THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

502-Creedence Clearwater Revival-Bad Moon Rising.

1969-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.33. There’s a bathroom on the right.

This song contains one of the most famous misheard lyrics in ‘Pop’ music. ‘There’s a bad moon on the rise,’ is often misheard as ‘There’s a bathroom on the right.’ The mishearing became so famous that when the bands lead singer John Fogerty performs the song live, he sings the bathroom line, and points towards the toilets from the stage.

Creedence Clearwater Revival, which is often abbreviated to ‘CCR,’ were a Rock group, who were formed at Portola Junior High School, in El Cerrito, California, United States, in 1959, by the three school friends John Fogerty, (lead vocals, lead guitar, and primary songwriter) Stuart Cook, (bass) and Doug Clifford, (drums) they were soon joined by John Fogerty’s older brother Tom Fogerty, (1941-1990) (rhythm guitar) and initially went by the stage name of ‘Blue Velvets.’ In 1964 they were signed by ‘Fantasy Records,’ and re-named ‘The Golliwogs,’ after the children’s literary character Golliwog,’ by Max Weiss of ‘Fantasy Records.’ It was in January 1968 that the group made their final name change to ‘Creedence Clearwater Revival.’ According to interviews with the band members some 20 years later, the name’s elements came from three sources, Tom Fogerty’s friend Credence Newball, whose name they changed to form the word Creedence (as in creed,) a television commercial for the ‘Olympia Brewing Company’ (‘clear water,’) and the four members’ renewed commitment to their band. ‘CCR’ remained active until 1972, when the other three members frustration at John Fogerty’s dominance in the writing and producing of the groups songs finally came to a head, and they decided to call it a day.

As the ‘Blue Velvets,’ they released six non charting singles between 1961-1962, and 14 non charting singles as ‘The Golliwogs,’ between 1964-1967, with a further nine singles, which were unreleased during that time period, being made available in 2001. The discography of Creedence Clearwater Revival, who have sold in excess of 45 million Albums in America includes, seven studio Albums released between 1968-1972, and 29 singles released between 1968-1990, there are also 41 official compilation Albums, and five live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 13 of their singles have reached the top 40, with five of those songs all peaking at Number 2, which is a record for an artist, or artists, who have never had a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single. In the UK, nine of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Bad Moon Rising,’ reaching the Number 1 position.

‘Bad Moon Rising’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Green River,’ which was the third studio Album released by Creedence Clearwater Revival, from August 1969. The song was written and produced by John Fogerty, who was born John Cameron Fogerty, on May 28th, 1945, in Berkeley, California, United States. After parting ways with ‘CCR,’ John Fogerty has gone on to record 10 solo studio Albums between 1973-2020, and released 26 singles between 1972-2021. As a solo artist on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had five further top 40 hits, with ‘The Old Man Down the Road,’ peaking the highest at Number 10 in 1984. Apart from ‘Bad Moon Rising’ his other best known songs include ‘Proud Mary,’ (see also best songs 752) and ‘Rockin’ All Over the World,’ which was covered by the British Rock group Status Quo, (see also best songs 905 and 108) who opened ‘Live Aid’ with the song in 1985.

John Fogerty got the idea for ‘Bad Moon Rising’ after watching the 1941 American supernatural film ‘The Devil and Daniel Webster.’ The song was inspired by a scene in the film in which a hurricane destroys the crops of several farms, but spares those of Jabez Stone, the character in the film who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for wealth. It is ironic that a song inspired by a film should itself be used in so many movies over the years, most famously in ‘An American in London,’ in 1981. John Fogerty readily admits borrowing the songs guitar riff from the 1955 Elvis Presley song ‘I’m Left, You’re Right, She’s Gone,’ which was written by Scotty Moore (1931-2016.) In 1986 at an awards function, Moore jokingly grabbed John Fogerty from behind and said, ‘Give me back my licks.’ ‘Bad Moon Rising’ warns us that Armageddon is just around the corner, but what Fogerty was probably referring to was the state of America in the late 1960’s.

‘Hope you got your things together, hope you are quite prepared to die. Looks like we’re in for nasty weather, one eye is taken for an eye. Well don’t go around tonight, well it’s bound to take your life, there’s a bad moon on the rise.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

503-Minnie Riperton-Lovin’ You.

1975-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.23. I bet you’re surprised to see that I’ve included the birdie song.

