THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

730-Metallica-Enter Sandman.

1991-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 2.43.After the United States invaded Iraq in 2003, this was one of the songs chosen to be played continuously to try to break the will of uncooperative supporters of Saddam Hussein, by American interrogators. Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich said,’I can name 30 Norwegian ‘Death Metal’ bands that would make Metallica sound like Simon and Garfunkel.’

Metallica (see also best songs 52) are a Heavy Metal band formed in 1981, in Los Angeles, California, United States, by James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich. They were influenced by the Rock music that came out in the 1970’s, from bands such as Black Sabbath, and Iron Maiden, but with their fast tempos, and aggressive musicianship, they were pioneers of the musical genre ‘Thrash Metal,’ a term that has been in use since 1984.

‘Enter Sandman’ is taken from the bands self titled fifth studio Album, and signified a more ‘commercial’ sound, as they leaned toward a more heavy metal approach, through working with producer Bob Rock for the first time. This approach paid off, and the Album ‘Metallica,’ with sales of over 31 million worldwide, is the best selling Heavy Metal album since the start of the 1990’s.

‘Enter Sandman’ is a song about children being frightened of having nightmares. James Hetfield who wrote the lyrics has said,’I wanted more of the mental thing, where kids get manipulated by what adults say, and you know when you wake up with that s..t in your eye? That’s supposedly been put there by the sandman to make you dream. So the guy in the song tells this little kid that, and he kinda freaks. He can’t sleep after that, and it works the opposite way. Instead of a soothing thing, the table’s turned.’

‘Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight.Exit light, enter night, take my hand, off to never ever land.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

731-Jack Payne and his Orchestra-It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow.

1939-Has never charted, there was no UK chart until 1952.

Best Bit-At 1.04.Possibly the ultimate ‘half cup full’ song.

This was one of approximately 1,500 songs written by Irving Berlin between 1907-1971. Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin on May 11th, 1888, in Tolochin, Russian Empire, he died in Manhatten, New York City, United Stated, aged 101, on September 22nd, 1989. He arrived with his family at Ellis Island, in New York City, on September 14th, 1893, at the age of five.The list of classic songs written by Berlin include,’Alexander’s Ragtime Band,’ ‘Cheek to Cheek,”White Christmas,’and ‘God Bless America,'(see also best songs 457-385 and 100.)

‘It’s a Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was written in 1938, coming about after a conversation between Berlin, and the Hungarian film producer Alexander Korda (1893-1956.) The ‘Munich Agreement’ had just been reached, and depressed both men, and Korda asked Berlin if he had written a war song yet. Berlin used the song in his 1940 musical ‘Louisiana Purchase,’ in which it describes feelings of despair, and hope during the American ‘Great Depression’ of the 1930’s, the song was performed by Irene Bordoni (1885-1953,) on the opening night.The song has been recorded by several artists, including Vera Lynn, Al Bowlly, and Frank Sinatra, with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.This version by Jack Payne (1899-1969) and his Orchestra, was chosen for the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed ‘Singing Detective,’ BBC, television serial drama from 1986.

‘It’s a lovely day tomorrow, tomorrow is a lovely day. Come and feast your tear dimmed eyes, on tomorrow’s clear blue skies.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

732-Joan Armatrading-Love and Affection.

1976-Number 10 single.Best Bit-At 1.42. Discerning listeners will realise that Joan Armatrading doesn’t actually possess a male baritone voice, in fact it belongs to American actor Clark Peters.

Joan Anita Armatrading MBE was born in Basseterre, on the Caribbean Island of Saint Kitts, on December 9th, 1950. When she was three years old, her parents, and two older brothers emigrated to Birmingham, England, sending Joan to live with her grandparents, she joined them in Hockley, Birmingham when she was seven.

