THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

70-Faces-Stay with Me.

1972-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 3.20, and again at 3.42, and again at 3.53, and again at 4.03, and again at 4.14.

The Faces (see also best songs 565) were formed in London, England, in 1969 by Ian McLagan, (1945-2014) Ronnie Lane, (1946-1997) and Kenney Jones, who had all been members of the Small Faces, (see also best songs 1048 and 872) along with Rod Stewart, (see also best songs 965-565-206-179 and 34) and Ronnie Wood, (see also best songs 160) who had both been members of the Jeff Beck Group. They remained active through until 1975, before reforming between 2009-2011, and then again in 2021. In total there have been nine official members come and go, with Jones, Stewart, and Wood being the three current ones. The Faces have released four studio Albums between 1970-1973, and one live Album ‘Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners,’ in 1974. They also released 11 singles between 1969-1974, of which four made the UK top 40, with ‘Cindy Incidentally’ charting highest at Number 2 in 1973, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 they have charted twice, with this song being the most successful when reaching Number 17.

‘Stay With Me’ was co-written by Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood, and produced by Glyn Johns, and the Faces, and was taken from the groups third studio Album ‘A Nod Is As Good As a Wink…to a Blind Horse,’ from 1971. If you think that is a fairly long song title then try another of the groups records, ‘You Can Make Me Dance, Sing or Anything (Even Take the Dog for a Walk, Mend a Fuse, Fold Away the Ironing Board, or Any Other Domestic Shortcomings)” / “As Long as You Tell Him,’ which is the longest ever song title of a single to make the UK top 40 (1974 Number 12.)

Glyn Johns was born on February 15th 1942, in Epsom, Surrey, England, over the course of his career he has worked as a producer, engineer, and musician, and he is credited by music critics, and fans of the ‘Faces’ for ‘A Nod Is As Good As a Wink…to a Blind Horse’ being a more focused and concise offering that the two previous ‘Faces’ Albums. Glyn Johns has worked with many of the worlds to artists including the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and the Eagles. He would also go on to produce the Faces fourth and final studio Album ‘Ooh La La,’ and also work on separate projects with Ronnie Wood, and Ronnie Lane.

‘Stay With Me’ tells of a one night stand, where Rod Stewart informs us about picking up a ‘groupie’ by the name of Rita while on tour. He makes it very clear that she must be gone in the morning before he awakes, but he does offer to pay her cab fare home. He notes her ‘red lips, hair, and fingernails,’ and he repeats the rumour that she is a ‘mean old Jezebel,’ and he also tells us that she has a face that has ‘nothing to laugh about.’ Rod Stewart had recently just had a Number 1 song on both sides of the Atlantic with ‘Maggie May,’ (see also best songs 34) which was partly based on a true story where he had been the subject of a sexual conquest by an older woman. Perhaps a very experienced psychologist could write a detailed thesis on this to help us (and Rod) to understand what it all really means.

‘So in the mornin’ please don’t say you love me, ’cause you know I’ll only kick you out the door. Yeah, I’ll pay your cab fare home, you can even use my best cologne, just don’t be here in the mornin’ when I wake up, come on, honey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

71-Simon & Garfunkel-Bridge over Troubled Water.

1970-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.20. The third and final verse which starts with the line ‘Sail on silver bird,’ was inspired by Paul Simon’s future wife Peggy Harper on finding out she had a few grey hairs beginning to appear, which was upsetting her. Simon used to tease her by calling her ‘Silver girl.’ For many years ‘conspiracy theorists’ thought the line referred to a drug abuser’s hypodermic needle, meaning the song is about Heroin.

Paul Frederic Simon was born on October 13th 1941, in Newark, New Jersey, New York, United States, and Arthur Ira Garfunkel was born on November 5th, 1941, in New York City, New York, United States. The discography of Simon & Garfunkel includes five studio Albums released between 1964-1970, and 26 singles issued between 1957-1992, of which 16 made the Billboard Hot 100 singles top 40 in America, with two of those reaching Number 1. While in the UK they have charted in the top 40 on eight occasions, with this song being their only chart topper.

‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ was written by Paul Simon, with the first two verses sung by Art Garfunkel, with Simon joining in on the third, it was produced Roy Halee who was a long time collaborator with the duo. The song is also the title track to Simon & Garfunkel’s (see also best songs 529-200 and 96) fifth and final studio Album released in 1970, and was the second of four singles taken from it.

Paul Simon composed ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ in early 1969, he has said that the song came to him very quickly, so much so that he asked himself,’Where did that come from? It doesn’t seem like me.’ The songs title was inspired by an ad-lib line from the American Gospel singer Claude Jeter, (1914-2009) whom Simon had heard singing on the 1959 ‘Spiritual’ song ‘Mama Don’t You Weep,’ with his group the ‘Swan Silvertones.’ Jeter sang the line ‘I’ll be your bridge over deep water if you trust in my name,’ (at 2.10 seconds into the song.) Paul Simon recognised the inspiration by giving Jeter a cheque for $1,000 as royalties. Jeter would also go on to work with Simon, providing the falsetto background vocal on Simon’s 1973 song ‘Take Me to the Mardi Gras.’

The songs vocals and music production was modelled on Phil Spector’s arrangement of The Righteous Brothers (see also best songs 782 and 91) rendition of ‘Old Man River,’ where Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-737-262-192-127-91 and 20) had kept it mainly piano through most of the song, but had it end with a flourish of instruments. This songs musicians did in fact include members of the ‘Wrecking Crew,’ such as Hal Blaine, (1929-2019) and Larry Knechtel, (1940-2009) who had also performed on Phil Spector’s ‘Wall of Sound’ productions previously. Initially Paul Simon told Art Garfunkel that he should sing the song alone, which in later years he came to regret, as he saw the song as his baby, and he has admitted to being jealous when seeing Garfunkel receive standing ovations in concerts. Simon of course does duet with Garfunkel on the songs third and final verse, which was added after Simon’s decision to let Garfunkel perform the vocals alone.

‘Bridge over Troubled Water has been covered on numerous occasions. In 1970 Elvis Presley recorded the song for his Album ‘That’s the Way It Is,’ Simon has said that he was honoured that Presley sang one of his songs. Perhaps Aretha Franklin’s Gospel inspired version is the one truest to how Simon originally envisaged it sounding, Franklin’s version peaked at Number 6 on Billboard in 1971. I would also recommend the 10 minute ‘Disco’ version by Linda Clifford, which reached Number 28 in the UK in 1979. ‘Bridge over Troubled Water’ became a UK Number 1 for a second time in 2017. In order to raise money for the families of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire, a charity record was released which featured many of the current crop of Pop stars at that time.

‘Sail on silver girl, sail on by, your time has come to shine. All your dreams are on their way, see how they shine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

72-Morrissey-First of the Gang to Die.

2004-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.26. I am a great believer in the theory that nearly all of the best songs are written by people under the age of 30. That is to say that an artist has produced their best material by that age, but of course there is always an exception to every rule, and here it is.

Steven Patrick Morrissey (see also best songs 940) was born on May 22nd, 1959, in Davyhulme, Greater Manchester, England, he claims that his parents named him after the American actor Steve Cochran, (1917-1965) although his fathers brother who had died in infancy had been called Patrick Steven Morrissey. Morrissey has said that he never liked being called Steven, and preferred just being called Morrissey. His first venture into being a lead singer occurred when meeting Billy Duffy (see also best songs 854) in 1977, and joining his Punk band the ‘Nosebleeds,’ he then followed Duffy into another Punk band called ‘Slaughter & the Dogs,’ where his reputation around the Manchester area continued to grow in the late 1970’s. Morrissey had first met Johnny Marr in 1978, but it wasn’t until 1982 when Marr reintroduced himself to Morrissey that the Smiths (see also best songs 673-222-167 and 42) were formed.

After the Smiths split in 1987 Morrissey embarked on a solo career that has to date included the release of 13 studio Albums between 1988-2020, and 59 singles that have been issued within the same time span. In the UK, 33 of his singles have reached the top 40, with his 2004 hit ‘Irish Blood, English Heart,’ charting the highest at Number 3. In America none of Morrissey’s singles have ever broken into the Billboard Hot 100, but seven of his Albums have made the top 40 Billboard 200 Album chart, for the discography of the Smiths see best songs 42.

