THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

269-Prince-Controversy.

1981-It did not chart in the UK until reissued in 1993, when reaching Number 5.

Best Bit-At 5.29. Personally I am relieved that we are all not nude, because I believe that the majority of people look better with their clothes on.

Prince (see also best songs 884-487-85 and 54 ) was born Prince Rogers Nelson on June 7th, 1958, in Chanhassen, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, he died on April 21st, 2016, at the age of 57, from an accidental overdose of the drug Fentanyl, which he took for pain relief, the Medical Examiners Office stated that there were no signs of suicide. Prince had been suffering increasingly excruciating pain from a hip problem for many years, and it had been rumoured that he had refused an operation which would have required a blood transfusion because of his beliefs as a Jehovah’s Witness. One of the uses of the drug Fentanyl is that it can be used as an aid for severe pain to aid relief.

Prince was born into a musical family, his mother Mattie Della (1933-2002) was a Jazz singer, and his father John Lewis Nelson (1916-2001) was a songwriter and pianist, the Jazz drummer Louis Hayes was his paternal cousin. Prince was named after his father’s most popular stage name, ‘Prince Rogers,’ which his father used while performing with Prince’s mother in a Jazz group called the ‘Prince Rogers Trio.’ John Lewis Nelson has said that he named his son ‘Prince’ because he wanted Prince ‘To do everything I wanted to do.’ It is said that Prince was not fond of his name and wanted people to instead call him ‘Skipper,’ a name which stuck throughout his childhood. Prince was born into a religious family, with both of his parents being members of the ‘Seventh-day Adventist Church,’ an evangelical denomination. As a child Prince had epilepsy, and had seizures when he was young. He has said, ‘My mother told me one day I walked in to her and said, ‘Mom, I’m not going to be sick anymore,’ and she said, ‘Why?’ and I said, ‘Because an angel told me so.’

With record sales in excess of 150 million, Prince is one of the best selling artists of all time. His extensive discography includes 40 studio Albums released between 1978-2020, and 117 singles released between 1978-2024, there are also 13 extended plays, (EP’s) nine official compilation Albums and five live Albums available. He also released two Albums using the name ‘Madhouse,’ three Albums using the name ‘New Power Generation,’ and one Album as the ‘NPG Orchestra,’ It is said that Prince wrote somewhere between 500 to 1000 songs, many of which remain unreleased in the vaults, and at the time of writing further posthumous releases are planned. In America on the ‘Billboard 200 Album’ chart, four of his studio Albums have reached Number 1, while on the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ singles chart, 31 of his singles have made the top 40, with five of those songs reaching the Number 1 spot, with ‘Controversy’ stalling at Number 70. In the UK Prince has had five Number 1 studio Albums, and 44 of his singles have reached the the top 40, with ‘The Most Beautiful Girl in the World’ from 1994 being his only chart topper.

‘Controversy’ was the first of four singles released from Prince’s fourth studio Album of the same name, from October 1981, and was written and produced by Prince. The only other input on the track was from Lisa Coleman who provided backing vocals, she was a member of Prince’s backing band ‘The Revolution’ from 1979-1986, and is credited on nine Prince studio Albums, and also Morris Day who had a long term working relationship with Prince, and may have played the drums, but that is unclear. Prince wrote and produced all eight tracks on the Album with the exception of track 3 ‘Do Me Baby,’ which was a co-write with long term collaborator Andre Cymone. Prince was also responsible for playing every instrument on at least five of the songs.

Prince was an observant religious person from childhood and throughout his life. An abiding love of God and Jesus were recurring themes in his work, often closely intertwined with romance, and sexuality. Prince has said, ‘I wanted to be like my father, and I loved everything he loved, my mother, the Bible, and music.’ Prince became a Jehovah’s Witness in 2001 as a result of his friendship with the bassist Larry Graham (see also best songs 589) who was a member of Sly and the Family Stone, and the founder and front man of Graham Central Station. Prince who did not consider it a conversion but a ‘realisation,’ attended meetings at a local Kingdom Hall, and occasionally knocked on people’s doors to discuss his faith.

At the time of writing ‘Controversy,’ Prince was just beginning to come to terms with his new found fame and fortune, and the song addresses the media, and the public speculation about him at that time, The song addresses his sexuality, gender, religion, and racial background, and how he could not understand the curiosity surrounding him. Towards the middle of the song Prince recites the ‘Lords Prayer’ in full, which angered some, who said it was blasphemous. I would imagine that will have added even more…..Controversy.