Minnie Riperton was born Minnie Julia Riperton, on November 8th, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, she died on June 12th, 1979, from breast cancer at the age of 31. Minnie Riperton’s parents recognised her remarkable vocal abilities from a young age, and sent her for Operatic vocal training, however the young Riperton was more interested in ‘Soul,’ R&B,’ and ‘Rock Music.’ At the age of 15 Minnie Riperton joined the all girl group ‘The Gems,’ providing backing vocals for some of the songs recorded on the Chicago based ‘Chess’ record label, most notably for the American ‘R&B’ singer Fontella Bass, (1940-2012) on her 1965 hit ‘Rescue Me’ (Billboard Number 4 & UK Number 8.) With ‘The Gems,’ who also used different names, she featured on many mid to late 1960’s singles. including the song ‘My Baby’s Real,’ recorded in 1967 as the ‘Starlets,’ which over the years has achieved cult status with ‘Northern Soul’ fans and remains a favourite. In 1966 Minnie Riperton also recorded her first solo single called ‘Lonely Girl,’ using the name ‘Andrea Davis.’ Also that year she joined the ‘Psychedelic Soul’ band ‘Rotary Connection.’ which had been created by Marshall Chess, the son of ‘Chess Records’ founder Leonard Chess, (1917-1969) Minnie Riperton appeared on all six ‘Rotary Connection’ Albums between 1967-1971.’ It was in 1970 that she released her first solo Album ‘Come to My Garden,’ before going into a period of semi retirement from music in order to raise a family. In 1973 an employee for ‘Epic Records’ persuaded her to record again, which would lead to her most successful commercial period.

The discography of Minnie Riperton includes six solo studio Albums released between 1970-1980, and 14 singles released between 1972-1980, there are also five official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, four of her studio Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Perfect Angel,’ (1974) making Number 1, while on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only ‘Lovin’ You’ has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 1. In the UK, Minnie Riperton has also had only the one top 40 hit with ‘Lovin’ You,’ which peaked at Number 2.

‘Lovin’ You’ was the last of three singles released from Minnie Riperton’s second solo studio Album ‘Perfect Angel,’ from May 1974, the song was co-written by Minnie Riperton and her husband Richard Rudolph, (see also best songs 735) with the production being by Rudolph and Stevie Wonder (920-843-834-682-570-366-205-152 and 65.) Richard Rudolph had began composing ‘Lovin’ You’ as far back as 1971, and then further developed it after their daughter was born in 1972. Minnie Riperton developed the final melody, while Rudolph wrote the lyrics and the bridge. When ‘Epic Records’ asked Minnie Riperton whom she wanted to produce the Album, she chose Stevie Wonder, who to avoid contract conflicts with ‘Motown Records’ was credited under the pseudonym ‘El Toro Negro,’ which is Spanish for ‘Black Bull,’ as Stevie Wonder’s astrological sign is Taurus. Stevie Wonder also wrote two tracks on the Album, the title track ‘Perfect Angel,’ and ‘Take a Little Trip,’ as well as playing many instruments, including acoustic piano, electric piano, and harmonica. Stevie Wonder had asked Riperton and Ruldolph to come up with a tune that they had considered to be their ‘most embarrassing song,’ Riperton mentioned a lullaby she sang to her daughter ‘Maya’ to put her to sleep at night, so that she and Rudolph could spend some ‘grown up time.’ Minnie Riperton has said that during the recording of the song’s demo, the bird chirping was recorded accidentally, she has said that it was kept in the song since it ‘Seemed to work,’ and was included on the song’s final version. On the day of recording, Minnie Riperton’s daughter Maya Rudolph was in the studio, and Riperton can be heard singing her daughter’s name at the end of the song, but only in the unedited, or Album version. The song fades out early in the radio edit because the powers that be felt that the repeated ‘Maya’ was being overdone, and that it could be misunderstood as a religious chant.

Minnie Riperton had a ‘five-octave vocal range,’ and is best remembered for her use of the ‘whistle register.’ The whistle register, which is also called the ‘flute register,’ or ‘flageolet register’ is the highest register of the human voice, lying above the ‘modal register,’ and ‘falsetto register.’ This register has a specific physiological production that is different from the other registers, and is so called because the timbre of the notes that are produced from this register is similar to that of a whistle. I am sure that it will come as no surprise whatsoever, that Mariah Carey (see also best songs 822) states Minnie Riperton as a significant influence.

‘No one else can make me feel the colours that you bring. Stay with me while we grow old, and we will live each day in springtime. ‘Cause lovin’ you has made my life so beautiful, and every day of my life is filled with lovin’ you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

504-Jess Glynne-Hold My Hand.

2015-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.50. ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ is the title of Jess Glynne’s debut Album. Glynne has said, ‘I do actually cry when I laugh, it’s a known fact about me, the minute I laugh I cry.’