‘Love and Affection’ is taken from Joan Armatrading’s self titled third studio Album, and was her first hit single.As well as Clark Peters providing backing vocals, she was backed on the song by former members of the British Folk band Fairport Convention, the alto sax was performed by Jimmy Jewell, and this song, and it’s parent Album, were produced by the legendary producer/engineer Glyn Johns.

On the subject of ‘Love and Affection’ Armatrading has said,’It’s just deeply, deeply personal, and I can’t talk about it without talking about the other person I wrote it for, which I never, ever do.’

‘I am not in love, but I’m open to persuasion. East or West, where’s the best for romancing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

733-Massive-Unfinished Sympathy.

1991-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 2.04.The songs title is a pun on Schubert’s ‘Unfinished Symphony’,who says Classical music never gets a mention in this countdown.

Massive Attack were formed in Bristol in 1988 by Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja, Adrian ‘Tricky’ Thaws, Andrew ‘Mushroom’ Vowles, and Grant ‘Daddy G’ Marshall, only Vowles, who left in 1998 is not still an official band member.They have released five studio Albums, the first in 1991 ‘Blue Lines,’ features this song, and their latest ‘Heligoland,’ was released in 2010.

‘Unfinished Sympathy’ features vocals by Shara Nelson, who also receives songwriting credits, she was also featured on the follow up hit ‘Safe from Harm’, which reached Number 15 in the UK, also in 1991. Nelson has also had success as a solo artist, with a further five top 40 chart singles.

‘Unfinished Sympathy’s’ release coincided with the outbreak of the ‘Gulf War,’ and as to avoid a radio ban, the band were advised to drop the word ‘Attack’ from their name.The song features two significant samples, the ‘Hey, hey, hey, hey,’ is taken from a song called ‘Planetary Citizen,’ by John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra, and part of the percussion is sampled from an instrumental called ‘Parade Strut,’ by J.J.Johnson.

‘Like a soul without a mind, in a body without a heart, I’m missing every part, hey.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

734-Prince Buster-Al Capone.

1964-It didn’t chart in the UK until 1967, when reaching Number 18.

Best Bit-At 0.13.’Buster, he sold the heat, with a Rock-Steady beat.’

Prince Buster was born Cecil Bustamente Campbell, in Orange Street, Kingston, Jamaica on May 24th, 1938, he died after suffering heart problems on September 8th, 2016 in Miami, Florida, United States,he had been in poor health for quite some time after a series of strokes.Prince Buster was named after Jamaica’s first post-independence Prime Minister, William Alexander Clarke Bustamente.Prince Buster is best remembered as being the main figure in the development of the musical genre ‘Ska,’ which would later develop into ‘Rocksteady,’ and ‘Reggae.’Ska music combines elements of Caribbean Folk music, Calypso, American Jazz, and R&B, with Prince Buster utilising all these genres in to his music.

Prince Buster (see also best songs 139) was a massive influence on the UK Ska revival of the late 1970’s, with bands such as the Specials, and Madness, incorporating Prince Buster’s music into there own.The Specials (see also best songs 924 and 372) borrowed heavily from this song to create their first hit ‘Gangsters,’ which reached Number 6 in the UK in 1979. The band Madness (see also best songs 69 and 801,) who were also heavily influenced, took their name from a Prince Buster song with that title, and their first hit was a song called ‘The Prince,’ which was a tribute to Prince Buster.

‘Al Capone’ was written by Prince Buster,and features some of the best known Jamaican musicians of the day, including Gladstone Anderson (1934-2015) on piano, Jerome ‘Jah Jerry’ Haynes (1921-2007) on guitar, and Baba Brooks on trumpets.

At the time ‘Al Capone’ was written, gangster, and Western films from Hollywood were very popular in Jamaica, which probably explains the songs subject.

‘Al Capone guns, don’t argue.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

735-Teena Marie-Behind the Groove.

1980-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 1.09.Many artists, including Olivia Newton John, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Rush, and Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich, have sang of the delights of ‘Xanadu,’ but only Teena Marie made it ‘Funky.’