‘First of the Gang to Die’ was the second single released from Morrissey’s seventh solo studio Album ‘You Are the Quarry,’ from 2004, and was his first new release in seven years. The song was written by Morrissey, (lyrics) who was 45 years old at the time, and Alain Whyte, (music) who was 37, with the production being by Jerry Finn (1969-2008.) Alain Whyte is a long term collaborator with Morrissey and he first began working with him in 1991. Whyte has co-written at least 80 songs with Morrissey, which have appeared on seven of his solo Albums issued between 1992-2009, Whyte has also been credited with co-writing many of the songs that have appeared as ‘B’ sides. After 2009 Whyte went on to write for other artists including Madonna, Chris Brown, and The Black Eyed Peas.

So what is ‘First of the Gang to Die’ actually about? In 1997 Morrissey relocated to Los Angeles, and the song is probably about the ‘Hispanic Gang’ culture in that city. Morrissey is telling the tale of thug life on ‘Hip-Hop’s’ home turf, in the land of the ‘Bloods,’ and ‘Crips,’ who are rival gangs. What makes the lyrics so compelling is that they are sung in a very ‘English’ manner, which his Hispanic fan base, for whom this song is seen as a tribute, must find very confusing….buts that’s Morrissey.

‘And he stole from the rich and the poor, and the not very rich, and the very poor, and he stole all hearts away. He stole all hearts away.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

73-Frank Sinatra with Count Basie & The Orchestra-I’ve Got You Under My Skin. (Live at the Sands Hotel And Casino.)

1966-It has never been released as a single in the UK.

Best Bit-2.11. Many genres of music have an exciting crescendo. For example in ‘Rock’ music it might be the guitar solo, while in ‘Pop’ music it could be that irresistible chorus, or in ‘Electronic Dance’ music it might be the drop, but in ‘Swing’ music, it doesn’t come any better than this.

Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) (see also best songs 877-567-469 and 120) recorded ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ on four significant occasions during his long and illustrious career. His first recording of the song was for his 10th studio Album ‘Songs for Swingin’ Lovers!,’ which is noteworthy for being the first LP to top the first ever UK Album chart on July 22nd, 1956. That Album was arranged by Nelson Riddle (1981-1985) (see also best songs 877 and 286) who has stated that a big influence in his formative years was hearing Serge Koussevitsky (1874-1951) and the Boston Symphony Orchestra playing Maurice Ravel’s (1875-1937) ‘Bolero’ (1928.) He said,’I’ve never forgotten it. It’s almost as if the orchestra leaped from the stage and smacked you in the face.’ The other recordings of ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ by Sinatra are a re-recorded version that appears on his 1963 Album ‘Sinatra’s Sinatra, and the version with U2 lead singer Bono, (see also best songs 766-320-190 and 84) which was recorded for his 1993 Album ‘Duets.’

‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ was originally written in 1936 by Cole Porter, (1891-1964) (see also best songs 944-655 and 295) and first performed by Virginia Bruce (1910-1982) in the musical film ‘Born to Dance’ in 1936. The song has been recorded by hundreds of artists down the years, with notable charting versions being from the Four Seasons (see also best songs 739-284 and 83) who reached Number 9 in America, and Number 12 in the UK in 1966, and Nenah Cherry (see also best songs 839) whose Hip-Hop version for the ‘Red Hot + Blue’ charity Album reached Number 25 in the UK in 1990.

The version of ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ that I have chosen is the Frank Sinatra’s live recording from his 1966 Album ‘Sinatra at the Sands,’ which was recorded live in the ‘Copa Room’ of the former Sands Hotel and Casino, in Las Vegas, between January and February 1966. Sinatra was accompanied by Count Basie (1904-1984) and his orchestra, who were conducted and arranged by Quincy Jones, (see also best songs 1022-889-812-703-511-357 and 191) it was the first commercially released live Album from Frank Sinatra, with the production credited to Sonny Burke (1914-1980.)

