THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

537-UB40-Kingston Town.

1990-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.09. UB40 maybe brilliant when it comes to making music, but it appears they are rubbish when it comes to geography, surely they should know that Kingston is a city, not a town.

UB40 (see also best songs 173) were formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978. The classic line up who recorded the debut studio Album ‘Signing Off’ in 1980, and remained together until Ali Campbell parted ways in 2008 to start a solo career were, Ali Campbell, (lead vocals) Robin Campbell, (lead guitar) Earl Falconer, (bass) Norman Lamont Hassan, (percussion) Terence ‘Asto’ Wilson, (1957-2021) (vocals) Jim Brown, (drums) Brian Travers, (1959-2021) (saxophone) and Michael Virtue (keyboards.)

Ali Campbell was born Alistair Ian Campbell, on February 15th, 1959, in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England, both of his other brothers Robin Campbell, and Duncan Campbell are also former members of UB40. In 2008 Ali Campbell quit UB40 after very nearly 30 years of recording and touring, stating that for many years he had been unhappy with the business practices and business managers of UB40, and then launched an investigation into the financial handling of the business. This was the reason for his departure. Within a few months Mickey Virtue who had been a member of UB40 since 1979 also left, citing the same reasons as Campbell, and joined Campbell’s legal investigation. In 2014 Ali Campbell joined forces with Mickey Virtue, and ‘Astro,’ who had left UB40 in 2013, to form a rival group to ‘UB40, calling themselves ‘UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey.’ Ali Campbell has said why he was motivated to start a rival group, ‘I sat back for five years and watched my brother Duncan murdering my songs. We’re saving the legacy.’ The Campbell brothers are the three sons of the Scottish Folk singer Ian Campbell, (1933-2012) who was one of the most important figures of the British Folk revival during the 1960’s. In 1962 as the ‘Ian Campbell Folk Group,’ he and others recorded ‘Ceilidh At The Crown,’ at the ‘Crown Inn,’ in Station Street, Birmingham, which was their regular venue. It was the first ever live Folk recording to be released on vinyl.

The discography of Ali Campbell away from UB40 includes four solo studio Albums released between 1995-2010, and a further two with ‘the other UB40,’ released in 2014, and 2022, there are also three official compilation Albums available. Ali Campbell has also released eight singles without any other members of UB40 between 1995-2010, with three of those singles making the UK top 40, with ‘That Look in Your Eye,’ featuring Pamela Starks, charting the highest at Number 5 in 1995.

‘Kingston Town’ was the third of five singles released from UB40’s ninth studio Album, and second covers Album, ‘Labour of Love II,’ from November 1989. ‘Kingston Town’ was written by Kentrick Patrick, (1935-2023) with the production credited to UB40. The song reached the top 40 in 10 European countries, including topping the charts in the Netherlands, and France, where with sales of around 600,000, it is at the time of writing the 426th best selling song of all time in France. The Album ‘Labour of Love II,’ contains 14 cover versions, played in the ‘Reggae’ genre, many based on the original versions arrangement, and some new arrangements by the band.
‘Kingston Town’ was originally written by Kentrick Patrick, who is better known by his stage name ‘Lord Creator.’ Kentrick Patrick was born on August 21st, 1935, in San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago, he died on June 30th, June 2023, at the age of 87. As ‘Lord Creator’ he recorded music in the genres of ‘Calypso,’ ‘R&B,’ ‘Ska,’ and ‘Rocksteady,’ he was also a singer. As a non Jamaican he is recognised as an important and positive ‘outside’ influence during the early development of the Jamaican music scene. In 1962, he recorded the song ‘Independent Jamaica,’ with the Jamaican producer Vincent ‘Randy’ Chin, (1937-2003) which became the official song marking Jamaica’s independence from the British Empire on August 6th, 1962. That song was also the first record issued on Chris Blackwell’s newly founded ‘Island Records’ label in the United Kingdom as ‘Island 001.’ When UB40 had a hit with ‘Kingston Town’ in 1989, it helped revive Lord Creator’s career, bringing bookings in oldies shows in Jamaica, as well as a tour of Japan. In 2022, for his services to music, he was the recipient of Jamaica’s ‘Order of Distinction (Officer.’)

‘And when I an king, surely I would need a queen, and a palace and everything, yeah. And now I am king, and my queen will come at dawn, she’ll be waiting in Kingston Town.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

538-Meghan Trainor-All About That Bass.

2014-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.44. You’ve gotta love that ‘Phat Bass.’ The bass represents the fuller sound, (the more curvy lady) whereas the treble represents a lesser sound (those skinny bitc#es.)

Meghan Elizabeth Trainor was born on December 22nd, 1993, in Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States, initially she had no ambition to be a performer, as she thought that her body size would hold her back, with her not being the stereotypical looking thin ‘Pop’ singer. Her lyrics often include themes of womanhood, body image, and personal empowerment, although at times she has been criticised for being anti-feminist. At the age of 12 Meghan Trainor began performing as part of a covers band called ‘Island Fusion,’ which also included her aunt, younger brother, and father. Together they performed ‘Soca Music,’ as well as Meghan Trainor’s early compositions. From a young age she had an eclectic taste in music, especially being heavily influenced by the ‘Doo-Wop’ that had originated in African-American communities during the 1940’s. Between the ages of 15 to 17, she independently released three Albums of material she had written, recorded, performed, and produced. In order to improve her songwriting she enrolled in the ‘Summer Performance Program’ at the ‘Berklee College of Music,’ in Boston, Massachusettes during 2009, with the intention of becoming a songwriter for hire. It was in 2013 that she first met Kevin Kadish, which would lead to international recognition for them both.

