THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

785-Chris Brown featuring Benny Benassi-Beautiful People.

2011-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 3.08. This uplifting song makes you realise that everyone is beautiful, even the ugly people.

Christopher Maurice Brown (see also best songs 210) was born on May 5th, 1989, in Tappahaphock, Virginia, United States, it is estimated that his current record sales worldwide (at the time of writing) are in excess of 217 million, making him one of the very best selling artists of all time. To date he has issued 10 studio Albums between 2005-2022, one collaborative Album called ‘Fan of the Fan. The Album,’ in 2015, with the American Rapper ‘Tyga, (see also best songs 1038) and there are also nine ‘mixtapes’ available. Chris Brown holds the record of having achieved the most top 40 hits on Billboard in America of any R&B artist in history, and has also had the most American Billboard Hot 100 entries of any male singer in the history of that chart. In 2005 Chris Brown released his his first single ‘Run It’ featuring Juelz Santana, when the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, Brown became the first artist of the 21st Century to reach Number 1 with a debut single. In 2007 Brown appeared in the American dance drama film ‘Stomp the Yard,’ he has since gone on to appear in a further six films, the latest being ‘She Ball’ in 2020.

‘Beautiful People’ was the third of six singles released from Chris Brown’s fourth studio Album ‘F.A.M.E.’ from March 2011, ‘F.A.M.E.’ is a backronym of ‘Forgiving All My Enemies.’ The Album is Brown’s most critically acclaimed, and his best seller, with sales in America in excess of over 3 million copies sold. ‘Beautiful People was written by Chris Brown, with the production being by Benny Benassi and Alle Benassi. The song was a hit in 16 countries, although in America on Billboard it stalled at Number 43, though it did reach Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Chart.’

Benny Benassi (see also best songs 1025) was born Marco Benassi on July 13th, 1967, in Reggio, Emila, Italy, he is a producer of ‘Electronic Dance Music,’ and also plays keyboards, and the synthesizer. Benassi first began working alongside his cousin Alle Benassi in the late 1980’s, creating music for various acts, including ‘Whigfield,’ ‘J.K.’ and ‘Ally & Jo.’ In 2001 Benny Benassi using the stage name ‘KMC,’ released the song ‘I Feel So Fine,’ which became his first commercially successful track, doing particularly well in his native Italy. His greatest success to date occurred in 2002 with ‘Satisfaction,’ which was written by Alle Benassi, and produced by Benny, the track was most successful in Australia, where it made Number 1, while in the UK it peaked at Number 2. Benny Benassi has released four studio Albums to date between 2003-2016, and there are six compilation Albums available. He has also issued 29 singles between 2002-2023, with ‘Satisfaction’ being the most successful.

‘Beautiful People’ appeared on ‘F.A.M.E.’ the fourth studio Album by Chris Brown, and also on ‘Electroman,’ the third studio Album from Benny Benassi, from June 2011. ‘Beautiful People’ sends out a positive message, Chris Brown has said,’It wasn’t a selfish record, it wasn’t me bragging or boasting, or talking about cars or money, or girls. It was me being able to inspire people with dance music. We have a lot of tragic things going on, and the world needs to come together as a whole and stop the negativity.’

‘Take your time, take your time, take your sexy time. Don’t lose your head, lose your head, your beauty’s deep inside, inside you. Don’t let ’em bring you down, no, the beauty is inside you. Don’t let ’em bring you down, no, oh-whoa, don’t you know, don’t you know?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

786-Anthony Newley-Why.

1960-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.09. Anthony Newley was an early influence on the singing style of a young David Bowie, which can clearly be heard on Bowie’s mid 1960’s songs, so now you know who is to blame for ‘The Laughing Gnome.’

Anthony Newley was born on September 24th, 1931, in Homerton, London, England, he died on April 14th, 1999, from renal cancer at the age of 67. During his long and successful career, Anthony Newley was a singer, songwriter, actor, and filmmaker. He appeared in 49 films between 1944-1992, making a seamless transition from a child actor to an adult actor in the 1950’s, where he made 27 movies for ‘J. Arthur Rank,’ (1888-1972) who was the founder of the ‘Rank Organisation.’ In 1960, Newley created and starred in the British ‘ATV’ six part comedy series ‘The Strange World of Gurney Slade,’ which has over the years received a cult following, in the show, Newley’s character escapes from a television programme which is Gurney Slade itself, and the concept is now considered ahead of its time.

