THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

562-Eurythmics-Here Comes the Rain Again.

1984-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.35. No expense spared, there’s a 30 piece orchestra playing on this.

The Eurythmics were formed in 1980, in Wagga Wagga, Australia, by Dave Stewart, and Annie Lennox. The pair had first met in a London restaurant in 1975, where Lennox was working at that time. They first played together in 1976 in the Punk Rock band ‘The Catch,’ who after one unsuccessful single release evolved into ‘The Tourists.’ With The Tourists they released three studio Albums, and six singles, of which four made the UK top 40 between 1979-1980.It was during this period that Stewart and Lennox were romantically involved, but both felt stifled at ‘The Tourists’ lack of creativity, and they decided that they wanted to branch out on their own as a duo, even so their romance had come to an end.

David Allan Stewart was born on September 9th, 1952, in Sunderland, England, and Ann Lennox was born on December 25th, 1954, in Aberdeen, Scotland. As the Eurythmics they have released eight studio Albums between 1981-1999, and achieved 23 UK top 40 singles, including the 1995 chart topper ‘There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart’.) The Eurythmics were active between 1980-1990, and again between 1999-2005, with both artists pursuing very successful solo careers in the interim. The bands name ‘Eurythmics’ came about from a method of teaching music through movement, developed by the Swiss musician Emile Jaques-Dalccroze (1865-1950,) Lennox had studied it while a student.

‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ was the third single releases from the Eurythmics third studio Album ‘Touch’ from 1984, and was co-written by David Stewart, and Annie Lennox. The string arrangements were by Michael Kamen (1948-2003,) who was an American composer, especially of film scores, and performed by members of the British Philharmonic Orchestra. Stewart has said that the song was written while he and Lennox were staying at the Mayflower Hotel in New York.It was an overcast day, and while Stewart was playing a melancholy melody on his keyboard, Lennox looked out the window at the grey skies over the New York skyline and spontaneously sang ‘Here comes the rain again,’

‘Here Comes the Rain Again’ is probably a song about unrequited love. The narrator wants the one she loves to share the same feelings, but when they don’t, she gets depressed.

‘So baby talk to me like lovers do, walk with me like lovers do, Talk to me like lovers do.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

563-Fine Young Cannibals-Johnny Come Home.

1985-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.44. The age of 17 is the most used number in ‘Pop’ lyrics (see also best songs 353,) and ‘Johnny’ must be the most used name. From the 50’s Rock N’ Roll classic, ‘Johnny B Goode,'(see also best songs 30) to the 60’s Pop of ‘Johnny Remember Me,’ and ‘Johnny Angel,’ to the 1980’s, and that guy who sings ‘Be, Bop, A, Lua, Baby,’ in the Dire Straits song ‘Walk of Life,’ are just some of many examples.

The Fine Young Cannibals were formed in 1984, in Birmingham, England, by Andy Cox (guitar,) David Steele (bass guitar, synthesizers, piano, and drum machine,) and Roland Gift (vocals.) They took their name from the 1960 film ‘All the Fine Young Cannibals.’ Cox and Steele had both previously been members of the Ska band The Beat, known in America and Canada as ‘The English Beat,’ and in Australia as ‘The British Beat.’ With The Beat, Cox and Steele recorded three studio Albums between 1980-1982, and were involved in the writing of six of their eight UK hit singles (which would be eight if you include the bands two double ‘A’ sided singles.)

When The Beat split in 1983, Cox and Steele auditioned for a lead singer for their next project which would become The Fine Young Cannibals. Their choice was Roland Lee Gift who was born on May 28th, 1961, in Birmingham, England. His previous musical experience had been as the lead singer of the Hull based Ska band ‘Akrylykz,’ who had released two singles in 1980 without success, but had toured as the opening act for The Beat, The Specials, Madness, and The Clash.The Fine Young Cannibals stayed together for eight years, until 1992, releasing just two studio Albums, and achieving eight UK top 40 singles. They also had great success in America, where two of their songs, ‘She Drives Me Crazy,’ and ‘Good Thing,’ were both Billboard Number 1’s. Between the release of their self titled 1985 Album, and their 1989 Album,’ The Raw & the Cooked,’ Cox and Steele had chart success with their side project ‘Two Men, A Drum Machine and A Trumpet,’ while Gift pursued an acting career, appearing in the 1987 film ‘Sammy and Rosie Get Laid.’ and the 1989 film ‘Scandal.’

