THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

826-Wretch 32-6 Words.

2014-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 1.17. The 6 blessings are, 1/Life, 2/Children, 3/Time, 4/Dreaming, 5/Senses, 6/Words.

Wretch 32 was born Jermaine Sinclaire Scott, on March 9th, 1985, in Tottenham, London, England, his mother was from Jamaica where ‘wretch’ means to be slim, or skinny. She called him ‘Wretch’ as a child, and the name stuck. He has said that ’32’ is his lucky number, and thought that it would be fun to have a number as a surname. Prior to carving out a solo career in 2006, Wretch 32 began his musical career as a member of ‘Hip-Hop,’ and ‘Grime’ collectives ‘Combination Chain Gang,’ and The Movement, where he played alongside other young British Rappers including ‘Ghetts, and ‘Devlin.’ Wretch 32 is recognised as a ‘Hip-Hop,’ R&B,’ and ‘Grime’ artist, who is a Rapper, and occasional singer.

The discography of Wretch 32 includes six studio Albums released between 2008-2021, plus 22 singles issued as the lead artist, and a further nine as the featured artist, between 2010-2018, he has also released six ‘mixtapes’ between 2006-2015. and has guested on several other artists tracks and remixes, over the course of his career. In the UK, six of his singles have reached the top 40, with ‘Don’t Go,’ featuring Josh Kumra, from 2011, making the Number 1 spot. Outside of the UK, two of his songs, ‘Unorthodox’ featuring Example, (Number 32-2011) and ‘Don’t Go,’ (Number 39-2011) have charted in Ireland, while ‘6 Words,’ reached Number 25 in Australia. Also in 2011 as part of ‘The Collective,’ he appeared on the charity single ‘Teardrop,’ which made Number 24 in the UK.

‘6 Words’ was the first of six singles released from ‘Growing Over Life,’ which was the third studio Album release by Wretch 32, from September 2016, the song had been issued as a single 22 months before the release of the Album. ‘6 Words’ was co-written by Wretch 32, and Varren Wade, who also co-wrote two of the other tracks on ‘Growing Over Life.’ Wade’s other notable songs include two tracks that he co-wrote on the British Rapper ‘Stormzy’s’ debut studio Album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer’, in 2017. ‘6 Words’ was produced by the production duo of ‘Mikey Muzik, and Mo-Samuels, who work together as the ‘Sons of Sonix Music Group,’ with additional mixing by the English ‘Drum and Bass’ music producer Mark Wilkinson.

‘6 Words’ is filed under the genre of ‘Drum and Bass’ music, with Mark Wilkinson, who is better known by his stage name ‘Wilkinson,’ mixing the track. ‘Wilkinson’ has released four solo studio Albums, between 2013-2022, and 35 singles between 2010-2023, with four of those singles making the UK top 40, with ‘Afterglow’ featuring Becky Hill, charting the highest at Number 8 in 2013. Wilkinson has also remixed for many of the worlds top artists, including Ed Sheeran, and The Prodigy.

Up until the release of ‘6 Words,’ Wretch 32 was known as just a Rapper, but due to the fact that he sang on the track, he came in for some heavy criticism in some quarters. In fact, Wretch 32, opens the song with ‘I can’t sing but I wrote you a song, yeah, wrong notes but the melody’s so clear.’ Wretch 32 has explained,’Listening to Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and all those guys when I was growing up, I heard them guys rapping and singing, and they can’t really sing, but it still sounds good because it’s in-tune. I wouldn’t class them as singers, like I would Whitney Houston or someone, but they have the ability to do that because it’s in their range, and I knew it was in my ability, because I can sing along with them, but I can’t sing. I always had in my head, ‘I’m gonna make a record where there are no rap verses.’ And that’s what ‘6 Words’ is. It’s not like everyday rap, and I’d say that Gary Barlow, and Chris Martin inspired it, because in the studio all I was thinking was that I needed to write a better song than what they would write.’

‘Bronze, silver, gold, no, it’s you, I found my treasure in you.Nothing less than that will do, ’cause I found my treasure in you.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

827-Dean Friedman-Lucky Stars.

1978-Number 3 single.

Best Bit-At 3.16. Because ‘Lucky Stars’ was only credited to it’s composer Dean Friedman, the female vocalist on the track became known as the ‘Mystery Voice,’ or the ‘Mystery Lady.’

Dean Friedman was born on May 23rd, 1955, in Paramus, New Jersey, United States, he is a singer/songwriter, producer, author, virtual reality designer, video game designer, and he also plays guitar, piano, electric keyboards, and harmonica. In the United States he is considered a ‘one hit wonder,’ as his only Billboard Hot 100 hit was ‘Ariel,’ in 1977, which reached Number 26. The discography of Dean Friedman includes 19 Albums released between 1976-2021, and at least 32 singles, that have been issued between 1977-2021, of which five of those singles have charted around the world between 1977-1982. In the UK, he has charted twice within the top 40, with ‘Lydia,’ from 1978, the follow up single to ‘Lucky Stars,’ reaching Number 31. ‘Lucky Stars’ also reached Number 6 in Australia, and Number 8 in New Zealand in 1978.

