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 the 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 & Garfunkel.’

Metallica (see also best songs 52) were formed in Los Angeles, California, United States, in 1981, by James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, at the time of writing Metallica remain active with both Hetfield and Ulrich being the the only remaining original members of the band. It was Ulrich who got the bands name from a friend called Ron Quintana, who was choosing names for a Heavy Metal fanzine he was creating, and ‘Metallica’ was one of the options, the other being ‘Metal Mania.’ Ulrich encouraged Quintana to choose ‘Metal Mania,’ and used the name ‘Metallica’ for himself. In their early days Metallica were influenced by the ‘Rock Music’ that came out of England in the 1970’s, from bands such as Black Sabbath, (see also best songs 814) Iron Maiden, (see also best songs 666) and Diamond Head, but with their fast tempos, and aggressive musicianship, they were pioneers of the musical genre ‘Thrash Metal,’ a term which was first used in the music press by the Heavy Metal magazine ‘Kerrang!’ journalist Malcolm Dome, (1955-2021) while describing the American group ‘Anthrax,’ (who like Metallica formed in 1981) and their song ‘Metal Thrashing Mad.’ Prior to that, James Hetfield had always referred to Metallica as ‘Speed Metal,’ or ‘Power Metal.’

‘Enter Sandman’ was the first of five singles released from Metallica’s self titled fifth studio Album, from August 1991, the song was written by Kirk Hammett, who has been a member of the group since 1983, along with James Hetfield, and Lars Ulrich, with the production credited to Hetfield, Ulrich, and Bob Rock (see also best songs 959.) The Album ‘Metallica’ which is now more commonly known as ‘The Black Album’ because of it’s black sleeve, marked a change in the band’s music from the ‘Thrash Metal’ style of their previous four albums to a slower, heavier, and more refined sound, due to the recruitment of Bob Rock who was brought in for that purpose. Bob Rock steered Metallica towards a more commercial, ‘Heavy Metal’ sound, but still kept characteristics of ‘Thrash Metal.’ Instruments not usually used by Heavy Metal bands, such as the cellos in ‘The Unforgiven,’ and the orchestra in ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ were added at Bob Rock’s insistence. The change in style paid off, elevating Metallica to the very top, with sales of the Album exceeding 30 million copies sold worldwide. In 2009 the Album became the best selling Album in America since 1990, with sales currently in that country in excess of 17 million copies sold.

‘Enter Sandman’ is a song about children being frightened of having nightmares. James Hetfield originally had written the lyrics about ‘Sudden Infant Death Syndrome,’ (Cot Death) when a baby dies inexplicably in its crib. The line, ‘Off to never never land, was, ‘Disrupt the perfect family,’ and the ‘sandman,’ kills the baby, but at the persuasion of Bob Rock, Hetfield re-wrote the lyrics, to be more accessible and meaningful. James Hetfield has spoken of the songs meaning,’I wanted more of the mental thing, where this kid gets manipulated by what adults say. And you know when you wake up with that s–t in your eye? That’s supposedly been put in 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.’ The line in the chorus, ‘Take my hand, we’re off to Never Never Land,’ is a reference to the children’s story Peter Pan, as Peter lives in the magical world of Neverland. In ‘Enter Sandman,’ the Sandman lives in Never Never Land, and it is a much less pleasant place.

Kirk Hammett has told how he wrote the riff to ‘Enter Sandman,’ ‘Soundgarden (see also best songs 614) had just put out ‘Louder Than Love.’ I was trying to capture their attitude toward big, heavy riffs. It was two o’clock in the morning. I put it on tape and didn’t think about it. When Lars Ulrich heard the riff, he said, ‘That’s really great. But repeat the first part four times.’ It was that suggestion that made it even more hooky.’

‘Say your prayers, little one, don’t forget, my son to include everyone. I tuck you in, warm within, keep you free from sin, till the Sandman he comes. Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight, exit light, enter night, take my hand, we’re off to never never land.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

731-Jack Payne and His Band (Vocal chorus by Billy Scott Coomber) -It’s A Lovely Day To-Morrow.

1939-It has never charted in the UK. There was no UK chart until 1952.

