THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

266-Ink Spots-If I Didn’t Care.

1939-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit- At 2.15. Introducing the ‘Top & Bottom.’ In 1938 band member Bill Kenny introduced the group to a new format that he called ‘Top & Bottom. The format called for the tenor, which was either Kenny or fellow band member Orville Jones to sing the lead for one chorus, this was followed by a chorus performed by the bass singer Hoopy Jones, reciting the lyrics rather than singing them. After a chorus of what became known as ‘Talking Bass,’ the lead tenor sang the rest of the song until the end.

The Ink Spots (see also best songs 702) were formed in New York City, New York, United States in 1934 by the quartet of Jerry Daniels, (1915-1995) Deek Watson, (1909-1969) Charlie Fuqua, (1910-1971) and Hoppy Jones, (1905-1994) in 1936 Jerry Daniels was replaced by Bill Kenny, (1914-1978) and they remained active until 1954.

Bill Kenny was born William Francis Kenny Jr. on June 12th, 1914 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. In 1969 he was severely burnt when the petrol tank of his sports car exploded in an underground car park, he suffered third degree burns to his face and hands, and also inhaled fumes, he died from a respiratory illness on March 23rd, 1978, at the age of 63. Bill Kenny is remembered as the ‘Godfather’ of R&B tenor vocalists, and is considered to be one of the most influential singers of all time. Elvis Presley (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) who recorded Kenny’s composition ‘There Is No God But God,’ said that he could ‘Honestly never hope to equal the musical achievements of Bill Kenny.’ The Ink Spots, and particularly Kenny were the forerunners, and the inspiration for the next generation of vocal groups, such as ‘The Ravens,’ the ‘Orioles,’ and the ‘Clovers, leading to the R&B era in the 1950’s.

‘If I Didn’t Care’ was written by Jack Laurence (1912-2009) (see also best songs 274) and first recorded by the Ink Spots in 1939. Although the song only peaked at Number 2 on the Billboard chart in America it is the eighth best selling song for physical copies of all time, with sales in excess of 19 million copies. It is also one of only 14 songs to have sold more than 15 million physical copies, and is the oldest song in that listing. ‘If I Didn’t Care’ has been recorded by many artists down the years with the hit versions on Billboard being by the ‘Hilltoppers,’ (1954 Number 17) Connie Francis, (1959 Number 22) the ‘Platters,’ (1961 Number 30) and ‘The Moments,’ (1970 Number 44) while in the UK the song was a Number 9 hit for David Cassidy in 1974.

‘Honey child, if I didn’t care more than words had ever said, and if I didn’t care, would I, would I feel this way? Honey, if this isn’t love, then tell me, why do I thrill so much?’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

267-Kanye West, Jay-Z and Big Sean-Clique.

2012-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 3.02. The songs title is very apt, because it’s parent Album ‘Cruel Summer’ is a showcase Album for the artists signed to Kanye West’s record label ‘Good Music.’

In 2004 Kanye West (see also best songs 1049-636 and 477) founded the American record label ‘G.O.O.D.,’ which stands for ‘Getting Out Our Dreams,’ among his first signings were the singer John Legend, and the Rapper Common. Starting in 2010 as a promotional tool West would release several tracks featuring himself, and other members of the ‘Good Music’ roster, in a free weekly giveaway known as ‘G.O.O.D. Friday’s.’ To date the label can boast two Number 1 Billboard Hot 100 singles from John Legend with ‘All of Me’ in 2013, and also from the Rap artist Desiigner, with his 2015 song ‘Panda.’ The label has also achieved eight Number 1 Albums on Billboards 200 Album chart, three of which are Kanye West Solo Albums.

In 2012 West released the Album ‘Kanye West Presents: Good Music – Cruel Summer,’ which was a compilation Album of only artists and producers contracted to the ‘Good Music’ record label. There were four singles released, of which ‘Mercy’ (see also best songs 849) was the first, and ‘Clique’ was the fourth. Several high profile Rappers were sent the songs ‘beat’ to freestyle over, and in the final mix only three were used. The first verse is provided by Big Sean, the second by Jay-Z, (see also best songs 636-477 and 23) and the final verse by Kanye West himself. Big Sean who had signed to ‘Good Music’ in 2010 was surprised to learn that his ‘Rap’ had been chosen as he hadn’t heard anything for a while, he explained,’Then I get a call a little bit later after that, and somebody told me that Hov is on the record and I was like, ‘damn. They were like Hov and ‘Ye hopped on it, so I’m thinking, ‘Ah, they’re probably gonna take my verse off even though I laced it’ — you know, the Throne, (see also best songs 477) Kanye and Jay … but then I get the call like, ‘Nah, it’s you Kanye and Jay-Z.'”

