THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

376-Jack Jones-Wives and Lovers.

1963-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.44. This is probably the most controversial song in the world ever (especially if you are female.) There will be people out there who’s blood will be boiling at the very mention of it.

‘Wives and Lovers’ was written by the legendary song writing team of Burt Bacharach, (1928-2023) (music) and Hal David (1921-2012) (lyrics.) The song was written for the the 1963 comedy film ‘Wives and Lovers,’ the song doesn’t appear in the film but was written to promote it, this was known as an ‘exploitation song,’ Bacharach and David had done the same the previous year with the song ‘The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.’ The best known version of the song is this one recorded by Jack Jones in 1963, and released as the first of two singles from his eighth Album release also called ‘Wives and Lovers,’ from 1963. The song was produced by Pete King, who arranged the track, and also directed the orchestra. Pete King was born C. Dudley King, on August 8th, 1914, in Ohio. United States, and studied music at the ‘Cincinnati Conservatory,’ and the ‘University of Michigan, in 1967 he was elected president of the ‘National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.’ Pete King conducted orchestras for a variety of Hollywood films, including adapting the works of the Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, (1843-1907) for ‘The Pied Piper of Hamelin,’ (1957) and two comedies ‘The Family Jewels,’ (1965) and ‘The Last of the Secret Agents’ (1966.) His arrangements were heard often in the American television series ‘Happy Days,’ (1974-1984) and ‘The Brady Bunch’ (1969-1974.)

Jack Jones was born John Allan Jones, on January 14th, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, United States, he died on October 23rd, 2024, from leukaemia, at the age of 86. His father Allan Jones (1907-1992) was an actor, and tenor, and his mother Irene Hervey (1909-1998) was a film and television actress. As well as his recording career as a singer, Jack Jones has also made appearances as an actor, and singer in films, making his first appearance in 1959 in the American musical film ‘Juke Box Rhythm.’ In the 1960’s he became a regular on American television variety shows, including ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ and ‘The Dean Martin Show.’ In 1989, he received a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ and in 2003, he received a ‘Golden Palm Star,’ on the Palm Springs, California, ‘Walk of Stars.’ You could say that Jack Jones was well qualified to sing ‘Wives and Lovers,’ as he was married six times.

The discography of Jack Jones who recorded in the musical genres of ‘Traditional Pop,’ ‘Jazz,’ and ‘Big Band,’ and is probably best remembered as an ‘Easy Listening’ singer, includes 61 Albums released between 1959-2002, and 41 singles released between 1962-1980. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, five of his singles have made the top 40, with ‘Wives and Lovers’ peaking the highest at Number 14, while in the UK, none of his singles have ever charted. Of all the songs recorded by Jack Jones, he will always be best remembered for his recording of the ‘Love Boat Theme’ in 1977, which was used as the theme song in the American television series ‘The Love Boat,’ when it was in its first nine season run on television from 1977 to 1986, on the ‘ABC’ network. In 1979 Jones recorded a ‘Disco’ version of ‘Wives and Lovers’ for his 47th Album release ‘Nobody Does It Better,’ which also includes his studio version of ‘The Love Boat.’

Like many other Burt Bacharach and Hal David compositions (see also best songs 902-832-815-740-644 and 224) ‘Wives and Lovers’ has been recorded over the years by dozens of other artists. Burt Bacharach recorded the song himself in 1965, and released it as the ‘B’ side to ‘Trains and Boats and Planes’ (UK-Number 4.) ‘Surprisingly’ (in my opinion) many female artists have recorded the song, including Dionne Warwick, (in 1963) Julie London, (1026-2000) (in 1964) and Nancy Wilson, (1937-2018) (in 1964.) ‘Wives and Lovers’ is a song of advice to married women, to stay attractive to their husband’s (‘wives should always be lovers too,’) to avoid their husband’s straying with girls at the office. In the first line, the wife is addressed as ‘Hey little girl,’ before a ‘warning’ to ‘fix your make up,’ and ‘run to your husbands arms arms the moment he comes home to you.’ But in my opinion, (once again) ‘Wives and Lovers’ should be be seen as a warning not to take each other for granted.

‘Hey, little girl comb your hair, fix your makeup, soon he will open the door. Don’t think because there’s a ring on your finger you needn’t try anymore.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

377-Arthur Conley-Sweet Soul Music.

1967-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 0.07. The song name checks Lou Rawls, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, and James Brown. If all of these artists don’t appear in this countdown at some point, then I need to have a serious word with myself.

Arthur Lee Conley was born on January 4th, 1946, in McIntosh County, Georgia, United States, he died from intestinal cancer on November 17th, 2003, at the age of 57. Conley recorded his first song ‘Poor Girl’ in 1963, as ‘Arthur & the Corvets.’ In 1964 he came to the attention of Otis Redding who signed him to his recently set up record label ‘Jotis Records.’ Arthur Conley was gay, and many music critics have said that his homosexuality was a barrier to him achieving greater success in the United States. In 1975 he relocated to England, before moving to Belgium, and then Holland. In 1980 he legally changed his name to Lee Roberts, using his middle name, and his mothers maiden name, and he would perform as ‘Lee Roberts and the Sweaters.’ In 2014 the Rock and Roll historian Ed Ward (1948-2021) wrote, ‘Nobody knew Lee Roberts, and at last Conley was able to live in peace with a secret he had hidden, or thought he had, for his entire career he was gay, but nobody in The Netherlands cared.’