Jessica Hannah Glynne, was born on October 20th, 1989, in Hampstead, London, England, having appeared as either the lead artist, or as the featured artist on seven UK Number 1 singles, (which is eight if you include her appearance on the 2020 charity single ‘Times Like These,’ as part of Live Lounge Allstars’) Jess Glynne has had more UK Number 1 singles than any other British female artist. She was born into a Jewish family, whose name was originally Goldstein, but her grandfather changed it to Glynne. Her mother, Alexandra, worked in A&R in the music industry. After completing her A-levels in 2008, she took various jobs including working in a fitness centre, before spending a period of time travelling the world. In her late teens she began to take her music career seriously, when introducing herself to songwriters and producers. Jess Glynne first met one of this songs co-writers Janée Bennett, known professionally as ‘Jin Jin,’ at a month long music course at an East London college. One of the duo’s early compositions caught the attention of ‘Black Butter Records,’ who signed Glynne to a publishing deal, and introduced her to music managers and lawyers. The president of ‘Black Butter Records,’ Joe Gossa said of Jess Glynne, ‘Her voice just flipped me out, there was a fierceness to it. She can talk about everyday things in this way that’s just epic.’ In 2013, she signed a contract with ‘Atlantic Records.’

The discography of Jess Glynne includes three studio Albums released between 2015-2024, and 20 singles released between 2014-2024, both of her first two Albums reached Number 1 in the UK. On the UK top 40 singles chart, as the lead artist she has had eight hits, with three of those tracks reaching Number 1, and a further six top 40 hits as the featured artist, with five of those songs all making the Number 1 spot. In America on Billboard, her debut Album ‘I Cry When I Laugh’ peaked at Number 25, while her only charting single as the lead artist is ‘Hold My Hand’ which stalled at Number 86. As the featured artist, she charted in 2014, on the single ‘Rather Be,’ by Clean Bandit featuring Jess Glynne, which reached Number 10.

‘Hold My Hand’ was the third of six singles released from ‘I Cry When I Laugh,’ the debut studio Album by Jess Glynne, from August 2015. The song was co-written by Jess Glynne, Janée Bennett, Jack Patterson, and Ina Wrolssen, with the production being by Finlay Dow-Smith, who is better known by his working name of Starsmith. Since late 2015, ‘Hold My Hand’ has been featured in advertising for ‘Jet2holidays,’ as well as being used for various in-aircraft announcements with ‘Jet2.com.’

‘Hold My Hand’ was co-written by Janée Bennett, who is professionally known as ‘Jin Jin,’ and was born in Manchester, England, she is the daughter of the former professional Sunderland footballer Gary Bennett. Prior to finding success as a songwriter, Bennett was a singer, releasing nine singles between 2008-2015, four of which were as a featured artist. She has co-written dozens of hit singles, including Jess Glynne’s debut single ‘Right Here,’ (2014-UK-Number 6) and Tinie Tempah’s ‘Not Letting Go,’ featuring Jess Glynne (2015-UK-Number 1.) Another of the co-writers of ‘Hold My Hand’ is Jack Patterson, who was one of the co-founders of the ‘Electronic,’ and ‘Classical crossover,’ group ‘Clean Bandit,’ whom Jess Glynne made her major breakthrough with, when providing vocals on their 2014 UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 10 hit single ‘Rather Be.’ ‘Hold My Hand’s’ other writer is Ina Christine Wroldsen (Norwegian: [ˈîːnɑ krɪsˈtìːnɑ ˈʋrɔ̀ɫsn̩]; who was born on May 29th, 1984, in Sandefjord, Norway, she is a singer and songwriter. As a solo artist she has released 25 singles as the lead artist, and appeared on a further five as the featured artist between 2004-2019, she has also issued one Album as part of the duo ‘Ask Embla,’ in 2013, which produced two singles. In the UK she is probably best known for co-writing ‘How Deep Is Your Love,’ for
Calvin Harris and Disciples (UK-Number 2-2015.)

Jess Glynne has spoken about how ‘Hold My Hand’ came about, ‘It’s one of those songs that just kind of makes you feel at ease. It was inspired by my severe anxiety. Me and my friend wrote it together. It’s just about somebody being there when you feel insecure in a situation, and that person is just there to make you feel better, I love it, it’s got me written all over it.’ Jess Glynne has also gone on to say, ‘I actually wrote it with Jack [Patterson] from Clean Bandit, and this girl called Janee [Bennett] who I pretty much write all my songs with. When we started it, me and Janee had this idea before we even got to the studio of the line ‘Darling, hold my hand.’ It wasn’t originally like, ‘Oh we’re thinking country.’ But when we put the chords down and started singing, it kind of sounds a little bit like Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5.’ I later on realised that, but it wasn’t done on purpose.’

