THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

363-Lady Gaga-Bad Romance.

2009-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.18. Rob Fusari who was Lady Gaga’s first music producer, and boyfriend until 2007, claims to have been the first person to call her ‘Lady Gaga,’ which he derived from the 1984 Queen song ‘Radio Ga Ga.’ According to Fusari the name was coined when on one occasion he attempted to call her ‘Radio Ga Ga’ via text message, but the spell check converted the word ‘Radio’ to ‘Lady.’

Lady Gaga was born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, on March 28th, 1986, in Manhattan, New York City, United States. She is one of the world’s best selling artists of all time, with sales in excess of 170 million records, and in 2020 she became the first female artist to achieve four singles that have sold 10 million copies each globally, with ‘Just Dance,’ (2008) Poker Face,’ (2008) ‘Bad Romance,’ (2009) and ‘Shallow’ (2018.) In 2009 she became the first female artist to have three UK Number 1’s in the same calendar year, with ‘Just Dance,’ ‘Poker Face.’ and ‘Bad Romance.’ In 2015 Lady Gaga ventured into acting, winning awards for her leading roles in the American television miniseries ‘American Horror Story: Hotel,’ (2015–2016) and the American romantic drama musical film ‘A Star Is Born’ (2018.) Her contributions to the ‘A Star Is Born’ soundtrack, which spawned the Billboard Number 1 single ‘Shallow,’ made her the first woman to win an ‘Academy Award,’ ‘BAFTA Award,’ ‘Golden Globe Award,’ and ‘Grammy Award’ in one year.

The discography of Lady Gaga includes seven studio Albums released between 2008-2020, and 39 singles released between 2008-2024, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) four soundtrack Albums, three remix Albums, two collaborative Albums, and two official compilation Albums available. In America on Billboard, six of her Albums have reached Number 1, while 27 of her singles have made the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with five of those songs reaching Number 1, with ‘Bad Romance’ peaking at Number 2. In the UK, Lady Gaga has had 30 top 40 hit singles, with six of those tracks reaching the Number 1 position. Her two collaborative Albums are with Tony Bennett, (1926-2023) (see also best songs 868) which were released in 2014, and 2021.

‘Bad Romance’ was co-written, and co-produced by Lady Gaga, and Nadir Khayat, and was one of eight new songs recorded by Lady Gaga in 2009, and added to her debut studio Album ‘The Fame,’ first released in August 2008, to become ‘The Fame Monster,’ a deluxe edition of that debut, although in some countries the eight new songs were released as a stand alone extended play (EP) also called ‘The Fame Monster,’ and issued in October 2009. ‘Bad Romance’ was the first of four singles released from ‘The Fame Monster,’ and as for sales, ‘The Fame’ has gone on to become the 12th best selling Album of all time on Billboard, while ‘The Fame Monster’ was the best selling Album worldwide in 2010. Sales of both Albums combined are in excess of 17 million worldwide.

‘RedOne’ (see also best songs and 957 and 876) was born Nadir Khayat, (Arabic: نادر خياط, Nādir Ḵayyāṭ;) on April 9th, 1972, in Tétouan, Morocco, having been influenced in his youth by Abba, (see also best songs 44) Roxette, and Europe, he immigrated to Sweden when he was 19, to pursue a career as a musician. He chose the stage name ‘RedOne’, which is a pseudonym of the name of a friend of his called Redouan. RedOne and Lady Gaga were first introduced to each other in 2007, when contracted to the same management team. As well as ‘Bad Romance,’ the pair also collaborated on several other tracks on ‘The Fame,’ and ‘The Fame Monster.’ RedOne has released four singles as the lead artist between 2016-2019, and has appeared as a featured artist on a further 11 between 2010-2021.

‘Bad Romance’ is a declaration by the narrator that she will love her partner unconditionally no matter what. She wants her partner to hide nothing from her, and encourages them to open up totally emotionally. Lady Gaga name checks three Alfred Hitchcock (1899-1980) directed films in the songs lyrics ‘Psycho,’ ‘Vertigo,’ and ‘Rear Window.’ She also sings some of the songs lyrics in French, and was probably partly inspired to write the song after listening to the 1994 track ‘Self Esteem’ by the American Rock band ‘The Offspring.’ Lady Gaga has spoken about her inspiration for ‘Bad Romance, ‘I was in Russia, then Germany, and spent a lot of time in Eastern Europe. There is this amazing German House-Techno music, so I wanted to make a pop experimental record. I kind of wanted to leave the ’80s a little bit, so the chorus is a ’90s melody, which is what the inspiration was. There was certainly some whisky involved in the writing of the record. It’s about being in love with your best friend.

‘I want your psycho, your vertigo shtick. Want you in my rear window, baby you’re sick.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

364-Tiffany-I Think We’re Alone Now.

1987-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.09. Some Pop stars are so well known, that they are recognisable by just one name. There’s Elvis, and Madonna, and Kylie, and…er…Tiffany.

Tiffany Renee Darwish was born on October 2nd, 1971, in Norwalk, California, United States. At the age of 16 she became the youngest solo artist ever to have a debut Billboard Number 1 Album, and she also has the distinction of being the first person who was born in the 1970’s to top the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, with this song in 1987. Tiffany was singing Country & Western music at the age of 10, when coming to the attention of the American Country singer Hoyt Axton, (1938-1999) leading to her singing in Nashville, Tennessee. In 1984 she signed a recording contract with the music producer George Tobin who as well as producing her first two Albums, would also become her manager. After the failure of her first single ‘Danny,’ Tobin sent Tiffany out on a nationwide tour of American shopping malls. At first she was playing to small gatherings, but as word spread the crowds grew. This songs iconic video was recorded during the tour, with much of the footage used being from the end of the tour, when the audience was larger. By the end of 1988 her career had peaked, and she has never had a major hit single or Album since. She has attempted to resurrect her career in the years since, in 2002 she posed nude for ‘Playboy’ magazine, and in 2005 she became a regular on ‘reality’ television shows, including ‘Hit Me, Baby, One More Time,’ ‘Celebrity Fit Club,’ and ‘Hulk Hogan’s Celebrity Championship Wrestling.’ Tiffany has continued to record and tour, and at the time of writing she remains active as a performer.