‘Lucky Stars’ is one of nine tracks on ‘Well, Well” Said the Rocking Chair,’ which was the third Album release from Dean Friedman, from 1978, the Album was most successful in the UK, where it peaked at Number 21 on the Album chart. ‘Lucky Stars’ was written by Friedman, with the production credited to Rob Stevens, who has also worked with other artists such as Yoko Ono, Herbie Hancock, and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, in the capacity of either being a session musician, engineer, or music producer.

When ‘Lucky Stars’ was released as a single, the songs record label failed to credit the tracks female vocalist Denise Marsa, which led to many speculating as to who she was, the ‘mystery’ was cleared up when her name was added on to the Album sleeves credits. Dean Friedman has said that who she is, is one of the most common questions he is asked at interviews. Denise Marsa said, that with her name being mistakenly left off the singles credits, it caused an ‘on-going issue collecting royalties,’ and she has said that she was not paid any royalties until 2008.

Denise Marsa was born in Trenton, New Jersey, United States, she is a singer, and a songwriter. Marsa moved to New York City in the early 1970’s in order to further her music career, and that was where she first met Dean Friedman, when they were both auditioning for ‘Columbia Recording Studios.’ Friedman then went to watch her perform live, and then got in touch with her, to say he had written a song with her in mind. Denise Marsa also appears on some of the other tracks on the ‘Well, Well,” Said the Rocking Chair’ Album. In 1984 Marsa sang lead vocals on the song ‘Helpless (You Took my Love’) which was credited to the ‘Hi-NRG, Synth-Pop’ group ‘The Flirts,’ which was the brainchild of Bobby ‘O’ Orlando, (see also best songs 871) the song reached Number 12 on the American ‘Billboard Dance Club Songs’ chart, as well as making Number 13 in Germany, and Number 15 in Switzerland. In 1998 Denise Marsa released a solo Album entitled ‘SELF,’ and then in the 2000’s she set up a non-profit venture called ‘WO30 Records,’ which she describes as the first non-profit record label, for women recording artists over the age of 30.

‘Lucky Stars’ tells the story of a couple arguing, after he bumped in to a former girlfriend called ‘Lisa.’ His partner is worried that he might want to get back together with ‘Lisa,’ but he eventually manages to convince her that she is the only one for him.

‘Do you still love me? Yes, I still love you. You mean, you’re not just being nice. No, I’m not just being nice. Do you feel sleepy. Aw, you’re so sincere. yes, I feel sleepy. Well, slide over here. ’cause I may not be all that bright, but I know how to hold you tight and, you can thank your lucky stars that we’re not as smart as we’d like to think we are.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

828-Eddie Floyd-Knock on Wood.

1966-Number 19 single.

Best Bit-At 0.46. In the UK, the expression is ‘touch wood,’ but this American expression, meaning the same, fits in better with the song.

Eddie Lee Floyd was born on June 25, 1937, in Montgomery, Alabama, United States. He first tasted success, as a founding member of the American ‘R&B’ vocal group ‘The Falcons’ in 1955, who are considered forerunners to the big Detroit groups of the 1960’s, such as ‘The Temptations,’ and ‘The Four Tops.’ With ‘The Falcons’ Eddie Floyd charted on the Billboard Hot 100 in America with the million selling ‘You’re So Fine,’ (1959-Number 17) and also on the Billboard R&B Chart at Number 2. Floyd remained a member of ‘The Falcons’ through until 1963, leaving in order to pursue a solo singing, and songwriting career, which came to fruition when he signed a contract with ‘Stax Records’ in 1965. As a songwriter, many of his songs have been covered by the top recording artists on ‘Stax,’ and from 1967, he also became a recording artist himself on ‘Stax,’ having previously issued six unsuccessful solo singles on other labels between 1962-1965. The discography of Eddie Floyd as a solo artist includes 17 Albums released between 1967-2013, and 37 singles issued between 1962-1978. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, three of those singles have made the top 40, with his version of the original Sam Cooke (1931-1964) song ‘Bring It On Home to Me,’ charting the highest at Number 17 in 1968, while on Billboard ‘Knock on Wood’ peaked at Number 28. On the Billboard R&B chart, Eddie Floyd has charted within the top 40 on 11 occasions, while in the UK, three of his songs have reached the top 40, with ‘Knock on Wood’ peaking the highest.

‘Knock on Wood’ was co-written by Eddie Floyd, and Steve Cropper, (see also best songs 906-712 and 530) who were both songwriters for the ‘Stax Records’ label, with the production being by Jim Stewart, (1930-2022) who in 1957 had been the co-founder of ‘Stax’ with his sister Estelle Axton (1918-2004.) ‘Knock on Wood’ was the first of two singles issued from Eddie Floyd’s debut studio Album of the same name, from January 1967. ‘Knock on Wood’ which had originally been written with Otis Redding (1941-1967) in mind, came about late at night in the ‘Lorraine Motel,’ in Memphis, Tennessee, where in 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. (1929-1968) would be assassinated. Steve Cropper has spoken about how the song came to fruition,’We were trying to write a song about superstitions, and after we’d exhausted about every superstition known to man at that time, from cats to umbrellas, you name it, we said, what do people do for good luck? And Ed tapped on the chair and said, ‘knock on wood, there it is.’ So basically the whole theme of the song changed, and we started to sing about, I’d better knock on wood for good luck, that I can keep this girl that I got, because she’s the greatest, and that’s what it was about.”

