THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

855-Big Joe Turner-Shake, Rattle and Roll.

1954-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.16.Make no mistake,’A one eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store’, is no children’s story.

‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ is considered to be the first major ‘Rock and Roll’ hit.This original version by Big Joe Turner was Number 1 on the Billboard R&B chart in June 1954, and reached Number 22 on the Billboard singles chart. Bill Haley & His Comets(see also best songs 628) recorded their version in June 1954, and the song peaked at Number seven on the Billboard singles chart, eventually going on to become a million selling record.

Big Joe Turners (see also best songs 257) version of the song has ‘raunchy’ lyrics, which were modified by Haley so that the song would receive more airplay,but he kept the line,’A one eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store,’ presumably because he had been blind in one eye since childhood.

Big Joe Turner (1911-1985) was one of the most important figures in the development of Rock and Roll, he was a ‘Blues’ singer who shaped the genre by using more uptempo beats. According to the American songwriter Doc Pomus,’Rock and Roll would never have happened without him.’

‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ was written by Jesse Stone (1901-1999) using the pseudonym Charles E. Calhoun.This was not the first time that the songs title had been used, because in 1910, Vaudeville performer ‘Baby’ Franklin Seals published ‘You Got to Shake Rattle and Roll,’ a Ragtime tune, about gambling with dice.

‘Way you wear those dresses, the sun comes shinin’ through. I can’t believe my eyes, all that mess belongs to you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

856-Eric B. & Rakim-Paid in Full (Coldcut Seven Minutes of Madness remix.)

1987-Number 15 single.

Best Bit-At 2.06.Each and everyone of these 1000 songs is a ‘journey into sound’, please make sure you always have a listen, you might hear something you like.

‘Paid in Full’ is taken from the debut Album of the same name, released in 1987, and seen by many music critics as a turning point in the development of Hip-Hop music.Eric Barrier (Eric B,) and William Griffin (Rakim) met in Long Island, New York, U.S., in 1986, The 10 songs on the ‘Paid in Full’ Album helped mark the beginning of heavy sampling on Hip-Hop records, and it was also noted that Rakim’s vocal delivery was less ‘shouty’ than was often heard on Rap records, he was also praised for his more thoughtful lyrics, which led him to become a major influence on future generations.

This version of the song is different from the Album version, as it is the ‘Coldcut’ remix. Coldcut (see also best songs 754) are the duo of Matt Black, and Jonathan More, who originate from London, England.They took the original version of ‘Paid in Full,’ and added many more samples, including ‘Im Nin’ Alu,’ by the Israli singer Ofra Haza (1957-2000.) Further audio they sampled include the voices of James Brown, and Humphrey Bogart, as well as the very famous intro,’This is a journey into sound,’ spoken by the actor Geoffrey Sumner (1908-1969,) taken from a 1958 Album called ‘A Journey Into Stereo Sound.’

‘Thinkin’ of a master plan, ’cause ain’t nuthin’ but sweat inside my hand.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

857-Johnny Cash-Man in Black.

1971-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.26. Definitely not a dedicated follower of fashion.

‘Man in Black’ is a ‘protest song,’ written in 1971 by Johnny Cash, for his 38th overall Album release, of the same name.The lyrics are a protest statement against the poor people, by wealthy politicians, mass incarceration, and the war in Vietnam.Cash states that until there is justice he will only wear black, and following this song’s release, he gained the nickname ‘Man in Black.’

By 1971 Cash (see also best songs 428) had already worn black on stage for many years. It started out in the early days, when Cash and his band were constantly on tour, and couldn’t afford new outfits, so they mixed and matched their wardrobes,and since black hid the dirt the best, that was what they wore.

Johnny Cash (1932-2003) was born J.R.Cash in Kingsland, Arkansas, U.S. into a family of poor cotton farmers. His mother wanted to call him John, and his father wanted Ray, so ‘J.R.’ was the compromise, he changed his name to John when he enlisted in the United States Air Force.

‘Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow everyday, and tell the world that everything’s OK,’ but I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back, ’till things are brighter, I’m the man in black.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

858-Rihanna featuring Drake-What’s My Name?

2011-Number 1 single.

Best Bit At 1.27.She’s Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and he’s Aubrey Drake Graham.

