THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

849- Kanye West, Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz-Mercy.

2012-Number 55 single.

Best Bit-At 3.20. Suddenly from absolutely out of nowhere, comes a swirling blast of ‘EDM,’ to completely blow you away. As the ‘Big O’ said, some 48 years earlier,’MERCY.’

Kanye Omari West was born on June 8th, 1977, in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, in October 2021 he legally changed his name to ‘Ye,’ with no middle or last name. West had been wanting to change his name since 2018, stating that ‘Ye’ was the most commonly used word in the Bible. He has said, ‘In the Bible it means ‘you’. So, I’m you. I’m us. It’s us. It went from being Kanye, which means the only one, to just Ye.’

Kanye West (see also best songs 1049-477 and 267) began his music career in the mid 1990’s as a music producer. His first official production credits came at the age of 19, when he produced eight tracks on ‘Down to Earth,’ the 1996 debut album by the Chicago Rapper, ‘Grav.’ West continued to learn his trade, with his most high profile production prior to the turn of the Century coming in 1999, when he co-produced the track ‘My Life,’ for the American Rapper Foxy Brown’s second studio Album ‘Chyma Doll,’ in collaboration with Deric Angelettie, (D-Dot) the Album became the first ‘Hip-Hop’ album by a female Rapper to debut at the top of the American Billboard 200 chart. In 2000 Kanye West began producing for artists on the ‘Roc-A-Fella’ records label, and he is often credited with revitalising Jay-Z’s (see also best songs 636-477-267 and 23) career, with his contributions to Jay-Z’s 2001 Album, ‘The Blueprint,’ Although he was making a name for himself as a music producer, Kanye West also had aspirations to be a Rapper, but he found himself denied or ignored by record labels, because he did not portray the ‘Gangsta’ image prominent in mainstream ‘Hip-Hop’ at that time. It was following a car accident in 2002 that West finally got around to seriously pursue his career as a Rapper, he recorded his first ‘mixtape’ in 2002, called ‘Get Well Soon,’ and then he began work on his debut studio Album,’The College Dropout,’ which was released in 2004.

In 2004 Kanye West set up his own record label ‘GOOD Music,’ in order to release his own music, and that of other artists he would sign, which would include ‘Big Sean,’ and ‘Pusha T,’ who both appear on ‘Mercy.’ In 2012 West released an Album of new music, featuring many artists from his record label to showcase the labels talents. The compilation was called ‘Cruel Summer,’ and ‘Mercy’ was the first of four singles released, peaking at Number 14 on the American Billboard Hot 100 singles chart.

‘Mercy’ was co-written by Kanye West, Sean Anderson, (Big Sean)Terrence Thornton, (Pusha T)Tauheed Epps, (2 Chainz) Mike Will Made It, Hudson Mohawke, Mike Dean, Stepan Taft, James Thomas Denzie Beagle, Winston Riley, and Reggie Williams, with the songs production credited to Lifted, Mike Dean, Mike Will Made It, Kanye West, and Hudson Mohawke.’Mercy’ contains several samples, it starts with a vocal sample from Fuzzy Jones, (-2005) from the ‘Super Beagle’s’ track ‘Dust A Soundboy.’ Another significant sample is the 2012 song ‘Lambo,’ by Yung Bizzle, that songs lyrics include the line ‘Okay, Lamborghini Mercy, your chick, she so thirsty,’ the ‘Lamborghini Murciélago,’ (Mercy for short) is a sports car produced by the Italian automotive manufacturer ‘Lamborghini’ between 2001 and 2010.

On ‘Mercy,’ Kanye West reminisces about those early days when he struggled to get recognition as a Rapper, although (in my opinion) it must be nigh on impossible living inside his head. On the one hand he can’t help himself, because he feel the need to brag about all the trappings of his success, such as the ‘Lamborghini Murcielago,’ but on the other hand as a God fearing born again Christian, he feels that he must spread the word that if you break the rules on earth, you will end up in hell, with no ‘MERCY’ being shown, hence the songs opening line,’Well it is a weeping and a moaning, and a gnashing of teeth.’

‘Most rappers taste level, ain’t at my waist level. Turn up the bass ’til it’s up-in-your-face level. Don’t do no press, but I get the most press, kid, plus, yo my bitch make your bitch look like Precious.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

850-Deee-Lite-Groove Is in the Heart.

1990-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 3.13. Once the Groove is in you’re heart, if you’re lucky, and have the right mindset, it may well spread to all of those other vital organs as well.