The discography of Anthony Newley includes 18 studio Albums that have been issued between 1955-2012, and there are also 25 official compilation Albums available. Anthony Newley has also released nine Albums of the recordings of the musicals that he was either the writer or the performer on, or both, between 1961-1994. He also released 23 singles, and four extended plays (EP’s) between 1959-1976. In the UK, 11 of those singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Why,’ (1960) and the follow up single ‘Do You Mind,’ (1960) both making the Number 1 spot. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, none of his songs ever reached the top 40, with ‘If She Should Come to You,’ from 1960, charting the highest at Number 67. Musically, Anthony Newley had even greater success as a songwriter, with his writing partner Leslie Bricusse, (1931-2021) among their many successes were when teaming up with John Barry, (1933-2011) to write the title theme for the 1964 ‘James Bond’ film ‘Goldfinger,’ which was performed by Shirley Bassey. Another notable song for the duo was ‘Feeling Good,’ which Newley co-wrote with Bricusse for the 1964 musical ‘The Roar of the Greasepaint – The Smell of the Crowd.’ ‘Feelin Good’ was recorded by Nina Simone (1933-2003) in 1965, becoming one of her signature tunes, the song was also recorded by the English Rock band ‘Muse,’ in 2001, reaching Number 24 on the UK top 40. In 1963 Newley, and Bricusse won the ‘Grammy Award for Song of the Year,’ for having penned ‘What Kind of Fool Am I?’ which had been written for the 1962 musical ‘Stop the World – I Want to Get Off.’ The pair also wrote the music for the 1971 musical fantasy film ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,’ from which the song ‘Candy Man’ first appeared, and when it was recorded as a single by Sammy Davis Jr. (1925-1990) in 1972, it became a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 in America.

‘Why’ was co-written by Bob Marcucci, (1930-2011) and Peter De Angelis (1929-1982) and was originally recorded by the American singer Frankie Avalon in 1959, the song was the last Billboard Number 1 single of the 1950’s. and the first of the 1960’s. In the UK, Avalon’s version stalled at Number 20, with the recording by Anthony Newley proving far more successful by going all the way to Number 1 in February 1960. ‘Why’ was also covered by the American singer Donny Osmond in 1972, who at the age of 15, took his recording to Number 13 on Billboard, and Number 3 in the UK.

Bob Marcucci was born Robert Phillip Marcucci, on February 28, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, he died on March 9th, 2011, of respiratory complications and severe infections, at the age of 81. Marcucci was the owner of ‘Chancellor Records,’ and his two big signings were Frankie Avalon, and later Fabian Forte, both of whom Marcucci turned in to ‘teen idols’ for a while. The 1980 musical drama film ‘The Idolmaker,’ is loosely based on Marcucci’s life in the music industry.

‘No broken hearts for us, ’cause we love each other, and with our faith and trust there could be no other. Why? ‘Cause I love you, Why? ‘Cause you love me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

787-Nomad featuring MC Mikee Freedom- (I Wanna Give You) Devotion.

1991-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.49. As well as conveying a message of love, there are also a couple of political comments relevant to the era, about Poll Tax, and the ex Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Nomad were the short lived ‘House Music’ trio of Damon Rochefort, Steve McCutcheon, and vocalist Sharon D. Clarke, they took their stage name from Rochefort’s first name, as ‘Damon’ spelt backwards is ‘Nomad.’ As Nomad the trio released one Album, ‘Changing Cabins’ in 1991, and there have been eight singles issued between 1989-2003, which includes new remixes of ‘(I Wanna Give You) Devotion,’ in 1995, (UK Number 42) and also in 2003 (UK Number 179.) In the UK they have charted twice within the top 40, with the other hit single being ‘Just a Groove,’ which reached Number 16 in 1991. Two of their tracks have reached the Billboard ‘Dance Club’ chart, with ‘(I Wanna Give You) Devotion,’ making Number 1, and ‘Something Special’ from 1991, reaching Number 37.

‘(I Wanna Give You) Devotion,’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Changing Cabins,’ the only studio Album issued by Nomad, in 1991.The song was co-written by Damon Rochefort, and Steve McCutcheon, and the Bristol, England, born Rapper, MC Mikee Freedom, who wrote and performed the ‘Rap’ vocals on the track. The song which was produced by Rochefort, had nine off official remixes, and made the top 40 in 12 European countries, including Greece, where it reached the Number 1 position. In the UK it was the 23rd best selling single of 1991, with sales of around 200,000 copies.

All three members of Nomad went on to great success after they parted company. Steve McCutcheon who was born on January 15th, 1972, in Chertsey, Surrey, England, and is now better known as Steve Mac, is one of the most successful songwriters and producers since the mid 1990’s in British Pop Music. To date he has contributed to 30 UK Number 1 singles, working with numerous artists, including Calvin Harris, Westlife, Susan Boyle, and Little Mix. His biggest success has been with the Irish boy band ‘Westlife,’ having co-written, or co-produced nine of their UK Number 1 singles, he also co-wrote, and co-produced ‘Shape of You,’ which spent 14 weeks at Number 1 in the UK in 2017 for Ed Sheeran. In total Steve Mac has worked on songs that have sold in excess of 200 million copies worldwide.

