THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

260-David Guetta featuring Taped Rai-Just One Last Time (Tiesto Remix.)

2012-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 5.07. This is one of just a handful of songs on this countdown which has been chosen for it’s remix, and not for it’s original version.

When I first started buying records back in 1973 there was only a 7 inch single comprising an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ side (although a few EP’s would be released containing four or more tracks.) Around 1990 when the ‘CD’ format was taking over from vinyl, record labels were able to release more music onto each disc because of the longer playing time, although the powers that be would only allow around 20 minutes of music for it to be eligible for the singles chart. Dance music took advantage of this new opportunity and would produce several remixed versions of the same song by different music producers.

Pierre David Guetta (see also best songs 909 and 234) was born on November 7th, 1967, in Paris, France, with sales of over 100 million records he is one of the worlds best ever selling artists. In June 2021 he sold his recorded music catalogue for an amount somewhere in the region of between US$100 million, to US$150 million. David Guetta has an extensive discography, having released seven studio Albums between 2002-2018, there are also a further 11 compilation Albums released between 2003-2013, and 88 singles issued between 1990-2021. In the UK 39 of his singles have reached the top 40 with him as the lead artist, and a further four have charted with him as the featured artist, six of those songs have reached the Number 1 spot. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, eight of his songs have reached the top 40, with ‘Without You’ featuring Usher from 2011, and ‘Turn Me On’ featuring Nicki Minaj also from 2011 both peaking at Number 4.

‘Just One Last Time’ was released as the second single from the deluxe edition of David Guetta’s fifth studio Album ‘Nothing but the Beat, 2.0, from 2011, and was written by David Guetta, Giogio Tuinfort, Tom Liljegren, and Alexander Ryberg. Liljegren and Ryberg who at that time performed together as ‘Taped Rai,’ also provided the vocals on the track, they are a Swedish vocal duo and currently perform together under their new name of ‘Max Elto.’

To my ears ‘Just One Last Time’ in it’s original form was just a run of the mill song until I heard this version remixed by ‘Tiesto’, there were four official remixes issued by various producers, as well as an extended version. Tiesto (see also best songs 368 and 29) was born on January 17th, 1969, in Breda, North Brabant, Netherlands, many consider him the be the best DJ/producer of all time, he is affectionately known as the ‘Godfather of Electronic Dance Music,’ He has released seven studio Albums between 2001-2020, and 106 singles between 1994-2021. In the UK he has achieved 14 top 40 singles, collaborating with many other artists. In his home country of The Netherlands 25 of his singles have made the top 40, with three reaching Number 1.

‘Even though it hurts I can’t slow down. Walls are closing in and I hit the ground. Whispers of tomorrow echo in my mind, just one last time.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

261-Depeche Mode-Everything Counts.

1983-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 1.01. In order to embrace this theme of everything counting in large amounts, I suggest you take a listen to the 12 inch (In Larger Amounts) version.

Depeche Mode (see also best songs 968 and 134) were formed in Basildon, Essex, England, in 1980 by Martin Gore, (keyboards, guitar, and vocals) Dave Gahan, (lead vocals) Andy Fletcher, (1961-2022) (keyboards and bass guitar) and Vince Clarke (keyboards and guitars.) Clarke (see also best songs 700 and 451) left in 1981, and was replaced by Alan Wilder (keyboards, piano and drums) in 1982, who stayed with the band until 1995. Depeche Mode took their name from the French magazine ‘Depeche mode,’ which when translated means, hurried fashion, or fashion dispatch, for the Depeche Mode discography see best songs 134.

Vince Clarke had been the bands main songwriter, so after he departed the group in 1981 it was Martin Gore who took over the bulk of the songwriting duties, leading to a change in musical direction, and lyrical ideas, which now included sex, religion, and politics. Gore has said he feels lyrical themes which tackle issues related to solitude and loneliness are a better representation of reality, whereas he finds “happy songs” fake and unrealistic, at the same time, he asserts that the band’s music contains “an element of hope”.