Kanye West was born Kanye Omari West on June 8th, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, on October 18th, 2021, he officially was granted his request to change his name to ‘Ye,’ a nickname he had used for several years prior. He has said,'”I believe ‘ye’ is the most commonly used word in the Bible. In the Bible it means you. So, I’m you. I’m us. It’s us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye.” West is considered to be one of the most talented and influential artists of the 21st Century, and has never been frightened to push the barriers of Hip-Hop music, in 2019 he released his ninth studio Album called ‘Jesus is King,’ which explored Christian and Gospel music. West is one of the best selling artists of all time with record sales in excess of 160 million. He has released 11 studio Albums to date between 2004-2022, and a further three collaborative Albums, he has also issued 53 singles as lead artist, and 84 as a featured artist, he has also appeared on a further 69 charting songs. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 he has had four Number 1 songs, two as the lead artist, and two as the featured artist, while in the UK he has topped the charts on three occasions.

‘Went through deep depression when my momma passed, suicide, what kinda talk is that? But I been talking to God for so long, and if you look at my life I guess he’s talking back.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

268-Billy Fury-In Summer

1963-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 0.38. If I had my way I would invent a new genre of music which I would call ‘Summer Music.’ There are many great songs in this countdown that make you dream of the sun beaming down on you on a lovely summers day (see also best songs 25-74-176-231-344-433-643-811-911-930 and 1000.)

The famous tale is that in 1958 Billy Fury went to the Essoldo Theatre in Birkenhead, Merseyside, England, hoping to meet the singer Marty Wilde in order to try to get him interested in some of the songs he had written. Instead in an episode that has now become Pop legend, Wilde’s manager Larry Parnes (1929-1989) pushed the young Ronald Wycherley up onto the stage and made him perform right away. He was such a success that Parnes signed him up immediately, and chose the stage name Billy Fury for him. It has been suggested that Fury’s rapid rise to fame was due in some part to his Elvis Presley influenced hip swivelling, and at times highly suggestive stage act. His performances were considered too sexual and provocative, leading to censure, and forcing him to tone down his act.

Billy Fury was one of the first British Rock N’ Roll acts, competing with contemporaries such as Cliff Richard (see also best songs 709) and Marty Wilde. His 1960 Album ‘The Sound of Fury’ on which he wrote all 10 tracks has been described as ‘The best Rock N’ Roll Album to come out of England’s beat boom of the late 1950’s.’ Billy Fury released six studio Albums between 1960-1983, he also released two Live Albums, with the 1963 ‘We Want Billy!’ being one of the first live Albums in UK Rock history. He also released 49 singles, and 10 EPs, he achieved 26 top 40 hits in the UK, with ‘Jealousy’ from 1961 charting the highest when making Number 2.

‘In Summer’ was the 19th single release from Billy Fury in July 1963, and became his 17th hit single, and his seventh to make the UK top 5. The song was written by Valerie Murtagh, along with her sister in law Elaine Murtagh, and Elaine’s husband Ray Adams. The three of them had previously tasted chart success in 1959 as ‘The Avons’ with their cover of ‘Seven Little Girls (Sitting in the Back Seat’) which had reached Number 3 in the UK. The Avons are not to be confused with the 1950’s American Doo-Wop’ group of the same name, or the girl group The Avons from Nashville, Tennessee whose 1960’s output is sought out by the ‘Northern Soul’ fraternity. The trio also co-wrote ‘Dance On’ which was a UK Number 1 for The Shadows in 1963, and Number 11 for Kathy Kirby when recorded as a vocal version in the same year. Valerie Murtagh was also one of the co-writers of ‘Long Live Love’ which was the British entrant to the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974, which tied for fourth place in the competition before going on to make Number 11 in the UK chart for Olivia Newton-John.

‘Walking with the boys, talking with girls, laughing with the boys and kissing all the girls in summer.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

269-Prince-Controversy.

1981-It did not chart in the UK until reissued in 1993, when reaching Number 5.

Best Bit-At 5.29. Personally I am relieved that we are all not nude, because I believe that the majority of people look better with their clothes on.