Damon Rochefort was born in 1965 in Cardiff, Wales, after ‘Nomad,’ he continued writing and producing for artists including Kim Wilde, and La Toya Jackson. In 1995 he switched to script writing, going on to write several episodes of the British sit com ‘Birds of a Feather.’ Since 2004 he has written around 200 episodes of the British soap opera ‘Coronation Street,’ including the landmark episodes of Deirdre Barlow’s funeral, and the aftermath of the shows 50th anniversary’s live tram crash. Sharon D. Clarke MBE, (see also best songs 414) was born on August 12th, 1966, in Enfield, London, England, she is a three-time ‘Olivier Award’ winner, and is best known to television audiences for her role as Lola Griffin in the British medical drama ‘Holby City,’ and also as Grace O’Brien in ‘Doctor Who.’ She has played leading roles in many West End Musicals, including being the original ‘Killer Queen’ in ‘We Will Rock You,’ and Oda Mae Brown in ‘Ghost the Musical.’

In 2010 Steve Mac spoke about (‘I Wanna Give You) Devotion,’ which was the first song he ever wrote,’It was a real accident. I just remember struggling to get the drums right. I didn’t really know how to work the sequencer properly. I didn’t have that much knowledge of what I was doing, and I think if I had then it wouldn’t have been as good a track. I love the naiveté of what I was doing back then, and I miss that a little bit now.’

”Cause a frightnin’ nightmare can terrorise, poll tax came and up went the rise. Open your eyes and realise, I’m a truly disguise, like hawk the slayer, he came and caught me, Maggie came but now she’s slaughtered.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

788-Nirvana-Lithium.

1992-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 1.57. Nirvana biographer Michael Azerrad described the song’s title as a reference to Karl Marx’s statement that religion is ‘The Opium of the people.’ In other words religion can bring comfort to a person, in the same way that a drug such as Lithium can also help.

Kurt Donald Cobain (see also best songs 9) was born on February 20th, 1967, in Aberdeen, Washington, United States, he died on April 5th, 1994, from a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the head, at the age of 27. Kurt Cobain formed Nirvana with Krist Novoselic, and Aaron Burckhard, in 1987. Burckahard was the bands first drummer, but would leave in October 1987, while Novoselic, would remain a member of Nirvana, through until when the band was retired, following the death of Kurt Cobain. Although Cobain always denied it, the music press heralded him as a ‘spokesman for his generation,’ and he is highly recognised as one of the most influential ‘Alternative Rock’ musicians of all time. During the last years of his life, Kurt Cobain struggled with a heroin addiction, and chronic health problems, such as depression. In March 1994, he overdosed on a combination of champagne, and Rohypnol, after which he underwent a detox program, but less than a month later he was found dead, from committing suicide.

Krist Anthony Novoselic was born on May 16th, 1965, in Compton, California, United States, he was the bass player for Nirvana from their forming in 1987, through until the band were retired in 1994. He is one of the groups classic line up, which also included Dave Grohl, (see also best songs 999-292 and 9) who was the groups drummer between 1990-1994. Prior to Grohl joining the group, Nirvana had used six previous drummers between 1987-1989. After the death of Kurt Cobain, Novoselic co-formed the band ‘Sweet 75,’ with the Venezuelan musician Yva Las Vegass in 1995, releasing a single, and a self-titled album in 1997. In 2002 Novoselic once again joined forces with Dave Grohl, providing backing vocals on ‘Walking a Line,’ from the Foo Fighters fourth studio Album ‘One by One,’ and then again in 2011, on the Foo Fighter seventh studio Album ‘Wasting Light,’ he played the bass and accordion on the track ‘I Should Have Known.’

‘Lithium’ was the third of four singles released from Nirvana’s second Album ‘Nevermind,’ from September 1991, the song was written by Kurt Cobain, and produced by Butch Vig, (see also best songs 641-421 and 9) in America on the Billboard Hot 100, the song stalled at Number 64, but did chart within the top 40 on the Billboard ‘Mainstream Rock,’ and ‘Alternative Airplay’ charts. Speaking about the song ‘Lithium’ Kurt Cobain said,’The song is about a man who, after the death of his girlfriend, turns to religion, as a last resort to keep himself alive, to keep him from suicide.’ Cobain also said that while the narrative of the song ‘Lithium’ was fictional, ’I did infuse some of my personal experiences, like breaking up with girlfriends, and having bad relationships.’ Cobain has acknowledged that the song was possibly inspired by the time he spent living with his friend Jesse Reed, and his ‘Born-again Christian’ parents.The drug Lithium is a psychiatric medication, used primarily to treat bipolar disorder, and treat major depressive disorder, that does not improve following the use of antidepressants, it helps reduce the risk of suicide.

