THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

470-Bread-Lost Without Your Love.

1976-Number 27 single.

Best Bit-At 1.00. As I work my way through this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list, I am beginning to see the recurring theme of ‘lovers spurned.’ The good news is that there are many more classic heart-breakers to come.

‘Bread’ were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States in 1968 by David Gates, (vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, violin, viola, percussion) Jimmy Griffin, (1943-2005) (vocals, guitar, keyboards and percussion) and Robb Royer, (bass guitar, guitar, flute, keyboards, percussion, recorder, and backing vocals) who left the group in 1971, the classic line up was completed by Mike Botts, (1944-2005) (drums) who joined in 1969, and Larry Knechtel, (1940-2009) (keyboards, bass guitar, guitar, and harmonica) who joined in 1971. David Gates explained how the groups name came about, ‘A bread truck came along right at the time we were trying to think of a name. ‘How about bush, telephone pole? Ah, bread truck.” It began with a ‘B,’ like the Beatles, and the Bee Gees. Bread also has a kind of universal appeal. It could be taken a number of ways. Of course, for the entire first year people called us the Breads.’ Bread were active between 1968-1973, with one of the main reasons for the parting of the ways being that Jimmy Griffin who wrote many of the bands songs, was having his compositions continuously overlooked for single release by the bands record label ‘Electra,’ in favour of those written by David Gates. In fact all of the bands 13 American Billboard Hot 100 singles had been written by Gates. The group did reform in 1976 for the release of their final studio Album ‘Lost Without Your Love,’ and it’s accompanying tour, but once again old tensions arose. In 1996 having settled their differences the band reunited for a world tour, which extended into 1997, the last time they would ever play together.

The discography of Bread includes six studio Albums released between 1969-1977, and 16 singles released within the same time period, there are also 12 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 12 of their singles have reached the top 40, with their fourth single release, and first hit, ‘Make It With You,’ getting to Number 1 in 1970, while ‘Lost Without Your Love’ made Number 9. In the UK, Bread have had five top 40 entries, with ‘Make It With You,’ peaking the highest at Number 5.

‘Lost Without Your Love’ was the first of two singles released from Bread’s sixth and final studio Album of the same name from January 1977. ‘Lost Without Your Love’ was written and produced by David Gates, who was born David Ashworth Gates, on December 11th, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States, he has recorded in the genres of ‘Soft Rock,’ ‘Country,’ and ‘Pop/Rock.’ David Gates formed his first band called ‘The Accents,’ while studying at the ‘Will Rogers High School,’ in Tulsa, another member of that band was the future singer/songwriter Leon Russell (1942-2016.) In 1961 David Gates relocated to Los Angeles, to work as a songwriter, and studio musician. In 1963 he had his major breakthrough when writing ‘Popsicles and Icicles,’ which reached Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 for ‘The Murmaids.’ David Gates released six solo studio Albums between 1973-1994, and 28 solo singles between 1957-1994. On the Billboard Hot 100, he has had three top 40 solo hit singles, with ‘Goodbye Girl’ from 1977 peaking the highest at Number 15. Although David Gates and Bread never had a UK Number 1 song, Gates has written ‘If,’ which when recorded by Telly Savalas, (1922-1994) topped the chart in 1975. In 1974 the Reggae singer Ken Boothe covered ‘Everything I Own,’ which made Number 1, and that fete was repeated by the English singer Boy George, who took his version of ‘Everything I Own’ to the top in 1987. David Gates officially retired from music in 2007, and lives on his 1,400-acre (570 ha) cattle ranch in Mount Vernon, Washington, United States.

Larry Knechtel who was born Lawrence William Knechtel, on August 4th, 1940, in Bell, California, United States, joined Bread in 1971, he died on August 20th, 2009, of an apparent heart attack, at the age of 69. Knechtel was a prolific session musician, playing keyboards, bass guitar, and harmonica, and worked with dozens of the worlds most renowned artists, he was also a member of the ‘Wrecking Crew’ (see also best songs 978-846-811-744-672-660-527-486-262-202-197-192-180-127 and 71) who were inducted into the ‘Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum,’ in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2007. The many notable career highlights of Larry Knechtel include winning a ‘Grammy Award’ for his piano work on ‘Bridge over Troubled Water,’ by Simon and Garfunkel, (see also best songs 71) playing bass guitar on the Byrds version of ‘ Mr. Tambourine Man,’ and providing the harpsichord, organ, and tack piano on the Beach Boys classic 1966 Album ‘Pet Sounds.’

‘I’m as helpless as a ship without a wind, a touch without a feel, I can’t believe it’s real, and someday soon I’ll wake, and find my heart won’t have to break.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

471-Paul Hardcastle-19.

1985-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.26. Paul Hardcastle’s follow up single release to ’19’ was ‘Just For Money,’ which coincidentally reached Number n-n-n-nineteen.

Paul Louis Hardcastle was born on December 10th, 1957, in Kensington, London, England, he is a composer, musician, producer, songwriter, radio presenter, and multi-instrumentalist. His first professional venture in to the music business came in 1981 when he became the keyboard player for the British Soul band ‘Direct Drive,’ then in 1982 he left that group to form the duo ‘First Light,’ with the vocalist Derek Green, who had also been a member of ‘Direct Drive,’ in order to play ‘Jazz Funk,’ and ‘Electro Music.’ Together they released two studio Albums in 1983, and 1984, before parting ways. Following his greatest commercial success in the mid to late 1980’s, Paul Hardcastle resumed working as ‘First Light,’ this time with Kevin Henry, the results of which became the 1989 Album ‘You Had It All.’ Since the 1990’s, Paul Hardcastle has recorded several ‘Synth Jazz’ Albums, alternating releases under the pseudonyms ‘Kiss the Sky,’ with the British singer Jaki Graham, and also as the ‘Jazzmasters,’ as well as releasing Albums under his real name.