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

‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was one of approximately 1,500 songs composed by Irving Berlin between 1907-1971 (see also best songs 457-385 and 100.) Irving Berlin was born Israel Beilin, (Yiddish: ישראל ביילין;) on May 11th, 1888, in Tyumen, Russian Empire, he died in Manhattan, New York City, United States, on September 22nd, 1989, of a heart attack, and other natural causes, in his sleep, at the age of 101. Irving Berlin is considered by many to be the greatest songwriter of all time, as a composer and lyricist his music forms a large part of the ‘Great American Songbook,’ of which there are 31 of those songs featured in this ‘Best 1000 Songs’ list (see also best songs 281 for the full list.) During his 64 year career as a composer, he wrote songs that included, ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band,’ (1911) ‘Blue Skies,’ (1926) ‘Easter Parade,’ (1933) ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz,’ (1927) ‘Cheek to Cheek,’ (1934) ‘White Christmas,’ (1942) ‘Happy Holiday,’ (1942) ‘Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better,’) (1946) and ‘There’s No Business Like Show Business’ (1946.) Among the songs written by Irving Berlin, several of those compositions appeared in 20 original Broadway shows, and 15 original Hollywood films, with his songs being nominated eight times for Academy Awards. The composer George Gershwin (1898-1937) (see also best songs 286 and 231) called him ‘The greatest songwriter that has ever lived,’ and another composer Jerome Kern (1885-1945) (see also best songs 687 and 82) said that ‘Irving Berlin has no place in American music, he is American music. Emotionally, he honestly absorbs the vibrations emanating from the people, manners and life of his time and, in turn, gives these impressions back to the world, simplified, clarified and glorified.’ The ‘American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers,’ (ASCAP’) have stated that 25 of Irving Berlin’s songs have reached the top of the charts, including ‘White Christmas,’ (1942) (see also best songs 457) which is the best selling song worldwide of all time, with sales in excess of 50 million physical copies sold.

‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was written by Irving Berlin 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 had depressed both men, and Korda asked Berlin if he had written a war song yet. Berlin used ‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ 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 first performed by the American actress Irene Bordoni (1885-1953) on the musicals opening night.

‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ has been recorded on many occasions. In 1940 in the UK, the song was recorded by Al Bowlly, (1898-1941) and also by Denny Dennis, (1913-1993) with Jay Wilbur And His Orchestra. ‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was also recorded by Vera Lynn, (1917-2020) and promoted to lift the spirits of the British people during the darkest days of World War II, and the Blitz. In America the song was also recorded in 1940 by Frank Sinatra, (1915-1998) who recorded it with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. The version I have chosen is the 1939 recording by Jack Payne and His Band, with vocals by Billy Scott Coomber, which was recorded for the ‘Decca’ label.

Jack Payne was born John Wesley Vivian Payne, on August 22nd, 1899, in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, England, he died on December 4th, 1969, at the age of 70. Jack Payne was a bandleader, composer, vocalist, and an actor, who played in the genre of Jazz, and led his own band at the height of the British dance band era in the 1930’s. In 1928, Jack Payne became the ‘BBC Director of Dance Music,’ and the leader of the BBC’s first official dance band. In 1929, the band were featured in the first ever BBC television broadcast, and also appeared in the short film ‘Jazz Time’ that same year. His signature tune was ‘Say it With Music,’ which was written by Irving Berlin. After leaving the ‘BBC’ in 1932, Payne took his band on national, and international tours, and made the films ‘Say it with Music’ in 1932, followed four years later by ‘Sunshine Ahead.’ In later years he became a disc jockey, and appeared as himself in the 1957 musical film ‘Jamboree,’ (see also best songs 99) he also made the occasional television appearance as a panellist on the BBC television music show ‘Juke Box Jury,’ between 1959-1967.

Providing the vocals for Jack Payne and His Band on ‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was the Indian born Irish singer Billy Scott Coomber (1905-1990.) Coomber also recorded under the pseudonym ‘Malcolm Desmond, as well as working with others, through until his retirement from performing in 1970. This version of ‘It’s A Lovely Day Tomorrow’ was chosen as part of the soundtrack to the critically acclaimed ‘Singing Detective’ BBC, television serial drama from 1986. The other songs on that soundtrack that appear on this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list are (see also best songs 960-934-842-759-702-535-310-288-281 and 172.)

‘It’s a lovely day tomorrow, tomorrow is a lovely day. Come and feast your tear dimmed eyes on tomorrow’s clear blue skies. If today your heart is weary, if ev’ry little thing looks grey, just forget your troubles and learn to say tomorrow is a lovely day.’

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 the American actor Clark Peters.

Joan Anita Barbara Armatrading, CBE, was born on December 9th, 1950, in Basseterre, Saint Christopher and Nevis, British Leeward Islands, in what was then a British colony. When she was three years old, her parents moved with their two eldest boys to Birmingham, in England, sending Joan to live with her grandmother on the Caribbean island of Antigua. In early 1958, at the age of seven, she joined her parents in Brookfields, which was then an area of Birmingham. In 1968 Joan joined a touring production of the stage musical ‘Hair,’ which was where she met the lyricist Pam Nestor, who would work with her on her debut Album ‘Whatever’s for Us,’ which was released in 1972. Joan Armatrading who has recorded in the genres of ‘Rock,’ ‘Pop,’ ‘Folk/Rock,’ and ‘Blues,’ was appointed ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire,’ (MBE) in the 2001 Birthday Honours, and ‘Commander of the Order of the British Empire,’ (CBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours, for services to music, charity, and equal rights. She has always been reluctant to discuss her personal life in interviews, but has said,’People who like my music have a legitimate interest in me, but I need to retain some privacy, not to be telling people what’s going on, or what I feel. When you go home, the reason it’s beautiful is because it’s personal to you, and the people you want to include in it.’ In 2011, Joan Armatrading entered into a civil partnership, but she does not talk publicly about being gay.