Prince Rogers Nelson was born on June 7th, 1958, in Chanhassen, Minnesota, United States, he died on April 21st, 2016, at the age of 57, from an accidental overdose of the drug Fentanyl, which he took for pain relief, the Medical Examiners Office stated that there were no signs of suicide. Prince had been suffering increasingly excruciating pain from a hip problem for many years, and it had been rumoured that he had refused an operation which would have required a blood transfusion because of his beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. One of the uses of the drug Fentanyl is that it can be used as an aid for severe pain to aid relief.

With sales in excess of 150 million records Prince (see also best songs 884-487-85 and 54) is one of the best selling artists of all time. He released 42 studio Albums between 1978-2015, five live Albums, and nine compilations. He also released two Albums using the name ‘Madhouse,’ three Albums using the name ‘New Power Generation,’ and one Album as the ‘NPG Orchestra,’ At the time of writing there have been a further three posthumous Albums issued, with more in the offing. Prince released 102 official singles between 1978-2015, with another four to date having been released posthumously. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, 31 of his singles made the top 40, with five of his songs reaching the Number 1 spot, while in the UK he has had 44 singles reach the top 40, with ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ from 1994 being his only chart topper.

‘Controversy’ was the title track from the fourth studio Album released by Prince from 1981, all eight tracks on the Album were written and produced by Prince, with the exception of track 3 ‘Do Me Baby’ which was a co-write with long term collaborator Andre Cymone. Prince was also responsible for playing every instrument on at least five of the songs. On the single ‘Controversy’ it is rumoured that Morris Day may have played the drums, but he is uncredited on the Albums sleeves notes. The female vocals on the song are those of Lisa Coleman who was a member of Prince’s backing band ‘The Revolution’ from 1979-1986, and is credited on nine Prince studio Albums.

At the time of writing ‘Controversy,’ Prince was just beginning to come to terms with his new found fame and fortune, and the song addresses the media, and the public speculation about him at that time, The song addresses his sexuality, gender, religion, and racial background, and how he could not understand the curiosity surrounding him. Towards the middle of the song Prince recites the ‘Lords Prayer’ in full, which angered some, who said it was blasphemous, I would imagine that will have added even more-Controversy.

‘People call me rude, I wish we all were nude. I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

270-James Brown-I Got You (I Feel Good)

1965-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. There is probably no other song that is known instantly by two different titles, some call it ‘I Feel Good,’ and some call it ‘I Got You.’

James Joseph Brown was born on May 3rd, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, United States, he died on Christmas Day 2006, from congestive heart failure at the age of 73. His honorific nicknames include,’Godfather of Soul,’ Mr Dynamite, and ‘Soul Brother No 1,’ he was also referred to as ‘The hardest working man in show business,’ due to his very active stage shows, and for performing over 300 times each year.

James Brown (see also best songs 880-349 and 88) wrote what was later to become ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) in 1962, calling the song ‘I Found You,’ and releasing it as a single for Yvonne Fair (1942-1994) (see also best songs 480) who was a member of his live backing band, at that time, the song failed to chart. In 1964 Brown recorded a version of ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) with a different arrangement, and that recording appears on ‘Out of Sight’ his ninth studio Album. The songs writing is credited to ‘Ted Wright,’ which is James Brown using a pseudonym, the reason for this will probably have been for either tax reasons concerning royalties, or a contractual dispute with his record label. The song had been planned for release as a single, but was withdrawn due to a court order from ‘King Records’ with whom Brown was involved in a contractual dispute with at the time. The ‘Out of Sight’ Album had been released on the Smash Records’ label, which was a subsidiary of ‘Mercury Records’ because of the legal problems. This version of the song is also the one James Brown lip syncs when performing with ‘The Famous Flames’ in the 1965 American musical comedy film ‘Ski Party.’

‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) was written and produced by James Brown, with this defining version being released in October 1965, with many now calling it Brown’s signature tune. The song became James Brown’s highest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 when reaching Number 3 in 1965. In total Brown achieved 91 Hot 100 hits, the most by any artist to never make the Number 1 spot. ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) was also the opening track from Brown’s 1966 Album of the same name, which was mainly a compilation Album made up of ‘B’ sides, and alternate takes. The song has also appeared on four of Brown’s live Album releases, the first being in 1967, on ‘Live at the Garden,’ in New Jersey, United States.

‘When I hold you in my arms I know that I can do no wrong, and when I hold you in my arms my love can’t do me no harm.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

271-Camisra-Let Me Show You.

1998-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 4.13. It is said by some that the anticipation during the build up to this songs ‘drop’ is even better than sex. I’ll let you judge for yourself, have a listen.