‘Standing in a crowded room, and I can’t see your face. Put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK. In my mind, I’m running round a cold and empty space, just put your arms around me, tell me everything’s OK.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

505-Eagles-Lyin’ Eyes.

1975-Number 23 single.

Best Bit-At 4.57. Have you ever seen a beautiful young woman with a much older unfit fat guy? If you have, then maybe you too could have let your imagination run wild, and written this song as well.

The Eagles (see also best songs 198) were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1971, by Glenn Frey, (1948-2016) (guitars and vocals) Don Henley, (drums and vocals) Bernie Leadon, (guitars and vocals) and Randy Meisner, (1946-2023) (bass guitar and vocals.) They originally started out as touring members, as part of the backing band for the American ‘Folk/Country/Pop’ singer Linda Ronstadt, although all four, prior to forming the Eagles, only played live together once behind Ronstadt, in a concert in Disneyland, California, but they did all appear as musicians on Linda Ronstadt’s self titled third studio Album from January 1972. There are differing stories to how the quartet came up with the stage name ‘Eagles,’ with the American singer/songwriter J. D. Souther claiming that when he and Glenn Frey were out together, Frey saw some eagles above, and shouted out ‘Eagles!’ In 1974, Don Felder became an official member of the group, and then in December 1975, Bernie Leadon left, stating that the move from ‘Country/Rock,’ to a ‘Heavier Rock’ sound, was not for him, and he was replaced by Joe Walsh. In 1977, Randy Meisner departed, and was replaced by Timothy B. Schmit (bass guitar and vocals.) The Eagles remained active until 1980, but then reformed between 1994-2016, and then again in 2017, and they remain active at the time of writing. In total there have been nine different official members, with Vince Gill, (guitars and vocals) being a member since 2017, and Deacon Frey, (lead vocals and guitars) who is the the son of Glenn, being a member between 2017-2022, and then returning in 2023. For the discography of the Eagles (see best songs 198.)

‘Lyin’ Eyes’ was the second of three singles released from the Eagles fourth studio Album ‘One of These Nights,’ from June 1975, the song was co-written by Don Henley, and Glenn Frey, with the production being by Bill Szymczyk (see also best songs 556 and 198.) Although Henley and Frey were the two younger members of the original Eagles line up, they soon took over the majority of the groups songwriting duties, and have often been referred to as ‘The American Lennon and McCartney.’

Donald Hugh Henley, was born on July 22nd, 1947, in Gilmer, Texas, United States, he is the groups one remaining constant. After the Eagles split in 1980, Henley pursued a solo career, and has released five solo studio Albums between 1982-2015, and 27 singles within the same time period, there are also two official compilation Albums available, as well as three singles he has recorded for film soundtracks, and eight singles he has appeared on as a featured artist. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had eight top 40 solo hit singles, with a further two as the featured artist, with ‘Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough,’ by Patty Smyth, featuring Don Henley, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1992, while in the UK, Don Henley has had three top 40 hits without the Eagles, with ‘The Boys of Summer,’ peaking the highest at Number 12 in 1984, and then again on it’s UK re-release in 1998, when once again it made Number 12. With the Eagles he has sold in excess of 150 million Albums worldwide, and as a solo artist, he has sold a further 10 million Albums.

Glenn Lewis Frey was born on November 6th, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on January 18th, 2016, from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, acute ulcerative colitis, and pneumonia. at the age of 67. When the Eagles split in 1980, he embarked on a solo career, which has included the release of five solo Albums between 1982-2012, and 19 singles released between 1982-1995, there are also three official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had seven solo top 40 hit singles, with ‘The Heat Is On,’ (1984) and ‘You Belong to the City,’ (1985) both peaking the highest at Number 2, while in the UK, he has charted twice, with ‘The Heat Is On’ peaking the highest at Number 12.

The idea for ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ came about when Glenn Frey and Don Henley were sat in ‘Dan Tana’s’ restaurant/bar, in West Hollywood, California. They would see all of these beautiful women come into the venue in search of male company, and then they saw a young girl with a much older fat, wealthy man, who was obviously a kept woman, and Glenn Frey commented, ‘She can’t hide those lyin’ eyes.’ ‘Lyin’ Eyes’ is a song about a young woman who marries a much older wealthy man for his riches, and her fianancial security, but she soon realises that it isn’t enough. He is distant, and shows no affection for her, so she goes seeking attention from a much younger man who can only offer her love, and she has to decide which she wants more, the money, or the love, as she can not have both.