‘People call me rude, I wish we all were nude. I wish there was no black and white, I wish there were no rules.’

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For a list of all the best 1000 songs Google Barry Philips Discos Blog.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

270-James Brown and the Famous Flames-I Got You (I Feel Good.)

1965-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. There is probably no other song that is known instantly by two different titles, some call it ‘I Feel Good,’ and some call it ‘I Got You.’

James Joseph Brown was born on May 3rd, 1933, in Barnwell, South Carolina, United States, he died on Christmas Day 2006, from congestive heart failure at the age of 73. His honorific nicknames include,’Godfather of Soul,’ Mr Dynamite, ‘Minister of New Super Heavy Funk, ‘King of Soul,’ and ‘Soul Brother No 1,’ he was also referred to as ‘The hardest working man in show business,’ due to his very active stage shows, and for performing over 300 times each year.

James Brown (see also best songs 880-349 and 88) originally wrote what was later to become ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) in 1962, calling the song ‘I Found You,’ and releasing it as a single on the ‘King’ record label by Yvonne Fair (1942-1994) (see also best songs 480) who was a member of his live backing band at that time, the song failed to chart. Yvonne Fair and James Brown would later have a daughter together, Venisha Brown (1965-2018.) In 1964 James Brown recorded a version of ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) with a different arrangement, and that recording appears on ‘Out of Sight’ his ninth studio Album. The songs writing is credited to ‘Ted Wright,’ which is James Brown using a pseudonym, the reason for this will probably have been for either tax reasons concerning royalties, or a contractual dispute with his record label. The song had been planned for release as a single, but was withdrawn due to a court order from ‘King Records’ with whom Brown was involved in a contractual dispute with at the time. The ‘Out of Sight’ Album had been released on the ‘Smash Records’ label, which was a subsidiary of ‘Mercury Records’ because of the legal problems. This version of the song is also the one James Brown lip syncs when performing with ‘The Famous Flames’ in the 1965 American musical comedy film ‘Ski Party.’ ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) can also be found on four of James Brown’s live Albums recorded between 1967-1995. In 1975 he re-recorded the song for his 1975 40th studio Album ‘Sex Machine Today,’ that version featured in the 1992 American sports comedy film ‘White Men Can’t Jump.’

‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) is also the title track of James Brown’s second compilation Album, released in January 1966, (there have been 49 in total to date) the Album consists of songs released on previous studio Albums, including ‘B’ sides, and alternate takes. and also an alternate take of the title track, as well as songs released previously as singles. ‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) was written and produced by James Brown, with this defining version being released as a single in October 1965, with many now calling it Brown’s signature tune. The song became James Brown’s highest charting single on the Billboard Hot 100 when reaching Number 3 in 1965. In total James Brown achieved 91 Billboard Hot 100 hits, the most by any artist to never make the Number 1 spot. For the discography of James Brown see best songs 349.

‘I Got You (I Feel Good’) can boast 13 different musicians playing on the track. Although the song was officially issued as ‘James Brown and the Famous Flames,’ in the studio the collective of musicians were known as the ‘James Brown Orchestra.’ The impressive collective of artists playing on the track included St. Clair Pinckney, (1930-1999) (saxophone) Jimmy Nolen, (1934-1983) (guitar) Bernard Odum, (1932-2004) (bass guitar) and the Parker Brothers Maceo, (baritone saxophone) and Melvin Parker (1944-2021) (drums.)

Maceo Parker (see also best songs 850-612-143 and 88) was born on February 14th, 1943, in Kinston, North Carolina, United States, he is best known for his work with James Brown in the 1960’s, Parliament-Funkadelic in the 1970’s and Prince in the 2000’s. Parker and his brother Melvin first joined James Brown in 1963, in his autobiography Brown claims that he originally wanted Melvin as his drummer, but agreed to additionally take Maceo under his wing as part of the deal. In March 1970, Parker, his brother Melvin, and a few of Brown’s band members left to establish the band ‘Maceo & All the King’s Men,’ which toured for two years. In January 1973, Maceo Parker rejoined James Brown’s group, but then in 1975 Parker and some of Brown’s band members, including Fred Wesley, (see also best songs 850-612 and 88) left to join George Clinton’s band Parliament-Funkadelic. Maceo Parker once again re-joined James Brown from 1984 to 1988. In the 1990’s Maceo Parker started a solo career, he has currently released 16 Albums under his own name between 1970-2012, and appeared as ‘sideman’ on numerous Albums between 1964-2009. In 2013, Maceo Parker published his autobiography, ‘98% Funky Stuff: My Life in Music.’

