slicked-back hair (playing guitars, keyboards, and drums). In 1987, the song earned Robert Palmer the Grammy Award for “Best Male Rock Vocal Performance”. On this very day, May 9th 1986, 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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“Hotel California” is a classic ballad that was recorded by iconic American rock band, the Eagles. The lyrics within depict the pitfalls of the California music scene (during the 1970s). The “Hotel California” itself is often seen as a metaphor for the excesses of the music industry. One of the most memorable aspects of the track is its intricate guitar solo, played by Don Felder and Joe Walsh. In 1978, it won the Grammy Award for “Record of the Year”, and in 2023, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall…

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“Soldier Boy” is a classic song that was written by Luther Dixon and Florence Greenberg, and recorded by American girl group, The Shirelles. The lyrics within express a young woman’s love and longing for her lover (who’s away serving in the military). Originally titled, “I’ll Be True To You”, the Shirelles felt there should be some sort of mention of the soldier involved, and hence, the name was changed. On this very day, May 7th 1962, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“Morning Train” is an early eighties pop song that was recorded by Scottish singer, Sheena Easton. The lyrics within convey the anticipation (and longing) of a woman who’s patiently waiting for her partner to return from work. Considered by most as her signature song, in 1982, Sheena Easton won the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” (mostly due to the success of this single). On this very day, May 6th 1981, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen,…

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“Last Night” is a song that was recorded by American country music singer, Morgan Wallen. The lyrics within center around the singer’s rocky relationship with a love interest (and his refusal to admit it’s over). In July 2023, it became the first song to achieve one billion on-demand streams in a single year, while topping the charts in both, Australia and Canada. On this very day, May 5th 2023, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (for an incredible 16 non-consecutive weeks). If you’d like to have…

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“Southern Nights” is a song that was written and originally recorded by American musician, Allen Toussaint. However, it was crossover-country artist, Glen Campbell’s version that ended up topping the charts in America. The lyrics within celebrate a particular beauty and warmth associated with evenings in the American South. In 1977, Glen Campbell’s version (of “Southern Nights”) was nominated for “Song of the Year” by the Country Music Association. On this very day, May 4th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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“Hypnotize” is a late nineties rap song that was recorded by The Notorious B.I.G. (also known as Biggie Smalls). It was the final song posthumously released (shortly after he died in a drive by shooting in Los Angeles). The song’s catchy sound earned Biggie a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Rap Solo Performance”, and Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #30 on its list of the “100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All-Time”. On this very day, May 3rd 1997, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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“Somebody That I Used to Know” is an indie-pop song that was recorded by Belgian-Australian musician, Gotye. Known for its very distinctive sound, the lyrics within resonate with those who have dealt with complicated relationships and eventual breakups. In spite of being a “one hit wonder” throughout North America, in 2013, this song won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”. On this very day, May 2nd 2012, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“Let Your Love Flow” is a song by American country music duo, The Bellamy Brothers. With its crossover-pop sound, it became the groups’ first major hit (and is considered their signature song). Its mass appeal helped it top the charts in multiple countries around the world, including Austria, Switzerland, West Germany, South Africa, and Canada. On this very day, May 1st 1976, 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.…

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“Heart of Glass” is a song that was recorded by American pop-rock band, Blondie. Known for its distinctive blend of rock, disco, and new wave, this track marked a departure from Blondie’s punk rock roots. The lyrics within tell a story of romantic disillusionment and the realization that a once-promising relationship has its flaws. In 2015, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, April 30th 1979, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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