‘Knock on Wood’ is memorable for it’s pauses. After Eddie Floyd sings ‘I better knock,’ there is a pause before the drummer Al Jackson (1935-1975) (see also best songs 906 and 307) comes in with the drumbeats, and Floyd completes the line with ‘on wood.’ It was Jackson who came up with the idea, in order to simulate the sound of someone knocking on a door. The song has been recorded by dozens of other artists down the years, with the most successful recording being the 1979 ‘Disco’ version by the American singer Ami Stewart, who reached Number 1 on Billboard, and Number 6 in the UK, where a remix version of the song also reached Number 7 in 1985. In 1967, Otis Redding recorded the song as a duet with Carla Thomas, and charted on Billboard at Number 30, and Number 35 in the UK. The other significant version to chart was by David Bowie, (1947-2016) who released a live version from his 1974 Album ‘David Live,’ his recording made Number 10 in 1974.

‘I don’t want to lose you, this good thing that I got ’cause if I do I will surely, surely lose a lot, ’cause your love is better than any love I know. It’s like thunder and lightning, the way you love me is frightening, you better knock, knock on wood, baby.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

829-Dire Straits-Sultans of Swing.

1978-Number 8 single.

Best Bit-At 5.18. The best ‘Pub Rock’ inspired song, in every sense.

Dire Straits (see also best songs 298) were formed in London, England, in 1977, by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals, and lead guitar) his brother, David Knopfler, (rhythm guitar, and backing vocals) John Illsley, (bass guitar, and backing vocals) and Pick Withers (drums, and percussion.) David Knopfler would leave the group in 1980 to pursue a solo career, and Paul Withers would remain a member through until 1982, playing on the first four studio Albums. Dire Straits remained active until 1988, but did reform again in 1990, until the final split in 1995. In total there have been nine different official members come and go, with Mark Knopfler, and John Illsley, being the groups only two constants. When first forming, the group called themselves the ‘Cafe Racers,’ but it was a friend of Paul Withers, while hearing them rehearse, who suggested ‘Dire Straits.’ They got their first big break when they approached the British DJ Charlie Gillett, (1942-2010) with a five song demo tape, which included an early version of ‘Sultans of Swing.’ The band had simply wanted advice, but Gillett was so taken by the music, that he began playing ‘Sultans of Swing’ on his ‘BBC Radio London’ show, which led to the group signing a recording contract with the ‘Vertigo’ division of ‘Phonogram Records.’ Dire Straits went on to become one of the worlds best selling artists, with sales estimated between 100-120 million records sold worldwide.

‘Sultans of Swing’ was the first single release from Dire Straits, and was taken from the groups self titled debut studio Album, from June 1978, a second and final single from the Album, ‘Water of Love,’ was only released in Australia, and the Netherlands, in October 1978. ‘Sultans of Swing’ was written by Mark Knopfler, and produced by Muff Winwood, (see also best songs 840) who also produced the Album in full as well. Mark Knopfler has said that he took a lot of his inspiration for songwriting from things he saw around him, but has said that he found it harder to do the more famous he became.

Mark Knopfler got his inspiration for ‘Sultans of Swing’ after witnessing a Jazz band playing in a corner of a practically deserted public house in Deptford, South London. At the end of their performance the lead singer announced that they were the ‘Sultans of Swing,’ and Knopfler found the contrast between the groups dowdy appearance, and surroundings, and their grandiose name amusing. Mark Knopfler has said,’When the guys said ‘Thank you very much, we are the Sultans of Swing,’ there was something really funny about it to me, because Sultans, they absolutely weren’t. You know they were rather tired little blokes in pullovers.’

The lyrics to ‘Sultans of Swing’ name check ‘Guitar George,’ and ‘Harry.’ This is a nod to George Young, (1946-2017) and Harry Vanda, who were both guitarists in the 1960’s Australian group the ‘Easybeats,’ (see also best songs 939 and 447)) who would later go on to produce several of the landmark ‘AC/DC’ Albums (see also best songs 797-245 and 170.) The line ‘The band was playing Dixie double four time,’ is a reference to ‘Dixieland Jazz,’ which is a traditional style of Jazz that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the early part of the 20th Century. ‘Double four time’ means the 4/4 time signature, with a quarter note being one beat, and four beats per measure. It is the most common time signature in Jazz, and popular music, and was heavily popularised by the Belgium musician Django Reinhradt, (1910-1953) and also by the American guitarist Les Paul (1915-2009) during the earlier part of his career. In 1988, 10 years after it’s original release,’Sultans of Swing’ was re-issued in order to promote Dire Strait’s greatest hits Album ‘Money for Nothing,’ which featured tracks from the bands first five studio Albums, this time the single peaked in the UK at Number 62.

