THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER

700-Erasure-Stop.

1988-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.08.The best way to start the top 700, is with stop.

‘Stop’ was released initially on a four track ‘EP’ our track ‘EP’ in November 1988, when the format was still eligible for the UK singles chart. It was released between the Albums ‘The Innocents,’ (1988) and ‘Wild!’ (1989,) in order to cash in on the Christmas market. It was called the ‘Crackers International’ EP, although all four tracks had nothing to do with the festive season, due to it’s success ‘Mute Records’ released a limited edition ‘Crackers International’ Part 2, which included Erasure’s take on the traditional Christmas carol ‘God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen. ‘Stop,’ and the other three tracks ‘The Hardest Part,’ ‘Knocking on Your Door,’ and ‘She Won’t Be Home,’ were all co-written, and produced by Clarke, and Bell.

Erasure were formed in London, England in 1985, and remain active, having released 18 studio Albums, and achieving 33 top 40 UK hit singles to date.

The duo are Vince Clarke, who was born Vincent John Martin in South Woodford, England on July 3rd, 1960, and Andrew Ivan Bell, who was born in Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, England on April 25th, 1964.Prior to the forming of Erasure, Clarke had great success with Depeche Mode, The Assembly, and Yazoo. In early 1985 he placed an advert in ‘Melody Maker’ music magazine for a singer, the winning applicant was Andy Bell, who has said that at the time of applying that Clarke was his ‘hero.’

‘We’ll be together again, I’ve been waiting for a long time. We’re gonna be, we’re gonna be together again, I’ve been connected to the right line.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

701-Iggy Pop-Lust for Life.

1977-It did not chart in the UK until re-released in 1996, when it peaked at Number 22.

Best Bit-At 1.12.The song reached Number 3 in Holland in 1977 in part due to Iggy Pop’s performance on the Dutch television programme ‘Top-Pop.’A bare chested Iggy Pop wrecked part of the stage set, which consisted of a couple of potted plants, and some cardboard scenery.That’s Rock ‘N Roll.

‘Lust for Life’ was co-written by Iggy Pop (see also best songs 219,) who provided the lyrics, and David Bowie (see also best songs 807-440-334-302-209-186-118-47-31 and 5,) who wrote the melody, and also produced the song, and it’s parent Album of the same name.Initially Bowie composed the music on a ukulele, after being inspired by the opening to the American Forces Network News, which Bowie and Iggy Pop would both watch during their stay in Berlin. Iggy Pop explained,”AFN’ would broadcast an ‘ID’ when they came on air, a representation of a radio tower, and it made a signal sound,’beep-beep-beep-beep,beep-ba-beep,’and we went,’Aha we’ll take that!’David grabbed his ukulele, worked out the chords, and away we went.’

The song was written at a time when both Bowie, and Iggy Pop were both trying to wean themselves off drugs. In a 1995 interview Ray Manzarek of the Doors, and their manager Danny Sugerman stated that the opening lyrics,’Here comes Johnny Yen again,’were about their deceased heroin dealer, nicknamed ‘Gypsy Johnny.”The song finally became a hit in the UK in 1996, when featuring on the soundtrack for the British film ‘Trainspotting,’ whose central theme was drug abuse (see also best songs 989.)

‘I’m worth a million in prizes, yeah, I’m through with sleeping on the sidewalk, no more beating my brains with liquor and drugs.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

702-The Ink Spots and Ella Fitzgerald-Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall.

1944-Has never charted in the UK, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.11.There is an old Arabic proverb,’Sunshine is pleasant, but sunshine everyday only makes a desert.’

The Ink Spots were formed in New York City, New York, United States in 1934, by the quartet of Jerry Daniels (1915-1995,) Deek Watson (1909-1969,) Charlie Fuqua (1910-1971,) and Hoppy Jones (1905-1994,) Bill Kenny (1914-1978) joined in 1936 (see also best songs 266,) they were active until 1954, with various lineup changes.Between 1939-1952 they achieved 48 hit singles on the American chart, including 15 Number 1 records. Ella Fitzgerald (see also best songs 944-286-231 and 100) who guested on this song also featured for The Ink Spots on ‘Cow Cow Boogie’ from 1944, and ‘I’m Beginning to See the Light,’ from 1945.

