THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

684-Lionel Richie-Truly.

1982-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 2.08. The Argentinian football player Lionel Messi is named after Lionel Richie, you learn something new everyday.

Lionel Richie was born Lionel Brockman Richie Jr. on June 20th, 1949, in Tuskegee, Alabama, United States, with record sales estimated to be around 100 million, he is one of the best selling artists of all time. Prior to choosing a life in music, Lionel Richie was a talented tennis player, and had considered pursuing that as a career, he had also considered becoming a priest, but ultimately decided he was not ‘priest material.’ In 1968 he became a co-founder of the American Soul, and Funk group the ‘Commodores,’ as a singer and saxophonist. After recording one song with ‘Atlantic Records’ they moved on to ‘Motown Records,’ initially as a support act to ‘The Jackson 5’ (see also best songs 249 and 137.) The Commodores eventually found success at ‘Motown,’ initially with uptempo ‘Funk’ tracks, but they achieved their greatest commercial success in the latter half of the 1970’s, with the ballads written and sung by Lionel Richie. Richie would stay a member of the ‘Commodores’ until leaving to pursue a solo career in 1982.

The solo discography of Lionel Richie includes 11 studio Albums released between 1982-2012, and 42 singles issued between 1981-2012, there are also six official compilation Albums, and four live Albums available. In America on Billboard, two of his studio Albums have reached Number 1, including his 1983 Album ‘Can’t Slow Down,’ which has now sold in excess of 20 million copies worldwide. Lionel Richie has achieved 16 American Billboard Hot 100 top 40 hits, with five of those tracks making Number 1, including ‘Truly.’ In the UK, he has had 20 top 40 hits, with ‘Hello,’ reaching Number 1 in 1984. Other notable songs written by Lionel Richie include the Billboard Number 1 hit,’Endless Love,’ his 1981 duet with Diana Ross. He also wrote ‘Lady,’ which when recorded by the American Country singer Kenny Rogers, (1938-2020) topped the Billboard chart in 1980, and at the time of writing is the 60th best selling single of all time on that chart. As a songwriter Lionel Richie’s greatest success came in 1985 when he co-wrote the charity single ‘We Are the World’ with Michael Jackson, (1958-2009) which has gone on to sell in excess of 20 million copies, and at the time of writing is the eighth-best-selling physical single of all time.

‘Truly’ was the debut solo single from Lionel Richie, and was the first of three singles released from his self titled debut solo Album from October 1982. ‘Truly’ was written by Lionel Richie, and co-produced by Richie, and his long term collaborator James Anthony Carmichael. ‘Truly’ is a ballad in much the same style as ‘Three Times a Lady,’ (1978-Billboard & UK Number 1) and ‘Still,’ (1979-Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 4) which he and Carmichael had written and produced for the ‘Commodores.’

James Anthony Carmichael was born on September 14th, 1941, in Gadsden, Alabama, United States, since the early 1960’s he has worked as an arranger, and music producer. Carmichael’s work in the 1960’s included collaborating with the American singing duo of ‘Bob & Earl,’ (see also best songs 696) and alongside Fred ‘Sledge’ Smith (1933-2005) at ‘Mirwood Records,’ they arranged and produced the 1967 Bill Cosby Billboard Number 4 hit ‘Little Ole Man (Uptight, Everything’s Alright.’) In the late 1960’s Carmichael began working on a freelance basis with ‘Motown’ artists in Los Angeles, which included the Four Tops, the Miracles, and the Supremes. In 1974 he was approached by the ‘Commodores,’ and agreed to work with them, after receiving assurances that he would be given production responsibilities on their recordings. Carmichael stayed with the ‘Commodores’ for the next seven years, before leaving them to join forces with Lionel Richie and his burgeoning solo career.

‘Because I’m truly, truly in love with you, girl. I’m truly head over heels with your love. I need you, and with your love, I’m free, and truly, you know you’re alright, with me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

685-Public Domain-Operation Blade (Bass in the Place.)

2000-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 1.12. ‘Everybody in the house make some noise,’ or, ‘I want everyone in the house to say ‘Ho.” There’s a couple of crowd-pleasers for you party DJ’s to add to your repertoire.

Public Domain were formed in Ayr, Scotland, in 1999, by Mark Sherry, James Allan, and Alistair MacIsaac, prior to the release of ‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place’) the trio were joined by Mallorca Lee, and David Forbes. After the success of their first three singles, both Mallorca Lee, and David Forbes left the group, with Neil Skinner joining shortly after, at the time of writing, with Mark Sherry being the groups driving force, they remain active, although there has been no new music issued under the ‘Public Domain’ name since 2004.