The discography of Arthur Conley includes four Albums released between 1967-1969, and 26 singles released between 1963-1974. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Sweet Soul Music’ peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK ‘Sweet Soul Music’ is his only top 40 charting single. It was in Canada where Arthur Conley had his greatest commercial success on the charts, with four of his singles making the Canadian ‘RPM’ top 40 singles chart, with ‘Sweet Soul Music’ peaking the highest at Number 5.

‘Sweet Soul Music’ which was the eighth overall single release by Arthur Conley, and also the title of his debut Album from 1967, was co-written by Sam Cooke, (1931-1964) (see also best songs 156) Otis Redding, (1941-1967) (see also best songs 712) and Arthur Conley, with the production being by Otis Redding, who was born Otis Ray Redding Jr. on September 9th, 1941, in Dawson, Georgia, United States, he died on December 10th, 1967, in a plane crash, at the age of 26. Otis Redding who has been called the ‘King of Soul,’ an honorific title which has also been given to James Brown, (1933-2006) (see also best songs 880-349-270 and 88) and Sam Cooke, didn’t start writing his own songs until around the mid 1960’s, having previously covered songs from popular contemporary artists such as his idol Little Richard, (1932-2020) (see also best songs 521) Sam Cooke, and Solomon Burke (1949-2010.) It was while recovering from a throat operation in the Autumn of 1967 that he began writing songs prolifically, it is said around 30 in two weeks, for which he was the sole copyright holder on all of his compositions. Bob Dylan (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) had suggested that Otis Redding record his song ‘Just Like a Woman,’ but Redding refused, saying that the song contained ‘too much text.’ and stating in an interview, ‘Basically, I like any music that remains simple, and I feel this is the formula that makes ‘Soul Music’ successful. When any music form becomes cluttered and/or complicated you lose the average listener’s ear. There is nothing more beautiful than a simple ‘Blues’ tune. There is beauty in simplicity whether you are talking about architecture, art or music.’ The best known and most successful cover version of an Otis Redding song is ‘Respect,’ recorded by Aretha Franklin (1942-2018) (see also best songs 644 and 366) (1967-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 10.)

‘Sweet Soul Music’ which was co-written by Arthur Conley and Otis Redding, was heavily based on the Sam Cooke song ‘Yeah Man’ from his posthumous 1965 Album ‘Shake.’ Cooke’s business partner James Woodie Alexander (1916-1996) successfully sued Arthur Conley and Otis Redding, to which a settlement was reached where Sam Cooke had his name added to the songwriting credits, and Redding agreed to record some songs in the future for ‘Kags Music,’ which was a Cooke and Alexander enterprise.

‘Sweet Soul Music’ which has sold over one million copies, pays homage to some of the great ‘Soul’ singers, and songs of the day, including ‘Love Is a Hurtin’ Thing,’ by Lou Rawls, Wilson Pickett’s ‘Mustang Sally,’ ‘Hold On, I’m Comin,’ by Sam & Dave, and Otis Redding’s own ‘Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa.’ Also mentioned is James Brown who is describes as ‘The king of them all.’ At the end of the song, Arthur Conley sings, ‘Otis Redding got the feeling.’

‘Do you like good music, that sweet soul music. Just as long as it’s swingin’ oh yeah, oh yeah. We are here on the floor now, we’re going to a go go, dancin’ to the music, oh yeah ,oh yeah.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

378-Pet Shop Boys-Suburbia.

1986-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15. For a period in the 1980’s Neil Tennant was the assistant editor at ‘Smash Hits’ magazine, artists would complain about their song revues if they were not favourable, some saying, ‘Let’s see if you can do better,’ so he did.

The Pet Shop Boys (see also best songs 871) met by chance in 1981 on King’s Road, Chelsea, London, where Neil Tennant had just purchased a synthesizer, this sparked a conversation with Chris Lowe. They discovered a mutual interest in ‘Electronic Music,’ and soon began working together.They eventually settled on the name Pet Shop Boys, as they had friends who owned a pet shop. The Pet Shop Boys are one of the world’s best selling artists with sales in excess of 100 million, and are the UK’s best ever selling duo.

The discography of the Pet Shop Boys includes 15 studio Albums released between 1986-2024, and 79 singles released between 1984-2024, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) five soundtrack Albums, four remix Albums, nine official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In the UK, all 15 of their studio Albums have reached the top 10, with their fifth release ‘Very,’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1993, while 42 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with four of those tracks reaching the Number 1 position, they have also had two top 40 UK hits as the featured artist. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, six of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘West End Girls’ peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1986, while ‘Suburbia’ stalled at Number 70.

‘Suburbia’ was the fourth and final single released from ‘Please,’ the debut studio Album by the Pet Shop Boys, from March 1986, the song was co-written by Neil Tennant, and Chris Lowe, with the production being by Julian Mendelsohn. All 15 of the Pet Shop Boys studio Albums have one word titles. They chose the title ‘Please,’ so that when customers went in to a record shop they would have to ask for the ‘Pet Shop Boys album please’. The single version of ‘Suburbia’ is different to the one which appears on the ‘Please’ Album, which was produced by Stephen Hague, who also produced all 11 tracks on the Album, as well as co-writing ‘Love Comes Quickly,’ (1986-UK Number 19.) This remixed single version includes sound effects such as dogs barking, audio of riots obtained from the ‘BBC,’ and glass smashing. The remixed single version is an edit of a longer piece called ‘Suburbia (The Full Horror.’) which includes a spoken word segment with the refrain, ‘Suburbia, where the suburbs met utopia,’ and ends in a series of explosions, this can be found on the 12 inch version, and also on ‘Disco,’ the Pet Shop Boys first remix Album, (1986) and the reissue ‘Please: Further Listening 1984–1986.’ Julian Mendelsohn who produced this remix was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1954, he is a record producer, audio engineer, and mixer, and started working in England in 1974. His other notable Album productions include the Pets Shop Boys ‘Actually,’ (1987) Level 42 ‘Running in the Family,’ (1987) and Paul McCartney ‘Off the Ground’ (1993.)

