THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

670-The Jam-The Eton Rifles.

1979-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 2.58. A song about class war, from a class act.

The Jam (see also best songs 94 and 59) were formed as far back as 1972 at ‘Sheerwater Secondary School,’ in Woking, Surrey, England, by the classic line up of Paul Weller, (vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, and keyboards) and Rick Buckler, (drums, and percussion) Bruce Foxton, (vocals, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and backing vocals) would join them in 1974. Between 1972-1976 there were five other group members, but it was the aforementioned three members who would stay the course, until The Jam split in 1982. Following the parting of the ways, Paul Weller went on to form ‘The Style Council’ in 1983, and then pursue a solo career from 1989.

Bruce Douglas Foxton was born on September 1st, 1955, in Woking, England, he is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Following the break up of The Jam, Foxton released his solo debut studio Album ‘Touch Sensitive,’ in 1984, which stalled at Number 68 on the UK Album chart. There were four singles released off of the Album, with ‘Freak,’ reaching Number 23 on the UK top 40, prior to the Albums release in 1983. Bruce Foxton has gone on to release a further three studio Albums between 2012-2017, and a total of seven singles, issued between 1983-2012. Between 1985-1986, Foxton once again joined forces with Rick Butler to form the short lived ‘Alternative Rock’ group ‘Sharp,’ along with Jimmy Edwards (1949-2015) on vocals. The trio issued two singles in 1986, and there was a compilation Album issued in 2002. In 1991 Foxton became an official member of the Northern Irish group ‘Stiff Little Fingers,’ with whom he would remain with for the next 15 years, playing on all of their final six studio Albums. In 2007, Foxton once again teamed up with Rick Butler, and members of Butler’s ‘Jam tribute band,’ ‘The Gift,’ to form ‘From the Jam.’ who at the time of writing remain active. Bruce Foxton sang lead vocals on two of the Jam’s hit singles, ‘News of the World,’ (1978-UK Number 27) and ‘David Watts,’ (1978-UK Number 25) he also wrote a number of The Jam’s recordings, including ‘News of the World,’ and ‘Smithers-Jones,’ which was issued as the ‘B’ side to ‘When You’re Young’ (1979-UK Number 17.) ‘Smithers-Jones,’ was later reworked with strings for ‘Setting Sons,’ the fourth studio Album by The Jam, from 1979.

‘The Eton Rifles’ was the only single released from The Jam’s fourth studio Album ‘Setting Sons,’ from November 1979, the song was written by Paul Weller, with the production credited to Vic Coppersmith-Heaven, (see also best songs 384 and 59) and The Jam. ‘The Eton Rifles’ which gave The Jam their first UK top 10 single, was the only one of their 18 singles to not have an official promotional music video recorded.

‘The Eton Rifles,’ like many of Paul Weller’s songs from around that time, is about the political happenings of that era.The lyrics recount the difficulties faced by the working class, in protesting against a system seen by Weller as being unjust. ‘The Eton Rifles’ tells of a street battle that Paul Weller had read about in a newspaper concerning a ‘rights to march’ through Slough in 1978, breaking off to attack pupils from the elite public school ‘Eton College,’ who had been jeering the lunchtime marchers. Paul Weller got the idea for the song after reading about a march in the June 17, 1978 edition of ‘The Socialist Worker’ newspaper. The article read, ‘Eton had never seen anything like it. ‘Right to Work’ marchers met ‘Rock Against Racism’ punks weaving through the streets of Eton behind ‘Crisis,’ a band pounding out driving Rock music from the back of a lorry. Two movements coming together outside Eton public school, heart of privilege and pomp. The chants, ‘Annihilate the National Front,’ fake upper-class accents, ‘What does one want – the Right to Work,’ ‘Eton boys rather naughty, Liverpool boys rather good.’ Pogoing in protest, as a giant silver spoon is presented to the Eton Head Boy. ‘I hope your jolly campaign gets you somewhere,’ he said.’ Paul Weller has said, ‘There was a lot of class hatred in my songs at the time. Eton Rifles would be an obvious example of that we used to go on Sunday drives with my uncle, and we’d drive through Eton, and I remember seeing the young chaps.,’

‘The Eton Rifles’ has some very clever lyrics. The opening line, ‘Sup up your beer and collect your fags, there’s a row going on down near Slough,’ is a cheeky way to start the song, as the word ‘fag,’ has a double meaning in England. It can be another word for ‘cigarettes,’ but an Eton schoolboy would more likely interpret it as a slang term for a young public schoolboy, who must perform chores for an older student.

‘Thought you were smart when you took them on, but you didn’t take a peep in their artillery room. All that rugby puts hairs on your chest, what chance have you got against a tie and a crest.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

671-Drowning Pool-Bodies.

2001-Number 34 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. The Mosh Pit is their church, this is where they heal their hurts.