Public Domain are an Electronic Music group who record in the genres of ‘Acid House,’ ‘Happy Hardcore,’ ‘Hard Techno,’ and ‘Hard Trance.’ They have released one studio Album to date, which was ‘Hard Hop Superstars,’ in 2001, which charted in the top 40 in New Zealand, the only territory where it found top 40 commercial success, peaking at Number 24, although it did also reach Number 65 in Australia. Public Domain have released five singles between 2000-2004, with the first three of those tracks making the UK top 40, with ‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place’) peaking the highest at Number 5. Their other two top 40 entries are ‘Rock da Funky Beats,’
featuring Chuck D, of the American ‘Hip-Hop’ group ‘Public Enemy,’ (see also best songs 578 and 37) which reached Number 19 in 2001, and the double ‘A’ sided single, ‘Too Many MCs’/’Let Me Clear My Throat,’ which peaked at Number 34 in 2002.

‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place’) which is also unofficially known as ‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place London’) was the first of three singles released from Public Domain’s only studio Album ‘Hard Hop Superstars,’ from 2001. The song was co-written and co-produced by Mark Sherry, Alistair MacIsaac, and James Allan, and can be filed under the musical genres of ‘Acid House,’ and Hard Trance.’ In 2003 the song was re-issued after being remixed by the German music producers Reinhard Raith, and Tommy Serano, who are better known as ‘VooDoo & Serano.’ The track was released as a double ‘A’ sided single, with the ‘VooDoo & Serano’ written track ‘Blood Is Pumpin,’ which in it’s original form had peaked at Number 19 in the UK in 2001. The new remix of ‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place’) stalled at Number 77.

‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place’) which was also issued again in 2006 as the ‘XXX’ remix, heavily samples the ‘Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix’ of the 1995 remix of the 1983 UK Number 12 single ‘Confusion,’ by the British Rock group ‘New Order.’ ‘Confusion,’ and the ‘Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix’ were co-written by Gillian Gilbert, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris, and Bernard Sumner of the British group ‘New Order,’ (see also best songs 885 and 619) along with the American music producer Arthur Baker, (see also best songs 825 and 716) although none of New Order, or Arthur Baker receive writing credits on ‘Operation Blade (Bass in the Place.’)

The New Order ‘Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix’ can be heard playing over the memorable opening scene of the 1998 American superhero film ‘Blade,’ starring Wesley Snipes, hence the songs title ‘Operation Blade.’ Other songs to sample the ‘Pump Panel Reconstruction Mix’ include, ‘Phatt Bass,’ by the ‘Warp Bros,’ and ‘Play It Louder,’ by ‘Randy Katana.’

Bass to the place, London. Everybody in the house do now make some noise. I wanna hear everybody in the place say ho, ho. Public Domain kickin’ it to you man.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

686-Suzi Quatro-Can the Can.

1973-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 2.40. Many Pop stars need to choose a cool stage name in order to appear cool, ‘Suzi Q’ was born with hers.

Susan Kay Quatro was born on June 3rd, 1950, in Detroit, Michigan, United States, she has said that her earliest music influence, at the age of six, was seeing Elvis Presley (1935-1977) (see also best songs 954-6643-442 and 194) perform on television. She has stated that she had no direct female role models in music, but was inspired by Billie Holiday, (1915-1959) (see also best songs 624) and liked the dress sense of Mary Weiss of the Shangri-Las, (see also best songs 331) ‘Because she wore tight trousers, and a waistcoat on top. She looked hot.’ In 1964 Suzi Quatro joined the all girl group ‘The Pleasure Seekers,’ whom had been formed by her sister Patti Quatro, who would later in 1974 join the all female American Rock band ‘Fanny.’ With ‘The Pleasure Seekers,’ Suzi Quatro released two commercially unsuccessful singles in 1965, and 1968, before leaving the group in 1969. It was Suzi’s brother Michael Quatro, who at that time was an independent entertainment executive, who persuaded Mickie Most (1938-2003) (see also best songs 851) the music producer, and founder of ‘RAK Records,’ to watch Suzi Quatro perform when he was in Detroit. This led to Most signing Suzi to ‘RAK Records,’ and her being introduced to the songwriters and music producers Nicky Chin, and Mike Chapman (see also best songs 860 and 773 and 402.) Suzi Quatro led and others followed, she was the first female bass guitar player to front a ‘Rock’ group, influencing many future ladies of ‘Rock,’ including Joan Jett, The Runaways, and Girlschool. In America where her music was far less commercially successful than in other parts of the world, she is best known for playing the character ‘Leather Tuscadero,’ in the television sitcom ‘Happy Days.’

The discography of Suzi Quatro, who has sold in excess of 50 million records worldwide, includes, 18 studio Albums released between 1973-2023, and 63 singles issued between 1966-2021, there are also 20 official compilation Albums, and two live Albums available. In America on Billboard, only her 1978 Album ‘If You Knew Suzi…’ has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 37, while on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, none of her solo singles reached the top 40, although her 1978 duet with Chris Norman, ‘Stumblin’ In,’ did make Number 4. In the UK, Suzi Quatro has had 11 top 40 singles, with both ‘Can the Can,’ (1973) and ‘Devil Gate Drive,’ (1974) both reaching the Number 1 spot.

