THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

236-New Edition-Hit Me Off.

1996-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 0.05. The band were named ‘New Edition’ to promote them as the next edition of ‘The Jackson 5.’ They were forerunners of the ‘Boy Band’ craze of the 1980’s and 1990’s.

‘New Edition’ was founded in 1981 by 12 year old Bobby Brown, (see also best songs 694) and his childhood friends Michael Bivins, and Ricky Bell, Ralph Tresvant who knew Bell was soon asked to join. In 1982 they became a quintet when their manager Brooke Payne (who had named them New Edition) insisted that his nephew Ronnie DeVoe should also join the group, all five members were from Boston, Massachusetts, United States. Payne entered the group in a local talent contest at Boston’s ‘Strand Theatre’ and although they only finished second the music producer Maurice Starr was impressed enough to offer them a recording contract.

New Edition would stay with Starr through until 1984 when disputes of money brought about a parting of the ways, Starr would later go on to mould ‘New Kids on the Block’ as a white version of New Edition. In 1985 Bobby Brown was voted out of the group for behavioural problems, and the band remained a quartet until Johnny Gill was drafted in, in 1987. Inspired by the success Bobby Brown was having as a solo artist New Edition went on hiatus in 1990, Bell, Bivins, and DeVoe, formed the trio ‘Bell Biv DeVoe,’ and Tresvant, and Gill both released solo Albums. In total New Edition released seven studio Albums between 1983-2004, and 27 singles during the same time period. In America on Billboard, eight of their singles reached the top 40, with this track being the most successful peaking at Number 3, while in the UK four of their songs have charted, with the bands debut single ‘Candy Girl’ reaching Number 1, incidentally ‘Candy Girl’ only reached Number 45 in America.

By 1996 all six members had achieved greater success with their side projects than they had done as New Edition, but as they were still under contract with ‘MCA Records’ to record one more Album, all six members joined forces to record ‘Home Again’ the bands first new Album in eight years. The Album would become the bands best seller, but the subsequent tour to promote it was fraught with in fighting, leading to Brown and Bivens leaving, and the other four completing the dates as a quartet. All six members have re-grouped on occasions over the years to perform together, and they released their final studio Album ‘One Love’ in 2004, without Brown. As of 2022 the band still tour, with all six artists officially still ‘New Edition’ members

‘Hit Me Off’ was the first single released from New Edition’s sixth studio Album ‘Home Again’ from 1996. The song was co-written by the bands producers Philip ‘Silky’ White, Dinky Bingham, and Jeff Dyson, along with DeVoe, and Bivins. The other writer credited is the American Jazz musician Bob James, as his composition ‘Storm King’ is heavily sampled. Another song that is sampled, although not credited is ‘I Got Cha Opin’ from the New York early 1990’s Hip-Hop group ‘Black Moon.’

‘She’s the finest thing I’ve ever seen, looking like a natural queen. I said let me take you for a ride umm baby, to the other side. We can do just what you like girl.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

237-Elton John-Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.

1973-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.40. ‘I shall take the heart, for brains do not make one happy, and happiness is the best thing in the world.’

As with the majority of Elton John songs,(see also best songs 946-481 and 62) he wrote the music, but it was Bernie Taupin who wrote the lyrics. Bernie Taupin was born on May 22nd, 1950, in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, he first met Elton John when they both answered an advertisement in the music paper the ‘New Musical Express,’ placed by ‘Liberty Records,’ who were seeking new songwriters. They both failed the audition with Elton telling a member of staff at ‘Liberty’ that he could not write lyrics, the man handed him a sealed envelope from the pile of people who had submitted lyrics, where on the train home, Elton read poems written by Taupin.

Bernie Taupin has written the lyrics to hundreds of songs, including ‘Candle in the Wind 1997,’ the tribute to ‘Diana, Princess of Wales.’ after her death. Taupin had written the lyrics to the original ‘Candle in the Wind,’ (UK Number 11) in 1973 in honour of Marilyn Monroe, (1926-1962) and for ‘Candle in the Wind 1997’ he re-wrote many of the lyrics, the song is currently the second best selling physical single of all time with sales in excess of 33 million copies, only bettered by ‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby (see also best songs 457.)

‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ was also the title track of Elton John’s seventh studio Album released in May 1973, many music critics rate the Album as his best work. The lyrics written by Bernie Taupin are about how he was feeling at that time. Success had arrived, and life was 100 miles an hour, and Taupin was longing for the quieter times he had known as a youngster. Taupin has said,’There was a period when I was going through that whole ‘got to get back to my roots’ thing, which spawned a lot of like-minded songs in the early days, this being one of them. I don’t believe I was ever turning my back on success or saying I didn’t want it. I just don’t believe I was ever that naïve. I think I was just hoping that maybe there was a happy medium way to exist successfully in a more tranquil setting’.

Bernie Taupin got the title ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ from the 1939 film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ (see also best songs 68.) The Yellow Brick Road is the road that is supposed to lead to life’s fantasies and life’s answers, it is only when you have walked it do you realise that what you were searching for, is what you have just left behind.

‘So goodbye yellow brick road where the dogs of society howl, you can’t plant me in your penthouse, I’m going back to my plough. Back to the howling old owl in the woods, hunting the horny back toad, oh I’ve finally decided my future lies beyond the yellow brick road.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

238-Siouxsie and the Banshees-Dear Prudence.

1983-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.28. I have chosen a cover version of a Beatles song, some may say that I am committing musical blasphemy.

‘Dear Prudence’ was written in 1968 by John Lennon (1940-1980) and first appeared on the Beatles ninth studio Album from November 1968 called ‘The Beatles,’ also known as the ‘White Album.’ As with all Beatles songs whether they were written by Lennon or Paul McCartney (see also best songs 646 and 107) they were always credited as Lennon/McCartney.

The subject of the song is Prudence Farrow who is the sister of the actress Mia Farrow, who were both present when the Beatles (see also best songs 456-319-141-107-80-52-10 and 5) went to India to study with Maharishi Mahseh Yogi (1918-2008) at his spiritual retreat in Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. On observing Prudence, John Lennon felt that she was taking her meditation too far, cutting herself off from the rest of the world, sometimes spending days on end locking herself away in her bungalow. The Maharishi assigned Lennon, (see also best songs 927-473-218-168 and 20) and George Harrison (see also best songs 737 and 726) to act as her ‘team buddies,’ leading to Lennon writing the lyrics, urging Prudence to ‘Open up your eyes,’ and ‘See the sunny skies,’ and reminding her that she is ‘Part of everything.’

In 1983 the English Alternative Rock band Siouxsie and the Banshees (see also best songs 668) who were constantly touring at that time, and were in-between Albums, decided to record a cover of ‘Dear Prudence’ to fill the gap. They had already recorded another Beatles song ‘Helter Skelter’ back in 1978 for their Album ‘The Scream,’ and were pleasantly surprised when ‘Dear Prudence’ climbed all the way to Number 3 in the UK, giving them their highest ever charting song on the singles chart. ‘Dear Prudence’ was also recorded at the time when the bands guitarist John McGeoch had just left the band, and was temporarily being replaced by Robert Smith of the Cure (see also best songs 951.) Siouxsie Sioux has said, ‘It was an insane period for us, extremely busy. We were just being totally hyperactive. I think it took its toll maybe a year or so later. John had been hospitalised for stress and overworking, so he was suffering a bit. Robert stepped in, for the second time, as he did in ’79, so the show was still going on, and the touring was all pretty intense and crazy. We went on to record ‘Hyaena’ together, and then he imploded as well, he just couldn’t cope with it.’

‘Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play? Dear Prudence, greet the brand new day. The sun is up, the sky is blue, it’s beautiful and so are you, Dear Prudence, won’t you come out to play?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

239-Wizzard-See My Baby Jive.

1973-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.47. The song which inspired no lesser band than ABBA to write their breakthrough hit.

Wizzard was the brainchild of Roy Wood who was born on November 8th, 1946, in Kitts Green, Birmingham, England. After initially playing in local bands he became one of the co-founders of ‘The Move’ in 1965, and writing their 1968 UK Number 1 single ‘Blackberry Way’ (see also best songs 575.) While still with The Move, Wood, along with his band colleagues Jeff Lynne and Bev Bevan formed the ‘Electric Light Orchestra’ (see also best songs 970 and 25) in 1970. The original intention was for The Move at the end of 1970, but contractual obligations with their record company meant that both they and the ‘ELO’ existed together for a year, until the former finally broke up in June 1972.