The title ‘Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall’ originates from a poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, called ‘Rainy Day, and was written by Doris Fisher (1915-2003,) (melody,) and Allan Roberts (1905-1966,) (lyrics.) Doris Fisher was the daughter of the German born Fred Fisher, together they collaborated on ‘Whispering Grass,’ which would become a UK Number 1 single in 1975 for Windsor Davis and Don Estelle. Other notable Doris Fisher and Allan Roberts compositions include ‘That Ole Devil Called Love,’ and ‘You Always Hurt the One You Love.'(see also best songs 535.)

‘Some folks can lose the Blues in their heart, but when I think of you pretty baby, that’s when another shower starts.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

703-Quincy Jones featuring Chaka Khan and Ashford & Simpson-Stuff Like That.

1978-Number 32 single.

Best Bit-At 4.21.Quincy Jones has certainly crammed a whole lot of ‘STUFF’ into his 88 years.

‘Stuff Like That’ has a star studded cast, the song is taken from Quincy Jones’ 1978 Album ‘Sounds…and Stuff Like That,’ released at the height of the ‘Disco’ era. The song was originally an instrumental track, which was worked on by the top session musicians Steve Gadd (percussionist,) Ralph MacDonald (music arranger) (1944-2011,) Richard Tee (pianist) (1943-1993,) Eric Gale (guitarist) (1938-1994,) Ashford & Simpson (see also best songs 28,) Chaka Khan (see also best songs 85 and 228) and Quincy Jones, who all share writing credits, Ashford and Simpson, and Chaka Khan also provide the vocals.

Quincy Delight Jones Jr.(see also best songs 1022-889-812-703-511-357 and 191) was born March 14th, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, United States, he is a record producer, multi instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger, and film, and television producer.Among his career highlights which are too long to list here, include, producing the three Michael Jackson Albums, ‘Off The Wall’ (1979,) ‘Thriller’ (1982,) and ‘Bad’ (1987,) (see also best songs 889-812 and 703) he also produced the 1985 charity single ‘We Are the World.’In 1964 he arranged and conducted Frank Sinatra’s second Album with Count Basie,’It Might As Well Be Swing,and during the early to mid 1960’s he produced all four of the million selling singles by Lesley Gore, including ‘It’s My Party,’ and ‘You Don’t Own Me.’ That is just some of the ‘STUFF’ he has done.

As for the song ‘Stuff Like That,’ it’s subject is probably ‘love at first sight,’ or maybe even ‘lust at first sight.

‘Walked in the joint, they were lined up back to back, anything you can name, no shame, stuff like that.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

704-Whitney Houston-I Will Always Love You.

1992-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 3.09.Dolly Parton has said that she wrote ‘I Will Always Love You’ on the same day that she wrote ‘Jolene.’ A fairly productive, and profitable day then.

Dolly Rebecca Parton was born January 19th, 1946, in Pittnan Center,Tennessee, United States. She wrote ‘I Will Always Love You’ in the Country Music genre in 1973 as a thank you to Porter Wagonor (1927-2007) whom she had worked with on ‘The Porter Wagonor Show’ for the past seven years, as she was now leaving.Her version reached Number 1 on the Billboard Country Music chart in 1974, and when re-recorded for the movie ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ in 1982.it once again topped that chart, becoming the first song ever to achieve that fete.

Whitney Elizabeth Houston was born August 9th, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey, United States, she died February 11th, 2012. Whitney was starring in the 1992 film ‘The Bodyguard,’ and the makers needed a big song. The original suggestion was ‘What Becomes of the Broken Hearted,’ but coincidentally it had just been recorded by Paul Young for the 1991 comedy film ‘Fried Green Tomatoes.’ It was Houston’s co-star Kevin Costner who suggested ‘I Will Always Love You’ after hearing Linda Ronstadt’s 1975 version, producer David Foster, and Houston re-arranged the song as a Soul ballad.