The discography of Tiffany includes 11 studio Albums released between 1987-2022, and 44 singles within the same time period, there is also one extended play, (EP) and eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, five of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Think We’re Alone Now,’ (1987) and the follow up single ‘Could’ve Been,’ (1987) both making the Number 1 position. In 1991 she was part of the ‘supergroup’ ‘Voices That Care,’ that reached Number 11 on the ‘Hot 100’ with the charity single also called ‘Voices That Care.’ In the UK, Tiffany has had four top 40 hits, with ‘I Think We’re Alone Now,’ charting the highest at Number 1.

‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ was the second of five singles released from Tiffany’s self titled debut studio Album from June 1987, the song was written by Ritchie Cordell, (1943-2004) with the production being by George Tobin. ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ was a cover version of the song which was originally recorded in 1967 by the American ‘Rock/Pop’ group ‘Tommy James and the Shondells,’ who took their version to Number 4 on Billboard, but it has never charted in the UK. At first Tiffany wasn’t keen to record ‘I Think We’re Alone Now,’ thinking it would be two old fashioned for her potential fan base, but after it was explained to her that the song is about teenagers wanting to spend ‘quality time’ together, which their parents wouldn’t allow, she realised the songs appeal to a young audience. Tiffany has recalled, ‘When I heard that my hit song had went Number one, I was washing dishes. I was doing my chores because I was a teenager, of course. My manager called me and said ‘Congratulations, you have the number one single in the country.’ I said, ‘You know what? I have to get off the phone because I have to finish my chores otherwise I’m going to be busted and I won’t be able to do anything.’ And, he’s like, ‘You don’t get it’… but I had to finish those chores.’ Tiffany has also said, Usually, I have that song at the end of the show and I’m looking forward to that moment and that excitement, I don’t look at it as a bad thing. It opens the doors to allows me to continue to do music and tell my story now. There still are some hurdles sometimes because I’m painted as the ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ mall tour girl,’ but I just keep pounding the pavement doing what I love.’

‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ was produced by George Edward Tobin, who is an American music producer, and is best remembered for discovering, managing, and producing the teenage singer Tiffany, and showcasing her in malls across the country. As well as producing three studio Albums for Tiffany, he is also notably the producer of ‘Sad Eyes,’ for Robert John, (1979-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 31) and ‘Being With You,’ for Smokey Robinson, (1981-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 1.)

‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ was written by Ritchie Cordell, who was born Richard Joel Rosenblatt, on March 10th, 1943, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on April 13th, 2004, of pancreatic cancer, at the age of 61. Ritchie Cordell also wrote other hits for Tommy James and the Shondells, including their 1968 Billboard Number 3 & UK Number 1 single ‘Mony Mony.’ Cordell was also the co-producer of ‘I Love Rock ‘n Roll,’ the 1982 Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4 single for Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, he was also the co-producer of the Ramones seventh studio Album ‘Subterranean Jungle,’ in 1983. In 1987 Cordell hit the jackpot when the song that knocked Tiffany’s version of ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’ off the top spot on Billboard, was Billy Idol’s live cover of ‘Mony Mony.’

‘Children behave, that’s what they say when we’re together, and watch how you play, they don’t understand, and so we’re running just as fast as we can, holding on to one another other hands.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

365-Diana Ross-I’m Still Waiting.

1971-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. I suppose the moral of the story is, if you’re a five year old girl, don’t fall in love with a 10 year old boy, because it will mess the rest of your life up.

Diana Ross, who as a solo artist (see also best songs and 900-519 and 28) and as a member of the Supremes, (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148) was born on March 26th, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, United States. She was first a member of the Supremes, originally called ‘The Primettes,’ between 1959-1970, where she achieved 12 American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 singles, then she launched her solo career, and has had a further six chart toppers on Billboard, including ‘Endless Love,’ a duet with Lionel Richie, (1981) and ‘We Are the World,’ (1985) as part of the charity single recorded by the ‘supergroup’ ‘USA for Africa.’ For the solo discography of Diana Ross (see beast songs 28) and for the discography of the Supremes (see best songs 148.) Diana Ross is best known as a singer, but she has also had a successful career as an actress in films, and on television. Her first role was her ‘Golden Globe Award’ winning portrayal of Billie Holiday (1915-1959) (see also best songs 624) in the film ‘Lady Sings the Blues,’ (1972) becoming the first African-American actress to receive an ‘Academy Award’ nomination for a debut film performance, she also recorded its soundtrack, which became her only solo Album to reach Number 1 on the American ‘Billboard 200’ chart. She also starred in two other feature films, Mahogany, (1975) and The Wiz, (1978), and later appeared in the television films ‘Out of Darkness,’ (1994) for which she was nominated for a ‘Golden Globe Award,’ and ‘Double Platinum’ (1999.)

‘I’m Still Waiting’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Everything Is Everything,’ the second solo studio Album by Diana Ross, from November 1970, the song was written and produced by Deke Richards (1944-2013.) The Album was rush released in order to keep up the momentum of promoting Diana Ross as a solo artist, after the success of her debut release ‘Diana Ross’ less than five months earlier. ‘I’m Still Waiting’ was initially not intended for single release, but after the British DJ Tony Blackburn promised ‘EMI’ (the label distributors of all Motown tracks at that time) that he would play the song every morning on his BBC Radio 1 radio programme, they were persuaded. Blackburn was proved right as ‘I’m Still Waiting’ went on to spend four weeks at Number 1, becoming the best selling Motown song in the UK up to that time. In 1978 The Commodores, with the Lionel Richie penned ‘Three Times a Lady,’ which spent five weeks at Number 1, surpassed ‘I’m Still Waiting’ for sales, and became Motown’s best selling single in the UK. ‘I’m Still Waiting’ didn’t meet with the same success in the States, where it stalled a Number 63 on Billboard. The spoken part in ”I’m Still Waiting’ (‘Love has never shown his face…’) is not uncommon in Diana Ross’ songs, and dates back to her time in the Supremes. A good example is the Supremes song ‘Love Is Here and Now You’re Gone’ (1967-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 17.)

