I'm previewing a new feature on Inside the Rock Era. From time to time, I will send embedded videos your way from YouTube. What is convenient for you is that they will all be on a page Tabbed at the top, so you can find your favorite artists.
I'll debut the feature with one of the best guys ever in concert--Bob Seger...
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Hits List: Commodores
When Lionel Richie was with them, the Commodores were one of the top acts of the 70's. Here is a complete record of their charted singles:
1969: "Keep On Dancing"
1974: "Machine Gun" (#22, #7 R&B)
"The Zoo (The Human Zoo)"
1975: "Slippery When Wet" (#19, #1 R&B)
"This Is Your Life" (#13 R&B)
1976: "Sweet Love" (#5, #2 R&B)
"Just To Be Close To You" (#7, #1 R&B)
1977: "Fancy Dancer" (#39, #9 R&B)
"Easy" (#4, #1 R&B)
"Brick House" (#5, #4 R&B)
1978: "Too Hot Ta Trot" (#4, #1 R&B)
"Three Times a Lady" (#1, #1 R&B, #1 Adult Contemporary)
"Flying High" (#38, #21 R&B)
1979: "Sail On" (#4, #8 R&B)
"Still" (#1, #1 R&B, #6 AC)
1980: "Wonderland" (#25, #21 R&B)
"Old-Fashion Love" (#21, #28 R&B)
"Heroes" (#54, #27 R&B)
"Jesus Is Love" (#34 R&B)
1981: "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (#8, #5 R&B)
"Oh No" (#4, #5 R&B, #5 AC)
1982: "Why You Wanna' Try Me" (#66, #42 R&B)
"Painted Picture" (#70, #19 R&B)
1984: "Only You" (#54, #20 R&B)
1985: "Nightshift" (#3, #1 R&B, #2 AC)
"Animal Instinct" (#43, #22 R&B)
"Janet" (#87, #65 R&B, #8 AC)
1986: "Goin' To the Bank" (#65, #2 R&B)
1987: "Take It From Me" (#38 R&B)
"United In Love" (#22 AC)
1988: "Solitaire" (#51 R&B)
1969: "Keep On Dancing"
1974: "Machine Gun" (#22, #7 R&B)
"The Zoo (The Human Zoo)"
1975: "Slippery When Wet" (#19, #1 R&B)
"This Is Your Life" (#13 R&B)
1976: "Sweet Love" (#5, #2 R&B)
"Just To Be Close To You" (#7, #1 R&B)
1977: "Fancy Dancer" (#39, #9 R&B)
"Easy" (#4, #1 R&B)
"Brick House" (#5, #4 R&B)
1978: "Too Hot Ta Trot" (#4, #1 R&B)
"Three Times a Lady" (#1, #1 R&B, #1 Adult Contemporary)
"Flying High" (#38, #21 R&B)
1979: "Sail On" (#4, #8 R&B)
"Still" (#1, #1 R&B, #6 AC)
1980: "Wonderland" (#25, #21 R&B)
"Old-Fashion Love" (#21, #28 R&B)
"Heroes" (#54, #27 R&B)
"Jesus Is Love" (#34 R&B)
1981: "Lady (You Bring Me Up)" (#8, #5 R&B)
"Oh No" (#4, #5 R&B, #5 AC)
1982: "Why You Wanna' Try Me" (#66, #42 R&B)
"Painted Picture" (#70, #19 R&B)
1984: "Only You" (#54, #20 R&B)
1985: "Nightshift" (#3, #1 R&B, #2 AC)
"Animal Instinct" (#43, #22 R&B)
"Janet" (#87, #65 R&B, #8 AC)
1986: "Goin' To the Bank" (#65, #2 R&B)
1987: "Take It From Me" (#38 R&B)
"United In Love" (#22 AC)
1988: "Solitaire" (#51 R&B)
Five Best Songs: Barry Manilow
Manilow of course now has a residence at the Paris in Las Vegas, Nevada. Here are his Five Best:
1. "Could It Be Magic"
2. "Mandy"
3. "Weekend In New England"
4. "Copacabana"
5. "When October Goes"
1. "Could It Be Magic"
2. "Mandy"
3. "Weekend In New England"
4. "Copacabana"
5. "When October Goes"
This Date in Rock Music History: June 19
1960: The Kingston Trio debuted their radio show on CBS Radio.