‘What’s My Name’ was co-written and produced by Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Tor Erik Hermansen, who are both Norwegian, and have worked together as ‘Stargate,’ since 2001.Together they have written, or produced 10 Billboard Number 1 singles to date, six of which have been in collaboration with Rihanna. Another of the songwriters is Ester Dean, who has co-written hits for many of the most successful artists of the 21st Century, including Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Sean Paul, she also provides backing vocals on this song.The Rap on the track is provided by Drake (see also best songs 1043 and 921,) of whom Rihanna said,’We’ve always been trying to work together, and the minute he heard it he said,’I know exactly what I’m going to do, I love it,’ and he did it like three days later.

‘When the song went to Number 1 in the UK in January 2011, Rihanna became the first ever female solo artist to achieve Number 1 singles, in five consecutive,years.

‘Hey boy I really wanna see if you can go downtown with a girl like me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

859-Wheatus-Teenage Dirtbag.

2000-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.17.If your schooldays are meant to be the happiest, then your in for some tough times ahead.

Wheatus were formed in Northport, New York, U.S. in 1995 by Brendan B.Brown, his brother Peter, and Rich Liegey, the group are still active with Brendan as the one constant.The bands derives it’s name from the nickname ‘wedus,’ given to the Brown brothers by their father, when they were children.

Brendan B.Brown got the idea for the song from a very famous incident that shocked America in the Summer of 1984.In the woods behind the house where a 10 year old Brown lived, on Long Island, there was a so called ‘Satanic, drug induced ritual teen homicide,’ the person who committed the crime was called Ricky Kasso (1967-1984,) who was arrested wearing an ‘AC/DC’ -T-shirt. Brown recalls that his parents, his teachers, and the police, all thought that he was a Satan worshipper, because he was in to bands such as AC/DC, and Iron Maiden.

Brown has said that ‘Teenage Dirtbag’s’ chorus is an act of defiance. On the subject of the songs continued popularity, he recalled his father’s words,’Every teenager has to go through that,’being an outsider,’thing,at least a little bit, so that story is still the same for people, even if it’s 30 years after I went through it.’

‘I’ve got two tickets to Iron Maiden, baby, come with me Friday, don’t say maybe.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

860-Sweet-Blockbuster.

1973-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.40.The song’s so good, he’s lost for words.

The Sweet were formed in 1968 in London, United Kingdom, the best known lineup comprised,Brian Connolly (1945-1997,) Mick Tucker (1947-2002,) Steve Priest (1948-2020,) and Andy Scott. Connolly left the band in 1979 to pursue a solo career, and the the band officially split in 1981.

‘Blockbuster’ gave the Sweet their only UK Number 1, but they did have five Number 2 singles,like the majority of the Sweet’s hit singles this was written by the legendary song writing team of Nicky Chinn, and Mike Chapman (see also best songs 773-686 and 402.)’Blockbuster’ was released a month after David Bowie had released his UK Number 2 single ‘The Jean Genie,’ on the same record label,’RCA,’ and the guitar riffs of both songs are identical. Neither party ever commented accusingly about the similarities, and that maybe because the riff is also identical to that used by the Yardbirds, on their 1964 cover version of Bo Diddley’s song, ‘I’m a Man.’

The songs lyrics tell the tale of a man called ‘Buster,’ who women find irresistible, in order to stop him taking your woman, you must block him.’

‘Does anybody know the way, did we hear someone say,’We just haven’t got a clue what to do.”

HE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

861-O.C.Smith-Little Green Apples.

1968-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.12.Granny Smith must have been very proud of him.

‘Little Green Apples’ was written by Bobby Russell (1940-1992,) at the same time as he wrote ‘Honey,’ made famous by Bobby Goldsboro, as ‘an experiment in composing.’ According to Buzz Cason (see also best songs 875,) who often worked alongside Russell,’he anticipated a market for true to life story songs, with more ‘meat’ in the lyrics,’ than was usual in contemporary hits.

‘Little Green Apples’ was written especially for Country singer Roger Miller (1936-1992,) and reached Number 39 on Billboard,it was more successful in the UK. where it reached Number 19.