Martin Lee Gore was born on July 23rd, 1961, in London, England, his biological father was an African/American G.I. stationed in Britain. Gore was raised by his biological mother and step father David Gore, and until the age of 13 he believed his stepfather was his biological father, as an adult he finally met his biological father in the American South. Away from Depeche Mode Gore has released two solo studio Albums in 2003, and 2015, and in 2012 he once again joined forces with Vince Clarke to record the Album ‘Ssss,’ under the name ‘VCMG.’ Gore has stated he became interested in Electronic Music after hearing acts such as Kraftwerk, (see also best songs 41) the Human League, (see also best songs 1009 and 986) and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (see also best songs 720.)

‘Everything Counts’ was written by Martin Gore, and produced by Depeche Mode, with Daniel Miller and Gareth Jones. The song was the first of two singles released from the bands third studio Album ‘Construction Time Again,’ from 1983. In 1989 a live version of the song was released as a single to promote the bands live Album called ‘101,’ this version of ‘Everything Counts’ reached Number 22 on the UK top 40. ‘Everything Counts’ addresses the issue of corporate greed and corruption in Britain, as the chorus sings of ‘grabbing hands,’ that ‘grab all they can.’

‘The handshake seals the contract from the contract, there’s no turning back.The turning point of a career in Korea being insincere. The holiday was fun packed, the contract still intact.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

262-The Crystals-Da Doo Ron Ron.

1963-Number 5 single. It was re-issued in 1974, and this time reached Number 15.

Best Bit-At 1.04. ‘And after all you’re my ‘Wonder-Wall of Sound.”

Harvey Phillip Spector was born on December 26th, 1939, in The Bronx, New York, United States, in later years Spector suffered with mental and physical ill health, including bipolar disorder, possible Parkinsons disease, and laryngeal papillomatosis, which meant he had lost the ability to speak. The cause of his death according to his daughter Nicole was complications from COVID-19. Spector is recognised as one of the most influential figures in Pop Music history for his achievements in the development of music production which became known as the ‘Wall of Sound.’ He would record songs with, for example an acoustic piano and then duplicate with an electric piano and a harpsichord, when mixed the three instruments would be indistinguishable to the listener. Additionally Spector incorporated an array of orchestral instruments, woodwind, brass, and percussion, reverb from an echo chamber was also used for additional texture.

‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ was co-written by the legendary songwriting team of Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich, (1940-2009) (see also best songs 820-331 and 192) Phil Spector (see also best songs 820-782-737-192-127-91 and 20) is also credited for his input, the song was the first collaboration between the three of them. The title ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ was initially just nonsense syllables used to separate each stanza and chorus until proper lyrics could be written, but it was Spector who decided that ‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ should be kept in. Sonny Bono (1935-1998) (see also best songs 672) who was at the recording session has recalled Spector asking him if the song was ‘dumb enough,’ meaning was it accessible to the teenagers who were the target audience. On listening to the final recording Bono has said that Spector turned to him and said,’That’s solid gold coming out of that speaker.’

The Crystals were an all girl group formed in New York City, United States, in 1960. In total there have been seven members come and go, with the one constant being Dolores ‘Dee Dee’ Kenniebrew who was 15 years old when joining the original line up. The Crystals have released four official Albums between 1962-1999, and there are also eight compilation Albums available. They issued 14 singles between 1961-1967, with six reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles chart, with ‘He’s a Rebel’ making Number 1 in 1962. In the UK four of their songs have made the top 40, with ‘Then He Kissed Me’ charting the highest when making Number 2 in 1963. Incidentally although ‘He’s a Rebel’ is classified as a hit for The Crystals it was actually performed by Darlene Love (see also best songs 820) on lead vocals, as was the follow up single ‘He’s Sure the Boy I Love.’

