THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

949-Gilbert O’Sullivan-Matrimony.

1971-It wasn’t issued as a single until 1976, when it failed to chart.

Best Bit-At 2.13. Just before the first dance, when the Bride and Groom were cutting the cake, if I was feeling a little bit naughty, I would play this ironic homage to marriage, no one ever commented.

Gilbert O’Sullivan was born Raymond Edward O’Sullivan, on December 1st, 1946, in Waterford, Ireland, although he is Irish, music critics have described his quintessentially English song writing as the missing link between ‘The Kinks,’ (see also best songs 1014 and 770) ‘Squeeze,’ (see also best songs 507) and ‘Blur’ (see also best songs 256 and 21.) It is said that Gilbert O’Sullivan has always disliked touring, much preferring to stay home writing songs everyday between 9.0.am-5.0.pm. He has said that he avoided dating during the peak of his career, fearing it would inhibit his songwriting abilities, he didn’t get married until 1980. For a fuller career appraisal, and the discography of Gilbert O’Sullivan see beast songs 111.

‘Matrimony’ was first released as track 5 on side 1 of Gilbert O’Sullivan’s debut studio Album ‘Himself,’ from August 1971.’Matrimony’ and it’s parent Album was written by Gilbert O’Sullivan, with the production credited to Gordon Mills. Gordon Mills (see also best songs 129) was born Gordon William Mills, on May 15th, 1935, in Madras, British India, he died of stomach cancer, in 1986, at the age of 51. Gordon Mills first found success in music as a member of the British Pop group ‘The Viscounts,’ who had chart success in 1961, when reaching Number 21 in the UK with their cover version of the ‘novelty’ song ‘Who Put the Bomp (in the Bomp, Bomp, Bomp’) Mills then went on to write, or co-write several mid 1960’s hit singles including ‘High Time,’ for Paul Jones, (1966-UK Number 4) ‘I’ll Never Get Over You,’ for Johnny Kidd & the Pirates, (1963-UK Number 4 single, and ‘It’s Not Unusual’ for Tom Jones (1965-UK Number 1.) Also in the 1960’s Mills moved in to management, with his two big signings being Tom Jones, (see also best songs 964 and 129) and Engelbert Humperdinck, it was Mills who gave both of those artists their stage names. In 1970 Gordon Mills, and Tom Jones co-founded ‘MAM Records,’ with Gilbert O’Sullivan being the labels biggest success, followed by the signing of Lynsey de Paul (1948-2014.) After years of working together O’Sullivan sued Mills over ‘cooking of the books,’ Mills had failed to pay O’Sullivan the correct royalties. In 1982 the court found in O’Sullivan’s favour, describing him as a “Patently honest and decent man,’ who had not received a just proportion of the vast income his songs had generated, he was awarded seven million in damages.

Another key player in the recording of Gilbert O’Sullivan’s debut studio Album ‘Himself,’ and on the track ‘Matrimony,’ was Johnnie Spence who did the Albums arrangements. John Spence Abrahams was born on February 4th, 1936, he died suddenly of a heart attack on August 15th, 1977, at the age of 41. Spence was a British musical arranger, and director, who worked on numerous records, and also in the field of light entertainment on television throughout the 1960’s, and 1970’s. Other key artists who Spence worked with included Matt Monro, (1930-1985) Ann Shelton, (1923-1994) and Ella Fitzgerald (1917-1996.) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100) Sir George Martin (1926-2016) who had first worked with Spence in the late 1950’s said in a tribute,’Johnnie Spence was one of the best musicians I’ve ever known.He was a marvellous arranger, a great band man, and his scores for brass, saxes, rhythm and strings were the best I’ve ever had, much better than I could do. His work with Matt Monro was one of the highlights, one of the joys of my life. He always turned up with a very tasteful score. He was a lovely man, a great character. He did tend to burn the candle at both ends though, and in the middle! It was a great tragedy when he died, it was such a shock, he was so young.’

‘Matrimony’ tells the tale of a couple getting married on the cheap, and not telling anyone, as they think that their families wouldn’t approve of the marriage anyway. The narrator wants to go ahead with the wedding, but knows that like many other marriages, it might not work out.

‘I know how you’ve dreamt about being walked down the aisle, but think of the money we’ll save, and you’ll see it’s worthwhile. It won’t please our mums and dads, but they don’t even know, besides if they did what’s the betting they wouldn’t even go.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

950-Wildchild-Renegade Master.

1995-Number 11 single.

Best Bit-At 0.30. OK ‘Pop Pickers,’ can you name another UK top 40 single that has been a hit on two occasions for the same artist, using the exact same song, but using different titles.