‘I’m so happy ’cause today I’ve found my friends they’re in my head. I’m so ugly, that’s okay, ’cause so are you. Broke our mirrors, Sunday morning is everyday for all I care, and I’m not scared. Light my candles in a daze, ’cause I’ve found God.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

789-Junior Murvin-Police and Thieves.

1976-It didn’t chart in the UK until 1980, when it reached Number 23.

Best Bit-At 0.18. The songs producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was known for his eccentric, and superstitious behaviour. Before an artist played,he would often ‘bless’ his recording equipment with mystical invocations, he would blow Ganja smoke on to his tapes while recording, and surround himself with burning candles, and incense. It is said he would also spray tapes with urine, blood, and whiskey, to enhance their spiritual properties.

Junior Murvin was born Murvin Junior Smith, around 1946, in Saint James, Jamaica, he died on December 2nd, 2013, having suffered from diabetes, and hypertension for a long period, his age was reported to be either 67 or 64. Junior Murvin’s first recorded under the stage name of ‘Junior Soul,’ on the ‘Gayfleet’ record label, he then recorded a track called ‘Solomon,’ for the ‘Crystal’ record label, which became a minor local hit in 1972. Prior to finding greater success, he also performed as a member of the ‘Hippy Boys,’ and later the’ Mighty Falcons,’ and the ‘Tornadoes,’ in Kingston’s nightclubs, and tourist hotels. The discography of Junior Murvin includes eight Albums issued between 1977-2007.

Junior Murvin had auditioned for Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry on previous occasions, but always without success. In 1976 he once again approached Perry, now with his song ‘Police and Thieves,’ and this time Perry agreed to work with him. ‘Police and Thieves’ was co-written by Junior Murvin, and Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, who added new lyrics, with the production also being by Perry, the track would later appear on Murvin’s debut Album of the same name, from April 1977. ‘Police and Thieves’ was first released as a single in Jamaica in May 1976, as ‘Police and Thief,’ and then in the UK in July 1976, as ‘Police and Thieves.’ Perry brought in some of Jamaica’s finest musicians to play on the track, including Boris Gardiner, (bass) Ernest Ranglin, (guitar) Sly Dunbar, (drums) and Keith Sterling, (keyboards) and together, and with others, they recorded and mixed different versions of the song with different lyrics. ‘Police and Thieves’ is a song about gang warfare, and police brutality.

Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was born Rainford Hugh Perry, on March 20th, 1936, in Kendal, Hanover, Jamaica, he died on August 29th, 2021, from an unspecified illness, at the age of 85. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry was a leading player in the development of ‘Dub Music’ in the 1970’s, and in 1973 he built his own recording studio called ‘The Black Ark,’ which was situated behind his family’s home, in the Washington Gardens neighbourhood of Kingston, Jamaica. Although much of the equipment he used was not state of the art, Perry still gained a reputation for his innovative sounds and recording techniques in the latter half of the 1970’s. Among the artists who recorded there were Bob Marley, The Heptones, and Max Romeo. Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry issued 79 Albums between 1969-2021, and there are also seven official compilation Albums available. In 1977 Perry produced the single ‘Complete Control,’ for the English Rock band ‘The Clash,’ which reached Number 28 in the UK charts.

‘Police and Thieves’ was not a hit when first issued in the UK, but still became an anthem, as the ‘Notting Hill Carnival’ of 1976 erupted into a riot. Joe Strummer, (1952-2002) and Paul Simonon, who had just formed ‘The Clash’ (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) had been caught up in the rioting, which inspired them to cover the song on their self titled debut Album in 1977, in a style that they called ‘Punk Reggae,’ not ‘White Reggae.’ On hearing The Clash version, Junior Murvin said,’They have destroyed Jah work.’ ‘Police and Thieves’ finally became a hit in the UK in 1980 for Junior Murvin, after being chosen as one of the tracks for the 1978 Jamaican film ‘Rockers.,’ It was also brought to the attention of a new generation, when used again in the 1998 British black comedy crime film ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,’

‘From Genesis to Revelation yeah, and next generation will be, hear me. All the crimes committed day by day, no one try to stop it in any way. All the peacemakers turn war officers, hear what I say, hehehehehehehey. Police and thieves in the street, fighting the nation with their guns and ammunition.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

790-T. Rex-Hot Love.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.56. A lot of time is spent by people discussing the best ‘intro’s’ to songs, but very little is spoken about the best ‘outro.’ I would like to put this one forward as a strong contender.