The discography of Paul Hardcastle includes 14 studio Albums released between 1985-2014, a series of 10 ‘Smooth Jazz’ Albums released between 1994-2022, a series of seven ‘Jazzmasters’ series Albums released between 1993-2014, three ‘Chill Lounge’ series Albums released between 2012-2015, and 13 official compilation Albums, covering many aspects of his work released between 1993-2023. Paul Hardcastle has also released 34 singles between 1984-2022, of which four have made the UK top 40, with ’19’ topping the chart for five consecutive weeks in 1985. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, his only charting single remains ’19’ which peaked at Number 15, although four of his tracks have reached the ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ top 40, with ’19’ making Number 1. His 1986 UK Number 15 hit single ‘The Wizard,’ was used as the theme tune for the ‘BBC’ music programme ‘Top of the Pops’ between April 1986, until September 1991.

’19’ was the third of five singles released from Paul Hardcastle’s self titled third studio Album from 1985, the song was co-written by Paul Hardcastle, Mike Oldfield, Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord, with the production being by Paul Hardcastle. Musically the song is ‘Electro-Pop,’ and was inspired by the work of the American ‘Electronic Music’ producer Afrika Bambaataa (see also best songs 716.) Paul Hardcastle had watched a documentary made by ‘ABC’ news in 1982 on television called ‘Vietnam Requiem,’ which had been directed by Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord, that told about post-traumatic stress disorder suffered by Vietnam veterans.The documentary said that the average age of the soldiers was nineteen, and this struck a chord with Hardcastle who immediately thought of his carefree lifestyle in comparison at that age. ’19’ samples dialogue, and sound effects from ‘Vietnam Requiem,’ and therefore Bill Couturié, and Jonas McCord receive songwriting credits alongside Paul Hardcastle. The narration sampled from ‘Vietnam Requiem’ was voiced by the American narrator Peter Thomas (1924-2016) who also received royalties from the songs release. Also credited as a writer of ’19’ is the English songwriter and producer Mike Oldfield, who receives royalties after he sued Paul Hardcastle over the similarities between ’19’ and his 1973 song ‘Tubular Bells.’

’19’ went on to top the charts in 13 countries, but only made Number 15 in America. In the States a song was placed on the chart not only by how many it sold, but also by how many radio stations played the track. In America many of the radio stations banned the song, claiming it sent out an anti American message, so even so it was the best selling song for three consecutive weeks, it never received it’s full recognition. Alongside ’19’ not receiving airplay on American radio, it also caused controversy when it was aired on ‘MTV’ in the United States. The first version of the video included footage from the television networks ‘NBC’ and ‘ABC,’ including a newscast by ‘ABC’ anchorman Frank Reynolds (1923-1983.) Both ‘NBC’ and ‘ABC’ objected to the ‘bad taste’ of using the serious clips in a ‘trivial’ form of ‘propaganda.’ Jonas McCord and Bill Couterié were forced to produce a new video incorporating public domain footage, but ‘ABC’ permitted Reynolds’ audio to remain. Couterié asserted at the time that the television networks opposed the video because it involved Rock music, and has said, ‘What is the difference between the words in our song and the 7 o’clock news? The only difference is Rock N’ Roll. And why did they love the documentary and hate the video so much? Every word in the song is from the film, and there was never any argument with the facts. The only difference is the music.’

‘In 1965 Vietnam seemed like just another foreign war, but it wasn’t. It was different in many ways, as so were those who did the fighting. In World War II the average age of the combat soldier was 26, in Vietnam he was 19.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

472-Libertines-Can’t Stand Me Now.

2004-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.43. The bands two main protagonists Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty had a turbulent relationship, they rarely saw eye to eye, and were often at loggerheads…. and they weren’t even married.

The Libertines were formed in London, England, in 1997, by Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty, they are both guitarists in the group, and also share the lead vocals, as well as being a songwriting partnership. The Libertines remained active until 2004, but reformed in 2010 for a brief period, to play the ‘Reading and Leeds Festivals,’ and then reformed again in 2014 to record new material and play live, and at the time of writing they remain active. In 1998 Carl Barât, and Pete Doherty were joined by Johnny Borrell, (bass) who was a group member until 1999, and in 2000 by Paul Dufour, (1948-2022) (drums) who was a group member until 2001. In 1999 John Hassall, (bass) and in 2001 Gary Powell (drums) joined the group, as their replacements.

The discography of the Libertines, who took their name from the French writer Marquis de Sade’s (1740-1814) unfinished novel ‘Lusts of the Libertines,’ (1785) includes four studio Albums released between 2002-2024, and 12 singles between 2002-2023, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) one official compilation Album, and one official live Album available. In the UK, two of their studio Albums ‘The Libertines,’ (2004) and ‘All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade,’ (2024) both reached Number 1, while six of their singles have made the UK top 40, with ‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 2004.

Pete Doherty was born on March 12th, 1979, in Hexham, Northumberland, England, at the age of 16, he won a poetry competition and embarked on a tour of Russia organised by the British Council. Pete Doherty first met Carl Barât when Barât was studying drama at ‘Brunel University,’ in Uxbridge, West London, and sharing a flat in Richmond, London, with Amy-Jo Doherty, Pete’s elder sister. The pair soon realised that they shared a passion for songwriting, and decided to abandon their university courses, and move into a flat together, which they named ‘The Albion Rooms.’ The working and personal relationship between Pete Doherty and Carl Barât was repeatedly put under strain by Doherty’s drug addiction, which has seen Doherty serve time in prison, and spend time trying to get clean in rehabilitation facilities. In 2022 Doherty stated that he had ‘Been clean since December 2019.’ Away from the Libertines Pete Doherty has released four solo studio Albums between 2009-2022, and four solo singles between 2009-2016. While still a member of the Libertines, Pete Doherty formed the ‘Indie Rock’ band ‘Babyshambles’ in 2003, and with ‘Babyshambles,’ he has released three studio Albums between 2005-2013, and seven singles between 2004-2013, with six of those singles reaching the UK top 40, with ‘F#ck Forever,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2005, there are also three extended plays, (EP’s) one official live Album available.