‘Da Doo Ron Ron’ has been covered on numerous occasions, most notably by the American teen idol Shaun Cassidy who took his version to Number 1 on Billboard in 1977, with a slight lyric change as ‘Bill’ became ‘Jill.’ In 1963 the French Rock N’ Roll singer Johnny Hallyday (1943-2017) took his recording to Number 1 in France, and Number 2 in Belgium. Also in 1963 Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich who were married at the time recorded a version, performing as ‘The Raindrops’

‘I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still, da doo ron ron, da doo ron ron. Somebody told me that his name was Bill, da doo ron ron da doo ron ron.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

263-Goo Goo Dolls-Iris.

1998-Number 50 Single. It re-entered the chart in 1999 this time reaching Number 26. With the advent of downloads the song peaked at an all time high of Number 3 in 2011, it was also a top 40 hit again in 2013, when reaching Number 12.
Best Bit-At 3.31. The band took their name from an advertisement in the American true crime magazine called ‘True Detective,’ for a toy called a ‘Goo Goo Doll.’ I have done my own detective work, but I can’t find a picture of a Goo Goo Doll toy anywhere.

The Goo Goo Dolls were formed in Buffalo, New York, United States, in 1986 by John Rzeznik, (guitar and vocals) Robby Takac, (bass and vocals) and George Tutuska (drums.) Tutuska left the band in 1995, and was replaced by Mike Malinin who played on this song, he left the band in 2013. The Goo Goo Dolls have to date released 13 studio Albums between 1987-2020, and 38 singles, of which eight have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 in America, with their 1995 song ‘Name’ charting the highest at Number 5. In the UK two of their songs have made the top 40 with ‘Stay With You’ being the other when making Number 39 in 2006.

In 1997 John Rzeznik was approached by the makers of the 1998 American romantic fantasy film ‘City of Angels’ with the view to the Goo Goo Dolls writing a song for the movies fourth coming soundtrack. The film is about an angel who falls in love with a human, and gives up his eternal life in order to become mortal, and be with this lady for the rest of his now human life. Rzeznik has said,’I was thinking about the situation of the Nicolas Cage character in the movie,This guy is completely willing to give up his own immortality, just to be able to feel something very human, and I think, ‘Wow! What an amazing thing it must be like to love someone so much that you give up everything to be with them.’ That’s a pretty heavy thought.” Speaking of the songs title Rzeznik has explained,’I was trying to be pretentious and arty by calling it that. I figured if Billy Corgan (see also best songs 623 and 374) can get away with it, so can I. So I figured, what the hell, I’ll tap into the pretentious market.” Rzeznik actually called the song ‘Iris’ after the American Country/Folk singer Iris DeMent, he had seen her name in a concert listing in the ‘LA Weekly’ newspaper.

‘Iris’ is included on the Goo Goo Dolls sixth studio Album ‘Dizzy Up the Girl’ from 1998, and was co-produced by all four members of the band at that time, along with Rob Cavallo. Cavallo is among the biggest selling producers of all time, and has creative involvement in Albums that have sold over 130 million units worldwide, working with artists such as Meatloaf, and Green Day, he has also participated in the production of 24 soundtrack Albums between 1984-2014.

‘And I’d give up forever to touch you, ’cause I know that you feel me somehow. You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll ever be, and I don’t want to go home right now.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

264-Buddy Holly-True Love Ways.

1958-It was not released until 1960, when reaching Number 25.

Best Bit-At 0.01. True Love Ways was recorded at the last studio session by Buddy Holly, 105 days before ‘the music died.’

Buddy Holly (see also best songs 898) was born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7th, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, United States. In the early hours of February 3rd, 1959, a plane carrying Holly, along with fellow singers Ritchie Valens, (1941-1959) and The Big Bopper, (1930-1959) (see also best songs 1017) and the pilot Roger Peterson crashed in inclement weather near Clear Water, Iowa, United States, killing all four of them instantly shortly after take off. In his 1971 song ‘American Pie,’ (see also best songs 4) Don McLean referred to the event as ‘The day the music died.’

