THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

578-Public Enemy-Fight the Power.

1989-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 0.23. If your a Rapper born after 1995, then take a good listen to this, then have a good look at yourself in the mirror.

Public Enemy were formed in 1986 in Long Island, New York, United States by Carlton Ridenhour (Chuck D) and William Drayton (Flavor Flav,) The group was soon completed by Richard Griff (Professor Griff,) and Norman Rogers (Terminator X,) Other band members have come and gone, with Chuck D, and Flavor Flav being the only two constants. They have released 15 studio Albums between 1987-2020, and have had 10 top 40 singles in the UK (see also best songs 37.)

‘Fight the Power’ appears on Public Enemy’s third studio Album ‘Fear of a Black Planet’ from 1990, having first appeared on the soundtrack Album for the 1989 film ‘Do the Right Thing.’ The films writer, and producer Spike Lee wanted a hard hitting song, Lee has said,’ I wanted it to be defiant, I wanted it to be angry, I wanted it to be rhythmic. I thought right away about Public Enemy.’ As with many Public Enemy songs from around that period,numerous samples, and loops were used, this was because artists didn’t have to get permission to clear samples until the landmark case of 1991 (see also best songs 37.) The samples, loops and production were done by Public Enemy’s longtime collaborators ‘The Bomb Squad,’ who are made up of the brothers Hank, and Keith Shocklee, Chuck D, Eric ‘Vietnam’ Sadler, Gary G-Wix, and former member Bill Stephney.

Of his inspiration for the song Chuck D has said,’I wanted to have sorta like the same theme as the original ‘Fight the Power’ by The Isley Brothers, and fill it in with some kind of modernist views of what our surroundings were at that particular time.’ Brian Hardgrove who has played bass for Public Enemy said of the songs message,’Law enforcement is necessary. As a species we haven’t evolved past needing that.’Fight the Power’ is not about fighting authority, it’s not that at all. It’s about fighting abuse of power.’

‘1989 the number, another summer, sound of the funky drummer. Music hitting your heart,’cause I know you got soul.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

579-Camelphat and Elderbrook-Cola.

2017-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 3.24. The ‘Cola’ companies must have spent millions on purchasing ‘Pop’ songs to use in their advertisements down the years, but they haven’t used the best one yet.

‘Camelphat’ is the stage name of the British ‘Dance Music’ producers Dave Whelan, and Mike Di Scala who formed in Liverpool, England in 2004. Prior to joining forces Mike Di Scala had tasted chart success with ‘Resonance Q,’ with the Number 29 single ‘Someday,’ in 2003, and also as a member of ‘Ultrabeat,’ who had five top 40 singles, including the 2003 Number 2 song ‘Pretty Green Eyes.’

As a duo Whelan and Di Scala released music, and remixed for others using several different stage names, including ‘Pawn Shop,’ and ‘Wheels Disco,’ until settling upon ‘Camelphat’ in 2010, although they still recorded under different aliases until 2017.To date they have achieved three top 40 singles, and their debut Album ‘Dark Matter,’ which came out in 2020, includes all three chart singles.

‘Cola’ features the vocals of Alexander Kotz, who originates from London, England, and goes by the stage name of ‘Elderbrook’. As well as being a singer, he is also a songwriter, and music producer.It was Elderbrook who provided the official remix for Clan Bandit’s ‘Rockabye,’ which was the Christmas Number 1 single of 2016.

‘Cola’ was co-written by Camelphat, and Elderbrook, who provided the lyrics. There has always been controversy surrounding the songs actual meaning, with some interpreting the song as being about a female who has had her drink spiked, but Elderbrook has said it is about a girl who has too many drinks before going out for the night, and then being refused entry into a club.

‘It’s getting late now, hey now, enough of the arguments. She sips a Coca Cola, she can’t tell the difference yet.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

580-Happy Mondays-Step On.

1990-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01.Don’t panic this is not fruit abuse. The term ‘Twistin’ my melon man,’ actually means being confused by something to the point that it’s really annoying.