‘Can’t Stand Me Now’ was the first of two singles released from the Libertines second studio Album ‘The Libertines,’ from August 2004, the song was co-written by Peter Doherty, Carl Barât, and Mark Hammerton, (1970-2021) with the production of the track, and it’s parent Album being by Mick Jones, formally of ‘The Clash,’ and ‘Big Audio Dynamite,’ (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) Jones had also produced the Libertines debut studio Album ‘Up the Bracket.’ Mark Hammerton, who was also known as Mark Keds, were the working names of Mark Myers, who was born on October 28th, 1970, in London, England, he died on January 11th, 2021, from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, at the age of 50. Myers was best known for being a member of the English ‘Post/Punk,’ groups ‘Senseless Things,’ and ‘Deadcuts.’

The Libertines breakthrough in 2002 occurred at the same time as ‘Garage Rock’ was making a revival through the success of bands such as ‘The Strokes,’ (see also best songs 450) and the ‘White Stripes’ (see also best songs 324.) Of the Libertines sound Pete Doherty has said, ‘Oasis (see also best songs 1006-758 and 15) is the sound of a council estate singing it’s heart out, and the Libertines is the sound of someone just put in the rubbish chute at the back of the estate, trying to work out what day it was.’

Have we enough to keep it together, or do we just keep on pretending and hope our luck is never ending now. You tried to pull the wool, I wasn’t feeling too clever, and you take all that they’re lending, until you need amending now.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

473-John Lennon-Working Class Hero.

1970-It has never been released as a ‘A’ sided single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 0.55. Why did Lennon choose this song to use the ‘F’ word on? In 1998 Yoko Ono explained, ‘He told me, ‘That’s part of being working class. It won’t be working class if what you say is all very clean and very proper.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is track 4 on side 1 on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ which was John Lennon’s (1940-1980) (see also best songs 927-456-168 and 20) first Album since the break up of the Beatles, (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-218-141-80-51-10 and 6)) released on December 11th, 1970. Lennon’s detractors pointed out that he was actually raised in a upper-middle-class home by his aunt, and therefore had little understanding as to what it is to be raised working class. Lennon responded by saying,’The thing about Working Class Hero that nobody ever got right was that it was supposed to be sardonic. It had nothing to do with socialism, it had to do with, if you won’t to go through that trip, you’ll get to where I am, and this is where you’ll be. Because I’ve been successful as an artist, and have been happy and unhappy, and I’ve been unknown in Liverpool or Hamburg and been happy and unhappy.’ Lennon has also been quoted as saying,’I think it’s concept is revolutionary, and I hope it’s what ‘Give Peace A Chance’ (see also best songs 168) was about, but I don’t know. On the other hand, it might just be ignored. I think it’s for the people like me who are working class, who are supposed to be processed into the middle classes. It’s a revolutionary song, not the song itself, but that it’s a song for the revolution.’

‘Working Class Hero’ is one of the 11 tracks on the debut solo studio Album ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band,’ by John Lennon, from December 1970, the song was written by John Lennon, who is the only performer on the track, providing acoustic guitar and vocals, with the songs production credited to Yoko Ono, (see also best songs 456 and 168) and Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-737-262-192-127-91 and 20.) John Lennon’s musical influence for ‘Working Class Hero’ came from hearing the similar ‘Masters of War,’ (1963) and ‘North Country Blues’ (1964) songs by Bob Dylan, (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) who in turn had been influenced by the American Folk singer Jean Ritchie’s (1922-2015) arrangement of the traditional English Folk song ‘Nottamun Town.’ It has been said that Lennon obsessed about the recording of the song for many days, singing an endless amount of takes, somewhere between 100-130, getting very frustrated that it didn’t sound like what he wanted. The tape operative Andy Stephens has said that he watched the former ‘Beatle’ obsess about it day after day, singing ‘An endless number of takes. If the mix in his headphones wasn’t exactly what he wanted, he would take them off and slam them into the wall, he wouldn’t say, ‘Can I have a bit more guitar?’ He would literally rip the cans off his head and smash them into the wall, then walk out of the studio.’ The finished take on the Album is actually a composite of two different takes, performed in two different studios, and knitted together.

‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ is the debut solo studio Album by John Lennon, it was released on the same day (December 11th, 1970) as Yoko Ono’s similarly titled debut solo studio Album ‘Yoko Ono/Plastic Ono Band.’ It followed John Lennon’s recording of three experimental Albums with Yoko Ono between 1968-1969, and a live album from the 1969 line up of the ‘Plastic Ono Band.’ The songs on ‘John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band’ were heavily influenced by Lennon’s recent ‘primal scream therapy.’ Its lyrics reflect Lennon’s personal issues and includes themes of child-parent abandonment, and psychological suffering. Following the break-up of the Beatles in April 1970, John Lennon and his wife Yoko Ono undertook ‘primal therapy’ with the guidance of the American psychologist, and psychotherapist, Arthur Janov (1924-2017) for four weeks at his London offices. The three then flew to Los Angeles to continue the therapy for four months. Janov’s therapy technique emphasised emotionally reliving repressed childhood traumas rather than analytical discussion, but Lennon’s therapy was never completed due to the expiry of his U.S. visa. Janov had intended that Lennon’s treatment would require a minimum of a year, such was the severity of his trauma, and had expressed concern that the therapy had ended prematurely, and that Lennon’s rediscovered anger over his childhood remained unresolved.