The lesser recognisable member of the Pet Shop Boys is Chris Lowe, who was born Christopher Sean Lowe on October 4th, 1959, in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. He performs as the Pet Shop Boys’ keyboardist, and occasionally provides spoken word or sung vocals, and has taken the lead on a few songs, including ‘Paninaro,’ the ‘B’ side to ‘Suburbia.’ In 1993 he wrote and produced the track ‘Do the Right Thing,’ (UK-Number 43) for Arsenal footballer Ian Wright. Chris Lowe has always adopted an understated public presence, often wearing sportswear and with his eyes hidden behind sunglasses, and usually wearing head wear of some sort. In 1995 the British newspaper ‘The Guardian’ wrote that he was, ‘Possibly more famous for not doing anything than almost anyone else in the history of popular entertainment.’ It was the English music video director Eric Watson (1955-2012) who suggested the image portrayed by Chris Lowe, ‘Chris didn’t want to be seen playing keyboards or anything. We realised there was something about somebody singing and somebody else doing nothing, just looking, then looking away, that adds a hideous tension.’

‘Suburbia’ was co-written by Neil Tennant, and Chris Lowe, and was inspired by the 1984 American film ‘Suburbia,’ which was written and directed by Penelope Spheeris. Another inspiration was the Brixton riots of 1981, and 1985, which got Tennant and Lowe thinking about the boredom of suburbia, and the struggles of working class youths. The lyrics tell of the boredom of suburbia (‘I only wanted something else to do but hang around’) and the underlying tension among disaffected youth.

‘Lost in the high street, where the dogs run, roaming suburban boys. Mother’s got a hairdo to be done, she say’s they’re too old for toys.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

379-Slipknot-Psychosocial.

2008-Number 67 single.

Best Bit-At 0.23. It was Frank Sinatra (1915-1998) (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) who once said, ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ is the most brutal, ugly, desperate, vicious form of expression it has been my misfortune to hear.’ I wonder what he would have made of this lot.

Slipknot are an ‘Alternative Heavy Metal’ group, who were formed in 1995, in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, by Shawn Crahan, (percussionist) Anders Colsefni, (vocals) and Paul Grey (1972-2010) (bass.) In the early 1990’s there were several Rock bands performing in the surrounding areas of Des Moines, and it was an eventual coming together of like minded musicians that led to the formation of Slipknot, as they settled on nine members who stayed together throughout their first decade. In total 17 members have come and gone for various reasons, with the only constant being founding member Shawn Crahan. Slipknot are known for their energetic, and chaotic live performances, which have included headbanging, stage diving, and fighting each other. They also always perform wearing unique individual face masks, and matching uniforms, normally jumpsuits. Slipknot have cited fellow contemporary bands Korn, and Limp Bizkit (see also best songs 583) as influences, as well as the American Rock band ‘Kiss,’ who were a major influence on the bands stage act, and look. However the band state they are most indebted to Mike Patton (see also best songs 335) the lead singer of ‘Faith No More’ for their image and music.

The discography of Slipknot who have sold in excess of 30 million records worldwide, and who took their name from one of their early recordings, have released seven studio Albums between 1999-2022, and 28 singles between 1999-2023, there is also one extended play, (EP) two official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America three of their studio Albums have reached the Number 1 position on the Billboard ‘Hot 200 Albums’ chart, although none of their singles have made the Billboard ‘Hot 100 singles’ chart. In the UK, Slipknot have achieved three Number 1 Albums, and six top 40 singles, with ‘Duality’ from 2004, peaking the highest at Number 15.

‘Psychosocial’ was the second of five singles released from ‘All Hope Is Gone,’ the fourth studio Album from Slipknot, from August 2008, the song was co-written by the band members Corey Taylor, Joey Jordison, (1975-2021) and Paul Gray, (1972-2010) with the production being by Dave Fortman, who was born on July 11th, 1967, in Orlando, Florida, United States. Dave Fortman is also a musician and songwriter, he joined the American Rock band ‘Ugly Kid Joe’ in 1992 and played guitar on their multi-platinum selling Album ‘America’s Least Wanted,’ he has multiple songwriting credits on all five of that groups studio Albums. Dave Fortman’s greatest success in music has been producing two of the studio Albums by the American Rock group Evanescence, their debut studio Album ‘Fallen,’ (2003) which has sold in excess of 17 million copies worldwide, and ‘The Open Door,’ (2006) which has sold in excess of seven million copies worldwide.