‘I’m Still Waiting’ was written and produced by Deke Richards, who was born Dennis Lussier on April 8th, 1944, in Los Angeles, California, United States, he died of esophageal cancer on March 24th, 2013, at the age of 68. When the star Motown writing team of ‘Holland Dozier Holland’ (see also best songs 969-823-650-553-411-212 and 148) left the label in 1967, Richards was one of the songwriters brought in by Berry Gordy to replace them, initially working with Frank Wilson, (1940-2012) (see also best songs 97) R Dean Taylor, (1939-2022) (see also best songs 969) and Pam Sawyer (see also best songs 519) as ‘The Clan,’ they worked together until 1969. In that time they were responsible for the two Diana Ross and the Supremes Billboard Number 1 singles, ‘Love Child,’ and ‘I’m Living in Shame,’ (see also best songs 1001-411-212 and 148.) After ‘The Clan’ disbanded, Richards stayed on at Motown, charged with writing and producing for the labels next big stars,’The Jackson 5.’ The new team of songwriters who Richards joined were known as ‘The Corporation,’ which also included Berry Gordy, Freddie Perren (1943-2004) (see also best songs 514) and Alphonso Mizell (1943-2011.) They guided The Jackson 5 (see also best songs 249 and 137) to early success with the songs ‘I Want You Back,’ ‘ABC,’ and ‘The Love You Save,’ ‘The Corporation’ disbanded in 1972. In the liner notes to the ‘Everything Is Everything’ Album reissue, Deke Richards said he wanted ‘I’m Still Waiting’ to be ‘simple and unassuming,’ adding, ‘Diana liked the song but the soft, vulnerable style took her by surprise.’

In 1990 ‘I’m Still Waiting’ was remixed by the British music producer ‘DJ Phil Chill’ (see also best songs 520) as an uptempo ‘Dance’ track, and released as a single, reaching Number 21 in the UK chart.

‘Love has never shown his face since the day you walked out that door. You filled my life with empty space, come back can’t you see it’s you I’m waiting for.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

366-Aretha Franklin-Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do.)

1973-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 1.22. If a woman sings this song she’s a hopeless romantic, but if a man sings the song he is a psycho stalker.

Aretha Franklin (see also best songs 644) was born Aretha Louise Franklin on March 25th, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, she suffered health issues for most of her adult life, having been at times clinically obese, a chain smoker, and an alcoholic, she died on August 18th, 2018, at the age of 76. It was the American broadcaster, and music promoter Pervis Spann (1932-2022) who after seeing Aretha perform at the ‘Regal Theater,’ in Chicago, ceremonially placed a crown on her head, and announced to the audience that she should be crowned ‘The Queen of Soul.’ The many honours that have been attributed to Aretha Franklin include receiving a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’ in 1979, and became the first woman to be inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ in 1987. The ‘National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ awarded her a ‘Grammy Legend Award’ in 1991, and then the ‘Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award’ in 1994. She has twice been named by the American music magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ as the greatest singer of all time.

The discography of Aretha Franklin who has sold in excess of 75 million records worldwide, includes 38 studio Albums released between 1961-2014, and 131 singles released between 1956-2014, there is also one soundtrack Album, 62 official compilation Albums, and eight live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 43 of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Respect,’ (1967) and the duet with George Michael, ‘I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me’) (1987) both peaking the highest at Number 1, while ‘Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do’) made Number 3. In the UK, Aretha Franklin has had 17 top 40 hits, with the George Michael duet providing her with her only chart topper.

‘Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do’) was co-written by Morris Broadnax, (1931-2009) Clarence Paul, (1928-1995) and a 16 year old Stevie Wonder, (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-205-152 and 65) with the production credited to Aretha Franklin, Arif Mardin, (1932-2006) (see also best songs 985-882-881-554-228 and 85 ) and Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644 and 530.) The song was the first of three singles released from ‘Let Me in Your Life,’ the 20th studio Album by Aretha Franklin, from February 1974. Clarence Paul was born Clarence Otto Pauling, on March 19th, 1928, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States, he died on May 6th, 1995, of complications of heart disease and diabetes, at the age of 67. In 1951 he co-formed the American ‘R&B’ vocal group ‘The “5” Royales,’ with his brother Lowman ‘Pete’ Pauling Jr., (1926-1973) it was later in the decade after moving to Detroit to work for Motown records that Clarence dropped the ‘ing’ in his surname so he would not to be confused with his older brother. At Motown, he gained fame as Stevie Wonder’s mentor and main producer during Wonder’s teenage years, co-writing Stevie Wonder’s first hit single, ‘Fingertips,’ (1963-Billboard Number 1.) Other notable co-writes by Clarence Paul include ‘Hitch Hike’ for Marvin Gaye, (1963-Billboard Number 30) and ‘Just a Little Misunderstanding’ for The Contours (1966-Billboard Number 85 & UK Number 31.) ‘Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do’) was also co-written by Morris Ervin Broadnax, who was born on February 9th, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on February 17th, 2009, from congestive heart failure, at the age of 78. Morris Broadnax worked closely with Clarence Paul, and the young Stevie Wonder at Motown records, as well as many of that labels other most prominent artists. In 1969 he left Motown to become a community activist, promoting higher quality education in Detroit’s public schools. He went on to receive many awards, including the ‘Award of Merit,’ the ‘Spirit of Detroit Award,’ and recognition from ‘Black Parents for A Quality Education.’