‘Working Class Hero’ is a call to the everyday man to not conform to what the more privileged, and powerful tell them to do. Lennon sets himself up as an example of what can be achieved through thinking for yourself, and being a revolutionary. The line ‘If you won’t to be like the folks on the hill,’ is a reference to the Beatles song ‘The Fool On the Hill.’

‘As soon as you’re born they make you feel small, by giving you no time instead of it all, ’til the pain is so big you feel nothing at all. A working class hero is something to be. A working class hero is something to be.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

474-Harry Chapin-W.O.L.D.

1973-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 4.33. ‘Oh, if a man tried to take his time on earth, and prove before he died what one man’s life could be worth, I wonder what would happen to this world.’ These are the words inscribed on Harry Chapin’s gravestone, the epitaph is taken from his 1978 song ‘I Wonder What Would Happen to This World.’

Harold Forster Chapin (see also best songs 995) was born on December 7th, 1942, in New York City, United States, he died on July 16th, 1981 en route to perform a free benefit concert at ‘Eisenhower Park,’ New York, when he was fatally injured in a traffic collision with a semi-trailer truck. Chapin’s widow Sandy won a $12 million decision in a negligence lawsuit against ‘Supermarkets General,’ the owners of the truck involved. Chapin was a dedicated humanitarian who fought to end world hunger, and would regularly perform for free to raise funds, and awareness. Harry Chapin’s wife is now the chairperson of the ‘Harry Chapin Foundation,’ where she continues to pursue his legacy. His son, Josh, is also involved with the foundation, along with other family members. The Chapin family have been artistic throughout the generations. Harry Chapin’s father Jim Forbes Chapin, (1919-2009) his brothers Tom and Steve, and daughter Jen Chapin are musicians, while his nieces, Abigail and Lily Chapin, perform under the name the ‘Chapin Sisters.’ His paternal grandfather, James Ormsbee Chapin, (1887-1975) was an artist who illustrated the American poet and playwright Robert Frost’s (1874-1963) first two books of poetry, while his maternal grandfather was the American philosopher and rhetorician Kenneth Burke, (1897-1993) and the ‘Country’ singer Mary Chapin Carpenter is his fifth cousin.

Harry Chapin was one of the greatest storytellers through his music, and has gone on to sell in excess of 16 million records worldwide. In 1972 he signed a multi million dollar recording contract with ‘Electra Records,’ who outbid ‘Columbia Records’ for his signature, the contract was one of the biggest of its time, and It granted him free recording time, along with many other perks. The discography of Harry Chapin includes nine studio Albums released between 1972-1980, and 13 singles released within the same time period, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. There is also an Album recorded in 1966 called ‘Chapin Music!’ which is by ‘The Chapin Brothers,’ who were Harry, Tom and Steve Chapin, along with their father Jim. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Harry Chapin has had four top 40 entries, with ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ reaching Number 1 in 1974, while ‘W.O.L.D.’ reached Number 36, and in the UK, ‘W.O.L.D.’ was his only top 40 singles chart entry.

‘W.O.L.D.’ was the only single released from ‘Short Stories,’ which was the third studio Album from Harry Chapin, from December 1973, the song was written by Harry Chapin, with the production being by Paul Leka (1943-2011) (see also best songs 995.) The Album ‘Short Stories’ has a total of 10 tracks, and includes two other fans favourite songs in ‘Mr Tanner,’ and ‘Mail Order Annie.’ The lyrics to ‘W.O.L.D.’ tell the story of an ageing Disc Jockey who gave up his family life to travel around America working at several different radio stations following his passion, which he believed would bring him happiness, only to discover that his life, looks, and voice have all passed him by, as hinted in the songs title (W.)’O.L.D.’ Harry Chapin had been doing a promotion at a radio station, when he heard a telephone conversation between one of the station’s Disc Jockeys Jim Connors, (1940-1987) who was speaking with his wife. This led to Chapin and Connors having a deep discussion on and off air about all the troubles associated with being part of the music business, inspiring Chapin to write this song.

When Harry Chapin performed ‘W.O.L.D.’ live he frequently replaced ‘W.O.L.D.’ in the last verse with the call letters of a local radio station in the town where the performance was being held. The live version of the song from the compilation ‘The Gold Medal Collection’ has an example of this, where ‘W.O.L.D.’ was replaced with ‘KHJ,’ a radio station in Los Angeles. Co-incidentally there is an actual radio station in Marion. Virginia, which has been broadcasting since 1968 called ‘WOLD-FM.’

‘Sometimes I get this crazy dream that I just take off in my car, but you can travel on ten thousand miles and still stay where you are. Thinking that I should stop this jockin’ and start that record store, maybe I could settle down, if you’d take me back once more.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

475-Ray Charles-What’d I Say.

1959-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 3.45. Ray Charles said, ‘I’m not one to interpret my own songs, but if you can’t figure out ‘What I Say,’ then something’s wrong. Either that, or you’re not accustomed to the sweet sounds of love.’