Shawn Crahan, who was born Michael Shawn Crahan on September 24th, 1969, was the co-founder of Slipknot, and is the bands one constant. As well as Slipknot, he has recorded with three side projects, ‘To My Surprise,’ ‘Dirty Little Rabbits,’ and ‘Black Dots of Death.’ Away from music, he has directed three films, including the 2016 American action thriller movie ‘Officer Downe.’ Shawn Crahan has been credited with several things that Slipknot is known for, such as their large percussion section and their masks. Crahan began wearing a clown mask to rehearsals when the band was still fairly unknown, spawning the mask theme that the band is known for today. As well as the mask gimmick, several Slipknot band members are also known by a designated number, for example Shawn Crahan is officially known to fans as ‘(#6) Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan.

The meaning to the song ‘Psychosocial’ is open to interpretation, but it is probably an anti war song. It warns us not to be materialistic, and if we don’t look after each other, one day we will face terrible consequences. Shawn Crahan has said of the recording, ‘That song has got a lot of, I would say, social anxiety. It hits different. It’s really fun and it’s different. Most of the stuff that we have is different.’

‘Go drill your deserts, go dig your graves. Then fill your mouth with all the money you will save. Sinking in, getting smaller again, I’m done, it has begun, I’m not the only one.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

380-Tina Charles-I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance.)

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.29. The dilemma is, she loves to love, but he just loves to dance. If only they could multitask.

Tina Charles was born Tina Hoskins on March 10th, 1954, in Whitechapel, London, England. Prior to her international success with this song she had released seven singles, none of which had made the UK chart. Her 1969 debut single ‘Nothing in the World’ featured a then unknown Elton John (see also best songs 946-481-237 and 62) on the piano. During the early 1970’s she supplied vocals for the ‘Top of the Pops’ series of Albums which featured cover versions of contemporary hits. In 1975 she was the unaccredited lead vocalist on the UK Number 4 hit ‘I’m on Fire,’ by the British Disco act ‘5000 Volts,’ of which she was an official member, and also in that year she provided backing vocals on the UK Number 1 single ‘Make Me Smile’ (Come Up and See Me’) for Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel (see best songs 410 and 2.) The discography of Tina Charles who chose her stage ‘Charles’ as it was her fathers name, and because ‘Hoskins’ sounded too similar to ‘Hopkin,’ (Mary Hopkin see also best songs 692) includes six studio Albums released between 1976-1977, and 44 singles released between 1969-2016, there are also eight official compilation Albums available. In the UK, seven of her singles have reached the top 40, with I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance) peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was the eighth single release from Tina Charles as a solo artist, it was her breakthrough hit as all of her previous seven releases had failed to chart. The song was the second of two singles issued from her debut studio Album ‘I Love to Love,’ from 1976, and was co-written by Jack Robinson, (lyrics) and James Bolden, (1948-1997) (music) and was produced by Biddu Appaiah. Jack Robinson was born on January 17th, 1938, in Seattle, Washington, United States, he is a music producer as well as a songwriter. Among his best known productions is the original version of ‘Dancing in the Moonlight,’ by the French/American Rock band King Harvest, which reached Number 13 on Billboard in 1972, he was also involved with other hits recorded by Tina Charles, including ‘Love Me Like a Lover,’ (UK-Number 31-1976) and ‘Rendezvous’ (UK-Number 27-1977.) ‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was also co-written by James Bolden, who was born Jacques Pepino, in Tarare, France, on January 1st, 1948, he committed suicide on May 11th, 1997, at the age of 49, following the accidental death of his 11-year-old daughter Julia. As well as being a songwriter he was also a performer, using the stage name ‘David Christie,’ releasing seven studio Albums, and 21 singles, his biggest success as a recording artist came in 1982 when his song ‘Saddle Up’ co-written with Robinson reached Number 9 in the UK. Another notable co-write by the duo was ‘Strut Your Funky Stuff,’ for the American Philadelphia International Records, ‘Disco’ female trio Frantique (UK-Number 10-1979.)

‘I Love to Love (But My Baby Loves to Dance’) was produced by Biddu Appaiah, who is considered to be one of the pioneers of Disco Music. Biddu was born on February 8th, 1945, in Bangalore, Madras Presidency, British India, (now Karnataka, India) he first arrived in England in the early 1960’s. His major international breakthrough came in 1974 when producing the Carl Douglas hit ‘Kung Fu Fighting,’ which went to Number 1 in the UK, and also in America on Billboard, and has sold in excess of 11 million copies worldwide, making it at the time of writing the 34th best selling single of all time. Biddu has always embraced the latest technology, moving in to ‘Electronic’ music after the decline of Disco. In the 1980’s he became heavily involved in ‘Bollywood,’ producing soundtracks, and in the 1990’s he was very influential in popularising ‘Indian Pop’ music. As well as shaping the careers of many other artists worldwide, Biddu Appaiah has released 12 studio Albums as the ‘Biddu Orchestra,’ between 1975-2004. In the UK two of his singles as the Biddu Orchestra have reached the top 40, ‘Summer of 42,’ (1975-Number 14) and ‘Rain Forrest,’ (1976-Number 39.) He has also scored the music for 11 movie soundtracks, including the British drama film ‘The Stud,’ in 1978, and the Indian Bollywood movie ‘Star,’ in 1982.

‘The minute the band begins to swing it, he’s on his feet to dig it, and dance the night away. Stop, I’m spinnin’ like a top, we’ll dance until we drop, but if I have my way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

381-Bo Diddley-Bo Diddley.

1955-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.01. If the songs in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list were evaluated on their influence on future generations, then this would be in the top 20.