It was Stevie Wonder who recorded the first version of ‘Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do’) in 1967, but his recording remained unreleased until first appearing on his 1977 anthology ‘Looking Back.’ Other notable versions include the American R&B singer Miki Howard, whose recording reached Number 3 on the Billboard ‘Hot Black Singles’ chart, and Number 67 on the UK top 40 in 1990, and also the Luther Vandross rendition, which was part of a medley with ‘Superstar,’ which made Number 87 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Number 5 on the Billboard ‘Hot Black Singles’ chart in 1984. As for the songs meaning, the narrator tells of their abandonment by their partner, but declares their determination to contact and win their partner back.

‘Though you don’t call anymore, I sit and wait in vain. I guess I’ll rap on your door, tap on your window pane. I wanna tell you baby changes I’ve been going through, missing you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

367-Nancy Sinatra & Lee Hazlewood-Some Velvet Morning.

1967-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.41. Nancy Sinatra once said, ‘I’ve been singing this song for over 20 years, and I still don’t know what the damned thing means.’

Lee Hazlewood (see also best songs 1010-978 and 124) was born Barton Lee Hazlewood on July 9th, 1929, in Mannford, Oklahoma, United States, he died on August 4th, 2007, from renal cancer, at the age of 78. In the late 1950’s, and early 1960’s he found great success when teaming up with the pioneering American guitarist Duane Eddy (1938-2024) to co-write, and produce Rock instrumentals such as ‘Rebel Rouser,’ (1958-Billboard Number 6 & UK Number 19) and (‘Dance With The) Guitar Man’ (1962-Billboard Number 16 & UK Number 4.) He first teamed up with Nancy Sinatra in 1965 when Nancy’s father Frank (see also best songs 877-567-469-120 and 73) stepped in and asked Hazlewood to give his daughters career a boost, which led to Hazlewood writing and producing Nancy’s UK and U.S. Number 1 single ‘These Boots Are Made for Walkin’ (see also best songs 978.) He was also the co-producer of the 1967 UK and U.S. Number 1 single ‘Somethin’ Stupid,’ for Frank and Nancy Sinatra, which is the only father-daughter duo to top the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. For the discography of Lee Hazlewood, see best songs 124.

‘Some Velvet Morning’ was written and produced by Lee Hazlewood, and was arranged and conducted by Billy Strange, (1930-2012) and first appeared on Nancy Sinatra’s fourth Album release ‘Movin’ with Nancy,’ from 1967, the Album is the soundtrack to her 1967 ‘NBC’ television special of the same name. The song was next released as a single, reaching Number 26 on Billboard, and Number 36 in Canada, before then appearing on the collaborative studio Album ‘Nancy & Lee,’ in March 1968. Billy Strange was born William Everett Strange, on September 29th, 1930, in Long Beach, California, United States, he died on February 22nd, 2012, at the age of 81. Billy Strange began his musical career as a session musician with ‘The Wrecking Crew,’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-202-197-180-127 and 71) and was inducted into the ‘Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum,’ as a member of that ensemble in 2007. Billy Strange scored for film and television, which includes the television special ‘Movin’ with Nancy,’ (1967) and the film ‘Ocean’s Eleven,’ (2001) he also released at least 20 Albums under his own name.

Nancy Sinatra has said she has no idea what ‘Some Velvet Morning’ is about, and the songs writer Lee Hazlewood has admitted that he is not fully sure about the songs meaning either. The song was definitely inspired by the Greek mythological character ‘Phaedra,’ In Greek mythology Phaedra falls in love with her husbands stepson Hippolytus, who rejects her advances. Her husband Theseus learns of her actions, she lies to her husband that Hippolytus tried to rape her. This angers Theseus who immediately curses his son with one of three wishes granted to him by Poseidon the God of the sea. Hippolytus is torn apart by a bull that rises from the sea, but somehow Phaedra’s treachery is discovered, (unclear how) and to avoid a more painful death she decides to take her own life. Lee Hazlewood has said, ‘It’s not meant to mean so much. I’m not a druggie, so it was never to do with that.’ He has also said, ‘I had problems with people telling me ‘I really like the song you wrote Lee, you can really dance to it,’ I don’t like people dancing to my music, I was very contrary. The next thing I sat down to write what happened to be that song, and I go,-‘Dance to this, sons of bitches.”

‘Some Velvet Morning’ is critically acclaimed. In November 2003, the British newspaper ‘The Daily Telegraph’ placed the song at Number 1 on their ’50 Best Ever Duets’ list, and in 2015, the American musical magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ ranked the song at Number 9 in its ’20 Greatest Duos of All Time.’ In 2021 Nancy Sinatra said, ‘Even though it was years and years later, it’s still nice to be appreciated. And for that record especially nobody’s figured that song out yet. And I still don’t know what it means.’ Lee Hazlewood re-recorded ‘Some Velvet Morning’ for his final studio Album ‘Cake or Death,’ in 2006. This time the song was a duet with himself and his granddaughter, whose birth name is ‘Phaedra.’

‘Some velvet morning when I’m straight, I’m gonna open up your gate, and maybe tell you ’bout Phaedra, and how she gave me life, and how she made it end. Some velvet morning when I’m straight.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

368-Delerium featuring Sarah McLachlan-Silence.

2000-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 4.21. Silence is Golden.