Wildchild, or DJ Wildchild, was the stage name of Roger McKenzie, who was born on July 22nd, 1971, in Southampton, England, he died on November 25th, 1995, from an undiagnosed heart condition at the age of 24. Wildchild was a musician who made music in the ‘Electronic House’ genre, and during his career which was tragically cut short, he charted on the UK top 40 singles chart on five occasions. His first chart entry was in April 1995, when this song which was then titled ‘Legends of the Dark Black Pt 2,’ reached Number 34. Six months later the track was re-released, but this time the songs title was changed to ‘Renegade Master,’ and charted considerably higher, when reaching Number 11. Wildchild followed up the success of ‘Renegade Master’ with the posthumous releases ‘Jump to My Beat,’ which made Number 30, in November 1996, and then with his final chart entry ‘Bad Boy,’ which reached Number 38 in 1998. Between those final two hits, ‘Renegade Master’ was once again back in the UK top 40, following the 1998 ‘Big Beat’ remix by Fatboy Slim, (see also best songs 760-387 and 95) which surpassed the success of the Wildchild original, by reaching a peak of Number 3.

‘Renegade Master’ which was written, and produced by Wildchild, can be filed under the genre of ‘House’ music, The vocals on the track are sampled from the 1994 ‘Hip-Hop’ track ‘One for the Trouble,’ by the American ‘Hip-Hop’ artist ‘A.D.O.R.’ who was born Eddie Castellanos in New York City, New York, United States. ‘A.D.O.R.’ which stands for either ‘Another Dimension of Rhythm,’ or ‘A Declaration Of Revolution,’ has released six Albums, the first in 1994, and the latest in 2008. ‘One for the Money,’ was the second single released by ‘A.D.O.R.’ with the production being by the ‘Hip-Hop’ producer Marion Williams, who is better known by his stage name Marley Mal, he was also responsible for remixing duties on the 1987 Album ‘Paid in Full,’ by Eric B. & Rakim (see also best 856.)

‘House Music’ of which there are many examples of throughout this countdown, was created by DJ’s, and music producers from Chicago’s underground club culture in the early to mid 1980’s, as DJ’s began altering ‘Disco’ songs to give them a more mechanical beat. ‘House Music’ was pioneered by African American DJ’s and producers in Chicago such as Frankie Knuckles, (1955-2014) Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley, (see also best songs 935) Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk, (see also best songs 981) Marshall Jefferson, and others. ‘House Music’ soon expanded to other American cities such as New York City, and then became a worldwide phenomenon.

Such was the popularity of the lyrics on ‘One for the Trouble,’ and further popularised by Wildchild, they have made their way in to the ‘Urban Dictionary.’ A ‘Renegade’ is someone who rebels, and becomes an outlaw defector, or is a disloyal person who abandons their duty. ‘Ill Behaviour,’ is urban slang for acting in an unusual manner, maybe brought on by the use of alcohol, or drugs, and a ‘Default Damager’ is someone who has a lot to say, but offers little content in what they do say.

Back once again for the renegade master, D4 damage with the ill behaviour. Back once again for the renegade master, D4 damage with the ill behaviour.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

951-The Cure-In Between Days. (Extended Version.)

1985-Number 15 single.

Best Bit At 0.01. When I state that the ‘Best Bit’ is at ‘0.01,’ it generally means I an blown away by that songs intro. With this song I am blown away by all 1.51 seconds of it’s intro.

The Cure were formed in Crawley, West Sussex, England, in 1978, although the groups one constant Robert Smith refuses to be labelled with any genre, ‘The Cure’ are considered to have recorded ‘Gothic Rock,’ ‘Post Punk,’ Alternative Rock,’ and ‘New Wave.’ In total there have been seven past members, and six current members, with Robert Smith being the groups only ever present.

Robert James Smith was born on April 21st, 1959, in Blackpool, England, he is known for his guitar playing style, distinctive voice, and fashion sense. His public persona, and stage presence of a pale complexion, smeared red lipstick, black eye-liner, a dishevelled nest of wiry black hair, and all-black clothing, have been highly influential on the ‘Goth’ subculture that rose to prominence in the early 1980’s. The earliest incarnation of ‘The Cure’ was when a 13 year old Robert Smith and his schoolmates performed at a school function somewhere between 1972-1973 as ‘The Obelisk.’ The nucleus of that group moved on to secondary school where as friends they continued to play together, with other members coming and going, with Smith, and his other young band mates experimenting with differing musical genres. By 1977 they had become known as ‘Easy Cure,’ which was also the title of one of their earliest songs, it was Smith who changed the name to ‘The Cure’ on their official formation in 1978.

The discography of The Cure includes 13 studio Albums released between 1979-2008, and 46 singles issued between 1978-2019, their are also six official live Albums, and seven official compilations available. In the UK, 23 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Lullaby’ from 1989 charting the highest at Number 5. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, two of their songs have made the top 40, with ‘Lovesong’ from 1989, charting the highest at Number 2. Away from The Cure, Robert Smith has appeared on two Albums by the English Alternative Rock band ‘Siouxsie and the Banshees,’ (see also best songs 668 and 238) as an official member. He played guitar on their 1983 live double Album ‘Nocturne,’ and also on their 1984 sixth studio Album ‘Hyaena,’ where he played guitar and keyboards. On Robert Smith’s time as a member of ‘Siouxsie and the Banshees,’ Steven Severin, that bands co-founder has said,’I think he learnt how to be a front person, just by standing next to Siouxsie for a couple of months every night. I think he completely changed his persona on stage because of that, he came out of his shell. I think that he learnt how to be a bit more flamboyant, and how it was okay, and I think he saw how, y’know… how should I put it… Siouxsie’s more ‘diva’ moments were kind of acceptable because they were the front person, and I think he learnt how to get away with stuff. And just a bit about stagecraft, and how to use the audience a bit more. Because if you look at early clips of their performances you can see he’s sort of much more shy and retiring than he becomes a bit later on, and of course, his whole look changes as well.’