The discography of Meghan Trainor includes six studio Albums released between 2015-2024, and 36 singles released between 2014-2024, there are also three independent Albums, and two official live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, she has had seven top 40 hit singles as the lead artist, with ‘All About That Bass’ reaching Number 1, she has also had a further hit as the featured artist on the Charlie Puth track ‘Marvin Gaye,’ which made Number 21 in 2015. In the UK, Meghan Trainor has had eight top 40 chart hits, with ‘All About That Bass’ reaching Number 1, she also made Number 1 as the featured artist on the Charlie Puth single ‘Marvin Gaye’ in 2015.

‘All About That Bass’ was the first of four singles released from Meghan Trainor’s debut major-label studio Album called ‘Title,’ from January 2015, the song was co-written by Meghan Trainor, and Kevin Kadish, with the production being by Kadish. Kevin Paul Kadish was born in 1971, in Baltimore, Maryland, United States, he is 22 years the senior of Meghan Trainor. During the mid 1990’s he toured the East Coast of America as a solo acoustic artist, opening for high profile acts such as Hall & Oates, and Jeff Beck. By the year 2000, Kadish had become a songwriter, notably co-writing two tracks on Willie Nelson’s 2002 studio Album ‘The Great Divide.’ Prior to meeting Meghan Trainor, he also worked on, and wrote on records for artists including Meatloaf, Miley Cyrus, and Jason Mraz.

Meghan Trainor and Kevin Kadish were first introduced to each other in 2013, and soon found that musically they had a lot in common. Kadish had a song title written down (‘All About That Bass’) that he thought would make a great song, and Trainor got the idea of a song about body image from that. ‘All About That Bass’ first appeared on Meghan Trainor’s debut extended play (EP) which was also called ‘Title,’ from 2014. With Meghan Trainor feeling that she hadn’t got the credentials to be a ‘Pop Star,’ the song was offered to other artists, who either turned out to be not suitable, or refused the song, because of this Meghan Trainor was advised to perform it herself. ‘All About That Bass,’ which is filed under the musical genres of ‘Bubblegum Pop,’ ‘Doo-Wop,’ and ‘Hip-Hop,’ went on to spend eight weeks at Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, which is more than any other record on the ‘Epic’ label has ever done. The song went on to sell 11 million copies worldwide, and topped the charts in 58 different countries. At the time of writing it is the 65th best selling song in America ever, and is the best selling song by a female artist in the 2010’s.

‘All About That Bass’ is not without controversy. Although the lyrics portray a positive body image message, saying that you should be proud of who you are, it does take a swipe at thin girls, leading some to suggest that the message of positivism isn’t aimed at everybody. Kevin Kadish has defended the song saying, ‘What critics didn’t understand was that the song was a joke. We weren’t seriously calling people skinny bitc#es, but I don’t know any girl who hasn’t called another girl a skinny bit#h.’ While Meghan Trainor has said, ‘I didn’t work this hard to hate on skinny people, I wrote the song to help my body confidence, and to help others.’

Yeah, it’s pretty clear, I ain’t no size two, but I can shake it, shake it, like I’m supposed to do. ‘Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase, and all the right junk in all the right places. I see the magazines workin’ that Photoshop, we know that sh#t ain’t real.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

539-Neil Sedaka-Next Door to an Angel.

1962-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 2.04. There are worse things you could live next door to, how about Alice for instance.

Neil Sedaka was born on March 13th, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York City, United States, he is a singer, songwriter, and pianist. His success can be split into two eras, the late 1950’s through until the early 1960’s, and then his comeback in the the mid 1970’s. It was the changing sounds in ‘Pop Music,’ with the emergence of the Beatles, (see also best songs 599-456-319-238-141-80-51-10 and 6) and the so called ‘British Invasion,’ which primarily caused Sedaka to drop out of the limelight. He reinvented, and updated his sound, and then arguably found even greater success in the 1970’s.

Neil Sedaka has had two longstanding partnerships with his co-songwriters. The first was with his boyhood friend Howard Greenfield, (1936-1986) the two were first introduced to each other when Sedaka was 13 years old, and Greenfield was 16, and the second was with the American born Phil Cody, during Sedaka’s 1970’s comeback. The discography of Neil Sedaka includes 27 studio Albums released between 1959-2016, and 79 singles released between 1957-1992, there are also 10 extended plays, 83 official compilation Albums, live Albums, and foreign-language Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, Neil Sedaka has had 20 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ (1962) ‘Laughter in the Rain,’ (1974) and ‘Bad Blood,’ with unaccredited backing vocals by Elton John, (1975) all reaching the Number 1 position, while ‘Next Door to an Angel’ peaked at Number 5. In the UK he has had 15 top 40 hit singles, with ‘Oh Carol,’ (1959) and ‘Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,’ (1961) both charting the highest at Number 3. Neil Sedaka has also recorded several of his 1960’s songs in foreign-languages, including Italian, German, Japanese, and Hebrew.

With his songwriting partner Howard Greenfield providing the lyrics, Neil Sedaka has also had great success writing hits for other artists, including ‘Stupid Cupid,’ in 1958, for Connie Francis which made Number 14 on Billboard. In 1975, the American duo ‘Captain & Tennille,’ covered the Sedaka/Greenfield composition ‘Love Will Keep Us Together,’ which reached Number 1 on Billboard, and became the best selling song of that year. In 2005, the Sedaka/ Greenfield penned song ‘(Is This the Way to) Amarillo,’ which had originally reached Number 18 in the UK in 1971, when recorded by the English singer Tony Christie, was re-issued in aid of the charity ‘Comic Relief,’ and promoted with a video featuring the English comedian Peter Kay, (see also best songs 598) this time the song reached Number 1, becoming the best selling single of the millennium up to that point in the UK. In 1972 Neil Sedaka released the Album ‘Solitaire,’ with seven of the 11 tracks co-written with Phil Cody, apart from it signifying that Sedaka was back, the Album is notable for the four musicians who played on the Album. They were Graham Gouldman, Lol Creme, Kevin Godley, and Eric Stewart, who would soon go on to find great success as 10cc (see also best songs 663 and 154.)