Delerium was formed by Bill Leeb in 1987, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as a side project. Leeb was born on September 21st, 1966, in Vienna, Austria, and had moved to Canada with his family at the age of 14. He was a member of the Canadian ‘Industrial Electronic’ band ‘Skinny Puppy,’ having joined them in 1984, before leaving to form the ‘Industrial Electronic’ ‘group Front Line Assembly’ in 1986. With ‘Front Line Assembly’ Bill Leeb has released 16 studio Albums between 1987-2021, and 30 singles between 1988-2024. When working as ‘Delerium’ Leeb has either worked with Michael Balch, Rhys Fulber, or Chris Peterson, all three are either current, or former members of Front Line Assembly. Leeb formed Delerium in order to record in different musical genres including ‘New Age,’ and ‘Ambient.’ Away from Front Line Assembly, and ‘Delerium,’ Bill Leeb has also released one solo Album ‘Model Kollapse’ in 2024. As Delerium, Leeb has released 14 Albums between 1989-2023, and 24 singles between 1994-2023, there is also one extended play. (EP) and nine official compilation Albums available. In the UK, Delerium have had four top 40 hit singles, with ‘Silence’ featuring Sarah McLachlan, peaking the highest at Number 3 in 2000, following it’s 1999 re-issue. ‘Silence’ also charted again in 2004, with new remixes, at Number 38. ‘Silence 2004’ reached Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club’ chart in America, one of 12 Delerium tracks to reach that charts top 40.

‘Silence’ was co-written by Bill Leeb, Rhys Fulber, and the songs featured vocalist Sarah McLachlan, with the production credited to Delerium. ‘Silence’ which was the second of four singles released from Delerium’s ninth studio Album ‘Karma,’ from April 1997, first appeared as an ‘Ambient’ song in it’s original form, the song featured ‘Gregorian Chants,’ (think Enigma and Deep Forest) and was very successful in Ireland, where it reached Number 1, and in Australia, where it made Number 6. The songs featured vocalist on the original, and the remixes is Sarah McLachlan, who was born Sarah Ann McLachlan, on January 28th, 1968, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, to date she has sold in excess of 40 million Albums worldwide. Sarah McLachlan OC OBC is one of Canada’s most successful artists, having won 12 ‘Juno Awards,’ which are presented by the ‘Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ to recognise outstanding achievements in Canada’s music industry, she has also won three ‘Grammy Awards.’ Sarah McLachlan, who in 1999 was appointed as an ‘Officer of the Order of Canada,’ has released nine studio Albums between 1988-2016, and 53 singles as the main artist within the same time period, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) seven official compilation Albums, and three remix Albums, and three live Albums available. In Canada on the ‘Canadian Hot 100,’ Sarah McLachlan has had 15 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Build a Mystery’ from 1997, reaching the Number 1 position, while in the UK, she has had two solo top 40 entries, with ‘Adia,’ from 1998, charting the highest at Number 18. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, she has had five top 40 hits, with ‘Adia’ peaking the highest at Number 3.

In 1999 the first of several ‘Dance’ remixes of ‘Silence’ began to appear. The first was the ‘Sanctuary’ mix by ‘Fade’ which is closer to the original version than subsequent remixes. This was followed by the two ‘Trance’ remixes by ‘Airscape,’ and the Dutch music producer ‘DJ Tiesto,’ (see also best songs 260) which led to the tracks worldwide success. For a detailed explanation of what ‘Trance Music’ is (see best songs 79.) I have very slight preference for the Airscape mix, but I feel that the Tiesto version is of equal standing. Airscape’ are a Belgium ‘Trance’ act, with the founding member in 1994, Johan Gielan, now only working under that name, but he has previously worked as ‘Airscape’ with Sven Maes, and Jos Borremans. ‘Silence’ has received further official remixes, and re-releases in 2004, and again in 2008.

In it’s ‘Dance’ form ‘Silence’ may sound uplifting, but the actual lyrics are anything but. The song is either about depression or illness, with the narrator wanting to die to release their pain, and to see if God will let them into heaven.

‘Heaven holds a sense of wonder, and I wanted to believe that I’d get caught up when the rage in me subsides. In this white wave I am sinking, in this silence I believe.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

369-The Hollies-The Air That I Breathe.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. Eric Clapton has said that the first note of ‘The Air That I Breathe’ had more soul than anything he’d ever heard.

The Hollies certainly have longevity, with Tony Hicks, and Bobby Elliott who both joined in 1963, still part of the current active band. The Hollies were formed in 1962 in Salford, England, as a ‘Merseybeat’ group by Allan Clarke, and Graham Nash, who had known each other since primary school. Clarke who sings lead vocals on this track was a member between 1962-1971, briefly leaving to pursue a solo career, before returning in 1973 until departing in 2000. Due to musical differences Nash left in 1968 to form the ‘Supergroup’ Crosby, Stills & Nash (see also best songs 417.) In total there have been 19 different members of The Hollies since their formation. The band was named by the bassist Eric Haydock (1943-2019) who was a member between 1962-1966, in relation to a Christmas holly garland. In a 2009 interview Graham Nash said, ‘We called ourselves The Hollies, after Buddy, (see also best songs 898 and 264) and Christmas,’ In 2010, The Hollies were inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’ The band members inducted were Allan Clarke, Graham Nash, Tony Hicks, Eric Haydock, Bobby Elliott, Bernie Calvert, and Terry Sylvester.

The discography of The Hollies includes 21 studio Albums released between 1964-2009, and 94 singles released between 1963-2006, there are also seven extended plays, (EP’s) two tribute covers Albums, and 22 official compilation Albums available. In America they have issued 17 of their studio Albums, often with different titles, and track listings. In the UK The Hollies have had 29 top hit 40 singles, with ‘I’m Alive, in 1965, and the re-issue of ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother,’ in 1988, both reaching Number 1. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have had 12 top 40 hits, with ‘Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress,’ charting the highest at Number 2 in 1972, while ‘The Air That I Breathe’ made Number 6.