If someone gets ‘under your skin’ it generally means that you are irritated with that person. This song twists the meaning of the idiom, as here a lady has gotten under Sinatra’s skin, but in a way that makes him crazy about her. Although it was Quincy Jones, and Count Basie instructing the orchestra on this recording, the arrangement still remains faithful to the Nelson Riddle ‘Songs for Swingin’ Lovers’ rendition, and you can hear Sinatra’s excitement as he shouts ‘Run for cover,’ and ‘Run and Hide,’ and then ‘Hey,’ just as the orchestra reaches it’s crescendo.

‘Don’t you know, little fool you never can win. Use your mentality wake up to reality, but each time that I do just the thought of you makes me stop before I begin, ’cause I’ve got you under my skin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

74-Beach Boys-Do It Again.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.24. ‘Do It Again’ is about fondly reminiscing the past, and remembering things correctly as they were, which is ironic really, because Brian Wilson thinks the song was written at Mike Love’s house, and Love thinks it was written at Wilson’s house.

The Beach Boys (see also best songs 930 and 180) were formed in Hawthorne, California, United States, in 1961. The original lineup consisted of the brothers Brian, Dennis, (1944-1983) and Carl Wilson, (1946-1996) their cousin Mike Love, and their school friend Al Jardine. There have been three other band members come and go, they were David Marks, who joined in 1962, and stayed until 1963, but rejoined in 1997-1999, and then again between 2011-2012. Also Blondie Chaplin was a member between 1972-1973, and Ricky Fataar was a Beach Boy between 1972-1974. At the time of writing the bands official members are Brian Wilson, (see also best songs 811) Mike Love, Al Jardine, and Bruce Johnston, who joined the band in 1965. The Beach Boys discography includes 29 studio Albums released between 1962-2012, and 75 singles issued between 1961-2012. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 29 of their singles have reached the top 40, with four making Number 1. While in the UK they have reached the top 40 on 25 occasions, and made the Number 1 spot twice. The Beach Boys are one of the worlds best selling artists, with sales in excess of 100 million records.

‘Do It Again’ was co-written by Brian Wilson, and Mike Love, with all six members of the Beach Boys at that time credited as the tracks producers. The song was released as a stand alone single, having not been part of the bands 14th studio Album ‘Friends,’ which had only been released two weeks earlier.

By 1968 the Beach Boys had moved away from their earlier 1960’s ‘Surf Music’ based material, and their record sales were in decline. Mike Love was inspired to write the songs lyrics after spending a day at the beach in which he had gone surfing with an old friend named Bill Jackson. Love has said,’I went to the beach with my friends and we went to the surfing spot down at a place called San Onofre, down near the Marine Corps base down south, and it was such a beautiful day and the waves were great. And then of course one of the great things about the beach is it attracts good looking girls. I came back, and we sat down at Brian’s piano, and we banged that song out in maybe 15 minutes, something like that. I had the concept and the lyrics in mind, and he just got a good groove going on the piano.’

‘Do It Again’ was initially recorded with the title ‘Rendezvous,’ but later changed. The songs melody was a return to the more commercial sound of the Beach Boys earlier output, as in recent years their music had become far more experimental, but for all that the song still failed to live up to expectations in America where it stalled at Number 20. In the UK it gave the Beach Boys their second Number 1 single, topping the chart for one week, with Mike Love commenting that it ‘Was unbelievable, It showed how many fans we had there, and how attractive the whole California lifestyle is.’

‘Well I’ve been thinking ’bout all the places we’ve surfed and danced and all the faces we’ve missed, so let’s get back together and do it again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

75-House of Pain-Jump Around.

1992-Number 32 single. When it was re-issued in 1993 it reached Number 8.

Best Bit-At 1.05. Just one of the many things that captures the imagination in ‘Jump Around,’ is the high pitched squealing sound that appears at the beginning of almost every bar, 66 times in total (so I have read.) The origin of the sampled squeal has always been subject to debate. Some think it is sampled from the tenor saxophone on the Junior Walker (1931-1995) song ‘Shoot Your Shot,’ while it has also been suggested it is ‘Prince’ (1958-2016) (see also best songs 884-487-269-85 and 54) squealing on his 1991 song ‘Gett Off.’ House of Pain group members have categorically said that it is definitely not Prince, but as it has been pointed out that admitting to a Prince sample would have dire financial consequences.