‘City girls just seem to find out early, how to open doors with just a smile. A rich old man and she won’t have to worry, she’ll dress up all in lace and go in style. Late at night a big old house gets lonely, I guess every form of refuge has its price. And it breaks her heart to think her love is only given to a man with hands as cold as ice.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

506-Ohio Players-Fire.

1974-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.43. Many of the Ohio Players Album sleeves had pictures of scantily clad ‘Playboy’ girls on the cover, but that wasn’t the reason why this, then 13 year old boy, bought all of their records.

The Ohio Players were formed in 1959, in Dayton, Ohio, United States, as ‘The Ohio Untouchables.’ There were five original members who have all since passed on, including Marshall ‘Rock’ Jones, (1941-2016) (bass guitar) Ralph ‘Pee Wee’ Middlebrooks, (1939-1997) (trumpet, and trombone) and Clarence ‘Satch’ Satchell, (1940-1995) (saxophone, flute, and percussion) all of whom played on this track, along with four others. In total there have been 21 different members come and go, and at the time of writing the group remain active. In their early days as ‘The Ohio Untouchables,’ they called the music that they played, ‘R&B with a little flair,’ and an early claim to fame was when gaining recognition as playing as the backing band for the American R&B vocal group ‘The Falcons,’ whose members included the future ‘Soul’ legends Eddie Floyd, (see also best songs 828) and Wilson Pickett (see also best songs 488.) After internal problems which caused the group to briefly break up in 1964, they regrouped, and by 1965 had renamed themselves ‘Ohio Players,’ reflecting its members’ self-perceptions as musicians, and as ladies’ men. The group disbanded again in 1970, then reformed with new personnel including, notably the multi-instrumentalist, and producer Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison, (1954-2017) who was largely responsible for writing and arranging the Ohio Players commercial breakthrough 1973 hit single, ‘Funky Worm,’ which reached Number 15 on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. Walter ‘Junie’ Morrison recorded three studio Albums as an ‘Ohio Player,’ before leaving in 1974, prior to the recording of this song, to become a member, and musical director of Parliament-Funkadelic (see also best songs 612-340-143 and 26.)

The discography of the Ohio Players who transformed from a 1960’s ‘R&B’ group into a ‘Funk’ group by the early 1970’s, includes 16 studio Albums released between 1969-1988, and 36 singles released between 1967-1988, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, eight of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Fire,’ (1974) and ‘Love Rollercaoster,’ (1975) making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, only ‘Who’d She Coo?’ (1976) has charted, when reaching Number 43.

‘Fire’ was the first of two singles released from the Ohio Players’ sixth studio Album of the same name from November 1974, the Album reached Number 1 on the American Billboard 200 Album chart. The songwriting credits, and the production of ‘Fire’ and it’s parent Album are credited to all seven members of the Ohio Players at that time. In 2005 the song was chosen as the theme music for the American reality competition cooking show ‘Hell’s Kitchen,’ which at the time of writing has run for 22 seasons, and 346 episodes.

Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner, who wrote the lyrics for ‘Fire’ about getting ‘hot for a smokin’ woman,’ has said that his band mates came up with the title ‘Fire,’ and he took it from there. ‘They come with the names and I have to write to them. If the music is good, it doesn’t take long to get inspired, The inclusion of the telltale fire-truck sirens was a no-brainer. To use all the effects one could use on a track like that, the fire engines and all that seemed very apropos to what was going on on the albums of that era. Other people were using babies crying, and kids singing, and street sounds. A lot of people were using sound effects of various natures, so we thought about that also.’ Prior to the song becoming a hit, they had played the instrumental track to Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65.) The Ohio Players drummer James ‘Diamond’ Williams has said, ‘He heard it and knew it was a smash. Just like before we even said any words on the track, we knew it was a smash. There was nothing that was going to stop this hit.’

As with many of the Ohio Players records, the ‘Fire’ Album cover is adorned with a beautiful female model wearing very little. Early on in their career the Ohio Players realised that they could boost Album sales by putting a sexy girl on the cover. James ‘Diamond’ Williams has said, ‘We thought if we put an attractive woman on the album cover that would draw attention. And maybe after drawing the attention, they’d take the album home and play it. It was just a concept where we were on the edge. We got with some ‘Playboy’ photographers and models in Chicago. The band would come up with these different ideas, and we went with it.’

‘Well, I can tell by your game, you’re gonna start a flame. Love, baby, baby, I’m not gon’ choke from the smoke, got me tightenin’ up my stroke, do you feel it, girl, yeah.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

507-Squeeze-Up the Junction.

