THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

200-Simon & Garfunkel-The Boxer.

1968-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.53. On June 3rd, 2016, at a concert in Berkeley, California, Paul Simon stopped singing partway through ‘The Boxer’ to announce in one sentence the breaking news.’I’m sorry to tell you this in this way, but Muhammad Ali passed away.’ Paul Simon then finished the song with the last verse.
‘The Boxer’ was the first of four singles from Simon & Garfunkel’s fifth and final studio Album ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ from 1970. ‘The Boxer’ was written by Paul Simon, and he also produced the track along with Art Garfunkel, and Roy Halee, who had worked with the duo on previous occasions.

The lyrics to ‘The Boxer’ are mainly autobiographical and were written during a time when Simon & Garfunkel (see also best songs 529-96 and 71) felt that their work was being unfairly criticised. The lyrics describe poverty and loneliness in New York City, while the final verse is an observation of a boxer who despite the effects of ‘Every glove that laid him down, or cut him till he cried out, ‘I am leaving.” The lyrics continue,’The fighter still remains.’ Paul Simon has explained the songs meaning,’I think the song was about me, everybody’s beating me up, and I’m telling you now I’m going to go away if you don’t stop, by that time we had encountered our first criticism. For the first few years, it was just pure praise, it took two or three years for people to realise that we weren’t strange creatures that emerged from England, but just two guys from Queens who used to sing Rock N’ roll., and maybe we weren’t real folkies at all! Maybe we weren’t even hippies’ Paul Simon has also said about his writing of the song,’I think I was reading the Bible around that time, that’s where I think phrases such as ‘workman’s wages,’ and ‘seeking out the poorer quarters’ came from, that was biblical.’ The songs chorus consists of repetitions of ‘lie-la-lie’, Simon has stated that this was originally intended only as a placeholder, but became part of the finished song.’I didn’t have any words! Then people said it was ‘lie,’ but I didn’t really mean that it was a lie. But, it’s not a failure of songwriting, because people like that, and they put enough meaning into it, and the rest of the song has enough power and emotion, I guess, to make it go, so it’s all right, but for me, every time I sing that part…, I’m a little embarrassed.’

‘The Boxer’ was originally written with an extra verse that doesn’t appear on the ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ Al;bum version. The extra verse can be found on the duo’s ‘Live 1969’ Album, and also on Paul Simon’s 1974 solo live Album ‘Live Rhymin.’ Here are the lyrics to that extra verse.

‘Now the years are rolling by me, they are rockin’ evenly. I am older than I once was, and younger than I’ll be. That’s not unusual, no, it isn’t strange. After changes upon changes, we are more or less the same, after changes we are more or less the same.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

201-Rambler Trio featuring Arthur Smith-Guitar Boogie.

1945-Has never charted. There was no UK chart until 1952.
Best Bit-At 1.22. ‘I guess you guys aren’t ready for that, but you kids are gonna love it.’

There are many songs (and some feature in this countdown) that hold claims to being the very first ever ‘Rock N’ Roll’ song, and this one has very strong claims.

Arthur Smith was born on April 1st, 1921, in Clinton, South Carolina, United States, he died on April 3rd, 2014, at the age of 93. Prior to serving in the U.S. Navy in World War 2, Smith along with his brothers Ralph and Sonny were becoming a popular Country Music group making regular live appearances on ‘WBT,’ a commercial radio station serving parts of North and South Carolina. Arthur Smith would go on to host his own Country Music syndicated television show, ‘The Arthur Miller Show,’which ran for 32 years from it’s inception in 1951.In 1957 Smith opened his own recording studio, which was used by many top artists including Pat Boone and Earl Scruggs. The most famous song recorded at his studio was ‘Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag’in 1965, by James Brown, which went on to reach Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. As a composer Smith wrote around 500 songs, with ‘Feudin’ Banjos’ being the best known, after being used in the 1972 film ‘Deliverance,’ and re-titled ‘Dueling Banjos.’ Smith was not credited in the film for his composition so he filed a lawsuit against Warner Brothers, winning a substantial settlement, it included him being awarded songwriting credit, and back royalties. This was considered a landmark copyright infringement suit.