Dee Clark had a hot new song...
1961: Pat Boone had the #1 song with "Moody River". Ricky Nelson dropped with "Travelin' Man" while Gary U.S. Bonds moved from 9 to 3 with "Quarter to Three". Ben E King remained at #4 with Dee Clark close behind with his song "Raindrops". The rest of the Top 10: "The Writing on the Wall" from Adam Wade, Bobby Lewis rocked up from 17 to 7 with "Tossin' and Turnin" Pips with "Every Beat of My Heart", Brook Benton moved up with "The Boll Weevil Song" and Little Caesar & the Romans had their one and only--"Those Oldies But Goodies".
1962: Nat "King" Cole recorded the single "Ramblin' Rose".
1965: The Uxbridge Blues Festival in England was a great event with the Who, the Spencer Davis Group, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Zoot Money, Long John Baldry and Marianne Faithful among the performers.
1965: It should have been obvious to most where this song was headed on the chart--the Biggest Mover on this date was from the Rolling Stones (67-26) with "Satisfaction".
1965: The Kinks and the Moody Blues made their American debut on this date at the Academy of Music in New York City.
1965: "Crying in the Chapel" by Elvis Presley reigned supreme on the Adult Contemporary chart for the fifth week in a row.
The Yardbirds with their greatest hit...
1965: "I Can't Help Myself", one of The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era by the Four Tops, moved into the #1 position in only its sixth week of release, holding off "Mr.. Tambourine Man" from the Byrds. the former #2 smash "Woolly Bully" by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs was hanging on to #3. "Crying in the Chapel" by Elvis came in fourth and the former #1 "Back in My Arms Again" by the Supremes was #5. The rest of an excellent Top 10: "Wonderful World" by Herman's Hermits, "Help Me Rhonda" by the Beach Boys, "Engine Engine #9" from Roger Miller was #8, the Yardbirds crashed the Top 10 with "For Your Love" and "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" by Patti Page made the list.
1967: It was one of the best years in the history of music and 'The Summer of Love", as it would become known, was just getting geared up. How'd you like to be a radio station Music Director and have these two 45's show up on your desk Monday morning? On this date, Jefferson Airplane released "White Rabbit".
1967: Procol Harum released their single "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
1968: The Rolling Stones reached #1 in the U.K. for the seventh time with "Jumpin' Jack Flash".
1969 The Doors were in concert at the PNE Garden Auditorium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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1971: "Rainy Days and Mondays" was #1 for the fourth consecutive week for the carpenters on the AC chart.
The family act with tips on how to "Treat Her Like a Lady"...
1971: Carole King scored a double-sided hit as "It's Too Late" and "I Feel the Earth Move" climbed from #6 to #1, heading a tremendous Top 10 on this date. "It's Too Late" separated itself and wound up as one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era*. The Carpenters made a move with "Rainy Days and Mondays" at #2 while "Want Ads" by the Honey Cone slipped to 3 after just one week at the top. "Brown Sugar" by the Rolling Stones was on its way down. The rest of the Top 10: Ringo Starr at #5 with "It Don't Come Easy", "Treat Her Like a Lady" from Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose moved up to #6, the Raiders from Boise, Idaho moved from 11 to 7 with their classic "Indian Reservation", the song that was previously #1 for 6 weeks in a row--"Joy To the World" by Three Dog Night was still in the Top 10 at #8, the Partridge family was #9--"I'll Meet You Halfway" and Donny Osmond had #10 with "Sweet and Innocent".
1971: Tapestry by Stanley, Idaho's Carole King moved to the #1 position for the first time in its 11th week of release.
1972: It was a Monday on this date and that meant the release of new songs. Two future smashes were released on this date although the latter took a while to get there. The Hollies' 45 "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) and Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" arrived at radio stations on this date.
1973: Roberta Flack appeared on the ABC television special Roberta Flack...The First Time Ever.
1974: The Jackson Five played two shows at the Apollo in Glasgow, Scotland.
1974: The Eagles performed at the Ozark Music Festival in Sedia, Missouri.