‘House of Pain’ were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1991, by Erik Schrody, (Everlast) Daniel O’Connor, (Danny Boy) and Leor Dimant, (DJ Lethal) (see also best songs 583) they remained active until 1996, but have since worked together again between 2010-2011, and then again in 2017. The groups name is a reference to the 1896 science fiction novel ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ by H.G.Wells. The discography of the ‘House of Pain’ includes three studio Albums released between 1992-1996, and eight singles issued between 1992-1998. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart,’Jump Around’ remains their only charting top 40 song, which reached Number 3, while in the UK they have charted in the top 40 on five occasions.

‘Jump Around’ was the first of two singles released from the ‘House of Pain’s’ self titled debut studio Album, which is also sub-titled ‘Fine Malt Lyrics,’ the song was co-written by Laurence Muggerud, (DJ Muggs) (see also best songs 963) with the lyrics being provided by Everlast. DJ Muggs has stated that he originally produced the beat for his own group Cypress Hill, but ‘B-Real’ also of Cyprus Hill did not want to record it at that time. It was subsequently offered to the rapper Ice Cube, (see also best songs 681-664 and 128) who refused it, before finally being taken and used by House of Pain.

‘Jump Around’ can boast many samples. The track opens with a distinctive horn fanfare, this is sampled from the 1963 ‘Bob & Earl’ song ‘Harlem Shuffle’ (see also best songs 696.) Another sample, but less distinctive to my ears is the 1962 Billboard Number 10 hit ‘Popeye the Hitchhiker,’ from Chubby Checker, (see also best songs 749) but as I mentioned earlier the song is best known for it’s high pitched squealing sound. Everlast who wrote the songs lyrics has said that the ‘sample’ was actually taken from the American Hip-Hop artist ‘Divine Styler’s’ 1988 song ‘Ain’t Sayin’ Nothin,’ which in turn samples the Junior Walker track ‘Shoot Your Shot.’ Everlast has also said that he was surprised that the song crossed over so well to a ‘Pop’ audience considering the tracks aggressive lyrics, such as ‘I bust him in the eye, and then I’ll take the punk’s ho,’ but this can probably be explained to a point with comedy lines such as ‘I got more rhymes than there’s cops at a Dunkin’ Donuts shop,’ which makes it sound a lot less threatening.

‘Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin, I came to win, battle me, that’s a sin. I won’t ever slack up, punk, you better back up, try and play the role and yo, the whole crew’ll act up.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

76-Candi Staton-Young Hearts Run Free.

1976-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.53. The actual pronunciation of her surname is ‘STAY-TAN.’ How many of you DJ’s and presenters have been getting it wrong all these years?

Candi Staton was born Canzetta Maria Staton, on March 13th, 1940, in Hanceville, Alabama, United States, he unusual first name ‘Canzetta’ was given to her by her grandfather, and she acquired the nickname ‘Candi’ as a teenager when performing Gospel music. Staton’s first venture in to music was as being part of the ‘Jewel Gospel Trio,’ with her sister Maggie, and a third girl Naomi Harrison, who toured the traditional Gospel circuit in the 1950’s with acts such as the ‘Soul Stirrers,’ and Mahalia Jackson (1911-1972.)

Candi Staton launched her solo career in 1968, recording in the genre of R&B music, she would go on to record in other genres including ‘Disco,’ ‘Soul,’ and ‘House’ music. The discography of Candi Staton includes 28 studio Albums released between 1970-2014, and 30 singles issued between 1969-1999. On the Billboard R&B singles chart in America she has achieved 19 top 40 hits, with ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ reaching Number 1, while on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart she has only charted twice, with her 1970 cover of the Tammy Wynette song ‘Stand by Your Man,’ which reached Number 24, and ‘Young Hearts Run Free,’ which made Number 20. In the UK she has charted on seven occasions, which include the 1999 re-recording of this song, which made Number 29, and the 1997 remix of ‘You Got the Love’ which reached Number 3.