‘In Between Days’ was written by Robert Smith, and produced by Smith and David M. Allen, who in total worked on five of The Cure’s studio Albums. Other notable production work from Allen includes Albums by ‘The Sisters of Mercy,’ (‘First and Last and Always’-1985) The Mission, (Aura-1996) and Nenah Cherry (Man-1996.) ‘In Between Days’ was the first of two singles released from The Cure’s sixth studio Album ‘The Head on the Door’ from August 1985, it has been noted that the songs bass line is very reminiscent to the 1981 song ‘Dreams Never End,’ the opening track on ‘New Order’s debut studio Album ‘Movement.’ ‘In Between Days’ is an upbeat, happy sounding ‘Pop’ song, something not always associated with The Cure, (although there have been a few) but unlike the beat, the lyrics are not happy, as they tell of an affair that the narrator had, then realising that he had made a mistake, he is now wanting to get his first love back.

‘And I know I was wrong when I said it was true, that it couldn’t be me and be her in between without you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

952-Dennis Brown-Money in My Pocket.

1979-Number 14 single.

Best Bit-At 3.43. I am the very proud owner of this song on beautiful mint condition 12 inch vinyl. It probably has no monetary value, and besides I don’t even own a record player to play it on, but it’s lovely to look at.

Dennis Emmanuel Brown was born on February 1st, 1957, in Kingston, Jamaica, in the late 1990’s his health began to deteriorate, as he developed respiratory problems, probably caused by many years of drug addiction, mainly with cocaine. He died on July 1st, 1999, at the age of 42, having had a cardiac arrest, with the official cause of death being a collapsed lung. After Bob Marley, (1945-1981) (see also best songs 618 and 56) Dennis Brown is probably the most revered artist to come out of Jamaica, he was one of the leading protagonists in the genre of ‘Lovers Rock,’ which is a style of Reggae music noted for it’s romantic sound, and content. Bob Marley cited Dennis Brown as his favourite singer, and calling him ‘The Crown Prince of Reggae.’

Dennis Brown who cited Nat King Cole (1919-1965) (see also best songs 988-327-226 and 161) as great early influence, was a child star in Jamaica, he started singing professionally at the age of 11, and recorded his first single at the age of 12. Brown was a prolific singer/songwriter, and released over 80 Albums between 1970-1999, there have also been over 30 posthumous Albums that have been issued between 2000-2020. During his career Dennis Brown recorded alongside many of the best known names in Reggae production, and also with many of the most successful Reggae performers.

‘Money in My Pocket’ was co-written by Dennis Brown and Joe Gibbs, with the production also being by Gibbs. Dennis Brown had recorded the original version of the song as far back as 1972, with the production being by Winston ‘Niney’ Holness, on behalf of Gibbs. Holness who also played a major part in launching the career of Dennis Brown acquired his nickname ‘Niney’ after losing a thumb in a workshop accident. It was through ‘Money in My Pocket’ that Dennis Brown achieved international success. In 1978 the song was relaunched as a ‘Discomix’ on the ‘Lightning Records’ label, which was a London based label that specialised in ‘Disco,’ ‘Reggae,’ and ‘Dub’ music. A ‘Discomix’ is a ‘Reggae’ 12 inch mix that includes the full length version of a song, including the ‘Toasting.’ For ‘Money in My Pocket’ the original ‘Dub’ part was replaced by the toasting vocals of Prince Mohammed, who was born George Knooks, in 1968, in Kingston, Jamaica. ‘Toasting’ was a forerunner to ‘Rap,’ and was performed by DJ’s in Jamaica in the 1960’s, on their sound systems, at dances. ‘Money in My Pocket’ was released as a 12 inch single in 1978 that ran for just short of eight minutes, and it was also issued as a seven inch single, with Dennis Brown featured on the ‘A’ side, (part 1) and the Prince Mohammed version, featuring Dennis Brown on side ‘B,’ (part 2) which was known as the ‘Cool Runnings’ version.

Joe Gibbs was born Joel Arthur Gibson on October 14th, 1942, in Salt Spring, St. James, Jamaica, he died of a heart attack on February 22nd, 2008, at the age of 65. Gibbs was one of the most important names in the development of Reggae music, initially working with the equally influential Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry (1936-2021) (see also best songs 817 and 789) In 1975 Gibbs began working with fellow Jamaican Errol Thompson, (1948-2004) and the pair would become collectively known as the ‘Mighty Two.’ Together they produced for artists including Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, (1951-2010) and most notably, (commercially) being the co-producers of the 1978 UK Number 1 single ‘Uptown Top Ranking,’ for Althea & Donna (see also best songs 101.) In 1977 Gibbs and Thompson co-produced an Album called ‘Two Sevens Clash,’ for the Jamaican ‘Roots Reggae’ group ‘Culture,’ this Album became a major influence on the then emerging ‘Punk’ scene, and was also an internationally acclaimed production. The album has been cited by the ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘The Clash’ (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) as a major influence.