Drowning Pool are a Alternative, Metal, Nu Metal, Hard Rock, and Post-Grunge group, who were formed in Dallas, Texas, United States, in 1996, and at the time of writing they remain active. Drowning Pool were formed by the groups two constants C. J. Pierce (guitars) and Mike Luce, (drums) and were soon joined by Stevie Benton, (bass) who is also still a group member. Drowning Pool who took their name from the 1975 American thriller film ‘The Drowning Pool,’ starring Paul Newman, performed only instrumentals until the arrival of the vocalist Dave Williams (1972-2002) in 1999. Williams who sang lead vocals on ‘Bodies,’ was found dead in the groups tour bus in Manassas, Virginia, on August 14th, 2002, with an autopsy establishing that he had died from hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, (heart disease) which had been undiagnosed until his death, he was 30 years old. Since the death of Williams, the group have used a further three lead vocalists, Jason Jones, between 2003–2005, Ryan McCombs, between 2005–2011, and then again in 2023 to the present, and Jason Moreno, from 2003-2005.

The discography of Drowning Pool includes seven studio Albums released between 2002-2022, and 20 singles released between 2001-2022, there are also two extended plays, and one official live Album available. In America on Billboard their first two studio Albums reached the top 20, while none of their singles have made the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, although 16 of their tracks have reached the Billboard ‘Mainstream Rock’ chart, with ‘Feel Like I Do,’ peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2010. In the UK, ‘Bodies,’ remains their only charting single to date, reaching Number 34 in 2001.

‘Bodies’ was the first of three singles released from Drowning Pool’s debut studio Album ‘Sinner,’ from June 2001. It was the groups guitarist C. J. Pierce who came up with the songs riff, and it was Dave Williams who wrote the lyrics, but all four group members at that time officially receive the song writing credits. ‘Bodies,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Sinner,’ was produced by the American music producer, and engineer, Jay Baumgardner, who since 1989 has worked with other artists, including ‘Bush,’ ‘Ugly Kid Joe,’ and ‘Alien Ant Farm.’ Dave Williams has spoken about ‘Bodies,’ ‘CJ came up with the riff, and I thought that was cool, and I said, ‘Let the bodies hit the floor,’ and they looked at me and said, ‘That’s pretty cool.’ We just built it around that hook and the rest fell in place. It’s about my perspective when I look out and see the pit. It’s about forgetting everything that has happened to you that week, leave your bull..it at the door and get it all out. But you have to have respect for the others in the pit. If you push them down, you have to pick them back up. I’m not going to get behind the violence thing, it is violent, but there is a certain amount of respect and a code.’

The ‘Mosh Pit’ has a fascinating history. ‘Moshing’ which is also known as ‘slam dancing,’ or simply ‘slamming,’ is an extreme style of dancing, in which participants push or slam into each other. Taking place in an area called the mosh pit, or simply the pit, it is typically performed to aggressive styles of live music, such as ‘Punk Rock,’ and ‘Heavy Metal.’ The direct predecessor to moshing was the ‘Pogo,’ which was a style of dance done in the 1970’s English ‘Punk Rock’ scene, in which the crowds members would jump up and down while holding their arms beside them. According to the 2000 ‘rockumentary’ film ‘The Filth and the Fury,’ the ‘Pogo’ was invented by the Sex Pistols (see also best songs 576-92 and 27) bassist Sid Vicious (1957-1979) in 1976. ‘Moshing’ became popular with fans of other musical genres over the years, entering ‘Hip-Hop’ in the mid 1980’s, during live performances by the Beastie Boys, (see also best songs 610) leading to other ‘Hip-Hop’ artists such as Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) and Ice-T witnessing similar scenes. ‘Moshing’ has also crossed over in to ‘Electronic Dance Music,’ following the Prodigy’s (see also best songs 925 and 151) live performance at the ‘Endfest’ music festival in Seattle, Washington, in 1996.

‘Skin against skin, blood and bone, you’re all by yourself, but you’re not alone. You wanted in, and now you’re here, driven by hate, consumed by fear. Let the bodies hit the floor.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

672-Sonny & Cher-I Got You Babe.

1965-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. Groundhog Day.

Sonny Bono was born Salvatore Phillip Bono, on February 16th, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, he died on January 5th, 1998, of injuries incurred when he hit a tree, while skiing at the ‘Heavenly Mountain Resort,’ in South Lake Tahoe, California, United States, at the age of 62. The epitaph on Bono’s headstone reads ‘AND THE BEAT GOES ON.’ His mother who was of Italian descent, called him ‘Sono,’ as a term of endearment, which evolved over time into ‘Sonny.’

Sonny Bono began his music career as a songwriter at ‘Specialty Records,’ before going on to work, initially as a ‘gofer’ for the legendary Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-737-262-192-127-91 and 20) in the early 1960’s. Sonny Bono’s first major success as a songwriter was co-writing ‘Needles and Pins,’ initially a Number 1 hit in Canada for Jackie De Shannon, (1963) and then a Number 1 hit in the UK for The Searchers (1964.) Bono had first met Cher in a Los Angeles coffee shop in 1962, and recommended her to Phil Spector, who initially employed her as a session singer. Among the classic songs that Cher sang backing vocals on, include ‘Be My Baby,’ (see also best songs 127) for The Ronettes, and ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin,” (see also best songs 782) for the Righteous Brothers. Soon after meeting, Sonny & Cher began a romantic relationship, alongside their working relationship, and they married in 1964, and remained married until their divorce in 1975. Between 1971-1974, Sonny & Cher starred in the ‘CBS’ television variety show, ‘The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.’ Their last appearance together was on the ‘Late Night with David Letterman’ television talk show, on November 13th, 1987, on which they sang an unrehearsed, and unscheduled rendition of ‘I Got You Babe.’ After separating from Cher, Sonny Bono went on to be an actor in many films, and television series, such as ‘Fantasy Island,’ and ‘Charlie’s Angels.’ Films that he appeared in include, ‘Troll,’ (1986) and ‘Hairspray’ (1988.) During the mid 1980’s Sonny Bono entered politics, becoming the 16th ‘Mayor of Palm Springs,’ between 1988-1992, and then becoming the ‘Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from California’s 44th district,’ from 1995, until his death in 1998.