Marc Bolan (see also best songs 386 and 67) was born Mark Feld on September 30th, 1947,in Stoke Newington. London, England, he died in a car crash on September 16th, 1977, at the age of 29. Bolan never learned to drive, and it is said the reason was because he had a fear of a premature death. Despite the fear, cars or automotive components are at least mentioned, or are the subject of many of his songs. He appeared twice on the British BBC television music show ‘Top Of The Pops’ in March 1971 to promote this song, where he was dressed for the first time in shiny satin stage-wear, and glittery makeup, (the latter at the suggestion of his stylist Chelita Secunda, 1945-2000)) music historians see this as a crucial trigger in what was to become known as ‘Glam Rock.’

‘Hot Love’ was released on February 12th, 1971, as a stand alone single, and later added to re-issues of ‘Electric Warrior,’ the second studio Album by T. Rex, from September 1971. ‘Hot Love’ was the second single release by Marc Bolan as the newly revamped ‘T. Rex,’ and was the follow up to ‘Ride a White Swan,’ (UK Number 2-1971) overall it was the ninth single issued by the group, as the previous incarnation as ‘Tyrannosaurus Rex’ had already released seven singles. ‘Hot Love’ which was the first of four UK Number 1 singles for T. Rex, but only reached Number 72 in America on the Billboard Hot 100, was written by Marc Bolan, and produced by Tony Visconti. Also performing on the track alongside Marc Bolan (lead vocals, and guitar) were band members Steve Currie, (1947-1981) (bass guitar) Mickey Finn, (1947-2003) (handclaps) and Bill Legend (drums.) As well as producing, Tony Visconti also did the string arrangement, and Howard Kaylan, and Mark Volman, provided the backing vocals.

Tony Visconti (see also best songs 386-302-209-118 and 67) was born Anthony Edward Visconti on April 24th, 1944, in New York City, New York, United States, his commercial breakthrough came in 1970 when producing ‘Ride a White Swan,’ for T. Rex. Tony Visconti who has released two studio Albums,’Visconti’s Inventory,’ in 1977, and ‘It’s a Selfie, in 2019, is one of the most influential, and successful music producers in ‘Pop Music’ history. His credits include producing 14 Albums with David Bowie, (1947-2016) 11 Albums with Tyrannosaurus Rex, and then T. Rex, and an Album with Morrissey, ‘Ringleader of the Tormentors,’ in 2006. Tony Visconti has also produced for dozens of other artists including two Albums for ‘Badfinger,’ in 1969, and 1970, two Albums with ‘Sparks,’ in 1975, and 1997, and two Albums with the ‘Boomtown Rats,’ in 1980, and 1982.

Bill Legend who was born William Arthur Fifield, on May 8th, 1944, in Barking, Essex, England, is the only surviving member of the classic T. Rex line up, having joined the group after the release of ‘Ride a White Swan.’ ‘Hot Love’ was the first T. Rex song that he played the drums on, and he would go on to play on the groups next four studio Albums between 1971-1974. It was Marc Bolan who gave him his stage name, as he had previously been drumming for a band called ‘Legend.’

The backing vocals on ‘Hot Love’ were provided by Howard Kaylan, and Mark Volman, who in 1965 had both been founding members of the American Rock band ‘The Turtles,’ After the demise of The Turtles in 1970, and due to contractual problems, the duo began working under the names of ‘Flo & Eddie,’ they then joined the American Rock group,’The Mothers of Invention,’ playing alongside Frank Zappa. The pair would go on to produce Albums for other artists, as well as providing backing vocals on over 100 Albums.

‘Well, she’s faster than most and she lives on the coast, uh-huh. Well, she’s faster than most and she lives on the coast, uh-huh. I’m her two-penny prince and I give her hot love, uh-huh.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

791-Terror Squad-Lean Back.

2004-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 1.31. The dance they are doing is called ‘The Rockaway.’ I would imagine it is one of the easier dance routines to choreograph.

Terror Squad was the brain child of the ‘Hip-Hop’ artist Fat Joe, who was born Joseph Antonio Cartagena, on August 19th, 1970, in New York City, United States. Prior to forming Terror Squad, Fat Joe had already recorded two solo studio Albums, in 1993, and 1995, it was when signing with ‘Atlantic Records’ in 1997 that Fat Joe, under his deal, was granted the freedom to create his own record label, which he called ‘Terror Squad Productions.’ Terror Squad were made up of artists who Fat Joe had signed to his label, and among those who appeared on his third studio Album ‘Don Cartagena,’ in 1998 were, Christopher Lee Rios, (1971-2000) who was better known as ‘Big Punisher,’ Felix Delgado, who is better known by his stage name ‘Cuban Link,’ and Antonio Cruz, whose stage name is ‘Tony Sunshine. The Terror Squad were active between 1998-2004, with nine different members coming and going, including a pre fame DJ Khaled.