In 1945 Arthur Smith created a ‘new sound’ by playing ‘boogie-woogie’ on a guitar instead of a piano, alternating between boogie rhythmic patterns and soloing. ‘Boogie Woogie’ is a style of music that developed in African-American communities in the 1870’s, but became very popular in the 1920’s. Boogie Woogie was always played on the piano but Smith’s use of a guitar as lead instrument led to a new genre of music that would become known as ‘Hillbilly Boogie.’

‘Guitar Boogie’ was credited by the record company to the ‘Rambler Trio featuring Arthur Smith. The Rambler trio also consisted of Don Reno, (1926-1984) on rhythm guitar, and Roy Lear who played bass.’Guitar Boogie’ was the first guitar instrumental to climb the Country Music chart, and then cross over on to the popular music chart, where it reached Number 8. In the 1950’s as ‘Rock N’ Roll’ was taking a tighter grip many versions by other artists were recorded. The most successful cover in America was by ‘Frank Virtue and the Virtues,’ who recorded the song with the title of ‘Guitar Boogie Shuffle,’ taking the song to Number 5 on Billboard in 1959. Also in 1959 in the UK the song had it’s greatest success when covered by Bert Weedon, (1920-2012) who took his version, also titled ‘Guitar Boogie Shuffle’ to Number 10, and becoming the first British guitarist to have a top 10 single.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

202-The 5th Dimension-Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.

1969-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 0.39. The editor of the ‘New Musical Express (NME) from 1978-1985, and astrologer Neil Spencer, has said that this songs lyrics are ‘astrological gibberish,’ noting that Jupiter forms an astrological aspect with Mars several times a year, and the moon is in the 7th House for two hours every day. I say the lyrics should be treated as poetic licence, and perhaps not be taken two seriously.

‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In’ is a medley of two songs originally featured in the 1967 groundbreaking Rock Musical ‘Hair,’ which was written by Gerome Ragni, (1935-1991) and James Rado, with the music written by Galt MacDermot (1928-2018.) ‘Hair explores the many themes of the hippie movement of the 1960’s, and the decisions young people had to make at that time, such as with the war in Vietnam.

The veteran American record producer, and engineer Dayton Burr ‘Bones’ Howe (see also best songs 811 and 660) had been to see the show ‘Hair,’ and had come away wanting to record ‘Aquarius’ with his current project, the five piece vocal group the ‘5th Dimension.’ The only problem was that ‘Aquarius’ on it’s own was two short to be released as a single, so he got the idea to create a medley with another musical moment from the show, a few bars from the song “The Flesh Failures,” that consist of the repeated words “let the sunshine in.” Howe brought in the American composer Bill Holman to write new music, and he also got the session musicians ‘The Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-197-192-180-127 and 71) to play on the track. The instrumental was recorded separately in Hollywood, and the vocals were later added by the 5th Dimension in Las Vegas in between time while they were touring. ‘Aquarius/Let the Sunshine’ went on to spend six weeks at Number 1 on Billboard in 1969, ending the year as the second best selling song that year in America behind ‘Sugar Sugar’ from ‘The Archies.’

The 5th Dimension were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1965, they remain active with only founding member Florence LaRue being the groups one constant. The bands classic line up consisted of Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., (see also best songs 572) Florence LaRue, LaMonte McLemore, and Ronald Townson (1933-2001.) After the departures of McCoo and Davis Jr. in 1975, there have been 25 further members come and go. The 5th Dimension have issued 13 studio Albums between 1967-1995, and 44 singles, of which 20 have reached the Billboard top 40, with two making the Number 1 spot. In the UK they have reached the top 40 twice, with ‘Wedding Bell Blues,’ which was their other American Number 1 single, reaching Number 16, also in 1969.

‘When the moon is in the Seventh House, and Jupiter aligns with Mars, then peace will guide the planets, and love will steer the stars. This is the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

203-Cat Stevens-Morning Has Broken.

1972-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.39. Here is a piece of silly trivia, Rick Wakeman played the piano on David Bowie’s ‘Life On Mars,’ and he also played the piano on this song about life on earth.