Due to musical differences between Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne, Wood left the ‘ELO’ after just one Album release in July 1972, to form ‘Wizzard,’ taking ‘ELO’ band members Hugh McDowell, (1953-2018) and Bill Hunt with him. Although Wood is renowned for his ability to play multiple musical instruments, he still assembled another eight musicians for Wizzard, with the intention of emulating the Phil Spector (1939-2021) ‘Wall of Sound’ (see also best songs 782-737-192 and 127.) Wizzard remained active until 1975, releasing two studio Albums in 1974 and 1974, a third Album called ‘Main Street,’ also recorded in 1974 remained unreleased until 2000. Wizzard issued 10 singles between 1972-1976, with this song, and Angel Fingers’ from 1973 both reaching the UK Number 1 spot, but of course they will always be best remembered for their festive classic ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday,’ which was first a hit in 1973 (see also best songs 821.) Roy Wood also released music as a solo artist during his time with Wizzard, and also after. He has released four solo studio between 1973-1987, and 19 singles between 1972-1987, with the highest charting being ‘Forever,’ which made Number 8 in 1973.

‘See My Baby Jive’ was written and produced by Roy Wood, who also sang the lead vocals, and also played 13 other instruments on the track including saxophone, tuba, and trombone. Roy Wood wanted to make a song that would mirror image the production Phil Spector had developed in the 1960’s, which would become known as the ‘Wall of Sound,’ where several instruments are used on a track, for example Spector would duplicate something played by an acoustic piano, with an electric piano, and a harpsichord. When mixed the three instruments would then be indistinguishable to the listener. ‘See My Baby Jive’ left a lasting impression on the Swedish Pop group ABBA. Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus have said that the song was a major influence on them writing their breakthrough hit ‘Waterloo,’ which attempts to use the same ‘Wall of Sound’ production techniques.

‘Look out, look out, your momma will shout, you might as well go home, She said my bed get’s into your hair, so give me back my comb. But you, you make things that get along turn out so wrong.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

240-Wild Cherry-Play That Funky Music.

1976-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 0-01. Wild Cherry’s founding member and lead singer Rob Parissi chose the bands name from a box of cough drops he saw when he was in hospital, how un-Rock ‘N Roll is that?

Rob Parissi was born on December 29th, 1950, in Mungo Juntion, Ohio, United States, in 1970 he formed the band Wild Cherry, with five others. Over the course of the next few years there would be two members leave, and two new members would replace them. Parissi broke up the band around 1974, but reformed with more changes made in 1975, which began the groups successful period through until the final parting of the ways in 1979. In total Wild Cherry released four studio Albums between 1976-1979, and 15 singles between 1970-1979. ‘Play That Funky Music’ was the bands only top 40 single on both sides of the Atlantic, and with it reaching Number 1 in America, it makes them ‘One Hit Wonders’ in every sense of the meaning.

Wild Cherry started out life as a ‘Rock’ band, who as well as playing original material, would also do covers, and they played several times a week in club residences, but this was at the time of the onset of ‘Disco,’ and if the group were to survive they would have to change their musical style. The story goes that while the band were playing at the ‘2001 Club,’ in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to a predominantly black audience, a patron said to the drummer Ronald Beitle (1954-2017) during a break,’Are you going to play some funky music, white boys?’ On hearing this Rob Parissi wrote down the phrase immediately and then wrote the lyrics about a band who changed their style from ‘Rock’ music to ‘Disco’ music. Some of the band and their record label were reluctant to release a song with lyrics that included ‘white boy,’ but Parissi was insistent saying it just wouldn’t be the same song without that phrase. He of course was proven correct as the song has now sold in excess of 2.5 million copies in the United States alone, and is one of the top 100 best selling songs of all time on Billboard.

‘Play That Funky Music’ was written and produced by Rob Parissi, and appeared on Wild Cherry’s self titled debut Album from 1976. Parissi has stated that got he the idea for the songs bassline, and his own vocal delivery, after listening to The Ohio Players 1974 Billboard Number 1 single ‘Fire’ (see also best songs 506.) In 1990 the American Rapper Vanilla Ice released a cover version of ‘Play that Funky Music’ which reached Number 4 in America, and Number 10 in the UK. Unfortunately for Vanilla Ice he failed to have Parissi credited, and in a lawsuit brought by Parissi, Vanilla Ice was forced to pay $500,000 to Parissi for copyright infringement.