Terror Squad released a total of two Albums, in 1999, and 2004, and five singles in the same time period, both Albums reached the top 40 on Billboard in America, while their only charting single on Billboard was ‘Lean Back,’ which made the Number 1 spot. Fat Joe has released 10 studio Albums between 1993-2010, and 43 singles as the lead artist, he has also appeared on a further 26 singles as the featured artist, between 1993-2021. There are also three collaborative Albums available, including ‘Plato O Plomo’ from 2017, with ‘Remmy Ma,’ who also performed with him on ‘Lean Back.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Fat Joe has appeared on 10 top 40 singles, with ‘What’s Luv?’ featuring Ja Rule and Ashanti, charting the highest at Number 2 in 2002, while in the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on six occasions, with ‘What’s Luv?’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2002.

‘Lean Back’ was the first of two singles released by Terror Squad from their second and final studio Album ‘True Story,’from July 2004. The song was co-written by Fat Joe, Remy Ma, and Scott Storch, who was also the tracks producer. The song was performed by Fat Joe, and Remi Ma, with Ma providing the second verse. Scott Spencer Storch was born on December 16th, 1973, in Long Island, New York, United States, he is one of the most prolific producers, and songwriters of the 21st Century. Storch began his music career as a keyboard player for the Philadelphia based ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘The Roots,’ His breakthrough as a producer came in 1999 when he co-produced ‘Still D.R.E.’ with Dr. Dre, it was Storch who provided the memorable keyboard riff on the track. Scott Storch has produced for dozens of artists, including Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera.

Remy Ma was born Reminisce Kioni Mackie, on May 30th, 1980, in New York City, United States, up until 2020 she was one of only six female Rappers to have performed on a Billboard Number 1 single. After the death of Big Punisher in 2000, Fat Joe signed Remi Ma as a member of Terror Squad, and she performed on the groups second Album ‘True Story.’ She also released her one solo Album, ‘There’s Something About Remy: Based on a True Story,’ in 2006, and the collaboration Album ‘Plato O Plomo,’ with Fat Joe in 2017. Remi Ma has also released 13 singles as the lead artist between 2002-2021, and she has appeared on a further 15 singles as the featured artist between 2001-2017. Her only top 40 hit as a solo artist on Billboard to date is ‘All the Way Up’ with Fat Joe featuring French Montana and Infared, which made Number 27 in 2016.

‘Lean Back’ as you would expect, is full of all the cliches you would associate with many Rap songs, and it has more than it’s fare share of braggadocio. The dance that the songs chorus talks about is called ‘The Rockaway,’ which Fat Joe has described as just ‘Throwing back the right shoulder to the beat of the song,’ which must have been handy for a man of his ample size.

‘Said my n…s don’t dance, we just pull up our pants, and do The Rockaway, now lean back, lean back, lean back, lean back.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

792-Bob Dylan-Subterranean Homesick Blues.

1965-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 0.10. It appears Dylan was doing Rap, well over a decade before anyone else.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Bringing It All Back Home,’ which was the fifth studio Album by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 621-358-103-36 and 7) the song was written by Bob Dylan, with the production being by the legendary music producer Tom Wilson, (1931-1978) (see also best songs 358-165-103-96 and 7.) Tom Wilson was born Thomas Blanchard Wilson Jr. on March 25, 1931, in Waco, Texas, United States, he died of a heart attack on September 6th, 1978, at the age of 47. Wilson played a very important role in the development of both Bob Dylan, and Simon & Garfunkel, (see also best songs 529-200-96 and 71) in their transition from ‘Acoustic Music,’ into ‘Electronic Music.’ Wilson also produced Albums for many other artists’ including The Velvet Underground, Eric Burdon & the Animals, and Frank Zappa and The Mothers of Invention. The first side of ‘Bringing It All Back Home’, of which ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ is the opening track, features electric songs, while the second side of the Album is mainly acoustic. The move in to ‘Electronic Music’ alienated Dylan from some of his former peers, and fans, in the ‘Folk Music’ community. The Album would prove to be Dylan’s commercial breakthrough, giving him his first top 10 Album on Billboard in America, where it reached Number 6, while ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ gave him his first top 40 single on Billboard, where it reached Number 39.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ reflects certain elements of American society in the mid 1960’s. Using several slang terms, the song references the drug culture, and politics of the time, the turmoil surrounding the war in Vietnam, and also the American Civil Rights movement. Bob Dylan has said that his inspiration for the song came from the writing technique of the ‘Beat Poets’ of the 1950’s, such as Jack Kerouac, (1922-1969) and Allen Ginsberg, (1926-1997) Dylan has also cited the ‘Scat’ songs of the 1940’s, and the Chuck Berry (1926-2017) (see also best songs 548-308 and 30) song ‘Too Much Monkey Business,’ from 1956, as further influences. The songs title ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ is probably a nod towards the 1958 novel ‘Subterranean’s,’ by Jack Kerouac., while ‘Homesick Blues,’ is Dylan telling us that even so he has made it big, he still misses his past life. In one of John Lennon’s (1940-1980) last interviews before he died in 1980, he said that on hearing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues,’ he was so captivated by it, that he was worried that he would never be able to write anything that could compete with it.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ skips quickly from one cultural reference to another. Dylan touches on social discontent,’Twenty years of schoolin’ and they put you on the day shift.’ He talks about drug busts,’The phone’s tapped anyway, Maggie says that many say,they must bust in early May. Orders from the D.A.’ He also mentions the violent policing, as which was witnessed at many ‘Civil Rights’ protests,’Better stay away from those, that carry around a fire hose,’ and Dylan also points out about the fight against authority,’Don’t follow leaders. Watch the parkin’ meters.’ The lyrics resemble a stream of consciousness, which was a writing technique championed by ‘Beat Poets’ such as Jack Kerouac, and Allen Ginsberg, both of whom were a major influence on Dylan.

‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’ was not only a major influence on future generations of artists, it can also boast one of the most memorable, and groundbreaking promotional film clips, which was the forerunner to what would become the music video. The clip was shot in an alley close to the ‘Savoy Hotel.’ in London, with Bob Dylan holding up cue cards with selected words and phrases from the songs lyrics. There are intentional misspellings, and puns throughout the clip, which featured brief cameo appearances from Allen Ginsberg, and the American Folk singer/songwriter Bob Neuwirth (1939-2022.) The promotional film clip was first widely shown in a documentary called ‘Don’t Look Back,’ in 1967, about Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of England, by the American documentary film maker D. A. Pennebaker, (1925-2019) it was Dylan who came up with the idea of holding up cue cards with selected words and phrases from the lyrics. The cue cards were written by the Scottish singer/songwriter Donovan, Allen Ginsberg, Bob Neuwirth, and also by Bob Dylan himself.

‘Johnny’s in the basement, mixing up the medicine, I’m on the pavement thinking about the government. The man in the trench coat, badge out, laid off, says he’s got a bad cough, wants to get it paid off. Look out kid, it’s somethin’ you did. God knows when, but you’re doing it again.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

793-The Wannadies-You and Me Song.

1994-Number 119 single. When it was re-released in 1996, it peaked at Number 18.

Best Bit-At 0.49. If you’re a a fan of ‘Easy Listening’ music, then the first 49 seconds will be right up your street. If you love ‘Rock N’ Roll,’ then you can pogo around the room for the next 1.59 seconds.

The Wannadies are an ‘Alternative Rock’ band who were formed in Skellefteå, Sweden, in 1988 by Pär Wiksten, (vocals, and guitars) Christina Bergmark, (keyboards, and vocals) Stefan Schönfeldt, (guitars) his younger brother Fredrik Schönfeldt, (bass) Gunnar Karlsson, (drums) and Björn Malmquist (violin.) The Wannadies were active until 2009, then in 2016 they reunited for one festival appearance, and as of 2020, they have reformed to release new music, and go on tour. Erik Dahlgren is currently a member of the five musicians in the band, as two of the original six, Gunnar Karlsson, and Björn Malmquist, did not rejoin in 2020.

The Wannadies have only ever had hit singles, and success with their Album releases in their native Sweden, and the UK. The discography of The Wannadies includes six studio Albums released between 1990-2002, and 18 singles issued between 1990-2020, there are also three official compilation Albums, and three extended plays available. In their native Sweden on the ‘Sverigetopplistan,’ which is the Swedish national record chart, The Wannadies have reached the top 40 with all six of their studio Albums, while their only charting single to date is ‘Love in June,’ which reached Number 38 in 1994. In the UK, The Wannadies only charting Album was their fourth release ‘Bagsy Me,’ in 1997, which peaked at Number 37. They have achieved three top 40 hit singles, with the re-issue of ‘You and Me Song,’ reaching Number 18 in 1996, the follow up ‘Someone Somewhere,’ also in 1996, making Number 38, and ‘Hit,’ from 1997, peaking at Number 20.

‘You and Me Song’ was co-written by the five members of The Wannadies at that time, with the production being by Nille Perned, who also produced 10 of the 11 tracks from it’s parent Album, ‘Be A Girl,’ from November 1994. The Album was the third studio Album by The Wannadies, and ‘You and Me Song’ was the second of four singles issued, also in November 1994, in Sweden. The Album, and ‘You and Me Song,’ didn’t receive an official release in the UK until August 1995, when it failed to chart.

The Wannadies got their big international break when the Australian film director Baz Luhrmann chose ‘You and Me Song’ as one of the songs for the soundtrack of the 1996 romantic crime film ‘William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet.’ The Wannadies record label re-issued the song in April 1996, and this time it found chart success in the UK. Incidentally the first release of the song was as ‘You and Me Song,’ but it was re-issued as ‘You & Me Song,’ having acquired an ampersand. The groups record label also added ‘You and Me Song’ to The Wannadies fourth studio Album ‘Bagsy Me,’ in 1997.

