THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

336-The Jesus and Mary Chain-Some Candy Talking.

1986-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 1.24. The BBC banned the track because they thought it was about Heroin. Ironically the first recording of the song was made for the BBC Radio 1 John Peel in session show.

The Jesus and Mary Chain (see also best songs 878) were formed in East Kilbride, Scotland, in 1983 by the brothers Jim Reid (born December 29th, 1961) and his brother William Reid, (born October 28th, 1958) they are the bands only two constants. They broke up the band in 1999, but got together once again in 2007, and at the time of writing remain active. The Jesus and Mary Chain have released seven studio Albums between 1985-2017, as well as 21 singles, and six EP’s. They have achieved 12 UK top 40 singles, with ‘April Skies’ from 1987 being the most successful when reaching Number 8. Although they have never charted on the Billboard top 40 singles chart in America, five of their tracks have made the United States Alternative Rock chart, with their 1989 track ‘Blues from a Gun’ reaching Number 1.

‘Some Candy Talking’ was co-written by William and Jim Reid, and first appeared as one of the three tracks on their ‘Some Candy Talking’ EP released in June 1986. The EP was released some seven months after their critically acclaimed, and highly influential debut Album ‘Psychocandy.’ With the release of ‘Psychocandy’ The Jesus and Mary Chain created a new genre of music that has become known as ‘Noise Pop,’ The duo would structure the traditional type of Pop song, but as so to gain attention they would add guitar feedback, and noise, which would prove highly influential on the fourth coming ‘Shoegazing’ genre, and Alternative Rock Music in general. As with all Pop Music, it is what has gone before that is the greatest influence on the next generation of artists, and as for The Jesus and Mary Chain it is safe to say that high among their influences will have been The Ramones,(see also best songs 707 and 102) The Velvet Underground,(see also best songs 401 and 165) and The Beach Boys (see also best songs 930-811-180 and 74.)

When ‘Some Candy Talking’ was released it was banned by all the major radio stations as it was thought that the song was about Heroin, but the bands lead singer Jim Reid, in an interview in 2005 stated that the song had nothing to do with drugs. I shall leave you to make up your own minds.

‘I’m going down to the place tonight, to see if I can get a taste tonight. A taste of something warm and sweet, that shivers your bones and rises to your heat.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

337-Willie Nelson-Funny How Time Slips Away.

1961-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.48. …and the older you get, the quicker it slips.Willie Hugh Nelson was born on April 29th, 1933, in Abbott, Texas, United States. Nelson had thought for much of his life that his birthday was April 30th, but he discovered late in life from an elderly relative that he was actually born just before midnight on the 29th, as the doctor hadn’t recorded his time of birth accurately, now Willie celebrates both days.

The discography of Willie Nelson consists of 95 studio Albums, 51 compilation Albums, and 13 live Albums released between 1962-2021. He has also released 130 singles between 1957-2020, with nine of them charting on the Billboard Hot 100, while in the UK his only charting single to date is his 1984 collaboration with Julio Iglesias on the Number 17 hit ‘To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.’ Much of Willie Nelson’s early success came as a songwriter, with two of his most famous compositions being ‘Crazy’ a song which since recorded by Patsy Cline (1932-1963) in 1961, has gone on to become one of the most played songs in Country Music, and ‘Pretty Paper’ which when recorded by Roy Orbison (1936-1988) (see also best songs 657) reached Number 6 in the UK in 1963.

Willie Nelson is considered one of the most important figures in American music, in the genres of Country Music, Country Rock, and Outlaw Country, which is a sub genre of American Country Music, of which Nelson is considered one of it’s originators. Along with other artists including Waylon Jennings (1937-2002) and Kris Kristofferson (see also best songs 341) Nelson recorded Country Music with more of a ‘Rock’ orientated slant, as opposed to the slick production style, of the ‘Nashville Sound,’ developed by record producers such as Chet Atkins (1924-2001.) Willie Nelson has also appeared in numerous films since making his acting debut in ‘The Electric Horseman’ in 1979, other acting highlights include appearing in ‘Barbarosa’ in 1982, and the film version of his 1975 Album ‘Red Headed Stranger,’ in 1986.