‘Can the Can’ was the second solo single release from Suzi Quatro, the first single called ‘Rolling Stone,’ which had been co-written by Suzi, with Errol Brown, (1943-2015) (see also best songs 864) and Phil Dennys, had failed to chart, except for in Portugal, where it had made Number 1, ‘Can the Can’ which was later added to Suzi Quatro’s self titled debut solo studio Album from 1973, was co-written, and co-produced by Mike Chapman, and Nicky Chinn. While working with Chinn and Chapman the agreement was that they would write all of Suzi Quatro’s singles, while Quatro would write the Album tracks, and ‘B’ sides.

When ‘Can the Can’ went to Number 1 in 1973 in the UK, it made Suzi Quatro the first solo female artist since Mary Hopkin in 1968 with ‘Those Were the Days,’ (see also best songs 692) to top the chart. ‘Can the Can’ was a major success, even so no one knew what the songs subject was about, Nicky Chinn has since explained,’It means something that is pretty impossible, you can’t get one can inside another if they are the same size, so we’re saying you can’t put your man in the can if he is out there and not willing to commit. The phrase sounded good, and we didn’t mind if the public didn’t get the meaning of it.’ Suzi Quatro has said,’I can hear a record for the first time and know whether it will be a hit, and I knew as soon as we had finished recording that we had a big hit on our hands.’

Well you call your mamma tiger, and we all know you are lying, and your boyfriend’s name is eagle, and he lives up in the sky. Watch out the tiger don’t go claw the eagle’s eye, but let the eagle take the tiger by surprise, scratch out her eyes. So make a stand for your man, honey, try to can the can.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

687-The Platters-Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.

1958-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.09. Jerome Kern’s widow disliked The Platters recording so much, she considered taking legal action, she thought the song was ‘Too Rock ‘N Roll.’

Jerome David Kern was born on January 27th, 1885, in New York City, New York, United States, six days before his death he suffered a cerebral hemorrhage, and died on November 11th, 1945, at the age of 60. At the time of his death Oscar Hammerstein II, (1895-1960) (see also best songs 842-82 and 60) was at his bedside when Kern’s breathing stopped. Hammerstein hummed or sang the song ‘I’ve Told Ev’ry Little Star,’ from ‘Music in the Air,’ which was a personal favourite of Kern’s in to his ear, after receiving no response, Hammerstein realised Kern had died. Jerome Kern is considered to be one of the most important American theatre composers of the early 20th Century, having written more than 700 songs that were used in over 100 stage works, including classics such as ‘Ol’ Man River,’ (1927) ‘Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man,’ (1927) ‘A Fine Romance,’ (1936) and ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ (1936.) Jerome Kern created dozens of Broadway Musicals, and Hollywood films, over the course of four decades, working alongside the leading lyricists of the era, including Oscar Hammerstein II, (1895-1960) Johnny Mercer, (1909-1976) Ira Gershwin, (1896-1983) and Yip Harburg, (1896-1981) who all have songs featured in this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list.

‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ was written for the 1933 musical ‘Roberta,’ by Jerome Kern, who composed the music, and Otto Harbach, (1873-1963) who wrote the lyrics. ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ was first sung in the Broadway show of ‘Roberta’ by the Russian singer and actress Tamara Drasin, (1905-1943) and first recorded by the American singer and actress Gertrude Niesen, (1911-1975) in 1933. Four different versions of ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ reached the American Billboard chart in 1934, with the most successful being by the American bandleader Paul Whiteman, (1890-1967) whose recording reached Number 1. The song has been covered over several decades by many of the worlds top artists, and in the UK has been a top 40 hit on four occasions, by The Platters, (1959-Number 1) Blue Haze, (1972-Number 32) Bryan Ferry, (1974-Number 17) and John Alford (1996-Number 13.)

The version of ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes’ which has become the definitive, is this one by The Platters, which topped the Billboard and UK singles chart in 1959. The Platters recorded the song for their 1958 Album ‘Remember When?’ with the songs production being by Samuel ‘Buck’ Ram,’ (1907-1991) who was also the groups manager. The Platters were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1952, taking their name from the ‘turntable’ of an old 1940’s era phonograph machine, and the ‘platter’ that spun the vinyl records. The Platters were one of the most successful vocal groups of the early ‘Rock N’ Roll’ era, with their distinctive sound bridging the gap between previous acts such as ‘The Mills Brothers,’ (see also best songs 960 and 535) and the ‘Ink Spots,’ (see also best songs 702 and 266) with those to follow, such as the ‘Temptations’ (see also best songs 1031-1001-777 and 569.) None of the original line up of The Platters (1952-1953) are still alive, and none of the accepted classic line up (1955-1959) are either. Herb Reed who had named the group, (1928-2012) was also the official groups one constant, having sung lead or backing on all 400 plus recordings, and it was Tony Williams (1928-1992) from the classic line up, who sang the lead vocals on ”Smoke Gets in Your Eyes.’ After the group began to splinter around 1970, legal battles ensued as past members sought the right to use the name ‘The Platters,’ leading to them being branded ‘Many Voices One Name.’ In total there were 11 official members come and go, and at the time of writing ‘The Platters’ still tour with four current members.