‘You and Me Song’ is also remembered for it’s use in the British soap opera ‘Coronation Street’ in 2003, when the serial killer Richard Hillman drove his car in to a canal, while holding the Platt family hostage in the vehicle. In 2007 ‘Coronation Street’ once again used the song, when this time David Platt, drives his car into that same canal as a suicide attempt, only to survive, ruining his sister Sarah’s wedding day.

‘You and Me Song’ is a love song, where the narrator is committed to making the relationship with his significant other work, as he wants them to be together, not for a short while, but for as long as can be.

‘Always when we fight, I try to make you laugh until everything’s forgotten. I know you hate that, ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba ba. I love you Sunday sun, the week’s not yet begun, and everything is quiet. And it’s always you and me, always, and forever.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

794-Guy Mitchell-Singing the Blues.

1956-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. Not to be confused with the kind of ‘Blues’ that Lead Belly, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bessie Smith, or B.B. King were known for singing.

Guy Mitchell was born Albert George Cernik, on February 22, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, to Croatian immigrant parents, he died on July 1st, 1999, of complications from cancer surgery at, the age 72. As well as having a singing career, he was also an actor, notably appearing in ‘Those Redheads From Seattle,’ in 1953, and ‘Red Garters,’ in 1954. At the height of his stardom, between 1957-1958, he had his own television show,’The Guy Mitchell Show,’ on the ‘ABC’ network in America. It was Mitch Miller (1911-2010) who was in charge of talent at ‘Columbia Records,’ who gave him his stage name,’My name is Mitchell, and you seem like a nice guy.’

The discography of Guy Mitchell includes at least 11 Albums released between 1953-1985, and 77 singles (including re-issues) between 1950-1970. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 22 of those tracks reached the top 40, with ‘Singing the Blues,’ (1956) and ‘Heartaches By The Number,’ (1959) both making the Number 1 spot. In the UK, he has had 14 top 40 hits, with four of those songs reaching Number 1. Guy Mitchell is also one of the artists who had a single in the very first UK chart, which was published on November 14th, 1952, when ‘Feet Up (Pat Him on the Po-Po’) held the Number 5 position. Including ‘Singing the Blues,’ Guy Mitchell has recorded six songs which have all gone on to be one million selling records worldwide.

‘Singing the Blues’ was the 45th single released by Guy Mitchell, in October 1956. The song was written by Melvin Endsley, (1934-2004) with the production being by Mitch Miller (1911-2010.) The whistling in the song was provided by the American bandleader and musical arranger Ray Conniff (1916-2002.) The original recording of ‘Singing the Blues’ was by the American Country Music singer Marty Robbins, (1925-1982) who took his version to Number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Number 1 on the Billboard Country chart in 1956, and 1957, for 13 weeks. In the 1950’s it was not unusual for more than one version of a song to be in the chart at the same time. The most successful recording of ‘Singing the Blues’ was this version by Guy Mitchell which spent 10 non-consecutive weeks at Number 1 on Billboard. In the UK, the song spent three non-consecutive weeks at Number 1, with another version by ‘Tommy Steele with the Steelmen,’ spending a week at Number 1, in January 1957. In 1983, the American Country/Folk singer Gail Davies, took her version of ‘Singing the Blues’ to Number 17 on the Billboard Country chart, while in the UK, the song has also charted for Dave Edmunds, (1980-Number 28) Daniel O’Donnell, (1994-Number 23) and Cliff Richard & the Shadows (2009-Number 40.)

‘Singing the Blues’ was written by Melvin Endsley, who was born on January 30, 1934, in Drasco, Arkansas, United States, he died on August 16, 2004, at the age of 70. Endsley contracted polio at the age of three, requiring him to have to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life. From the age of 11, he spent three years in the ‘Crippled Children’s Hospital,’ in Memphis. While there, he listened to Country Music on the radio, and taught himself to play the guitar. During his lifetime, Endsley wrote in excess of 400 songs, with some of his other notable works being, ‘Knee Deep in the Blues,’ which reached Number 16 on Billboard, and Number 3 in the UK for Guy Mitchell in 1957, the song also made Number 3 on the Billboard Country chart for Marty Robbins. Also in 1957, Andy Williams (1927-2012) reached Number 8 on Billboard, and Number 16 in the UK, with ‘I Like Your Kind of Love,’ while in 1966 the American Country and Folk Music group ‘The Browns,’ reached Number 16 on the Billboard Country chart with ‘I’d Just Be Fool Enough.’

‘Oh, the moon and stars no longer shine, the dream is gone I thought was mine. There’s nothin’ left for me to do, but cry-y-y-y over you.’