Ray Charles Robinson (see also best songs 185) was born on September 23rd, 1930, in Albany, Georgia, United States, he died of complications resulting from liver failure, on June 10th, 2004, at the age of 73. Ray Charles is considered to be one of the most influential musicians in ‘Pop Music’ history, pioneering the genre of ‘Soul Music’ during the 1950’s, by combining ‘Blues,’ ‘Jazz,’ ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and ‘Gospel’ styles into his music, and then during the 1960’s he recorded in the ‘Country Music’ genre as well. Ray Charles who was often referred to as ‘The Genius,’ by his fellow musicians, and fans, but preferred to be called ‘Brother Ray,’ started to lose his sight at the age of four, and was blind by the age of seven, probably resulting from the disease ‘glaucoma.’ In his 1978 autobiography, ‘Brother Ray: Ray Charles’ Own Story,’ he writes that he became hooked on women after losing his virginity at 12 years old to a woman about 20. ‘Cigarettes and smack (heroin) are the two truly addictive habits I’ve known. You might add women. My obsession centres on women, did then and does now. I can’t leave them alone.’ Ray Charles fathered 12 children with 10 different women, the eldest child being Evelyn in 1949, and the youngest Ryan, in 1987. He was 18 years old when he first tried marijuana, as he thought it helped musicians ‘Create music and tap into their creativity.’ He later became addicted to heroin for 17 years, and was arrested on many occasions for possession of narcotics.

The discography of Ray Charles is complex and extensive, with at least 20 different record labels having released near identical compilations of his pre-‘Atlantic Records’ recordings. It is reckoned that there are at least 200 official compilation Albums available. The American music journalist Robert Christgau has called Ray Charles’ discography a ‘Monumental mess, and that any map of his oeuvre must be personal and provisional.’ For the discography of Ray Charles see best songs 185.

‘What’d I Say,’ which is also known as ‘What I Say,’ was the second of two singles released from Ray Charles’ sixth studio Album called ‘What’d I Say’ for ‘Atlantic Records,’ and released in October 1959. ‘What’d I Say,’ was written by Ray Charles, with the production credited to Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644 and 530.) ‘What’d I Say’ is considered to be a landmark song, and key in the development of what was to become known as ‘Soul Music.’ Ray Charles mixed ‘Gospel,’ and ‘R&B’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ to create the song. At one show he was playing live, and the band had played all of their material, but there was still 12 minutes to fill. Ray Charles told the band to improvise, and over the course of many concerts, and due to audience appreciation, the song developed, and then it was finally recorded, it would become the song with which Ray Charles would finish every concert for the rest of his career. The female backing vocals on the track were provided by ‘The Raelettes,’ who were an American girl vocal group formed in 1958 to provide backing vocals for Ray Charles, they had been put together from a previous ‘R&B’ girl group called ‘The Cookies,’ who had been active since 1954. Ray Charles has recalled the time in 1958 at a club in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, when he improvised on stage for what would eventually become ‘What’d I Say.’ He simply asked his band to follow his lead, which they did. He told his backing singers ‘The Raelettes’ to simply repeat whatever he said. ‘I had sung everything I could think of. So I said to the guys, ‘Look, I’m going to start this thing off, I don’t know where I’m going, so y’all just follow me.’ And I said to the girls, ‘Whatever I say, just repeat after me.’

Ray Charles scored his first top 10 hit on the American Billboard Hot 100 with ‘What’d I Say,’ when it peaked at Number 6 in 1959. In America the song has reached the top 40 on three further occasions, in 1961, Jerry Lee Lewis (1935-2022) made Number 30 with his version, in 1962 Bobby Darin (1936-1973) took the song to Number 24, and in 1964 Elvis Presley (1935-1977) made Number 21. ‘What’d I Say,’ has never been a hit single in the UK, but the Ray Charles recording was very influential. Paul McCartney has said that after hearing it that he wanted to be involved in music. George Harrison (1943-2001) remembered an all-night party he attended in 1959 where the song was played for eight hours non-stop. ‘It was one of the best records I ever heard.’ The opening electric piano in the song was the first John Lennon (1940-1980) had ever heard, and he tried to replicate it with his guitar. Lennon later credited Charles’ opening of ‘What’d I Say’ to the birth of songs dominated by guitar riffs.

‘Hey mama, don’t you treat me wrong, come and love your daddy all night long,all right now, hey hey, all right. See the girl with the diamond ring, she knows how to shake that thing all right now, now, now, hey hey, hey hey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

476-Barry White-Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up.

1974-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 0.45. In a recent survey it was revealed that many of the babies born between 1973-1983 were conceived while their parents were listening to Barry White songs. Even so I made that up, it could still be true.

Barry White (see also best songs 560 and 153) was born Barry Eugene Carter on September 12th, 1944, in Galveston, Texas, United States, he was obese for the majority of his adult life, reportedly weighed up to 375 pounds, he was also a chain smoker, and suffered from related health problems. While undergoing dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant in May 2003, he suffered a severe stroke, which forced him to retire from public life, he also suffered multiple seizures in his last few weeks. His unstable health eventually prevented him from receiving a new kidney, and he died on July 4th, 2003, at the age of 58.

Barry White’s first big break came in 1972, when producing the all girl group ‘Love Unlimited,’ their debut Album ‘From a Girl’s Point of View We Give to You… Love Unlimited,’ (Barry White was renowned for long song titles) reached Number 19 on the American Billboard ‘Top R&B’ Album chart. With ‘Love Unlimited,’ Barry White produced, and wrote the majority of their five studio Albums released between 1972-1979, and their 15 singles released between 1972-1980. Two of their singles reached the American Billboard Hot 100, ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘I Belong to You,’ (1974-Number 27) while in the UK, they also charted twice, with ‘Walkin’ in the Rain with the One I Love,’ (1972-Number 14) and ‘It May Be Winter Outside (But in My Heart It’s Spring’) (1973-Number 11.)