‘Funny How Time Slips Away’ was written by Willie Nelson in 1961, with the first recorded version being by the American Country Music singer Billy Walker (1929-2006.) The most successful version of the song was by Jimmy Elledge (1943-2012) who took his recording to Number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1961, and has since gone on to sell in excess of one million copies. In 2017 Willie Nelson recorded a duet of the song with Glen Campbell (1936-2017) which appeared on Campbell’s final Album ‘Adios.’

‘Funny How Time Slips Away. is a song of bitterness. The narrator bumps in to his ex girlfriend, and he tells her that he is doing fine. He says that he has heard that she has told her new love that she will be with him until the end of time, the same thing she once said to him. He hints to her that one day she may also get dumped the way he was by her. With the passing of time the narrator has got over his broken heart, hence the songs title,’Funny How Time Slips Away.’

‘I gotta’ go now, guess I’ll see you hanging around. Don’t know though, oh no, never know when I’ll be back in town. But I remember what I told you, that in time your gonna pay.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

338-Little Anthony & The Imperials-Better Use Your Head.

1966-It didn’t chart in the UK until it was re-released in 1976, when reaching Number 42.

Best Bit-At 0.38. How about this for an accolade. The legendary songwriter, and producer Kenny Gamble (see also best songs 1001-896-725-648-604-571 and 322) has stated that Little Anthony & The Imperials and their music, were a major influence in the development of ‘Philadelphia Soul,’ and on artists such as the Stylistics, the Delfonics, and the Chi-Lites.

When it comes to longevity Little Anthony & The Imperials must be closing in on number one. The Imperials were officially formed in 1958 in Brooklyn, New York City, United States by Clarence Collins, Tracey Lord, Nathanial Rodgers, Ernest Wright, and Anthony Gourdine. They had previously recorded for ‘Apollo’ records as a ‘Doo-Wop’ group in 1957, with a slightly different line up. known as ‘The Chesters.’ As The Imperials success was instant, as their first single ‘Tears on My Pillow’ reached Number 4 on Billboard in America, selling over one million copies. It was the legendary DJ Alan Freed (1921-1965) who first started calling them ‘Little Anthony & The Imperials’ when playing ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ having been impressed with the falsetto vocals of lead singer Anthony Gourdine. In 1990 a cover version by Kylie Minogue in a similar style became a UK Number 1 single. Like many acts of longevity, band members have come and gone over the years, and their have been a total of 12 official group members in that time, in the current line up are the original forming members Anthony ‘Little Anthony’ Gourdine, and Ernest West. Little Anthony & The Imperials have released 12 official Albums between 1959-1975, of which two are greatest hits compilations. They have also released 48 singles between 1958-1978, with seven of them reaching the Billboard top 40, while in the UK their only charting single was their final release ‘Who’s Gonna Love Me,’ which made Number 17 in 1978.

After the success of ‘Tears on My Pillow’ the band struggled for further success, and members came and went, but by 1963 the four members which are now recognised as the classic line up were Gourdine, Wright, Collins, and Samuel Strain, who would go on to become a member of The O’Jays between 1975-1992. This was when they began working with the songwriter/producer Teddy Randazzo (1935-2003) who wrote this song. Randazzo had great success as a songwriter, writing many other songs for Little Anthony & The Imperials, including the much covered ‘Goin’ Out of My Head.’ Randazzo’s two most successful songs are ‘Yesterday Has Gone,’ a UK Number 4 hit for Cupid’s Inspiration in 1968, and ‘It’s Gonna Take a Miracle’ which when covered by Deniece Williams in 1982 reached Number 10 on Billboard, in America.

In the early 1970’s the song began to gain popularity within the Northern Soul scene,(see also best songs 969) with the track becoming a favourite in the clubs. This led to the song being reissued, and reaching Number 42 in the UK in 1976.

‘Better Use Your Head’ is the tale of a couple whose relationship is threatened when one of them is attracted to another, and may take up with that other person. The other partner is willing to give their relationship a second chance, but warns that if they stray there will be no going back.

‘You better stop and think what you’re sayin’, you’d better hold on make sure you’re sold on letting me go. Make sure you know what you wanna surpass.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

339-Carly Rae Jepson-Call Me Maybe.

2012-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.00. Lust at first sight.