‘Young Hearts Run Free’ which is also the title of Candi Staton’s fifth studio Album from 1976, was written and produced by David Crawford, who was born on October 24th, 1943, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, he was murdered in Brooklyn, New York, in June 1988, at the age of 44. Aside from ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ he is probably best remembered for writing ‘What a Man,’ originally recorded by Linda Lyndell in 1968, and later reinterpreted by the Hip-Hop group ‘Salt-n-Pepa,’ together with the R&B girl group ‘En Vogue,’ for their 1993 Billboard Number 3, and UK Number 7 hit. David Crawford was also the co-producer of the American Rock band ‘The J. Geils Band’s’ self titled debut studio Album in 1970.

Candi Staton has explained how David Crawford got the idea to write ‘Young Hearts Run Free,’David Crawford was always asking me,’What’s happening in your life,’ and I was then with someone I shouldn’t have been with, and it was hard getting out of that…very abusive relationship. I noticed that he was taking notes, and he said,’You know I’m gonna write you a song that’s gonna last forever.’ The songs lyrics are based on Candi Staton’s real life experiences, particularly while married to her third husband between 1974-1977, the song is a warning to young girls to not stay in an abusive relationship.

From a personal point of view as a ‘party’ DJ who plays at weddings, birthdays and other celebrations, I have found that ‘Young Hearts Run Free’ is one of those few songs that have grown and grown in popularity over the years, and with it’s appeal to all age groups, it is always one of the first songs I reach for to fill the dance floor.

‘What’s the sense in sharing this one and only life? Endin’ up just another lost and lonely wife. You’ll count up the years, and they will be filled with tears. Love only breaks up to start over again, you’ll get the babies, but you won’t have your man, while he is busy loving every woman that he can.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

77-Rolling Stones-(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

1965-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-0.01. At the 51st ‘Super Bowl’ in 2006 the Rolling Stones performed during the halftime show. Just prior to the band performing ‘I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ Mick Jagger quipped,’Here’s one we could have done at Super Bowl I.’

The Rolling Stones (see also best songs 933-662-452 and 160) were formed in London, England, in 1962, with the first stable line up consisting of Mick Jagger, (vocals) Brian Jones, (1942-1969) (multi instrumentalist) Keith Richards, (guitar) Bill Wyman, (bass) and Charlie Watts (1941-2021) (drums.) In total there have been eight different members come and go, with founding member Ian Stewart (1938-1985) (keyboards) removed in 1963 as he didn’t fit the bands image, although he did remain the groups road manager, and pianist until his death. In 1969 Mick Taylor replaced Brian Jones who had recently died, as a guitarist, and he stayed as a band member until 1974, and was then replaced by Ronnie Wood, (guitars) (see also best songs 565-160 and 70) who along with Jagger and Richards are the three official members of the group which remain active at the time of writing.

It was Brian Jones who named the band during a phone call with the music magazine ‘Jazz News.’ When he was put on the spot by a journalist who asked him what the band were called, Jones saw a Muddy Waters (see also best songs 596) LP lying on the floor, where he spotted that one of the tracks was called ‘Rollin’ Stone.’ Shortly after that on July 12th, 1962, the group played their first show together billed as the ‘Rollin’ Stones,’ at the ‘Marquee Club,’ in London. It was after that first gig that they changed their name to the ‘Rolling Stones.’ With sales in excess of 200 million records the Rolling Stones are one of the best selling artists of all time. Their discography includes 30 studio Albums released between 1964-2016, and 121 singles issued between 1963-2021, of which 45 had reached the UK top 40 singles chart, with eight of those making Number 1. While in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, the have reached the top 40 on 41 occasions, where they have also achieved eight Number 1 songs.