Deee-Lite were formed in New York City, New York, United States, in 1986, by Kierin Kirby, who goes by the stage name of ‘Lady Miss Kier,’ and Dmitry Brill, who goes by the stage name of ‘Supa DJ Dmitry, the pair would also become romantically involved with each other during the course of the bands early years. Deee-Lite became a trio in 1988, when they were joined by Dong-hwa Chung, who goes by the stage name of ‘Towa Tel.’ Towa Tel would leave the group after the release of Deee-Lite’s second studio Album in 1992, with Ani Q. Schempf, using the stage name ‘DJ Ani,’ being his replacement. In 1994 Kier and Brill brought their romantic relationship to and end, and Deee-Lite officially split in 1996. Dee-Lite took inspiration for their name from the 1936 song, ‘It’s De-Lovely,’ written by Cole Porter, (1891-1964) that song is also mentioned in ‘Groove Is in the Heart,’ in the line,’Just de-lovely and delicious.’

Dee-Lite are best remembered for their musical experimentation, and an eclectic mixing of genres, including, ‘House,’ techno,’ ‘Hip-Hop,’ ‘Ambient,’ and Funk. Their discography includes three studio Albums released between 1990-1994, and 12 singles released between 1990-1995, there are also five official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart,’Groove Is in the Heart,’ is their only top 40 entry, when reaching Number 4, while in the UK, they have charted within the top 40 twice, with this songs follow up single, ‘Power of Love,’ reaching Number 25, also in 1990.

‘Groove Is in the Heart’ was the debut single from Deee-Lite, and was taken from their debut studio Album ‘World Clique,’ from August 1990. ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ features at least 10 musical, or vocal samples, with Herbie Hancock (see also best songs 713) given songwriting credit for the tracks main riff, which is built around his 1966 song ‘Bring Down the Birds.’ The three members of Deee-Lite at that time are also co-writers, along with Jonathan Davis, who goes by the stage name of ‘Q-Tip,’ who provided the songs ‘Rap.’ The other guest performers on ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ are, Bootsy Collins, (see also best songs 612-340-143 and 88) who sang backing vocals, Maceo Parker, (see also best songs 612-270-143 and 88) who played saxophone, and Fred Wesley, (see also best songs and 612 and 88) who played the trombone. Other samples on ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ include, the American ‘R&B/Soul’ singer Vernon Burch, (1955-2022) with his 1979 song’ Get Up,’ which samples it’s drums, crowd noise, and slide whistle. Some of the percussion on ‘Groove Is in the Heart’ is sampled from ‘Jam on the Groove,’ which is a 1976 song by the American percussionist Ralph MacDonald, (1944-2011) and the beat that ‘Q-Tip’ raps over, is taken from the 1966 song ‘Uptight,’ by Billy Preston (1946-2006) (see also best songs 737.)

‘Groove Is in the Heart’ is one of the unluckiest songs to have not been a UK Number 1 single (see also best songs 576.) In September 1990 the song peaked at Number 2 on the chart, with the compilers from ‘Gallup’ admitting that the song, and the previous weeks Number 1 single, ‘The Joker,’ by the Steve Miller Band, (see also best songs 715) had sold approximately the same amount of units during the previous week, and therefore it was too close to be split. The rules which dated back to the 1980’s said that the song which had increased it’s sales the most from the previous week would be placed the higher. Following complaints from Deee-Lite’s record company, ‘WEA,’ the rule, of which this song had been the only victim, was scrapped and joint positions were once again allowed. It was totted up that only eight record sales had separated the two songs in the week ending September 15th, 1990.

‘The chills that you spill up my back keep me filled with satisfaction when we’re done, satisfaction of what’s to come. I couldn’t ask for another, no, I couldn’t ask for another. Your groove, I do deeply dig, no walls, only the bridge, my supper dish, my succotash wish.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

851-The Animals-The House of the Rising Sun.

1964-Number 1 single. In 1972 the song was re-issued, and reached Number 25, and then again in 1982, it was re-issued and made Number 11.

Best Bit-At 1.54. As a traditional Folk song recorded by an Electric Rock band, this song has been described as the first ever ‘Folk Rock’ hit.

The Animals were formed in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, in 1963, when Eric Burdon, (vocals) (see also best songs 756) joined the ‘Alan Price Rhythm and Blues Combo,’ who were made up of Alan Price, (organ, and keyboards) Hilton Valentine, (1943-2021) (guitar) John Steel, (drums) and Chas Chandler (1938-1996) (bass) (see also best songs 983-649 and 492.) They originally formed as the ‘Alan Price Combo,’ but changed their name to ‘The Animals,’ in tribute to a mutual friend of their’s who was known as ‘Animal Hogg.’ The Animals formed just as ‘Beatlemania,’ and the ‘Beat Boom’ were taking over British Pop Music, and The Animals would go on to be one of the most successful acts in the ‘British Invasion’ of the American music charts. Initially The Animals performed ‘Blues Rock,’ and ‘R&B’ cover versions of artists such as John Lee Hooker, (1912 or 1917-2001) and Nina Simone, (1933-2003) (see also best songs 227) but after the departure of Alan Price in 1965, The Animals style changed to a more ‘Psychedelic,’ and ‘Progressive Rock’ sound. The Animals remained active until 1969, but there have been three reformations since, as well as members touring under ‘The Animals’ banner, including,’Eric Burdon and the Animals,’ and ‘Animals and Friends,’ which was led by co-founding member John Steel. In total there have been 22 different official members of The Animals come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active as those two splinter groups.