‘It’s hard for a man to live without a woman, and a woman needs a man to cling to. You’ll see what love can do after making me feel blue, ain’t that a shame, yeah, whoa baby ain’t that a shame, yeah, to make me feel blue, whoa yeah.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

953-Avril Lavigne-Girlfriend.

2007-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.59. It’s the poor boyfriend I feel sorry for, it must be awful having all those girls fighting over you.

Avril Ramona Lavigne was born on September 27th, 1984, in Belleville, Ontario, Canada, she is considered a key player in the development of ‘Pop Punk’ in the early 2000’s, which earned her the honorific title ‘Pop Punk Queen.’ After signing with ‘Arista Records’ at the age of 16, her debut studio Album ‘Let Go,’ (2002) was her breakthrough, and went on to become the best selling Album of the 21st Century by a Canadian artist to date. Speaking about her early career development, Lavigne has said,’I had to fight to keep my image really me. I rejected some gorgeous publicity shots because they just didn’t look like me. I won’t wear skanky clothes that show my booty, my belly or my boobs. I have a great body.

The discography of Avril Lavigne includes seven studio Albums released between 2002-2022, and 33 singles issued in the same time period. In her native Canada, 15 of those singles have reached the ‘Canadian Hot 100’ top 40 chart, with ‘Complicated,’ (2002) and ‘Girlfriend,’ (2007) both making Number 1. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, she had reached the top 40 on 10 occasions, with ‘Girlfriend’ making Number 1, while on the UK top 40, she has charted on 13 occasions, with ‘Girlfriend’ peaking the highest at Number 2. With sales in excess of 40 million Albums, and 50 million singles sold worldwide, Avril Lavigne is the third best selling Canadian female artist of all time.

‘Girlfriend’ was the first of four singles released from Avril Lavigne’s third studio Album ‘The Best Dam Thing,’ from April 2007, it was co-written by Avril Lavigne, and Dr Luke, with the production also credited to Dr Luke. Dr Luke (see also best songs 870-824 and 566) was born Lukasz Sebastian Gottwald on September 26th, 1973, in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. he has also written and produced music using the names ‘Tyson Trax,’ and ‘Made in China.’ As a songwriter and music producer he is right up there with the most successful of the 21st Century, having worked with dozens of the most recent top ‘Pop’ acts, including Britney Spears, Katy Perry, and Pink. In 2011 Dr Luke founded ‘Kemosabe Records,’ and some of the artists he has signed, and developed on the label include, Kesha, Juicy J, and Doja Cat.

‘Girlfriend’ can boast being the best selling single of 2007 worldwide with sales in excess of 7.5 million copies, it has since gone on to top the 10 million mark. The song has been noted to have similarities to Toni Basil’s 1982 single ‘Mickey, (Billboard Number 1, and UK Number 2) and also to the American ‘Power Pop’ group ‘The Rubinoos’ 1979 single ‘I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.’ That songs writer James Gangwer, and Tommy Dunbar of ‘The Rubinoos,’ sued Avril Lavigne, and Dr Luke, over claims that ‘Girlfriend’ was too similar to ‘I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.’ Both Lavigne, and Dr Luke strenuously denied those accusations, stating that they had never heard of that song. Eventually things were settled out of court, with Lavigne saying it was cheaper to do it that way, rather than having to spend more on court costs. After the settlement Dunbar and Gangwer released a statement in which they claimed to ‘Completely exonerate’ Lavigne and Dr. Luke from any wrongdoing.

‘Girlfriend’ is sung by Avril Lavigne from the perspective of a girl who likes a boy that already has a girlfriend. In an ‘immature’ manner she tries to convince the boy that she would be a better choice of girlfriend for him. Avril Lavigne has said,’The song is just a fun song, and it doesn’t really mean anything. Writing it I just starting singing, ‘I don’t like your girlfriend, I think you need a new one,’ thinking this is cool. So we just went in that direction.’ Lavigne has also said,’Sometimes I’ve found that the stuff I write really quickly and don’t really think about tends to be the magic. We both knew, Dr. Luke and I, that that song was going to do well.’

‘I can see the way, I see the way you look at me, and even when you look away, I know you think of me. I know you talk about me all the time, again and again. So come over here and tell me what I wanna hear, better yet, make your girlfriend disappear.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

954-Elvis Presley-Jailhouse Rock.

1958-Number 1 single. When it was re-issued in 2005, it once again became a UK Number 1.

Best Bit-At 0.01. When an old person tells you that today’s songs would make a vicar blush, ask them how this song of debauchery, and ‘Sodom and Gomorrah,’ managed to get past the censors in 1957.