In 1931 the editor of ‘Songs of Praise Discussed,’ who was the English Priest Percival Dearmer, (1867-1936) wanted a new hymn which gave thanks for each day. He approached the English poet and children’s author Eleanor Farjeon, (1881-1965) who wrote the lyrics to ‘Morning Has Broken,’ inspired by the village of Alfriston, in East Sussex, England. The lyrics were set to the traditional Scottish Gaelic tune ‘Bunessan,’ which was first associated with the Christmas Carol ‘Child in the Manger,’ The lyrics to ‘Morning Has Broken’ first appeared in the second edition of the book ‘Songs of Praise,’ in 1931.

While searching for new material for his fifth studio Album ‘Teaser and the Firecat,’ Cat Stevens (see also best songs 384) came across ‘Songs of Praise’ in a bookshop, Stevens has said,’I accidentally fell upon the song when I was going through a slightly dry period, and I needed another song or two for ‘Teaser And The Firecat.’ I came across this hymn book, found this one song, and thought, this is good. I put the chords to it and then it started becoming associated with me.’
When Cat Stevens recorded ‘Morning Has Broken’ it only lasted 45 seconds, and his producer Paul Samwell-Smith (see also best songs 361) told Stevens that it was far too short to be a track on his Album. In order to fill the song out Stevens brought in Rick Wakeman, who he had recently heard recording a demo for a song that would later be called ‘Catherine Howard.’ At first Wakeman wasn’t keen, but he eventually adapted the composition to what we hear now, while ‘Catherine Howard’ can be found on Rick Wakeman’s second studio Album ‘The Six Wives of Henry V111’ from 1972.

Richard Christopher Wakeman was born on May 18th, 1949, in Perivale, London, England, he has been a member of the rock bands ‘The Strawbs,’ and then the rock band ‘Yes,’ with whom he has appeared on eight studio Albums. Wakeman has also as a solo artist, and with various others issued over 90 Albums, and sold over 50 million records. He has also contributed to many Albums as a session musician, notably playing the mellotron, and electric harpsichord on David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity,’ in 1969, and the piano on Bowie’s ‘Hunky Dory’ Album, (see also best songs 5) Wakeman also played the piano on the T. Rex song ‘Bang a Gong (Get It On’) (see also best songs 386.)

‘Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning. Born of the one light Eden saw play, praise with elation, praise ev’ry morning, God’s recreation of the new day.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

204-Lynyrd Skynyrd-Sweet Home Alabama.

1976-Number 21 single.

Best Bit-At 0.02.’And we were trying different things and we were smoking funny things, making love out by the lake to our favourite song.’

Lynyrd Skynyrd (see also best songs 12) were formed in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, in 1964. Tragedy struck on October 20th, 1977, when their chartered airplane crashed after running out of fuel, the pilot attempted an emergency landing before crashing in a heavily forested area five miles northeast of Gillsgurg, Mississippi. Band members Ronnie Van Zant, (1948-1977) and Steve Gaines, (1949-1977) along with backup singer Cassie Gaines, (1948-1977) who was Steve’s older sister, and assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, (1949-1977) pilot Walter McCreary, (1943-1977) and co-pilot William Gray (1945-1977) were killed on impact. Other band members Allen Collins, (1952-1990) Gary Rossington, Leon Wilkeson, (1952-2001) Billy Powell, (1952-2009) Artimus Pyle, and Leslie Hawkins, plus tour manager Ron Eckerman, (1951-2014) and several road crew members suffered serious injuries. In total their have been 27 different members of Lynyrd Skynyrd who remain active, with Gary Rossington being the bands only constant.

‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was the second and final single released from Lynyrd Skynyrd’s second studio Album ‘Second Helping’ from January 1974, the song was co-written by Ed King, Gary Rossington, and Ronnie Van Zant. ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ was written as an answer song to ‘Southern Man,’ and ‘Alabama,’ which were two songs that had been written and recorded by Neil Young (see also best songs 602 and 417.) ‘Southern Man’ is a scathing attack on the American South, taking it to task over it’s bloody history, and slavery, Ronnie Van Zant said,’We thought Neil was shooting all the ducks in order to kill one or two,’ In Neil Young’s 2012 autobiography he said,’My own song ‘Alabama’ richly deserved the shot Lynyrd Skynyrd gave me with their great record. I don’t like my words when I listen to it. They are accusatory and condescending, not fully thought out, and too easy to misconstrue.’ The other subjects raised in ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ are ‘Watergate,’ and the then Governor of Alabama, George Wallace, (1919-1998) who was a staunch supporter of racial segregation. Neil Young is name checked in the song, as are the ‘Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section,’ who are nicknamed ‘The Swampers,’ and produced, or engineered, or played on more than 500 studio recordings for artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.