The discography of Joan Armatrading includes 20 studio Albums released between 1972-2021, and 57 singles issued between 1973-2018. there are also 13 official compilation Albums, four live Albums, and two box sets available. In the UK, where she has had far more success with her Albums, rather than her singles, 13 of her studio Albums have made the top 40, with her 1980 Album ‘Me Myself I,’ peaking the highest at Number 5. She has had three of her singles make the UK top 40, with ‘Love and Affection’ reaching Number 10 in 1976. In America on Billboard, two of her Albums have reached the top 40, with ‘Me Myself I’ charting the highest at Number 28, and in 2007, her 16th studio Album ‘Into the Blues,’ reached Number 1 on the American ‘Billboard Blues’ chart, remaining on the top spot for 12 consecutive weeks. Joan Armatrading’s only entry on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart remains ‘Drop the Pilot,’ which peaked at Number 78 in 1983.

‘Love and Affection’ was the first of two singles released from Joan Armatrading’s self titled third studio Album from July 1976, it was her fifth single release overall, and her first to become a hit. The song was written by Joan Armatrading, with the production being by Glyn Johns, who appears on this ‘1000 Best Songs’ list in the capacity of producer, engineer, or for mixing, on many occasions, (see also best songs 1048-933-662-265-77 and 70.) Also appearing on ‘Love and Affection’ were Jerry Donahue, (acoustic & electric guitars) Dave Mattacks, (drums) Jimmy Jewell, (alto saxophone) Dave Markee, (1943-2020) (bass) and Leroy Champaign, and Clarke Peters, both on backing vocals. Both Donahue, and Mattacks have both been members of the English Folk/Rock band ‘Fairport Convention, and at the time of writing Mattacks remains their drummer. Jimmy Jewel who plays the memorable alto sax on ‘Love and Affection,’ was a long term contributor to much of the work of the Scottish duo ‘Gallagher & Lyle,’ while Clarke Peters who provided his ‘baritone’ vocals on the track, would later move in to acting, and is best known for his roles as Lester Freamon, in the television series ‘The Wire,’ (2002–2008) and also as Albert Lambreaux, in the television series ‘Treme’ (2010–2013.) Clarke Peters can also be heard prominently on ‘Boogie Nights,’ which was a UK, and Billboard Number 2 hit for the British Funk/Disco group ‘Heatwave,’ in 1977.

Joan Armatrading has spoken about how ‘Love and Affection’ came to fruition while she was driving along the ‘Kings Road,’ in London.’I can show you the spot where I was when those lyrics came to me, It was somebody trying to persuade me to be with them.’ She has said that the opening line,’I’m not in love, but I’m open to persuasion,’ is about herself, as someone was trying to persuade her into a romantic relationship. Joan has also said,’It’s just deeply, deeply personal, and I can’t talk about it without talking about the person I wrote it for, which I never, ever do.’

‘Thank you, you took me dancing ‘cross the floor cheek to cheek. But with a lover I could really move, really move. I could really dance, really dance, really dance.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

733-Massive-Unfinished Sympathy.

1991-Number 13 single.

Best Bit-At 2.25. The songs title is a pun on Schubert’s 1822 ‘Unfinished Symphony,’ who says Classical Music never gets a mention in this countdown.

Massive Attack were formed in Bristol, England, in 1988, by Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja, Adrian ‘Tricky’ Thaws, Andrew ‘Mushroom’ Vowles, and Grant ‘Daddy G’ Marshall. In total there have been nine different members come and go, with ‘3D,’ ‘Tricky,’ and ‘Daddy G,’ making up the current line up at the time of writing, Robert ‘3D’ Del Naja is the groups one constant. The four who formed Massive Attack had all previously been members of the Bristol based ‘The Wild Bunch (sound system,’) (see also best songs 839) who were a collective of musicians, who performed as a ‘sound system’ (see also best songs 734) in the Bristol area between 1985-1989. Massive Attack had originally started out as a ‘spin-off’ of ‘The Wild Bunch,’ but things got serious in 1990 when they signed to ‘Circa Records,’ committing to deliver six studio Albums, and a ‘best of’ compilation.

The discography of Massive Attack includes five studio Albums released between 1991-2010, and 18 singles issued between 1988-2016, there are also three official compilation Albums, six extended plays, and five remix Albums available. Massive Attack who have sold in excess of 13 million Albums worldwide have had two UK Number 1 Albums, ‘Mezzanine,’ (1998) and ‘100th Window,’ (2003) with there other three Albums all reaching the top 20, In America their Albums have failed to make a commercial breakthrough, with ‘Heliogoland,’ (2010) charting the highest at Number 46. In the UK, 10 of their singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Teardrop’ from 1998 peaking the highest at Number 10, while in America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, they are yet to chart, with ‘Teardrop’ being their best placing when stalling at Number 10, on the ‘Bubbling Under Hot 100’ chart.