Bo Diddley was born Ellas Otha Bates on December 30th, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, United States. He was adopted and raised by his mother’s cousin Gussie McDaniel, taking her surname. Bo Diddley had a history of hypertension, and diabetes, and in May 2007 he suffered a stroke, the stroke was later followed by a heart attack, and he died on June 2nd, 2008, at the age of 79. Bo Diddley is considered to be one of the most important artists in the transition of the ‘Blues,’ to ‘Rock ‘N Roll,’ and was an influence on some of the all time greats including the Beatles, (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5) The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) and Buddy Holly (see also best songs 898 and 264.) Mick Jagger has said, ‘He was a wonderful, original musician who was an enormous force in music, and was a big influence on The Rolling Stones. He was very generous to us in our early years, and we learnt a lot from him.’ Jagger also added,’We will never see his like again.’ The origin of the stage name ‘Bo Diddley’ is unclear. McDaniel said his peers gave him the name, which he suspected was an insult, he has also said that the name first belonged to a singer his adoptive mother knew. The American ‘Blues’ harmonica player, Billy Boy Arnold who played on this song, has said that it was a local comedian’s name, which Leonard Chess (1917-1969) (see also best songs 596-548-308 and 30) adopted as McDaniel’s stage name, and the title of this his first single.

Bo Diddley has achieved numerous accolades in recognition of his significant role as one of the founding fathers of ‘Rock and Roll,’ including being inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1987. In 1999 his song ‘Bo Diddley’ was inducted into the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame,’ and in 2003 he was inducted into the ‘Blues Hall of Fame.’ The discography of Bo Diddley includes 27 studio Albums released between 1958-1996, and 37 singles released between 1955-1996, there are also 25 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, his only top 40 charting single is ‘Say Man,’ from 1959, which reached Number 20, although 10 of his singles did make the Billboard ‘Rhythm and Blues’ chart, (now known as the ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart) with this song reaching Number 1. In the UK, two of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Pretty Thing’ from 1955, peaking the highest at Number 34.

‘Bo Diddley’ was written by Ellas McDaniel a.k.a. Bo Diddley, with the production being by Leonard Chess, Phil Chess, (1921-2016) and Bo Diddley. The American author and journalist Richie Unterberger, who was born in 1962 has described the song as, ‘Soaked with futuristic waves of tremolo guitar, set to an ageless nursery rhyme. The result was not exactly Blues, or even straight R&B, but a new kind of guitar-based Rock ‘N’ Roll, soaked in the Blues and R&B, but owing allegiance to neither.’ Perhaps the biggest compliment you can pay to the song ‘Bo Diddley’ is that nothing else in 1955, or before that sounded anything like that track. The songs lyrics are based on the traditional Southern American Folk song ‘Hush Little Baby,’ another well known Pop hit to borrow from ‘Hush Little Bay’ is the 1963 song ‘Mockingbird’ by Charlie and Inez Foxx. Bo Diddley originally wanted to call the song ‘Uncle John’ but the owners of ‘Chess Records’ rejected the idea, and also the songs original lyrics, saying they were too dirty for the white American record buying public. In response Diddley re-wrote the lyrics, and named the song after himself.

The song ‘Bo Diddley’ was the first recording by Bo Diddley, and introduced ‘African rhythms’ in to ‘Rock ‘N Roll.’ The song is rhythmically similar to the ‘Juba dance,’ or ‘Hambone,’ originally known as ‘Pattin’ Juba,’ which is an African/American style of dancing that involves stomping, as well as slapping, and patting the arms, legs, chest, and cheeks. The ‘Juba’ dance was originally brought by Kongo slaves to Charleston, South Carolina, in the early 19th Century. This ‘new’ sound introduced by Bo Diddley was so influential that it became known as the ‘Bo Diddley Beat.’ Many songs recorded through the subsequent decades have incorporated the ‘Bo Diddley Beat,’ including ‘Willie and the Hand Jive’ by Johnny Otis, (1921-2012) from 1958, ‘Panic in Detroit’ by David Bowie,’ (1948-2016) from 1973, ‘Faith’ by George Michael, (1963-2016) from 1987, and many others. In 1963 the song ‘Bo Diddley’ was posthumously released on behalf of Buddy Holly, who had originally recorded the track back in 1956, it reached Number 4 in the UK.

‘Bo Diddley bought his babe a diamond ring. If that diamond ring don’t shine, he gonna take it to a private eye. If that private eye can’t see, he’d better not take the ring from me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

382-Isley Brothers-That Lady- Parts 1 & 2.

1973-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 2.20. Many music critics have cited the guitar solo by Ernie Isley as one of the best ever. There are many others on this countdown, including, see best songs 3-12-198-458 and 829, plus many more.

The Isley Brothers (see also best songs 823-681-508 and 176) who were then comprised of Rudolph, (1939-2023) Ronald, and O’Kelly Isley Jr. (1937-1986) first wrote and recorded ‘Who’s That Lady’ in 1964 as a stand alone single, with the production being by Bert Berns (1929-1967) (see also best songs 762.) The original recording was done in a ‘Cha-Cha/Bossa Nova’ style, and inspired by the American ‘R&B’ group ‘The Impressions’ (see also best songs 195.) In 1973 the Isley Brothers officially expanded to six members with the inclusion of Ernie Isley, Marvin Isley (1953-2010) and their brother-in-law Chris Jasper, although all three had already worked on some of the groups previous Albums. The Isley Brothers decided to re-record ‘Who’s That Lady’ which had failed to chart in 1964, by giving it a radical overhaul, with Ernie Isley adding a guitar solo, transforming the song from it’s ‘R&B’ roots, into a ‘Funk/Rock’ song. Ernie Isley has said that he didn’t want to re-record it because he felt that it already had been done, but his brother Ronald convinced him it would be worthwhile, as they were going to change the melody, tempo, and lyrics, and that it would showcase the guitar work of Ernie. This new version of the song would be called ‘That Lady,’ as opposed to the 1964 version called ‘Who’s That Lady.’