The discography of The Animals includes five studio Albums released between 1964-1968, and 25 singles, issued between 1964-1983, there are also six official compilation Albums, and five EP’s available. In the UK, 14 of those singles have reached the top 40, with ‘House of the Rising Sun’ making the Number 1 spot, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they have also charted within the top 40 on 14 occasions, with ‘House of the Rising Sun’ also being their only chart topper.

‘The House of the Rising Sun’ is a traditional Folk song, sometimes called ‘Rising Sun Blues.’ Like many classic ‘Folk’ ballads, the song has uncertain authorship, which is probably one of the reasons why it has been recorded so many times, as an artist doesn’t have to pay royalties on a song of unknown authorship. There are several schools of thought as to what kind of establishment the ‘Rising Sun’ was, with some saying it was a place of gambling, drinking, and prostitution, in New Orleans, around 1860, while others have claimed that the ‘Rising Sun’ is about a women’s prison in New Orleans, called the ‘Orleans Parish’ women’s prison, which had an entrance gate adorned with rising sun artwork, the songs lyrics include the line ‘ball and chain,’ which would be an explanation for their inclusion.

The oldest known recording of the ‘House of the Rising Sun’ under the title ‘Rising Sun Blues,’ is by Appalachian artists, Clarence ‘Tom’ Ashley, (1895-1967) and Gwen Foster, (1903-1954) who recorded their version on September 6th, 1933, on the ‘Vocalion’ record label. The Animals recorded their version in one take on May 18th, 1964, with the production credited to Mickie Most, (1938-2003) (see also best songs 686) and the arrangement credited to Alan Price, who played the songs instrumental breaks on a ‘Vox Continental organ.’ Mickie Most has said,’Everything was in the right place. It only took 15 minutes to make, so I can’t take much credit for the production.’ In America ‘House of the Rising Sun’ was released in edited form of 2.59, as the radio were reluctant to play songs in excess of three minutes, but in the UK, Mickie Most insisted that it should be issued in it’s full length version. At 4.29 ‘House of the Rising Sun’ became the longest song to reach Number 1 in the UK up until that point.

In the traditional ‘Folk’ version of ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ the songs main character is either a prostitute or a prisoner, but The Animals changed it to a gambler, in order to make the lyrics more radio friendly. Bob Dylan (see also best songs 792-621-358-103-36 and 7) had recorded ‘House of the Rising Sun’ for his self titled 1962 debut Album, using a Folk’ arrangement. It is said that on hearing The Animals version on the radio, he was inspired to go out and buy an Electric Guitar, where famously at the 1965 ‘Newport Folk Festival’ he did an Electric set for the first time.

‘Now the only thing a gambler needs is a suitcase and trunk, and the only time he’s satisfied, is when he’s on a drunk. Oh mother tell your children not to do what I have done, spend your lives in sin and misery, in the House of the Rising Sun.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

852-Crown Heights Affair-Galaxy of Love.

1978-Number 24 single.

Best Bit-At 5.21. Yes, it really is totally out of this world.

The Crown Heights Affair were a R&B, Disco, Dance, and Funk group, who formed in 1967, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, United States. On forming they were originally called ‘Ben Iverson and the Nue Dey Express,’ the groups founding member was Donnie Linton, who was also the bands bassist. The rest of the original line up were Phillip Thomas, (vocals) William Anderson, (guitar/vocals) Howard Young, (keyboards), Bert Reid, (trumpet) (he died in 2004) James “Ajax” Baynard, (1952-2015) (trumpet), Raymond Reid, (1952-2013) (trombone), Arnold ‘Muki’ Wilson, (bass) Julius Dilligard Jr. (trombone), and Raymond Rock, (drums, and percussion.)

‘Ben Iverson and the Nue Dey Express,’ became ‘The Crown Heights Affair,’ (named after a neighbourhood in Brooklyn) before the release of any of their Albums or singles. They were first contracted to ‘RCA’ records, on which their self titled debut Album was released in 1974, then following personnel changes, they moved to the ‘De-Lite Records’ label the following year. The discography of The Crown Heights Affair includes nine studio Albums released between 1974-1983, and 16 singles issued between 1974-1989. None of the bands Albums or singles managed to break in to the American Billboard Album or singles charts top 40, although two of their Albums reached the Billboard ‘R&B’ Album chart, and seven of their singles made either the ‘R&B,’ or ‘Dance Club Charts,’ with ‘Dreaming a Dream,’ from 1975, reaching the Number 1 spot on the ‘Dance Club Chart.’ In the UK, only their fifth studio Album ‘Dream World,’ from 1978 has broken in to the top 40, (making Number 40) while two of their singles have also charted, with the other being ‘You Gave Me Love,’ which is also their highest charting song, reaching Number 10 in 1980. ‘The Crown Heights Affair,’ remained active until 1983, but on 22nd June, 2013, they reunited to play at the ‘Coronet,’ in London, as part of the ‘Streetsounds’ record labels Summer Ball.