The discography of Sonny & Cher includes five studio Albums released between 1965-1973, and 23 singles issued between 1964-1973, there is also one soundtrack Album, two live Albums, and eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, 11 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Got You Babe’ making the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, they have had eight top 40 hits, with ‘I Got You Babe’, also peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘I Got You Babe’ was the second of three singles singles released from the debut studio Album ‘Look at Us,’ by Sonny & Cher, from August 1965, and was written and produced by Sonny Bono. Bono was somewhat inspired to write the song after hearing Bob Dylan’s 1964 song ‘It Ain’t Me Babe,’ Bono wrote ‘I Got You Babe,’ with his own opposite sentiment, using for that period the unusual song lyric ‘Babe.’ ‘I Got You Babe’ was recorded with some of the top session musicians of the era, including members of ‘The Wrecking Crew.’

‘I Got You Babe’ became a Number 1 single again in the UK in 1985, when covered by the British Reggae band ‘UB40,’ (see also best songs 537 and 173) with guest female vocals provided by the American singer Chrissie Hynde, their version also reached Number 28 on Billboard in America. In 1993 Cher re-recorded ‘I Got You Babe’ with the American animated characters ‘Beavis and Butt-Head’ for the compilation comedy Album ‘The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience.’ The song met with critical acclaim, and charted in the UK at Number 35. Other significant covers of the song are from David Bowie, (1947-2016) and Marianne Faithfull, who recorded a live version for the 1973 television special, ‘The 1980 Floor Show,’ for the musical variety series ‘The Midnight Special.’ In 1968 the American singer Etta James (1938-2012) recorded a ‘Funky’ version of ‘Got You Babe,’ which reached Number 69 on Billboard, and was then used in 2020 in a ‘Walmart commercial.’

‘I Got You Babe’ was notably used in the 1993 film ‘Groundhog Day,’ starring Bill Murray, where his character is awakened to the song every morning at precisely 6.00.a.m. on the alarm clock in his hotel room. The movie has grown a cult following over the years, with fans getting together to watch the film every February 2nd, and because of this, ‘I Got You Babe’ has become part of the ‘Groundhog Day’ tradition.

‘I got flowers in the spring, I got you to wear my ring, and when I’m sad, you’re a clown, and if I get scared, you’re always around.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

673-The Smiths-Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.

1984-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 1.40. The ultimate ‘Marmite’ group, with the ultimate ‘Marmite’ song.

The Smiths (see also best songs 222-167 and 42) were formed in Manchester, England, in 1982, with the classic line up comprising of Morrissey, (lead vocals, and percussion) (see also best songs 940 and 72) Johnny Marr, (guitars, piano, keyboards, and harmonica) Andy Rourke, (1964-2023) (bass) and Mike Joyce, (drums) they remained active until 1987.

‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ was the fourth single released by The Smiths, and was issued as a stand alone single, to fill the gap between their debut studio Album ‘The Smiths,’ (1984) and their follow up ‘Meat Is Murder,’ (1985) ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ would be later added to The Smiths first compilation Album ‘Hatful of Hollow’ in November 1984. The song was written by Johnny Marr, (music) and Morrissey, (lyrics) with the production being by John Porter, (see also best songs 167) ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ is also notable for marking the beginning of producer Stephen Street’s (see also best songs 940-595-464-256 and 21) working relationship with The Smiths, as the ‘in-house engineer.’

The story goes that Seymour Stein, (1942-2023) who was the co-founder of ‘Sire Records,’ and the vice president of ‘Warner Bros. Records,’ and who had already signed artists such as ‘The Ramones,’ and ‘Madonna,’ had now turned his attentions to ‘The Smiths,’ and in an attempt to persuade them to sign with him, he had bought Johnny Marr a red ‘Gibson ES-355’ guitar, on which Marr composed the music to ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.’ Marr has recalled sitting in a New York hotel room on January 2nd, 1984, and coming up with the songs riff, getting inspiration from his new guitar. After finishing ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ he then wrote one of the songs ‘B’ sides, ‘Girl Afraid’ on the same evening, and considers the two songs ‘a pair.’

The lyrics for ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ were later added by Morrissey, and have gone a long way to defining the general public’s opinion of him, as on the track he sings about being depressed, and miserable. Speaking in 2017 Morrissey said,’Years ago I sang a song called ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ and it’s like an old school uniform. People insist I wear it, but I’m really not that miserable. I’m not an unhappy person. Not in the least. I’m certainly very surprised and very pleased to still be here.’