Buddy Holly is one of Pop Music’s most influential artists, Holly himself has said that his own early inspiration to follow a ‘Rock N’ Roll’ path was after watching Elvis Presley perform on television. In turn John Lennon and Paul McCartney have said that it was after seeing Holly on television appearing on ‘Sunday Night at the London Paladium’ that inspired their performance and lyricism, they also chose the name the ‘Beatles,’ after the Holly’s insect themed ‘Crickets.’ Although Buddy Holly was only 22 years old when he died he had already written a vast amount of songs, many not fully finished and left in the vaults. It was Holly’s producer Norman Petty (1927-1984) who overdubbed many of these songs, adding instrumentation, and sometimes backing vocals. During his lifetime Holly issued three studio Albums between 1957-1958, and 18 singles. Following his death a further 10 singles were released, and there have been 29 official posthumous compilation Albums issued between 1959-2018. Holly’s co-write of ‘That’ll Be the Day’ with fellow Cricket Jerry Allison was Number 1 in America and the UK in 1957, while ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ written by Paul Anka, gave Holy a posthumous UK Number 1 hit in 1959.

‘True Love Ways’ was written by Buddy Holly, with additional melody and lyrics provided by Norman Petty. The song was recorded along with three other tracks at Holly’s last recording session before his death. The melody borrows heavily from the Gospel song ‘I’ll Be All Right,’ which was a favourite of Holly’s, and was played at his funeral. According to Holly’s wife Marie Elena ‘True Love Ways’ was written for her as a wedding gift. The couple had met on June 20th, 1958, and married on August 15th, 1958, they were married for less than six months.

Marie learnt of her husbands death from the reports on the television, at the time she was two weeks pregnant, she suffered a miscarriage shortly after, reportedly due to psychological trauma. Following the miscarriage, and because of the circumstances in which she was informed of his death, a policy was later adopted by authorities not to disclose victims names until after their families have been informed.

‘Sometimes we’ll sigh, sometimes we’ll cry, and we’ll know why just you and I know true love ways.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

265-The Who-5.15.

1973-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. Quadrophenia is a word made up by Pete Townsend, it is similar to schizophrenia, but twice as bad.

The Who were formed in London, England, in 1964, the classic lineup consisted of Pete Townsend, (guitar and vocals) Roger Daltrey, (lead singer) Keith Moon, (1946-1978) (drums) and John Entwistle (1944-2002) (bass) with sales in excess of 100 million records they are one of the best selling acts of all time. One of the most famous questions asked in a Pop Quiz is how many UK Number 1 singles did the Who have? The answer surprisingly is none. The Who have released 12 studio Albums between 1965-2019, 16 live Albums, and 27 compilations. They have also issued 58 singles between 1964-2019, of which 24 have reached the UK top 40, with both ‘My Generation,’ (1965) and ‘I’m a Boy’ (1966) making Number 2.

In 1968 the Who had released their first ‘Rock Opera’ Album called ‘Tommy,’ (see also best songs 306) which was later made into a film in 1975. In 1973 Pete Townsend (see also best songs 891) wrote the bands second ‘Rock Opera,’ which was released as a double vinyl Album called ‘Quadrophenia,’ in 1973. Whereas ‘Tommy’ had been based on fantasy, this time the story was loosely based on the experiences of some of the Who’s real life fans from the 1960’s.

‘Quadrophenia’ is about two groups of rival gangs, ‘The Mods,’ and ‘The Rockers.’ The story follows a young Mod called Jimmy, and his realisation that being a Mod is not living up to the expectations he thought that the lifestyle would. The lyrics of ‘5.15’ describe Jimmy, who is high on drugs travelling by train to Brighton. Of the songs meaning Pete Townsend has said,’His train journey down to Brighton, sandwiched between two city gents is notable for the rather absurd number of purple hearts he consumes in order to wile away the time. He goes through a not entirely pleasant series of ups and downs as he thinks about the gaudier side of life as a teenager that we see in newspapers like the News of the World. ‘5:15′ was written in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street while I was killing time between appointments. I must try it again sometime, it seems to work!’