The Crown Heights Affair were one of the big names signed to the ‘R&B’ record label,’De-Lite Records,’ the best known and most successful act on the label were ‘ Kool and the Gang,’ who signed with ‘De-Lite Records’ in 1969, and remained there until 1984, having released 16 studio Albums, two live Albums, seven compilation Albums, and 52 singles, including the Billboard Number 1 single ‘Celebration,’ in 1980. ‘De-Lite Records’ had been founded in 1967 by Fred Vigorito, (1922–2008) Fred Fioto, (1920–1999) and Ted Simonetti, (1902–1985.) A prominent member of the labels staff was Gene Redd, (1916-1983) who was the father of the American singers Sharon Redd, (1945-1992) (see also best songs 287) and Penny Ford.

‘Galaxy of Love’ was co-written, and co-produced by Freida Nerangis, and Britt Britton, and is the opening track on the Crown Heights Affair’s’ fifth studio Album ‘Dream World,’ from 1978. The lyrics to ‘Galaxy of Love’ are a promise made by the narrator, that if his love interest should stick by him, he not only can offer them the world, but the Galaxy as well.

‘Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has turned off the no smoking and seat belt signs for your convenience. We are travelling at twice the speed of light, and are entering warp factor three, at that time we will be experiencing a period of weightlessness. On behalf of myself and the crew here at CHA Airlines, we wish you a happy flight.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

853-Da Hool-Meet Her at the Love Parade.

1998-Number 15 single. When remixed, and re-issued in 2001, it peaked at Number 1.

Best Bit-At 3.08. Instrumental hits could be counted on the fingers of one hand back in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s, but with the emergence of ‘Electronic Dance Music’ in the 1990’s, lyricists could no longer take their jobs for granted.

Da Hool is the stage name of Frank Tomiczek, who was born on December 30th, 1968, in Bottrop, West Germany, he is a songwriter, and music producer of ‘Acid House,’ and ‘Electronic Dance Music.’ His discography includes the release of 14 singles between 1994-2022, (the first three as ‘DJ Hooligan’) with four of those tracks charting within the ‘GfK Entertainment,’ German top 40 singles chart, with ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 1997. In the UK, he has charted on three occasions, with the 2001 ‘Fergie’ remix of ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade,’ charting the highest at Number 11, his other UK hit was ‘Bora Bora,’ which made Number 35 in 1997. He has also charted twice in America on the Billboard ‘Dance Club Songs’ chart, with ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade,’ (Number 30-1997) and ‘Mama Sweet’ (Number 12-1998.)

The original version of ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade’ was released by Da Hool in August 1997 in many countries, and appears on the Album ‘Here Comes Da Hool,’ the track was written, and produced by Da Hool. The song was not released officially in the UK until February 1998, after it had been remixed by ‘Nalin & Kane,’ who are the German music production, and remixing team of Andre Nalin, and Harry Kane. The duo first began working together in 1993, and are best known for their 1997 hit ‘Beachball,’ (German, Number 10) and (UK, Number 17, in 1998.) The other song to appear in this 1000 best songs list which was remixed by the duo, is ‘Cafe Del Mar,’ from ‘Energy 52’ (see also best songs 79.) As aforementioned ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade,’ received a further remix by the Irish Electronic Dance Music producer Robert ‘Fergie’ Ferguson in 2001, with the song reaching a new peak position of Number 11 in the UK.

The songs title ‘Meet Her at the Love Parade’ pays tribute to ‘The Love Parade,’ which was an Electronic Dance Music festival, and Technoparade, that originated in 1989 in West Berlin, Germany. It was held annually in Berlin from 1989, to 2003, and then again in 2006, and then from 2007 to 2010, in the Ruhr region of Germany. The first parade took place in 1989, when 150 people took to the streets in Berlin, it was started by Matthias Roeingh, who is better known as ‘Dr Motte,’ and his then girlfriend, the American musician and filmmaker Danielle de Picciotto. It was originally conceived as a political demonstration for peace and international understanding, through love and music. Over the course of the next two decades the ‘Love Parade’ grew and grew, with over one million attending each year between 1997-2000. In 2010 tragedy struck when an alleged 1.4 million people attended the ‘Love Parade,’ in Duisburg, Germany. On July 24th, a crowd crush caused the deaths of 21 people, with at least 500 others injured. As a consequence, the organiser of the festival announced that no further Love Parades would be held, and that the festival would be permanently cancelled.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

854-Cult-She Sells Sanctuary.