For many years fans of The Smiths lived in hope that at sometime they might reform to play live, or even record together again, but any chance of that happening came to an end with the death of The Smiths bass player Andy Rourke in 2023. Andrew Michael Rourke was born on January 17th, 1964, in Manchester, England, and died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer, on May 19th, 2023, at the age of 59. Andy Rourke who played on all of The Smiths recordings, was regarded as one of the greatest bassists of his generation, for his ‘melodic’ and ‘Funk’ inspired approach to bass playing. Rourke had known Johnny Marr since secondary school, where they both had attended ‘St Augustine’s Grammar School,’ in Sharston, Manchester. Rourke joined The Smiths after the groups first gig in 1982, when Johnny Marr fired the original bass player Dale Hibbert. One of the main causes of The Smiths splitting up in 1987 was that Andy Rourke, and the groups drummer Mike Joyce both started legal proceedings against Morrissey and Marr over royalties. Because he was short of money due to his heroin addiction, Andy Rourke settled out of court for £83,000, and 10% of all future royalties, while relinquishing all further claims. Mike Joyce pursued his claim until 1996, and was awarded substantially more in court, believed to be around £1 million, plus 25% of The Smiths recording royalties.

Morrissey had always been a fan of the English singer Sandie Shaw, (see also best songs 902) and in all probability was inspired by the song title of her 23rd, and final single of the 1960’s, ‘Heaven Knows I’m Missing Him Now,’ which failed to chart in 1969. ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now’ references the Roman Emperor ‘Caligula,’ who ruled from AD 37 to AD 41. Caligula was infamous for his depraved sex life, and incestuous relationships with his sisters. Morrissey sings in ‘Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now,’ ‘What she asked of me at the end of the day, Caligula would have blushed.’

‘I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour but heaven knows I’m miserable now. I was looking for a job, and then I found a job, and heaven knows I’m miserable now. In my life, why do I give valuable time, to people who don’t care if I live or die’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

674-Billy Ocean-Love Really Hurts Without You.

1976-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.41. If you’re a wedding DJ, and you play this, and the crowd still wont dance, then it’s not your fault.

Billy Ocean was born Leslie Sebastian Charles, on January 21st, 1950, in Fyzabad, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2020 he was appointed ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire,’ (MBE) in recognition for his services to music. Billy Ocean who took his stage name from a local football team in his home town of Trinidad and Tobago, who called themselves ‘Oceans 11,’ emigrated with his family to Romford, Essex, England, at the age of 10, shortly before Trinidad and Tobago became independent in 1962. To say Billy Ocean wasn’t an overnight success would be an understatement, as he had struggled to make a commercial breakthrough for many years, initially issuing his first two non charting singles in 1971, and 1972, as Les Charles, and then again failing to chart as ‘Scorched Earth,’ in 1974, with a studio band.

‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ was the song which finally brought Billy Ocean commercial success in 1976, it was co-written by Billy Ocean, and Ben Findon, with the production being by Findon. ‘Love Really Hurts Without You,’ was the first of three singles released from Billy Ocean’s self titled debut studio Album from 1976. Billy Ocean has said that he was ‘The most surprised person in the world that ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ had become a hit,’ as he had got to the point where he assumed his records would be flops. Billy Ocean had written the original version of ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ several years earlier, while working as a pattern cutter, at a fashion house on Savile Row, in London. Ocean has recalled buying a piano for £23 from one of his co-workers, and teaching himself to play it. ‘The novelty of it was coming home every lunchtime and evening, and tinkling my piano, until eventually I did get something out of it, which was the song ‘Love Really Hurts Without You.’ My left hand started playing the melody, and my right hand just did some down beats, and my voice just started coming out with the opening lyric, ‘You run around town like a fool and you think that it’s groovy,’ and the song just came together there and then.’ Billy Ocean has also admitted that the songs tune was heavily influenced by the intro to the ‘Four Tops’ 1965 ‘Motown’ track ‘I Can’t Help Myself,’ and it’s 1972 cover version by Donnie Elbert (1936-1989.)

The discography of Billy Ocean includes 11 studio Albums released between 1976-2020, and 41 singles, released between 1971-2016, there are also 12 official compilation Albums available. In the UK, Billy Ocean has had 12 top 40 hit singles, with ‘When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going,’ reaching Number 1 in 1986, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has also had 12 top 40 hits, with ‘Caribbean Queen (No More Love on the Run,’) (1984) ‘There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry,’ (1986) and ‘Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car,’ (1988) all making the Number 1 spot. On Billboard ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ peaked at Number 22. In 1999 ‘When the Going Gets Tough,’ which had been co-written by Billy Ocean, became a UK Number 1 single for a second time, when covered by the Irish boy band Boyzone, for that years ‘Comic Relief’ charity single.

‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ was co-written and produced by Ben Findon, who was born Benjamin David Findon, in the United Kingdom. As a songwriter he has co-written many hit singles during the 1970’s, and 1980’s, particularly for Billy Ocean, which include ‘Red Light Spells Danger,’ (1977-UK Number 2) The Nolans, ‘I’m in the Mood For Dancing,’ (1980-UK Number 3) and The Dooleys, ‘Wanted’ (1979-UK Number 3.) Ben Findon who also produced, or co-produced all of the above tracks, was also involved as a songwriter alongside Sharon Sheeley (1940-2002) (see also best songs 422) a decade or so earlier.