In 1979 ‘Quadrophenia’ was made into a film loosely based on the Who’s 1973 Album, but unlike ‘Tommy,’ ‘Quadrophenia’ is not a musical, and the Who (see also best songs 926 and 306) didn’t appear live in the film. The film starred the English actor Phil Daniels (see also best songs 256) as ‘Jimmy,’ and ‘Sting’ (see also best songs 1020 and 727) as ‘Ace Face.’ Although the Who do not perform live in the film, the writers teased us with a clip of the band performing ‘Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere,’ on the television programme ‘Ready Steady Go.’ Pictures of the Who, and a ‘Maximum R&B’ poster can be seen in Jimmy’s bedroom, while in the party gatecrashing scene the song playing in the background is ‘My Generation.’ The film is set in 1964, but a repackaged Who Album that was not available at that time is clearly seen.

‘Girls of fifteen sexually knowing. The ushers are sniffing, Eau-de-coloning. The seats are seductive, celibate sitting, pretty girls digging, prettier women.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

266-Ink Spots-If I Didn’t Care.

1939-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit- At 2.15. Introducing the ‘Top & Bottom.’ In 1938 band member Bill Kenny introduced the group to a new format that he called ‘Top & Bottom. The format called for the tenor, which was either Kenny or fellow band member Orville Jones to sing the lead for one chorus, this was followed by a chorus performed by the bass singer Hoopy Jones, reciting the lyrics rather than singing them. After a chorus of what became known as ‘Talking Bass,’ the lead tenor sang the rest of the song until the end.

The Ink Spots (see also best songs 702) were formed in New York City, New York, United States in 1934 by the quartet of Jerry Daniels, (1915-1995) Deek Watson, (1909-1969) Charlie Fuqua, (1910-1971) and Hoppy Jones, (1905-1994) in 1936 Jerry Daniels was replaced by Bill Kenny, (1914-1978) and they remained active until 1954.

Bill Kenny was born William Francis Kenny Jr. on June 12th, 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. In 1969 he was severely burnt when the petrol tank of his sports car exploded in an underground car park, he suffered third degree burns to his face and hands, and also inhaled fumes, he died from a respiratory illness on March 23rd, 1978, at the age of 63. Bill Kenny is remembered as the ‘Godfather’ of R&B tenor vocalists, and is considered to be one of the most influential singers of all time. Elvis Presley (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) who recorded Kenny’s composition ‘There Is No God But God,’ said that he could ‘Honestly never hope to equal the musical achievements of Bill Kenny.’ The Ink Spots, and particularly Kenny were the forerunners, and the inspiration for the next generation of vocal groups, such as ‘The Ravens,’ the ‘Orioles,’ and the ‘Clovers, leading to the R&B era in the 1950’s.

‘If I Didn’t Care’ was written by Jack Laurence (1912-2009) (see also best songs 274) and first recorded by the Ink Spots in 1939. Although the song only peaked at Number 2 on the Billboard chart in America it is the eighth best selling song for physical copies of all time, with sales in excess of 19 million copies. It is also one of only 14 songs to have sold more than 15 million physical copies, and is the oldest song in that listing. ‘If I Didn’t Care’ has been recorded by many artists down the years with the hit versions on Billboard being by the ‘Hilltoppers,’ (1954 Number 17) Connie Francis, (1959 Number 22) the ‘Platters,’ (1961 Number 30) and ‘The Moments,’ (1970 Number 44) while in the UK the song was a Number 9 hit for David Cassidy in 1974.

‘Honey child, if I didn’t care more than words had ever said, and if I didn’t care, would I, would I feel this way? Honey, if this isn’t love, then tell me, why do I thrill so much?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

267-Kanye West, Jay-Z and Big Sean-Clique.

2012-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 3.02. The songs title is very apt, because it’s parent Album ‘Cruel Summer’ is a showcase Album for the artists signed to Kanye West’s record label ‘Good Music.’