Carly Rae Jepson was born on November 21st, 1985, in Mission, British Columbia, Canada. After performing several lead roles in her high school’s musical productions, she enrolled at the Canadian College of Performing Arts in Victoria, British Columbia. In 2007 she competed on the fifth season of Canadian Idol, where she finished in third place. To date Carly Rae Jepson has released five studio Albums between 2008-2020, two remix Albums, four EP’s, and 26 singles, nine of which have reached the top 40 in her home country, three have made the top 40 on Billboard in America, while in the UK she has charted on four occasions.

‘Call Me Maybe’ was co-written by Carly Rae Jepson, Tavish Crowe, and Josh Ramsey, who also produced the track. The song made it’s first appearance on Jepson’s second EP release ‘Curiosity,’ from February 2012, as track two of the six track EP, the song would later appear on Jepson’s second studio Album ‘Kiss,’ released in September 2012. ‘Call Me Maybe’ was originally written as a ‘Folk’ song by Jepson, and Tavish Crowe, who was a guitarist with Jepson’s touring band, and has since collaborated with her on other occasions. The song received a complete overhaul when Josh Ramsey came on board, transforming it into the ‘Bubblegum Pop’ track we now all know. In his home country of Canada, Ramsey is best known for being the lead singer of the Canadian Pop/Rock band ‘Marianas Trench’, whom he formed in 1999.

In December 2011, prior to ‘Call Me Baby’ becoming a worldwide hit, the singers Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez were in Canada, and heard the track on the radio. Both were impressed with what they heard and wrote about it on their Twitter accounts, instantly gaining Jepson international attention, leading to her being signed by Scooter Brawn (Bieber’s manager) to his ‘Schoolboy Record’ label. Beiber’s tweet had said,’The song is possibly the catchiest song I’ve ever heard.’ ‘Call Me Maybe’ went onto top the charts in 18 countries, and to date has sold, and streamed over 18 million worldwide, it is the best selling single by a female artist in the 21st Century to date. The song has also been ranked by Billboard Magazine as Number 1 on the list of ‘The best chorus’ of the 21st Century.’

‘Call Me Maybe’ is the story of a female being smitten at seeing a very attractive male take off his shirt, as she watches from across the street. She immediately want’s this guy, and try’s to catch his attention. The song’s memorable video show’s Jepson rehearsing in a garage with her band, and when the guy walks over to them, it isn’t her who he is interested in, but the male guitarist, who he gives his phone number to. In 2018 Holden Nowell who played the part of Jepson’s love interest in the video said that it was his idea to hand over his phone number on a piece of paper, as the original story line had called for him to kiss the male band member, and Nowell told the directors,’I’m going to be completely honest with you, I’m not going to kiss a guy, especially for $500.’

‘I threw a wish in the well, don’t ask me I’ll never tell. I looked at you as it fell, and now you’re in my way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

340-Funkadelic-(Not Just) Knee Deep.

1979-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 6.59. The ‘Freak’ in the song is name of a dance, and like ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ it has that naughty double entendre interpretation.

The mastermind behind Funkadelic is George Clinton who was born on July 22nd, 1941, in Kannapolis, North Carolina, United States. In 1955 he co-founded the ‘Doo-Wop’ group ‘The Parliaments’ who were originally based on ‘Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers (see also best songs 250.) Over the years ‘The Parliaments’ sound developed with the adding of Soul, R&B, Rock, and Funk, they remained active until 1969. Due to contractual problems with his record label, and in order to continue recording for other labels Clinton was forced to change the bands name, it was the bassist Billy ‘Bass’ Nelson’ who coined the new name ‘Funkadelic.'(see also best songs 26.) Clinton didn’t just form the Rock and Funk orientated Funkadelic, he also simultaneously formed the Funk, R&B, and Psychedelic Soul outfit Parliament as well (see also best songs 612 and 143.) Clinton who would work with many differing musicians released Albums with both acts, with Parliament releasing nine studio Albums between 1970-1980, with a 10th Album ‘Medicaid Fraud Dogg’ issued in 2018, their first in 38 years, while his sister act Funkadelic released 13 studio Albums between 1970-1981, there has also been a 14th studio Album issued in 2014 called ‘First Ya Gotta Shake the Gate,’ the first new material under the Funkadelic banner in 33 years.