‘Next Door to an Angel’ was released as a stand alone single, and first appeared on Album format on Neil Sedaka’s 1963 compilation Album ‘Neil Sedaka Sings His Greatest Hits,’ as the Album’s opening track. The song was co-written by Neil Sedaka, and Howard Greenfield, with the production being by Al Nevins, (1915-1965) and Don Kirshner, (1934-2011) the song would be Neil Sedaka’s last top 10 hit until 1974 in America, and his very last one in the UK as a performer.

Howard Greenfield was born on March 15th, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, he died on March 4th, 1986, from complications from AIDS, at the age of 49. Greenfield was openly gay, and was in a domestic partnership with the cabaret singer Tory Damon (1939-1986) from the early 1960’s until his death. Greenfield and Sedaka had worked together creating songs at the famous ‘Brill Building,’ on 49th Street, in the New York City borough of Manhattan, a collaboration that would continue through until the 1970’s. With Sedaka’s touring commitments taking up a lot of his time in the 1960’s, Greenfield began to write with the American composer Jack Keller, (1936-2005) their joint efforts include two Billboard Number 1 hits for Connie Francis, ‘Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,’ (1960) and “My Heart Has a Mind of Its Own’ (1960.) They also wrote ‘Venus in Blue Jeans,’ a Billboard Number 5 hit for Jimmy Clanton in 1962, and a UK Number 4 hit for Mark Wynter in the same year. Howard Greenfield also collaborated with the American songwriter Helen Miler, (1925-2006) on the track ‘It Hurts To Be In Love,’ (1964-Billboard Number 7 & UK Number 36) and with the American singer/songwriter Carole King on ‘Crying in the Rain,’ which was made famous by the Everly Brothers, (1962-Billboard Number 6 & UK Number 6) and later by the Norwegian group ‘a’ha’ (1990-UK Number 13.)

‘I’m living right next door to an angel, and I just found out today. I’m living right next door to an angel, and she only lives a house away. She used to be a skinny little girl, but all of a sudden she’s out of this world. I’m living right next door to an angel, and I’m gonna make that angel mine.

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

540-Tom Tom Club-Wordy Rappinghood.

1981-Number 7 single.

Best Bit-At 2.24. Where would we be without words? Every song would be an instrumental.

Tom Tom Club were formed in the United States in 1981, initially as a side project, by the husband and wife duo of Chris Frantz, and Tina Weymouth. Both were founding members of the critically acclaimed American ‘New Wave’ group ‘Talking Heads,’ who were on hiatus at the time. They took the name ‘Tom Tom Club’ from a dance-hall in the Bahamas, where the pair had spent time rehearsing in 1980. Chris Franz and Tina Weymouth continued working with ‘Talking Heads,’ and ‘Tom Tom Club’ until 1991, when ‘Talking Heads’ were disbanded, although there was a re-union in 2002, and at the time of writing ‘Tom Tom Club’ remain active. Although ‘Talking Heads’ only ever had four members, the other two being David Byrne, and Jerry Harrison, ‘Tom Tom Club’ have had 18 different members come and go, with Byrne and Harrison, although never official members, having contributed, either in the studio, or playing live at some point with the ‘Tom Tom Club.’

The discography of the Tom Tom Club includes six studio Albums released between 1981-2012, and 13 singles released between 1981-2007, there are also two official live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, their only top 40 charting single is ‘Genius of Love,’ which reached Number 31 in 1981, while in the UK, they have had two top 40 hits, with ‘Wordy Rappinghood’ (1981) making Number 7, and ‘Under the Boardwalk’ (1982) reaching Number 22. ‘Wordy Rappinhood’ achieved it’s greatest success in Belgium where it made Number 1.

Tina Weymouth was born Martina Michèle Weymouth, on November 22nd, 1950, in Coronado, California, United States, in 2002 she was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,’ as a member of Talking Heads. It was as a student at the ‘Rhode Island School of Design,’ in 1973, where she first met Chris Frantz, and David Byrne, who were then both members of a band called ‘Artistics.’ She began dating Chris Frantz, whom she would marry in 1977. Following graduation, the three of them moved to New York City, where after being unable to find a suitable bass player for their new band, Tina taught herself the instrument, by listening to Suzi Quatro Albums (see also best songs 686.) In 2020 the American monthly magazine ‘Rolling Stone’ ranked her as the 29th greatest bass player of all time. The three of them formed ‘Talking Heads’ in 1975, and the quartet was completed when Jerry Harrison joined in March 1977.

‘Wordy Rappinghood’ was the debut single release from the Tom Tom Club,’ and was the first of four singles released from their debut studio Album called ‘Tom Tom Club,’ from October 1981. The song was co-written by Tina Weymouth, Lani Weymouth, Laura Weymouth, Chris Frantz, and Steven Stanley, with the production credited to Steven Stanley, Tina Weymouth, and Chris Frantz. Lani, and Laura, are both sisters of Tina Weymouth, and along with Stanley, also provided backing vocals on the track. All three are also past official members of the ‘Tom Tom Club.’