The Happy Mondays were formed in Salford, England, United Kingdom, in 1980 by the brothers Shaun Ryder (vocals,) Paul Ryder (bass,) Mark Day (guitar,) Paul Davis (keyboard,) and Gary Whelan (drums.) They were soon joined by Mark ‘Bez’ Berry (percussion, and dancer,) and in 1990 by Rowetta Idah (vocalist.) The Happy Mondays played an important part in the development of the Manchester music scene, which became known as ‘Madchester,’ by incorporating Rock music, with Psychedelica, Funk, and House Music, helping to pave the way to ‘Dance Music. They were also an influence on bands such as The Stone Roses, and Oasis.The Happy Monday were active until 1993, but have reformed on three other occasions. They have released five studio Albums between 1987-2007, and achieved six UK top 40 singles.

‘Step On’ was taken from the bands third studio Album ‘Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches’, from 1990. The song is actually a cover version of the 1971 John Kongos hit ‘He’s Gonna Step on You Again,’ co-written by Kongos, and Christos Demetriou, and peaking at Number 4 in the UK. Before the Happy Mondays released their version, two other remakes of the song had been a hit in 1987 in Australia. The Australian Rock band ‘The Party Boys’ took there version to Number 1, while the Australian Pop group ‘The Chantoozies’ took their remake to Number 36.

The original version of the song by John Kongos was written as a protest song against the white man’s appropriation of native territory in Africa.

In 1990 Paul McCartney told the ‘New Musical Express,’ I saw the Happy Mondays on TV, and they reminded me of the Beatles in their ‘Strawberry Fields’ phase.’

‘You’re twistin’ my melon man, you know you talk so hip man. You’re twistin’ my melon man, call the cops.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

581-Shalamar-Take That to the Bank.

1978-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 3.06. For a brief period in the early 1980’s ‘SOLAR’ records were being talked up as being the new Tamla Motown,’ and Shalamar were the labels biggest band.

Shalamar was the brainchild of Don Cornelius (1936-2012,) and Dick Griffey (1938-2010.) Cornelius was the creator, and presenter of the American nationally syndicated music show ‘Soul Train,’ and Griffey was a music producer, concert promoter, and booking agent for the ‘Soul Train’ show.

The first hit credited to Shalamar was the 1977 song ‘Uptown Festival’ (UK Number 30,) which had been recorded by studio session musicians. Due to it’s success Cornelius, and Griffey decided to put together a band comprising Soul Train dancers Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel, as well as singer Gary Mumford, who had performed on ‘Uptown Festival.’ Mumford soon quit the band and was replaced by Gerald Brown who sang lead vocals on this song, but left the band before it was officially released, and replaced by Howard Hewett who lip synced Brown’s vocals for the songs promotion.

The classic lineup of Watley, Daniel, and Hewett remained active until 1983, when both Watley and Daniel both left to pursue solo careers, leaving Hewett to continue the band with new members. As of 2021 the current lineup is Hewett, Daniel, and Carolyn Griffey, the daughter of Dick Griffey, and the singer Carrie Lewis.In total Shalamar have released 10 studio Albums between 1977-1990, and achieved 11 top 40 UK singles.

Jody Watley went on to have a very successful solo career, releasing nine studio Albums between 1987-2006, and reaching Number 2 on Billboard with her debut solo single ‘Looking for a New Love’ in 1987.Jeffrey Daniel went on to choreograph the video’s for ‘Bad,’ and ‘Smooth Criminal,’ with Michael Jackson. It was Daniel who first performed ‘The Backslide,’ which would later become known as the ‘Moonwalk,’ a full year before Michael Jackson first performed it.

‘Take That to the Bank’ was taken from Shalamar’s second studio Album ‘Disco Gardens’ from 1978, and was written by Kevin Spencer, and Leon Sylvers, who also produced the song. Sylvers had been a member of ‘The Sylvers’ who were nine family members who had three top 40 hits on Billboard including the 1976 Number 1 ‘Boogie Fever.’ Leon Sylvers was the main driving force behind the successful sound of ‘SOLAR’ records, working with acts such as ‘The Whispers,’ ‘Dynasty,’ and ‘Lakeside,’ incidentally ‘SOLAR’ stands for ‘Sound of Los Angeles records.”