‘(Not Just) Knee Deep’ was taken from Funkadelic’s 10th studio Album ‘Uncle Jam Wants You,’ and at 15 minutes and 21 seconds is one of the longest songs on this countdown, when released as a single it was edited down to 4 minutes and 25 seconds. The song was produced by George Clinton, and although Clinton is down as the songs writer, vocalist Philippe Wynne also received royalties according to the songs publishers. Wynne (1941-1984) prior to joining the Funkadelic collective had been a member of the Spinners (known in the UK as the Detroit Spinners) (see also best songs 834) during their time at Atlantic Records, until 1977. Other musicians who played a big part in the making of the song included Junie Morrison (1954-2017) who was the tracks arranger, Booty Collins (see also best songs 850-612-143 and 88) who played the drums, and Michael Hampton who provided the tracks critically acclaimed guitar solo.

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is just one of the Funkadelic tracks that have been sampled on many occasions, particularly noteworthy is the 1989 UK Number 22 hit single by the Hip-Hop trio De La Soul (see also best songs 444 and 246) with their song ‘Me Myself and I.’ Many other artists including The Black Eyed Peas and Tone Loc have sampled the track. Dr Dre’s use of Funkadelic samples has also led to them becoming a big influence in the genre of ‘Gangsta Rap.’

(‘Not Just) Knee Deep’ is the tale of a guy meeting a girl at a club. He sees her dancing to the ‘Monkey,’ the ‘Chicken,’ and the ‘Jerk,’ but he is besotted by her after she ‘busts’ her moves to ‘The Freak.”

The girl is a freak, the girl never misses a beat. Not just knee deep, she was totally deep, when she did the freak with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

341-Janis Joplin-Me and Bobby McGee.

1970-Has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.21. Think about it, what a clever thing to do. Use a name (Bobby) that can refer to either sex, and double the amount of artists who can record it.

It was the music producer, and one time owner of ‘Monument Records,’ Fred Foster (1931-2019) who gave Kris Kristofferson the task of creating this song. Kristofferson was a struggling singer/songwriter recently signed to Monument Records when Foster suggested he come up with a fantasy song about someone called Barbara Bobbie McKee, which Kristofferson misheard as ‘McGee.’ Barbara Bobby McKee was actually the name of the 29 year old studio secretary working at Monument Records at that time. For this reason, and with Kristofferson’s blessing, Foster is credited as the songs co-writer (see also best songs 657.)

Kristofferson has said that the inspiration for the song didn’t happen overnight, but in fact took several months to piece together. When asked where he was when he came up with the famous line ‘Freedom is just another word for nothing to lose,’ he said,’ I was working the Gulf of Mexico on oil rigs, flying helicopters, I’d lost my family to my years of failing as a songwriter. All I had was bills, child support, and grief, and I was just about to get fired for not letting 24 hours go between the throttle and the bottle. It looked like I’d trashed my act, but there was something liberating about it. By not having to live up to people’s expectations, I was somehow free.’

Kris Kristofferson was born on June 22nd, 1936, in Brownsville, Texas, United States. He has released 18 studio Albums between 1970-2016, and six collaboration Albums, three of which were with his ex wife Rita Coolidge. Many of his songs have been covered by other artists including ‘For the Good Times,’ and ‘Help Me Make It Through the Night.’ It was the Janis Joplin recording of this song which finally brought Kristofferson the success in the the music business he had been chasing. Kristofferson also went on to become a famous film star, and has appeared in 89 films to date, including ‘A Star is Born,’ (1976) and the vampire film triology ‘Blade’ (1998-2002 and 2004.)

Janis Joplin was born on January 19th, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, United States, she died at the age of 27 from an accidental drugs overdose. With Jimi Hendrix dying just 16 days earlier, also at the same age, this would lead to the ‘celebrated’ ’27 club’ (see also best songs 806.) Janis Joplin released two studio Albums as lead singer with ‘Big Brother & the Holding Company’ in 1967, and 1968, and two studio Albums as a solo artist. The second Album ‘Pearl’ was released after her death and features her version of ‘Me and Bobby McGee,’ recorded only a short time before here death, with Kristofferson saying, he only first heard her rendition after she had died, and didn’t even know she had recorded it. When ‘Me and Bobby McGee’ went to Number 1 in America for Joplin, it became only the second posthumous Billboard Number 1 single (see also best songs 712.)