The discography of The Platters includes 54 singles released between 1953-1968, of which 22 have reached the American Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘The Great Pretender, (1955) ‘My Prayer,’ (1956) ‘Twilight Time,’ (1958) and ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,’ (1958) all reaching Number 1. In the UK, The Platters have had 10 top 40 hits, with ‘Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,’ peaking the highest at Number 1.

‘They asked me how I knew, my true love was true, I of course replied, something here inside, cannot be denied. They said, someday you’ll find, all who love are blind, when your heart’s on fire, you must realise, smoke gets in your eyes.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

688-Pixies-Cactus.

1988-It has never been release as a single in the UK.

Best Bit-At 1.11. ‘P.I.X.I.E.S.’ Surely there is no need to spell out to you how good this song is.

The Pixies were formed in Boston, Massachusetts, United States, in 1986, by Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV, who is better known by his stage name Black Francis, (vocals, rhythm guitar, songwriter) Joey Santiago, (lead guitar) Kim Deal, (bass, and vocals) and David Lovering (drums.) The Pixies split in 1993, but reformed in 2004, and at the time of writing they remain active. Paz Lenchantin, (violin, bass, piano, and vocals) joining the group in 2016, after Kim Deal had left in 2013. The groups name was chosen by Joey Santiago, who selected the word ‘pixies’ randomly from a dictionary, liking how it looked, and its definition as ‘mischievous little elves.’

The Pixies are considered one of the most influential acts of the 1990’s in the genre of ‘Alternative Rock,’ being an influence on acts such as Nirvana, (see also best songs 788 and 9) Radiohead, (see also best songs 33) and the Smashing Pumpkins (see also best songs 374.) Kurt Cobain (1967-1994) has spoken about the Pixies influence on his classic ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ (1991-Billboard Number 6 & UK Number 7) ‘I was trying to write the ultimate pop song. I was basically trying to rip off the Pixies. I have to admit it, when I heard the Pixies for the first time, I connected with that band so heavily I should have been in that band, or at least in a Pixies cover band. We used their sense of dynamics, being soft and quiet and then loud and hard.’

The discography of the Pixies includes eight studio Albums released between 1988-2022, and 22 singles issued in the same time period, there are also six official compilation Albums, five extended plays, and 17 live Albums available. The Pixies have never charted on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, although six of their tracks have reached the Billboard ‘Alternative Airplay’ chart, with ‘Here Comes Your Man,’ peaking the highest at Number 3 in 1989. In the UK, the Pixies have had three top 40 hits, with ‘Debaser’ from 1997, charting the highest at Number 23. Black Francis has also released 15 studio Albums as ‘Frank Black,’ ‘Frank Black and the Catholics,’ and ‘Black Francis,’ between 1993-2011, while Kim Deal who would go on to form ‘The Breeders,’ has released five studio Albums between 1990-2018, with that group.

‘Cactus’ is track eight of 13 on the critically acclaimed ‘Surfer Rosa,’ which was the debut studio Album from the Pixies, from March 1988. ‘Cactus’ was written by Black Francis, with, the production being by Steve Albini, who also produced all of the other 12 tracks on the Album. Steve Albini who is a singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, audio engineer, and music journalist, was born on July 22nd, 1962, in Pasadena, California, United States. As a musician, Albini has fronted the ‘Rock’ bands ‘Big Black,’ ‘Rapeman’ and ‘Shellac’ on guitar and vocals, and since going in to music production, he has in his own words, ‘Worked on several thousand Albums,’ over his career. His production work includes producing ‘In Utero,’ the 1993 third and final studio Album by Nirvana.

‘Cactus’ tells the story of a man in prison who is missing his wife. He wishes that she would send him something with her scent on, hence the lyrics,’Bloody your hands on a cactus tree, wipe it on your dress, and send it to me.’ Between the second verse and the chorus, the group can be heard chanting ‘P.I.X.I.E.S.’ this is in order to pay homage to one of the bands heroes Marc Bolan, (1947-1977) (see also best songs 790-386 and 67) who chanted ‘T.R.E.X.’ on his 1973 UK Number 4 single ‘The Groover.’ In 2002 David Bowie (1947-2016) (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5) covered ‘Cactus’ for his ‘Heathen’ Album, and during the instrumental break he spells out ‘D.A.V.I.D.’

‘I miss your kissin’ and i miss your head, and a letter in your writing doesn’t mean you’re not dead. Run outside in the desert heat, make your dress all wet and send it to me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

689-Chris Rea-The Road to Hell (Parts 1 & 2)

1989-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 4.53. Bloody speed cameras, traffic jams, and middle lane drivers, he’ll be lucky to make it home for New Year, let alone Christmas.