‘Jailhouse Rock’ was one of four songs written and produced by the legendary songwriting team of Jerry Leiber, (1933-2011) and Mike Stoller, (see also best songs 804-524-124 and 86) for the 1957 American musical film drama ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ starring Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 664-442 and 194) as Vince Everett, who accidentally kills a drunken, belligerent man in a barroom brawl, and is sentenced to 10–14 months in the state penitentiary for manslaughter. The film was the third of 31 films that Elvis Presley appeared in between 1956-1969, and one of his more ‘critically approved.’ The dance scene in the film to the song ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ which Presley performed in, and also choreographed, is agreed upon as his greatest on screen moment. In 2013 the English boy band ‘One Direction’ payed homage to the iconic ‘Jailhouse Rock’ scene, when recreating it as part of the video for their UK Number 9 hit single ‘Kiss You.’

Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller are one of the most successful and influential songwriting teams in ‘Pop Music’ history, having together, or with others, or solo, written over 70 chart hits. Jerry Leiber was born on April 25th, 1933, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, he died on August 22nd, 2011, from cardio-pulmonary failure, at the age of 78. Michael Stoller, who would later legally change his name to ‘Mike’, was born on March 13th, 1933, in Long Island, New York, United States, the pair first met in Los Angeles, California, in 1950, while both were just finishing school, although Leiber attended ‘Fairfax High,’ and Stoller, ‘Bellmont High.’ Leiber and Stoller are credited with bringing ‘black’ music (Rhythm and Blues) to the attention of a white audience in the 1950’s. Working, and writing with acts such as the ‘Coasters,’ (Yakety Yak -1958)) and the ‘Drifters,’ (see also best songs 568) (There Goes My Baby -1959) Leiber and Stoller introduced the use of strings for saxophone-like riffs, and also lavish production values into the established black ‘R&B’ sound, laying the groundwork for the ‘Soul Music’ that would follow.

‘Jailhouse Rock’ was first released as a single in 1957, with ‘Treat Me Nice,’ which was another Leiber and Stoller song from the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ soundtrack on the ‘B’ side. In America on Billboard ‘Jailhouse Rock’ would spend seven weeks at Number 1 in 1957, while in the UK, the song spent three weeks at Number 1 in early 1958. In 2005 to commemorate what would have been the 70th birthday of Elvis Presley, this was one of the songs that was re-issued, and it once again became a UK Number 1.

Leiber and Stoller obviously had a lot of fun writing the lyrics to ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ which are very much tongue in cheek. Some of the characters are fictional, but some were real,’Shifty Henry’ (1921-1958) was an American ‘Blues’ songwriter, who in ‘Jailhouse Rock’ says to ‘Bugs,’ For heaven’s sake, no one’s looking, now’s a chance to make a break.’ ‘The Purple Gang’ who were ‘The whole rhythm section,’ were in fact a criminal mob of murderers, and armed robbers, who operated in Detroit, Michigan, in the 1920.s, during the Prohibition era. ‘Sad Sack’ is another character mentioned, Sad Sack was originally a comic book character created during World War 2, for the comic book ‘Yank the Army Weekly.’ Sad Sack depicted a lowly private, experiencing some of the humiliations of military life, the title was a euphemistic shortening of ‘Sad sack of s..t.’ For it’s time the lyrics were fairly controversial, particularly the suggestion of gay romance, when inmate Number 47 tells Number 3, ‘You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see.’ The American film historian Douglas Brode wrote about the ‘Jailhouse Rock’ production, ‘It’s amazing that the sequence got passed by the censors.’

‘The warden threw a party in the county jail, the prison band was there and they began to wail. The band was jumpin’ and the joint began to swing, you should’ve heard them knocked out jailbirds sing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

955-The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy and Mase-Mo Money Mo Problems.

1997-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.09. It appears that the more money you have, the more problems you have. ‘I’ll risk it.’

The Notorious B.I.G. (see also best songs 307) was born Christopher George Latore Wallace, on May 21st, 1972, in New York City, United States, he was assassinated, by a still unknown gunman, in Los Angeles, on March 9th, 1997, at the age of 24. ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ was the second single, after ‘Hypnotize’ to reach Number 1 on the American Billboard Hot 100, making The Notorious B.I.G. the only artist to have two Number 1 singles on that chart posthumously.

‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ was the second of three singles released from The Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final studio Album ‘Life After Death,’ from March 1997, it was released 16 days after his murder. ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ is credited to five writers, Christopher Wallace, Steven Jordan, Mace, Bernard Edwards, (1952-1996) and Nile Rodgers, with the songs production credited to Steven Jordan, and Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs. The song has three verses, with Mace rapping the first, the second verse is by Sean Combs, who was known as ‘Puff Daddy’ at that time, and the third verse was by The Notorious B.I.G. Nile Rodgers and Bernie Edwards (see also best songs 175 and 17) receive songwriting credit as it is their 1980 song ‘I’m Coming Out,’ that is heavily sampled on the track. ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ also has unaccredited female vocals that were provided by Kelly Price, who also features elsewhere in this countdown, as providing backing vocals on the Mariah Carey song ‘”All I Want for Christmas Is You’ (see also best songs 822.)