"Warm Ways" helped Fleetwood Mac kick in another gear...
1976: Wings at the Speed of Sound was the new #1 album, sending Black and Blue by the Rolling Stones tumbling to #3. Frampton Comes Alive! reached #2. The rest of the Top 10: Here and There from Elton John was #4, Aerosmith's Rocks was 5, the album Diana Ross came in sixth, the self-titled Fleetwood Mac album was moving back up to #7 after 47 weeks, George Benson had #8 with Breezin', Led Zeppelin's Presence was #9 and Rastaman Vibration was #10 from Bob Marley & the Wailers.
The Brothers had a huge summer hit...
1976: "Silly Love Songs" made it two weeks in a row for Wings at the top. Silver Convention's second Top 10 song "Get Up and Boogie" was #2 followed by "Misty Blue" from Dorothy Moore. Diana Ross's former #1 "Love Hangover" came in fourth, followed by Hall & Oates with "Sara Smile" and "Shannon" from Henry Gross. The rest of the Top 10: "Shop Around by Captain & Tennille, "More, More, More (Pt. 1) by the Andrea True Connection, the Starland Vocal Band rocketed up from 25 to 9 with "Afternoon Delight" and the Brothers Johnson had their first Top 10 with "I'll Be Good To You".
1982: Asia rose to #1 with their self-titled album, replacing Paul McCartney's Tug of War. Van Halen remained at 3 with Diver Down while Stevie Wonder's Original Musicquarium I was fourth. The rest of the Top 10: Dare from the Human League, Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson at #6, Toto's landmark about Toto IV at #7, Aldo Nova reached #8, Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet by Rick Springfield fell to #9 and Chariots of Fire from Vangelis was #10.
Dee Clark had a hot new song...
1961: Pat Boone had the #1 song with "Moody River". Ricky Nelson dropped with "Travelin' Man" while Gary U.S. Bonds moved from 9 to 3 with "Quarter to Three". Ben E King remained at #4 with Dee Clark close behind with his song "Raindrops". The rest of the Top 10: "The Writing on the Wall" from Adam Wade, Bobby Lewis rocked up from 17 to 7 with "Tossin' and Turnin" Pips with "Every Beat of My Heart", Brook Benton moved up with "The Boll Weevil Song" and Little Caesar & the Romans had their one and only--"Those Oldies But Goodies".
1962: Nat "King" Cole recorded the single "Ramblin' Rose".
1965: The Uxbridge Blues Festival in England was a great event with the Who, the Spencer Davis Group, John Mayall's Bluesbreakers, Zoot Money, Long John Baldry and Marianne Faithful among the performers.
1965: It should have been obvious to most where this song was headed on the chart--the Biggest Mover on this date was from the Rolling Stones (67-26) with "Satisfaction".
1965: The Kinks and the Moody Blues made their American debut on this date at the Academy of Music in New York City.
1965: "Crying in the Chapel" by Elvis Presley reigned supreme on the Adult Contemporary chart for the fifth week in a row.
The Yardbirds with their greatest hit...
1965: "I Can't Help Myself", one of The Top 500 Songs of the Rock Era by the Four Tops, moved into the #1 position in only its sixth week of release, holding off "Mr.. Tambourine Man" from the Byrds. the former #2 smash "Woolly Bully" by Sam the Sham & the Pharaohs was hanging on to #3. "Crying in the Chapel" by Elvis came in fourth and the former #1 "Back in My Arms Again" by the Supremes was #5. The rest of an excellent Top 10: "Wonderful World" by Herman's Hermits, "Help Me Rhonda" by the Beach Boys, "Engine Engine #9" from Roger Miller was #8, the Yardbirds crashed the Top 10 with "For Your Love" and "Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte" by Patti Page made the list.
1967: It was one of the best years in the history of music and 'The Summer of Love", as it would become known, was just getting geared up. How'd you like to be a radio station Music Director and have these two 45's show up on your desk Monday morning? On this date, Jefferson Airplane released "White Rabbit".
1967: Procol Harum released their single "A Whiter Shade of Pale".
1968: The Rolling Stones reached #1 in the U.K. for the seventh time with "Jumpin' Jack Flash".