The lyrics to ‘Wordy Rappinghood’ question the true meaning of words, and how they can be manipulated for ones own benefit. Some of the lyrics are spoken in French, and part of the song uses the traditional Moroccan children’s song ‘A Ram Sam Sam.’ Other artists who have recorded ‘A Ram Sam Sam,’ include the British Folk group ‘The Spinners’ in 1964, and the Australian entertainer Rolf Harris (1930-2023) in 1971, but the best known use of the tune in ‘Pop’ music, but with different lyrics, was by the British Pop group the ‘Fast Food Rockers,’ who took the ‘Fast Food Song’ to Number 2 in the UK in 2003.

‘Wordy Rappinghood’ was released only a few months after Debbie Harry and Blondie (see also best songs 402) had taken ‘Rapture’ to Number 1 on Billboard & Number 5 in the UK, which like ‘Wordy Rappinghood’ was ‘Rapped’ by a white female vocalist, and although it had little in common with the new genre of ‘Rap Music’ that was emerging, it went a long way to bringing ‘Rap’ to the wider public. Coincidentally neither ‘Blondie’ or the ‘Tom Tom Club’ knew that the other were working on a ‘Rap’ song at the same time. Blondie were recording theirs in New York, while Tom Tom Club were busy in the Bahamas.

‘Words in papers, words in books, words on TV, words for crooks. Words of comfort, words of peace, words to make the fighting cease. Words to tell you what to do, words are working hard for you. Eat your words but don’t go hungry, words have always nearly hung me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

541-Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway song-Where Is the Love.

1972-Number 29 single.

Best Bit-At 1.27. My only grumble is at the length of the song. If you like me wish it would last longer, then here’s a good idea, play it again.

Donny Edward Hathaway was born on October 1st, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he committed suicide by jumping from the 15th floor of the ‘Essex House Hotel’ in New York, on January 13th, 1979, at the age of 33. Hathaway had suffered from severe bouts of depression, and in 1971 had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Donny Hathaway had first met Roberta Flack (see also best songs 251) in the mid 1960’s at the ‘Howard University’ in Washington D.C. where he was studying music on a fine arts scholarship, and Flack was employed as an assistant conductor of the University choir. Donny Hathaway began his music career working for Curtis Mayfield’s (1942-1999) (see also best songs 719) ‘Curtom Records’ label, as a songwriter, session musician, and producer, working with the labels top artists, including the ‘Staple Singers, the ‘Impressions,’ and Curtis Mayfield himself. In 1969 Donny Hathaway signed to ‘Atco Records,’ a subsidiary of ‘Atlantic Records,’ and then released his debut studio Album a year later. The discography of Donny Hathaway includes four studio Albums released between 1970-1973, and 16 singles released between 1969-1980, there is also one soundtrack Album, eight official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, four of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘The Closer I Get to You, a duet with with Roberta Flack, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1978, while in the UK, he has charted on the top 40 twice, with ‘Where Is the Love,’ making Number 29, and the ‘Disco’ track ‘Back Together Again,’ another duet with Roberta Flack, reaching Number 3 in 1980. Donny Hathaway is considered to be one of the greatest vocalists of all time, with Stevie Wonder saying, ‘When Donny sings any song, he owns it.’ Amy Winehouse (1983-2011) called Hathaway her favourite artist of all time, and Justin Timberlake has called him ‘The best singer of all time.’

‘Where Is the Love’ was the third single released from the collaborative duets Album by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway of the same name, which was released in April 1972. The song was co-written by Ralph MacDonald, (1944-2011) and William Salter, with the production credited to Joel Dorn, (1942-2007) and Arif Mardin (1932-2006) (see also best songs 985-882-881-554-228 and 85.) Ralph Anthony MacDonald was born on March 15th, 1944, in Harlem, New York, United States, he died of lung cancer on December 18th, 2011, at the age of 67. MacDonald who was a percussionist, steelpan virtuoso, songwriter, musical arranger, and record producer, who was influenced early on in life by his Trinbagonian father, Patrick MacDonald, who was a calypsonian and bandleader originally from Trinidad and Tobago, who used the stage name ‘Macbeth the Great.’ The list of artists who Ralph MacDonald has played for is endless, and after starting out playing the ‘steelpan’ for the Harry Belafonte show, he would go on to play on Albums, including ‘Young Americans’ for David Bowie, (1975) (see also best songs 209) George Benson, ‘Breezin” (1976) (see also best songs 221) and Daryl Hall & John Oates, ‘Abandoned Luncheonette’ (1973) (see also best songs 881.) As well as ‘Where Is the Love,’ other notable songs co-written or performed by Ralph MacDonald include, ‘Just the Two of Us,’ for Grover Washington Jr. featuring Bill Withers, (1981-Billboard Number 2 & UK Number 34) the song was later sampled by Will Smith, (1997-Billboard Number 20 & UK Number 2) although MacDonald’s most successful song is ‘Calypso Breakdown,’ which is one of the tracks featured on the ‘Saturday Night Fever’ soundtrack Album, which with sales in excess of 40 million copies sold worldwide, is the second best selling Album of all time.

‘Where Is the Love’ may be a duet, but Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway are not singing to each other. The song is about someone who has left their partner in order to start a new relationship, but after a while they realise it was a mistake, and attempt to go back to their first love. Both singers take the role of the one who has been left behind.

‘You told me that you didn’t love him, and you were gonna say goodbye, but if you really didn’t mean it, why did you have to lie? Where is the love.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

542-Showaddywaddy-Hey Rock and Roll.

1974-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.25. I remember playing my 7 inch vinyl records at parties in the 1970’s, and 1980’s, and on a bouncy floor the needle would skip across the record. When playing the chorus of this song, the crowd would stomp their feet, and possibly damage my needle.