Sean Combs was born on November 4th, 1969, in New York City, United States, he has released music under three pseudonyms,’Puff Daddy,’ ‘P. Diddy,’ and then ‘Diddy.’ As well as making music Combs also founded the record label ‘Bad Boy Records,’ in 1993, where he has also served as a singer/songwriter, and producer. Combs has also acted in, and produced for film, and television, in 2022 the ‘Forbes’ business magazine estimated his wealth at US$1 billion. The discography of Sean Combs includes six Albums released between 1997-2014, and 72 singles, issued between 1997-2022. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 top 40 singles chart, as either the lead artist, or as the featured artist, he has charted on 27 occasions, with five of those songs reaching Number 1, including ‘Mo Money Mo Problems.’ On the UK top 40 singles chart, as either the lead, or featured artist, Combs has charted on 31 occasions, with three of those songs making the Number 1 spot.

‘Mace’ was born Mason Durell Betha, on August 27, 1975, in Jacksonville, Florida, United States, it was after coming to the attention of Sean Combs that Mace was signed to ‘Bad Boy Records.’ Mace had great success with his first two studio Albums that sold around 400,000 copies between them, but in 1999 he announced his retirement from music in order to pursue a ‘Calling from God,’ Mace said that he was ‘Leading people, friends, kids, and others down a path to hell,’ also saying it was time to serve God in ‘His’ way. After five years away from music, during which time he had become an ordained minister he returned and recorded his third studio Album ‘Welcome Back,’ in 2004. The discography of Mace includes those three studio Albums released between 1997-2004, and 22 singles that have been issued between 1997-2013. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, he has had 12 top 40 hits as either the lead or featured artist, with two of those songs making Number 1, while in the UK he has reached the top 40 on 11 occasions, with ‘Top of the World,’ by Brandy featuring Mace, charting the highest at Number 2 in 1998.

The lyrics to ‘Mo Money Mo Problems’ explain how money and success can lead to problems, with people being jealous, and bad mouthing you. The ‘Bad Boy Records’ label had just taken off, and they were subject to aggression, including violent attacks, and a whole host of lawsuits.

‘B-I-G P-O-P-P-A. No info for the DEA. Federal agents mad ’cause I’m flagrant, tap my cell and the phone in the basement. My team supreme, stay clean, triple beam lyrical dream, I be that.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

956-Boston-More Than a Feeling.

1976-Number 22 single. It also returned to the UK chart in 2010, and peaked at Number 21.

Best Bit-At 3.48. It is just possible that an impressionable nine year old by the name of Kurt Cobain could have been listening to this song, and thinking, that’s a great guitar riff.

Boston are a Rock group who were formed in 1975, in Boston, Massachusettes, United States, by Tom Scholz, in total there have been 20 different members come and go, with Scholz being the one constant, and at the time of writing they remain active. Tom Scholz was born on March 10th, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, United States, he started his music career recording demos in his home studio, then unsuccessfully submitting them to record companies, while working at ‘Polaroid’ to earn a living. Eventually the demos did attract interest from ‘Epic Records,’ who signed Scholz, along with the singer Brad Delp, (1951-2007) who Scholz had known, and worked with since 1970. The demos which Scholz had been working on in his home studio, would become Boston’s debut Album.

It is said that Tom Scholz is a perfectionist who doesn’t believe in releasing new material until he is at least 100% satisfied, hence the release of just six studio Albums between 1976-2013. The discography of Boston also includes two compilation Albums issued in 1997 and 1998, and 16 singles that have been released between 1976-2013. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart they have charted within the top 40 on eight occasions, with ‘More Than a Feeling’ making Number 5, and their 1986 song ‘Amanda’ reaching Number 1. On the UK top 40 ‘More Than a Feeling’ remains their only hit single to date.

‘More Than a Feeling’ was the first of three singles released from Boston’s self titled debut Album from August 1976, and was written by Tom Scholz, with the production credited to Scholz, John Boylan, and Rodney C. Thompson. The five members of Boston at that time, and those who played on ‘More Than a Feeling,’ and it’s parent Album, were Tom Scholz, (lead guitar) Brad Delp, (vocals) Barry Goudreau, (rhythm guitar) Fran Sheehan, (bass) and Sib Hashian (drums.) The Album ‘Boston’ would go on to sell in excess of 20 million copies worldwide, and was the best selling debut Album of all time, until overtaken by ‘Guns N’ Roses’ studio debut ‘Appetite for Destruction’ (see also best songs 463 and 8.)

Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) and Nirvana have never tried to hide the similarities between ‘More Than a Feeling,’ and Nirvana’s classic ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ (see also best songs 9.) On occasions when playing live, Nirvana would play a brief version of ‘More Than a Feeling,’ before sending shivers down your spine, by going straight into the intro of ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit.’ When asked about Nirvana pinching the songs chord progression Tom Scholz confusingly said,’They didn’t do a great job on the chorus. I heard the story about people thinking that part of that song sounds like it was a swipe from ‘More Than a Feeling.’ I don’t hear it. If it were, I would consider it a compliment.’