1969 The Doors were in concert at the PNE Garden Auditorium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
1971: "Rainy Days and Mondays" was #1 for the fourth consecutive week for the carpenters on the AC chart.
The family act with tips on how to "Treat Her Like a Lady"...
1971: Carole King scored a double-sided hit as "It's Too Late" and "I Feel the Earth Move" climbed from #6 to #1, heading a tremendous Top 10 on this date. "It's Too Late" separated itself and wound up as one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era*. The Carpenters made a move with "Rainy Days and Mondays" at #2 while "Want Ads" by the Honey Cone slipped to 3 after just one week at the top. "Brown Sugar" by the Rolling Stones was on its way down. The rest of the Top 10: Ringo Starr at #5 with "It Don't Come Easy", "Treat Her Like a Lady" from Cornelius Brothers & Sister Rose moved up to #6, the Raiders from Boise, Idaho moved from 11 to 7 with their classic "Indian Reservation", the song that was previously #1 for 6 weeks in a row--"Joy To the World" by Three Dog Night was still in the Top 10 at #8, the Partridge family was #9--"I'll Meet You Halfway" and Donny Osmond had #10 with "Sweet and Innocent".
1971: Tapestry by Stanley, Idaho's Carole King moved to the #1 position for the first time in its 11th week of release.
1972: It was a Monday on this date and that meant the release of new songs. Two future smashes were released on this date although the latter took a while to get there. The Hollies' 45 "Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) and Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman" arrived at radio stations on this date.
1973: Roberta Flack appeared on the ABC television special Roberta Flack...The First Time Ever.
1974: The Jackson Five played two shows at the Apollo in Glasgow, Scotland.
1974: The Eagles performed at the Ozark Music Festival in Sedia, Missouri.
1976: The Bay City Rollers kicked off their first American tour in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
1976: Bette Midler appeared on the HBO television show Standing Room Only.
1976: "Never Gonna' Fall in Love Again" by Eric Carmen was the new #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
"Warm Ways" helped Fleetwood Mac kick in another gear...
1976: Wings at the Speed of Sound was the new #1 album, sending Black and Blue by the Rolling Stones tumbling to #3. Frampton Comes Alive! reached #2. The rest of the Top 10: Here and There from Elton John was #4, Aerosmith's Rocks was 5, the album Diana Ross came in sixth, the self-titled Fleetwood Mac album was moving back up to #7 after 47 weeks, George Benson had #8 with Breezin', Led Zeppelin's Presence was #9 and Rastaman Vibration was #10 from Bob Marley & the Wailers.
The Brothers had a huge summer hit...
1976: "Silly Love Songs" made it two weeks in a row for Wings at the top. Silver Convention's second Top 10 song "Get Up and Boogie" was #2 followed by "Misty Blue" from Dorothy Moore. Diana Ross's former #1 "Love Hangover" came in fourth, followed by Hall & Oates with "Sara Smile" and "Shannon" from Henry Gross. The rest of the Top 10: "Shop Around by Captain & Tennille, "More, More, More (Pt. 1) by the Andrea True Connection, the Starland Vocal Band rocketed up from 25 to 9 with "Afternoon Delight" and the Brothers Johnson had their first Top 10 with "I'll Be Good To You".
1977: Tom Petty and the Boomtown Rats performed at the Rainbow in London.
1978: The Rolling Stones were in concert at the Palladium in New York City.
1981: On Monday, June 19, 1981, Diana Ross & Lionel Richie released the single "Endless Love" to radio stations.
1982: "Any Day Now" by Ronnie Milsap took over at #1 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
1982: Asia rose to #1 with their self-titled album, replacing Paul McCartney's Tug of War. Van Halen remained at 3 with Diver Down while Stevie Wonder's Original Musicquarium I was fourth. The rest of the Top 10: Dare from the Human League, Always On My Mind by Willie Nelson at #6, Toto's landmark about Toto IV at #7, Aldo Nova reached #8, Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet by Rick Springfield fell to #9 and Chariots of Fire from Vangelis was #10.
1982: John Cougar (John Mellencamp) scored the first Top 10 hit of his career on this date as "Hurts So Good" moved form 17 to 9.