‘That Lady, (Part 1’) was the first of three singles released from the Isley Brothers 11th studio Album ‘3 + 3,’ from August 1973, the songs writing is credited to all six group members at that time, with the production being by Ronald, and Rudolph Isley. The Album which takes it title from the fact that the three original members were now officially joined by three new members, was ranked at 464 on the American ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine’s ‘500 Greatest Albums of All Time’ list in 2020. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, ‘That Lady, (Part 1’) reached Number 6, and made Number 2 on the Billboard Black Singles Chart.

Ernie Isley was born Ernest Isley on March 7th, 1952, in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, he was three years old when his older brothers formed, first as a Gospel group, then as a secular singing group. Whilst at high school in 1963 the then unknown Jimi Hendrix, (1942-1970) (see also best songs 983 and 492) then known as Jimmy Hendrix came to live with the family, and stayed until 1965. Jimi Hendrix would become a great influence on Ernie’s future musical career as a guitarist. With his brother Marvin, and his brother-in-law Chris Jasper he became an official member of the Isley Brothers in 1973. He would remain a member until leaving in 1984 to form the group ‘Isley-Jasper-Isley,’ with Marvin, and Chris Jasper. With the Isley Brothers he was inducted into the ‘Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1992, and in 2014 the Isley Brothers received the ‘Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.’ In 2020, Ernie was inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame,’ as a member of the Isley Brothers, and at the time of writing both he and his brother Ronald continue to tour domestically and internationally.

Ronald Isley was born on May 21st, 1941, in Cincinnati, United States, he is the one constant member of the Isley Brothers since their formation in 1954. Like many of his siblings he began his career in the church, and was singing from the age of two. By the age of seven he was singing on stage at venues such as the ‘Regal Theatre’ in Chicago, alongside artists as notable as Dinah Washington (1924-1963) (see also best songs 315.) Tragedy struck when his younger brother Vernon, (1943-1954) at the age of 11, was struck and killed by a car while riding his bicycle. In 2006 Ronald was convicted of tax evasion charges, owing over $3.1 million in back taxes, he was sentenced to three years and one month in prison, which he completed in a federal half-way house in 2010. In 2016, he became an ‘Honorary doctorate of music,’ awarded by the ‘Berklee College of Music,’ in Boston, Massachusetts. United States.

Ernie Isley has spoken about his critically acclaimed guitar solo on ‘That Lady,’ ‘It was a magical moment when it happened. When I finished the solo to ‘That Lady,’ Kelly looked at me for 15 minutes straight without blinking. I felt like I had one foot on the ground, one on Mount Olympus. I went from a black-and-white world to Technicolor.’

‘Hear me calling out to you, ’cause that’s all that I can do. Your eyes tell me to pursue, but you say ‘Look yeah, but don’t touch baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

383-Keane-Bedshaped.

2004-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 3.35. The band are named after a family friend of Tom Chaplin’s family called Cherry Keane who looked after Tim Rice-Oxley and Tom Chaplin when they were children, she would tell them to ‘Go after their dreams.’ At her death from cancer she left money to the Chaplin family, of which some was used by Tom, ‘To see me through the harder times with the music.’

Keane are an ‘Alternative Rock’ group who were formed in Battle, East Sussex, England, in 1995, by Tim Rice-Oxley, (keyboards) Richard Hughes, (drums) and Dominic Scott, (guitar) originally calling themselves ‘Lotus Eaters,’ (not to be confused with the 1980’s Liverpool band of the same name) they performed as a covers band playing songs by their favourite bands including U2, (see also best songs 766-320-190 and 84) and the Beatles (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 5.) Tom Chaplin (lead vocals) joined the group in 1997, and Scott left in 2001, and in 2011, after being a touring musician with the group since 2007, Jesse Quin (bass, and keyboards) became an official member. In 2014 Keane went on hiatus, with members pursuing other musical projects, but they did reform in 2018, and at the time of writing they remain active.

For an ‘Alternative Rock’ group Keane are unusual, in that while guitars have been minimally used, even in their early work their appearance in the final mix has always been slight, and while Tom Chaplin has stepped up as an almost full time guitarist in the band, that instrument is never featured as prominently as to be more than barely noticed. Because of this they have been dubbed as ‘the band with no guitars,’ thanks to their heavily piano-based sound. By using delay and distortion effects on their pianos and similar keyboards, they often create sounds that aren’t immediately recognisable as being played on a piano or a keyboard.