Camisra is one of the stage names used by Paul Newman, who was born in Blackpool, England, in 1971. I was rather hoping that the word ‘Camisra’ would have had an exciting or mysterious meaning to go alongside such a wonderful song, but it appears it is no more than just a made up word. Newman is probably better known by his original stage name of ‘Tall Paul’ (due to his height, he stands around six foot and six inches) a name he began using in 1994, and still does at the time of writing, but he also used ‘Camisra’ for that project between 1998-1999.

Tall Paul started his career in music in 1985 at ‘Turnmills’ nightclub in Clerkenwell, London, England, which was owned by his father John Newman. After perfecting his craft he has gone on to headline events around the world including in America, and Europe. His breakthrough as a music producer came in 1997 when as Tall Paul his first single release ‘Rock Da House’ reached Number 12 in the UK. As Tall Paul he has released a further five singles between 1997-2002, with a remix of ‘Rock Da House’ making Number 29 in 2001, and ‘Precious Heart’ reaching Number 14 in the same year. Newman has also charted twice in the UK using the name ‘Escrima,’ with ‘Train of Thought’ (1995, Number 36) and ‘Deeper’ (1995, Number 27) Under the name ‘Partizan’ his song ‘Drive Me Crazy’ reached Number 36 in 1997, and in 1999 he also recorded using the name ‘Grifters.’

Newman’s biggest chart success was achieved with this song which peaked at Number 5 in the UK in February 1998, it also made Number 19 in Ireland, and Number 53 in Holland. As Camisra, Newman has issued a further two tracks, ‘Feel the Beat’ which was the follow up single to ‘Let Me Show You’ reached Number 32 in 1998, and ‘Clap Your Hands’ made Number 34 in 1999.

‘Let Me Show You’ would be filed under the genre of ‘House Music.’ The genre was created in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the early 1980’s, and took over from the ‘Disco’ music of the late 1970’s. While Disco was associated with live orchestration, House music incorporated sounds produced by synthesizers, and electronic drum machines. There are various explanations as to where the name ‘House’ music originated, with some stating it got it’s name from the ‘Warehouse’ nightclub which existed in Chicago from 1977-1983. Frankie Knuckles (1955-2014) who was known as the ‘Godfather of House’ has said that the first time he heard the term house music was upon seeing ‘we play house music’ on a sign in the window of a bar on Chicago’s South Side. One of the people with Knuckles joked ‘You know that’s the kind of music you play down at the Warehouse.’

‘Let me show you what I’m capable of. Honey, would you just give me the chance by doing something you won’t ever believe.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

272-Fats Domino-Blueberry Hill.

1956-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.10. In 1969 Elvis Presley (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) said,’A lot of people seem to think I started this business, but ‘Rock N’ Roll’ was here a long time before I came along. Let’s face it I can’t sing like Fats Domino can, I know that.’

Fats Domino (see also best songs 617) was born Antoine Dominique Jr. on February 26th, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, he died of natural causes on October 24th, 2017, at the age of 89. Although Fats Domino is considered to be one of the leading lights in the development of Rock N’ Roll in the 1950’s, he was never convinced that Rock N’ Roll was a new genre. In 1957 he said,’What they call Rock N’ Roll now is Rhythm and Blues. I’ve been playing it for 15 years in New Orleans.’ Music critics writing for the ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine have backed up this statement by stating that ‘All Fifties rockers, black and white, country born, and city bred, were fundamentally influenced by ‘R&B,’ the black popular music of the late Forties and early Fifties.’ Fats Domino has sold in excess of 65 million records, with five of his songs including ‘Blueberry Hill’ selling over one million copies each. In America on Billboard, 35 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Blueberry Hill’ charting the highest when making Number 2, while in the UK, 17 of his songs have reached the top 40.

‘Blueberry Hill’ was written in 1940 by Vincent Rose, (1880-1944) who wrote the music, and Larry Stock, (1896-1984) and Al Lewis (1901-1967) who co-wrote the lyrics. Vincent Rose wrote over 200 songs including ‘Avalon’ in 1921, which was a big hit for Al Jolson, who also wrote the lyrics. Larry Stock’s other writing credits include ‘You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You,’ of which the best known recording is by Dean Martin from 1960, and Al Lewis was the co-writer of ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ first recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials, and covered by Kylie Minogue, who took her version to Number 1 in the UK in 1990.

‘Blueberry Hill’ was recorded six times in 1940, with the original version being by the Sammy Kaye Orchestra, with vocals by Tommy Ryan, recorded on May 31st. The most successful version prior to Fats Domino was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra which reached Number 2 on the American chart in 1940. In 1949 Louis Armstrong recorded a version which reached Number 29 on Billboard, and it was Armstrong’s recording that inspired Domino to record it in 1956.