Massive Attack play ‘Electronic Music,’ and they have been filed in the genre of ‘Trip Hop,’ which is a musical genre that originated in the early 1990’s in the UK, especially Bristol. ‘Trip Hop’ has been described as a Psychedelic fusion of Hip-Hop and Electronica, with slow tempos and an atmospheric sound, often incorporating elements of Jazz, Soul, Funk, Reggae, Dub, R&B, and other forms of Electronic music, as well as sampling from movie soundtracks, and other eclectic sources.

‘Unfinished Sympathy’ was the second of four singles released from ‘Blue Lines,’ the critically acclaimed debut studio Album from Massive Attack, from April 1991. The song was co-written by Robert Del Naja, Grantley Marshal, Shara Nelson, Jonathan Sharp, and Andrew Vowles, with the production credited to Massive Attack, and Jonny Dollar (1964-2009.) As well as co-writing ‘Unfinished Sympathy,’ Shara Nelson also sang the lead vocals on the track. Shara Nelson who was born in London, England, in 1965, has also had a successful solo career, releasing three studio Albums between 1991-1995, and 19 singles between 1983-2008. Five of those solo singles have reached the UK top 40, with ‘Down That Road,’ (1993) and ‘Uptight,’ (1994) both peaking the highest at Number 19, she also provided the lead vocals on ‘Safe From Harm,’ with Massive Attack, that reached Number 25 in 1991.

‘Unfinished Sympathy’s’ release coincided with the outbreak of the ‘Gulf War,’ so as to avoid a potential radio ban, the group were advised to drop the word ‘Attack’ from their name, so the song is actually credited to just ‘Massive.’ ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ has been critically acclaimed for it’s string orchestration, it’s arrangement, drum programming, and samples. The samples include a percussion break from the 1974 instrumental track ‘Parade Strut,’ by J. J. Johnson, (1924-2001) while the vocal sample of a man singing “hey, hey, hey, hey,’ was lifted from the John McLaughlin and the Mahavishnu Orchestra’s 1976 track ‘Planetary Citizen.’

‘Unfinished Sympathy’ has a very memorable promotional video of one continuous shot filmed on West Pico Boulevard, between South New Hampshire Avenue, and Dewey Avenue, in Los Angeles, California. It features Shara Nelson walking along the sidewalk, taking no notice of her surroundings, which include drunks, gangs, and bikers. The video is reminiscent in many ways to the one recorded by the ‘Verve,’ for ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ (see also best songs 1047) some six years later, which shows Richard Ashcroft also walking downtown. Many people have joked that when watching Shara Nelson, they half expect to see Richard Ashcroft passing her from the other direction.

‘I know that I’ve imagined love before, and how it could be with you. Really hurt me, baby, really cut me, baby, how can you have a day without a night? You’re the book that I have opened, and now I’ve got to know much more.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

734-Prince Buster-Al Capone.

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

Best Bit-At 0.14. ‘Buster he sold the heat, with a Rocksteady beat.’

Prince Buster (see also best songs 139) was born Cecil Bustamente Campbell, on May 24th, 1938, in Orange Street, Kingston, British Jamaica, he died on September 8th, 2016, having been in poor health for some time after a series of strokes, including one in 2009 that left him unable to walk. His death came after suffering heart problems, at the age of 78. His middle name ‘Bustamente,’ was given to him by his family in honour of the Labour activist and first post-Independence Prime Minister of Jamaica in 1944, William Alexander Clarke Bustamante (1884-1977.) 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 then ‘Reggae.’ Ska music combines elements of ‘Caribbean Folk’ music, ‘Calypso,’ ‘American Jazz,’ and ‘R&B,’ with Prince Buster utilising all of these genres in to his music.

As a child in the early 1940’s, Prince Buster was sent to live with his grandmother in rural Jamaica, where he was brought up in the Christian faith, gaining his first musical experience singing at the local church. On his return to Orange Street, as a teenager, and still at school, he would perform a ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ themed show with others at the ‘Glass Bucket Club,’ in Kingston. After leaving school he became interested in the ‘Sound System’ culture, where organisers would load up a truck with a generator, turntables, and huge speakers, and set up street parties. Prince Buster became actively involved in the operational side of running a sound system, eventually leading to him setting up his own ‘sound system,’ called ‘Voice of the People.’ It was when he was finding it difficult to import the latest American ‘R&B’ record releases, that he decided to start to record his own music, with other local musicians.

There is probably no complete discography available of all of the recordings made by Prince Buster, but he was prolific between 1963-1972, both as a recording artist, and as a producer for himself and others. His music transitioned from ‘Ska,’ to ‘Rocksteady,’ and when musical tastes inevitably changed his output slowed down, and he eventually retired from making new music in 1973. Even with the renewed interest in his music following the ‘2-Tone’ led Ska revival in the UK in 1979, he remained out of the limelight, but in 1984 after being asked to perform at ‘Reggae Sunsplash,’ in London, he resumed performing, and then in 1992, he also began to record new music again. In 2001, he was was awarded the ‘Order of Distinction’ (OD) by the Jamaican Government, for his contribution to music.

