Category: Chart Toppers

“La Bamba” is a traditional Mexican folk-rock song that was made popular (in North America) when the late Ritchie Valens recorded his original version (back in 1958). However, it was Los Lobos’ rendition of the song (almost 30 years later) that garnered massive international attention. This particular version was made for the 1987 soundtrack, “La Bamba,” which told the tale of Ritchie Valens’ glorious, yet tragic, life story. The song’s popularity (supported by the strength of the movie) helped it topped the charts in numerous countries around the world, including…

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“Cheap Thrills” is a pop song that was originally recorded by Australian singer and songwriter, Sia. However, it wasn’t until Sean Paul was added to this remix version that the song truly came to life. His presence helped to better the track by adding just the right amount of dancehall reggae, which eventually led it to be Grammy-nominated (for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance). Its infectious melody and upbeat rhythm helped it top the charts in several countries, including France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Argentina, and Canada (to name a few). On…

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“The Loco-Motion” is an energetic pop song that was co-written by Carole King, and recorded by American vocalist, Little Eva. Another popular version of the song came (in 1974) when American rock band, Grand Funk, released their version. However, it was Little Eva’s rendition of the track that truly catapulted the song to greatness. Not only did it dominate many charts around the world, in 2016, it was also inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, August 31st 1962, it was the #1 song in America,…

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“Grease” is a song that was written by Barry Gibb (of the Bee Gees) and recorded by Frankie Valli (of the Four Seasons). Taken from the classic soundtrack, “Grease”, this carefree tune takes us back to the 1950s lifestyle (featuring poodle skirts, greasers and fast cars). With sales of over 7 million copies worldwide, it peaked at #1 in both, the Netherlands and Canada. On this very day, August 30th 1978, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“Bad Guy” is a dark pop song that was recorded by American singer, Billie Eilish. The lyrics within convey themes of identity, power dynamics, and the games people play with one another. In 2020 (at the Staples Centre in L.A.), it received several Grammy awards, including “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year”. A diamond certified single, it topped the charts in multiple countries, including Greece, Finland, Australia, and Canada. On this very day, August 29th 2019, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If…

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The song “Brandy (You’re a Fine Girl)” was recorded by American pop-rock band, Looking Glass. The lyrics within tell the story of a beautiful barmaid named Brandy (who works in a small harbor town). Although she is very popular among the many seamen that pass through, she’s saving herself for a special sailor who may never return. On this very day, August 28th 1972, 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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“Make It with You” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by American soft rock band, Bread. Written by their lead vocalist, David Gates, the lyrics within express the Narrator’s deep desire to make his relationship work. In the year 1970, it was certified gold (in the U.S.) for sales of over one million copies. On this very day, August 27th 1970, 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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The song “Where Did Our Love Go” is a classic mo-town track that was recorded by American girl group, Diana Ross & The Supremes. The lyrics within convey a sense of heartbreak as the narrator wonders why her relationship has lost its spark. In August 1965, this song was transmitted to the astronauts who were orbiting Earth (during the Gemini 5 mission). On this very day, August 26th 1964, 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…

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“Brother Louie” is a funky pop song that was originally recorded by British soul band, Hot Chocolate. However, it was the Stories version that truly resonated throughout North America (and went on to become a gold record). The lyrics within tell the story of an interracial couple and all the challenges they were forced to deal with (including social issues and prejudice) during the early seventies. On this very day, August 25th 1973, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have…

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“Blurred Lines” is an uptempo pop song that was recorded by American singer, Robin Thicke. In spite of its immense popularity, it faced criticism for what some perceived as promoting a non-consensual attitude towards women. Regardless of the controversy, it was Grammy-nominated for two awards, including “Record of the Year” and “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance”. With a featured sample from Marvin Gaye’s 1977 track, “Got to Give it Up”, it went on to top the charts in numerous countries, including Belgium, Germany, France, Canada, and the U.K. (to name just…

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“Best of My Love” is a classic disco-infused R&B track that was recorded by American girl group, The Emotions. Characterized by its smooth and soulful sound, the lyrics within express the narrator’s deep affection towards a love interest. In 1978, the song won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals”. It also won an American Music Award for “Favorite Soul/R&B Single”. On this very day, August 23rd 1977, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a…

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“In My Feelings” is an R&B infused hip-hop track that was recorded by Canadian rapper, Drake. The song gained widespread popularity and became a viral sensation due in part to a social media dance challenge that accompanied the track. The lyrics within explore themes of love, relationships, and the challenges that come with becoming famous. On this very day, August 22nd 2018, 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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“All You Need Is Love” is a catchy sing-a-long that was recorded by the legendary Beatles. The lyrics within convey a simple yet powerful message of love and unity, which became an anthem for the 1960s hippie movement. It was first performed (in 1967) on the first ever live global television link, that was watched by an estimated 400 million people. It went on to top the charts in multiple countries including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the U.K. (to name a few). On this very day, August 21st 1967,…

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The song “Rude” is a reggae infused track that was recorded by Canadian pop band, Magic. The lyrics within tell the story of a man who ask his girlfriend’s father for permission to marry her (but gets rejected). This track achieved commercial success, reaching the #1 chart position in several countries, including the U.K.. In Canada, it peaked at #6 nationally, and won the Juno Award for “Single of the Year”. On this very day, August 20th 2014, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart.…

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“Three Times a Lady” is a romantic ballad that was recorded by American funk group, the Commodores. It was written by lead singer, Lionel Richie, with the lyrics expressing a deep love and appreciation for his wife. Due in part to the song’s immense popularity, Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Cashbox magazines named the Commodores as its “Top R&B Group of the Year”. On this very day, August 19th 1978, 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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