1985-Number 15 single. In 1993 the song was re-released on two different CD singles, with several remixes, and once again it peaked at Number 15.

Best Bit-At 1.02. The wonderful low key intro only serves for greater anticipation, as you await that first big bang on the drum. For even greater anticipation, try the extended version, you get an extra 43 seconds of anticipation.

The Cult were formed in Bradford, West Yorkshire, England, in 1983, by Ian Astbury, (lead vocals) Billy Duffy, (lead guitar) Ray Mondo, (drums) and Jamie Stewart, (bass) Ray Mondo was replaced later in 1983 by Nigel Preston (1963-1992) (drums.) The Cult were active between 1983-1995, and then again between 1999-2002, before reforming again in 2006, with Ian Astbury, and Billy Duffy, being the bands two constants. In total there have been 32 different members come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active. The origin of the bands name can be traced back to when Astbury formed a band called ‘Southern Death Cult.’ On meeting Duffy in 1983, they teamed up to form ‘Death Cult,’ and using that name they released their first single, and an EP, but due to commercial reasons it was felt that a change to just ‘Cult,’ would bring more accessibility with the general public. Prior to teaming up with Astbury, Duffy had been in the ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘The Nosebleeds,’ with Vini Reilly, who would go on to form the ‘Durutti Column,’ and Morrissey, who would go on to form the ‘Smiths.’

The Cult who started out as a ‘Post-Punk,’ and then a ‘Gothic Rock’ band, would change their style of music to ‘Hard Rock,’ and ‘Heavy Metal,’ in the later 1980’s. Their discography includes 11 studio Albums released between 1984-2022, and 37 singles issued between 1983-2016, there are also six official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In the UK, 11 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Lil Devil,’ from 1987, charting the highest at Number 11. In America they have had success on the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay,’ and ‘Mainstream Rock’ music charts, with 13 of their tracks charting within those charts top 40 lists.

‘She Sells Sanctuary’ was the first of three singles released from the ‘Cult’s’ second studio Album ‘Love,’ from October 1985, the Album is estimated to have sold in excess of 2.5 million copies worldwide to date. ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ was co-written by Ian Astbury, and Billy Duffy, with the songs production, and it’s parent Album being by Steve Brown (1956-2021.) Brown had began his musical career in the role of an engineer, and before becoming involved in the ‘Punk’ scene, he had worked on ‘Wizzard’s’ ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ (see also best songs 821.) The other songs in this 1000 best songs list that were produced by Brown are, ‘Motorcycle Emptiness’ (see also best songs 248) and ‘Club Tropicana’ (see also best songs 991.)

Billy Duffy has spoken about how the iconic intro to ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ came about,’I found a violin bow, and I started to play the guitar with the bow like Jimmy Page. I did it to amuse Astbury, who was in the control room, and in order to make it sound weirder, I just hit every pedal I had on the pedal board. Then once I stopped banging the strings and doing all that, I played the middle section of the song, which was kind of a pick thing with all the ‘BOSS’ pedals on, and that sound just leaped out. The producer went, ‘Hold it, hold it, that’s great!’ And we decided to start the song with that mystical sound. If I hadn’t found that violin bow laying around, we wouldn’t have gone there.’

When asked what ”She Sells Sanctuary’ is about, Ian Astbury said,’Sex. Plain and simple, it’s about sex. I’ve had sex, and I’m very proud of that fact.’

‘Oh, the heads that turn make my back burn, and those heads that turn make my back, make my back burn. The sparkle in your eyes keeps me alive, and the sparkle in your eyes, keeps me alive, keeps me alive.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

855-Big Joe Turner-Shake, Rattle and Roll.

1954-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.16. Make no mistake, ‘A one eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store,’ is no children’s story.

‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ is considered by many music critics to have been the first ever major ‘Rock N’ Roll’ hit. This original version by Big Joe Turner (1911-1985) (see also best songs 257) went to Number 1 on the American Billboard ‘R&B’ chart in June 1954, and reached Number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart around the same time. Bill Haley & His Comets (see also best songs 628) recorded their version in June 1954, and the song peaked at Number 7 on the Billboard singles chart, eventually going on to sell in excess of one million copies worldwide.

‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ was written by Jesse Stone (1901-1999) (see also best songs 257) using the pseudonym Charles E. Calhoun. The idea for the song came about in early 1954 when Ahmet Ertegun (1923-2006) (see also best songs 715) the co-founder of Atlantic Records suggested to Jesse Stone that he write an up-tempo ‘Blues’ song for Big Joe Turner, a ‘Blues Shouter,’ whose career had begun as far back as the 1920’s. Stone who played Poker weekly, had a favourite saying when he played, that was ‘shake, rattle and roll,’ which he thought was a good basis for a song. This was actually not the first time that ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ had been used, because in 1910, the Vaudeville performer ‘Baby’ Franklin Seals (1880-1915) published ‘You Got to Shake Rattle and Roll,’ which was a ‘Ragtime’ tune about gambling with dice.