O.C.Smith (1932-2001) recorded his version for his 1968 Album,’Hickory Holler Revisited,’ but the plan was not to release it as a single, until a Detroit radio DJ played it on his show,and when it got such a great reaction, Smith’s record label quickly released it.The song went on to peak at Number 2 in America, being held off the top spot by the Beatles, ‘Hey Jude.’

‘And if that’s not lovin’ me, then all I’ve got to say.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

862-The Beautiful South-Love Is.

1989-Has never been released as a single.

Best Bit-At 6.17.’Right, we’ve done our song, now who knows that one by the Beatles.’

The Beautiful South were formed in Hull, United Kingdom,in 1988 by Paul Heaton, and Dave Hemingway, after the breakup of their previous band The Housemartins (see also best songs 387.) They were soon joined by Sean Welch (bass,) Dave Stead (drums,) and Dave Rotheray (guitar.) They were active until 2007, when tongue in cheek they claimed that the split was due to ‘musical similarities.”Love Is,’ is taken from their debut Album ‘Welcome to the Beautiful South,’ which also features the top 10 singles, ‘Song For Whoever,’ (UK Number 2,) and ‘You Keep It All In’ (UK Number 8,) all three songs were co-written by Heaton, and Rotheray.

‘Love Is,’ tells the tale of how hollow fame can be.It says that you only want to be associated with me because I am famous, and in 25 years from now when I am long forgotten, will you come to my cremation.

‘So don’t beg, and don’t plead, you can’t have the heart you made bleed. Your in love with fame, so whilst we love, please don’t scream my name.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

863-Boys Town Gang-Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.

1982-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 4.31.This is one of the most covered songs in the world ever, covered in many different musical genres.

The most successful version is the original by Franki Valli, reaching Number 2 on Billboard in 1967,but the first hit version in the UK was recorded by Andy Williams (see also best songs 112,) and peaked at Number 5 in 1968.Williams also re-recorded the song as a duet with Denise van Outen in 2002, this time charting at Number 23.Others to have had a hit with the song include, the Pet Shop Boys in 1991, reaching Number 4, as part of a medley with ‘Where the Streets Have No Name.’ and Lauryn Hill’s Hip-Hop version made Number 8 on the Australian chart in 1998.In 2020 American music producer Surf Mesa sampled the song, achieving a top 20 hit in the UK.

‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’ was written by the legendary songwriting team of Bob Crewe (1930-2014,) and Bob Gaudio (see also best songs 1007-914-739-499-393-284-164-112 and 83.) This ‘Disco,’ ‘Hi-NRG’ version is the brainchild of music producer Bill Motley who formed the Boys Town Gang in San Francisco, California, U.S., to cater for the large gay community, he would record mainly classic 60’s, and 70’s hits in a post disco style, with both the use of an orchestra, and synthesizers. He recorded three studio Albums between 1981-1984, using different lead singers.

‘I love you baby,and if it’s quite alright, I need you baby, to warm the lonely nights.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

864-Hot Chocolate-Brother Louie.

1973-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12.Between 1970-1980 Hot Chocolate had at least one hit single every year, the only two other acts to match this were Elvis Presley, and Diana Ross.

Hot Chocolate were formed in West Hampstead, London, England in 1968, by Errol Brown MBE (1943-2015,) and Tony Wilson.In 1969 Brown sent a version of ‘Give Peace a Chance’ to Apple records, it was met with John Lennon’s approval, and released as a single on the label, catalogue number ‘Apple 18.’ as ‘The Hot Chocolate Band.’When they signed with ‘RAK’ records it was Micky Most (1938-2003) who changed their name to just Hot Chocolate.

Hot Chocolate were an interracial band (four black members, and two white,) which was very unusual for the time, and it was the two founding members, Brown, and Wilson, who co-wrote Brother Louie.The song tells of an interracial love affair, where both the couples family’s don’t want anything to do with their relationship because of their colour.The song is notable for Cozy Powell (1947-1998,) playing the drums on the track, and Alexis Korner (1928-1984,) providing the spoken word.

In America the song was covered by the Rock band ‘Stories,’ and it got to Number 1 on Billboard in 1973, giving them their only ever hit single.The version by the Stories is one of the top 400 best selling songs ever in America.

‘Ain’t no diff’rence ‘tween black or white, brothers you know what I mean.’