‘Cause we build a strong love affair, on investments of equal share. Two hearts that beat as one, just look what love has done.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

582-Kenny Rogers and The First Edition-Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love to Town.

1969-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.57. When playing the song live, the band would often perform it in a jovial manner, and the audience would clap, and sing along, which was seen by some as disrespectful to war veterans.

‘The First Edition’ were formed in 1967, in California, United States, by Kenny Rogers (1938-2020) (lead vocals, and bass guitar,) Mickey Jones (1941-2018) (drums,) Terry Williams (guitar,) Mike Settle (guitar, and vocals,) and Thelma Camacho (lead vocals.) They were active until 1976, but some original members, and others who joined later reformed in 2010, and again in 2014-2015.The initial lineup were mainly made up of former members of the ‘New Christy Minstrels,’ who wanted to broaden their musical horizons. They began as ‘The First Edition’ recording, and experimenting with ‘Rock,’ ‘R&B,’ ‘Folk,’ and ‘Psychedelic Pop,’ before taking the ‘Country Rock’ route. It was just before the release of this song that they changed their name to ‘Kenny Rogers and The New Edition, and the name would remain until Rogers left the group for a solo career in 1976. In total the band released 13 studio Albums between 1967-1974, and achieved seven top 40 singles on Billboard, while in the UK there only other chart single was ‘Something’s Burning which reached Number 8 in 1970.

‘Ruby Don’t Take Your Love to Town’ was written and originally recorded by the Country Music artist Mel Tillis (1932-2017,) and prior to this definitive version, was recorded by Waylon Jennings (1937-2002,) and Johnny Darrell (1940-1997,) who took the song to Number 9 on the Billboard Country chart in 1967. The songs lyrics tell the story of a paralysed war veteran, who fears that his woman is cheating on him. He begs her to stay at home with him, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. Tillis was inspired to write the song, having lived near a couple in Florida. In real life the man had been wounded in Germany in World War 2, and his wife was seeing another man. The man murdered his wife, and then committed suicide. Tillis changed the setting to the ‘Korean War, and makes no mention of murder, but does say that the man would kill her if he could move to get his gun.

‘You’ve painted up your lips, and rolled and curled your tinted hair.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

583-Limp Bizkit-Rollin.'(Air Raid Vehicle.)

2000-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. At a cost of approximately $3 million, the songs video was filmed around, and on the roof of the World Trade Centre. The day before the twin towers were destroyed the band received a letter from the World Trade Centre thanking them for featuring the towers in the video.

Limp Bizkit were formed in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, in 1994, and were active until 2006, but reformed in 2009. The original lineup consisted of Fred Durst (vocals,) John Otto (drums,) Sam Rivers (bass,) and Rob Waters (guitars.) Waters left in 1995, and was replaced by Wes Borland (guitars,) DJ Lethal (turntables) joined the band after leaving the ‘House of Pain’ (see also best songs 75) in 1996. To date they have released five studio Albums between 1997-2011, with their sixth release ‘Stampede of the Disco Elephants,’ having been promised since 2018. Amazingly they have never achieved a top 40 single on Billboard, with this song being their highest chart placing when reaching Number 65. In the UK they have reached the top 40 on seven occasions, with this song being their most successful.

It was lead singer Fred Durst who named the band Limp Bizkit, because he wanted a name that would repel listeners, he said,’The name is there to turn people’s heads away.A lot of people pick up the disc and go,’Limp Bizkit, they must suck.’ Those are the people that we don’t even want listening to our music.’

‘Rollin” (Air Raid Vehicle) is taken from the bands third studio Album ‘Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavoured Water’ from 2000. Also included on the Album is an alternative Hip-Hop version of the song called ‘Rollin’ (Urban Assault Vehicle,) which features DMX (1970-2021,) Method Man, and Redman. The song has been critically acclaimed by many publications, but not always so the songs lyrics. My advice is don’t look for any in-depth meaning, after all the American wrestler ‘The Undertaker’ used the song for his entrance in the ‘WWE.’