1979-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.10. Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook were once hailed as ‘The heirs to Lennon and McCartney’s throne.’

Christopher Henry Difford, (guitar, vocals, and lyrics) who was born on November 4th, 1954, in Greenwich, London, England, claims that in 1973 he stole 50 pence from his mothers purse in order to put a card in a local sweet shop window to advertise for a guitarist to join his band, although he wasn’t actually in a band at the time. Glenn Martin Tilbrook, (vocals, guitar, and music) who was born on August 31st, 1957, in London, England, was the only person to respond to the advert. Jools Holland, (keyboards) and Paul Gunn (drums) were the next two to join, after seeing an advert placed in the ‘New Musical Express.’ The band took their name from ‘The Velvet Underground’s ‘ (see also best songs 401-165-131 and 58) much derided 1973 Album ‘Squeeze.’ They were active between 1974-1982, but reformed in 1985-1999, and then reformed again in 2007, and at the time of writing they remain active. In total there have been 27 different members come and go, with Difford and Tilbrook being the only constants.

The discography of Squeeze includes 15 studio Albums released between 1978-2017, and 48 singles released within the same time period, there are also two extended plays (EP’s), 14 official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, 12 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Cool for Cats,’ (1979) and ‘Up the Junction,’ (1979) both peaking the highest at Number 2. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, where they were dubbed ‘UK Squeeze’ for a short time, owing to legal conflicts arising from a contemporary American band called ‘Tight Squeeze,’ they have charted within the top 40 on two occasions, with ‘Hourglass,’ (1987) reaching Number 15, and ‘853-5937,’ (1988) making Number 32.

During the first hiatus of Squeeze between 1983-1985, Chris Difford, and Glenn Tilbrook continued to write, tour, and record together, and in 1984 they released the Album ‘Difford & Tilbrook, which many of their fan base consider to be an unofficial Squeeze Album. When not performing with Squeeze, Glenn Tilbrook performs with three others in a group that are called ‘Fluffers,’ with whom he released the 2009 Album ‘Pandemonium Ensues,’ In total away from Squeeze, Tilbrook has released 11 Albums between 2001-2016. Chris Difford also has a solo discography, which consists of eight Albums released between 2003-2018.

‘Up the Junction’ was the third of four singles released from ‘Cool for Cats’ the second studio Album from Squeeze, from April 1979, the song was co-written by Chris Difford, (lyrics) and Glenn Tilbrook, (music) with the production credited to Squeeze, and John Wood. Wood is an English sound engineer and producer, and is best known for his work with artists, including Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd, and Nick Drake (1948-1974.) John Wood engineered all three of Nick Drake’s Albums between 1969-1972, and it is said that he was one of the few people the notoriously withdrawn singer trusted. According to Drake’s biographer Trevor Dann, ‘He and Nick hit it off immediately, Woody the perfectionist soundman, Nick the perfectionist musician.’

Chris Difford got his inspiration for the lyrics to ‘Up the Junction’ from the collection of short stories written by the English playwright Neil Dunn, one of which was called ‘Up the Junction,’ and was made into a television play in 1965, and a film with a soundtrack by the British group Manfred Mann (see also best songs 592) in 1968. Although the song isn’t the same story as the book or the film, it does allude to the same themes of a working class environment, and pregnancy. The song tells the story of a couple falling in love, and moving in together. She becomes pregnant, and he tries to do the right thing by getting a job, and saving some money each week, but by the end of the song he has become an alcoholic, and she has left him for another man, and taken the baby with her, and he is too proud to beg her forgiveness. Up the junction is London slang for being in big trouble, and is also a reference to the working class area of Clapham Junction, in London. The title of the song is not mentioned until the final line. Chris Difford has been quoted as saying that he got the idea for that from the Roxy Music song ‘Virginia Plain,’ (see also best songs 57) in which the title also appeared only at the end. Glenn Tilbrook has said the music was partly inspired by the Bob Dylan song ‘Positively 4th Street,’ and the lack of a chorus or lyrical repetition, which is unusual in a mainstream ‘Pop’ hit, was due to Tilbrook feeling a repeated section would upset the flow of Difford’s narrative lyric.

‘Alone here in the kitchen I feel there’s something missing, I’d beg for some forgiveness, but begging’s not my business. And she won’t write a letter although I always tell her, and so it’s my assumption, I’m really up the junction.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

508-Lulu and the Luvvers-Shout.

1964-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. Lulu was only 15 years old when she recorded ‘Shout,’ she is the youngest solo artist to place a song on this ‘1000 Best Songs List.’