‘You walk like a dream, and you make like you’re queen of the action. You’re using ev’ry trick in the book, the way that you look, you’re really something to see. You cheat and you lie, to impress any guy that you fancy, but don’t you know I’m out of my mind, so give me a sign, and help to ease the pain inside me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

675-Busta Rhymes-Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up.

1998-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. He’s a clever Trevor.

Busta Rhymes (see also best songs 841 and 210) was born Trevor George Smith Jr. on May 20th, 1972, in the East Flatbush neighbourhood of Brooklyn, New York City, United States, he was given his stage name by Chuck D of Public Enemy, (see also best songs 578 and 37) who named him after the American ‘NFL,’ and ‘CFL’ football player George ‘Buster’ Rhymes. At the age of 12, his family moved to Uniondale, New York, where for a short while he attended the ‘George Westinghouse Career and Technical Education High School,’ in Brooklyn, with the future rappers Christopher ‘The Notorious ‘B.I.G’ Wallace, (see also best songs 955 and 307) and Shawn ‘Jay-Z’ Carter (see also best songs 636-477-267 and 23.) In 1984, and 1985, Smith spent two summers in England, with his mother and younger brother, residing with his maternal aunt, and attending the ‘Skerton Community High School,’ in Morecambe, Lancaster, England.

In 1986, Busta Rhymes, now back in New York, co-formed the East Coast ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Leaders of the New School,’ their big breakthrough came when they were invited to become an opening act for Public Enemy. With ‘Leaders of the New School,’ Busta Rhymes released two studio Albums in 1991, and 1993, and six singles within the same time period. Busta Rhymes unique style of quickfire rapping soon led to him becoming in demand for guest appearances on other artists records, including Mary J. Blige, (see also best songs 359) and TLC. Busta Rhymes unique style was an influence on many, including, Eminem, (see also best songs 936) and Kendrick Lamar. The American rapper Big Daddy Kane stated that Busta Rhymes has the best flow in Hip-Hop,’ when alluding to the original version of ‘Turn It Up.’

The solo discography of Busta Rhymes, who has sold in excess of nine million Albums, includes 11 studio Albums, that have been released between 1996-2023, and 108 singles, which includes 57 as the featured artist, issued between 1995-2023, there are also seven mixtapes, and three official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, as the lead artist, eight of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘I Know What You Want,’ with Mariah Carey, featuring The Flipmode Squad, (2003) and What’s It Gonna Be?!’ featuring Janet Jackson, (2003) both charting the highest at Number 3. As the featured artist he has appeared on three top 40 hits, including ‘Don’t Cha,’ with The Pussycat Dolls, which peaked at Number 2 in 2005. In America on Billboard ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ reached Number 10. In the UK, Busta Rhymes has achieved 18 top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ peaking the highest at Number 2, he has also had a further five top 40 hits as the featured artist, with ‘Don’t Cha,’ with The Pussycat Dolls, reaching Number 1.

‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ was in it’s original form called ‘Turn It Up,’ and was first issued on Busta Rhymes’ second studio Album ‘Disaster Strikes…’ from September 1997. ‘Turn It Up’ heavily samples the 1972 song ‘Love and Happiness,’ by the American Soul singer Al Green, and for that Al Green shared writing credits with Busta Rhymes. In 1998 Busta Rhymes remixed, and co-produced ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ along with William A. Lewis, who is better known by his stage name ‘Spliff Star,’ this remix was added to ”Disaster Strikes…’ and issued as the third of four singles released off of the Album. ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ was also chosen as one of the tracks for the soundtrack for the 1998 American teen romantic comedy ‘Can’t Hardly Wait,’ and featured on the films soundtrack ‘Can’t Hardly Wait: Music From The Motion Picture.’

‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ heavily samples the theme from the 1980’s American action crime drama television series ‘Knight Rider,’ which was composed by Stu Phillips, and Glen A. Larson, (1937-2014) although neither Phillips or Larson receive songwriting credits on ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up.’ In 1998 the British/Indian artist ‘Panjabi MC’ sampled ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ for his UK Number 5 hit single ‘Mundian To Bach Ke (see also best songs 966.) Also in 1998 the ‘Hip-Hop’ duo of Timberland & Magoo sampled ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up,’ for their Billboard Hot 100 Number 37 hit ‘Clock Strikes.’

On ‘Turn It Up (Remix) / Fire It Up’ Busta Rhymes is not shy to tell us of his own achievements, as he boasts about his street credibility, as well as his personal wealth. The song also features references to smoking weed, and driving around in a ‘Mercedes-Benz S500,’ which could be interpreted as symbols of luxury and excess. Overall, the song celebrates the success and indulgences of Busta Rhymes and his crew.

‘What y’all wanna do, don’t you know we always coming through, me and my crew. Let me hear you say fire it up, say fire it up, fire it up.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

676-Grace Jones-Slave to the Rhythm.

1985-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 3.51. It’s the teaming up of ‘The man who invented the 80’s,’ with the ‘Queen of the Gay Disco.’