In 2004 Kanye West (see also best songs 1049-636 and 477) founded the American record label ‘G.O.O.D.,’ which stands for ‘Getting Out Our Dreams,’ among his first signings were the singer John Legend, and the Rapper Common. Starting in 2010 as a promotional tool West would release several tracks featuring himself, and other members of the ‘Good Music’ roster, in a free weekly giveaway known as ‘G.O.O.D. Friday’s.’ To date the label can boast two Number 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles from John Legend with ‘All of Me’ in 2013, and also from the Rap artist Desiigner, with his 2015 song ‘Panda.’ The label has also achieved eight Number 1 Albums on Billboards 200 Album chart, three of which are Kanye West Solo Albums.

In 2012 West released the Album ‘Kanye West Presents: Good Music – Cruel Summer,’ which was a compilation Album of only artists and producers contracted to the ‘Good Music’ record label. There were four singles released, of which ‘Mercy’ (see also best songs 849) was the first, and ‘Clique’ was the fourth. Several high profile Rappers were sent the songs ‘beat’ to freestyle over, and in the final mix only three were used. The first verse is provided by Big Sean, the second by Jay-Z, (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) and the final verse by Kanye West himself. Big Sean who had signed to ‘Good Music’ in 2010 was surprised to learn that his ‘Rap’ had been chosen as he hadn’t heard anything for a while, he explained,’Then I get a call a little bit later after that, and somebody told me that Hov is on the record and I was like, ‘damn. They were like Hov and ‘Ye hopped on it, so I’m thinking, ‘Ah, they’re probably gonna take my verse off even though I laced it’ — you know, the Throne, (see also best songs 477) Kanye and Jay … but then I get the call like, ‘Nah, it’s you Kanye and Jay-Z.'”

Kanye West was born Kanye Omari West on June 8th, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on October 18th, 2021, he officially was granted his request to change his name to ‘Ye,’ a nickname he had used for several years prior. He has said,'”I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible. In the Bible it means you. So, I’m you. I’m us. It’s us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye.” West is considered to be one of the most talented and influential artists of the 21st Century, and has never been frightened to push the barriers of Hip-Hop music, in 2019 he released his ninth studio Album called ‘Jesus is King,’ which explored Christian and Gospel music. West is one of the best selling artists of all time with record sales in excess of 160 million. He has released 11 studio Albums to date between 2004-2022, and a further three collaborative Albums, he has also issued 53 singles as lead artist, and 84 as a featured artist, he has also appeared on a further 69 charting songs. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 he has had four Number 1 songs, two as the lead artist, and two as the featured artist, while in the UK he has topped the charts on three occasions.

‘Went through deep depression when my momma passed, suicide, what kinda talk is that? But I been talking to God for so long, and if you look at my life I guess he’s talking back.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

268-Billy Fury-In Summer

1963-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.38. If I had my way I would invent a new genre of music which I would call ‘Summer Music.’ There are many great songs in this countdown that make you dream of the sun beaming down on you on a lovely summers day (see also best songs 25-74-176-231-344-433-643-811-911-930 and 1000.)

The famous tale is that in 1958 Billy Fury went to the Essoldo Theatre in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, hoping to meet the singer Marty Wilde in order to try to get him interested in some of the songs he had written. Instead in an episode that has now become Pop legend, Wilde’s manager Larry Parnes (1929-1989) pushed the young Ronald Wycherley up onto the stage and made him perform right away. He was such a success that Parnes signed him up immediately, and chose the stage name Billy Fury for him. It has been suggested that Fury’s rapid rise to fame was due in some part to his Elvis Presley influenced hip swivelling, and at times highly suggestive stage act. His performances were considered too sexual and provocative, leading to censure, and forcing him to tone down his act.