First of all, what a wonderful name for a ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ band ‘Showaddywaddy’ is, it just rolls off the tongue. Showaddywaddy were formed in Leicester, England, in 1973, by the coming together of two local bands, ‘Choice,’ who performed original material, and were made up of Dave Bartram, Trevor Oakes, Al James, (1945-2018) and Romeo Challenger, and the ‘Golden Hammers,’ who were a covers band, and were made up of Buddy Gask, (1945-2011) Russ Field, Rod Deas, and Malcolm Allured. This led to an eight member group, meaning two vocalists, two guitarists, two drummers, and two bass players. In total there have been 21 different members come and go, with Romeo Challenger being the bands one constant, although ex lead singer Dave Bartram has been the bands manager since 1984. Showaddywaddy continue to perform live around Europe, approximately 100 times a year at the time of writing.

Showaddywaddy first came to the public’s attention when winning a heat of the British ‘Anglia Television’ talent show ‘New Faces’ in 1973, and then going on to finish runners up in the ‘All Winners Final,’ broadcast on December 28th, 1973. They were then signed to ‘Bell’ records, and released their debut single ‘Hey Rock and Roll’ in 1974. The discography of Showaddywaddy includes 14 studio Albums released between 1974-2016, and 34 singles released between 1974-2006, there are also 22 official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, five of their studio Albums have made the top 40, with their second release ‘Step Two,’ from 1975, peaking the highest at Number 7, while their 1978 compilation Album ‘Greatest Hits 1976-1978,’ made Number 1. On the UK singles chart, 23 of their singles have made the top 40, with their cover of the Tommy Boyce, (1939-1994) and Curtis Lee (1939-2015) song ‘Under the Moon of Love,’ reaching Number 1 in 1976. All of Showaddywaddy’s first four singles, which were all top 20 UK hits were original compositions, but after that they turned to covers of 1950’s and 1960’s ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ songs, including hit cover versions of Eddie Cochran’s ‘Three Steps to Heaven,’ (UK-Number 2-1975) Buddy Holly’s ‘Heartbeat,’ (UK-Number 7-1975) and Chubby Checker’s ‘Dancin’ Party,’ (UK-Number 4-1977.)

‘Hey Rock and Roll’ was the debut single release from Showaddywaddy, from May 1974, and was the first of two singles released from their self titled debut studio Album from November 1974. The songwriting credits for ‘Hey Rock and Roll’ are given to all eight band members at that time, although the song was originally written by Dave Bartram and Trevor Oakes. The lead vocals were provided by Buddy Gask, with Dave Bartram doing the songs spoken intro.

‘Hey Rock and Roll’ was produced by Mike Hurst, who was born Michael John Longhurst Pickworth, on September 19th, 1942, in Kilburn, London, England. Mike Hurst first found success in music as a member of ‘The Springfields,’ alongside Dusty Springfield, (1939-1999) and Tom Springfield, (1934-2022) the ‘Folk/Pop’ trio achieved five UK top 40 hit singles between 1961-1963. By 1965 Hurst had moved in to music production, overseeing Marc Bolan’s first recording session, at ‘Decca,’ when he recorded ‘The Wizard.’ Also in 1965, Hurst discovered the singer/songwriter Cat Stevens, and produced his first five singles, including ‘Matthew and Son’ (see also best songs 384.) Hurst would go on to produce for many top artists, including producing ‘Mighty Quinn’ for Manfred Mann (1968-UK Number 1 & Billboard Number 10.) Following his success with Showaddywaddy, he produced ‘Hot Dog,’ in 1980, (UK-Number 24) the first hit single for the Welsh singer Shakin’ Stevens, whom he also managed at that time.

‘Alright all you kids get on your feet now, now go get ready and it’s rock and roll, Showaddywaddy (Showaddywaddy.) Ooh, ba-ba-ba, ooh, ba-ba-ba, ooh, ba-ba-ba, ooh, Showaddywaddy.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

543-Visage-Fade to Grey.

1980-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. It sounded futuristic over 40 years ago, and it still sounds futuristic now. How ‘STRANGE’ is that.

Visage were an amalgamation of musicians who had all played in other bands, or whom were involved in the making of music, and came together to form the group ‘Visage,’ in London, England, in 1978. ‘Visage’ is a French word, meaning ‘the face, countenance, or appearance of a person, or sometimes an animal.’ The original seven members involved from 1978, and then played on the debut Album called ‘Visage,’ released in 1980 were, Steve Strange, (1959-2015) (vocals) Rusty Egan, (drums) Midge Ure, (see also best songs 532 and 455) (guitar, and synthesizers) Bill Currie, (keyboards, and violin) Dave Formula, (keyboards) John McGeoch, (1955-2004) (guitar, and saxophone) and Barry Adamson (bass.) Visage were active until 1985, with different personnel coming and going, In 2002 the groups one constant Steve Strange reformed Visage with differing members, and they remained active until his death in 2015, when the groups name was retired. The discography of Visage includes five studio Albums released between 1980-2015, and 19 singles released between 1979-2015, there are also four remix Albums, eight official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, their first two Albums both reached the top 20, and six of their singles have reached the UK top 40, with ‘Fade to Grey,’ peaking the highest at Number 8, the song was most successful in Germany, and Switzerland, where it reached Number 1 in both territories.