The best known version of ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll’ is the one recorded by Bill Haley & His Comets, and is the version that many music critics point to as the first ever commercial ‘Rock N’ Roll’ hit record. The Big Joe Turner recording is very sexually suggestive, with lyrics that include,’You wear those dresses, the sun comes shining through,’ and, ‘I can’t believe my eyes all that mess belongs to you.’ In order to assure that the song would be played on the radio, Bill Haley & His Comets replaced those lyrics with, ‘You wearin’ those dresses, your hair done up so nice,’ and ‘You look so warm but your heart is as cold as ice.’ One line that did appear in both the Big Joe Turner, and the Bill Haley & His Comets versions is the ‘One-eyed cat peekin’ in a seafood store.’ It is possible that Bill Haley (1925-1981) thought that a white audience wouldn’t understand that lyrics connotation, or maybe Bill Haley didn’t realise the meaning himself, or maybe it was because Haley had been blind in one eye since childhood, and felt a certain empathy.

Ahmet Ertegun who suggested to Jesse Stone that he write an up-tempo ‘Blues’ song for Big Joe Turner, was born on July 31st, 1923, in Istanbul, Ottoman Empire, which is now Istanbul, Turkey. After falling and striking his head on a concrete floor, at a Rolling Stones concert at the Beacon Theatre, in New York City, on October 29th, 2006, he fell in to a coma. He never recovered, and died on December 14, 2006, at the age of 83. Ertegun was the co-founder, and president of ‘Atlantic Records,’ he discovered and promoted many leading ‘Rhythm and Blues,’ and ‘Rock’ musicians, including Aretha Franklin, (1942-2018) (see also best songs 644 and 366) and Led Zeppelin (see also best songs 135 and 66.) Ahmet Ertegun was also a music producer, and a songwriter, his best known compositions include ‘Mess Around,’ for Ray Charles, (1953) and ‘Lovey Dovey,’ (1954) for the ‘Clovers,’ some of the lyrics of ‘Lovey Dovey’ were used by the ‘Steve Miller Band’ in their 1973 song “The Joker’ (see also best songs 715.) Ahmet Ertegun also provided backing vocals on the Big Joe Turner version of ‘Shake, Rattle and Roll.’

‘I’m like a one-eyed cat peepin’ in a seafood store. Well, I can look at you till you ain’t no child no more. Ah, shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll, shake, rattle and roll. Well, you won’t do right to save your doggone soul. I get over the hill and way down underneath.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

856-Eric B. & Rakim-Paid in Full ((Coldcut ‘Seven Minutes of Madness’ remix.)

1987-Number 15 single.

Best Bit-At 1.55. ‘This is a journey in to sound.’ Each and everyone of these 1000 + songs is a ‘journey into sound.’ Please take time to have a listen, you might hear something you like.

Eric B, & Rakim are the American ‘Hip-Hop’ duo of Louis Eric Barrier, (Eric B.) who was born on November 8th, 1963, in New York City, United States, and William Michael Griffin Jr. (Rakim) who was born on January 28th, 1968, in Wyandanch, New York, United States. The duo formed in 1986, in Long Island, New York, and were active until 1993, but reformed in 2016, to perform together, but to not release any new music. Eric B. & Rakim were active during the so called ‘Golden Age’ of ‘Rap Music,’ with many music critics citing them as the most influential artists of that period. The duo came together when Eric B. was DJing for the radio station ‘WBLS,’ in New York City, which included promotional events around the city. Eric B. who was by then producing his own music, and experimenting with samples, was looking for a Rapper to work with, when he was recommended to William Griffin (Rakim.) Rakim is considered to be one of the most innovative performers in ‘Rap’ music, being one of the first to deliver intricately crafted lyrics packed with clever word choices and metaphors, rather than the more improvisational styles and simpler rhyme patterns that predominated before him. It was also noted that Rakim’s vocal delivery was less ‘shouty’ than was often heard on ‘Rap’ records, which led him to become a major influence on future generations.

The discography of Eric B. & Rakim includes four studio Albums released between 1987-1992, and 15 singles issued between 1986-1992, there are also five official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, their only entry inside the top 40 is as the featured artists on ‘Friends,’ by Jody Watley, which reached Number 9 in 1989. They have also had nine songs which have reached the Billboard ‘R&B/Hip-Hop,’ and ‘Hot Rap Chart,’ including ‘Don’t Sweat the Technique,’ which made Number 1 in 1992. In the UK, three of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘I Know You Got Soul,’ charting the highest at Number 13 in 1987. Eric B. has also released a self titled solo studio Album in 1995, while Rakim has issued three solo studio Albums between 1997-2009, and five singles between 1997-2013, with ‘Guess Who’s Back’ from 1997, reaching Number 32 in the UK.