Grace Beverly Jones was born on May 19th, 1948, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine, Jamaica, in October 2018, she received the ‘Order of Jamaica,’ from the Jamaican government, which is considered the equivalent of a knighthood in the British honours system. Grace Jones who is a singer, songwriter, model, and an actress, began her career as a model, first in New York, and then in Paris, working for fashion houses such as ‘Yves St. Laurent,’ and ‘Kenzo,’ and appearing on the covers of ‘Elle,’ and ‘Vogue.’ She began her music career in 1977, when signing with ‘Island Records,’ and working with the legendary music producer Tom Moulton, in the ‘Disco’ genre, he would produce her first three Albums between 1977-1979. Grace Jones has also found great success as an actress, her career highlights include starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1984 film ‘Conan the Destroyer,’ and appearing in the 1985 James Bond film ‘A View to a Kill.’

Grace Jones who became known for her distinctive androgynous appearance and bold features, has been cited as an inspiration for multiple artists, including Rihanna, Annie Lennox, and Lady Gaga. The French photographer Jean-Paul Goude, who worked with Grace Jones when she was a teenage model, and is also the father of Jones’ only child has said,’Grace was very open. We worked together to create this intimidating character. I mean, she’s naturally intimidating anyway with her body shape, very straight neck, prominent cheekbones, and clean-cut jawline. She’s feminine, no doubt about that, but I’ve always thought that she was far more beautiful without the artifices she employed to make herself more feminine. I tried to emphasise that body shape through a sort of minimalist German expressionism, with its games of shadows and its angular shapes. Grace is from Jamaica, so she speaks English in a quite thought-out way. I also advised her to address her audience – mostly composed of homosexuals – like a teacher would, with severity. All of that stuff contributed to the building of her image.’

The discography of Grace Jones includes 10 studio Albums released between 1977-2008, and 53 singles released between 1975-2011, there are also eight official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, she has never charted within the top 40, but in the UK, five of her singles have reached the top 40, with both ‘Slave to the Rhythm,’ (1985) and ‘Pull Up to the Bumper, (1986) both peaking the highest at Number 12.

‘Slave to the Rhythm’ was the first of two singles released from Grace Jones’ seventh studio Album of the same name, from October 1985, the song was co-written by Bruce Woolley, Simon Darlow, Stephen Lipson, and Trevor Horn, with the songs production also being by Horn (see also best songs 751-455 and 19.) Both Trevor Horn, and Bruce Woolley had both been members of the English ‘New Wave’ group ‘The Buggles,’ who along with Geoff Downes, had co-written the 1979 UK Number 1 single ‘Video Killed the Radio Star.’

When writing ‘Slave to the Rhythm,’ Trevor Horn originally had the English group ‘Frankie Goes to Hollywood’ (see also best songs 19) in mind, as the follow up to their UK Number 1 single ‘Relax.’ Horn had gone as far as recording a demo with the group, but in the end he changed his mind and offered the project to Grace Jones. ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ is a concept Album consisting of eight tracks which are all radical interpretations of the title track. Confusingly on the Album, ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ (track 8) is actually titled ‘Ladies and Gentlemen: Miss Grace Jones,’ while track 5 which is called ‘Slave to the Rhythm,’ is not the version, which was released as a single, but a different interpretation of the track.

‘Slave to the Rhythm’ has been interpreted as having two meanings, telling of slavery in Afro-American history, and it has also been suggested that the song is about the exploitation of musicians in the music industry.

‘Work to the rhythm, slave to the rhythm, live to the rhythm, love to the rhythm. And now Ladies and Gentlemen, here’s Grace.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

677-Mass Production-Welcome to Our World (Of Merry Music)

1977-Number 44 single.

Best Bit-At 6.12. I hope these 1000+ songs introduce you to music that you would have never otherwise heard, or enjoyed. ‘WELCOME.’

Mass Production are a ‘Funk,’ and ‘Disco’ group, formed in the mid 1970’s, in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, in total there were 14 different members come and go, until they split in 1983. In 2017 some of the groups past members reformed to tour, and record, but at the time of writing, there has been no new material. For whatever reason Mass Production never quite achieved the same commercial success as their ‘Funk,’ and ‘Disco’ contemporaries, such as ‘Earth Wind & Fire,’ (see also best songs 916 and 462) ‘Crown Heights Affair,’ (see also best songs 852) or ‘Brass Construction,’ even so lovers of that style of music, do hold the group in the same high esteem.

The discography of Mass Production includes eight studio Albums rel;eased between 1976-1983, and one official compilation Album ‘Firecrackers: The Best of Mass Production,’ issued in 1996. Mass Production never achieved a hit single on the American ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ but they did have several hits on Billboards ‘Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs’ chart, with their track ‘Firecracker,’ which is their best known track in the States, peaking the highest at Number 4 on that chart. In 1989 the American ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘2 Live Crew,’ sampled ‘Firecracker’ for their track ‘Me So Horny,’ which reached Number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Number 1 in the Netherlands. In the UK, Mass Production have charted within the top 100 twice, with this song ‘Welcome to Our World (Of Merry Music’) peaking at Number 44 in 1977, and ‘Shante,’ making Number 59 in 1980.