‘And then the man he steps right up to the microphone, and says at last, just as the time bell rings,’Goodnight, now it’s time to go home,’ then he makes it fast with one more thing. We are the Sultans, we are the Sultans of Swing.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

830-Miley Cyrus-We Can’t Stop.

2013-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48. Billy Ray needs to have a word, if she was my daughter I’d be very worried, these antics could break his achy breaky heart.

Miley Cyrus was born Destiny Hope Cyrus on November 23rd, 1992, in Franklin, Tennessee, United States, she is the daughter of the singer, songwriter, actor, and Country Music artist Billy Ray Cyrus. Her birth name ‘Destiny Hope’ was given to her by her parents, in the belief that she would go on to achieve great things. As a toddler she was nicknamed ‘Smiley,’ because as an infant she was always smiling, this was later shortened to ‘Miley.’ In 2008, she legally changed her name to Miley Ray Cyrus, her middle name is in honour of her grandfather, who was the Democratic politician Ronald Ray Cyrus, (1935-2000.) Her Godmother is the singer/songwriter, and Country Music artist Dolly Parton (see also best songs 704.)

At the age of 13, Miley Cyrus was cast in the lead role in the American teen sitcom ‘Hannah Montana,’ which aired on the ‘Disney Channel’ for four seasons between 2006-2011. Miley Cyrus played the part of ‘Miley Stewart,’ a teenage girl living a double life as the famous Pop singer Hannah Montana. Under the ‘Hannah Montana’ brand, Miley Cyrus performed on five soundtrack Albums, five compilation Albums, and one live Album, as well as the release of 14 singles between 2006-2010. Three of those soundtrack Albums reached Number 1 on Billboard in America, and two of the singles reached the Billboard Hot 100 top 40, with, ‘He Could Be the One,’ charting the highest at Number 10 in 2009.

In an attempt to shred her ‘good girl next door’ image, in 2013 Miley Cyrus went all ‘Hip-Hop,’ with the release of her fourth studio Album ‘Bangerz,’ from where ‘We Can’t Stop’ was the first of three singles issued. ‘We Can’t Stop’ was co-written by Mike Will Made It, (see also best songs 849) Pierre Ramon Slaughter, the brothers Timothy & Theron Thomas, who work as ‘R. City,’ and Miley Cyrus. As a sample of the 1985 song La Di Da Di,’ by Doug E. Fresh, and MC Ricky D is used, both of those artists also receive writing credits. The song was produced by Mike Will Made It, P-Nasty, and R.City.

The highly controversial lyrics in ‘We Can’t Stop’ are about the use of cocaine, and recreational drugs, which have been almost unanimously criticised by music critics. In the song Miley Cyrus sings about the party drug,’Ecstasy,’ (dancing with ‘Molly’) ‘Molly’ is one of the nicknames of the drug ‘MDMA,’ which is commonly known as ‘Ecstasy.’ In order to make the song ‘radio friendly,’ Cyrus sang the lyrics to sound like ‘dancing with Miley,’ rather than ‘dancing with ‘Molly.’ Mike Will Made It, who co-wrote, and co-produced the song has said,’It’s up to the individual to interpret it as they want. If you want to dance with Molly, then you gonna enjoy the line ‘dancing with Molly.’ You know what I’m saying,? But whoever wants to dance with Miley, and whoever enjoys Miley Cyrus, then you know what I’m saying, then they’re going to take it as ‘dancing with Miley.’ So however y’all want to take it. It’s not really for us to just really lay out. We just put the record out.’ Miley Cyrus has also spoken,’I don’t think people have a hard time understanding that I’ve grown up. You can Google me, and you know what I’m up to, you know what that lyric is saying.

The discography of Miley Cyrus includes eight studio Albums released between 2007-2023, and 25 singles issued as the lead artist in the same time period, she has also appeared as a featured artist on a further 12 singles between 2007-2018. In America on the Billboard Hot 100, she has charted within the top 40 on 19 occasions, with ‘Wrecking Ball,'(2013) and ‘Flowers,’ (2023) both reaching Number 1, while in the UK, as a lead or featured artist she has charted within the top 40 on 21 occasions, with three of those tracks topping the chart, ‘We Can’t Stop,’ (2013) ‘Wrecking Ball,’ (2013) and ‘Flowers’ (2023.)

‘To my home girls here with the big butts, shaking it like we at a strip club. Remember only God can judge us, forget the haters, cause somebody loves ya.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

831-Bar-Kays-Shake Your Rump to the Funk.

1976-Number 41 single.

Best Bit-At 0.48. Whether it’s your Booty, or your tail feather, or your groove thing, or even your money maker, when the call comes for you to take to the dance floor, you must always ‘Shake’ it.

The Bar-Kays were formed in Memphis, Tennessee, United States, in 1964, they remained an official group until 1989, but then reformed again in 1991, and at the time of writing they are still active. In total there have been 36 different members come and go, with James Alexander being the bands one constant.