‘Hey, once I was a boogie singer, playin’ in a Rock and Roll band. I never had no problems burnin’ down the one night stands. And everything around me got to start to feelin’ so low, and I decided quickly yes I did, to Disco down and check out the show.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

241-Humanoid-Stakker Humanoid.

1988-Number 17 single.

Best Bit-At 1.14. Back in 1988 radio disc jockeys were still allowed to choose some of the music for their radio shows. It was BBC Radio 1 DJ Bruno Brookes who by making this song his record of the week, introduced ‘Acid House’ music to the UK top 40 singles chart.

Acid House music is a sub-genre of ‘House Music’ which was developed around the mid 1980’s by DJ’s from Chicago. The sounds are primarily produced on the ‘Roland TB-303’ electronic bass synthesizer-sequencer, an innovation attributed to the Chicago music producers ‘DJ Pierre,’ (Nathaniel Pierre Jones) and ‘Sleezy D,’ (Derrick Harris) who died in 2019. Acid House music became popular in the UK in 1988, but because of it being associated with the drug ‘Ecstasy’ many of the radio stations refused to play the songs associated with the genre.

‘Stakker Humanoid’ was written by Brian Dougans who was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1968, along with his musical collaborator Garry Cobain, he was the first artist to have his music downloaded from the internet, on June 22nd, 1994, an achievement acknowledged by the ‘Guinness World Records.’ As ‘Humanoid’ Dougans released a further five singles all in 1989, which all failed to chart. A compilation Album called ‘Global’ was released in 1989, and a further three compilations, and remix Albums of his work from around that time were made available in the noughties. Dougans and Cobain also enjoyed great success together as the ‘Electronic’ music act ‘The Future Sound of London,’ who have been described as ‘boundary-pushing.’ ‘FSOL’ have issued 27 Albums between 1991-2019, there are also another 17 releases using the names ‘Humanoid,’ ‘Metal Cube,’ and ‘Amorphous Androgynous,’ between 1988-2018. The pair have also released music, including several EP’s, under a variety of other stage names. As ‘FSOL’ they also achieved seven UK top 40 singles, with ‘We Have Explosive’ from 1997 charting the highest at Number 12.

As well as receiving promotion from Radio 1, the song was also a favourite of the music producer Pete Waterman (see also best songs 627) who promoted the track on his new television dance music programme ‘The Hitman and Her.’ Surprisingly since ‘Acid House’ music was under a ban from many media outlets, Brian Dougans was invited to perform the song on the BBC ‘Top of the Pops’ music programme. Dougans has said,’It was a bit of a crazy day out, the producers insisted that if there were any vocals on a track, somebody had to sing them. I was like, ‘It’s a f…..g computer, man’,” (referring to Humanoid’s spoken refrain, which was sampled from the arcade game Berzerk) but somebody had to be singing the words, hence why I had a little microphone. If you actually look closely, you see me mouthing the words. They made me do it. The b……s!”

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

242-Shel Silverstein-25 Minutes to Go.

1962-Has never been released as a single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.20. If your looking for a happy ending I’m afraid you’ve come to the wrong song.

Sheldon Allan Silverstein was born on September 25th, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he died on May 10th, 1999, of a heart attack at the age of 68. Silverstein had many strings to his bow, including being a celebrated songwriter, author, cartoonist, poet, and playwright. Possibly because of his success in other fields, his songwriting talent may have gone under the radar. He has had 18 official Albums released between 1959-2010, and many of his songs have appeared in films and television programmes. He also wrote all of the songs for the first two studio Albums recorded by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show in 1971 and 1972, which include the major hits ‘Sylvia’s Mother’ (UK Number 2) and ‘The Cover of the Rolling Stone,’ (Billboard Number 6) he also wrote many more songs for that band through the course of their career. Silverstein though will always (musically) be best remembered for writing ‘A Boy Named Sue,’ which would become a major hit for Johnny Cash (see also best songs 857-428 and 199) when reaching Number 4 in the UK, and Number 2 on Billboard in America in 1969.