‘Welcome to Our World (Of Merry Music’) is the title track from Mass Production’s debut studio Album from 1976, and was written by the groups member Tyrone Williams, who was born on August 9th, 1954, and sang lead vocals, and also played keyboards on the Album. The other members of Mass Production who played on the track are, Kevin Douglas, (bass guitar) Ricardo Williams, (drums) Rodney Phelps, (lead guitar) Emanuel Redding, (percussion) LeCoy Bryant, (rhythm guitar) George McCoy, (saxophone) and James Drumgole (trumpet.)

Mass Production were signed to ‘Cotillion Records,’ for their recording career. ‘Cotillion Records’ had been formed as a subsidiary of ‘Atlantic Records,’ and from 1981, through until the label folded in 1985, it was also a part of ‘WEA,’ the ‘Warner Music Group. ‘Cotillion Records’ had been formed in 1968 as an outlet for ‘Pop, ‘R&B,’ and ‘Jazz.’ ‘Cotillion’s catalogue quickly expanded to include ‘Progressive Rock,’ ‘Folk-Rock,’ ‘Gospel,’ ‘Jazz,’ and ‘Comedy. It was in 1976, that the label started focusing on ‘Disco,’ and R&B.’ Some of the big names who recorded for the label include, the post-Curtis Mayfield Impressions, Sister Sledge, and The Fatback Band (see also best songs 798 and 217.) ‘Cotillion Records’ were also responsible for helping launch the career of Luther Vandross, (1951-2005) (see also best songs 974) who was in a three member group called ‘Luther,’ in the late 1970’s.

‘Welcome to our world of merry music, where everybody lends a helping hand. Spreading it in our message to the people, doing the best that we can.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

678-Jerry Lee Lewis-Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On.

1957-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 2.27. If I was Jerry Lee Lewis’ piano, I think I would be feeling abused.

Jerry Lee Lewis (see also best songs 362 and 99) was born on September 29th, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, United States, on February 28th, 2019, he had a minor stroke, which caused him to cancel several appearances. He died on October 28th, 2022, at the age of 87. Jerry Lee Lewis was the last surviving member of the legendary ‘Million Dollar Quartet,’ who recorded for the ‘Sun Record’ label. On December 4, 1956, Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-664-442 and 194) dropped in on Sam Phillips, (1923-2003) the founder of ‘Sun Records,’ to pay a social visit while Carl Perkins (1932-1998) (see also best songs 664) was in the studio cutting new tracks with Jerry Lee Lewis, who was backing him on piano. Johnny Cash (1932-2003) (see also best songs 857 and 428) was also there watching Perkins. The four then started an impromptu jam session, and Sam Phillips left the tape running. These recordings were not made available until 1981, of which almost half were Gospel songs, and were released on CD as the ‘Million Dollar Quartet.’ These tracks also include Elvis Presley’s ‘Don’t Be Cruel,’ and ‘Paralyzed,’ and cover versions of Chuck Berry’s ‘Brown Eyed Handsome Man,’ and Pat Boone’s ‘Don’t Forbid Me.’

‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ was probably co-written by Dave ‘Curlee’ Williams, and James Faye ‘Roy’ Hall (1922-1984,) but it has always been open to dispute, as both have been solely named on various recordings. The reason probably being that Hall had to sign over the royalties from the song to his ex-wife, so legalities probably played a big part. The inspiration for ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ came about when both were on vacation, Hall has said, ’We were down in Paokee, on Lake Okeechobee, out on a damn pond, fishin,’ and milkin’ snakes. This guy down there had a big bell that he’s ring to get us all to come in to dinner, an’ I’d call over and say, ’What’s goin’ on?’ Coloured guy said, ’We got twen’y-one drums, we got an old bass horn, an’ they even keepin’ time on a ding-ding,; see, that was the big bell they’d ring to get us t’come in.’

‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ was first recorded on March 21st, 1955, by the American R&B singer Big Maybelle, (1924-1972) on the ‘Okeh Record’ label, with the track being conducted and arranged by Quincy Jones. James Faye ‘Roy’ Hall recorded ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ himself in September 1955, for ‘Decca Records,’ saying at the time that he had written it, and had secured the legal copyright as co-writer, under the pseudonym of ‘Sunny David.’

‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ was the second single released by Jerry Lee Lewis, from April 1957, it was issued as a stand alone single, before appearing on his compilation Album ‘Original Golden Hits, Vol. 1,’ in 1969. The song was issued on ‘Sun Records,’ with the writing credited to both Dave ‘Curlee’ Williams, and James Faye ‘Roy’ Hall. The production was by Jack Clement, (1931-2013) who produced for many of the legendary names on the ‘Sun Record’ label.

Jerry Lee Lewis had been performing ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ for quite a while in his stage act before recording a studio version. Lewis radically changed the style of the song from how it was originally conceived, by adding ‘boogie piano,’ played by Lewis himself. The other performers on the track were J.M. Van Eaton, who played the drums, and Roland James, (1933-2013) who played the guitar. Jerry Lee Lewis who added some new suggestive lyrics, has said,’I knew it was a hit when I cut it. Sam Phillips thought it was gonna be too risqué, it couldn’t make it. If that’s risqué, well, I’m sorry.’