Steve Strange was born Stephen John Harrington, on May 28th, 1959, in Newbridge, Caerphilly, Wales, United Kingdom, he died on February 12th, 2015, after suffering a heart attack, whilst in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, at the age of 55. Steve Strange was one of the most influential figures in the rise of the ‘New Romantic’ scene in the early 1980’s, influencing amongst others David Bowie, (1948-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) with his clothing, and persona, so much so that Bowie asked him to appear in his 1980 video for ‘Ashes to Ashes.’ Prior to forming ‘Visage,’ Steve Strange, and fellow future ‘Visage’ member Rusty Egan began to make a name for themselves as a nightclub host, and DJ respectively. They began organising ‘Bowie nights’ on Tuesdays at ‘Billy’s club’ in Soho, London, before taking over Tuesdays at the ‘Blitz wine bar’ in London’s Covent Garden in 1979, which became the iconic ‘Blitz Club.’ At his club nights Steve Strange had a strict door policy of admitting only ‘the weird and wonderful.’ the club took off and became an essential location in the rise of what would become the ‘New Romantic’ movement.

‘New Romantic’ was an underground subculture movement that originated in the United Kingdom in the late 1970’s. The ‘New Romantic’ movement was characterised by flamboyant, eccentric fashion inspired by fashion boutiques such as ‘Kahn and Bell’ in Birmingham, and ‘PX’ in London. The movement was influenced in the main by David Bowie, Marc Bolan, (1947-1977) (see also best songs 790-386 and 67) and Roxy Music, (see also best songs 721-316 and 57) from the way they had dressed during the ‘Glam Rock’ era of the early to mid 1970’s. ‘New Romantic’ was also influenced by the early ‘Romantic period’ of the late 18th and early 19th century in Europe, which was from where the movement took its name. The term ‘New Romantic’ is known to have been coined by the musician, producer, manager and innovator Richard James Burgess.

‘Fade to Grey’ was the second of four singles released from the debut studio Album by Visage, of the same name, from November 1980. The songs writing is credited to ‘Visage,’ with the production credited to Midge Ure, and Visage. ‘Fade to Grey’ was originally written as an instrumental by Billy Currie, and Chris Payne in 1979. Payne at that time was a member of Gary Numan’s (see also best songs 772-232 and 177) backing band, playing keyboards, and viola. Neither Payne, or Cederic Sharpley, who was Gary Numan’s drummer, who was also influential in the writing of the song, receive writing credits. As an instrumental, the track was called ‘Toot City,’ the lyrics were later added by Midge Ure. ‘Fade to Grey’ is unusual in that it features the same lyrics in two different languages. The English lyrics are sung by Steve Strange, whereas the French lyrics are spoken by Brigitte Arens, who was born in Luxembourg, and whom at the time was a student, and the girlfriend of Rusty Egan. There was a dispute as to whose idea it was for both sets of vocals to be used, with both Midge Ure and Steve Strange claiming it was theirs.

‘Fade to Grey’ is a song about deep depression, with the songs subject not able to see anything worth living for.

‘Feel the rain like an English summer, hear the notes from a distant song. Stepping out from a back shop poster, wishing life wouldn’t be so long.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

544-Dr. Dre-The Next Episode.

2000-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.21. The respected music journalist Stephen Thomas Erlewine said that the only subject matter on the Album is ‘Violence, drugs, pussy, bitches, dope, guns, and gangsters,’ so with that in mind, I have chosen to keep this as clean as possible, as I may have readers of a delicate nature.

Dr. Dre (see also best songs 564-482-189-128 and 48) was born Andre Romell Young on February 18th, 1965, in Compton, California, United States, he is a music producer, songwriter, Rapper, record executive, actor, and entrepreneur. Dr. Dre has stated that it was after hearing the ‘Grandmaster Flash’ track ‘The Adventures of Grandmaster Flash on the Wheels of Steel,’ (see also best songs 87) that he knew that he wanted to be involved with music. He initially started out as a ‘DJ,’ using the name ‘Dr. J.’ based on the nickname of his favourite basketball player Julius Erving, he later changed to ‘Dr. Dre,’ using his own birth name instead. In 1985 he joined the American ‘Electro’ music group ‘World Class Wreckin’ Crew,’ with whom he released two studio Albums, and five singles. He would go on to greater success, with that groups fellow member DJ Yella, when they joined Easy-E, Ice Cube, MC Ren, and Arabian Prince, to form ‘N.W.A.’ (see also best songs 564 and 128.) After leaving ‘N.W.A.’ in 1991, Dr. Dre launched his solo career, and then in the same year he co-founded ‘Death Row Records’ with three others. He parted ways with that label in 1996, and founded the record label ‘Aftermath Entertainment,’ which has been responsible for launching the careers of high profile artists such as Eminem, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar.

Dr. Dre has has an extensive discography as a music producer that began in 1986, that includes producing four American Billboard Number 1 singles, and two UK Number 1’s. His solo discography includes three studio Albums released between 1992-2015, and 42 singles released within the same time period, there is also one soundtrack Album, ‘The Wash’ from 2001, and two official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, he has had nine top 40 singles as the lead artist, with ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,’ featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg, peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1993. He has also had a further seven top 40 hits as a featured artist, with three of those tracks all making the Number 1 spot. In the UK, Dr. Dre has had nine top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘The Next Episode’ charting the highest at Number 3, while as a featured artist he has appeared on a further four UK top 40 hits, with ‘Crack a Bottle,’ by Eminem, and also featuring 50 Cent, peaking the highest at Number 4 in 2009.

‘The Next Episode’ was the third of four singles released from Dr, Dre’s second studio Album called ‘2001,’ which was released in November 1999, the song was co-written by Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mel-Man, David Axelrod, and Brian Bailey, with the production being by Dr. Dre, and Mel-Man. David Axelrod, (1931-2017) appears in the song writing credits, as the melody for ‘The Next Episode’ is sampled from his 1967 track ‘The Edge,’ performed by David McCallum, (1933-2023) on his 1967 Album, ‘Music: A Bit More Of Me.’ Along with Dr. Dre, ‘The Next Episode’ also features performances from fellow Rappers Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg, (1969-2011) but only Snoop Dogg is officially credited.