’25 Minutes to Go’ should be filed under the genre of Country Music, it was written by Shel Silverstein for his second studio Album ‘Inside Folk Songs’ released in 1962. The song is about a prisoner awaiting execution by hanging. Each verse consists of two lines of which the first is humorous or poignant, and the second line is a minute by minute countdown to his death, you could say it is ‘Gallows Humour’ in it’s purest form. ’25 Minutes to Go’ was notably covered by Johnny Cash (1932-2003) on his 1965 Album ‘Sings the Ballads of the True West,’ and also on his 1968 live Album,’At Folsom Prison,’ which I would imagine sent a shiver up and down the spine of one or two of the inmates. Other notable artists to record the song include a 2011 live version by Lou Reed (1942-2013) (see also best songs 401-165-131 and 58) with the Canadian singer Emily Haines, for a concert to celebrate the life and music of Shel Silverstein called ‘Shelebration!’ The American Grunge/Rock band Pearl Jam (see also best songs 458) also recorded a live version in 2004 which appears on their Album ‘Live at Benaroya Hall.’

‘With my feet on the trap, and my head on the noose, 5 more minutes to go. Won’t somebody come and cut me loose, 7 more minutes to go. I can see the mountains, I can see the skies,with 3 more minutes to go, and it’s too dern pretty for a man that don’t want to die, with 2 more minutes to go. I can see the buzzards, I can hear the crows, 1 more minute to go, and now I’m swinging, and here I go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o!’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

243-Dobie Gray-The ‘In’ Crowd.

1965-Number 25 single.

Best Bit-At 0.56. I normally find that those who do the most bragging tend to have the least to brag about, but with two songs in the best 1000 songs list, Dobie Gray does have a lot to shout about.

Dobie Gray was born Lawence Darrow Brown on July 26th, 1940, in Simonton, Texas, United States, he died of complications from cancer surgery on December 6th, 2011, at the age of 71. During his 55 years as a performer Gray worked under different stage names including Larry Brown, and Leonard Ainsworth, but it was when signing with ‘Stripe Records’ in 1963 that they suggested that he should record as Dobie Gray, an allusion to the then popular American sitcom ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.’

Dobie Gray recorded in differing genres including Soul, R&B, Pop, and Country Music releasing at least 24 Albums between 1963-2005. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of his songs have reached the top 40, with his 1973 cover of the Country Music song ‘Drift Away’ peaking the highest at Number 5, and selling over one million copies. In the UK this song remains as his only chart entry, but Gray is also responsible for the Northern Soul favourite ‘Out on the Floor (Number 42 in 1975) (see also best songs 845.)

‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ was written by the late Billy Page, and arranged by his brother Gene Page, (1939-1998) and produced by the late Fred Darian. Gene Page arranged songs for many of the worlds top artists including Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Barry White, and Page arranged ‘The In’ Crowd’ to sound very much like a ‘Motown’ song. Dobie Gray was the first to record the track, taking it to Number 13 on Billboard in February 1965, this was followed within a few months by a live recording from the Ramsey Lewis Trio, (see also best songs 525) which did even better on the chart by reaching Number 5. In the UK in 1974 Bryan Ferry (see also best songs 721-316 and 57) recorded the song for his second solo Album ‘Another Time, Another Place,’ and when it was released as a single it made Number 13.

In ‘The ‘In’ Crowd’ Dobie Gray sings about the advantages of being a member of a popular clique in the ‘Swinging Sixties.’ He boasts that he knows all of the latest dances, and the best places to hang out. He speaks a cool language that only the elite will understand, and he gets respect wherever he goes. He is also using his status to try to attract girls to go out with him.

‘At a spot where the beats really hot, oh, if it’s square. we ain’t there. We make every minute count, our share is always the biggest amount. Other guys imitate us, but the original’s still the greatest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

244-Suede-Trash.

1996-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. Trash talking, from a class act.

‘Trash’ was probably the make or break song for Suede, (see also best songs 695) or as they are known in America, ‘The London Suede,’ so as to not get them confused with another artist using the same name. Bernard Butler the bands guitarist, and co-songwriter with Brett Anderson of Suede’s first two critically acclaimed Albums had left the group in 1994, and ‘Trash’ was the first new music written without him. Anderson now had a new songwriting partner, the 17 year old Richard Oakes, who had applied to be Butler’s replacement through the bands official fan club. The response on hearing ‘Trash’ and it’s parent Album ‘Coming Up’ was received positively by music critics, with some even saying it was their best work to date. Oakes and Anderson would continue as the bands main songwriting team for all of their next six studio Albums. In total Suede have released eight studio Albums between 1993-2018, and 31 singles between 1992-2018. In the UK, 19 of their singles have reached the top 40, with this song and ‘Stay Together’ from 1994 both peaking at Number 3, although ‘Trash’ is their best selling single. Perhaps Suede are a little too ‘English’ for the American market as they still await their first hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