The discography of Keane who have sold in excess of 13 million records worldwide includes five studio Albums released between 2004-2019, and 32 singles released between 2000-2023, there are also 10 extended plays, (EP’s) one official compilation Album, and four live Albums available. In the UK, the first four of their studio Albums have all reached the Number 1 position, with their latest ‘Cause and Effect,’ (2019) peaking at Number 2, while 10 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Somewhere Only We Know,’ (2004) and ‘Is It Any Wonder?’ (2006) both peaking the highest at Number 3. In America, three of their studio Albums have reached the top 20 on the Billboard 200 Album chart, while none of their singles, including ‘Bedshaped,’ have made the Billboard Hot 100, top 40 chart.

‘Bedshaped’ was the third of five singles released from ‘Hopes and Fears,’ the debut studio Album from Keane, from May 2004, the song was originally composed by Tim Rice-Oxley in 2001, but was further worked on later, with fellow band members Richard Hughes, and Thomas Chaplin, along with James Sanger all receiving the songwriting credits, with the production being by to Andy Green. It is said that James Sanger is the most successful person in ‘Pop Music’ that no one has heard of. He is credited with working on records that have sold in excess of 70 million worldwide, as a songwriter, producer, and engineer. With sales in excess of 2.7 million copies sold ‘Hopes and Fears’ is one of the 50 best selling Albums of all time in the UK, in total worldwide the Album has sold in excess of 5.8 million copies to date.

Timothy James Rice-Oxley was born on June 2nd, 1976, in Oxford, England, he is the keyboardist, and principle songwriter for Keane. Away from Keane he is a member of the ‘Alternative/Country’ group ‘Mt. Desolation,’ along with fellow Keane band member Jesse Quin, and members of Mumford & Sons, (see also best songs 517) The Killers, (see also best songs 917) and The Staves. ‘Mt. Desolation’ have released three studio Albums between 2010-2023. Tim Rice-Oxley has posted an explanation of the meaning to ‘Bedshaped’ on the ‘Keane’ official message board, ‘The song is about feeling that you’ve been left behind by an old friend or lover, and about hoping that you’ll be reunited one day, so that you can live out the end of your lives together the way you started them, a hope that they’ll eventually want to get away from the bright lights and come back home. It’s a sad and angry song, but also full of hope. I think I’m right in saying that in hospital when someone is ill and has to spend a lot of time in bed they can become ‘bedshaped.’ It sounds a bit depressing, but in the context of the song I wanted to suggest old age and frailty.’

‘Don’t laugh at me, don’t look away. You’ll follow me back with the sun in your eyes and on your own Bed shaped.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

384-Cat Stevens-Matthew and Son.

1967-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 2.24. A lot of people have commented that this songs verse sounds very similar to the 1982 song ‘Mad World’ by Tears For Fears. Cat Stevens made a reference to this at a concert in 2016 while playing Matthew and Son, inserting the lyrics, ‘I think it’s kind of funny, I think it’s kind of strange, yes I think it’s kind of funny, that this sounds the same!’

Yusuf Islam commonly known by his stage name Cat Stevens, (see also best songs 203) was born Steven Demetre Georgiou, on July 21st, 1948, in Marylebone, London, England. Thinking that his birth name might be difficult to remember, he chose the name Cat Stevens, partly because a girlfriend had said that he had eyes like a cat, and partly because he thought that a potential future American fan base were animal lovers. Stevens initial success was in the UK with the release of his debut Studio Album also called ‘Matthew and Son’ in 1967, but it wasn’t until 1970 with the release of ‘Tea for the Tillerman,’ his fourth studio Album, that he made his breakthrough in America, and becoming even more successful than he was in the UK.

Cat Stevens has been very close to death on two occasions. In 1969 he contracted tuberculosis, and during his recuperation he took up meditation, yoga, and metaphysics, he read about many religions beliefs, and also became a vegetarian. In 1976 he nearly drowned off the coast of Malibu, California, and said he shouted,’Oh God!, if you save me I will work for you.’ He stated that immediately afterwards a wave appeared and took him back to the shore. Stevens then spent time looking into many religions, and it was after his brother David brought him a copy of the Qur’an as a birthday gift, that he then decided to become a Muslim. He converted to the Muslim faith in 1977, changing his name to Yusuf Islam, and then abandoning his musical career for nearly two decades. Yusuf gradually resumed his musical career in the 1990’s, and released his first new Album ‘The Life of the Last Prophet’ as Yusuf Islam in 1995, his first new material in 17 years. His most recent two releases in 2017 (‘The Laughing Apple’) and 2020’s ‘Tea for the Tillerman 2’ were both released as ‘Yusuf/Cat Stevens.’ For the discography of Cat Stevens see best songs 203.

‘Matthew and Son’ was the second of two singles released from Cat Stevens’ debut studio Album of the same name, from March 1967, the song was written by Cat Stevens, with the production being by Mike Hurst, who was born Michael John Longhurst Pickworth, on September 19th, 1942, in Kilburn, London, England. Mike Hurst first found success in the music business when winning an audition to join Dusty, (see also best songs 882 and 171) and Tom Springfield (see also best songs 609) in the British Folk/Pop trio ‘The Springfields,’ in February 1962. Together they issued three studio Albums between 1962-1963, and 12 singles between 1961-1964, with four of those tracks reaching the UK top 40, and one making the American Billboard Hot 100. After ‘The Springfields,’ Mike Hurst moved into music production, his notable work from around that period includes producing P. P. Arnold, ‘The First Cut Is the Deepest,’ (1967-UK Number 18) and Manfred Mann, ‘Mighty Quinn’ (1968-UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 10.) In the early 1970’s he produced for the Australian band New World, and in 1973 he formed his own production company, ‘Solid Gold,’ and wrote and produced for the English Pop band Fancy. The same year he signed the English ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ band Showaddywaddy (see also best songs 542) to ‘Bell Records,’ and produced a string of UK hit singles for them. In 1978 he started managing the Welsh singer Shakin’ Stevens, and produced his first hit ‘Hot Dog’ (1980-UK Number 24.) In the 21st Century Mike Hurst’s production work has included the Scottish Indie/Pop group Belle and Sebastian.