‘The Air That I Breathe’ was the second of five singles released from The Hollies 14th studio Album called ‘Hollies,’ from March 1974, the Album has the same title as the band’s third studio Album from 1965. ‘The Air That I Breathe’ was co-written by Albert Hammond, and Mike Hazelwood, (1941-2001) with the production being by Ron Richards, (1929-2009) who was the long term producer of The Hollies, and The Hollies themselves. It was Albert Hammond who first recorded ‘The Air That I Breathe,’ for his 1972 studio Album ‘It Never Rains In Southern California.’ In 1973 Phil Everly (1939-2014) (see also best songs 799) did a cover version on his studio Album ‘Star Spangled Banner.’ The Hollies had always been big fans of the Everly Brothers, and when Phil Everly sent them a copy of his Album they decided to cover ‘The Air That I Breathe’ themselves.

Albert Hammond, and Mike Hazelwood, had both previously been members of the English Rock band ‘The Family Dogg,’ who had a UK Number 6 hit with ‘A Way of Life’ in 1969. Albert Louis Hammond was born on May 18th, 1944, in London, England, he is the father of Albert Hammond Jr. (see also best songs 450.) In 2000, he received the ‘Order of the British Empire,’ (OBE) and in 2008, he was inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame.’ Albert Hammond is a prolific songwriter, he has co-written four UK Number 1 singles, ‘When I Need You,’ with Carole Bayer Sager, (1977 Number 1 for Leo Sayer) ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now,’ with Diane Warren, (1987 Number 1 for Starship) ‘One Moment in Time,’ with John Bettis, (1988 Number 1 for Whitney Houston) and ‘Don’t Turn Around,’ (1988 Number 1 for Aswad.) Albert Hammond has released 19 studio Albums between 1972-2016, and 56 singles between 1963-2019, there are also eight official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. He has had one solo hit single in the UK, in 1973, with the Number 19 hit ‘The Free Electric Band,’ while in America he has had two top 40 hits on Billboard, with ‘It Never Rains in Southern California peaking the highest at Number 5 in 1972.

The 1992 song ‘Creep’ by the English Rock band Radiohead (see also best songs 33) borrows very heavily from ‘The Air That I Breathe,’ using a similar chord progression, and sharing some melodic content. This songs publishers sued Radiohead for copyright infringement, and a settlement was reached where Hammond, and Hazelwood were given co-writing credits, as well as a portion of the songs royalties.

‘If I could make a wish I think I’d pass, can’t think of anything I need. No cigarettes, no sleep, no light, no sound, nothing to eat, no books to read.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

370-Duke Ellington and His Famous Orchestra-It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing.)

1932-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.43. ‘For there’s Basie, Miller, Satchmo, and the king of all, Sir Duke.’

It is likely that this song was the first to use the term ‘Swing,’ and therefore the song is responsible for naming the genre of music that was to become known as ‘Swing Music.’

Duke Ellington (see also best songs 1039) was born Edward Kennedy Ellington on April 29th, 1899, in Washington D.C. United States, he died from complications from lung cancer, and pneumonia on May 24th, 1974, at the age of 75. Ellington’s mother Daisy sent him to piano lessons at the age of seven, she would teach him good manners, and always make sure that he was immaculately turned out, which led to his friend Edgar McEntree nicknaming him ‘Duke.’ Ellington was a prolific writer, and wrote well over 1000 songs. The American composer and historian Gunther Schuller (1925-2015) wrote in 1989, ‘Ellington composed incessantly to the very last days of his life, music was indeed his mistress. In Jazz he was a giant among giants, and in 20th Century music he may yet one day be recognised as one of the half dozen greatest masters of our time.’ Duke Ellington has many awards and honours, including a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ for his contribution to the recording industry, which he received in 1960. In 1966 he received a ‘Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award,’ and in 1973, the ‘Legion of Honour’ by France, which is that countries highest civilian honour. In 1999 he was given a posthumous ‘Special Pulitzer Prize,’ for his lifetime contributions to music and culture.

The discography of Duke Ellington includes 61 studio Albums released between 1947-1974, there are also a further 10 studio Albums issued posthumously between 1974-2004. Duke Ellington has also had issued, 36 official compilation Albums, and 17 live Albums. I cannot find an exact listing of all the numerous ’78’s,’ and ‘7 inch’ singles released by Duke Ellington, but 81 of his songs released in either of those formats have been hits either in America on Billboard, or on the UK chart between 1927-1954. In America on Billboard, three of his singles have reached the Number 1 position, while ‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing’) peaked at Number 6. In the UK, his only charting single is ‘Skin Deep,’ which made Number 7 in 1954.

‘It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing’) was written in 1931 by Duke Ellington, with the lyrics by Irving Mills, (1894-1985) the unaccredited vocals on the track are provided by Ivie Anderson, (1904-1949.) Due to touring commitments the song wasn’t first recorded by Ellington and his orchestra for ‘Brunswick Records’ until February 2nd, 1932. Ivie Anderson, (sometimes Ivy) was born on July 10th, 1905, in Gilroy, California, Los Angeles, United States, she was a charismatic performer, who was a mainstay of the ‘Duke Ellington Orchestra’ between 1931-1942. She had to leave the music business due to chronic asthma, which also caused her premature death, on December 28th, 1949, at the age of 45. Ivie Anderson would often receive prominent billing on advertisements for Duke Ellington’s appearances in theatres, auditoriums, arenas, and ballrooms, wherever the Ellington band toured in the 1930’s. When she performed in Duke Ellington’s musical ‘Jump for Joy’ in 1941, the Los Angeles newspaper the ‘California Eagle’ that was for African/Americans wrote of her: ‘Ivie can sing a song so that the audience get every word, and at the same time make cracks at Sonny Greer, tease Duke, and wink at the boys in the front row. Wednesday night she went into a dance routine that would have slayed you.’