Melvin Parker (see also best songs 880 and 88) was born on June 7th, 1944, also in Kinston, North Carolina, United States, he died on December 3rd, 2021, at the age of 77. His drumming style was a major ingredient in James Brown’s ‘Funk’ music innovations in the 1960’s. In 2004 James Brown said, ‘The greatest drummer I ever had in my life was Melvin Parker, nobody ever did that. Nobody. And they can’t do it now. And if I was getting ready to cut a record that was right, I would go get Melvin today, because he’s just like a metronome.’ In 1970, Melvin Parker left James Brown’s group and joined his brother Maceo’s band, ‘Maceo & All the King’s Men.’ He rejoined James Brown in 1976 for the recording of the ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ Album.

‘When I hold you in my arms I know that I can do no wrong, and when I hold you in my arms my love can’t do me no harm.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

271-Camisra-Let Me Show You.

1998-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 4.13. It is said by some, that the anticipation during the build up to this songs ‘drop’ is even better than sex. I suppose it depends on what kind of equipment you are lucky enough to have.

‘Camisra’ is one of the stage names used by Paul Newman, who was born in Blackpool, England, on May 5th, 1971. I was rather hoping that the word ‘Camisra’ would have had an exciting or mysterious meaning to go alongside such a wonderful song, but it appears it is no more than just a made up word. Newman is probably better known by his original stage name of ‘Tall Paul,’ (due to his height, he stands around six foot and six inches) a name he began using in 1994, and still does at the time of writing, but he also used ‘Camisra’ for that project between 1998-1999.

Tall Paul started his career in music in 1985 at ‘Turnmills’ nightclub in Clerkenwell, London, England, which was owned by his father John Newman. After perfecting his craft he has gone on to headline events around the world including in America, and Europe. His breakthrough as a music producer came in 1997 when as Tall Paul his first single release ‘Rock Da House’ reached Number 12 in the UK. As Tall Paul he has released a further five singles between 1997-2005, with a remix of ‘Rock Da House’ making Number 29 in 2001, and ‘Precious Heart’ reaching Number 14 in the same year. Newman has also charted twice in the UK using the name ‘Escrima,’ with ‘Train of Thought’ (1995-Number 36) and ‘Deeper’ (1995- Number 27.) Under the name ‘Partizan’ his song ‘Drive Me Crazy’ reached Number 36 in 1997, and in 1999 he also recorded using the name ‘Grifters.’ His biggest chart success was achieved with this song which peaked at Number 5 in the UK in February 1998, it also made Number 19 in Ireland, and Number 53 in Holland. As Camisra, Newman has issued a further two tracks, ‘Feel the Beat’ which was the follow up single to ‘Let Me Show You,’ reached Number 32 in 1998, and ‘Clap Your Hands’ made Number 34 in 1999. His best known remixes for others include, The Original ‘I Luv U Baby,’ (1995) Liquid ‘Sweet Harmony,’ (1992) and The Stone Roses’ ‘Fools Gold ’95’ (1995.)

‘Let Me Show You’ was the first of three singles released by Paul Newman using the name ‘Camisra, and should be filed under the genre of ‘House Music.’ The genre was created in Chicago, Illinois, United States, in the early 1980’s, and took over from the ‘Disco’ music of the late 1970’s. While Disco was associated with live orchestration, House music incorporated sounds produced by synthesizers, and electronic drum machines. There are various explanations as to where the name ‘House’ music originated, with some stating it got it’s name from the ‘Warehouse’ nightclub which existed in Chicago from 1977-1983. The American DJ and music producer Frankie Knuckles (1955-2014) who was known as the ‘Godfather of House’ has said that the first time he heard the term House music was upon seeing ‘we play house music’ on a sign in the window of a bar on Chicago’s South Side. One of the people with Knuckles joked ‘You know that’s the kind of music you play down at the Warehouse.’