Snoop Dogg was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. on October 20th, 1971, in Long Beach, California, United States, as a child his mother nicknamed him ‘Snoopy,’ due to his love and likeness of the cartoon character from the comic strip ‘Peanuts.’ Away from music, Snoop Dogg has appeared in various video games, music videos, television series, and film appearances, such as the ‘Academy Award’ winning drama ‘Training Day,’ (2001) and the critically acclaimed cable television series ‘The L Word’ (2004.) Snoop Dogg started his music career in the persona of a ‘Gangsta Rapper,’ but following the death of Tupac Shakur, (1971-1996) (see also best songs 482) he recognised the dangers of that lifestyle, and transformed his stage image to that of a ‘pimp.’ In 2012 he released a ‘Reggae’ Album called ‘Reincarnated’ using the pseudonym ‘Snoop Lion,’ he told reporters that he was rechristened Snoop Lion by a Rastafari priest in Jamaica. After releasing his sixteenth studio Album ‘Bible of Love,’ in 2018, Snoop Dogg told an interviewer while speaking of his ‘Gospel’ influences, that he ‘Always referred to his saviour Jesus Christ on most of his records, and that he had become ‘a born-again Christian.’

‘The Next Episode’ is considered a sequel to the Dr. Dre, and Snoop Dogg track ‘Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang, from Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut solo Album ‘The Chronic,’ in which Snoop Dogg instructs listeners at the end of the chorus to ‘Just chill till the next episode.’ Dr. Dre’s lyrics on ‘The Next Episode’ were written by the artists ‘Hittman,’ ‘The D.O.C.’ and ‘Ms Roq,’ with Dr. Dre modifying them, but none of those three artists receive official song writing credits. With there being a seven year gap between his solo studio Albums, Dr. Dre was keen to prove that he wasn’t just a producer of music for other artists, and this song was one of his statements to doubters.

‘I’m on one, I might bail up in the Century club, with my jeans on, and my team strong. Get my drink on, and my smoke on, then go home wit’ somethin’ to poke on.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

545-Alvin Stardust-My Coo Ca Choo.

1973-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.20. The romantic in me hopes that being referred to as a ‘Coo Ca Choo’ is a term of endearment.

The story about this one, is both strange, and intriguing. The song was written by Peter Shelley, (1943-2023) not to be confused with Pete Shelley (1955-2018) of the ‘Punk Rock’ band ‘Buzzcocks.’ Peter Shelley had written, produced, and recorded ‘My Coo Ca Choo,’ and was invited to perform the song as the original ‘Alvin Stardust’ on the children’s British ‘ITV’ television show ‘Lift Off with Ayshea.’ Shelley was surprised when the song entered the UK top 40 the week after, and was invited to perform on ‘Top of the Pops, but he had no desire to be a ‘Glam Rock’ star, so on recommendation, 1960’s Pop star Shane Fenton was hired, and he lip synced the track on television from then on.

The second and best known ‘Alvin Stardust’ was born Bernard William Jewry, on September 27th, 1942, in Muswell Hill, Middlesex, London, he died on October 23rd, 2014, from cancer, at the age of 72. Jewry had initially found success in the early 1960’s, when performing as ‘Shane Fenton,’ as part of ‘Shane Fenton and the Fentones.’ Jewry had been asked to join that group after the lead singer Johnny Theakston had died at the age of 17, from the result of rheumatic fever. ‘Shane Fenton and the Fentones’ released 11 singles between 1961-1964, of which four made the UK top 40, with ‘Cindy’s Birthday,’ from 1962, peaking the highest at Number 19. The character ‘Alvin Stardust’ was devised by Peter Shelley at the height of ‘Glam Rocks’ popularity in 1973. The name ‘Stardust’ was influenced by the character ‘Ziggy Stardust,’ which had been invented by David Bowie, (1948-2016) (see also best songs 440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) and Bernard Jewry dressed for the part in all black clothing, the same as the American ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ singer Vince Taylor, (1939-1991) who had been a major influence on Bowie’s development of the character of ‘Ziggy Stardust.’ As Alvin Stardust, Bernard Jewry issued 11 studio Albums between 1974-2021, and 36 singles between 1961-2014, there are also 12 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums spanning his whole career available. As Alvin Stardust he achieved 11 UK top 40 singles, with ‘Jealous Mind,’ another Peter Shelley composition, peaking the highest at Number 1 in 1974. With the exception of ‘My Coo Ca Choo,’ Bernard Jewry provided his own vocals to all of the other Alvin Stardust songs.

Peter Shelley was born Peter Alexander Southworth, on February 28th, 1943, in London, England, he died on March 23rd, 2023, of cancer, at the age of 80. After working as a talent scout for ‘Decca Records’ in the 1960’s, where amongst the artists he discovered were ‘Amen Corner,’ and some of the musicians who would eventually make up ‘King Crimson,’ Shelley started up his own record label ‘Magnet Records’ in 1973, with the future British political Labour Party peer Michael Levy. ‘Magnet Records’ was one of the most successful independent record labels of it’s era, with it’s rota including Chris Rea, Bad Manners, Silver Convention, and Darts. In 1988 the label was acquired by ‘Warner Bros. Records,’ for an estimated £10 million. Peter Shelley may not have wanted to be a ‘Glam Rock’ star, but he had no objection to being a ‘Pop’ star, releasing two studio Albums between 1974-1975, and six singles between 1974-1979, with two of those tracks ‘Gee Baby,’ (1974-UK Number 4) and ‘Love Me Love My Dog’ (1975-UK Number 3) making the UK top 40.