‘Paid in Full’ which was co-written, and co-produced by Eric B. and Rakim, was the fifth and final single released from the duo’s debut studio Album, from July 1987, of the same name, the Album is credited as a benchmark Album of the ‘Golden Age’ of Hip-Hop,’ and has gone on to sell in excess of one million copies worldwide. The version of ‘Paid in Full’ that I have chosen is the remix of the song by the English Electronic Music duo ‘Coldcut,’ (see also best songs 754) who were paid £700 for doing the remix, when it was decided to release the track as a single. ‘Coldcut’ who are the duo of Matt Black, and Jonathan More, remixed ‘Paid in Full’ by taking out some of the original samples, and adding many more of their own, extending the song by 3.32 seconds, to what has become known as the ‘Seven Minutes of Madness’ remix.

The Coldcut ‘Seven Minutes of Madness’ remix is considered ground breaking in that it is one of the very first commercially successful remixes to become a hit single. Despite its success, Eric B. has dismissed the remix as ‘girly disco music,’ Rakim, however, has called it ‘The best remix he had ever heard.’ The original Album version of ‘Paid in Full’ has many samples including the drum portion from the 1974 instrumental song from ‘Ashley’s Roachclip,’ by the American Funk group ‘The Soul Searchers.’ ‘Paid in Full’ also samples the bass line from the 1984 track ‘Don’t Look Any Further, by Dennis Edwards (1943-2018) and Siedah Garrett. Towards the end of the track, Eric B. also repeatedly scratches the line ‘This stuff is really fresh!’ which is taken from ‘Change the Beat,’ a much sampled 1982 record by the Hip-Hop artist Fab 5 Freddy.

The Coldcut remix adds several new music, and vocal samples, the most prominent of these is he voice of Israeli singer Ofra Haza, (1957-2000) taken from her 1984 recording of ‘Im Nin’alu,’ (UK Number 15-1988.) Jonathan More of Coldcut has said that when he lowered its pitch, it synced perfectly with the “Ashley’s Roachclip” drum sample. The opening vocal sample, ‘This is a journey into sound,’ is the voice of the British actor Geoffrey Sumner, (1908-1989) taken from a 1958 Album called ‘A Journey Into Stereo Sound.’ The line,’Now wait a minute, you better talk to my mother,’ comes from Humphrey Bogart, (1988-1957) as spoken in the 1946 classic film ‘The Big Sleep.’

‘Thinkin’ of a master plan, ’cause ain’t nothin’ but sweat inside my hand. So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent, so I dig deeper but still comin’ up with lint.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

857-Johnny Cash-Man in Black.

1971-It has never charted in the UK.

Best Bit-At 2.26. Definitely not a dedicated follower of fashion.

Johnny Cash was born J. R. Cash, on February 26th, 1932, in Kingsland, Arkansas, United States, he died on September 12th, 2003, of complications from diabetes, at the age of 71. His mother wanted to call him John, and his father wanted to call him Ray, so ‘J.R.’ was the compromise. When he joined the United States Air Force in 1950, he changed his name to John, as they wouldn’t allow people to join who just used initials. Johnny Cash is one of the worlds best ever selling artists, with sales in excess of 90 million. His extensive discography includes 67 studio Albums, released between 1957-2014, and 105 official compilation albums, and 16 live Albums. He has also released 170 singles between 1955-2014, with 13 of those tracks reaching the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles chart, with ‘A Boy Named Sue’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1971. On the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart, 101 of his singles have reached the top 40, with 14 of those tracks making the Number 1 spot, all of those entries include his collaborations with June Carter Cash, (1929-2003) Waylon Jennings, (1937-2002) Willie Nelson (see also best songs 337) and Kris Kristofferson, (see also best songs 341) and also The Carter Family. In the UK, Johnny Cash has charted within the top 40 singles chart on six occasions, with both ‘A Boy Named Sue,’ (1971) and ‘A Thing Called Love,’ (1971) both peaking the highest at Number 4.

‘Man in Black’ is a ‘protest song,’ which was written and produced by Johnny Cash, it is also the title track of his 38th overall Album release, from May 1971. ‘Man in Black’ was the first of two singles released prior to the Albums release, the other track issued as a single was ‘Singing in Viet Nam Talking Blues.’ The lyrics to ‘Man in Black’ are a protest statement of the way poor people are treated by politicians, as well as highlighting mass incarceration, and the war in Viet Nam. Johnny Cash states that until there is justice, he will only ever wear black clothing. It was following this songs release, that Cash gained his lifelong nickname ‘Man in Black.’

By 1971 Johnny Cash had already worn black clothing on stage for many years, it had started in the early days when Cash and his band were constantly on tour, and couldn’t afford new outfits, so they mixed and matched their wardrobe, and since black hid the dirt best, that was what they wore. W. S. ‘Fluke’ Holland, (1935-2020) who played drums with Johnny Cash for many years, spoke to ‘Mojo’ magazine in 2012,’And I say it’s real simple. Back then when we’d leave on tour, the longer you could wear the clothes you had on, the better it was. So if you had on black, it wouldn’t show dirt as quickly as anything else.’