Nothing in ‘Pop Music’ is totally original, or for that matter ‘influence free,’ with Tom Scholz stating that he was a big fan of the American Rock band the ‘James Gang,’ with some music critics noting the resemblance between the ‘James Gang’s’ 1970 track ‘Tend My Garden,’ and ‘More Than a Feeling.’ Others have also noted similarities between ‘More Than a Feeling,’ and the ‘Kingsmen’s’ 1963 recording of ‘Louie Louie.’

Tom Scholz has said that ‘More Than a Feeling’s’ subject matter was based on the ‘Heart tugging mood’ of ‘Walk Away Renee’ (Billboard-Number 5, 1966,) by the American Pop group ‘The Left Banke.’ ‘The lyrics of ‘More Than a Feeling’ express the author’s discontent with the present, and his yearning for a former love named ‘Marianne’, whose memory is strongly evoked when hearing an old familiar song. Scholz has said that ‘Marianne’ was a real person, explaining that when he was eight years old he had a much older cousin whom he thought was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and that he was secretly in love with her. He has also said that the lyrics were inspired by his emotions after a school love affair had ended,

‘When I’m tired and thinking cold, I hide in my music, forget the day, and dream of a girl I used to know. I closed my eyes and she slipped away.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

957-Nicki Minaj-Starships.

2012-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.09. She might look like butter wouldn’t melt, but she’s got one hell of a potty mouth!

Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj, on December 8th, 1982, in Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, she is the most successful female Rapper of all time, with record sales in excess of 100 million sold worldwide, and is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Rap.’ She originally adopted the stage name ‘Nicki Maraj, but it was later changed by the ‘CEO’ ‘Big Fendi,’ of ‘Dirty Money Records,’her label at that time, to ‘Nicki Minaj,’ with Minaj stating that ‘My real name is Maraj. Fendi flipped it when he met me, because I had such a nasty flow.’

As a child Nicki Minaj was brought up by her grandmother in Saint James, but at the age of five she moved to the ‘Bronx’ New York, where she lived with her mother, father and brother. Minaj started her music career in 2004 in a quartet called ‘The Hoodstars,’ she later uploaded songs on her ‘Myspace’ profile, sending several of her songs to people in the music industry, which brought her to the attention of the label ‘Dirty Money Records,’ where her first three releases were all ‘mixtapes,’ issued between 2007-2009. This led to her fellow American Rapper Lil Wayne (see also best songs 210) recommending her to ‘Young Money Entertainment.’

The discography of Nicki Minaj includes four studio Albums that have been released between 2010-2018, and 123 singles issued between 2010-2021. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart she has charted within the top 40 on 25 occasions as the lead artist, with ‘Trolz,’ featuring ‘6ix9ine,’ (2020) and ‘Super Freaky Girl,’ (2022) both making Number 1. As the featured artist Nicki Minaj has achieved a further 33 top 40 hits, with ‘Say So’ (Remix) (2019) reaching Number 1, with ‘Doja Cat’ as the lead artist. On the UK top 40 singles chart she has had 21 entries as the lead artist, with ‘Bang Bang’ with Jessie J, and Ariana Grande, making Number 1. As the featured artist she has achieved a further 20 hits with ‘Woman Like Me’ (2018) reaching Number 1, with ‘Little Mix’ as the lead artist.

‘Starships’ was the first of six singles released from Nicki Minaj’s second studio Album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded,’ from April 2012. The song is credited with six writers, including Nicki Minaj, RedOne, Wayne Carter, and Bilai Hajji, with the production being by RedOne, Rami Yacoub, and Carl Falk, who were also the other co-writers of the song.

‘Starships’ started out life as a ‘beat’ that Nadir Khayat, who is better known by his stage name ‘RedOne’ (see also best songs 363) had sent to Nicki Minaj. Minaj has said that she took the ‘beat’ into the studio and improvised the first verse, she recalled,’Mumbling and just saying the first thing that came into my head, and we recorded it, because I just felt like, let’s go to the beach… let’s go get away. It was just so good. It feels good.’ During the song Nicki Minaj quotes from the English nursery rhyme, ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,’ which dates back to 1806, and was written by the English poet Jane Taylor (1783-1824.) In 2013 the songwriters were all sued by the American Electronic artist Clive Tanaka, who claimed that they stole his 2010 song ‘Neu Chicago,’ to create ‘Starships,’ the case was dismissed, but it is worth taking a listen to ‘Neu Chicago,’ to note the similarities. Also well worth taking a listen to is the 2011 Britney Spears single ‘Till the World Ends,’ which also bares more than the odd similarity in structure.