‘Well I heard Mister Young sing about her, well I heard ole Neil put her down. Well, I hope Neil Young will remember, a Southern man don’t need him around anyhow.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

205-Stevie Wonder-Superstition.

1973-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 0-11. Over the years I have heard many bands at Wedding functions totally murder this song, but thankfully it hasn’t affected the way I still think about it.

‘Superstition’ was the first of two singles released from Stevie Wonder’s 15th studio Album ‘Talking Book’ from 1972, Wonder chose the Albums title because he considered each song to be akin to a chapter in a book, that is part of a whole story. The front cover of the Albums sleeve shows a rare picture of Stevie without his trademark sunglasses on. ‘Superstition’ gave Stevie Wonder his second Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single in America, his first since ‘Fingertips Pt 2’ in 1963. The Albums follow up single ‘You Are the Sunshine of My Life,’ would also go on to hit the Number 1 spot.

Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-366-152 and 65) is not only capable of writing and producing his own songs, he can also play any musical instrument he requires. On his Albums from the 1970’s onwards Motown records gave him the freedom to write and release music at his own discretion, on ‘Superstition’ Wonder played all the instruments, with the exception of the saxophone, played by Trevor Laurence, and the trumpet played by Steve Madaio. If an artist who Stevie Wonder admired was available he would invite them to the recording studio, and in 1972 the English guitarist Jeff Beck (see also best songs 361) who was an admirer of Wonder met with him at the start of the recording sessions for ‘Talking Book.’ It was Jeff Beck who came up with the iconic opening drumbeat for ‘Superstition,’ which Wonder then improvised on. Jeff Beck planned to release ‘Superstition’ himself as a single with his new band ‘Beck, Bogert & Appice,’ but Motown supremo Berry Gordy heard the song, and he convinced Stevie to rush release his version immediately, as he felt it had Number 1 potential.

In ‘Superstition’ Stevie Wonder tells us not to waste our time and energy worrying about things that there is no proof exist. For example some people refuse to walk under ladders, as they think that if they do then something bad will happen to them. Some people think that breaking glass will cause seven years of bad luck, and some think the number 13 is also unlucky. Whether or not Stevie Wonder also includes religion in these statements is unclear.

‘Very superstitious, writings on the wall, very superstitious, ladders bout’ to fall. Thirteen month old baby, broke the lookin’ glass, seven years of bad luck, the good things in your past. When you believe in things that you don’t understand, then you suffer superstition ain’t the way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

206-Rod Stewart-You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim.)

1977-Number 3 single,

Best Bit-At 1.35. I have tried to locate which league Celtic United play in, but to no avail.

‘You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim’) was the first single of four released from from Rod Stewart’s eighth solo studio Album ‘Foot Loose & Fancy Free’ from November 1977. It is the third Album after ‘Atlantic Crossing,’ (1975) and ‘A Night On the Town,’ (1976) to be critically recognised as Rod Stewart’s career highlights. ‘You’re In my Heart (The Final Acclaim’) was written by Rod Stewart, and produced by Tom Dowd. (1925-2002) While at ‘Atlantic Records’ in the 1960’s, Tom Dowd popularised the eight-track recording system for commercial music, and popularised the use of stereophonic sound. He also pioneered the use of linear channel faders as opposed to rotary controls on audio mixers. He devised various methods for altering sound after the initial recording, which would have a major influence on recording in the late 20th Century. Dowd who was the producer of all three of the above mentioned critically acclaimed Rod Stewart Albums also worked with many of the worlds top artists as a producer or engineer (see also best songs 475.)