‘Me and Bobby McGee’ is the story of two drifters, who eventually become lovers. The pair hitch-hike through the American South, and after they have visited California they split up, with the songs narrator expressing sadness at their parting.

‘One day up near Salinas, Lord, I let him slip away. He’s lookin’ for that home, and I hope he finds it. Well, I’d trade all my tomorrows for one single yesterday, to be holdin’ Bobby’s body next to mine.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

342-George Michael-Outside.

1998-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.41. If you’re having your dinner on his kitchen table, give it a wipe first.

George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou on June 25th, 1963, in East Finchley, Middlesex, England, he died on December 25th, 2016, at the age of, 53, his death was attributed to dilated cardiomyopathy, with myocarditis, and a fatty liver. It was just prior to his breakthrough success in the early 1980’s with Wham! (see also best songs 991 and 142) that he changed his name legally to George Michael, as he thought it would fit better with his ‘Pop’ profile.

After Wham! split in 1986 George Michael set out on his solo career, which saw the release of six solo studio Albums released between 1987-2014, there have also been two compilation Albums, one live Album, and 48 singles, (including the ‘Five Live’ EP with Queen and Lisa Stansfield) 37 of those singles have reached the UK top 40, with eight of them making the Number 1 spot, including ‘Careless Whisper,’ (1984) and ‘A Different Corner, (1986) which were both released prior to Wham! splitting. In America on Billboard he has achieved 18 top 40 singles, with also eight of those making the Number 1 spot.With sales in excess of 120 million George Michael is one of the worlds all time best selling artists.

‘Outside’ was one of two new songs recorded by George Michael (the other being ‘As’) for his first solo greatest hits compilation Album ‘Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael’ released in 1998, the song was written by George Michael, and co-produced by Michael and Jon Douglas. Earlier in 1998 George Michael had been arrested by an undercover police officer in the public lavatory of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverley Hills, California, an incident which led him to declare his homosexuality. George Michael wrote this song about that incident in a humorous, and self deprecating manner, which is aided by the tracks memorable official video. The songs self mocking lyrics include ‘I’d service the community, but I already have you see.’ Along with a fine, Michael had been sentenced to 80 hours community service for the offence.

The Album’s title ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael’ was also a pun on what had happened in the lavatory, as ‘The Ladies,’ and ‘The Gentlemen’ are a British colloquial term for a gender pacific public toilet. In the UK the Album has sold in excess of 2.7 million copies, and in excess of four million copies worldwide. George Michael who was a large contributor to charities donated all British profits from the Album to the Terence Higgins Trust.’

‘So my angel she says ‘don’t you worry’ about the things they’re saying, yeah. Got no friends in high places, and the game that you gave away wasn’t worth playing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

343-The Marcels-Blue Moon.

1961-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.29. Co-writer of the song the legendary Richard Rodgers hated The Marcels ‘Doo-Wop’ arrangement so much that he took out advertisements in the music papers urging people not to buy it.

‘Blue Moon’ was written in 1934, with music by Richard Rodgers (1902-1979) (see also best songs 842 and 60) and lyrics by his long term writing partner Lorenz Hart (1895-1943.) In May 1933 Rodgers and Hart were contracted by Metro-Golden-Mayer to write songs for the musical film ‘Hollywood Party.’ ‘Blue Moon’ which at first was titled ‘Prayer (Oh Lord, Make Me a Movie Star’) was not selected for the film, but with re-written lyrics, and this time titled ‘It’s Just That Kind of Play,’ was offered to the 1934 film ‘Manhattan Melodrama,’ but was once again not used. It was Jack Robbins (1894-1959) who was head of the studio’s publishing company at MGM who saw commercial potential in the song, and persuaded Hart to re-write it again, but this time with romantic lyrics. ‘Blue Moon’ is one of the most covered songs in this countdown, with dozens of versions recorded by artists of many differing genres over the decades. It is also a favourite for use in several films, and television programmes.