‘Al Capone’ is one of only two singles released by Prince Buster to reach the UK top 40, the other was ‘Whine and Grine,’ which made Number 21 in 1998, after being used in a nationwide television advertising campaign for Levi jeans. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, his only entry was ‘Ten Commandments,’ which peaked at Number 81 in 1967. ‘Al Capone’ failed to chart on it’s initial release in the UK in 1964, but by the mid 1960’s, interest in the Jamaican ‘Rude Boy’ culture was growing among the UK ‘Mods,’ and ‘The Rockers,’ and the ‘Skinheads, which led to ‘Ska’ music becoming popular, and seeing ‘Al Capone’ reach Number 18 on the UK top 40 in 1967.

‘Al Capone’ was written and produced by Prince Buster, and featured 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 Brooke on trumpet. During the ‘second coming of Ska’ in 1979 in the UK, the British band the ‘Specials’ (see also best songs 924 and 372) borrowed elements of ‘Al Capone’ for their 1979 UK Number 6 hit ‘Gangsters,’ and prior to that in 1975, the German Pop/Disco group ‘Boney M,’ had sampled ‘Al Capone’ for their debut single ‘Baby Do You Wanna Bump,’ which reached Number 8 in Belgium, and Number 12 in the Netherlands. At the time it 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. Don’t call me scarface, my name is Capone. C-A-P-O-N-E, Capone. Al Capone, my name is Capone, Al Capone.

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 Christine Brockert, on March 5th, 1956, in Santa Monica, California, United States. 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 resulted in momentary seizures for the rest of her life. On December 26th, 2010, Teena Marie was found dead at her home by her daughter Alia Rose, an autopsy was performed which found no signs of apparent trauma, or a discernible cause of death, and concluded she had died from natural causes. She had suffered a generalised tonic–clonic seizure a month before. Teena Marie was 54 years old at the time of 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 fellow ‘Motown’ artist Rick James, (1948-2004) (see also best songs 418) and because her picture didn’t appear on the Album’s cover, many believed that she was an African-American. It wasn’t until she appeared on the American music show ‘Soul Train’ in 1979, becoming the show’s first white female performer, that the myth was finally disproved. Teena would appear on ‘Soul Train’ on a further eight occasions, more than any other white act. It was during her childhood that she acquired the nickname ‘Tina,’ and it was after taking the stage name ‘Teena Marie,’ that she was given the nickname ‘Lady T,’ by her friend and collaborator Rick James.

The discography of Teena Marie includes 14 studio Albums released between 1979-2013, and 35 singles issued between 1979-2012, there are also 13 official compilation Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, two of her tracks have reached the top 40, with ‘Lovergirl’ from 1984, peaking the highest at Number 4. ‘Behind the Groove’ has never charted, but did reach Number 21 on the Billboard ‘Hot R&B’ songs chart, where she also had a further 14 entries, including the 1988 Number 1 ‘Ooo La La La.’ In the UK, she has had two top 40 entries, with the other being ‘I Need Your Lovin” reaching Number 28 in 1980.

‘Behind the Groove’ was co-written by Teena Marie, and Richard Rudolph, (see also best songs 503) with the production being by Rudolph, and was the second of three singles released from Teena Marie’s second studio Album ‘Lady T,’ from February 1980. With Rick James not being available at the time, Teena Marie turned to Richard Rudolph, who was born on October 27th, 1946, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Richard Rudolph’s career as a music producer had begun when he and Stevie Wonder jointly produced Minnie Riperton’s second Album, ‘Perfect Angel,’ in 1974, included on the Album was the song, ‘Lovin’ You,’ (Billboard Number 1 & UK Number 2-1975) written by Rudolph and Minnie Riperton, who was his wife. Minnie Ripperton died of cancer in 1979, at the age of 31. Richard Rudolph has written in excess of 200 songs, which have been recorded by several artists, including Chaka Khan, The Temptations, and The Rotary Connection, and he has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 30 million Albums. Richard Rudolph has also supervised the production of music for several feature films, including, ‘Cocoon,’ ‘Running Scared,’ and ‘Black Rain, Flatliners,.’

‘Behind the Groove’ encourages the listener to embrace the groove, and be carefree, as it could lead to the fulfilment of your dreams, and the finding of love. The lyrics suggest that the listener can find happiness and remove any fear they may have by getting ‘Behind the Groove,’ and opening their eyes to the possibilities in life. Teena Marie sings that ‘Xanadu’ is behind the groove. In the 1797 poem ‘Kubla Khan, by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, (1772-1834) which was first published in 1816, ‘Xanadu’ is a metaphor for opulence, or an idyllic place, based upon the description of ‘Shangdu,’ in the poem.

‘Hey, baby. Oh, yeah. Let me take you to Xanadu. Where is that? Behind the groove, well, alright. Behind the groove, there’s another side inside of you. Behind the groove, you can make your wildest dreams come true.’

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.