‘Matthew and Son’ can boast some of the most notable session musicians of the era playing on the track, including the future co-founder of Led Zeppelin John Paul Jones, (see also best songs 135 and 66) who played bass, Big Jim Sullivan, (1941-2012) (see also best songs 891-467-171-164-129-111 and 45) who played guitar, and Nicky Hopkins (1944-1994) keyboards, who was also a studio session player for many other artists, including The Rolling Stones, and The Who, and appears on this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list on other occasions.

According to Cat Stevens, ‘Matthew and Son’ took it’s name from ‘Henry Matthews,’ which was a shop from where he had bought a suit. Stevens has said, ‘I had a girlfriend and she was working for a big firm, and I didn’t like the way she had to spend so much of her time working.’ The song is about a business where some of the workers who have been there all of their lives are working for poor wages. They can hardly make ends meet, but dare not ask for a wage rise for fear of being dismissed. There working conditions are also inadequate, with short breaks, and poor food being provided.

‘Matthew and Son, the work’s never done, there’s always something new. The files in your head, you take them to bed, you’re never ever through.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

385-Fred Astaire with Johnny Greene’s Orchestra-Let’s Face the Music and Dance.

1936-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 0.50. Fred Astaire died of pneumonia on June 22nd, 1987, at the age of 88. Shortly before his death Astaire said,’ I didn’t want to leave this world without knowing who my descendant was, thank you Michael,’ referring to Michael Jackson (see also best songs (812-511-249-191 and 137.)

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ is another classic from the pen of Irving Berlin, (1888-1989) (see also best songs 731-457 and 100) who some have called the greatest songwriter of all time. Berlin wrote the song for the 1936 American musical comedy ‘Follow the Fleet’ starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (1911-1995) in the fifth of their 10 film collaborations as dance partners. Other songs written for the movie by Berlin, and recorded by Fred Astaire which also became hits were ‘Let Yourself Go,’ and ‘I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket.’

Fred Astaire was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10th, 1899, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States, he is widely considered the greatest dancer in film history. It was Astaire’s mother who first pushed Fred and his sister Adele in to show business as a singing and dancing double act, she changed the family name from Austerlitz, as she felt ‘Austerlitz’ was reminiscent of the ‘Battle of Austerlitz,’ Family legend attributes the name to an uncle with the surname ‘L’Astaire.’ Fred Astaire appeared in 34 film musicals, and eight films non musical, he also made many television appearances, including ‘The Fred Astaire Show’ in 1968. It is said that away from the cameras Fred Astaire was an intensely private person and was rarely seen on the Hollywood social scene, preferring to devote his spare time to his family and his hobbies, which included horse racing, playing the drums, songwriting, and golfing. His first wife was the New York socialite Phyllis Potter, (1908-1954) who died of lung cancer at the age of 46. He would marry again in 1980, at the age of 81, to the American Robyn Smith who was 45 years his junior and a jockey. Fred Astaire’s life has never been portrayed on film, as he refused permission for such portrayals, saying, ‘However much they offer me, and offers come in all the time, I shall not sell.’ His will included a clause requesting that no such portrayal should ever take place, he commented, ‘It is there because I have no particular desire to have my life misinterpreted, which it would be.’

Fred Astaire is best remembered for his ground breaking dance routines, but many critics have rated his singing as among the finest of his era, although the extremely modest Astaire frequently claimed that he could not sing. Irving Berlin considered Fred Astaire the equal of any male interpreter of his songs, ‘As good as Jolson, (see also best songs 310) Crosby (see also best songs 934-457 and 259) or Sinatra, (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) not necessarily because of his voice, but for his conception of projecting a song.’ Jerome Kern (1885-1945) (see also best songs 687 and 82) considered him the supreme male interpreter of his songs.

Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin, on May 11th, 1888, in Tolochin, Russian Empire, which is now Belarus, he died in his sleep on September 22, 1989, of a heart attack, and natural causes at the age of 101. Berlin was held in the highest esteem by his peers, the American composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) (see also best songs 286 and 231) said,’ I frankly believe that Irving Berlin is the greatest songwriter that has ever lived. He has had a greater influence upon American music than any other man. It was Irving Berlin who was the very first to have created a real, inherent American music. Irving Berlin was the first to free the American song from the nauseating sentimentality which had previously characterised it.’

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has been recorded by many artists over the years, the first recording just ahead of Fred Astaire in January 1936 was by Vincent Lopez (1895-1975) and His Orchestra, while perhaps the most famous recording was made by Nat King Cole (1919-1965) (see also best songs 988-327-226 and 161) for his Album ‘Let’s Face the Music’ in 1964, whose version after being used in a 1994 television commercial reached Number 30 in the UK.

‘Let’s Face the Music and Dance’ has a message, it tells the listener to enjoy yourself while you can, because trouble could be just around the corner, which was apt, as it was written in 1936.

‘There may be trouble ahead, but while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance, let’s face the music and dance.’