‘House’ is a genre of Electronic Dance Music that is characterised by a repetitive ‘four-on-the-floor’ beat with a typical tempo of 115–130 beats per minute. It was created by DJ’s and music producers from Chicago’s underground club culture and evolved slowly in the early to mid 1980’s as DJ’s began altering Disco songs to give them a more mechanical beat. By early 1988, House music had entered the mainstream and became part of late 1980’s ‘Pop.’ The term ‘four-on-the-floor,’ or ‘four-to-the-floor’ is a rhythm used primarily in dance genres such as ‘Disco’ and ‘Electronic Dance Music.’ It is a steady, uniformly accented beat, in which the bass drum is hit on every beat (1, 2, 3, 4.) This was popularised in the Disco music of the 1970’s, and the term ‘four-on-the-floor’ was widely used in that era since the beat was played with the pedal-operated, drum-kit bass drum.

House music was created and pioneered by DJ’s and producers in Chicago such as Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, (1958-1992) Steve ‘Silk’ Hurley, (see also best songs 935) Farley “Jackmaster” Funk, (see also best songs 981) Marshall Jefferson, and others. House music initially expanded to New York City, then internationally to cities such as London, and ultimately became a worldwide phenomenon. House music has a large influence on ‘Pop’ music, especially Dance music. It was incorporated into works by major international artists including Whitney Houston, (1963-2012) (see also best songs 704) Mariah Carey, (see also best songs 822) Janet Jackson, (see also best songs 679) Madonna, (see also best songs 774 and 587) Pet Shop Boys, (see also best songs 871 and 378) Kylie Minogue (see also best songs 928) and Lady Gaga, (see also best songs 363) and has produced many mainstream hits such as ‘Pump Up the Jam’ by Technotronic, (see also best songs 424) ‘French Kiss’ by Lil Louis, (see also best songs 922) and ‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S (see also best songs 994.) Many House music DJ’s also did and continue to do remixes for a wide range of Pop artists. House music has remained popular on the radio and in clubs, while retaining a foothold on the underground scenes across the world.

‘Let me show you what I’m capable of. Honey, would you just give me the chance by doing something you won’t ever believe.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

272-Fats Domino-Blueberry Hill.

1956-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.11. In 1969 Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) said, ‘A lot of people seem to think I started this business, but ‘Rock N’ Roll’ was here a long time before I came along. Let’s face it I can’t sing like Fats Domino can, I know that.’

Fats Domino (see also best songs 617) was born Antoine Caliste Dominique Jr. on February 26th, 1928, in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States, he died of natural causes on October 24th, 2017, at the age of 89. Although Fats Domino is considered to be one of the leading lights in the development of Rock N’ Roll in the 1950’s, he was never convinced that Rock N’ Roll was a new genre. In 1957 he said, ‘What they call Rock N’ Roll now is Rhythm and Blues. I’ve been playing it for 15 years in New Orleans.’ Music critics writing for the ‘Rolling Stone’ magazine have backed up this statement by stating that ‘All Fifties rockers, black and white, country born, and city bred, were fundamentally influenced by ‘R&B,’ the black popular music of the late Forties and early Fifties.’

The discography of Fats Domino who has sold in excess of 65 million records, with five of his songs including ‘Blueberry Hill’ selling over one million copies, includes 25 studio Albums released between 1956-2006, and 96 singles released between 1949-1985, there are also 32 official compilation Albums, and 20 live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 36 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Blueberry Hill’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1956, while 58 of his singles have made the Billboard ‘Rhythm and Blues’ chart, which is currently known as the ‘Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, with nine of those tracks including ‘Blueberry Hill, all reaching the Number 1 position. In the UK, Fats Domino has had 16 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Blueberry Hill’ peaking the highest at Number 6.

‘Blueberry Hill’ was the third of four singles released from ‘This Is Fats Domino!’ the third studio Album released by Fats Domino, from December 1956. ‘Blueberry Hill’ was co-written by Vincent Rose, (1880-1944) (music) Larry Stock, (1896-1984) (lyrics) and Al Lewis, (1901-1967) (lyrics) with the production being by Dave Bartholomew, (1918-2019) (see also best songs 617) who was a long time collaborator with Fats Domino, but had reservations about recording ‘Blueberry Hill,’ stating that it had been done too many times already, he can be heard playing the trumpet on the track. ‘Blueberry Hill’ was recorded several times in 1940, with the original version being by the Sammy Kaye (1910-1987) Orchestra, with vocals by Tommy Ryan, (1921-2007) recorded on May 31st. The most successful version prior to Fats Domino was recorded by the Glenn Miller Orchestra, (see also best songs 808-321 and 146) which reached Number 2 on the American chart in 1940, with vocals by Ray Eberle (1919-1979.) In 1949 Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) recorded a version which reached Number 29 on Billboard, and it was Armstrong’s recording that inspired Fats Domino to record it in 1956. Another notable recording was made in 1941 by the American singer and actor Gene Autry, (1907-1998) who also sang it in the 1941 western movie ‘The Singing Hill.’