The Bar-Kays started out as a studio session group, backing many of the major artists at ‘Stax Records,’ in Memphis, Tennessee, they also recorded their own music on the ‘Stax’ subsidiary label ‘Volt,’ which included their first single, and breakthrough hit ‘Soul Finger’ (1967-Billboard Number 17 & UK Number 33.) In 1967 the Bar-Kays were chosen by Otis Redding (1941-1967) (see also best songs 712 and 377) to play as his backing band on tour. On December 10th, 1967, four members of the Bar-Kays, who were, Jimmie King, (1948-1967) (guitar) Ronnie Caldwell, (1948-1967) (electric organ) Phalon Jones, (1948-1967) (saxophone), and Carl Cunningham, (1948-1967) (drums) along with Otis Redding, and the groups associate, Matthew Kelly, died when their aeroplane crashed into Lake Monona, near Madison, Wisconsin, while attempting to land at Truax Field. Ben Cauley, (1947-2015) who was the groups trumpeter, was the only survivor of the crash. As the aeroplane could only take seven passengers, James Alexander had taken a different flight. Following the tragedy Alexander, and Cauley re-built the Bar-Kays, with six new members coming in to back dozens of ‘Stax’ artists recordings, including the ground breaking 1969 ‘Hot Buttered Soul’ Album, with Isaac Hayes (1942-2008) (see also best songs 398 and 1.)

Ben Cauley left the Bar-Kays in 1971, and when ‘Stax/Volt’ records folded in 1975, the Bar-Kays signed a contract with ‘Mercury Records.’ During the early part of the 1970’s, the Bar-Kays had began to develop a ‘Funk/Rock’ sound, and this was noticeable on many of their ‘Mercury Records’ recordings, with many obvious similarities in musical style, and presentation, to that of their label mates at that time, the ‘Ohio Players’ (see also best songs 506.) The discography of the Bar-Kays includes 20 studio Albums released between 1967-2007, and 34 singles issued between 1967-2022, there is also an extended play entitled ‘Grown Folks,’ that was released in 2012. In America on Billboard, none of their Albums have managed to break in to the top 40, but 14 of those did chart within the top 40 ‘Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums’ chart. On the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, ‘Soul Finger,’ (1967-Number 23) and ‘Shake Your Rump to the Funk,’ (1976-Number 23) are their two top 40 entries, while in the UK, only ‘Soul Finger,’ (Number 33) has broke in to the top 40.

‘Shake Your Rump to the Funk,’ was the first of three singles released from ‘Too Hot to Trot,’ the sixth studio Album, and the first on ‘Mercury Records,’ released by the Bar-Kays, in October 1976, the Album peaked at Number 69 on the Billboard 200 Album chart, and Number eight on the ‘Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.’ All eight band members at that time share the songwriting credits, with ”Shake Your Rump to the Funk,’ and it’s parent Album ‘Too Hot to Trot,’ being produced by Allen Jones. Jones was born Allen Alvoid Jones Jr. on December 29th, 1940, he died of a heart attack on May 5th, 1987, at the age of 46. Jones was a music producer, and songwriter, who worked with the Bar-Kays throughout their tenure with ‘Mercury Records’ right up until his death. Allen Jones wrote songs that were recorded by artists such as ‘Sam & Dave,’ and ‘Clarence Carter,’ with perhaps his best two known co-writes being ‘Hard to Handle,’ which became a hit for both Otis Redding (Billboard Number 51 & UK Number 15-1968) and ‘The Black Crowes,’ (Billboard Number 26 & UK Number 39-1991) and ‘I Can’t Stand Up for Falling Down,’ a song which had started out life as a ‘Sam & Dave’ ‘B’ side in 1967, (the ‘A’ side was ‘Soothe Me’) but would later become much better known when released as a single by Elvis Costello (UK Number 4-1980.)

‘Don’t stop dancing to the music, just let the music make you high. We’ve got rhythm, you can use it, don’t let this feeling pass you by, by, by.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

832-B.J. Thomas-Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.

1969-Number 38 single.

Best Bit-At 2.26. It’s a glass half full song, and if you can catch some of them raindrops, it will be even fuller.

‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ was written by the legendary songwriting team of Burt Bacharach, (1928-2023) and Hal David, (1921-2012) (see also best songs 902-815-740-644-376 and 224) for the 1969 American Western film ‘Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,’ which starred Paul Newman, (1925-2008) and Robert Redford. ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ which would become the first million selling recording for the songwriting duo, was first offered to the American Country singer Ray Stevens, who turned it down, it was also supposedly offered to Bob Dylan, who also declined. It was Dionne Warwick (see also best songs 224) who recommended B.J. Thomas to Bacharach and David, as she had already recorded many of their songs, and shared the same record label, ‘Sceptor Records’ with Thomas.

‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ was written and produced for B.J. Thomas, by Bacharach and David, and became the first American Billboard Number 1 single of the 1970’s, staying at the top of the chart for four weeks. The vocals on the single, are a re-recording by Thomas, as when he recorded the vocals for the film version, he had been recovering from laryngitis, which made his voice sound huskier, but the films producers liked the ‘raspy’ quality, and decided to use it. In the film version the song is played while Paul Newman performs stunts on a bicycle, in order to impress his girlfriend. Halfway through the film version of the song, a ‘Vaudeville-style’ instrumental break, cuts in, while on the 7 inch singles release, the song ends with a horn solo. Burt Bacharach has said about the song,’That is my title, ‘Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.’ Hal tried to change it and come up with another lyric, but it never seemed to work as well. I watched the film so much when I was scoring it.’ While B.J. Thomas said,’I was in the right place at the right time, and probably got their best song ever.’