(‘I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ was co-written by Mick Jagger, who provided the lyrics, and Keith Richards who wrote the music, the song was produced by Andrew Loog Oldham, who was also the bands manager at that time. The song was first released in America in June 1965, and gave the band their first American Number 1 single. In the UK, the track was issued around three months later, and provided the group with their fourth UK Number 1 hit. Keith Richards has stated that he awoke in the middle of the night with this songs riff in his head, he immediately recorded it with his acoustic guitar on to a ‘Philips’ cassette player, then went back to sleep.The lyrics written by Jagger are about sexual frustration, and commercialism, for example the line,’but he can’t be a man because he doesn’t smoke the same cigarettes as me,’ is a reference to the ‘Marlboro Cowboy,’ which was a figure used by the ‘Marlboro Tobacco Company’ to advertise cigarettes from 1955-1999. Another lyric,’baby, better come back maybe next week, can’t you see I’m on a losing streak,’ is a reference to menstruation. On the songs completion Keith Richards was not totally happy with all of the tracks instrumentation, as he felt it would benefit if a horn section was added, but he was overruled by his other band members, and Andrew Loog Oldham. Later in 1965 the American Soul legend Otis Redding (1941-1967) (see also best songs 712 and 377) recorded a version using a horn section which Richards fully endorsed. In a way the Rolling Stones had now come full circle, as they had started out as a white British R&B group playing black American Soul music, and now the American Soul artists were playing the songs of the Rolling Stones.

Mick Jagger has said,’It was this song that really made the Rolling Stones, changed us from just another band into a huge, monster band. It has a very catchy title. It has a very catchy guitar riff. It has a great guitar sound, which was original at that time, and it captures a spirit of the times, which is very important in those kinds of songs … Which was alienation. Or it’s a bit more than that, maybe, but a kind of sexual alienation. Alienation’s not quite the right word, but it’s one word that would do.’

‘When I’m ridin’ ’round the world, and I’m doin’ this and I’m signin’ that, and I’m tryin’ to make some girl, who tells me baby, better come back maybe next week can’t you see I’m on a losing streak?I can’t get no, oh, no, no, no, hey, hey, hey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

78-Donna Summer-Love to Love You Baby.

1975-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 11.40. (It’s well worth the wait.) If you were born sometime in 1976, then there is a fair chance that you were conceived to this song.

Donna Summer (see also best songs 11) was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines on December 31st, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, she died from lung cancer on May 17th, 2012, at the age of 63. In 1973 she married the Austrian actor Helmuth Sommer, and took his surname for her recording career, but due to an error in printing on the record cover of her 1974 single ‘Denver Dream,’ Donna Sommer became Donna Summer, and the name stuck. Donna Summer who was a leading light in the ‘Disco’ era of the 1970’s, also became known as the ‘Queen of Disco.’

In 1968 Donna Summer landed the part of ‘Sheila’ in the Munich production of ‘Hair,’ (see also best songs 202) and moved to Germany, where she became fluent in the language. It was in 1968 as Donna Gaines that she released her first single, a German version of ‘Aquarius,’ from the musical ‘Hair.’ During the next three years Donna would appear on three Albums of cast recordings, and release three commercially unsuccessful singles. For a more in depth discography for Donna Summer see best songs 11.

It was while working as a part time model, and backing singer in Munich in 1973 that Donna Summer first met the music producers Giorgio Moroder, and Peter Bellotte, which led to the recording of Summer’s debut studio Album ‘Lady of the Night,’ which was issued in February 1974, and included her breakthrough hit single ‘The Hostage,’ which peaked at Number 2 in the Netherlands.

‘Love to Love You Baby’ which was also the title track of Donna Summer’s second studio Album from August 1975, was co-written by Summer, Giorgio Moroder, and Pete Bellotte, with the songs production being credited to Bellotte. It was Summer who suggested to Moroder that the lyrics ‘Love to Love You Baby’ might make for a song, and Moroder went away and came up with a demo recording. A tape was sent to Neil Bogart (1943-1982) who was the president of ‘Casablanca Records’ who played it at a party at his home. His guests were so impressed that they kept on asking to hear it again, leading to Bogart asking Moroder if he could write a longer version. Moroder came up with a recording that lasted 16.49, which became an inspiration for extended ‘Disco’ versions of songs to be made, and it also was one of the songs that kick started the release of the 12 inch single format.

Donna Summer had had a religious upbringing, and at first wanted someone else to record the song, but after hearing Donna’s erotic moans and groans Moroder was very impressed, and managed to persuade her to perform the song. Summer tried to record the track in the conventional manner, but realised she was too shy, so Moroder suggested that that she could have the studio to herself with all the lights turned down. In an interview in 1976 Summer finally answered the question everyone was asking.’Were you alone in the studio?’Yes, I was alone in the studio. ‘Did you touch yourself?’ Yes, well, actually I had my hand on my knee.’ According to a tally by ‘Time’ magazine, Summer can be heard simulating 22 orgasms over the course of the song.