‘Starships’ is among the best selling songs of all time, with sales in excess of 7.2 million copies worldwide, with around 4.5 million sold in America. On Billboard ‘Starships’ peaked at Number 5 for four non-consecutive weeks, and in July 2012 it made history on that chart by having spent 21 consecutive weeks in the top 10 from its debut week, surpassing the Black Eyed Peas’ single ‘I Gotta Feeling’ (see also best songs 234) from 2009. Nicki Minaj has explained the songs meaning,’Starships are meant to fly,’ is a line about reaching one’s full potential in life. That’s what I feel. Just go for it! Stop limiting yourself! And that’s a great feeling. It’s a great feeling to not box yourself into anyone’s limitations or ideas or judgements. That’s what it means to me.’

‘Uh, let’s go to the beach-each, let’s go get a wave, they say what they gonna say. Have a drink, clink, found the Bud Light, bad bitches like me is hard to come by.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

958-The Ruts-Staring at the Rude Boys.

1980-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 1.59. Did your mother never tell you it’s rude to stare.

The Ruts were formed in London, England, in 1977, by Malcolm Owen, (1953-1980) (vocals) Paul Fox, (1951-2007) (guitar) John ‘Seggs’ Jennings, (bass) and Dave Ruffy (drums.) The Ruts played a mix of ‘Punk Rock,’ ‘Reggae Rock,’ and Ska Punk,’ and were one of many artists who were championed by the legendary DJ John Peel (1939-2004) (see also best songs 435) on his BBC Radio 1 sessions programme. The Ruts lead singer Malcolm Owen had suffered from Heroin addiction for the majority of his adult life, and as the group were approaching the height of their success he died of a Heroin overdose on July 14th, 1980, at the age of 26. The last single recorded with Owen as lead singer was the follow up to ‘Staring at the Rude Boys,’ it was ‘West One (Shine on Me’) which would eventually peak at Number 43 in the UK. The Ruts were asked to perform the song on the BBC television programme ‘Top of the Pops,’ which the band refused, as ‘Top of the Pops’ insisted that group member John ‘Seggs’ Jennings who had now taken over the vocal duties mime Owen’s vocal part, which the band found distasteful.

After the death of Owen, The Ruts decided to continue as ‘Ruts D.C.’ standing for the Italian term ‘da capo,’ meaning ‘back to the beginning’ in a different musical vein. ‘Ruts D.C.’ would remain active until splitting in 1983. In 2007 the band reformed to play a benefit concert for founding member Paul Fox following his diagnosis as having lung cancer, Fox died later that year, and at the time of writing ‘Ruts D.C.’ remain active, with the two original living members having been joined by Leigh Heggarty (guitar) since 2011.

The Ruts are remembered for being vigorous opponents of racism, and played several benefit gigs for ‘Rock Against Racism’ (RAR) As ‘The Ruts’ they released two Albums in 1979 and 1980, and then as ‘Ruts D.C.’ there have been a further six Albums issued between 1981-2022. The discography also includes four official live Albums, and two ‘John Peel’ sessions compilations. As ‘The Ruts’ they released six singles between 1979-1980, with four of those songs making the UK top 40, with ‘Babylon’s Burning’ charting the highest at Number 7 in 1979. As ‘Ruts D.C.’ they have issued eight singles between 1981-2020, with none of them charting.

‘Staring at the Rude Boys’ is track 2 on side 1 of The Ruts second Album ‘Grin & Bear It,’ which was first issued in December 1980, with all four band members receiving the writing and production credits, with Tony Wilson also credited as co-producer. ‘Grin & Bear It’ featured a compilation of singles, ‘B’-sides, and live performances that had been recorded at the ‘Marquee Club’ in London. In 1988 the American ‘Hardcore’ band ‘Dag Nasty’ covered ‘Staring at the Rude Boys,’ on their third studio Album ‘Field Day.’ The other significant cover version was by the English ‘Hardcore Punk’ band the ‘Gallows’ who covered the song as ‘Staring at the Rude Bois,’ featuring Lethal Bizzle (see also best songs 813) for their 2007 debut studio Album ‘Orchestra of Wolves,’ the song became a hit in the UK, reaching Number 31 in 2007.

‘Staring at the Rude Boys’ tells the story of three different groups of people all menacingly eyeing each other up in night club, where loud music is being played. The three distinct groups are the ‘Rude Boys,’ the ‘Skinheads,’ and ‘the Punks.’ all of which was not an unusual sight to see back in 1980. According to the songs lyrics,’The ‘Rude Boys’ are dancing to some heavy heavy Ska,’ which was their choice of music. The Punks in the corner are speeding like a jet,’ this is a reference to amphetamines, a popular drug in Punk culture. A bunch of ‘B.M’s march in on ‘D.M’s, refers to ‘B.M.’ the abbreviation for the ‘British Movement,’ an extreme-right wing political group, with ties in the Skinhead community. Meanwhile, the ‘D.M’.s are Doc Martin boots, the footwear of choice for Punks, Skinheads, and their affiliated subcultures. Thankfully just before all hell breaks loose in the club, ‘Everyone leaves when the heavies arrive,’ this is a reference to the clubs security stepping in to ease the tensions.

‘It’s a very small world in the middle of a crowd, the room gets dark when the music gets loud. Treble cuts through, when the rhythm takes the bite, but there’s no room to move ’cause the floor is packed tight.’