Lenny Kravitz was born Leonard Albert Kravitz, on May 26th, 1964, in Manhattan, New York, 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, for which he received the posthumous ‘Medal of Honour.’ Lenny Kravitz mother was the actress Roxie Roker, (1929-1995) who portrayed ‘Hellen Willis’ in the ‘CBS’ network sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’ between 1975-1995, as half of the first interracial couple to be shown on prime time American television. Lenny Kravitz is the father of Zoe Kravitz, who is an actress, and singer, having appeared in films including ‘X-Men: First Class,’ (2011) and having released two studio Albums, and nine singles between 2013-2020. Lenny Kravitz’ mother was African/American, and his father Sy Kravitz (1924-2005) was of Ukrainian-Jewish origin, and although he didn’t grow up in a religious environment, he found religion himself at the age of 13, and later becoming a ‘ non-denominational Christian.’ Many of Kravitz songs deal with religious themes, including this one.

The discography of Lenny Kravitz includes 11 studio Albums released between 1985-2018, and 59 singles that have been issued between 1989-2023, there are also five official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, five of his songs have reached the top 40, with ‘It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over,’ peaking the highest at Number 2 in 1991. In America ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ was never released as a single, and was only released to radio stations for promotional play. At that time in 1993, tracks that only received airplay were not eligible for the Billboard Hot 100. In the UK, Lenny Kravitz has had eight top 40 hits, with ‘Fly Away’ from 1998 reaching the Number 1 spot. Other notable songs written by Kravitz include his co-write and production of ‘Justify My Love,’ which gave Madonna a Billboard Number 1, and UK Number 2 hit single in 1990. He also co-wrote most of the self-titled 1992 album by Vanessa Paradis, which produced the worldwide hit ‘Be My Baby’ (UK Number 6.)

‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ was co-written by Lenny Kravitz and Craig Ross, with the production being by Kravitz. The song was the first of four singles issued from Lenny Kravitz’ third studio Album of the same name from March 1993. The Album has sold in excess of two million copies in America, and in excess of three million copies worldwide. ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ which was a hit in several European countries, including France, where it made Number 4, was also very successful in Australia, where it made Number 1, and in New Zealand where it peaked at Number 2, was co-written by Craig Ross, who was born in 1964, in Los Angeles, California, United States. He first began working with Lenny Kravitz on ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way,’ and has contributed with his songwriting, and guitar playing, on all of his Albums since.

Lenny Kravitz has said that ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ is about Jesus Christ, whom Kravitz has referred to as ‘The ultimate Rock Star.’It’s about how God gives choice to man about where to turn.’ Kravitz has also explained the origins of the song,’We were just jamming in the studio. You know, I was jamming with Craig Ross, who I wrote the song with. It was one of those songs that happened in five minutes. We were jamming. I thought there was something happening. I told Henry to turn the tape machines on, and we played it. And that was it. And then I went and wrote the lyrics on a brown paper bag, I remember at my loft on Broome Street at the time. Went in and sang it the next day. And that was it. I thought the subject matter was really interesting, because it’s coming from the mouth of Jesus Christ, as I thought. So basically, ‘Are you gonna go my way?’ meaning ‘my way of love.’

As I have written on many previous occasions, ‘I don’t want to start a lawsuit,’….but, if you take a listen to the 1990 song called ‘Carry On,’ by the Christian Rock artist Philip Keaggy, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Lenny Kravitz got inspiration for ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ from that track.

‘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. So that’s why you’ve got to try, you got to breath and have some fun. Though I’m not paid, I play this game, and I won’t stop until I’m done.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

737-George Harrison-My Sweet Lord.

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

Best Bit-At 2.39. George Harrison was the first of the Beatles to have a solo Number 1 single……Ringo is still waiting for his.

George Harrison MBE (see also best songs 726) was born on February 25th, 1943, in Liverpool, England, he died from lung cancer that had spread to his brain, on November 29th, 2001, at the age of 58. Prior to starting his solo career in 1970, George Harrison had been a member of the ‘Skiffle,’ and ‘Rock ‘N Roll’ group ‘The Quarrymen,’ who by 1960, with differing members, would become the ‘Beatles,’ (see also best songs 599-319-238-218-157-141-80-51-10 and 5) he was also notably, a founding member of the British/American ‘supergroup,’ the ‘Traveling Wilburys’ in 1988. Although the majority of the Beatles songs were written by John Lennon (1940-1980) and Paul McCartney, George Harrison did contribute many significant songs to the Beatles Albums from 1965 onwards, including ‘Taxman,’ (1966) ‘Within You Without You,’ (1967) ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps,’ (1968) ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ (1969) and ‘Something,’ (1969.) George Harrison is probably best remembered for leading the ‘Beatles’ in to ‘Folk/Rock,’ and then towards ‘Indian classical’ music, through his use of Indian instruments, such as the sitar. It can be argued that Harrison broadened the scope of popular music, through his incorporation of Indian instrumentation.