Vincent Rose who wrote the music for ‘Blueberry Hill’ was born Vincenzo Cacioppo, on June 13th, 1880, in Palermo, Italy, he died on May 20th, 1944, at the age of 63. Vincent Rose who was a violinist, pianist, composer, and bandleader achieved great success in the 1920’s with his ‘Montmartre Orchestra,’ recording for ‘RCA.’ The same personnel later recorded for the ‘Columbia’ label as the ‘Hollywood Orchestra.’ After leaving California, he settled in New York, but continued to record as ‘Vincent Rose and His Orchestra,’ for various labels throughout the 1930’s. Rose was a prolific songwriter, having published well over 200 songs, most notably ‘Avalon’ in 1921, which was a big hit for Al Jolson, (1886-1950) (see also best songs 310) who also wrote that songs lyrics.

The lyrics for ‘Blueberry Hill’ were co-written by Larry Stock, and Al Lewis. Larry Stock was born Lazarus Goldberger, on December 4th, 1896, in Manhattan, New York City, United States, he died on May 4th, 1984, at the age of 87. At 12 years old he was accepted by the ‘Institute of Musical Art’ in New York, which later became the ‘Juilliard School.’ After graduating at 16 years old he continued his studies at the ‘City College of New York.’ Larry Stock’s other best known songs include the Dean Martin (1917-1995) hit ‘You’re Nobody till Somebody Loves You,’ (1964-Billboard Number 25) and ‘Morning Side of the Mountain,’ a hit for Tommy Edwards, (1959-Billboard Number 27) and Donny & Marie Osmond (1974-Billboard Number 8 & UK Number 5.) Larry Stock who was posthumously inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame’ in 1998. was a second cousin of Jerry Wexler (1917-2008) (see also best songs 882-644-530 and 475.) Al Lewis was born Alvin Lewis on April 18th, 1901, in New York City, United States, he died on April 4th, 1967, at the age of 65. His other best known songs include, ‘You Gotta Be a Football Hero,’ (1933) which has become one of the most widely recorded and performed American football anthems of all time, and ‘Tears on My Pillow,’ first recorded by Little Anthony and the Imperials, (1958-Billboard Number 4) and covered by Kylie Minogue, who took her version to Number 1 in the UK in 1990.

‘Blueberry Hill’ is a song about lost love, the narrator has fond memories of his time with his partner on Blueberry Hill, but now he is alone, and sadly reminiscing.

‘The wind in the willows played love’s sweet melody, but all of those vows you made were never to be. Though we’re apart you’re part of me still, for you were my thrill on Blueberry Hill.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

273-The Damned-New Rose.

1976-It failed to chart on it’s initial release, but did make Number 81 when re-issued in 1986.

Best Bit-At 0.19. This song is generally accepted as the very first British Punk Rock single.

The Damned were formed in London, England, in 1976 by Dave Vanian. (born David Lett) (lead vocals) Brian James, (1955-2025) (born Brian Robertson) (bass guitar) Captain Sensible, (born Raymond Ian Burns) (guitar) (see also best songs 833) and Rat Scabies (born Christopher John Millar) (drums.) Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies had all previously been members of ‘Masters of the Backside’ who were an early Punk Rock Band managed by Malcolm McLaren, (1946-2010) (see also best songs 751-576-92 and 27) another member of that group was Chrissie Hynde, who would later go on to be the lead singer of The Pretenders. Prior to joining The Damned, Brian James had been a member of the Pub Rock outfit ‘London SS,’ whose other members included Mick Jones, who went on to form The Clash, and Big Audio Dynamite, (see also best songs 867-638 and 294) and Tony James who would join the Punk band ‘Chelsea,’ before finding further success with Generation X, and Sigue Sigue Sputnik (see also best songs 163.) In total there have been 21 official members of The Damned come and go, and at the time of writing they remain active, with David Vanian being the bands one constant. The Damned started out life as a leading light in the fledgling Punk Rock scene, but over the course of time they also became recognised as one of the first ‘Gothic’ Rock bands, with lead singer Dave Vanian’s baritone singing, dark lyrics, and vampire-themed costume, being a major influence on the Goth subculture.