Dave Bartholomew (1918-2019) who was a long time collaborator with Fats Domino had reservations about recording ‘Blueberry Hill,’ stating that it had been done too many times already, he can be heard playing the trumpet on the track. The song is about lost love, the narrator has fond memories of his time with his partner on Blueberry Hill, but now he is alone, and sadly reminiscing.

‘The wind in the willows played love’s sweet melody, but all of those vows you made were never to be. Though we’re apart you’re part of me still, for you were my thrill on Blueberry Hill.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

273-The Damned-New Rose.

1976-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.18. This song is generally accepted as the very first British Punk Rock single.

The Damned (see also best songs 515) were formed in London, England, in 1976 by Dave Vanian. (born David Lett) Brian James, (born Brian Robertson) Captain Sensible, (born Raymond Ian Burns) (see also best songs 833) and Rat Scabies (born Christopher John Millar.) Vanian, Sensible, and Scabies had all previously been members of ‘Masters of the Backside’ who were an early Punk Rock Band managed by Malcolm McLaren, (see also best songs 751-576-92 and 27) another member of that group was Chrissie Hynde who would later go on to be the lead singer of The Pretenders. Prior to joining The Damned Brian James had been a member of the Pub Rock outfit ‘London SS,’ whose other members included Mick Jones, who went on to form The Clash, and Big Audio Dynamite, (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) and Tony James who would join the Punk band ‘Chelsea,’ before finding further success with Generation X, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik (see also best songs 163.) In total there have been 19 official members of The Damned come and go, and they remain active, with David Vanian being the bands one constant. They have released 11 studio Albums between 1977-2018, and 45 singles, of which 10 have reached the UK top 40, with their cover of ‘Eloise’ being the most successful when making Number 3 in 1986.

‘New Rose’ was added to The Damned’s debut studio Album ‘Damned Damned Damned’ released in February 1977, four months after the release of ‘New Rose,’ which is considered to be the first British Punk Rock single, from the first full length Album released by a British Punk group. The majority of the Album, and ‘New Rose’ was written by Brian James who would also write the bands second Album ‘Music for Pleasure’ before leaving the band at the end of 1977. James has explained the songs meaning,’Everyone thinks New Rose is about a girl or a new relationship, but it’s not. It was about this emerging scene, this lovely buzz that you’d never dreamed could possibly happen. It was like,I’d got my own Swinging 60’s, that sorta vibe.’

‘New Rose’ and it’s parent Album was produced by Nick Lowe who was born Nicholas Drain Lowe on March 24th, 1949, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England. Lowe would go on to produce all of the first five studio Albums for Elvis Costello, (see also best songs 836) as well as releasing 14 solo studio Albums between 1978-2013, he has also had three UK top 40 hit singles including the 1978 Number 7 song ‘I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass.’

At the very start of ‘New Rose’ David Vanian says ‘Is she really going out with him,’ this is a tribute to the ‘Shrangri-Las’ 1964 classic ‘Leader of the Pack’ (see also best songs 833.) ‘New Rose’ is about the emergence of a new scene, a new fashion, a new culture, and of course a new genre of music that was happening in 1976, which was to be coined ‘Punk Rock,’ a term previously used by American Rock critics in the early 1970’s to describe the mid-1960’s ‘Garage’ bands.

‘I got a feeling inside of me, it’s kind of strange like a stormy sea. I don’t know why, I don’t know why, I guess these things have got to be.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

274-Charles Trenet-La Mer.

1946-Has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.28. ‘La Mer’ has been recorded in several different languages, in Italy it is ‘II Mare,’ while in Belgium it is ‘De Zee.’ German speaking countries call it ‘Das Meer,’ in Russia it is known as ‘Volna,’ and in English speaking countries it is called ‘Beyond The Sea.’

‘La Mer’ (in English the sea) was written by the French singer/songwriter Charles Trenet, who was born Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet on May 18th, 1913, in Narbonne, France, he died after suffering a second stroke on February 19th, 2001, at the age of 87. Trenet is one of France’s most celebrated artists, who wrote nearly 1000 songs, his other notable compositions include ‘Boum!’ from 1938, and ‘Que reste-t-il de nos amours?’ from 1942.