Christopher Anton Rea was born on March 4th, 1951, in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, England. He was a late starter in the world of ‘Pop Music,’ as he didn’t join his first band ‘Magdelene’ until he was 22 years old, and he didn’t release his first solo Album until he was 27 years old. As this songs suggests, Chris Rea was always reluctant to play at being a celebrity, he has been quoted as saying,’There’s a certain discipline involved in being a real ‘rock star,’ and I just don’t have it.’ Since his early thirties Chris Rea has suffered with life threatening health issues. In 1994 he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and underwent a life saving operation to remove his pancreas, gallbladder, and a portion of his liver, as a result, he has type 1 diabetes, for which he takes multiple tablets, and has to inject himself several times a day for the rest of his life. In 2016 he suffered a stroke, which left him with slurred speech, and reduced movement in his arms and fingers. Soon afterwards he quit smoking to deter further strokes, and has since recovered enough to record and tour. Chris Rea has had a lifelong passion for motor cars, which could explain the inspiration for this song, as well as his perennial festive favourite ‘Driving Home for Christmas.’ He is a fan of historic motor racing, and races a ‘Ferrari Dino,’ a ‘Ferrari 328,’ and a 1955 ‘Lotus 6.’ In 1993, he participated in the 1993 ‘British Touring Car Championship ToCa’ shootout, as a guest driver. In 1995 he took the opportunity to get involved in Formula One, when he worked as a pit lane mechanic for the Jordan team, during the 1995 Monaco Grand Prix.

The discography of Chris Rea includes 25 studio Albums released between 1978-2019, and 72 singles issued between 1974-2011, there are also 14 official compilation Albums, one live Album, and one soundtrack Album available. In the UK, 14 of his studio Albums have reached the top 40, with both ‘The Road to Hell,’ (1989) and ‘Auberge,’ (1991) both making the Number 1 spot. In America, only his debut Album ‘Whatever Happened to Benny Santini?’ has made any commercial impact, when reaching Number 49 in 1978. In the UK, he has achieved 13 top 40 singles, with ‘Driving Home for Christmas,’ (1988) and ‘The Road to Hell’ (Part 2′) (1989) both peaking the highest at Number 10. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only ‘Fool (If You Think It’s Over’) has charted within the top 40, when reaching Number 12 in 1978.

‘The Road to Hell (Parts 1 & 2’) which are actually stated as two separate tracks, although they segue together, are the opening two songs on ‘The Road to Hell,’ which is the 10th studio Album from Chris Rea from October 1989. ‘The Road to Hell (Parts 1 & 2’) was written by Chris Rea, with the production being by Jon Kelly, who has worked alongside Rea on other occasions. He has also produced or engineered with other artists, including Kate Bush, with whom he co-produced with Bush, her third studio Album ‘Never for Ever’ in 1980.

‘The Road to Hell (Parts 1 & 2’) opens with sounds simulating the traffic on the M4. We hear rain, windshield wipers, and a series of disjointed traffic reports in different languages, including one that states the delay will last about four hours. Chris Rea got the idea for ‘The Road to Hell (Parts 1 & 2’) when he was stuck in traffic, and feeling frustrated, while on the ‘M4’ Motorway in England. At the start of the song Rea imagines the ghost of his dead mother, who had died in 1983, approaching his vehicle, and she warns him that he is on ‘the road to hell,’ and that he should choose a different path through life. Rea was never in love with the ‘Pop Star’ lifestyle, and all that it entailed, and the song is a warning to himself to follow his own dreams, and not those of others.

‘Oh look out world, take a good look what comes down here, you must learn this lesson fast and learn it well. This ain’t no upwardly mobile freeway, oh no, this is the road, this is the road, this is the road to hell.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

690- Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony-The Hustle.

1975-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 0.35. Strictly Come (Disco) Dancing.

Van Allen Clinton McCoy was born on January 6th, 1940, in Washington D. C. United States, on June 29th, 1979, he suffered a heart attack, and was hospitalised and went in to a coma, he died on July 6th, 1979, at the age of 39. Van McCoy who had learned to play the piano at an early age, was already writing songs by the age of 12, as well as performing as a ‘Doo-Wop’ combo with his older brother Norman. In 1956 while still at school he formed the ‘Starlighters’ with three others, recording the novelty song ‘The Birdland,’ which gained some local interest. Over the next 23 years Van McCoy would go on to write approximately 700 songs, which have been recorded by many of the worlds top artists, including Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight, and The Stylistics. Some of his best known compositions include, ‘When You’re Young and in Love,’ (The Marvelettes) ‘I Get the Sweetest Feeling,’ (Jackie Wilson) and ‘This Is It,’ (Melba Moore.) He was also responsible for bringing together and mentoring the original American R&B duo of ‘Peaches & Herb,’ who were Herb Fame, and Francine Day (1947-2005.)

The discography of Van McCoy includes 11 studio Albums released between 1966-1979, and 33 singles issued between 1961-1979, there are also four official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, ‘The Hustle’ was his only top 40 hit, reaching the Number 1 spot, while in the UK, four of his singles made the top 40, with ‘The Shuffle,’ being his other top 5 hit, when peaking at Number 4 in 1976.