‘Johnny Come Home’ was taken from The Fine Young Cannibals self titled debut Album from 1985, and was co-written by Steele, and Gift, with all three band members credited as the songs producers. The song tells of ‘Johnny’ leaving home because of tensions in the family, even if it means he has to sleep rough, it is better than living with at least one alcoholic parent. His parents plead with him to come home, promising to change their ways.

‘What is wrong in my life, that I must get drunk every night?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

564-N.W.A.-Straight Outta Compton.

1988-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.24. After listening to Ice Cube’s opening verse, I think I would rather be his friend than his enemy.

N.W.A.(see also best songs 126) is an abbreviation for ‘Niggaz Wit Attitudes,’ who were formed in 1987, in Compton, California, United States, by Eric Lynn Wright (Easy-E) (1964-1995,) Andre Young (Dr. Dre,) O’Shea Jackson (Ice Cube,) Lorenzo Patterson (MC Ren,) Antoine Carraby (DJ Yella,) and Kim Nazel (Arabian Prince.) N.W.A. were the first group to make a commercial breakthrough with the genre of music that would become known as ‘Gangsta Rap,’ with the release of their debut Album ‘Straight Outta Compton’ in 1988. ‘Gangsta Rap’ was initially called ‘Reality Rap,’ and emerged in the mid 1980’s, describing the culture, and values that were typical of American street gangs. N.W.A. have said that they were heavily influenced by the Philadelphia Rapper Schooley D, and the Los Angeles Rapper Ice-T, who were both early exponents of the genre.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ details the everyday ups and downs of gangsta life on the streets of South Central, Los Angeles, with critics accusing the group of glorifying the gangsta lifestyle.The opening verse is rapped by Ice Cube (see also best songs 681) with MC Ren delivering the second, and Easy-E (see also best songs 802) the third. Dr Dre (see also best songs 544-482-128 and 48) does the intro, as well as introducing Easy E’s verse. Ice Cube who wrote the majority of the lyrics has said,’The parents, the police, and the people of the local community are scared of what we say.We use the same kind of language as the kids use everyday.In the black community, the ministers, and teachers don’t deny that the problems we rap about exist, but they’d rather sweep it under the rug.’ Ice Cube in later years has also admitted to being a hot headed angry young man at that time.

In 2015 a biographical drama film called ‘Straight Outta Compton’ was made, depicting how the group got together, and changed the Rap world forever. In the film Ice Cube is played by his son O’Shea Jackson Jr. Ice Cube, and Dr Dre worked on the films production, with Dr Dre also releasing the films soundtrack ‘Compton,’ as his third studio Album, and his first since 2001.

‘You are now about to witness the strength of street knowledge

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

565-Faces-Pool Hall Richard.

1973-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 4.20. If you don’t think the song is ‘SMASHING’ by now you never will.

Faces were formed in 1969 after Steve Marriott (1947-1991) left the Small Faces (see also best songs 1048 and 872) to form Humble Pie. The remaining three Small Faces, Ian McLagan (1945-2014,) (keyboards,) Ronnie Lane (1946-1997,) (bass guitar, and vocals,) and Kenney Jones (drums,) joined with Ronnie Wood (guitar,) and Rod Stewart (vocals,) who had both just left ‘The Jeff Beck Group,’ to form the Faces. The new bands record label wanted to stick with the ‘Small Faces’ name for marketing purposes, but the group insisted on dropping the ‘Small,’ stating that the new members Wood, and Stewart were 5’9” and 5’10” respectively.

The Faces (see also best songs 70) were active until 1975 releasing four studio Albums, and 10 singles. of which four entered the UK top 20. As well as being the bands lead singer, Rod Stewart (see also best songs 965-206-179-70 and 34) also had a very successful solo career running concurrently with his time with the Faces. Ronnie Lane left the band shortly before the recording of this song, stating his frustration at, has he saw it, the lack of opportunities to contribute new songs, and take the lead vocal, Lane would later develop multiple sclerosis, and he passed away on June 4th, 1997.Lane was replaced by the Japanese bass guitarist Tetsu Yamauchi, who played on this song, and the bands final Album release, the live recording ‘Coast to Coast; Overture and Beginners,’ from 1974. In 1978 drummer Kenney Jones joined The Who as the replacement for the recently deceased Keith Moon, Ronnie Wood joined The Rolling Stones, and has played on all 11 of their studio Albums since 1976, and keyboard player Ian McLagan also joined The Rolling Stones as part of their touring band, as well as playing electric piano on their 1978 single ‘Miss You’ (see also best songs 160.)