The original version of ‘Shout’ was written, and first recorded by O’Kelly, (1937-1986) Rudolph, (1939-2023) and Ronald, who were the three performing members of the Isley Brothers in 1959 (see also best songs 823-681-382 and 176.) On stage in their pre-fame days the Isley Brothers would end their shows with a rendition of the Jackie Wilson (see also best songs 449) song ‘Lonely Teardrops.’ Ronald realised that the audience enjoyed participating, so he would improvise in a ‘call and respond’ manner, with lines such as, ‘You know you make me wanna….’Shout.’ The group took this idea into the studio, and the original version of ‘Shout’ was born, with the production handled by Hugo Peretti, and Luigi Creatore (see also best songs 765.) Although the Isley Brothers version has never charted in the UK, and only reached Number 47 in America on Billboard, it has become one of their best known songs, due to it’s many cover versions. Notably this cover by Lulu and the Luvvers, but also the 1959 recording by the Australian singer Johnny O’Keefe,’ (1935-1978) which reached Number 2 in Australia, and the most successful version in America from ‘Joey Dee and the Starliters,’ which made Number 6 on Billboard in 1964. In 1993 the British female duo of ‘Louchie Lou & Michie One’ recorded a ‘Ragga/Rap’ version of the song, titled ‘Shout (It Out,’) which reached number 7 in the UK.

Lulu was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, on November 3rd, 1948, in Lennoxtown, Stirlingshire, Scotland, she received her stage name ‘Lulu’ at the age of 14 from her future manager of 25 years Marion Massey, (1930-2014) who after hearing her perform said, ‘Well, all I know is that she’s a real lulu of a kid.’ Lulu has had a long and varied career as a singer, actress, and television personality. Her musical career highlights include, achieving America’s best selling single of 1967, with the Billboard Number 1 ‘To Sir With Love,’ which was the theme tune to the film of the same name, in which she also starred in. In 1969 she won the ‘Eurovision Song Contest,’ representing the UK with the song ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang,’ and in 1974 she recorded the title song to the ‘James Bond’ film ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ Lulu has also worked with David Bowie, (1947-2016) and Mick Ronson, (1946-1993) when covering ‘The Man Who Sold the World,’ taking the song to Number 3 in the UK in 1974. Lulu has been married twice, to Maurice Gibb (1949-2003) of the Bee Gees between 1969-1973, and to the British celebrity hairstylist, John Frieda, between 1977-1991.

The discography of Lulu includes 15 studio Albums released between 1965-2015, and 69 singles released between 1964-2016, there are also 10 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, she has had 18 top 40 hit singles, with her featured appearance on ‘Relight My Fire,’ by the English Pop group ‘Take That’ in 1993, peaking the highest at Number 1, whilst her highest chart position as a solo artist is with ‘Boom Bang-a-Bang,’ which reached Number 2 in 1969. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Lulu has had four top 40 singles, with ‘To Sir With Love,’ reaching Number 1 for five weeks in 1967. In the UK ‘To Sir With Love’ was only issued as the ‘B’ side to her 1967 single ‘Let’s Pretend’ (UK-Number 11.)

‘Shout’ was the debut single by Lulu from April 1964, and is credited to ‘Lulu and the Luvvers,’ the song was co-written by O’Kelly, Rudolph, and Ronald Isley, with the production being by Peter Sullivan (1933-2020) (see also best songs 969 and 129.) ‘Shout’ was later added to ‘Something to Shout About,’ which was the debut studio Album from Lulu from 1965. The ‘Luvvers’ who were originally called ‘Gleneagles,’ but had their name changed by Lulu’s manager Marion Massey, hailed from Scotland, and were the backing band for Lulu between 1964-1965, appearing on seven singles with her, including two other hits, ‘Leave a Little Love’ (1965-UK-Number 8) and ‘Try to Understand’ (1965-UK-Number 25.) The Luvvers split in 1966, when Lulu became a solo artist.

‘Shout’ was produced by the British born music producer Peter Michael Sullivan, who was born on September 28th, 1933, he died on November 17th, 2020, from leukaemia, at the age of 87. Sullivan is best remembered for his production work with the British Pop singers Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, producing both of Tom Jones’ UK Number 1 singles ‘It’s Not Unusual,’ (see also best songs 129) and ‘Green, Green Grass of Home,’ (see also best songs 969) he also produced the 1967 UK Number one single by Engelbert Humperdinck, ‘The Last Waltz.’