Teena Marie was born Mary Brockert on March 5, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, United States, she died on December 26, 2010. In 2004, while sleeping in a hotel room, a large picture frame fell, and struck her on the head, the blow caused a serious concussion that caused momentary seizures for the rest of her life, a month before her death, she had suffered a ‘generalized tonic-clonic seizure,’which probably led to her death.

Teena Marie first found success when signing with the ‘Gordy’ record label, a subsidiary of Motown Records. Her first Album for the label,’Wild and Peaceful’ in 1979 was produced by Rick James (see also best songs 418,) and because her picture didn’t appear on the cover, many people believed she was an African/American. It wasn’t until appearing on ‘Soul Train’ in 1979, becoming the show’s first white female performer, that the myth was finally disproved.Marie would appear on Soul Train a total of nine times,more than any other white act.

‘Behind the Groove’ is taken from Teena Marie’s second studio Album ‘Lady T,’ from 1980, and with Rick James (1948-2004) not being available she turned to Richard Rudolph, who co-wrote this song with Marie, and also produced the Album. Rudolph was the husband of Minnie Ripperton (1947-1979,) and had co-written, and produced ‘Lovin’ You,'(see also best songs 503,) her 1975 Billboard Number 1 single.As a writer, producer, and music supervisor, Rudolph has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 30 million Albums.

‘Got to move, get behind the groove, why don’t you let your spirit play. Another me and another you, if we make it through to Xanadu.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

736-Lenny Kravitz-Are You Gonna Go My Way.

1993-Number 4 single.

Best Bit-At 2.55. Jimi Hendrix for the 1990’s generation.

Leonard Albert Kravitz was born on May 26th, 1964, in Manhattan, New York City, United States, he was named in honour of his uncle, Leonard M. Kravitz who was killed in action in the Korean War at the age of 19, while defending against a Chinese attack, saving most of his platoon in the process. Kravitz’ mother was the actress Roxie Roker (1929-1995,)who portrayed Helen Willis on the CBS sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’ between 1975-1985, as half of the first interracial couple to be shown on prime time American television. Kravitz has released 11 studio Albums to date, the latest being ‘Raise Vibration’ in 2018.He has written, produced, and played with several other artists, including, co-writing, and producing Madonna’s 1990 Billboard Number 1 single,’Justify my Love.’

‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ is taken from Kravitz third studio Album of the same name, and was co-written with long time collaborator Craig Ross. Lenny Kravitz has said that the song is about Jesus Christ, whom Kravitz referred to as ‘The ultimate Rock star.”It’s about how God gives choice to man about where to turn.’

I would urge you to have a listen to the 1990 song ‘Carry On’ by ‘Christian Rock’ artist Philip Keaggy, it is possible that Kravitz got inspiration from it.

‘I was born long ago, I am the chosen, I’m the one.I have come to save the day, and I won’t leave until I’m done.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

737-George Harrison-My Sweet Lord.

1971-Number 1 single.When re-released in 2002, it was Number 1 again.

Best Bit-At 2.38.George Harrison was the first of the Beatles to have a solo Number 1 single-Ringo is still waiting for his.

George Harrison wrote ‘My Sweet Lord’ in praise of the Hindu God Krishna,while at the same time intending the lyrics to serve as a call to abandon religious sectarianism through his deliberate blending of the Hebrew word ‘Hallelujah,’with chants of Hare Krishna, and Vedic prayer.

‘My Sweet Lord’ was the best selling single in the UK in 1971, and after Harrison’s death in 2001, was re-released, and became a UK Number 1 single for the second time in January 2002. Artists who are rumoured to have played on the song include,Eric Clapton (acoustic guitar,) Peter Frampton (acoustic guitar,) Billy Preston (piano,) and Ringo Starr (drums.)The song was co-produced by Harrison, and Phil Spector, using his ‘Wall of Sound’ production (see also best songs 192 and 782.)