‘Pool Hall Richard’ was released as a stand alone single in 1973, and was co-written by Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood. The songs narrator is a pool player, but knows he has met his match in his opponent, who goes by the nickname of ‘Pool Hall Richard.’ He is in awe of his talent, and also thinks that he could take his lady as well, if he wanted to.

‘You ought to hear the silence when the kid walks in, his reputation’s bigger than gasoline. I don’t mind but he’s tryin’ to fill my lady too.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

566-Rihanna-Where Have You Been.

2012-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.15. Good ideas can emerge from the most of unlikely places.

‘Where Have You Been’ is loosely based around the 1959 Australian Country Music song ‘I’ve Been Everywhere,’ written by the Australian singer/songwriter Geoff Mack (1922-2017.) In Mack’s original version, he lists some of the places he has visited, whereas in Rihanna’s version she states that she has been everywhere in search of a sexual partner, who can please her all night long. The Geoff Mack song has been covered many times, notably by the Australian singer ‘Lucky Starr,’ who reached Number 1 on the Australian ‘Sydney’ chart in 1962, and in the same year by Hank Snow (1914-1999) who took his re-written ‘American friendly’ lyrics to Number 1 on the Billboard Country chart.

Robyn Rihanna Fenty (see also best songs 858) was born on February 20th, 1988, in Saint Michael, Barbados, to date her record sales are in advance of 250 million. She has released eight studio Albums between 2005-2016, and 75 singles. of which 52 have been as lead artist. In the UK she has had eight Number 1 songs as lead artist, and a further three as a featured artist.In America she has achieved 14 Billboard Number 1 singles, and a further 31 top 10 hits. Her hit single collaborations include ‘Umbrella,’ with Jay Z, ‘The Monster,’ with Eminem, and ‘FourFiveSeconds,’ with Paul McCartney, and Kanye West.’Where Have You Been’ was the third internationally released single from Rihanna’s sixth studio Album ‘Talk That Talk’ from 2011. Songwriting credits are attributed to Ester Dean (see also best songs 858) Dr Luke, Calvin Harris (see also best songs 760 and 652,) and Henry ‘Cirkut’ Walter, the later three along with Kuk Harrell also produced the song.

‘I’ve been everywhere man, looking for someone. Someone who can please me, love me all night long.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

567-Frank Sinatra & Sammy Davis Jr.-Me and My Shadow.

1962-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 2.28.’There’s no business like show business.’

‘Me and My Shadow’ was written in 1927 by Billy Rose (1899-1966,) who provided the lyrics, and Dave Dreyer (1894-1967) who was responsible for the music. Officially the singer Al Jolson (1885-1950) (see also best songs 310) is also credited as a co-writer, but his input would have been minimal, as he would often insist on having his name added to a song he was willing to record, although he only performed the song live, never getting around to producing a studio version.’Me and My Shadow’ has become a standard over the years with dozens of artists stamping their interpretation on it. One of the earliest recordings was by ‘Whispering’ Jack Smith (1896-1950,) in 1927. The American entertainer Ted Lewis (1890-1971) first performed the song in 1928, and for the rest of his career would use it to close his act. The comedy double act Morecambe and Wise recorded a parody version in 1961, and more recently Robbie Williams with Jonathan Wilkes duetted the song for Williams 2001 Album ‘Swing When Your Winning.’

Frank Sinatra (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) & Sammy Davis Jr. recorded the song twice. The first time was in 1958 for Capitol Records, conducted by Nelson Riddle, and released on the Album ‘Classic Duets.’This version of the song was recorded in 1962 for the ‘Reprise’ records label, with the arrangement by Billy May. The songs ‘B’ side is a duet between Sammy Davis Jr., and Dean Martin, singing ‘Sams Song.’