1982: Stevie Wonder & Paul McCartney made it six weeks in a row at #1 with "Ebony and Ivory". The Human League rose to #2 with "Don't You Want Me" and Toto's "Rosanna" was #7.
1984: Tickets for 10 shows by Bruce Springsteen at the Meadowlands in New Jersey went on sale. 24 hours later, 202,000 tickets had been purchased.
1987: Guns N' Roses performed at the Marquee Club in London.
1988: Over 3,000 East Germans crowded against the Berlin Wall so they could hear the Michael Jackson concert, which was being performed freely on the other side.
1989: Monday fell on June 19, and that meant release date for new singles. Don Henley released the title song from his album The End of the Innocence on this date.
1990: Prince lined up 12 sold-out shows at Wembley Arena in London.
1993: "Have I Told You Lately" by Rod Stewart was #1 for the fourth week on the AC chart.
Stone Temple Pilots scored a Top 10 album
1993: janet by Janet Jackson topped the album chart for a third week, holding off Unplugged...and Seated by Rod Stewart. Dr. Dre moved to #3 with The Chronic and the former #1 Soundtrack to "The Bodyguard" was at #5. The rest of the Top 10: Kenny G with Breathless, Aerosmith had the #6 album in Get a Grip, the Spin Doctors came in seventh with Pocket Full of Kryptonite, Luther Vandross debuted at #8 with Never Let Me Go, SWV remained at #9 with It's About Time and Core from the Stone Temple Pilots edged into the Top 10.
1993: Janet Jackson spent a sixth week atop the singles chart with "That's the Way Love Goes".
1995: It was a Monday, and that meant new songs on the desks of radio stations. Seal released his breakthrough single "Kiss From a Rose" on this date.
1995: Vanessa Williams released the single "Colors of the Wind" from Vanessa Williams.
1995: Vanessa Williams released the single "Colors of the Wind" from Vanessa Williams.
1997: Bobby Helms ("Jingle Bell Rock") died from emphysema and asthma at the age of 63 at his home just outside Martinsville, Indiana.
1998: Sinead O'Connor opened the second annual Lilith Fair in Portland, Oregon.
2000: Bob Dylan added Professor Patrick Ladd to his concert in Portland, Oregon. Ladd signed Dylan's lyrics for the hard of hearing (as well as the thousands of fans who couldn't understand Dylan).
2004: In today's segment of "Inmates Run Rap Music", convicted rapper T.I. turned up at Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash in Atlanta. His performance was short-lived; after he began insulting Lil' Flip, the plug was pulled on T.I. and the entire concert was canceled. And all was right with the world.
2004: In today's segment of "Inmates Run Rap Music", convicted rapper T.I. turned up at Hot 107.9's Birthday Bash in Atlanta. His performance was short-lived; after he began insulting Lil' Flip, the plug was pulled on T.I. and the entire concert was canceled. And all was right with the world.
2005: Coldplay owned the #1 album in the U.K. with X & Y.
Born This Day:
1932: Saxophonist Mel Collins (a member of Alexis Korner, King Crimson and the Rolling Stones and a musician for Eric Clapton, Dire Straits, Bad Company, Gerry Rafferty, Tears for Fears, 10cc and others) was born in the Isle of Man.
1936: Tommy Devito of the 4 Seasons was born in Belleville, New Jersey.
1936: Shirley Goodman of Shirley and Company ("Shame, Shame, Shame" from 1975) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana; died July 5, 2005.
1939: Al Wilson ("Show and Tell" in 1973) was born in Meridian, Mississippi.
1942: Elaine McFarlane of Spanky and Our Gang was born in Peoria, Illinois.
1944: Robin Box of White Plains ("My Baby Loves Lovin'" from 1970)
1950: Ann Wilson of Heart was born in San Diego, California.
1953: Larry Dunn, trumpet player with Earth, Wind & Fire,was born in Denver, Colorado.
1959: Mark DeBarge of DeBarge was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
1962: Paula Abdul was born in Los Angeles, California.
1963: Simon Wright, one-time drummer of AC/DC, was born in Oldham, Manchester, England.