In 1973 Barry White created ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ which was a 40-piece orchestral group to be used originally as a backing band for ‘Love Unlimited,’ however after writing ‘Love’s Theme’ which went on to be a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single in 1973, he decided to write and record and release Albums and singles as ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra.’ as their own entity. With ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra’ Barry White released 10 Albums between 1974-1983, and 20 singles between 1973-1983, with two of those singles reaching the Billboard Hot 100, ‘Love’s Theme,’ (1973-Number 1) and ‘Satin Soul,’ (1975-Number 22.) In the UK, only ‘Love’s Theme’ charted, reaching Number 10. Some of the musicians who performed in ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ included Melvin ‘Wah Wah’ Watson, (1950-2018) (see also best songs 713) who was also a member of the ‘Funk Brothers, Ray Parker Jr. (see also best songs 560) and Wilton Felder, (1940-2015) (see also best songs 588.) As well as working with ‘Love Unlimited,’ and creating ‘The Love Unlimited Orchestra,’ Barry White also was on the look out for a male solo singer to record his songs, but after not finding what he was looking for, he was persuaded to perform his own songs himself. For the solo discography of Barry White, see also best songs 560.)

‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Stone Gon,” the second studio by Barry White, from October 1973. All five tracks on the Album, including ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up’ were written and produced by Barry White, who also sang lead vocals, and was also arranged by Barry White, and Gene Page (1939-1998.) In 1997 the English singer Lisa Stansfield covered ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ taking her version to Number 25 in the UK. In 1992 Barry White had teamed up with Stansfield to record a duet version of her most successful song ‘All Around the World,’ for the ‘B’ side of her single ‘Time To Make You Mine,’ with all of the artists royalties being donated to the charity ‘Trading Places,’ the song reached Number 14 in the UK. They then teamed up again in 1999 to record ‘The Longer We Make Love,’ for White’s Album ‘Staying Power.’ In 1987 the English music producer Paul Hardcastle (see also best songs 471) did a remix of ‘Never, Never Gonna Give Ya Up,’ it was issued with the slightly amended spelling of ‘Never, Never Going to Give You Up’ in several European countries, to promote the compilation album ‘Barry White – The Collection,’ the remix peaked at Number 65 in the UK in 1988.

”Cause I found what the world is searching for, here, right here, my dear, I don’t have to look no more. And all my days, I’ve hoped and I’ve prayed for someone just like you, make me feel the way you do. Never, never gonna give you up.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

477-Jay-Z and Kanye West-N….s in Paris.

2012-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 2.43. The song received it’s title, as it was recorded at ‘Le Meurice,’ which is a hotel in Paris. If you want to stay the night, that will set you back well over $3,200.

‘N….s in Paris’ which is edited for radio as ‘In Paris,’ or ‘Paris,’ was the fourth of seven singles released from the collaborative studio Album ‘Watch the Throne,’ by the American Rappers Jay-Z, (see also best songs 636-267 and 23) and Kanye West, (see also best songs 1049-849-636 and 267) from August 2011. The song was co-written by Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chauncey Hollis, and due to part of it’s sampling the American screenwriter, and film producer John Altschuler is also credited, the track was produced by Kanye West, Chauncey Hollis, Mike Dean, and Anthony Kilhoffer. Jay-Z and Kanye West had already collaborated on many occasions prior to 2011, and the idea was to record enough material for a five track extended play, (EP) but things went so well that it ended up as a 12 track Album, with seven of the songs, all with promotional video’s, being released as singles. The duo had first begun working together in 2000 on the track ‘This Can’t Be Life,’ from Jay-Z’s fifth studio Album ‘The Dynasty: Roc La Familia,’ on which West co-wrote the track with Jay-Z, and others, and also was that songs producer. They would next work closely on Jay-Z’s sixth studio Album ‘The Blueprint,’ in 2001.

Chauncey Hollis, (see also best songs 267) who was one of the co-writers, and co-producers of ‘N….s in Paris,’ was born Chauncey Alexander Hollis Jr. on May 21st, 1987, in Fontana, California, United States, he is known professionally as ‘Hit-Boy.’ In 2011 he was signed by Kanye West to his ‘GOOD Music’ record label as an in-house production staff member, prior to his signing ‘Hit-Boy’ had first gained major recognition for his work on Lil Wayne’s 2009 single ‘Drop the World,’ featuring Eminem, which had reached Number 18 on the American Billboard Hot 100. Since 2011 ‘Hit-Boy’ has gone on to work with countless ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘R&B’ artists, including the likes of Drake, Beyonce, and Mary J Blige. It was ‘Hit-Boy’ who wrote the ‘beat’ for ‘N….s in Paris,’ and he has said, ‘N….s in Paris’ came about from me having a beat idea already. When I went to New York, I just further went into it. It was just a batch of beats. Kanye asked me for some beats, and that was one of the beats I gave him.’ The song was recorded by Jay-Z and Kanye West in Paris, hence the songs title, and ‘Hit-Boy’ has also said that he sent all the necessary files so that the duo could complete the track. ‘They actually went over to Paris, I didn’t get to make that trip. next thing I know, they’re like, ‘Yo, I need all the files for that beat.’ Kanye West has said that he was inspired to write ‘N….s in Paris’ after a previous visit to Paris. ‘I am where art meets commercial. The sweet spot between the hood and Hollywood. When we’re in Paris dressing all crazy at fashion shows, we listening to Jay-Z. Jeezy in Paris, that’s what it is.’

‘N….s in Paris’ makes use of musical, and vocal samples, including loops, beats, and drum loops, from the American software company ‘Big Fish Audio, Inc.’ Also sampled is the 1959 song ‘Baptising Scene,’ by Reverend W.A. Donaldson, and Jay-Z raps the line, ‘Jackson, Tyson, Jordan,’ which is lifted from the 1998 song ‘Victory,’ performed by Puff Daddy, The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes (Billboard-Number 19 single.) At the start of ‘N….s in Paris’ you hear the line We’re gonna skate to one song, and one song only,’ this is the voice of the American actor Will Ferrell, sampled from the 2007 American sports comedy film ‘Blades of Glory. Ferrell has said, ‘I was completely flattered when they asked if they could sample me into the song, and when I heard it for the first time, I just started to laugh because it felt so surreal, but I really did like the song.’