Sammy Davis Jr. was born on December 8th, 1925, in New York City, United States, he died on May 16th, 1990 from throat cancer. He is recognised as one of the greatest all round entertainers of the 20th Century, appearing in numerous films, and television programmes, including his own shows ‘The Sammy Davis Jr. Show’ in 1966, and the ‘Sammy and Company’ show between 1975-1977.He recorded numerous Albums during his career including an unreleased Album for ‘Motown’ records in 1970. He achieved 10 Billboard top 40 singles, the first being ‘Hey There,’ in 1954, and the last being ‘The Candy Man,’ his only Billboard Number 1, in 1972.

‘We’re closer than smog when it clings to L.A., we’re closer than Bobby is to JFK.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

568-The Drifters-Saturday Night at the Movies

1964-It didn’t chart until re-issued in 1972, when reaching Number 3.

Best Bit-At 0.36. The Drifters must have been very partial to a night out at the movies, because I can recall another occasion when they told us what they got up to when sitting in the back row.

The Drifters are one, if not the longest running act in Pop music, having formed in New York City, United States in 1953.Since their inception there has been a total of 43 different group members, with several splinter groups being formed by former members, usually identified with a ‘possessive credit’ such as ‘Bill Pinkney’s Original Drifters.’

The Drifters have had nine lead singers appear on their chart hits between 1953-1976, with perhaps the best acknowledged being Clyde McPhatter (1932-1972,) a band member between 1953-1955, Johnny Moore (1934-1998,) who joined the band in 1954, and intermittently was in and out of the band until his death in 1998, and Ben E. King (1938-2015.) a member between 1958-1960, before rejoining again in 1981-1985 (see also best songs 804.)

‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ was added to The Drifters fifth studio Album ‘The Good Life With The Drifters’ released in 1965, with lead vocals by Johnny Moore. The song reached Number 18 on Billboard in 1964, but wasn’t a hit until re-issued in the UK in 1972 as a double ‘A’ side with ‘At the Club.’ The success of the song led to a renewed interest in the band, as their current record label ‘Bell’ released new material, which gave the band eight consecutive top 40 singles between 1973-1976.

‘Saturday Night at the Movies’ was co-written by the legendary song writing duo of the husband and wife team Barry Mann, who provided the melody, and Cynthia Weil who wrote the lyrics (see also best songs 782 and 247.) Mann and Weil were also responsible for providing The Drifters with their 1963 Billboard Number 9 hit single ‘On Broadway.’

‘Who cares what picture you see, when your huggin’ with your baby in the last row in the balcony.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

569-The Temptations-Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.

1972-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 3.53. The legend is that the songs lead singer Dennis Edwards thought that the songs co-writer Norman Whitfield was trying to aggravate him with the songs opening line,’It was the 3rd of September, that day I’ll always remember, yes I will,’cause that was the day my daddy died.’ Edwards father was said to have died on that date, but he actually found out later it had been October 3rd. Whitfield said that he chose the date because it fit in well with the song, he said he had no idea when Edwards’ father had died.

The Temptations (see also best songs 1031 and 777) were formed in Detroit, Michigan, United States in 1960, they remain active, with the bands one constant being Otis Williams, who was born October 30th, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, United States, he currently owns the rights to the bands name ‘The Temptations.’ Over the 60 plus years there have been 25 different band members, but the five who performed on this song were Dennis Edwards (1943-2018,) Damon Harris (1950-2013,) Richard Street (1942-2013,) Melvin Franklin (1942-1995,) and Otis Williams.

‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was taken from The Temptations 15th studio Album ‘All Directions’ from 1972. The song was co-written by Norman Whitfield (1940-2008,) (see also best songs 911-777-533-480-346 and 233) and Barrett Strong who had recorded Tamla Motown’s first million selling single ‘Money (That’s What I Want’) in 1959. ‘Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone’ was originally written in 1971, and first recorded by fellow Motown group ‘The Undisputed Truth,’ but when released as a single got no higher than Number 63 on Billboard in 1972. Whitfield who was always trying to push the barriers, reworked the song in to a near 12 minute epic, filling the song with long instrumental parts. This didn’t please everyone, with some saying that The Temptations were only playing a bit part, while Whitfield put the music first.

Lead vocals on the track were performed by Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, and Richard Street, who sang a verse each, taking on the roles of siblings questioning their mother about their now dead father.This was the last classic Motown song to be recorded at the original famous ‘Studio A’ in Detroit, as most of Motown’s studio work had moved to Los Angeles by then, but The Temptations chose to record this in Detroit.