Irving Harold Mills (see also best songs 303) was born Isadore Minsky, on January 18th, 1894, in Odessa, Russian Empire, he died on April 21st, 1985, at the age of 91. Irving Mills was a music publisher, musician, lyricist, and Jazz promoter. He often used the pseudonyms ‘Goody Goodwin,’ and ‘Joe Primrose.’ In 1919 Irving’s older brother Jack Mills (1891-1979) founded ‘Jack Mills Music,’ which Irving soon joined, the company was renamed ‘Mills Music, Inc.’ in 1928. After many transactions over the years ‘The Mills Music’ catalogue is now managed by ‘Sony Music Publishing,’ which acquired ‘EMI Music Publishing’ in 2012. Irving Mills discovered a number of songwriters, including Hoagy Carmichael, (1899-1981) (see also best songs 288 and 185) and Dorothy Fields (1904-1974.) He is also notable for starting or advancing the careers of Cab Calloway, (1907-1994) (see also best songs 303) Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, (1909-1986) and many others. Irving Mills first saw Duke Ellington perform in 1925 at a small club between 7th Avenue and Broadway. Mills signed Ellington the next day, which led to numerous recordings between 1926-1939. At a time of segregation, Irving Mills was one of the first to record black and white musicians together, using 12 white musicians and the Duke Ellington Orchestra to record in 1928. ‘Victor Records’ initially hesitated to release the recordings, but when Mills threatened to take his artists off their roster, he won out.

‘It makes no difference if it’s sweet or hot. Just give that rhythm everything you’ve got. Doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo-ah, doo,ah.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

371-The Harry J Allstars-Liquidator.

1969-Number 9 single.

Best Bit-At 1.23.’Liquidator’ is very well known in the football community. Chelsea Football Club are one of the teams who claimed to be the first ever to play the song when the team come on to the pitch just prior to kick off, and it is still played to this day. Other teams who have, or still walk out to the song, include Wolverhampton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion, Northampton Town, and St. Johnstone in Scotland.

Harry J. (see also best songs 391) was born Harry Zephaniah Johnson on July 6th, 1945, in Westmoreland Parish, Jamaica, he died after a long battle with diabetes in 2013, at the age of 67. In 1968 he launched his own record label ‘Harry J’ records, releasing some of the first records in the ‘Reggae’ genre. At it’s peak in the 1970’s the label released two Albums by Bob Marley and the Wailers, (see also best songs 618 and 56) and became so famous that artists of the calibre of The Rolling Stones, (see also best songs 933-662-452-160 and 77) and The Who (see also best songs 926-306 and 265) would make a special point of visiting the studio when available. In addition Chris Blackwell (see also best songs 494-291 and 56) the founder of Island Records, was a regular visitor, prior to moving to England in the early 1970’s. As well as having a hit with ‘Liquidator,’ Harry J. also found success on the UK top 40 singles chart as the producer of the 1970 Number 5 song ‘Young, Gifted and Black,’ for the Jamaican duo of Bob Andy (1944-2020) and Marcia Griffiths. There are three studio Albums available by the ‘Harry J Allstars,’ issued between 1969-2003, and five official compilation Albums, released between 1970-1989.

‘Liquidator’ is one of 12 instrumental Reggae tracks to appear on the Harry J Allstars debut studio Album, ‘The Liquidator,’ from 1969, other tracks on the Album include cover versions of ‘My Cherie Amour,’ originally co-written and performed by Stevie Wonder (see also best songs 920-843-834-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65) in 1969, and ‘Je T’aime,’ originally performed by Serge Gainsbourg (1928-1991) and Jane Birkin (1946-2023) (see also best songs 467) in 1967. It was after hearing the song ‘What Am I to Do’ by Tony Scott, (1969) that Harry J bought the rights to the song from Scott, and rearranged it, calling the new track ‘Liquidator,’ named after one of his earlier recordings called ‘The Liquidator.’ The Jamaican singer Alton Ellis (1938-2008) has said that the core of ‘Liquidator’ was lifted from his ‘Rocksteady’ track ‘Girl I’ve Got a Date,’ (1967) and after taking a listen, it is hard to disagree. The ‘Allstars’ who played on the track included Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett, (see also best songs 618 and 56) who played the bass, and his brother Carlton (1950-1987) who played the drums, was also the long term drummer with Bob Marley and the Wailers.The organ playing was the work of Winston Wright, (1944-1993) who became known as ‘Jamaica’s master of the Hammond Organ,’ he had a long association with the Jamaican band Toots and the Maytals (see also best songs 291.)

Harry J. was one of the leading lights in the development and promotion of the musical genre ‘Reggae,’ that originated in Jamaica during the late 1960’s. A 1968 single by Toots and the Maytals, called ‘Do the Reggay,’ was the first popular song to use the word Reggae, effectively naming the genre and introducing it to a global audience. The 1967 edition of the ‘Dictionary of Jamaican English,’ lists ‘reggae’ as ‘a recently estab. sp. for rege,’ as in rege-rege, a word that can mean either ‘rags, ragged clothing,’ or ‘a quarrel, a row.’ The British Reggae historian Steve Barrow credits the Jamaican singer Clancy Eccles (1940-2005) with altering the Jamaican patois word ‘streggae’ (loose woman) into reggae. Toots Hibbert ((1942-2020) who wrote ‘Do the Reggay’ has said, ‘There’s a word we used to use in Jamaica called ‘streggae,’ If a girl is walking and the guys look at her and say ‘Man, she’s streggae,’ it means she don’t dress well, she look raggedy. The girls would say that about the men too. This one morning me and my two friends were playing and I said, ‘OK man, let’s do the reggay.’ It was just something that came out of my mouth. So we just start singing ‘Do the reggay, do the reggay,’ and created a beat. People tell me later that we had given the sound its name. Before that people had called it blue-beat and all kind of other things, now it’s in the Guinness World of Records.’ Bob Marley (1945-1981) offered a differing view, saying that the word ‘Reggae’ came from a Spanish term for ‘the king’s music,’ The liner notes of ‘To the King,’ a compilation of Christian gospel Reggae, suggests that the word Reggae was derived from the Latin ‘regi’ meaning ‘to the king.’