On the surface ‘N….s in Paris’ appears to contain the usual amount of bragging that can be heard on many a ‘Rap’ record, but if you dig a little deeper, you realise that all the bravado is just a safety mechanism, as the two rappers try to come to terms with dealing with all of the trappings of fame, and wealth. The Album’s title ‘Watch the Throne’ could be their way of telling us that while they are at the top of the ‘Rap’ game, the next generation are waiting in the wings, just waiting for the chance to take their crown.

What’s Gucci, my ni..a? What’s Louis, my killer? What’s drugs, my dealer? What’s that jacket, Margiela? Doctors say I’m the illest, ’cause I’m suffering from realness, got my niggas in Paris and they going gorillas, huh. ‘I don’t even know what that means. No one knows what it means, but it’s provocative. No, it’s not, it’s gross, gets the people goin.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

478-Symarip-Skinhead Moonstomp.

1969-It didn’t chart in the UK until it was reissued in 1980, when reaching Number 54.

Bet Bit-At 1.58. Light years before the more difficult to perform the ‘Moonwalk,’ (see also best songs 581 and 191) came the ‘Moonstomp.’

‘Symarip’ were formed in the late 1960’s by Frank Pitter, (drums) and Michael Thomas, (bass guitar) originally calling themselves ‘The Bees.’ Throughout their career they have also used other stage names including ‘Seven Letters,’ Zubaba,’ and ‘The Pyramids.’ The bands name was originally spelled ‘Simaryp,’ which is an approximate reversal of the word pyramids. The other three group members who were also of West Indian descent were Josh Roberts, (guitar) Roy Ellis, (vocals, and trombone) and Monty Nalsmith, (keyboards.) The group were active between 1967-1985, with Thomas and Nalsmith, plus other new members reforming in 2008 to tour. ‘Symarip’ were heavily influenced by the ‘Ska,’ Reggae,’ and ‘Rock Steady’ music coming out of Jamaica in the mid to late 1960’s. and are widely regarded as one of the first ‘skinhead’ Reggae bands, targeting skinheads as an audience. The discography of ‘Symarip’ includes four studio Albums (two as ‘Symarip,’ and two as ‘The Pyramids’) released between 1968-1985, and a further two compilation Albums released on ‘Trojan’ records in 2004, and 2009, they have also released at least 65 singles under their differing stage names, between 1967-1974.

In 1969 the Jamaican Reggae artist Derrick Morgan wrote and recorded ‘Moon Hop,’ which reached Number 49 in the UK. The song was written to commemorate the July 20th, 1969 landing of the ‘Apollo Lunar Module’ on the moon. Symarip’s very similar sounding ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ soon followed. Symarip denied accusations of plagiarism, saying there was no relation between the two songs, but Derrick Morgan disagreed, calling them ‘Copy Cats.’ The Symarip recording of ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ is credited as being co-written by Roy Ellis and Monty Nalsmith, of Symarip, with the production credited to Graeme Goodall (1932-2014.) At the very start of ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ you hear the lyrics ‘I want all you skinheads to get on your feet, put your braces together and your boots on your feet,’ this introduction was heavily influenced by the ‘Sam & Dave’ song ‘I Thank You’ (1968-Billboard Number 9 & UK Number 34.) In 1980, in the wake of the ‘Second coming of Ska,’ and the forming of ‘2 Tone Records,’ ‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ was reissued, and charted for the first time in the UK, when reaching Number 54. Other notable versions recorded, include ‘The Specials’ from their 1980 ‘The Special A.K.A. Live! EP,’ which also included their UK Number 1 single ‘Too Much Too Young,’ (see also best songs 924) and also a version by the late great Judge Dread (1945-1998.)

Derrick Morgan ‘OD’ was born on March 27th, 1940, in Clarendon, Jamaica, he has written, produced and recorded in the genres of ‘Rocksteady,’ ‘Reggae and ‘Ska.’ He has been a prolific recording artist, issuing over 250 singles in Jamaica, from 1959 onwards, and 21 Albums between 1969-2019. In 1960 he became the only artist ever to fill the places from one to seven on the Jamaican Pop chart simultaneously. In the 1960’s in Jamaica there was a great rivalry between Morgan and Prince Buster, (1938-2016) (see also best songs 734 and 139) who accused Morgan of stealing his ideas. This led to several ‘diss’ records from both parties, with followers of the two artists often clashing, eventually the government had to step in with a staged photo shoot depicting the rivals as friends. Derrick Morgan retired from the music industry because of illness in the 2010’s, but has since performed sporadically.

‘Skinhead Moonstomp’ was produced by Graeme Goodall, who was born in 1932, in Caulfield, Victoria, Australia, he died on December 3rd, 2014, from natural causes, at the age of 82. Goodall was a key figure in the promoting of Jamaican music, constructing several of the Island’s recording studios, and co-founding ‘Island Records’ in 1959 with Chris Blackwell, (see also best songs 494-291 and 56) and Leslie Kong (1933-1971.) After Goodall’s relationship broke down with Chris Blackwell he relocated to the UK in 1965, and starting up his own record labels ‘Doctor Bird,’ ‘Pyramid.’ and the ‘Trojan Records’ subsidiary ‘Attack Records.’ In 1969 Leslie Kong sent Goodall the master tapes of a song called ‘Poor Me, Israelites’ by Desmond Dekker, (1941-2006) which was proving popular in clubs, but receiving little air play, Goodall remixed the track and released it in the UK in 1969 on ‘Pyramid Records’ as ‘Israelites.’ the single went on to top the UK Singles Chart, and sell in excess of two million copies (see also best songs 122.)