‘Throw your hands up, ladies and gentlemen. Chocolate Starfish, keep on rollin’ baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

584-Johnny Nash-You Got Soul.

1968-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.06. You Got Soul. He was also blessed with more than his fair share of Reggae, and Pop.

John Lester Nash Jr. was born on August 19th, 1940, in Houston, Texas, United States, he died from natural causes at home in Houston, Texas, on October 6th, 2020.

Johnny Nash first began performing at the age of 13, in 1953, singing covers of R&B hits on the show ‘Matinee,’ which was a local variety programme on ‘KPRC-TV,’ shown regularly in Houston, Texas. He got his big break when signing with ‘ABC’ records in 1957, and scoring his first hit (Billboard Number 23) with his third single release, ‘A Very Special Love,’ in 1957. Nash sang in the style of Johnny Mathis, and was marketed as a competitor.

In 1964 Nash and his manager Danny Sims formed ‘JoDa Records,’ and found it to be more commercially viable to promote American artists abroad. In 1965 both Nash and Sims relocated to Jamaica where around 1966 they were introduced to Bob Marley & The Wailing Wailers, Nash signed them to a contract for J$50 a week (see also best songs 618 and 56.)

Johnny Nash was obviously heavily influenced by the music coming out of Jamaica, as all of his recordings from then onward were influenced by Reggae Music. In 1968 his own composition ‘Hold Me Tight’ would go a long way to popularising Reggae Music in America, and the UK, when reaching the top 10 in both countries.The follow up was this song ‘You Got Soul’ which he also wrote, and appeared on his seventh studio Album ‘Hold Me Tight’ In total Nash released 17 studio Albums between 1958-1986, before going into an unofficial retirement. In America he is best remembered for his 1972 Billboard Number 1 single ‘I Can See Clearly Now,’ while in the UK he achieved eight top 40 singles, with ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ reaching Number 1 in 1975.

‘You got somethin’ good as gold, somethin’ that’ll never grow old, yeah, you got soul.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

585-Jo Stafford-You Belong to Me.

1953-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.32. Jo Stafford became the very first female singer to have a UK Number 1, when this song topped the chart in January 1953.

‘You Belong to Me’ was initially written by Chilton Price (1913-2010,) while working as a librarian at the Louisville radio station,’WAVE,’ where the Country Music artists Pee Wee King, (1914-2000) and Redd Stewart (1923-2003,) were regular performers. Price showed this song, and others she had written to King, and Stewart, and after they had made lyric, and melody adjustments, were co-credited as the songs authors. Although in a 2002 interview Price claimed that King and Stewart had no part in the writing of the song, but Billy Stewart the son of Redd refutes that claim, saying that Stewart and King revised the lyrics, and improved the melody. The other song of note to which all three are credited is the 1951 composition ‘Slow Poke,’ which gave Pee Wee King a Billboard Country Number 1 single in 1951, as well as topping the chart in Australia in 1952.

Jo Elizabeth Stafford was born November 12th, 1917, in Coalinga, California, United States, she died from congestive heart failure on July 16th, 2008. Her first venture into music was forming the ‘Stafford Sisters’ a vocal trio, with her two older sisters at the age of 12. In 1938 she became the lead singer of the ‘Pied Pipers,’ performing backing vocals with the ‘Tommy Dorsey’ Big Band.’ During World War 2, she regularly performed concerts for soldiers, which earned her the nickname ‘G.I. Jo.’ She was an actress appearing in 15 films between 1936-1947, and also had her own television show,’The Jo Stafford Show,’ in 1954, and again in 1961. Between 1944-1956 she achieved 80 top 40 singles on Billboard, including four Number 1 songs. Jo Stafford also recorded comedy with her second husband Paul Weston (1912-1996,) under the stage name of ‘Jonathan and Darlene Edwards, releasing five studio Albums, and two singles, including a cover of The Bee Gees ‘Stayin’ Alive.’