1964: Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of the Verve Pipe ("The Freshmen" from 1997) was born in Holland, Michigan.
1964: Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of the Verve Pipe ("The Freshmen" from 1997) was born in Holland, Michigan.
1970: Brian Welch, guitarist and co-founder of Korn, was born in Torrance, California.
The #53 Album of All-Time in the Rock Era--"Make It Big" by Wham!
One by one, Inside the Rock Era* is featuring The Top 100 Albums of All-Time in the Rock Era*. We started May 1st and we are now up to #53.
It is the only Wham album to make the list, although two solo efforts from George Michael are included. The album reached #1 on March 2, 1985, taking over from another big album Like a Virgin by Madonna. Three other outstanding albums provided the competition for this album--Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen, Reckless by Bryan Adams and Private Dancer from Tina Turner. When you can get to #1 amidst that competition, it's a pretty big deal. This one remained there for three weeks, and more importantly, remained in the Top 10 for 25. Make It Big spent 80 weeks on the album chart (over a year and a half) and has so far sold 6 million copies. Also, since it was released near the end of the "LP era", very few of those are "double purchases"; i.e. buying a CD to upgrade the quality of the album. For the older albums, you have to somewhat discount sales because many are going to be the same original consumers to get CD quality.
The chart performance and sales statistics were greatly influenced by the airplay that four smash singles earned for the album as well as a solid 9.13 Track Rating* that influenced positive word of mouth advertising. "Careless Whisper" essentially was a Michael solo effort, since he recorded it alone. It went on to become one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era*. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" was also a #1 record on Billboard magazine, although my research shows that it shouldn't have been, and it still isn't extremely popular. In fact, "Freedom", the album's fourth single, shows up far better in research despite only making #3. "Everything She Wants" made it three #1 songs on Make It Big. The four singles kept the album fresh in the minds of listeners for nearly a year, one of the strongest things the album has going for it.
Whereas an album like The Wall by Pink Floyd is a pure concept album, which is ideal in consideration of The Top 100 Albums*, this one is not. It is more a collection of the four hit singles. That said, those four are so great and the other tracks are good enough for the album to make it. The only other track besides the singles that I would call "very good" is "Credit Card Baby"; the others are "average". Still, they are good enough to keep the Track Rating* above 9, and that, combined with the huge airplay and sales statistics, earn it a spot.
Wham! won the American Music Award for Favorite Group Video Artist and the Best British Group Award at the BRIT Awards. They were nominated for Favorite Pop Single "Careless Whisper" at the American Music Awards, Pop Vocal Group at the Grammies, International Album of the Year and two nominations for International Single of the Year (for "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper") at the Juno Awards.
Make It Big:
(All songs by George Michael, unless otherwise noted.)
Side one
1. "Wake Me up Before You Go-Go" --3:50
2. "Everything She Wants" --5:01
3. "Heartbeat" --4:42
4. "Like a Baby" --4:12
Side two
1. "Freedom" --5:01
2. "If You Were There" (The Isley Brothers) --3:38
3. "Credit Card Baby" --5:08
4. "Careless Whisper" (George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley) --6:30
Michael played keyboards and sang lead vocals on the album, while both Michael and Ridgeley provided backup vocals. Ridgeley also played electric guitar and acoustic guitar along with Hugh Burns. Deon Estus played bass, Trevor Morrell was the drummer, Tommy Eyre and Andy Richards also played keyboards, David Baptiste and Steve Gregory were on sax and Colin Graham and Paul Spong played trumpet.
Make It Big was recorded from July to September of 1984. Michael also arranged and produced the album. The Engineer was Chris Porter while Tony McGee provided photography. The album was released October 23, 1984 on Columbia Records.
Wham! have the #53 Album--Make It Big.
It is the only Wham album to make the list, although two solo efforts from George Michael are included. The album reached #1 on March 2, 1985, taking over from another big album Like a Virgin by Madonna. Three other outstanding albums provided the competition for this album--Born in the U.S.A. by Bruce Springsteen, Reckless by Bryan Adams and Private Dancer from Tina Turner. When you can get to #1 amidst that competition, it's a pretty big deal. This one remained there for three weeks, and more importantly, remained in the Top 10 for 25. Make It Big spent 80 weeks on the album chart (over a year and a half) and has so far sold 6 million copies. Also, since it was released near the end of the "LP era", very few of those are "double purchases"; i.e. buying a CD to upgrade the quality of the album. For the older albums, you have to somewhat discount sales because many are going to be the same original consumers to get CD quality.