‘I Will Always Love You’ spent 14 weeks at Number 1 on Billboard during 1992-1993, which was a new record at that time. The song has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, making it the best selling single by a female artist of all time.

‘If I should stay, I would only be in your way, and so I’ll go, but I know I’ll think of you each step of the way.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

705-Example-Kickstarts.

2010-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 1.01.His real name is Elliot Gleave, and when as a youngster rapping in the playground, one of the kids gave him the nickname ‘Example,’ which are his initials.’E.G.’ is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase ‘exempli gratia,’ meaning ‘for example.’

Elliot John Gleave was born June 29th, 1983, in Hammersmith, London, England, he is a music producer, songwriter, singer, and rapper.To date he has released six studio Albums, and has appeared on 17 UK top 40 singles,two of which have reached Number 1.

‘Kickstarts’ is taken from Example’s second studio Album ‘Won’t Go Quietly,’ from 2010, it was co-written by Example, and Nicolaas Douwma, who is better known by his stage name ‘Sub Focus,’ he has had a lot of success as a ‘Drum and Bass’ music producer. Example was on tour when Sub Focus sent him the ‘beat,’ Example explained what the song is about,’When your on tour non-stop for three weeks, you kind of get a bit lonely, and miss your loved ones.You miss your bed because you’re staying in hotels every night, and driving everyday.. I just started thinking about life without my girlfriend.

‘I realise what I got when I’m out of town, ’cause deep down you’re my girl in a golden crown,’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

706-Johnny Mathis-Misty.

1959-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 0.14.Hey Mr DJ,’Play Misty for me.’

‘Misty’ was written, and first recorded by the acclaimed Jazz pianist, and composer Erroll Garner (1921-1977) in 1954, as an instrumental,.on hearing the recording Johnny Mathis expressed an interest in recording the song if lyrics could be written. Johnny Burke (1908-1964) who was one one of the most successful, and prolific lyricists between the 1920’s, and 1950’s wrote the lyrics, and Mathis recorded his version for his 1959 Album ‘Heavenly.’ Burke was responsible for writing the lyrics to many songs that make up part of the ‘Great American Songbook’ including ‘Pennies From Heaven,’ ‘Swinging on a Star, and ‘Moonlight Becomes You.’

‘Misty’ has been recorded many times down the years, with versions by Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald, recorded in a similar style to that of Johnny Mathis, but the other hit cover of the song, was the 1975 Country rendition by Ray Stevens, who took his version to Number 2 in the UK. The original recording by Errol Garner was used by Clint Eastwood, for his 1971 film ‘Play Misty for Me,’ Eastwood is a fan of Mathis.

Johnny Mathis was born John Royce Mathis on September 30th, 1935, in Gilmer, Texas, United States.He has recorded in many different genres during his career, including Jazz, Pop, Soul, and Disco.His 1958 Album ‘Johnny’s Greatest Hits,’ which is often described as the ‘original greatest hits package,’ once held the record of most weeks on the Billboard chart, notching up 490, three of which were spent at Number 1.

‘Look at me, I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree, and I feel like I’m clinging to a cloud I can’t understand, I get misty just holding your hand.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

707-Ramones-Don’t Come Close.

1978-Number 39 single.

Best Bit-At 0.01. ‘1-2-3-4!’

The Ramones were formed in 1974, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York, United States, they were active until 1996.All four original members have now died, Joey Ramone, born Jeffrey Hyman (1951-2001) died from lymphoma, Johnny Ramone, born John Cummings (1948-2004) died from prostrate cancer, Dee Dee Ramone, born Douglas Colvin (1951-2002) died from a drug overdose, and Tommy Ramone, born Thomas Erdelyi (1949-2014) died from bile duct cancer. Although no band members were related they all used the same surname ‘Ramone,’ which was inspired by Paul McCartney, who used the name ‘Paul Ramon’ when touring with an early incarnation of the Beatles, in Scotland in 1960.