‘You’re in My Heart (The Final Acclaim’) was written by Rod Stewart, (see also best songs 965-565-179-70 and 34) as were other songs on the Album ‘Foot Loose & Fancy Free,’ about his relationship with the actress and singer Brit Ekland which had started in March 1975, and ended in October 1977. On hearing this song and others on the Album Ekland filed a $12.5 million lawsuit against Stewart, in which her lawyers pointed out how she inspired some of Stewart’s most successful music. Stewart denied this, and eventually won the court case, but in a later interview for the BBC, Rod agreed with the interviewer after being told that he wrote a lovely song about Britt, and his response was “Yes I did,” but then he quickly adds, ‘Moving on…’

The songs lyrics give mention to ‘Beardsley Prints,’ which is a reference to the English illustrator and author Aubrey Vincent Beardsley. (1872-1898) Rod Stewart considers anyone who owns a Beardsley drawing to be a person of great taste. He has stated that Ekland taught him a great deal about art and visual presentation. The line ‘You’re Celtic United, but baby I’ve decided you’re the best team I’ve ever seen,’ is Stewart comparing his love for football to his love for Ekland. Stewart is a big Glasgow Celtic fan, and I guess he had ‘united’ Celtic and Ekland together.

‘You’re an essay in glamour, please pardon the grammar but you’re every schoolboy’s dream. You’re Celtic, United, but baby I’ve decided you’re the best team I’ve ever seen.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

207-Faithless-God Is a DJ.

1998-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 6.24. One of the groups founding members is Maxi Jazz who is a devout Buddist, which is a bit ironic considering the bands name.

Faithless (see also best songs 890) were formed in London, England, in 1995 by Maxwell Frazer, who goes by the stage name of Maxi Jazz, Ayalah Bentovim, who is better known by her stage name Sister Bliss, and Rowland Armstrong, who is know as Rollo. The other two official members who both joined soon after, and also in 1995, are Jamie Catto, who stayed a member until 1999, and Aubrey Nunn, who remained with the group until 2006. They took their name ‘Faithless’ from what could be taken as the song meaning of their debut single ‘Salva Mea,’ first released in 1995. Faithless remained active until 2011. Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, and Rollo, joined forces to perform together again in 2015, but since then only Sister Bliss and Rollo are the current band members.

Away from Faithless, Maxi Jazz has released music with others bands including ‘Soul Food Cafe,’ and ‘1 Giant Leap,’ and he is currently an associate director with Crystal Palace Football Club. Rolo has written, produced, and remixed for many artists since 1992, including co-writing ‘Don’t You Want Me,’ the UK Number 6 hit for Felix in 1992, he also has a close working relationship with his sister Dido (see also best songs 936.) Sister Bliss also works closely as a production team with Rollo, and she has released two solo Albums in 2001, and 2008, and seven singles, of which four have reached the UK top 40.

Faithless are critically acclaimed for pushing the barriers in Electronic Music, including the genres of Trip Hop, House Music, and Trance. They have released seven studio Albums to date between 1996-2020, as well as three compilation Albums, and six Remix Albums. They have also issued 30 singles between 1995-2021, of which 17 have made the UK top 40, with ‘Insomnia,’ from 1995, and ‘We Come 1,’ from 2001, both reaching Number 3. Although they have never had a hit single on the Billboard Hot 100 in America, four of their tracks have made Number 1 on the United States Dance Chart.

‘God Is a DJ’ was the first single released from Faithless’ second studio Album ‘Sunday 8PM’ from 1998, and was co-written by Rollo, Maxi Jazz, Sister Bliss, and Jamie Catto, it was produced by Rollo and Sister Bliss. ‘God Is a DJ’ is about people with a shared interest coming together and celebrating. It makes the comparison between faith, and the similar effect music can have on your well being.

‘This is my church, this is where I heal my hurts. It’s in natural grace, or watching young life shape, it’s in minor keys, solutions and remedies. Enemies becoming friends, when bitterness ends, this is my church.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

208-Queen-We Are the Champions.

1977-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.29. This song is also note worthy for being able to boast having the ‘best ‘B’ side in the world ever.
In 1977 Punk Rock was beginning to peak, and most notably the Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) were very outspoken against ‘Progressive Rock’ acts such as Queen, to which the band responded by changing their style to a more simplistic ‘Hard Rock’ style, although Freddie Mercury has claimed that the old Queen sound had run it’s course, and they were going to make that change anyway.

‘We Are the Champions’ was released as the first single from Queen’s sixth studio Album ‘News of the World’ in October 1977, with the equally anthemic ‘We Will Rock You’ (see also best songs 126) as the ‘B’ side. The opening two tracks on ‘News of the World’ are ‘We Will Rock You,’ (track 1) then ‘We Are the Champions,’ (track 2) and were segued together, with many radio stations playing both songs consecutively as one track. The two songs were also often played by Queen live in concert as the final two songs of their set.