B.J. Thomas was born Billy Joe Thomas on August 7th, 1942, in Hugo, Oklahoma, United States, he died from lung cancer on May 29th, 2021, at the age of 78. B.J. Thomas first tasted chart success as a member of the ‘Triumphs’ in 1966, when a cover version of the Hank Williams song ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,’ reached Number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. As a solo artist B.J. Thomas recorded in the genres of ‘Country,’ ‘Pop,’ ‘Rock,’ and from 1986, ‘Contemporary Christian’ music. His discography includes 59 official Albums released between 1966-2017, and 71 singles issued in the same time period. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, 13 of his tracks have made the top 40, with ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ and ‘(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,’ both making the Number 1 spot, with the later having the longest song title ever to become a Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 single. In the UK, ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ is his only chart entry.

‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,’ which won the ‘Oscar’ for ‘Best Song From A Motion Picture,’ at the 1970 awards, is an uplifting song, with the narrator being an optimist. He has his fare share of troubles and worries, but knows that,’It won’t be long till happiness steps up to greet me.’ Some of those who worked on the film, felt that the song set a wrong tone for a Western, but the films director George Roy Hill (1921-2002) insisted on it’s inclusion. Robert Redford who was one of the films stars, was one of those apposed to the songs use, but later on he admitted he was wrong, saying, ‘When the film was released, I was highly critical. How did the song fit with the film? There was no rain. At the time, it seemed like a dumb idea. How wrong I was, as it turned out to be a giant hit.’ Other significant, and hit versions of ‘Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head’ include, the 1970 recording by the British born Australian Johnny Farnham, which spent seven weeks at Number 1 in Australia on the ‘Go-Set National Top 40.’ Also in 1970 the French singer Sacha Distel (1933-2004) recorded a version in French called ‘Toute La Pluie Tombe Sur Moi,’ which went to Number 10 in France, his English recording also reached Number 10 in the UK, becoming the biggest hit version of the song in that country. The one other version of the song to chart in the UK, is the 1970 recording by Bobby Gentry, which reached Number 40. Another version worth checking out is the 1995 recording by the Welsh Rock band the ‘Manic Street Preachers,’ who have said that they were always fans of the film, and from their earliest days together, they would incorporate the song in to their live sets.

‘But there’s one thing I know, the Blues they send to meet me, won’t defeat me. It won’t be long ’til happiness steps up to greet me.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

833-Captain Sensible-Glad It’s All Over.

1984-Number 6 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. This isn’t happy talk, this is sensible talk.

Captain Sensible was born Raymond Ian Burns on April 23rd, 1954, in Balham, London, England. He adopted his stage name ‘Captain Sensible,’ ironically, because he used to be a ‘debauched maniac,’ who had fun,’regardless of the consequences,’ but he admits to calming down after becoming a vegetarian. He is known for his distinctive appearance, which includes a red beret, and sunglasses, usually with white frames.

Captain Sensible was a founding member of the English ‘Punk Rock’ group the ‘Damned’ in 1976, who are considered to be the first group to release a ‘Punk Rock’ single, ‘New Rose,’ in 1976 (see also best songs 273.) While still a member of the ‘Damned,’ in 1978, Captain Sensible released his first solo single, ‘Jet Boy, Jet Girl,’ in the Netherlands only, and his first solo studio Album, ‘Women and Captains First,’ in 1982. The discography of Captain Sensible includes eight solo studio Albums released between 1982-1996, and 28 singles between 1978-2014, there are also seven compilation Albums, and two extended plays available. In the UK, none of his studio Albums have reached the top 40 Album chart, but three of his singles have made the top 40, with his 1982 cover version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein show tune ‘Happy Talk’ reaching the Number 1 spot.

In 2006 Captain Sensible formed a new British political party known as the ‘Blah! Party,’ he said,’I always wanted to put a brick through the TV when I saw (Tony) Blair pop his head up. It’s quite easy to write lyrics when politicians are so corrupt. I had to start my own political party I was so angry. I called it the Blah Party. It was 50 per cent joke, 50 per cent serious, but was my way of dealing with it. He has also said,’We believe that voting is an important part of the democratic process, and we want the Blah! Party to be the party of protest, a channel through which the people of the U.K. can vent their dissatisfaction at nonsensical everyday things, and protest against the government and the current crop of political parties.’ The ‘Blah! Party’ was short lived, with it’s members deciding to become a protest group instead, in December 2008.

‘Glad It’s All Over’ was co-written by Captain Sensible, and Tony Mansfield, with the production being by Mansfield. The song was the third of three singles issued from ‘The Power of Love,’ which was the second solo studio Album from Captain Sensible, from November 1983. Tony Mansfield was born Anthony Charles Mansfield, on January 19th, 1955, in Wimbledon, London, England, he is probably best known for being the main songwriter, and producer for the English Synthpop group ‘New Musik,’ of which he was also a co-founder. ‘New Musik’ who were active between 1977-1982 released three studio Albums, and 10 singles, of which three of those singles made the UK top 40, with ‘Living by Numbers,’ charting the highest at Number 13, in 1980. After the split of ‘New Musik,’ Mansfield became a full time music producer for acts including ‘a-ha,’ ‘The B-52’S, and ‘After the Fire.’