Jerry Lee Lewis is recognised as one of the first ‘Rock N’ Roll’ stars, and ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ is recognised as one of the first ‘Rock N’ Roll’ breakthrough hits. Lewis and the song were propelled to stardom after Lewis’ ‘wild’ performance on the American variety television programme broadcast by ‘NBC,’ ‘The Steve Allen Show,’ in 1957. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ peaked at Number 3, and Number 1 on the magazine’s R&B record chart, it also reached Number 1 on the Billboard ‘Hot Country Songs’ chart.

‘Well, I said come on over baby, we got chicken in the barn. Come on over baby, I got the bull by the horns. We ain’t fakin, a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

679-Janet Jackson-When I Think of You.

1986-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 3.19. ‘BREAK.’ Be careful we don’t want another wardrobe malfunction, do we.

Janet Damita Jo Jackson was born on May 16th, 1966, in Gary, Indiana, United States, she is the youngest of the 10 Jackson siblings, (see also best songs 812-570-511-249-191 and 137) she has two sisters, and seven brothers, Marlon’s twin Brandon, died shortly after birth. Prior to finding success in music, Janet was a regular in the American television sitcoms ‘Good Times,’ between 1977-1979, and ‘Diff’rent Strokes,’ between 1980-1984, she was also a member of the cast of the American musical drama ‘Fame,’ between 1984-1985. With worldwide record sales in excess of 100 million, Janet Jackson is one of the best selling artists of all time. In 1986 when,’When I Think of You’ reached Number 1 on Billboard, it made Janet Jackson at the age of 20, the youngest artist to have had a chart topper in America since Stevie Wonder at the age of 13, with ‘Fingertips,’ in 1963. Also due to that song reaching Number 1, it made Janet, and her brother Michael, (1958-2009) the only brother and sister to have had separate Number 1 singles on Billboard.

On February 1st, 2004, at the ‘Super Bowl XXXVIII’ halftime show, which was broadcast live from Houston, Texas, on the CBS television network, while Janet Jackson, and Justin Timberlake (see also best songs 317) were performing the half-time show, Janet Jackson’s right breast which was adorned with a nipple shield, was exposed by Justin Timberlake to the viewing public. The incident, sometimes referred to as ‘Nipplegate,’ or ‘Janetgate,’ led to an immediate crackdown, and widespread discourse on perceived indecency in broadcasting. Although Jackson unreservedly apologised for the incident, blaming it on a ‘wardrobe malfunction,’ it did effect her future music career, with reduced airplay, televised promotions, and a drop in record sales.

The discography of Janet Jackson includes 11 studio Albums released between 1982-2015, and 70 singles released between 1982-2018, there are also four official compilation Albums, and two remix Albums available. In America on Billboard seven of her studio Albums have reached the Number 1 position, while in the UK, only ‘Janet’ from 1993 has topped that chart. Janet Jackson has had 30 top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, and a further four as either the featured artist, or unaccredited artist. 10 of her singles, all as the only credited artist on the track, have reached Number 1 on Billboard. In the UK Janet Jackson has achieved 34 top 40 hits, with a further three as either the featured artist, or unaccredited artist, with both ‘The Best Things in Life Are Free,’
with Luther Vandross, featuring Bell Biv DeVoe, and Ralph Tresvant, (1992) and ‘That’s the Way Love Goes,’ (1993) both charting the highest, at Number 2.

‘When I Think of You’ was the second of seven singles released from Janet Jackson’s third studio Album ‘Control,’ from February 1986, the first five singles issued off the Album all reached the top 5 on Billboard, making Janet Jackson the first female artist to achieve that fete. Prior to the release of ‘Control,’ Jackson had issued two Albums that had both been commercial failures, and it was the teaming up with the songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis that changed her fortunes. ‘When I Think of You’ which was co-written, and co-produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, was just the start of their collaboration with Janet Jackson, as together they would work on seven Janet Jackson Albums between 1986-2006. Jimmy ‘Jam’ Harris has reminisced about his and Terry Lewis’ early working days with Janet Jackson. ‘Terry Lewis became more than a producer and songwriter for Jackson, he became her personal chef. Terry cooked her some home cooked meals because she was sick of eating hotel food. This was actually part of a tactic to help Jackson get comfortable with the team. We spent a week getting her to open up to us. With artists you sometimes have to be a psychologist, a counsellor, a masseuse – anything.’

James Samuel Harris III was born on June 6th, 1959, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, and Terry Steven Lewis was born on November 24th, 1956, in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. The pair first met while attending a ‘TRIO Upward Bound’ program on the University of Minnesota campus. Prior to working with Janet Jackson the duo formed the ‘Funk’ band ‘The Time,’ with others, and toured with ‘Prince’ (1958-2016) during 1981. In 1982 they were introduced to Leon Sylvers III (see also best songs 581) who took them under his wing. It was Dina R. Andrews who was then employed at ‘SOLAR Records’ who shopped the duo around, leading to them working with artists including Alexander O’Neal, and the ‘S. O. S. Band.’ Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at the time of writing have written or produced 41 American Billboard top 10 hits, of which 16, including nine for Janet Jackson, have made Number 1, while in the UK, the duo have achieved 31 top 10 hits.

‘Ooh, baby, anytime my world gets crazy, all I have to do to calm it, is just think of you. ‘BASS.”