As a solo artist George Harrison released 12 studio Albums between 1968-2002, and 29 singles (including the re-issue of My Sweet Lord) between 1970-2003, there are also four official compilations, plus four box sets, and two live Albums available. In the UK, 10 of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘My Sweet Lord’ making the Number 1 spot on two separate occasions, having been re-issued in November 2001, after Harrison’s death, and reaching the top spot in January 2002, with all proceeds going to Harrison’s ‘Material World Charitable Foundation,’ for dispersal to selected charities, apart from in the United States, where proceeds went to the ‘Self Realisation Fellowship.’ In America on the Billboard Hot 100, George Harrison has had 13 top 40 solo hits, with ‘My Sweet Lord,’ (1970) and ‘Got My Mind Set on You’ (1987) both reaching Number 1.

‘My Sweet Lord’ was the first of two singles released from George Harrison’s third studio Album, the triple Album, ‘All Things Must Pass,’ from November 1970. In America, where ‘My Sweet Lord’ was released in November 1970, nearly two months prior to it’s UK release, it was issued a double ‘A’ sided single with ‘Isn’t It a Pity,’ while in the UK,’What Is Life’ was released as the ‘B’ side. ‘My Sweet Lord’ was written by George Harrison, with the songs production credited to Harrison, and Phil Spector (1939-2021) (see also best songs 820-782-262-192-127-91 and 20.) 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’ which went on to become the best selling single of 1971, made George Harrison the first ex Beatles member to have a Number 1 single. Some famous names played on the track, including, Eric Clapton, Peter Frampton, and Pete Ham, (1947-1975) on acoustic guitars, Klaus Voormann, on bass, and Ringo Starr played the drums. Prior to ‘My Sweet Lord’ being released on ‘All Things Must Pass,’ it had first been recorded by the long term Beatles collaborator Billy Preston, (1946-2006) for his 1970, fifth studio Album ‘Encouraging Words.’

‘My Sweet Lord’ was the subject of a very long drawn out court case involving ‘Bright Tunes,’ who owned the rights to the song ‘He’s So Fine,’ which was written by Ronnie Mack (1940-1963.) That song had been a Billboard Number 1 in 1963 for the American girl group ‘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, George Harrison 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 in to it, and the computer will say, ‘Sorry,’ or ‘OK.’ The last thing I want to do is keep spending my life in court.’

‘Mm, my Lord, I really want to see you, really want to be with you. Really want to see you, Lord, but it takes so long, my Lord, my sweet Lord.’

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 transvestite prostitutes, unless you know a better one.

The Scissor Sisters were formed in New York City, United States, in 2000, the five original members were ‘Jake Shears,’ (born Jason Sellards, vocals, piano, and guitar) ‘Babydaddy,’ (born Scott Hoffman, bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, and rhythm guitar) ‘Ana Matronic,’ ((born Ana Lynch, vocals, percussion, and keyboards) ‘Del Marquis,’ (born Derek Gruen, lead guitar, and bass guitar) and ‘Paddy Boom,’ (born Patrick Seacor, drums, electronic drums, and percussion) Boom left the group in 2008, and was replaced in the same year by ‘Randy Real,’ (born Randy Schrager, drums, electronic drums, and percussion.) The Scissor Sisters are known for mixing their musical genres, and have recorded in the genres of ‘Pop/Rock,’ ‘Indie Pop,’ ‘Glam Rock,’ ‘Nu-Disco,’ and in their very early days, ‘Electroclash.’ They started out life performing as ‘Dead Lesbian,’ and then the ‘Fibrillating Scissor Sisters,’ before becoming the ‘Scissor Sisters,’ which is derived from the lesbian sexual act ‘tribadism.’ The Scissor Sisters haven’t released a new Album since 2012, and only one single since then, (‘Swerlk’ with MNDR in 2017) but despite the lack of activity, the groups official line is that they are on ‘indefinite hiatus.’

The discography of the Scissor Sisters includes four studio Albums released between 2004-2012, and 17 singles issued between 2002-2017, they have also released two extended plays, (EP’s) in 2004, and 2010. The Scissor Sisters have found far more success abroad than they have in their native America, although three of their studio Albums have charted within the top 40 on the ‘Billboard 200’ chart. They have never had an entry on the ‘Billboard Hot 100,’ singles chart, although three of their tracks including ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ have made Number 1 on the ‘Billboard Dance Club’ chart. In the UK, 10 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘”I Don’t Feel Like Dancin,’ which was co-written with Elton John, reaching Number 1 in 2006.

Ana Matronic was born Ana Lynch on August 14th, 1974, in Portland, Oregon, United States, since getting married in 2010, her name is now Ana Kirby. Ana Matronic joined the Scissor Sisters after meeting Jake Shears, and Babydaddy, when they were both booked on the same bill at a gig in Manhattan, realising that they all had the same musical objectives. In 2005 Ana provided unaccredited additional vocals on the English Rock band New Order’s single ‘Jetstream,’ which reached Number 20 on the UK top 40. Jake Shears was born Jason F. Sellards, on October 3rd, 1978, in Mesa, Arizona, United States, he was first introduced to ‘Babydaddy,’ who was born Scott Hoffman, on September 1st, 1976, in Houston, Texax, United States, at the age of 19. Since 2017 Shears has pursued a solo career releasing two studio Albums in 2018, and 2023, and nine singles within the same time period. In 2004 Shears, and Babydaddy, along with Kylie Minogue, co-wrote the song ‘I Believe in You,’ which reached Number 2 on the UK top 40 for Kylie Minogue.

‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ was the fifth and final single released from the Scissor Sisters self titled debut Album from February 2004. In America the Album stalled at Number 102, but in the UK it went to Number 1, and has currently sold in excess of 2,700,000 copies in that country, worldwide the Album has sold in excess of 3,300,000 copies. In the UK the Album is one of the top 30 best selling Albums of the 21st Century. ‘Filthy/Gorgeous’ was co-written by the Scissor Sisters band members Jason Sellards, Scott Hoffman, and Ana Lynch, with the production credited to all four band members at that time. The Scissor Sisters 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?’

‘When you’re walkin’ down the street, and a man tries to get your business, and the people that you meet want to open you up like Christmas. You gotta wrap your fuzzy with a big red bow, ain’t no some 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 0.13. Who’s says men can’t multitask, the drummer sings at the same time as well.

The Four Seasons (see also best songs 284) were formed in Newark, New Jersey, United States, in 1960, the only two constants have been Frankie Valli, (see also best songs 284 and 83) and Bob Gaudio, (see also best songs 1007-914-863-499-393-284-164 and 112) who each own 50% of the act, and virtually all of the recording catalogue. At the time of writing Frankie Valli stills tours with other musicians using ‘The Four Seasons’ name, and is the groups only original performer, following the retirement from performing live by Bob Gaudio.

By 1975 The Four Seasons hadn’t had a major hit for eight years, and with the exception of Frankie Valli, and Bob Gaudio, the other members who had performed on the 1960’s hits had all gone. The replacements who performed on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) along with Frankie Valli, (vocals) and Bob Gaudio, (keyboards) were Gerry Polci, (drums, and lead vocals) Don Ciccone, (1946-2016) bass, and vocals) John Paiva, (guitar) and Lee Shapiro (synthesizers.) The vocals on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) were shared by Gerry Polci, (verses) Franki Valli, (first bridge, and backing vocals) and Don Ciccone (second bridge, and backing vocals.) The song was co-written by Bob Gaudio, and his then future wife Judy Parker, (1938-2017) with the production being by Gaudio. ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was the second of three singles released from The Four Seasons 14th studio Album ‘Who Loves You,’ from December 1975, and would go on to become the groups best ever selling single, giving them a fifth American Billboard Hot 100 Number 1, and their first UK Number 1 song.

‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was originally written by Bob Gaudio, and Judy Parker about the end of prohibition in America, which had lasted between 1920-1933, the songs original title was ‘December 5th, 1933.’ On hearing the song, and realising it’s potential, Frankie Valli urged Bob Gaudio to change the songs subject. Gaudio re-wrote the lyrics, which became a nostalgic remembrance of a young man’s first affair, being loosely based on the early relationship between Bob Gaudio, and Judy Parker. The group were relieved when the song did receive play on the more ‘conservative’ radio stations, as the song does have ‘sexual overtones,’ Frankie Valli has said,’It’s about losing your cherry, a guy having sex for the first time. It’s a similar theme to the Shirelles hit Will You Love Me Tomorrow.’

Gerri Polci who played the drums, and also sang the lead vocal on ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) is an American, who was born on June 9th, 1952. He was a member of The Four Seasons between 1973-1990, and was briefly married to Antonia Valli, the daughter of Frankie Valli. Their daughter, (Frankie Valli’s granddaughter) Olivia Valli, is now a musical theatre performer, and she has taken the role of her own grandmother in the musical ‘Jersey Boys’ that dramatises the early days of The Four Seasons. Polci’s other notable work includes musical arrangements for Barry Manilow, (see also best songs 750) and co-founding in 2007, the group ‘The Hit Men,’ which included fellow former The Four Seasons band members Lee Shapiro, and Don Ciccone.

‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) was remixed in 1988 by the Dutch music producer Ben Liebrand (see also best songs 781.) In 1993, ‘Curb Records,’ who had released the original version of the song, picked up the 1988 remix and released it in America, where it peaked at Number 14 on Billboard. On hearing the remix Frankie Valli who was not a fan of the new version said,’I’ll never like it better than when it was pure.’ In 1996 the British ‘Pop/Dance’ act ‘Clock,’ took their cover version of the song to Number 13 in the UK. The French singer Claude François (1939-1978) recorded a translated version of ‘December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night’) as ‘Cette année-là,’ which means, ‘That Year,’ the lyrics to his version were written by Eddy Marnay, (1920-2003) and set the song in 1962, with François referencing his rise to fame. In 2000, this version was interpolated by the French rapper Yannick, as ‘Ces soirées-là,’ which means ‘These Evenings,’ this version was a Number 1 hit in France, and was used in the opening act of the stage show ‘Jersey Boys,’ which is based on the story of The Four Seasons.

‘Oh, what a night, late December back in sixty-three. What a very special time for me, as I remember what a night. Oh, what a night, you know I didn’t even know her name, but I was never gonna be the same. what a lady, what a night.’