‘The Hustle’ was the only single released from Van McCoy’s second studio Album as ‘Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony,’ and his fourth studio Album overall. The track was written by Van McCoy, with the production being by Hugo Peretti, (1916-1986) and Luigi Creatore (1921-2015.) Van McCoy’s long term collaborator Charles Kipps had visited the ‘Adam’s Apple’ nightclub in New York City, and had watched the patrons doing a dance that they called ‘the hustle.’ Kipps reported to Van McCoy what he had seen, and McCoy wrote ‘The Hustle’ to compliment the dance. ‘The Hustle’ can boast some of the worlds top musicians playing on the track, which was recorded at New York’s ‘Mediasound’ studio. Van McCoy played the piano, and was supported by Gordon Edwards, (bass) Steve Gadd, (drums) Richard Tee, (1943-1993) (keyboards) Eric Gale, (1938-1994) (guitar) John Tropea, (guitar) and Phil Bodner (1917-2008) (piccolo.)

‘The Hustle’ was co-produced by Hugo Peretti, (1916-1986) and Luigi Creatore, (1921-2015) (see also best songs 194) and released on their record label ‘Avco Records,’ which they co-owned with the American film distributor, financier, and producer, Joseph E. Levine (1905-1987.) In 1976 Peretti, and Creatore bought out Levine, and renamed the label ‘H&L Records,’ which in 1978 filed for bankruptcy. According to Peretti, and Creatore, shortly before his death in 1979, Van McCoy had met with them to discuss the idea of releasing a new longer version of ‘The Hustle,’ as McCoy had been told that there would be a market for a ’12 inch Disco single’ release. The new version of ‘The Hustle’ was put together soon after the death of McCoy in 1979, and runs for around six and a half minutes. The track was assembled using parts of the original recording, plus new parts, including drum, Syndrum, and a ‘little’ Moog synthesizer. The track was credited to ‘Van McCoy’ alone, and mixed by ‘The Mixmasters,’ whose identity was not revealed, the remix is well worth a listen.

‘Do the Hustle.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

691-Missy Elliott-Get Ur Freak On.

2001-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08. At the beginning of the song a voice in Japanese says, ‘これからみんなでめちゃくちゃ踊って騒ごう、騒ごう。」’Kore kara minna de mechakucha odotte. Sawagou, sawagou!’ Which in English means, ‘Everyone start dancing together wildly now. Let’s make some noise, let’s make some noise.’

Missy Elliott was born Melissa Arnette Elliott, on July 1st, 1971, in Portsmouth, Virginia, United States, with worldwide record sales in excess of 40 million, she is the best selling female rapper of all time. Missy Elliott has received numerous accolades, including in 2019, being the first woman rapper to be inducted into the ‘Songwriters Hall of Fame.’ In 2021, she was honoured with a star on the ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame,’ and in 2023, she became the first woman rapper to be nominated, and inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.’ Missy Elliott who has been referred to as the ‘Queen of Rap,’ the ‘Queen of Hip Hop,’ and the ‘First Lady of Hip Hop,’ is considered to be one of the most innovative recording artists of all time, with the British weekly newspaper ‘The Economist’ writing that Elliott ‘Is to rap what Prince was to R&B, due to their impact upon the genre, and her ability to weave in styles and strands from outside it.’

The discography of Missy Elliott includes six studio Albums released between 1997-2005, and 74 singles that have been issued between 1997-2023, there are also three official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, she has had nine top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘Work It,’ from 2002, peaking the highest at Number 2, with ‘Get Ur Freak On’ reaching Number 7. As a featured artist, Missy Elliott has had 12 ‘Hot 100’ top 40 entries, with ‘1, 2 Step’ by Ciara, featuring Missy Elliott, peaking at Number 2 in 2004. In the UK, Missy Elliott has had 15 top 40 hit singles as the lead artist, with ‘Get Ur Freak On’ peaking the highest at Number 4, while as the featured artist she has appeared in the UK top 40 on a further 16 occasions, with ‘I Want You Back,’ by Melanie B, featuring Missy Elliott, reaching Number 1 in 1998. Missy Elliott is also a prolific songwriter and producer for many other artists, including Aaliyah, (One in a Million-1998, on nine tracks) and Whitney Houston (My Love Is Your Love-1998, on two tracks.)

‘Get Ur Freak On’ was the first of five singles released from ‘Miss E… So Addictive,’ which is the third studio Album by Missy Elliott from May 2001, the song was co-written by Missy Elliott, and Timbaland, with the production also being by Timbaland, who is a long term collaborator with Missy Elliott. Timbaland is the stage name of Timothy Zachery Mosley, who was born on March 10th, 1972, in Norfolk, Virginia, United States, he was given the name ‘Timbaland’ by the American music producer ‘DeVante Swing,’ who named him after the ‘Timberland’ brand of construction boots. Timbaland is considered to be an important figure in the creation of American ‘R&B,’ for his ‘stuttering kick-drums template.’ He is also considered highly influential in the fusing together of the genres ‘R&B,’ and ‘Hip-Hop,’ and his production style has also been a major influence in the development of ‘UK Garage’ music.