‘Glad It’ All Over’ is Captain Sensible’s comment on the ‘Falklands War,’ which occurred in 1982, and is an anti-war song. Captain Sensible has said,’With the Falklands war, and the mass build up of nuclear missiles in my mind, I thought the planet could do with a bit more love and a bit less unpleasantness. So me, and my neighbour Bob (Jones) wrote a song called ‘The Power of Love,’ which also ended up as the Album title.’ Captain Sensible also lauded Tony Mansfield for the part he played, describing ‘Glad All Over,’ as,’A result of my highly tuned Pop sensibilities, and the aural sculpting genius of producer Tony Mansfield, who actually plays the drum parts live himself on a ‘Duckhams’ oil can (floor tom), a casserole dish lid (high hat) and a ‘Rowntrees’ choc tin (snare drum). After a bit of ‘tuning’ with a panel hammer, the kit sounded just right, and we rolled the tape, with the result transforming the song into something rather special.’

‘Submarines in the harbour, incognito, submarines of your dreams not mine. The red red sky must take the price, for giving to the people who never never go to war.’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

834-Spinners-It’s a Shame.

1970-Number 20 single.

Best Bit-At 1.11. Tamla Motown’s second team, finally given their day in the spotlight.

In America they are known as the ‘Spinners,’ but in the UK, in order to avoid confusion with the British Folk group ‘The Spinners,’ they are known as the ‘Detroit Spinners,’ and sometimes, the ‘Motown Spinners.’ The Spinners were formed in 1954, in Ferndale, Michigan, United States, by Billy Henderson, (1939-2007) Henry Fambrough, Pervis Jackson, (1938-2008) C. P. Spencer, (1938-2004) and James Edwards, they were all friends who lived in Detroit’s ‘Herman Gardens public housing project,’ and initially they sang ‘Doo-Wop,’ calling themselves ‘The Domingoes.’

The Spinners first recording contract was with ‘Tri-Phi Records,’ where they were mentored by Harvey Fuqua, (1929-2010) (see also best songs 162) who co-wrote, and produced their first hit single ‘That’s What Girls Are Made For,’ (Billboard Number 27-1961.) In 1964, ‘Tri-Phi Records,’ was bought out by Fuqua’s brother-in-law, Berry Gordy, of ‘Motown’ records, where the Spinners found themselves well down the pecking order, behind Motown’s biggest stars such as ‘The Four Tops,’ and ‘The Temptations.’ In 1969 the ‘Spinners’ were switched to the Motown subsidiary label ‘V.I.P.’ Prior to the switch, the ‘Spinners’ only charting single on ‘Motown’ had been ‘I’ll Always Love You,’ (Billboard Number 35-1965.) It Was Aretha Franklin, (1942-2018) (see also best songs 644 and 366) who in 1972, suggested to the ‘Spinners’ that they end their contract with ‘Motown’ records, and join her at ‘Atlantic Records,’ which they did. They teamed up with the songwriter, and producer Thom Bell, (1943-2022) (see also best songs 765 and 183) and during the next decade the ‘Spinners’ would achieve their greatest successes.

The discography of the ‘Spinners’ includes 20 studio Albums released between 1967-2021, and 58 singles released between 1961-2021, there are also 13 official compilation Albums, and three live Albums available. In America on Billboard, 18 of their singles have made the top 40, with ‘Then Came You,’ with Dionne Warwick (see also best songs 224) reaching Number 1 in 1974. In the UK, the ‘Spinners’ have had nine top 40 hits, with ‘Working My Way Back to You / Forgive Me, Girl,’ (medley) reaching Number 1 in 1979. In total there have been 18 different members of the ‘Spinners,’ since 1954. In 2023 the last surviving original member, Henry Fambrough retired from singing live with the group, leaving four current touring members, none of whom have been with the group longer than 2009.

‘It’s a Shame’ was co-written by the legendary Stevie Wonder, (see also best songs 920-843-682-570-503-366-205-152 and 65) along with Syreeta Wright, (1946-2004) and Lee Garrett, (see also best songs 843) Stevie Wonder also produced the song, (the first track he had ever produced for anyone other than himself) and played drums on the track as well. ‘It’s a Shame’ was one of five singles released from the ‘Spinners’ second studio Album ”2nd Time Around,’from 1970. The quintet who were the ‘Spinners’ at that time, and who provided the vocals on the the track were, G.C. Cameron, who was the lead vocalist, with Bobby Smith, (1936-2013) Pervis Jackson, Henry Fambrough and Billy Henderson, all on backing vocals. The instrumentation on the song was played by members of ‘Motown’s’ in house band,’The Funk Brothers’ (see also best songs 948-650-569-414-382-212-148 and 28.) G. C. Cameron (George Curtis Cameron) who sung the lead vocals on ‘It’s a Shame,’ was the only member of the ‘Spinners’ to stay with ‘Motown,’ when the others moved to ‘Atlantic Records’ in 1972, he was replaced by Philippe Wynne (1941-1984) (see also best songs 340.)