‘Trash’ was the first of six singles released from Suede’s third studio Album ‘Coming Up’ from 1996, the song was produced by Ed Buller, who was also responsible for the bands first two Albums, he would also return for Suede in 2013, and 2016, to produce ‘Bloodsports,’ and ‘Night Thoughts.’ the bands sixth and seventh releases. Brett Anderson wanted ‘Coming Up’ to be an easier listen than the two previous Suede Albums, he was looking for a more commercial sound, with straightforward choruses. He has said that prior to writing the Album he was listening to the two Marc Bolan (see also best songs 790-386 and 67) Albums,’The Slider’ (1972) and it’s follow up ‘Tanx’ (1973.) Ed Buller has explained how the recording process worked,’Basically, what we did, is that every track started with acoustic guitar, bongos, tambourine and Brett, so it all started life pretty much the same way that Marc Bolan recorded all of his stuff originally.

‘Trash’ is a celebration about being different, knowing you don’t conform, and being proud of that. Brett Anderson has said,’It’s a song that’s kind of about being in the band and, by extension, it’s a song about the fans, and the whole kind of ethos of being a Suede… person. I actually wrote it about the band Suede. It’s a celebration of the band, but by extension, it’s a celebration of the fans as well, and it was a kind of a song written about us, as a gang, it was written about the values we stood for. And even though it sounds like a love song, it was actually about the idea of the identity of the band, and what they stood for.’

‘Oh maybe, maybe it’s the clothes we wear, the tasteless bracelets and the dye in our hair, maybe it’s our kookiness. Or maybe, maybe it’s our nowhere towns, our nothing places and our cellophane sounds, maybe it’s our looseness.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

245-AC/DC-Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation.

1978-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15. Malcolm Young (1953-2017) and Angus Young (see also best songs 797 and 170) developed the idea for the band’s name after their sister, Margaret Young, saw the initials “AC/DC” on a sewing machine. “AC/DC” is an abbreviation meaning “alternating current/direct current” electricity. The brothers felt that this name symbolised the band’s raw energy, power-driven performances of their music. AC/DC” is pronounced one letter at a time, though the band are colloquially known as “Acca Dacca” in Australia.

‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ was taken from AC/DC’s fifth studio Album ‘Powerage’ from 1978, it was co-written by Malcolm and Angus Young, and the bands lead singer Bon Scott, (1946-1980) and was produced by Harry Vanda, along with Malcolm and Angus’ older brother George Young. (1946-2017) (see also best songs 939 and 447) This would be the last AC/DC Album produced by the duo, who had also been responsible for the bands first four studio Albums.

AC/DC’s record label had released the Album, but then realised that if they were to break into the lucrative American market they would need a commercially sounding track that the radio would play. ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ features hand claps and maracas, and unusually for an AC/DC song does not have a guitar solo. Once the track had been recorded it was added to future pressings of ‘Powerage’ appearing as the opening song, replacing ‘Gimme a Bullet’. Some Albums replaced the track ‘Cold Hearted Man’ with ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation,’ but there are also pressings which include both tracks.

‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ was a breakthrough hit for AC/DC in Europe. Up until this song they had achieved six top 40 hits in Australia, but they only had a cult following elsewhere. This song would chart in the UK at Number 24, and also in The Netherlands, where it peaked at Number 18, it would be another year until they would break into the American Billboard singles chart with ‘Highway to Hell'(see also best songs 170.) ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Damnation’ could be considered to be loosely based on AC/DC themselves, as the lyrics tell us that it is a tough road to the top if you want to be a Rock ‘N’ Roll’ star.

During the course of AC/DC’s lifespan, since their formation in 1973, in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, there have been 16 different band members come and go. The line up who played on this song, and it’s parent Album ‘Powerage’ were, Bon Scott, (vocals) Angus Young, (lead guitar) Malcolm Young, (rhythm guitar) Cliff Williams, (bass) and Phil Rudd (drums.)

‘They say that you play too loud, well baby that’s tough. They say that you got too much, can’t get enough. They tell you that you look a fool, and baby I’m a fool for you.’