Now, before we reach the moon, fellas, we got to make sure that everything is spic and span, alright? We got to make sure you, shine your boots, brush your teeth, because the man on the moon look different from man on the Earth. That’s what I say boys.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

479-Def Leppard-Animal.

1987-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 3.54. The band play a very well deserved encore.

Def Leppard were formed in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England, in 1977, originally calling themselves ‘Atomic Mass,’ at the time of writing they remain active, with two of the founding members Rick Savage, and Joe Elliott being the bands two constants. It was the groups lead singer Joe Elliott who suggested the bands name ‘Deaf Leopard,’ which was modified to ‘Def Leppard’ by Tony Kenning, who was a a band member in the original line up, and stayed with the group until 1978. The other founding member was Peter Willis, who remained with the band until 1982, and was then replaced by Phil Collen. Rick Allen joined as the drummer in 1978, the same year as Steve Clark (1960-1991) joined as a guitarist, after Clark’s death, Vivian Campell became his replacement. On March 29th, 2019, Rick Savage, Joe Elliott, Rick Allen, Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell, Peter Willis, and Steve Clark were inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’ Def Leppard whose musical style has been described as ‘Glam Metal,’ ‘Hard Rock,’ ‘Heavy Metal,’ ‘Arena Rock,’ and ‘Power Pop,’ are one of the best selling groups of all time, with sales in excess of 100 million records sold worldwide. Two of their studio Albums ‘Pyromania,’ (1983) and ‘Hysteria,’ (1987) have both been certified ‘Diamond’ by the ‘Recording Industry Association of America’ (‘RIAA.’) making them one of only five ‘Rock’ bands with two original studio Albums selling over 10 million copies each in the United States, alongside the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Van Halen.

Rick Allen who was born Richard John Cyril Allen, on November 1st, 1963, in Dronfield, Derbyshire, England, has been the drummer with Def Leppard since the age of 15, when his mother replied on his behalf to an advertisement placed by a band called ‘Def Leppard’ looking for a drummer to replace Tony Kenning, the advertisements headline read, ‘Leppard loses skins.’ He celebrated his 16th birthday with a performance at the ‘Hammersmith Odeon,’ London, when Def Leppard opened for AC/DC. (see also best songs 797-245 and 170.) On the afternoon of 31st December 1984, Allen was involved in a car crash when a car in front of his deliberately slowed for Allen to catch up, only to speed up as he tried to pass. This went on for several miles until, in frustration, Allen accelerated to finally pass, at which point he lost control of his left-hand-drive ‘Corvette C4,’ which hit a dry stone wall and entered a field. His left arm was entangled in the seat belt and severed, remaining in the car while Allen was flung out. Doctors initially re-attached the arm, but it was later amputated due to an infection. After receiving hundreds of thousands of letters from all around the world, Allen eventually decided that he wanted to continue playing drums with Def Leppard, and adopted a specially designed electronic drum kit. He uses four electronic pedals for his left foot to play the pieces he used to play with his left arm, which from left to right trigger sounds of a closing hi-hat, bass drum, snare drum, and a tom drum. On the British ‘Gigwise’ website, Allen is ranked Number 7 on the their ‘Greatest Drummers of All Time’ list.

The discography of Def Leppard includes 12 studio Albums released between 1980-2022, and 60 singles released between 1979-2024, there are also four extended plays, (EP’s) 11 box sets, six official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In the UK, 19 of their singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Let’s Get Rocked,’ (1992) and ‘When Love & Hate Collide,’ (1995) peaking the highest at Number 2, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, they have had 15 top 40 hits, with ‘Love Bites,’ (1988) reaching Number 1, while ‘Animal’ made Number 19.

‘Animal’ was the first of seven singles released from ‘Hysteria,’ the fourth studio Album by Def Leppard from August 1977, the song was co-written by Joe Elliott, Phil Collen, Steve Clark, and Rick Savage, of Def Leppard, along with Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange, (see also best songs 632-314 and 170) who was also the songs producer. Prior to the release of ‘Hysteria,’ Def Leppard had become superstars in America, due to the success of their previous Album ‘Pyromania,’ although they had a following in the UK, it wasn’t until ‘Animal’ and the more commercial ‘Pop/Rock’ production on ‘Hysteria,’ which brought them success in Europe. Phil Collen the groups guitarist who had written the original demo for ‘Animal,’ a while earlier has said, ‘We’d revisit it, and I remember we were recording vocals in Paris for something and one day Joe (Elliott) had done this vocal and Mutt Lange had said, ‘Wow, this vocal’s killer. Let’s rewrite the song around that.’ So we did and it was our first English top 10 single, so it was worth waiting.’ Phil Collen has credited the songs producer Robert John ‘Mutt’ Lange for taking the song to the next level. ‘He said, ‘Yeah, this is okay but this can be great.’ That’s always his thing. ‘Yeah, it can be alright and it can be an okay song but we want to make it great.’ And I think we achieved that. Certainly with the album, Hysteria. It had a different kind of response to it than if we had just sat there and released the first draft.’

‘Animal’ is a song about lusting after another, the narrator compares himself to an animal who is stalking his prey. The line, ‘Like the restless rust, I never sleep,’ is a reference to Neil Young’s 1979 live Album ‘Rust Never Sleeps’ (see also best songs 602.)

‘A wild ride, over stony ground, such a lust for life, the circus comes to town. We are the hungry ones, on a lightning raid, just like a river runs, like a fire needs flame, oh I burn for you.’