‘My Coo Ca Choo’ was the first of two singles released from ‘The Untouchable,’ which was the debut studio Album from Alvin Stardust, from March 1974, the song was written and produced, and performed by Peter Shelley. ‘My Coo Ca Choo’ was the first single released on the ‘Magnet Records’ label with the catalogue number ‘Mag 1.’ In Australia the song spent seven weeks at Number 1, and became the countries best selling single of 1974. In the UK, The follow up single ‘Jealous Mind’ went to Number 1, bettering ‘My Coo Ca Choo’ by one place, but in Australia ‘Jealous Mind’ only reached Number 27.

‘Tom Cat, why, you know where it’s at, come on, let’s go to my flat, lay down ‘n groove on the mat, a-you can be my coo ca choo.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

546-Julie London-Cry Me a River.

1967-Number 22 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The songs writer Arthur Hamilton was initially concerned that listeners would hear a reference to ‘Crimea,’ rather than ‘cry me a.’

Julie London was born Julie Peck on September 26th, 1926, in Santa Rosa, California, United States, she died on October 18th, 2000, at the age of 74, of what was later determined to be Cardiac arrest. In 1995 she had suffered a stroke, and remained in poor health for the following five years. She had been a chain smoker since the age of 16, and was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999, but forewent treatment due to her weakened physical state. Prior to becoming a singer Julie London had been an actress, beginning her acting career in 1944, in the film ‘Nabonga.’ In total she would appear in 24 films between 1944-1968. In later years Julie London would become best known for appearing in all 126 episodes of the American ‘NBC’ action-adventure medical drama television series ‘Emergency!,’ where she played the part of ‘Dixie McCall R.N.’ In the drama she co-starred with her second husband Bobby Troup, (1918-1999) who played the role of Dr. Joe Early. The show had been co-created, and co-produced by Julie London’s first husband Jack Webb, (1920-1982) they had been married between 1947-1954, and had two children together. Due to her striking good looks, Julie London established herself as a ‘pin-up girl’ during World War II.

The discography of Julie London includes 29 studio Albums released between 1955-1969, and 29 singles released within the same time period, there are also five official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, her only top 40 chart entry is ‘Cry M a River,’ which reached Number 9 in 1955, while that song is also her only top 40 charting single in the UK as well. Julie London who recorded in the genres of ‘Jazz,’ and ‘Pop,’ is recognised as one of the leading exponents in ‘Torch Singing.’ A ‘torch song’ is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love, either where one party is oblivious to the existence of the other, where one party has moved on, or where a romantic affair has affected the relationship. The term comes from the saying, ‘to carry a torch for someone,’ or to keep aflame the light of an unrequited love.

‘Cry Me a River’ was the only single released from ‘Julie Is Her Name,’ the debut studio Album by Julie London, from December 1955. The song was written by Arthur Hamilton, with the production being by Bobby Troup, backing Julie London on the track were Barney Kessel, (1923-2004) on guitar, and Ray Leatherwood, (1914-1996) on bass. Arthur Hamilton was born Arthur Hamilton Stern on October 22nd, 1926, in Seattle, Washington, United States. In 1953 Arthur Hamilton was commissioned by Jack Webb to write three songs for the film ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ two of which were used. The third, which was rejected was ‘Cry Me a River,’ written for, and performed by Ella Fitzgerald, (1917-1996) (see also best songs 944-702-286-231 and 100) who would eventually release her version in 1961, on her Album ‘Clap Hands, Here Comes Charlie.’ With ‘Cry Me a River’ being discarded it was offered to the American Jazz singer Peggy King, but ‘Columbia Records’ refused to let her record it, objecting to the word ‘plebian,’ in the songs lyrics. The other song Arthur Hamilton is best remembered for is ‘Sing a Rainbow,’ which was also written for ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ where it was performed by Peggy Lee (1920-2002) (see also best songs 468.) ‘Sing a Rainbow’ has become famous over the years as a tool for teaching children the names of colours, it is often erroneously called ‘I Can Sing a Rainbow.’ In 1969 a recording of the song as part of a medley by the American R&B group ‘The Dells,’ reached Number 22 on Billboard. Coincidentally Arthur Hamilton, and Julie London had both attended the same high school.

After ‘Cry M a River’ had been rejected for the film ‘Pete Kelly’s Blues,’ Julie London recorded the song for her 1955 debut Album, and then she performed it in the 1956 musical comedy film ‘The Girl Can’t Help It.’ Due to it’s success in the film, the song became a hit, and in 2016 it went through the one million sales barrier. Two other versions of the song have charted on Billboard. In 1969, Marie Knight took her recording to Number 35, and in 1970, Joe Cocker reached Number 11 with his live version. In the UK, Mari Wilson reached Number 27 in 1983, Denice Welch got to Number 23 in 1995, and Michael Bublé made Number 34 in 2009. A track by Justin Timberlake also called ‘Cry Me a River’ (2002) has nothing to do with this song.

Arthur Hamilton has said of ‘Cry Me a River,’ ‘I had never heard the phrase. I just liked the combination of words. Instead of ‘Eat your heart out,’ or ‘I’ll get even with you,’ it sounded like a good, smart retort to somebody who had hurt your feelings. or broken your heart.’

‘You drove me, nearly drove me out of my head. while you never shed a tear. Remember, I remember, all that you said. Told me love was too plebeian, told me you were through with me, and now you say you love me, just to prove you do. Well cry me a river, cry me a river, I cried a river over you.’