‘We Are the Champions’ was written by Freddy Mercury,(1946-1991) with unaccredited guitar parts written by Brian May, with the other band members of Queen being (see also best songs 918-615-126-47 and 3) Roger Taylor on drums, and John Deacon playing bass. This track and it’s parent Album ‘News of the World,’ was co-produced by Queen, and Mike ‘Clay’ Stone, (1951-2002) who had also worked with the band on all of their five previous studio Albums.

Queen began recording ‘News of the World in July 1977, at which point Freddy Mercury said,’I feel the Queen style of well-produced, or production sort of albums is over. We’ve done to death multi-tracked harmonies and, for our own sakes, and for the public’s, we want to go on to a different sort of project, and the next album will be that.’ Freddie Mercury had written the majority of ‘We Are the Champions’ as far back as 1975 after Queen had seen the audiences response following a concert at Bingley Hall, Stafford, England, where they had ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (see also best songs 60) sang to them by the crowd. Freddy Mercury has said,’I was thinking about football when I wrote it. I wanted a participation song, something the fans could latch on to. Of course I’ve given it more theatrical subtlety than a ordinary football chant. You know me, I suppose it could also be constructed as my version of I did it ‘My Way.” (see also best songs 120.) Freddy Mercury wrote the song as personal celebration for anyone who sings it, but mainly as a way of telling the world that despite all the obstacles Queen had faced as a band, and were still to face, they had come this far successfully.

I would imagine that not even Freddie Mercury could have envisaged the impact that ‘We Are the Champions’ has had, particularly on sporting occasions, where it is often played all over the world for fans to sing along to in celebration, after an individual or team have just won a match or a trophy.

‘But it’s been no bed of roses, no pleasure cruise. I consider it a challenge before the whole human race, and I ain’t gonna lose.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

209-David Bowie-Young Americans

1975-Number 18 single.

Best Bit-At 4.15. Bowie reminds us of the price President Nixon paid for his misdemeanours. When performing the song live in future years Bowie would change the name to the then current American President, such as Reagan or Bush.

By 1975 David Bowie (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-186-118-47-31 and 5) was ready to explore new ventures, and it was Soul music that had captured his imagination, and had become his new passion. Although he was well known in America, he had still not made a significant commercial breakthrough, as his Glam/Rock recordings hadn’t captured the American music buying public’s attention enough for him to achieve a top 10 single in the States, his one chart hit up until then was the re-release of ‘Space Oddity,’ which had made Number 15 in 1973. Bowie would record the ‘Young Americans’ Album at the ‘Sigma Sound Studios’ in Philadelphia, which was owned by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, (see also best songs 1001-896-725-648-604-571-338 and 322) who were the founders of ‘Philadelphia International Records,’ and he had wanted to use that labels in house band ‘M.F.S.B.’ for his backing, but they were unavailable, so he recruited a team of mainly new musicians he hadn’t worked with before including Carlos Alomar, (guitarist) who would become a long term collaborator in to the 2000’s. Another addition was a then unknown Luther Vandross, (1951-2005) (see also best songs 974) who sang backing vocals, and is credited with the Albums vocal arrangements. When released as a single ‘Young Americans’ gave Bowie his second Billboard top 40 hit in America when reaching Number 28, while the follow up single ‘Fame,’ the other single release from the Album, co-written with John Lennon, went all the way to Number 1.

‘Young Americans’ begins by introducing a typical American teenage couple growing up in America, who are striving to achieve ‘The American Dream,’ but eventually finding out it is impossible, as they come to terms with real life, and realising that there will be no Hollywood style fairytale ending. The song is Bowie pointing out how tough life is for some, and and how tough some have to be, growing up in America. The song is also a social commentary of American events from around that era, including the politics of the day, and the ‘Civil Rights Movement.’

‘They pulled in just behind the bridge, he lays her down, he frowns, “Gee my life’s a funny thing, am I still too young?’ He kissed her then, and there she took his ring, took his babies. It took him minutes, took her nowhere, heaven knows, she’d have taken anything.’