Johnny Cash probably had the ideas in his head for quite sometime about what he wanted to say in ‘Man in Black,’ but when he finally put pen to paper the words came very quickly. Speaking to the audience on his very first performance of the song, at ‘Ryman Auditorium,’ in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1971, Cash admitted that he had written the song the previous weekend, and then revised it a few times before the concert on the Wednesday, Cash performed the song for the first time using cue cards with revised lyrics, that he had only updated that day. At the end of the song he received a standing ovation. His eldest daughter Rosanne has offered her perspective on what the song meant to her father,’There’s so many levels to it. One is saying, ‘I’m wearing this symbol for the downtrodden and the poor.’ The other was much more subtle to me, it reflected the sadness, the convulsions, just that mythic dark night of the soul that he went through so many times.’

‘Ah, I’d love to wear a rainbow every day, and tell the world that everything’s okay. But I’ll try to carry off a little darkness on my back, ’til things are brighter, I’m the man in black.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

858-Rihanna featuring Drake-What’s My Name?

2011-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 1.26. She’s Robyn Rihanna Fenty, and he’s Aubrey Drake Graham.

‘What’s My Name?’ was co-written by Mikkel S. Eriksen, and Tor Erik Hermansen, who collaborate under the working name of ‘Stargate.’ The songs other writers are Ester Dean, Traci Hale, and Drake, who wrote the songs ‘Rap.’ The track was produced by Stargate, along with Kuk Harrell. ‘What’s My Name?’ was released as the second of seven singles from Rihanna’s fifth studio Album ‘Loud,’ from November 2010.

‘Stargate’ are one of the most successful songwriting, and production teams of the 21st Century. They originally formed in 1996, in Trondeim, Norway, as the songwriting trio of Mikkel S. Eriksen, Tor E. Hermansen, and Hallgeir Rustan. After initial success in Norway, where they produced the Norwegian R&B singer Noora Noor, they then branched out into the British market, writing and producing the 1999 UK Number 2 hit ‘S Club Party,’ for the English ‘Teen Pop’ band ‘S Club 7.’ It was that success which gave them the confidence to branch out even further, and attempt to conquer the American market as well. ‘Stargate’ have gone on to write or produce 10 American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 singles to date, six of which have been in collaboration with Rihanna.

Another of this songs writers. Ester Dean, is also one of the most successful songwriters of the 21st Century. Ester Renay Dean was born on April 15th, 1986, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, United States, and since 2007 she has been writing songs for herself, and others to record. Artists who have had hit singles with songs she has written, or co-written, include, Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Christina Aguilera. Ester Dean has also charted twice on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart as an artist, in 2009 with ‘Drop It Low,’ featuring Chris Brown, (Number 38) and in 2010, as the featured artist on ‘Super Bass,’ with Nicki Minaj (Billboard Number 8, and UK Number 8.)

‘What’s My Name?’ is one of five collaborations between Rihanna, (see also best songs 566) and Drake, (see also best songs 1043 and 921) with the others being ‘Lemon,’ (Remix) from 2007, ‘Too Good,’ (2016-Billboard Number 14, and UK Number 3) ‘Work,’ (2016-Billboard Number 1, and UK Number 2) and ‘Take Care’ (2011-Billboard Number 7, and UK Number 9.) The collaboration for ‘What’s My Name?’ was originally intended to be just a remix of the song, with the solo version by Rihanna intended for the Album ‘Loud,’ Regarding Drake’s inclusion on the song, Rihanna said at the time,’Drake is the hottest rapper out right now, and we’ve always been trying to work together, he’s a young rapper who has incredible melodies,’ Tor Erik Hermansen of Stargate, who co-wrote, and co-produced ‘What’s My Name?’ has said,’She (Rihanna) played the record to Drake backstage somewhere, to try to get him on a verse. She’s calling me up saying, ‘Where are the files?’ That’s one thing you don’t hear often from artists on her level. When ‘What’s My Name? topped the UK singles chart in January 2011, Rihanna became the first female solo artist in chart history to achieve Number 1 singles in five consecutive years.

Drake has come in for a certain amount of criticism for a portion of his rap on the track, with some calling it ‘cheesy,’ and others going a step further by calling it, ‘beneath him.’ The line critics are referring to, is when Drake says,’The square root of sixty nine is eight something, right? This is a disguised reference to oral sex, as ‘sixty nine is a sexual position,’ and ‘eight something’ (ate something.) Is it clever or childish?……who cares.

‘Hey boy, I really wanna see if you can go downtown with a girl like me. Hey boy, I really wanna be with you, ’cause you just my type. Ooh na na na na. I need a boy, to take it over, looking for a guy, to put in work uh, ooh, ooh.’