The Marcels were formed in 1959 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, taking their name from a popular hair style of the day, the ‘marcel wave.’ They were a ‘Doo-Wop’ group who were known for recording popular old songs in the new ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ style. They remained active until 1962, before reforming in 1972 to tour and record, with changes in band membership they continued to perform until 1995. In the UK The Marcels are true ‘One Hit Wonders,’ with ‘Blue Moon’ reaching Number 1, but never achieving another top 40 single, ‘Blue Moon’ was also a Number 1 on Billboard in America. In total they recorded two studio Albums, and released 14 singles between 1961-1963.

The Marcels version of ‘Blue Moon’ was also the title track from their debut studio Album, and was suggested to them to record by the American composer Stu Phillips, who also co-produced the song. Phillips felt that the song needed a little something extra, and suggested that they add the famous introduction (‘Bomp-ba-bap-bomp,’ and ‘Dip-da-dip-da-dip.’) The introduction was an original recording by The Marcels which had appeared on one of their earlier recordings. Stu Phillips is best remembered for providing the incidental music for numerous films and television programmes including writing the themes for ‘Battlestar Galactica,’ and ‘Knight Rider.'(see also best songs 966 and 675)

So what is a Blue Moon? About every 2.7 years, there are four full moons in a season instead of three – the third moon, not the fourth, is dubbed the blue moon. The rarity of the occasion inspired the old saying “once in a blue moon.” What Lorenz Hart was suggesting in his lyrics was that finding true love was very rare, perhaps a once in a lifetime chance, in fact once in a blue moon.

‘And then there suddenly appeared before me the only one my arms will hold. I heard somebody whisper ‘please adore me,’ and when I looked the moon had turned to gold.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

344-Arrow-Hot Hot Hot

1984-Number 59 single. It was remixed, and re-released in 1994 as the ‘World Carnival Mix 94,’ and this time reached Number 38.

Best Bit-At 5.54. The song has been featured in numerous film and television programmes over the years, but of course most fittingly when used as the theme for the 1989 Miss Universe competition.

Arrow was born Alphonsus Celestine Edmund Cassell on November 16th, 1949, in Montserrat, West Indies, he died at his home in Montserrat on September 15th, 2010, at the age of 60 from cerebral cancer. He first started out singing Calypso, but over time would fuse other genres such as R&B and Salsa, he is best remembered as a Soca musician.

‘Hot Hot Hot’ was the title track from Arrow’s eighth Album release from 1982. The song was written by Arrow’s brother Justin ‘Hero’ Cassell, and produced and arranged by Leston Paul, worldwide the song is the best selling Soca song of all time. In total Arrow released 30 Albums between 1972-2002, his only other charting single in the UK is ‘Long Time’ which made Number 30 in 1984.

The song gained further recognition in 1987 when covered by David Johansen as his lounge singer persona ‘Buster Pointdexter,’ the song reached Number 45 on Billboard in America. This was quite a change in style for Johansen who had previously been the singer with the Punk band New York Dolls between 1971-1976, he also rejoined them for their 2004-2011 reunion.

‘Soca’ is a genre of music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970’s, by the fusing of other musical genres such as Calypso, Reggae, Latin, and traditional West African rhythms. It was the Trinidadian musician Garfield Blackman (1941-2000) better known by his stage name ‘Lord Shorty’ who is recognised as defining the genre. It was originally spelt ‘Sokah,’ by Lord Shorty (taken from SOul of CAlypso) but through an error in a local newspaper when reporting on the new genre it was misspelled as ‘Soca,’ Lord Shorty confirmed the error but chose to leave it that was in order to avoid confusion.

‘Calypso’ (see also best songs 390) music originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early to mid 19th Century. As English replaced ‘patois’ (Antillean creole) as the dominant language it was often used by the masses to put their point across to challenge those in government. In 1996 Arrow explained what he saw as the difference between Soca and Calypso, using this song as an example.’Feeling ‘Hot Hot Hot’ makes you forget that there’s a volcano, and remember there’s fun to be had. Soca was made for dancing, and didn’t carry any political messages.’

‘Me mind on fire, me soul on fire, all da people all around me feelin’ hot hot hot. A what to do on a night like this, is it sweet, I can’t resist. We need a party sound, a fun-da-mental charm so we can rhum boom boom boom.’