‘I love to love you baby. When you’re laying so close to me, there’s no place I’d rather you be than with me. Do it to me again and again, you put me in such a awful spin, in a spin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

79-Energy 52-Cafe Del Mar (Three ‘n’ One Remix.)

1993-It never charted when the original version was released. The ‘Three ‘n’ One’ remix reached Number 51 in 1997, in 1998 the ‘Nalin & Kane remix peaked at Number 12, and in 2002 the ‘Marco V’ remix made Number 24.

Best Bit-At 5.59. Fittingly for what many people consider to be the best ‘Trance’ tune of all time, it is named after the world famous ‘Cafe Del Mar’ bar.

‘Energy 52’ was a short lived project comprising of the two German music producers Harold Bluchel, and Paul Schmitz-Moormann, (also known as ‘Kid Paul’) who formed in Berlin, Germany, in 1991, and remained active together until 1993. Bluchel was born on February 19th, 1966, in Nuremberg, Germany, and at the age of six he started taking lessons in classical piano. In 1976 he started taking an interest in ‘Electronic Music,’ and in particular ‘Kraftwerk,’ (see also best songs 41) and ‘Tangerine Dream.’ In 1986 he moved to West Berlin where he entered into the ‘Berlin University of the Arts’ to study. It was while living in Berlin, that he first met Kid Paul, and then in 1988 he started to compose in ‘Techno’ music and ‘House’ music. Bluchel has worked under seven different stage names, releasing seven Albums as ‘Cosmic Baby’ between 1992-2007, and four Albums as Harold Bluchel between 2006-2020.

‘Cafe Del Mar’ by ‘Energy 52’ is recognised as one of the most popular ‘Trance’ songs in the world, and in lists compiled is often voted at Number 1. The song appears on hundreds of compilation Albums, and has been remixed, and re-recorded by dozens of artists and producers since it’s initial release. Other notable acts to have covered or remixed the track include ‘Tall Paul,’ (see also best songs 271) in 2006, ‘Deadmau5’ in 2008, and ‘Dimitri Vegas’ in 2022. The main melody of ‘Cafe Del Mar’ is based on the 1983 Classical piece ‘Struggle for Pleasure,’ which was written by the Belgium composer Wim Mertens.

‘Trance’ music is a genre of Electronic Dance Music’ that developed in the early 1990’s from the German ‘Techno,’ and ‘Hardcore’ scenes.Trance music is characterised by a tempo generally lying between 135–150 beats per minute, (BPM) with repeating melodic phrases, and a musical form that distinctly builds tension and elements throughout the track often culminating in 1 to 2 “peaks” or ‘drops.’ Although trance is a genre of its own, it incorporates influences from other musical styles such as Techno, ‘House,’ Pop,’ ‘Chill-out,’ Classical Music,’ Tech House,’ Ambient,’ and ‘Film Music.’

The genres name of ‘Trance’ is taken from the medical term which may be associated with hypnosis, or meditation, also a trance like state can be associated with magic, flow, prayer, and altered states of consciousness. ‘Trance Music’ often uses the same repetitive melody throughout, and is often lengthy so as to incorporate sufficient time to build the ‘peaks’ and ‘drops,’ with many Trance songs also having a sparse opening and closing section in order to aid the mixing by DJ’s.

The ‘Cafe del Mar’ (‘Sea Cafe’) is a bar located in Sant Antoni de Portmany, Ibiza, which was established in 1980. In 1999, it founded the record label ‘Café del Mar Music,’ known for its series of ‘Chillout’ CDs. Today, Café del Mar is a bar brand that includes a bar in Ibiza, and 11 bars elsewhere in the world, including one in Malta. The Cafe del Mar was designed by ‘Lluis Guell, (1945-2005) who was in charge of the design, decoration and architecture. One of the first DJ’s at the Cafe del Mar was Jose Padilla (1955-2020) who created the first six volumes of the Cafe del Mar compilation CD albums issued between 1994 and 1999. In total to date there have been 26 volumes of music released, which include the genres of ‘Balearic Ambient,’ and ‘Easy Listening’ music.