Billy Fury was one of the first British Rock N’ Roll acts, competing with contemporaries such as Cliff Richard (see also best songs 709) and Marty Wilde. His 1960 Album ‘The Sound of Fury’ on which he wrote all 10 tracks has been described as ‘The best Rock N’ Roll Album to come out of England’s beat boom of the late 1950’s.’ Billy Fury released six studio Albums between 1960-1983, he also released two Live Albums, with the 1963 ‘We Want Billy!’ being one of the first live Albums in UK Rock history. He also released 49 singles, and 10 EPs, he achieved 26 top 40 hits in the UK, with ‘Jealousy’ from 1961 charting the highest when making Number 2.

‘In Summer’ was the 19th single release from Billy Fury in July 1963, and became his 17th hit single, and his seventh to make the UK top 5. The song was written by Valerie Murtagh, along with her sister in law Elaine Murtagh, and Elaine’s husband Ray Adams. The three of them had previously tasted chart success in 1959 as ‘The Avons’ with their cover of ‘Seven Little Girls (Sitting in the Back Seat’) which had reached Number 3 in the UK. The Avons are not to be confused with the 1950’s American Doo-Wop’ group of the same name, or the girl group The Avons from Nashville, Tennessee whose 1960’s output is sought out by the ‘Northern Soul’ fraternity. The trio also co-wrote ‘Dance On’ which was a UK Number 1 for The Shadows in 1963, and Number 11 for Kathy Kirby when recorded as a vocal version in the same year. Valerie Murtagh was also one of the co-writers of ‘Long Live Love’ which was the British entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, which tied for fourth place in the competition before going on to make Number 11 in the UK chart for Olivia Newton-John.

‘Walking with the boys, talking with girls, laughing with the boys and kissing all the girls in summer.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

269-Prince-Controversy.

1981-It did not chart in the UK until reissued in 1993, when reaching Number 5.

Best Bit-At 5.29. Personally I am relieved that we are all not nude, because I believe that the majority of people look better with their clothes on.

Prince Rogers Nelson was born on June 7th, 1958, in Chanhassen, Minnesota, United States, he died on April 21st, 2016, at the age of 57, from an accidental overdose of the drug Fentanyl, which he took for pain relief, the Medical Examiners Office stated that there were no signs of suicide. Prince had been suffering increasingly excruciating pain from a hip problem for many years, and it had been rumoured that he had refused an operation which would have required a blood transfusion because of his beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. One of the uses of the drug Fentanyl is that it can be used as an aid for severe pain to aid relief.

With sales in excess of 150 million records Prince (see also best songs 884-487-85 and 54) is one of the best selling artists of all time. He released 42 studio Albums between 1978-2015, five live Albums, and nine compilations. He also released two Albums using the name ‘Madhouse,’ three Albums using the name ‘New Power Generation,’ and one Album as the ‘NPG Orchestra,’ At the time of writing there have been a further three posthumous Albums issued, with more in the offing. Prince released 102 official singles between 1978-2015, with another four to date having been released posthumously. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, 31 of his singles made the top 40, with five of his songs reaching the Number 1 spot, while in the UK he has had 44 singles reach the top 40, with ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ from 1994 being his only chart topper.

‘Controversy’ was the title track from the fourth studio Album released by Prince from 1981, all eight tracks on the Album were written and produced by Prince, with the exception of track 3 ‘Do Me Baby’ which was a co-write with long term collaborator Andre Cymone. Prince was also responsible for playing every instrument on at least five of the songs. On the single ‘Controversy’ it is rumoured that Morris Day may have played the drums, but he is uncredited on the Albums sleeves notes. The female vocals on the song are those of Lisa Coleman who was a member of Prince’s backing band ‘The Revolution’ from 1979-1986, and is credited on nine Prince studio Albums.

At the time of writing ‘Controversy,’ Prince was just beginning to come to terms with his new found fame and fortune, and the song addresses the media, and the public speculation about him at that time, The song addresses his sexuality, gender, religion, and racial background, and how he could not understand the curiosity surrounding him. Towards the middle of the song Prince recites the ‘Lords Prayer’ in full, which angered some, who said it was blasphemous, I would imagine that will have added even more-Controversy.

‘People call me rude, I wish we all were nude. I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules.’