The song was also the subject of a long drawn out court case involving ‘Bright Tunes,’who owned the rights to ‘He’s So Fine,’ a song written by Ronnie Mack (1940-1963,) the song had been a Billboard Number 1 in 1963 for The Chiffons. Bright Tunes claimed that Harrison had deliberately plagiarised Mack’s song, which Harrison denied. The initial action was filed on February 10th, 1971, and in September 1976 the court found that Harrison had subconsciously copied ‘He’s So Fine,’but not deliberately, Harrison had to pay $587,000, with the majority going to Mack’s immediate family, incidentally the Holland Dozier Holland song ‘Jimmy Mac’ was inspired by the death of Ronnie Mack.Commenting about the court case in 1977 Harrison (see also best songs 726) said,’Look I’d be willing, every time I write a song, if somebody will have a computer, and I can just play any new song into it, and the computer will say,’Sorry,’ or ‘OK,’ The last thing I want to do is keep spending mu life in court,’

‘I really wanna know you (Hallelujah,) my my my Lord (Hare Krishna.)

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

738-Scissor Sisters-Filthy/Gorgeous.

2005-Number 5 single.

Best Bit-At 4.16.It’s the best song in the world ever to be written about tranvestite prostitutes, unless you know a better one.

The Scissor Sisters were formed in 2001, in New York City, New York, United States, by Jake Shears (male lead singer,) Ana Matronic (female lead vocal,) Scott ‘Babydddy’ Hoffman (multi-instrumentalist,) Del Marquis (lead guitar and bass,) and Paddy Bloom (drums,) Bloom left the band in 2008, and was replaced by Randy Real.They have released four studio Albums, the last in 2012, although they haven’t split, the official line is that they are on ‘indefinite hiatus.’

‘Filfthy/Gorgeous’ was the fifth and final single taken from the Scissor Sisters self titled debut Album,which became a great success, becoming the best selling Album in the UK in 2004, with sales in excess of 2,700,000 copies,it is one of the top 30 best selling Album’s of the 21st Century, in the UK.

The groups female lead singer Ana Matronic has said that some of the subject matter on the Album was going to shock people,she said,’We wanted it to be honest, the song (Filthy Gorgeous) is about trannie hookers on acid, so what the f… do you want?’

‘Ain’t no sum bitch gonna treat me like a ho, I’m a classy honey kissy huggy lovey dovey ghetto princess.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

739-The Four Seasons-December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night.)

1976-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15.Who says men can’t multitask, that drummer sings at the same time as well.

After a failed audition at ‘The Four Seasons’ bowling alley in New Jersey, in 1959, they pinched the name anyway.

The only two constants since 1960 are Frankie Valli (see also best songs 83) and Bob Gaudio,who each own 50% of the act, and virtually all of the recording catalogue.

By 1975 The Four Seasons (see also best songs 284) hadn’t had a major hit in around 10 years, and with the exception of Valli, and Crewe, the other members who performed on the 1960’s hits had all gone, being replaced by Don Ciccone (1946-2016,) Geri Polci, Lee Shapiro, John Paiva, and Joe Long.On the 1960’s hits Valli was the prominent vocalist, but on this song, and it’s parent Album,’Who Loves You,’ he shared vocal duties with Ciccone, and drummer Gerri Polci.’December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was co-written by Bob Gaudio, and his future wife Judy Parker, Gaudio (see also best songs 1007-914-863-499-393-284-164-112 and 83) originally wrote the song about the end of prohibition, with the title,’December 5th, 1933′, but realising the song had great potential, both Valli and Parker urged Gaudio to change the songs subject, which became a nostalgic remembrance of a young man’s first affair, being loosely based on the early relationship between Gaudio, and Parker.

‘I felt a rush like a rollin’ ball of thunder, spinnin’ my head around,’n’ takin’ my body under.’