The discography of The Damned includes 12 studio Albums released between 1977-2023, and 48 singles released between 1976-2023, there are also five extended plays, (EP’s) four box sets, 28 official compilation Albums, and 22 live Albums available. In the UK, nine of their singles have reached the top 40, with their 1986 cover version of ‘Eloise’ (see also best songs 515) peaking the highest at Number 3. ‘New Rose’ failed to chart in the UK when first released in 1976, and was later re-issued as the follow up single to ‘Eloise’ in 1986, and this time it peaked at Number 81. The only one of their releases to chart in America on Billboard is their 1987 single ‘Alone Again Or,’ which reached Number 50 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

‘New Rose’ was the first of two singles released from ‘Damned Damned Damned,’ which was the debut studio Album released by The Damned from February 1977, the song was written by Brian James, with the production being by Nick Lowe. ‘New Rose’ is considered to be the first British ‘Punk Rock’ single, from the first full length Album released by a British Punk group. The majority of the Album, and ‘New Rose’ was written by Brian James who would also write the bands second Album ‘Music for Pleasure,’ before leaving the band at the end of 1977. Brian James was born Brian Robertson on February 18th, 1955, in Hammersmith, London, England, he died on March 6th, 2025, at the age of 70, the cause of death has not been shared. After leaving The Damned in 1977, he would go on to release five solo Albums, six solo singles, and one extended play (EP) between 1990-2017, he also released music as a member of ‘Tanz Der Youth,’ ‘Lords of the New Church,’ ‘Dripping Lips,’ and the ‘Racketeers.’

‘New Rose’ was produced by Nick Lowe, who was born Nicholas Drain Lowe on March 24th, 1949, in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, England, he is a singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. As a music producer Nick Lowe earned himself the nickname ‘Basher,’ which was inspired by his supposed instructions to bands to ‘bash it out, we’ll tart it up later.’ In 1976 he became an in house music producer at ‘Stiff Records,’ which was where he teamed up with The Damned.’ He also produced the first five studio Albums by Elvis Costello between 1977-1981, including the single ‘Oliver’s Army’ (see also best songs 836.) Nick Lowe has released 14 solo studio Albums between 1978-2024, and 23 singles between 1976-2011. In the UK he has had three top 40 solo hit singles, with ‘I Love the Sound of Breaking Glass’ peaking the highest at Number 7 in 1978. He has written songs that have been hits for others, including (‘What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,’ for Elvis Costello, ‘I Knew the Bride (When She Used to Rock ’n’ Roll’) for Dave Edmunds, (1977-UK Number 26) and ‘Milk and Alcohol’ for Dr Feelgood (1979-UK Number 9.)

At the very start of ‘New Rose’ David Vanian says ‘Is she really going out with him,’ this is a tribute to the ‘Shrangri-Las’ 1964 classic ‘Leader of the Pack’ (see also best songs 833.) ‘New Rose’ is about the emergence of a new scene, a new fashion, a new culture, and of course a new genre of music that was happening in 1976, which was to be coined ‘Punk Rock,’ a term previously used by American Rock critics in the early 1970’s to describe the mid-1960’s ‘Garage’ bands. Brian James has explained the songs meaning, ‘Everyone thinks New Rose is about a girl or a new relationship, but it’s not. It was about this emerging scene, this lovely buzz that you’d never dreamed could possibly happen. It was like, I’d got my own Swinging 60’s, that sorta vibe.’

‘I got a feeling inside of me, it’s kind of strange like a stormy sea. I don’t know why, I don’t know why, I guess these things have got to be.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

274-Charles Trenet-La Mer.

1946-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 2.28. ‘La Mer’ has been recorded in several different languages, in Italy it is ‘II Mare,’ while in Belgium it is ‘De Zee.’ German speaking countries call it ‘Das Meer,’ in Russia it is known as ‘Volna,’ and in English speaking countries it is called ‘Beyond The Sea.’