‘See the marketplace in old Algiers, send me photographs and souvenirs.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

586-Tinie Tempah-Pass Out.

2010-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.25. It appears that the very well travelled Tinie Tempah has visited Miami, and Ibiza, and also Southampton, but it appears he still has the delights of Scunthorpe to look forward to.

Tinie Tempah was born Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu on November 7th, 1988, in Plumstead, London, England. He has appeared as lead artist on four UK Number 1 singles, and a further three as a featured artist, with seven UK Number 1’s in total, he has topped the chart on more occasions than any other British born Rap artist. In total he has appeared on 24 UK top 40 singles, and released three studio Albums to date. He chose his stage name at 12 years old by using a thesaurus in school, juxtaposing ‘tempar’ (temper,) which he saw under ‘angry,’ with ‘tinie,’ (tiny,) to ameliorate the aggressive sound of ‘tempah'(see also best songs 883.)

‘Pass Out’ was co-written, and produced by Timothy McKenzie, who is better known by his stage name ‘Labrinth. He was born on January 4th, 1989, in Hackney, London, England. As well as working alongside Tinie Tempah he has released two solo studio Albums, and appeared on 10 UK top 40 singles, including the 2012 Number 1 song,’Beneath Your Beautiful,’ featuring Emeli Sandi. He also wrote the score for the ‘HBO’ series ‘Euphoria,’ and has written and produced for numerous other artists, including Beyonce, and Ed Sheeran.

Before their collaboration on ‘Pass Out,’ Tiny Tempah, and Labrinth had never met, but Tempah has said that on meeting, he instantly related to Labrinth. He said that they spent many hours in the studio experimenting with different sounds, and by chance came up with the ‘Drum and Bass’ ending.’ Once we put it in there everyone went crazy in the studio, and that’s why we thought we would keep it there.’ As for the songs meaning (which I do not condone in any manner,) it is about ‘getting so out of it,’ that you end up passing out.

‘I’m born famous, I’m sort of known. If your son doesn’t, I bet your daughter knows.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

587-Madonna-Vogue.

1990-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.41.Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, Joe DiMaggio, Marlon Brando, Jimmy Dean, Grace Kelly, Jean Harlow, Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall, Katharine Hepburn, Lana Turner, and Bette Davis. Alongside all of them, Madonna’s place in history is also assured.

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16th, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan, United States. Her first venture into performing music was as the drummer in the American Pop band ‘Breakfast Club’ in 1979, she later sang lead vocals with the band, before leaving to form a new band called ‘Emmy,’ and then moving on to start her solo career. With sales in excess of 300 million records Madonna is the best selling female recording artist of all time. In America on Billboard she has achieved 49 top 40 single, of which 12 have reached Number 1. She has released 14 studio Albums to date, the first was ‘Madonna,’ in 1983, and the latest being ‘Madame X,’ in 2019.

‘Vogue’ was the best selling single of 1990 worldwide, with sales in excess of 6 million copies, and topping the charts in 30 different countries. Madonna had just finished work on the film ‘Dick Tracy,’ and although this song has nothing to do with that film, ‘Vogue’ was added to the films soundtrack Album ‘I’m Breathless,’ as the final track of the Album’s 12 songs. ‘Vogue’ was co-written by Madonna and the American music producer Shep Pettibone, who had previously worked with Madonna on her 1989 hits ‘Like A Prayer’ (see also best songs 774,) and ‘Express Yourself,’ Pettibone has worked with many other of the worlds top artists including Michael Jackson, and George Michael.It was Madonna’s friend Debi Mazar who first told her of the dance craze that was known as ‘Vogueing.’It was a dance craze that was popular in the gay community, originating in Harlem, New York, in the late 1980’s, where dancers used elaborate hand gestures, and frequently stopped to pose. The style of dance originally arose from ‘Harlem ballroom cultures,’ as danced by African-American, and Latino gay/trans people, from the early 1960’s onward.

‘Ladies with an attitude, fellows that were in the mood. Don’t just stand there, let’s get to it, strike a pose, there’s nothing to it.’