Category: Chart Toppers

“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…

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“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…

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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…

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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.…

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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…

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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…

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“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…

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“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…

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“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…

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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…

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Ironically enough, “I Write the Songs” was a tune written by Bruce Johnston of the Beach Boys (in 1975). When asked who the “I” refers to (in the lyrics), Johnson stated that it refers to God, and that all songs come from the spirit of creativity found within everyone. Although it was written by Bruce Johnston, it was Barry Manilow’s rendition that popularized the song and made it a chart-topping hit. In 1977, It won the Grammy Award for “Song of the Year”, and became one of his signature hits.…

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“The Joker” is a classic rock song that was written by Steve Miller, and performed by the Steve Miller Band. Known for its catchy and laid-back sound, it features a very unique guitar riff, and lyrics that blend humor and whimsy. American music magazine, Cashbox, said that the song was on its way to becoming Steve Miller’s most successful release ever, while Record World called it “a smooth piece that is highly reminiscent of Van Morrison”. The song’s overall popularity as a sing-a-long has endured over the years, and it…

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“Locked Out of Heaven” is a song by American pop singer, Bruno Mars, that draws inspiration from various genres. It has been described as a reggae, rock, and pop track, heavily influenced by new wave and funk. Upon its release, the song received positive reviews for its infectious sound and a stellar vocal performance. It went on to become a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in various countries, while also earning several Grammy Award nominations. On this very day, January 17th 2013, it was the #1 song…

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“Come See About Me” is a soulful and upbeat track that was recorded by Diana Ross & The Supremes. Its lyrics express a plea for reassurance and support in a romantic relationship. On December 27th 1964, the trio performed this song live on the “Ed Sullivan Show”, the first of their seventeen overall appearances. The song’s success solidified The Supremes’ status as one of the leading Motown acts (and one of the most successful female groups of the 1960s). On this very day, January 16th 1965, it was the #1…

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“You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” is a popular song by British singer, Leo Sayer, that went on to become a chart-topping hit. It’s an upbeat and catchy disco-pop tune with a lively arrangement and memorable chorus. In 1977, it won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Song”, and it also earned a Grammy for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, January 15th 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, simply click on the…

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