‘I still remember when I used to be nine years old, yeah yeah, how I was over you from the bottom of my soul, yeah yeah. Now that’s old enough, enough to know, you wanna meet me, you wanna love me so.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

509-The Javells featuring Nosmo King-Goodbye Nothin’ To Say.

1974-Number 26 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. I’ll be honest with you, my intention was to write about the Maxine Nightingale song ‘Right Back Where We Started From,’ but after hearing this….

In 1974, Barry Manstov, and Dave McAleer, who were both employees at the British label ‘Pye Records’ set up a subsidiary label ‘Pye Disco Demand,’ with the intention of cashing in on the then growing popularity in ‘Northern Soul’ music (see also best songs 969.) White labels of this song were sent out under the name of ‘Javells’ to the ‘Wigan Casino,’ ‘The Twisted Wheel,’ in Manchester, and the ‘Blackpool Mecca,’ with a letter informing them that this was an American record which they were thinking about buying the rights to, and what did they think of it. The promotion that the song received saw it enter the UK chart at Number 54, leading to an appearance on the weekly British television music programme ‘Top of the Pops’ the following week. In total there were 26 tracks released on the ‘Pye Disco Demand’ subsidiary between 1974-1975, including other charting hits such as Wigan’s Chosen Few, with ‘Footsee,’ (UK-Number 9-1975) and Wayne Gibson, with ‘Under My Thumb’ (UK-Number 17-1974.)

‘Goodbye Nothin’ To Say’ was co-written by Stephan Jameson, and Marshall Doctores, with the production being by Jameson. It had started out life in early 1974 as the ‘B’ side to a song called ‘Teenage Love,’ by Stephan Jameson, which had failed to chart. While searching through the ‘Pye Records’ back catalogue for potential future hits, Dave McAleer chose this for potential release. It was re-recorded by Stephan Jameson, who was now going by the stage name of ‘Nosmo King,’ (which is no smoking backwards) with backing vocals by the ‘Chanter Sisters,’ and Tony Macaulay (see also best songs 1027.) David James McAleer was born on February 4th, 1945, he is the main contributor for the ‘Virgin Book of British Hit Singles,’ ‘The Virgin Book of British Hit Albums,’ and the ‘Virgin Book of Top 40 Charts,’ and he was the sole ‘Music Consultant’ for the ‘Guinness World Records’ between 1998 and 2011. At the time of writing he is currently the ‘Oldies Chart Consultant’ to the Official UK Charts Company. He is an author, and has written or co-written over forty published music books. Dave McAleer spent 25 years working in A&R for several record labels, and for a period was the managing director of Barry White’s label, ’20th Century Records.’

‘Goodbye Nothin’ To Say’ has backing vocals provided by the ‘Chanter Sisters,’ and Tony Macaulay. The Chanter Sisters are the duo of Irene, and Doreen Chanter, they have performed as backing singers on dozens of recordings, including for Elton John, Roxy Music, and Pink Floyd. The duo have also released one Album ‘First Flight’ in 1976, and six singles between 1975-1978, of which their second single ‘Sideshow’ charted the highest at Number 43 in 1976. Tony Macaulay was born Anthony Gordon Instone, on April 21st, 1944, in Fulham, London, England, he is an author, composer for musical theatre, and songwriter. He has won the ‘British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors Award’ twice as ‘Songwriter of the Year’ in 1970 and again in 1977, he is also a nine time ‘Ivor Novello Awards’ winning songwriter. In 2007, he became the only British person to win the ‘Edwin Forrest Award’ for outstanding contribution to the American theatre. He has written, or co-written many hit singles, including ‘Build Me Up Buttercup,’ for the Foundations, (1968-UK-Number 2 & Billboard Number 3) (see also best songs 1037) ‘Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes’) for Edison Lighthouse, (1970-UK-Number 1 & Billboard Number 5) and ‘Silver Lady’ for David Soul (1977-UK-Number 1 & Billboard Number 52.)

In 1975 the song ‘Right Back Where We Started From,’ by the British singer Maxine Nightingale reached Number 8 in the UK, and Number 2 in America on the Billboard Hot 100, selling in excess of one million copies worldwide. ‘Right Back Where We Started From,’ was co-written by the British songwriter and producer Pierre Tubbs, and the British singer and songwriter J. Vincent Edwards, and ‘borrows’ heavily from ‘Goodbye Nothin’ To Say.’ In order to avoid a court case, the writers of ‘Right Back Where We Started From,’ settled with Stephan Jameson, and Marshall Doctores out of court.

‘So goodbye nothin’ to say, just goodbye, there’s no other way. You know I love you, but you couldn’t see all the hurt you been doing to me.’