Trenet said that he wrote the lyrics in the form of a poem to ‘La Mer’ in 1929 at the age of 16, but didn’t come up with the melody until 1943 when he was travelling by train between Montpellier and Perpignan, his inspiration came as he was gazing out the window at the ‘Etang de Thau, a lagoon in the South of France. Trenet took his ideas to Leo Chauliac (1913-1977) a Jazz pianist who Trenet was working with at that time, and further input was provided by Albert Lasry (1903-1975) who also produced Trenet’s recording of the song in 1946.

Trenet wrote ‘La Mer’ as an ode to the sea, but the English language lyrics which were written by Jack Laurence are about a couple who are separated by the sea, and the narrator lives in hope that one day they will be reunited. Jack Laurence was born Jacob Louis Schwartz on April 7th, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died after a fall at his home on March 16th, 2009, at the age of 96. Other notable songs written by Laurence include ‘If I Didn’t Care,’ recorded by the Ink Spots, (see also best songs 266) and ‘Linda,’ a 1947 Billboard Number 1 for Ray Noble & Buddy Clark. Laurence wrote ‘Linda’ in 1942 taking the name from the then one year old daughter of his attorney, Lee Eastman. The Linda in question would grow up to be the future wife of Paul McCartney, Linda Eastman (1941-1998.)

‘La Mer’ is a ‘Chanson,’ which is generally any lyric-driven French song, it was first recorded by Roland Gerbeau (1919-2012) with Jo Bouillon (1908-1984) and His Orchestra in 1945, Charles Trenet made his first recording of the song a year later. Over the years the song has become a Chanson, and Jazz standard, and has been recorded hundreds of times. The most famous and successful English language version is the recording by Bobby Darin. (1936-1973) (see also best songs 43) The English version is known as ‘Beyond the Sea,’ and became Darin’s signature song after reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 8 in the UK in 1960. Prior to Bobby Darin charting with the song it had been a hit twice before in instrumental form, for Benny Goodman in 1948, and for Roger Williams in 1956, when reaching Number 37 on Billboard.

‘La mer qu’on voit danser le long des golfes clairs a des reflets d’argent.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

275-Coldplay-Yellow.

2000-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. Chris Martin is very well known for being coy, and for also teasing interviewers when it comes to explaining his songs meanings, but it is probably safe to say this ones not about The Simpsons.

Coldplay were formed in London, England, in 1996 by Chris Martin, (vocals and piano) Jonny Buckland, (guitar) Guy Berryman, (bass) and Will Champion, (drums) the bands former manager, and creative director Phil Harvey is considered a fifth group member. Martin and Buckland first met each other in September 1996 while studying at University College London, where using the name ‘Pectoralz’ they began to write songs together. It was in 1998 that Berryman and Champion who were also students at University College London would join forces with Martin and Buckland and perform as a quartet, this time using the name ‘Starfish.’ Prior to releasing their first EP called ‘Safety’ which had been financed by Phil Harvey in May 1998, the band finally settled on the name ‘Coldplay,’ which was suggested to them by another student called Tim Crompton, who had been using the name for a group of his own.

Coldplay have gone on to sell in excess of 100 million Albums, making them the most successful band worldwide of the 21st Century, and one of the best selling acts of all time. They have released nine studio Albums to date between 2000-2021, and 39 singles between 1999-2022. Each one of their nine Albums has reached Number 1 in the UK, while 27 of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘Paradise,'(2011) both reaching Number 1. In America four of their Albums have topped the Billboard 200 Album chart, and 17 of their singles have made the Billboard top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘My Universe’ featuring the South Korean ‘K-Pop’ boy band ‘BTS,’ (2021) both reaching Number 1.

‘Yellow’ was the second single released from Coldplay’s debut studio Album ‘Parachutes’ from July 2000. In America it was the first single issued, while in the UK ‘Shiver’ had been the first release. The song was co-written by all four band members, who also produced the track along with Ken Nelson. According to Nelson, during a break from recording he had taken the band outside, and told them to look up at the stars, this he said inspired Chris Martin to write the songs main melody.

Probably being bored with being asked the same question every time when interviewed Martin has admitted to giving several different explanations as to what ‘Yellow’ means. He told one interviewer that he got the idea from the book that happened to be nearest him when writing the song, it was the UK telephone directory, which is named ‘Yellow Pages,’ Martin has also said that the lyrics are about being devoted to someone, wanting to do anything for them. ‘Writing a song for them, swimming across the sea for them. It’s not necessarily a romantic devotion, but could be about someone that you look up to and would do anything for, a brotherly love.’

‘Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow. I came along, I wrote a song for you and all the things you do, and it was called yellow.’