‘La Mer’ (in English the sea) was written by the French singer/songwriter Charles Trenet, who was born Louis Charles Augustin Georges Trenet on May 18th, 1913, in Narbonne, Occitanie, France, he died after suffering a second stroke on February 19th, 2001, at the age of 87. Trenet is one of France’s most celebrated artists, who wrote nearly 1000 songs, his other most notable compositions include ‘Boum!’ from 1938, and ‘Que reste-t-il de nos amours?’ from 1942. Several of his songs had unconventional subject matter, with whimsical imagery bordering on the surreal, for example ‘Y’a d’la joie’ (1937) evokes joy through a series of disconnected images, including that of a subway car shooting out of its tunnel into the air, the Eiffel Tower crossing the street, and a baker making excellent bread. Many of his hits from the 1930’s and 1940’s combine the melodic and verbal nuances of French song with American swing rhythms. At the start of World War II, Charles Trenet was called up. Like many other artistes of the time, he chose to entertain the occupying forces rather than sacrifice his career. He agreed, when asked by the Germans, to sing for French prisoners of war in Germany. During the Épuration légale (‘legal purge’), the wave of official trials that followed the Liberation of France and the fall of the Vichy Regime, a court examined whether Trenet was guilty of collaboration. The inquiry resulted in a reprimand, without any other consequences. After the end of World War II Trenet moved to the United States where he lived for a few years, and where he quickly became a success. After a few concerts at the ‘Bagdad’ in New York City, he became a big star and was approached by Hollywood. He met Louis Armstrong (1901-1971) (see also best songs 1039-767-286-231 and 100) and began a long lasting friendship with Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) (see also best songs 327.) Charles Trenet received four of France’s most prestigious honours and awards, including the highest, the ‘National Order of the Legion of Honour,’ (French: Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur [ɔʁdʁ nɑsjɔnal də la leʒjɔ̃ dɔnœʁ] in 1998. In 2017, a service centre on the A9 autoroute between Narbonne and Béziers was renamed in his honour. It contains an exhibition evoking his life and work, and sculptures by Pascale, and Thierry Delorme.

Charles Trenet said that he wrote the lyrics in the form of a poem to ‘La Mer’ in 1929 at the age of 16, but didn’t come up with the melody until 1943 when he was travelling by train between Montpellier and Perpignan His inspiration came as he was gazing out the window at the ‘Etang de Thau, a lagoon in the South of France. Trenet took his ideas to Leo Chauliac (1913-1977) a Jazz pianist who Trenet was working with at that time, and further input was provided by Albert Lasry (1903-1975) who also produced Trenet’s own recording of the song in 1946.

Charles Trenet wrote ‘La Mer’ as an ode to the sea, but the English language lyrics which were written by Jack Laurence are about a couple who are separated by the sea, and the narrator lives in hope that one day they will be reunited. Jack Laurence was born Jacob Louis Schwartz on April 7th, 1912, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died after a fall at his home on March 16th, 2009, at the age of 96. Other notable songs written by Laurence include ‘If I Didn’t Care,’ (see also best songs 266) recorded by the Ink Spots, and ‘Linda,’ a 1947 Billboard Number 1 for Ray Noble & Buddy Clark. Jack Laurence wrote ‘Linda’ in 1942, taking the name from the then one year old daughter of his attorney, Lee Eastman (1910-1991.) The Linda in question would grow up to be the future wife of Paul McCartney, Linda Eastman (1941-1998) (see also best songs 646 and 107.)

‘La Mer’ is a ‘Chanson,’ which is generally any lyric-driven French song. It was first recorded by Roland Gerbeau (1919-2012) with Jo Bouillon (1908-1984) and His Orchestra in 1945, Charles Trenet made his first recording of the song a year later. Over the years the song has become a Chanson, and Jazz standard, and has been recorded hundreds of times. The most famous and successful English language version is the recording by Bobby Darin. (1936-1973) (see also best songs 43.) The English version is known as ‘Beyond the Sea,’ and became Darin’s signature song after reaching Number 6 on Billboard, and Number 8 in the UK in 1960. Prior to Bobby Darin charting with the song it had been a hit twice before in instrumental form, for Benny Goodman (1909-1986) in 1948, and for Roger Williams (1924-2011) in 1956, when reaching Number 37 on Billboard. It is reckoned that ‘La Mer’ has more than 4,000 different recordings of it, with over 70 million copies sold in total. The song is considered to be France’s best selling song, together with Édith Piaf’s (1915-1963) (see also best songs) (see also best songs 178) ‘La Vie en rose.’

‘La mer qu’on voit danser le long des golfes clairs a des reflets d’argent.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

275-Coldplay-Yellow.

2000-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 1.50. Chris Martin is very well known for being coy, and for also teasing interviewers when it comes to explaining his songs meanings, but it is probably safe to say this ones not about The Simpsons.

