Category: Chart Toppers

“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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“Whatever You Like” is a popular hip-hop track that was recorded by American rapper, T.I. The lyrics within convey themes of love, generosity and willingness to provide the best for a significant other. In the U.S., it’s considered as one of the most successful songs of the 2000s decade, and has since been certified triple-platinum.. On this very day, September 14th 2008, 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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“Hard to Say I’m Sorry” is a power ballad that was recorded by American rock band, Chicago. Written by Peter Cetera and David Foster, the lyrics within express regret (and the difficulty of admitting mistakes in a relationship). It went on to top the music charts in Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, and Canada, while receiving a Grammy-nomination for “Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. On this very day, September 13th 1982, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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“My Sharona” is an up-tempo track (with an infectious beat) that was recorded by American pop-rock band, The Knack. Co-written by lead vocalist, Doug Fieger, the lyrics within describe the singer’s real-life infatuation with a girl named Sharona (back when he was 25 years old). The song went on to sell more than 10 million copies worldwide, and topped the charts in both Canada and Australia. On this very day, September 12th 1979, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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“Shake Your Booty” is a popular dance track that was recorded by American disco band, KC and the Sunshine Band. Characterized by its infectious beat, catchy melody, and party atmosphere, the lyrics within encourage people to get up, dance, and have some fun. Although it was initially met with a degree of controversy (due to the lyrics) this didn’t stop the song from topping the charts in Canada. On this very day, September 11th 1976, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d…

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“House of the Rising Sun” was originally a traditional folk song that’s been covered by various artists over the years. One of the most famous versions is by English rock band, The Animals. Their rendition is notable for its bluesy, rock arrangement and Eric Burdon’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics within tell the story of a person’s life that’s gone terribly wrong in the city of New Orleans. The haunting and evocative nature of the song helped it top the charts in various countries around the world, including Spain, Finland, Canada,…

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“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is an emotionally-charged power ballad that was recorded by the American rock band known as Aerosmith. The lyrics within express the narrator’s desire to be present (and cherish every moment with a loved one). Due in part to Steven Tyler’s heartfelt vocals, it became the band’s biggest hit, and went on to top the charts in many countries, including Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway, and Australia. On this very day, September 9th 1998, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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“Just the Way You Are” is a romantic pop song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Bruno Mars. It was the best-selling digital single of 2011 (with more than 12.5 million copies sold), and that same year, it earned Bruno Mars a Grammy Award for “Best Male Pop Vocal Performance”. Its massive popularity helped it become the #1 song in many countries around the world, including Austria, Scotland, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. On this very day, September 8th 2010, it was also the #1 song in America,…

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“Saturday Night” is a song (from the mid-1970s) that was recorded by Scottish pop rock band, the Bay City Rollers. It features an upbeat and catchy sound, characteristic of the glam rock style (popular throughout that era). This song helped the Bay City Rollers become “teen idols” throughout North America, and many were heralding them as the biggest group since the Beatles. On this very day, September 7th 1976, 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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“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a retro pop song that was recorded by British new wave duo, the Eurythmics. Known for its memorable keyboard riff, the lyrics within explore themes of desire, dreams, and self-empowerment. With the androgynous and ever popular Annie Lennox (as the face of the duo) the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (in the year 2020). On this very day, September 6th 1983, 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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“Abracadabra” is a pop-rock song that was recorded by the Steve Miller Band. A catchy and upbeat track, the lyrics within convey the narrator’s desire to make his romantic interest fall in love with him. Their biggest hit to date, this song went on to top the charts in many countries, including Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Australia, and Canada. On this very day, September 5th 1982, 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…

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“Crazy in Love” is a high-energy pop song that was recorded by American singer-songwriter, Beyoncé. With a smooth blend of R&B, hip hop, and funk, this track features a memorable horn riff sampled from the Chi-Lites’ 1970 song, “Are You My Woman (Tell Me So)”. VH1 magazine declared it the “Greatest Song of the 2000s Decade”, while Rolling Stone magazine ranked it at #16 on their list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All-Time”. In 2005, it also won two Grammy awards for “Best R&B Song” and “Best Rap/Sung Collaboration”.…

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The song “Everything I Do, I Do It for You” is a power ballad that was recorded by Canadian singer-songwriter, Bryan Adams. Considered as one of the best-selling singles of all-time, this track peaked at #1 on many different music charts. In 1992, it was Grammy-nominated for “Song of the Year”, and was also nominated for an Academy award (in the category of “Best Song”) On this very day, September 3rd 1991, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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