As well as producing for dozens of other artists, including Madonna, and Jay-Z, Timbaland has also released three studio Albums between 1998-2009, and 17 singles between 1998-2023. As the lead artist, six of his singles have reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with ‘Give It to Me,’ featuring Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake, reaching Number 1 in 2007. He has also had eight ‘Hot 100’ top 40 hits as the featured artist, with ‘Promiscuous,’ by Nelly Furtado, featuring Timbaland, (2006) and ‘SexyBack’ by Justin Timberlake, featuring Timbaland, (2006) both reaching the Number 1 spot. In the UK Timbaland has had eight top 40 hits as the lead artist, with both ‘Give It to Me,’ featuring Nelly Furtado, and Justin Timberlake, and ‘The Way I Are’ featuring Keri Hilson, both reaching Number 1 in 2007. Timbaland has also appeared on 11 UK top 40 hits as the featured artist, with ‘SexyBack’ by Justin Timberlake, featuring Timbaland, (2006) and ‘4 Minutes’ by Madonna, featuring Justin Timberlake, and Timbaland, (2008) both making the Number 1 spot.

‘Get Ur Freak On’ came about after Timbaland had been working on some Indian music, the beat for ‘Get Ur Freak On’ is based on ‘Bhangra’ music (see also best songs 966.) Missy Elliott has explained the songs meaning,’It could be about dancing, the bedroom, whatever. You’re cleaning your house? Get your freak on!’

‘People you know, me and Timbaland been hot since twenty years ago. What da dilly yo, now what da drilly yo. If you want to battle me, then people lemme know. (Holla) Got the feeling son, lemme throw you some, people here I come. Now sweat me when I’m done, we got the radio shook, like we got a gun.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

692-Mary Hopkin-Those Were the Days.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.40.’Don’t look back in anger, I hear you say.’

‘Those Were the Days’ started out life as a ‘Russian Romance’ song ‘Дорогой длинною,’ literally meaning ‘By the Long Road.’ It was composed by the Russian musician Boris Fomin, (1900-1948) with lyrics by the Russian poet Konstantin Podrevsky (1888-1930.) The earliest recordings of the song were probably made by the Georgian singer Tamara Tsereteli, (1900-1968) in 1925, and also by the Russian singer Alexander Vertinsky (1889-1957) in 1926. In the early 1960’s, the American Folk musician, playwright, and professor of architecture Gene Raskin, (1909-2004) who had grown up listening to different renditions of the song, wrote new English lyrics to the medley, which he slightly changed, and copyrighted both the music and the lyrics in his own name. Gene Raskin, and his wife Francesca played Folk Music around Greenwich Village in New York, and they were also international performers, and played at London’s ‘Blue Angel’ every year, always closing their performance with ”Those Were the Days.’ Paul McCartney, (see also best songs 646-599-456-319-238-218-141-107-80-51-10 and 5) who frequented the ‘Blue Angel’ and had known of the song for sometime, realised it’s hit potential, if he could find the right artist to fit the song. It was the English ‘Supermodel’ ‘Twiggy’ (see also best songs 807) who after watching the Welsh singer Mary Hopkin win the British television talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks,’ who recommended her to McCartney, who then immediately recorded Hopkin at the ‘Abbey Road Studios’ in London. McCartney would later say, ‘I thought it was very catchy, it had something, it was a good treatment of nostalgia. She picked it up very easily, as if she’d known it for years.’

‘Those Were the Days’ songwriting credits are shared between Boris Fomin, and Gene Raskin, with the production being by Paul McCartney, who also played acoustic guitar on the track.’Those Were the Days’ didn’t appear on Mary Hopkin’s debut Album ‘Post Card’ from February 1969 in the UK, although in America and Canada it did, replacing the track ‘Someone to Watch Over Me.’ ‘Those Were the Days’ was arranged by Richard Anthony Hewson, who was born on November 17th, 1943, in Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham, England. Hewson would go on to arrange the Beatles tracks ‘I Me Mine,’ and ‘The Long and Winding Road,’ both from the 1970 Album ‘Let It Be.’ Hewson found chart success as ‘The Rah Band,’ of which he was the sole member, and which took its name from his initials, with three top 40 UK singles, including ‘The Crunch,’ (1977-Number 6) and ‘Clouds Across the Moon,’ (1985-Number 6.)