‘Liquidator’ has been sampled and covered by others. In 1972 the American Soul group The Staple Singers sampled the bass line, and intro of ‘Liquidator’ for their American Billboard Number 1 single ‘I’ll Take You There,’ and in 1980 the English Ska revival group the Specials covered ‘Liquidator’ as part of a Ska covers medley for the ‘B’ side of their UK Number 1 ‘Too Much Too Young’ (see also best songs 924.) Because of the cover version by the Specials, ‘Liquidator’ was re-issued as a double A-side with the original version of another song featured in the medley, ‘Long Shot Kick De Bucket,’ by The Pioneers, in March 1980. The reissue reached number 42 on the UK Singles Chart.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

372-Specials-Ghost Town.

1981-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. The song was hailed by the contemporary UK music press as a major piece of social commentary. All of the top three music magazines of the time (‘Melody Maker,’ ‘NME,’ and ‘Sounds’) awarded ‘Ghost Town’ the accolade of ‘Single of the Year for 1981.’

The Specials, who were also known as The Special AKA, (see also best songs 924) were formed in Coventry, England, in 1977. The classic lineup, and those who performed on ‘Ghost Town’ were, John Bradbury, (1953-2015) (drums) Roddy Radiation, (guitar) Jerry Dammers, (keyboards) Lynval Golding, (guitar) Terry Hall, (1959-2022) (lead vocals) Horace Painter, (bass) and Neville Staple (vocals.) This was the last song recorded by this lineup as musical differences led to Staple, Golding, and Hall, leaving in order to form ‘The Fun Boy Three.’ The Specials reformed in 1982 as ‘Special AKA,’ adding new members, and remained active for the next two years. There was a re-union in 1993 when Radiation, Staple, Golding, and Panter collaborated with Desmond Dekker (1941-2006) (see also best songs 122) on his ‘King of Kings’ Album. There was further activity between 1996-2001, and then in 2008 Terry Hall officially returned to the group. After the death of Terry Hall in 2022, Horace Panter confirmed that the Specials had ceased to be following Hall’s death. He stated, ‘It would be ludicrous to tour without Terry, so yes, that’s definitely the end of the Specials.’

The discography of the Specials includes nine studio Albums released between 1979-2021, and 25 singles released between 1979-2019, there are also five extended plays, (EP’s) one collaboration Album, 10 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK, five of their studio Albums have reached the top 40, with their eighth Album ‘Encore,’ reaching Number 1 in 2019. The Specials have had 10 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Too Much Too Young,’ (1980) and ‘Ghost Town,’ (1981) both making the Number 1 position. The Specials never managed to make a breakthrough in America as their danceable rhythms of ‘Ska,’ and ‘Rocksteady,’ with the energy and attitude of ‘Punk,’ never found a place on American radio, although their music would become an influence for many American bands when ‘Ska’ finally became popular in the States in the 1990’s, with the next generation of artists.

‘Ghost Town’ was issued as a stand alone single, on June 12th, 1981, it was written by Jerry Dammers, with the production being by John Collins, who also produced the songs two official ‘B’ sides, ‘Why?’ and ‘Friday Night, Saturday Morning.’ Jerry Dammers was born Jeremy David Hounsell Dammers, on May 22nd, 1955, in Ootacamund, Tamil Nadu, South India, in 2014 he received the ‘South African Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo in silver award,’ (GCOT) a national honour, for his role in the anti-apartheid movement. Jerry Dammers has said, ‘It feels fantastic. It is a real honour to be considered for this, especially when I compare what little I did to the work of those who sacrificed their lives, I am humbled.’ As well as co-founding the Specials with whom he remained a member until 1981, he was also the founder of ‘2 Tone Records’ in 1979. Jerry Dammers has said that anti-racism was a key element in the forming of the Specials, with black and white, and multi racial group members being a statement of what they stood for. ‘2 Tone Records’ launched the careers of groups such as ‘Madness,’ the ‘Beat,’ and the ‘Selecter,’ and it was Jerry Dammers’ suggestions for the adoption of retro 1960’s ‘Mod/Rude Boy’ clothes which were a key element in starting the Ska revival of the late 1970’s, and the Two Tone Ska/Punk sound specifically. It was Jerry Dammers, with the assistance of Horace Panter, and graphic designer John ‘Teflon’ Sims, who developed the iconic ‘Walt Jabsco’ logo (a man in a black suit, white shirt, black tie, pork pie hat, white socks and black loafers) to represent the Two-Tone genre. The logo was based on an early Album cover photo of the Jamaican Reggae musician Peter Tosh, (1944-1987) and included an added black-and-white check pattern.

‘Ghost Town’ was partly influenced by recession hit Britain, and the long lasting effects it would leave. While on tour with the Specials Jerry Dammers observed what was happening, he has said, ‘In Liverpool all the shops were shuttered up, everything was closing down. In Glasgow there were little old ladies on the streets selling their household goods.’ Dammers has also said that the song had a personal meaning as well, ”Ghost Town’ was about the breakup of the Specials, it just appeared hopeless, but I just didn’t want to write about my state of mind, so I tried to relate it to the country as a whole.’ The lyrics ‘All the clubs have been closed down,’ refer to the ‘Locarno’ club in the band’s home city of Coventry, a venue where Neville Staple and Lynval Golding frequented. The building which housed the club is now ‘Coventry Central Library.’

The summer of 1981 saw many riots breakout all over the UK, some commentators linked those events with this song. Terry Hall said, ‘When we recorded Ghost Town we were talking about 1980’s riots in Bristol, and Brixton. The fact that it became popular when it did was just a weird coincidence.’ Also not everyone was pleased in Coventry, where some residents were angry at the characterisation of their city as a town in decline.

‘Do you remember the good old days before the ghost town? We danced and sang, and the music played in natty boom town.’