Coldplay were formed in London, England, in 1996 by Chris Martin, (vocals and piano) Jonny Buckland, (guitar) Guy Berryman, (bass) and Will Champion, (drums) the bands former manager, and creative director Phil Harvey is considered a fifth group member. Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland first met each other in September 1996 while studying at University College London, where using the name ‘Big Fat Noises’ they began to write songs together. It was in 1998 that Guy Berryman, and then Will Champion, who were also students at University College London would join forces with Martin and Buckland, and perform as a quartet, this time using the name ‘Starfish.’ Prior to releasing their first EP (extended play) called ‘Safety’ which had been financed by Phil Harvey in May 1998, the band finally settled on the name ‘Coldplay,’ which was suggested to them by another student called Tim Crompton, who had been contemplating using the name for a group of his own. The name was taken from the book ‘Child’s Reflections, Cold Play,’ by the author Philip Horky. With sales in excess of 100 million Albums, Coldplay are the best selling act of the 21st Century worldwide, and amongst the best selling artists of all time. They are also the first group in ‘Spotify’ history to reach 90 million monthly listeners. In the UK they have three of the 50 best selling Albums, and the distinction of being the most played group of the 21st Century on British media. The band have received numerous accolades throughout their career, becoming the most awarded and nominated group of all time at the ‘Brit Awards,’ with nine victories from their 32 nominations, they have also won seven ‘Grammy Awards,’ from 39 nominations.

The discography of Coldplay includes 10 studio Albums released between 2000-2024, and 43 singles released between 1999-2024, there are also 18 extended plays, (EP’s) 12 official compilation Albums, and six live Albums available. In the UK all 10 of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 29 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘Paradise,’ (2011) both making Number 1. In America on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart, five of their studio Albums have reached Number 1, while 15 of their singles have made the ‘Billboard Hot 100’ top 40, with ‘Viva la Vida,’ (2008) and ‘My Universe’ featuring the South Korean ‘K-Pop’ boy band ‘BTS,’ (2021) both reaching Number 1.

‘Yellow’ was the first of four singles released from ‘Parachutes,’ the debut studio Album from Coldplay, from July 2000. The song was co-written by all four members of Coldplay, with the production credited to Coldplay and Ken Nelson, who was born on February 6th, 1959, in Liverpool, England. Nelson’s first major success was working on the debut studio Album ‘Bring It On,’ by the English Indie Rock group Gomez in 1998, he has also worked on three studio Albums by Coldplay, as well as engineering or producing for others including Badly Drawn Boy, Feeder, and Paolo Nutini. He has won three ‘Grammy Awards,’ two ‘Mercury Music Prizes,’ and was ‘Music Week’ magazine’s ‘Producer of the Year’ in 2003.

Chris Martin was born Christopher Anthony John Martin, on March 2nd, 1977, in Exeter, Devon, England. Away from Coldplay, Chris Martin has written or co-written for other artists including ‘Gravity’ for Embrace, (2004-UK Number 7) ‘See It in a Boy’s Eyes’ for Jamelia, (2004-UK Number 5) ‘All Good Things (Come to an End’) for Nelly Furtado, (2006-UK Number 4) and also for many others. In 2012 Chris Martin revealed that he had been suffering from tinnitus since his early adult years, as a result, he wears specially filtered earplugs or customised in-ear monitors while performing, and has encouraged his fellow band members to do the same as a preventive measure. Coldplay donate 10% from all of their profits to charity. The fund is held in a bank account that none of the band members can access. They have endorsed over 30 organisations over the years, including ‘Amnesty International,’ ‘Migrant Offshore Aid Station,’ and ‘Global Citizen Festival.’

Probably being bored with being asked the same question every time when interviewed, Chris Martin has admitted to giving several different explanations as to what ‘Yellow’ means. He told one interviewer that he got the idea from the book that happened to be nearest him when writing the song, it was the UK telephone directory, which is named ‘Yellow Pages,’ Martin has also said that the lyrics are about being devoted to someone, wanting to do anything for them. ‘Writing a song for them, swimming across the sea for them. It’s not necessarily a romantic devotion, but could be about someone that you look up to and would do anything for, a brotherly love.’

‘Look at the stars, look how they shine for you, and everything you do, yeah, they were all yellow. I came along, I wrote a song for you and all the things you do, and it was called yellow.’