Mary Hopkin was born on May 3rd, 1950, in Pontardawe, Wales, she was married to the American music producer Tony Visconti (see also best songs 386-302-209 and 118) between 1971-1981, and is credited on some of her recordings as Mary Visconti. Mary Hopkin came to the attention of the British public after winning the ‘ITV’ television talent show ‘Opportunity Knocks’ in 1968, after which she signed with ‘Apple Records.’ In 1970 she represented the UK in the ‘Eurovision Song Contest,’ with the song ‘Knock, Knock Who’s There?’ which finished in second place. Following on from Eurovision, she had her own peak time television series, ‘Mary Hopkin in the Land of …,’ on BBC 1, which ran for six episodes in 1970. After marrying Tony Visconti, she semi retired from recording until 1976, in order to have a family, although she contributed backing vocals to many other artists songs, including David Bowie’s 1977 released Album ‘Low.’ The discography of Mary Hopkin includes 10 studio Albums released between 1969-2023, and 25 singles between 1968-2014, there are also seven official compilation Albums, and one live Album available. In the UK, six of her singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Those Were the Days’ reaching Number 1, while in America on Billboard, she has had three top 40 hits, with ‘Those Were the Days’ peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘Those Were the Days’ was held off the top spot in America by the Paul McCartney penned Beatles song ‘Hey Jude,’ which was released on August 26-1968, with both songs being issued within four days of each other, on the newly set up ‘Apple Records’ label which was owned by the Beatles. ‘Those Were the Days’ (August 30-1968) is considered the first ever official hit on ‘Apple,’ as ‘Hey Jude’ had been given a ‘Parlophone Records’ catalogue number.

The original lyrics for ‘Those Were the Days’ tells the story of a journey on a horse-drawn sleigh, with the narrator seeking music and romance, while the re-written lyrics tell of someone looking back on their life, and realising that they have failed to achieve what they hoped they would, back in their youth.

‘Once upon a time there was a tavern, where we used to raise a glass or two. Remember how we laughed away the hours, think of all the great things we would do. Those were the days, my friend.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

693-William DeVaughn-Be Thankful for What You Got.

1974-Number 31 single.

Best Bit-At 2.11. ‘I cried because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet.’

William Edward DeVaughn Jr. was born on November 28th, 1947, in Washington D. C. United States, he has chosen to only record sporadically, with religion playing a big part in his life. The discography of William DeVaughn includes three studio Albums released between 1974-2008, and 13 singles issued between 1974-2017. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, only ‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ has reached the top 40, when peaking at Number 4, and selling in excess of two million copies. His only other Billboard Hot 100 entry remains ‘Blood Is Thicker than Water,’ which reached Number 43 also in 1974. William DeVaughn has also had three entries on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ chart, with ‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ getting to Number 1. In the UK, his only top 40 entry is ‘Be Thankful for What You Got,’ but his re-recorded version of the same track, did reach Number 44 in 1980.

In 1972 William DeVaughn was only a part time singer, as he had a full time job working as a drafting technician for the government. After hearing about an initiative run by ‘Omega Sound,’ a Philadelphia music production company, DeVaughn invested $900 of his own money to record a self penned track called ‘A Cadillac Don’t Come Easy,’ with the promise being that if the people at ‘Omega Sound’ liked what they heard, then he would get a recording contract. After being accepted ‘A Cadillac Don’t Come Easy,’ was worked on by John Davis who was the music producer at ‘Omega Sound’ as well as a member of the ‘Philadelphia International Records’ studio session group ‘MFSB.’ Davis, along with other ‘MFSB’ members helped DeVaughn to transform the track with a smoother arrangement.

‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ was the first of four singles released from William DeVaughn’s debut studio Album of the same name from 1974, the song was written by William DeVaughn, with the production being by Frank Fioravanti, and John Davis. Many members of ‘MFSB’ were involved in the making of ‘Be Thankful for What You Got,’ including Norman Harris, (1947-1987) (guitar) Bobby Eli, (1946-2023) (guitar) (see also best songs 742) Earl Young, (drums) (see also best songs 184) and Vince Montana Jr. (1928-2013) (vibraphone.) ‘MFSB’ which officially stood for ‘Mother Father Sister Brother,’ were a pool of 31 musicians, who after signing with ‘Philadelphia International Records’ in 1972, became the labels house band, in the same way the ‘The Funk Brothers’ were at ‘Motown Records. Many of the ‘MFSB’ group members left ‘Philadelphia International Records’ in the mid 1970’s over a financial dispute, those that left moved on to ‘Salsoul Records,’ where they became known as the ‘Salsoul Orchestra.’ Other members began performing as the ‘Ritchie Family Orchestra,’ and the ‘John Davis and the Monster Orchestra.’

‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ has some very famous lyrics, ‘Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin’ the scene with a gangsta lean.’ These lyrics have been sampled in many well known tracks over the years, including,’Gangsta Gangsta, by N.W.A., (1988) ‘Keepin’ the Faith,’ by De La Soul, (1991) and ‘Shut Up and Drive,’ by Rihanna (2007.) A ‘diamond in the back’ is a reference to the signature style of the diamond shaped rear window of a ‘Cadillac Coupe DeVille’ convertible car, and a ‘gangsta lean’ is African/American slang for the driving position in which the driver holds the wheel with the hand nearest the window while leaning toward the passenger seat, or sitting in a very reclined position.

‘Be Thankful for What You Got’ reminds us to be appreciative of our current situation in life. Don’t be jealous of what your neighbour has, but be thankful for what you got.

Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac, gangsta whitewalls, TV antennas in the back. You may not have a car at all, but remember brothers and sisters you can still stand tall. Just be thankful for what you’ve got.’