‘It’s a Shame’ tells the story of a man who is being used by his partner, who doesn’t care about the way she makes him feel, which leaves him hurt and confused. In 1990 the English Rapper Monie Love, reworked the song as ‘It’s a Shame (My Sister,’) (UK Number 12, and Billboard Number 26) In her version, Monie Love tries to convince a friend to leave her unfaithful partner.

‘Why do you use me, try to confuse me, how can you stand to be so cruel. Why don’t you free me from this prison, where I serve my time as your fool’

THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

835-Flo Rida featuring T-Pain-Low.

2008-Number 2 single.

Best Bit-At 0.15. If you are stood in front of the bedroom mirror at home, and thinking, which is the best song for me to practice my ‘Twerking’ to, try this one.

Flo Rida was born Tramar Lacel Dillard, on September 16th, 1979, in Miami Gardens, Florida, United States, he has seven sisters, the youngest who is his twin. He took his stage name from the American State that he was born in ,Florida. Flo Rida is one of the best selling ‘Rap’ artists of all time, with worldwide sales in excess of 80 million records. His discography includes four studio Albums released between 2008-2012, and 41 singles issued between 2007-2021. In America on the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, he has had 14 top 40 hits as the lead artist, and a further two as a featured artist. Three of those songs have made the Number 1 spot, including ‘Low,’ which spent 10 weeks at the top during 2009. In the UK, he has charted within the top 40 on 15 occasions as the lead artist, and a further five as the featured artist, with five of those tracks reaching Number 1.

The featured artist on ‘Low’ is ‘T-Pain,’ who was born Faheem Rashad Najm, on September 30th, 1984, in Tallahassee, Florida, United States, his stage name is short for ‘Tallahassee Pain,’ and was chosen because of the hardships he experienced while living there. T-Pain is best known for popularising the use of ‘Auto-Tune,’ something he has used on many of his recordings. ‘Auto-Tune’ is a pitch-correcting audio processor, for vocals, with the effect turned up to give the voice a robotic quality, one of the earliest successful examples of the use of ‘Auto-Tuning,’ was the 1998 UK, and U.S. Number 1 single,’Believe,’by Cher. T-Pain has released seven studio Albums between 2005-2023, and 28 singles as the lead artist between 2005-2021. In America on Billboard, nine of those tracks have made the top 40, with ‘Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’) featuring Yung Joc, making Number 1 in 2007. He has also charted as a featured artist on 21 occasions, with two of those tracks reaching Number 1. In the UK, he has had six top 40 hits as the lead artist, with ‘5 O’Clock,’ featuring Wiz Khalifa and Lily Allen, charting the highest at Number 6 in 2011. He has also had a further five top 40 hits in the UK as the featured artist, with ‘Low’ peaking the highest at Number 2.

‘Low’ was the debut single for Flo Rida, which was co-written by him, and the songs featured artist T-Pain, and was the first of three singles released from ‘Mail on Sunday,’ the debut Album by Flo Rida, from March 2008. ‘Low’ was co-produced by T-Pain, and DJ Montay, who would go on to produce the track ‘Sugar,’ (Billboard Number 5, and UK Number 18) also for Flo Rida in 2009. ‘Low’ has the distinction of being the most downloaded song of the 2000’s decade, with digital downloads in excess of six million. It went to Number 1 in nine countries, including in America, where it spent 10 consecutive weeks at the top of that chart. When ‘Low’ reached the top of the American Hot 100, it equaled the record for the shortest song title to top that chart. The other five three-letter titled songs to reach the Number 1 spot prior to ‘Low’ were, ‘Why,’ by Frankie Avalon, (1959) ‘ABC,’ by The Jackson 5, (1970) ‘War,’ by Edwin Starr, (1970) ‘Ben,’ by Michael Jackson, (1972) and ‘Bad,’ also by Michael Jackson (1987.)

Flo Rida has spoken about ‘Low,”I recorded this record so fast, it was almost like a freestyle. I think it probably took me less than an hour to do all the verses. T-Pain having such a good melody on the hook, and me having some great melodies on the verses. The record just has so much ear candy and the lyricism was just amazing. When I heard it, I just knew it was gonna be big, especially ’cause T-Pain was doing a lot of huge records at the time.’

‘Low’ makes reference to a ‘Shawty’ in a club, a shawty is American slang, used as a term of endearment, for an attractive woman, or girlfriend.The song concentrates on two women, one is wearing ‘Apple Bottom Jeans,’ which is a fashion brand for women, and the other is wearing ‘baggy sweaty pants,’ and ‘Reebok’ brand shoes. T-Pain prefers the former, and Flo Rida the later, but in the second verse T-Pain admits that he, ’Prefers them, no clothes.’

‘She had them Apple Bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was lookin’ at her. She hit the floor, next thing you know, Shawty got low, low, low, low, low, low, low, low.’