The Ramones (see also best songs 102) are recognised as one of the most influential bands of all time, and forerunners of what was to become known as ‘Punk Rock.’ They did not achieve mainstream success in the early days, but have gained more and more recognition down the years.

‘Don’t Come Close’ is taken from the bands forth studio Album ‘Road to Ruin’ released in 1978, with many fans, and critics at the time saying the Ramones had sold out by going for a more commercial sound, and trying to gain mainstream acceptance, although in recent years, contemporary reviews have been far more positive

‘You know it’s generally known, you got everything at home, kisses out of desperation, bring you more aggravation.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

708-Jeannie C. Riley-Harper Valley PTA.

1968-Number 12 single.

Best Bit-At 2.47.’Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.’

‘Harper Valley PTA’ became the first Country song to both top the official Billboard Hot 100, as well as the Billboard Country chart by a female artist, but on alternate weeks.

The original version of the song was recorded by Country singer Margie Singleton who had asked Tom T. Hall to write her a song similar to Bobby Gentry’s ‘Ode to Billie Joe.’ (see also best songs 18.) Jeannie C. Riley recorded her version of the song, which was rush released ahead of Singleton’s, which has since gone on to sell in excess of six million copies worldwide. Such was the popularity of the song that it inspired the 1978 comedy film ‘Harper Valley PTA,’ and the 1981 television series ‘Harper Valley,’ that ran for two seasons.

‘Harper Valley PTA’ tells the story of the widowed wife Mrs Johnson, who is frowned upon by the members of the local schools PTA,who accuse her of wearing her skirts too short, drinking, and being seen with many men. Mrs Johnson addresses the PTA, and puts them in their place by pointing out their indiscretions.

Jeannie C. Riley was born Jeanne Carolyn Stephenson on October 19th, 1945, in Stamford, Texas, United States, this song would prove to be her only Billboard top 40 hit, but on the Country chart she has charted 13 times in the top 40.

Tom T. Hall, the songs writer was born on May 25th, 1936, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, United States, he has written 12 Country Number 1 hits, and has become known to his fans as ‘The Storyteller,’ due to his storytelling skills in his songs.

‘Well there’s Bobby Taylor sittin’ there, and seven times he’s asked me for a date, and Mrs Taylor sure seems to use a lot of ice when he’s away.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

709-Cliff Richard and the Drifters-Move It.

1958-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 1.16.John Lennon said,’Before Cliff and The Shadows, there had been nothing worth listening to in British music.’As you probably know, he didn’t live long enough to hear ‘The Millennium Prayer.

‘Sir Cliff Richard OBE, was born Harry Roger Webb, October 14th, 1940, in Lucknow, British India. In 1948 following Indian independence, he emigrated to Carshalton, South London, England, with his parents, and three sisters. His stage name Cliff was chosen as it sounds like ‘cliff face,’ suggesting ‘Rock,’ and ‘Richard’ is in tribute to Webb’s musical hero, Little Richard.In the UK, only the Beatles, and Elvis Presley have sold more records, he has achieved 14 UK Number 1 singles, and is the only artist to have had Number 1 songs in five consecutive decades.

‘Move It’ was written by Ian Samwell, (1937-2003) who also played rhythm guitar on the track, Samwell only wrote one verse, so on the song Cliff sings the first verse twice. Finally in 1995 Samwell wrote a second verse, which appears on the Album ‘Hank Plays Cliff.’ Samwell’s other notable work includes co-writing the Small Faces 1965 song ‘Whatcha Gonna Do About It,’ and producing the debut Album by the band ‘America,’ which included ‘A Horse With No Name,’ in 1971.

Cliff Richard has re-recorded the song on several occasions throughout his career, notably in 2006, as part of a ‘double ‘A’ side’ with ’21st Century Christmas’, with Brian May of Queen, and Brian Bennett of The Shadows, the song reached Number 2 in the UK again.

‘The rhythm that gets into your heart and soul, well let me tell you baby, it’s called ‘Rock N’ Roll.’