‘Hey Momma, is it true what they say, that Papa never worked a day in his life, and Momma, some bad talk goin’ ’round town sayin’ that Papa had three outside children.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER

570-Jermaine Jackson-Let’s Get Serious.

1980-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.50. When his four brothers in The Jackson Five left Motown in 1975 to join Epic Records, Jermaine was the only one who stayed with the label.It is possible that his decision was made because at that time he was married to Hazel Gordy, the daughter of Motown owner Berry Gordy.

Jermaine La Jaune Jackson was born on December 11th, 1954, in Gary, Indiana, United States, he is the forth oldest of the 10 Jackson children (Brandon died shortly after his birth in 1957.) The Jackson Five first signed with ‘Steeltown Records’ in 1967, and released their first single ‘Big Boy,’ which failed to chart. Success came when signing with Motown Records in 1969, when their first single release ‘I Want You Back’ went to Number 1 on Billboard, and Number 2 in the UK.(see also best songs 812-511-249-191 and 137.) Along with his brother Michael, Jermaine pursued a solo career in the early 1970’s, reaching Number 9 on Billboard in 1973 with ‘Daddy’s Home,’

After his brothers parted with Motown in 1975, Jermaine struggled to stay successful as a solo artist. Berry Gordy became concerned that his son-in-law’s career was waning, so approached fellow Motown artist Stevie Wonder, who provided three songs for Jermaine’s sixth studio Album ‘Let’s Get Serious,’ released in 1980.

‘Let’s Get Serious’ was co-written by Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-503-366-205-152 and 65) and his long term collaborator Lee Garrett. Wonder also produced the song, sang some of the vocals, and played numerous instruments on the track.Lee Garrett was born on June 30th, 1943, in Mississippi, United States. Other songs he co-wrote with Wonder include ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours,’ and ‘It’s a Shame’ (see also best songs 834.) Garrett released one solo studio Album in 1976, which produced his only hit single,’You’re My Everything,’ which reached Number 15 in the UK. Like Stevie Wonder, Garrett is also blind.

‘Longing for each other just ain’t fair, when we’ve got so much we wanna share.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

571-Archie Bell & the Drells-Here I Go Again.

1969-It didn’t chart in the UK until 1972, when reaching Number 11.

Best Bit-At 0.05. There have been some unusual names for backing groups over the years. According to my research ‘Drell’ is a fairly uncommon surname, but is in use. In science fiction a Drell is a ‘Reptilian Humanoid,’ that evolved on the arid world of ‘Rakhana,’ but the most likely reason this band were called the ‘Drells,’ is because it rhymes with ‘Bell.’

Archie Bell was born on September 1st, 1944, in Henderson,Texas, United States. He is the second oldest of seven brothers, his brother Ricky Bell, (1955-1984) was a professional American football player, Bell is also related to the record producer Thom Bell (see also best songs 765.)

Archie Bell formed ‘Archie Bell & the Drells’ in 1966, with his friends James Wise, Willie Parnell, and Billy Butler, they were active until 1981, but reformed to tour some 20 years later, which continued until 2016. They released seven studio Albums between 1968-1979, the first three were on ‘Atlantic Records’, and the other four were recorded for ‘Philadelphia International’ records. There was also an eighth Album released on ‘Becket Records’ in 1981, which was the only solo Album recorded by Archie Bell. On the singles chart their biggest success was ‘Tighten Up,’ which gave them a Billboard Number 1 song in 1968, although it never charted in the UK. While in the UK, this song was their biggest hit, but failed to make the American chart.

‘Here I Go Again’ was co-written by the legendary song writing duo of Kenny Gamble, and Leon Huff (see also best songs 1001-896-725-648 and 322,) and was taken from Archie Bell & the Drells third studio Album ‘There’s Gonna Be a Showdown,’ from 1969. Largely ignored upon it’s initial release, it would gain popularity over the next three years in the UK, due to interest from ‘Northern Soul’ fans (see also best songs 845,) who would request the song in nightclubs, which led to it becoming a surprise hit single in the UK, when it reached Number 11 in 1972. The band would have further British success during the ‘Disco’ era, when ‘The Soul City Walk’ made Number 13 in 1975.

‘I should have learned my lesson, you hurt me before, but every time I see you, I keep runnin’ back for more.