The chart performance and sales statistics were greatly influenced by the airplay that four smash singles earned for the album as well as a solid 9.13 Track Rating* that influenced positive word of mouth advertising. "Careless Whisper" essentially was a Michael solo effort, since he recorded it alone. It went on to become one of The Top 100 Songs of the Rock Era*. "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" was also a #1 record on Billboard magazine, although my research shows that it shouldn't have been, and it still isn't extremely popular. In fact, "Freedom", the album's fourth single, shows up far better in research despite only making #3. "Everything She Wants" made it three #1 songs on Make It Big. The four singles kept the album fresh in the minds of listeners for nearly a year, one of the strongest things the album has going for it.
Whereas an album like The Wall by Pink Floyd is a pure concept album, which is ideal in consideration of The Top 100 Albums*, this one is not. It is more a collection of the four hit singles. That said, those four are so great and the other tracks are good enough for the album to make it. The only other track besides the singles that I would call "very good" is "Credit Card Baby"; the others are "average". Still, they are good enough to keep the Track Rating* above 9, and that, combined with the huge airplay and sales statistics, earn it a spot.
Wham! won the American Music Award for Favorite Group Video Artist and the Best British Group Award at the BRIT Awards. They were nominated for Favorite Pop Single "Careless Whisper" at the American Music Awards, Pop Vocal Group at the Grammies, International Album of the Year and two nominations for International Single of the Year (for "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" and "Careless Whisper") at the Juno Awards.
Make It Big:
(All songs by George Michael, unless otherwise noted.)
Side one
1. "Wake Me up Before You Go-Go" --3:50
2. "Everything She Wants" --5:01
3. "Heartbeat" --4:42
4. "Like a Baby" --4:12
Side two
1. "Freedom" --5:01
2. "If You Were There" (The Isley Brothers) --3:38
3. "Credit Card Baby" --5:08
4. "Careless Whisper" (George Michael & Andrew Ridgeley) --6:30
Michael played keyboards and sang lead vocals on the album, while both Michael and Ridgeley provided backup vocals. Ridgeley also played electric guitar and acoustic guitar along with Hugh Burns. Deon Estus played bass, Trevor Morrell was the drummer, Tommy Eyre and Andy Richards also played keyboards, David Baptiste and Steve Gregory were on sax and Colin Graham and Paul Spong played trumpet.
Make It Big was recorded from July to September of 1984. Michael also arranged and produced the album. The Engineer was Chris Porter while Tony McGee provided photography. The album was released October 23, 1984 on Columbia Records.
Wham! have the #53 Album--Make It Big.
Friday, June 17, 2011
The Top 10 Albums of 1973
1973 was a year in which hard rock asserted itself after the soft sounds of the early years of the decade. As a result, that style is more reflected in the Top 10 Albums.
Here they are, in order:
1. Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John
3. Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin
4. Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
5. There Goes Rhymin' Simon by Paul Simon
6. Brothers and Sisters by Allman Brothers Band
7. Homecoming by America
8. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player by Elton John
9. The Captain and Me by the Doobie Brothers
10. Machine Head by Deep Purple
Here they are, in order:
1. Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd
2. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John
3. Houses of the Holy by Led Zeppelin
4. Innervisions by Stevie Wonder
5. There Goes Rhymin' Simon by Paul Simon
6. Brothers and Sisters by Allman Brothers Band
7. Homecoming by America
8. Don't Shoot Me I'm Only the Piano Player by Elton John
9. The Captain and Me by the Doobie Brothers
10. Machine Head by Deep Purple
This Date in Rock Music History: June 18
1948: Columbia Records displayed its new 33 1/3 long-playing record in New York City. The new format allowed 23 minutes per side as opposed to 3 minutes for a 78 RPM record.
1964: The Beatles performed at Sydney Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
1966: The great San Francisco band The Grass Roots first appeared on the charts on this date with the single "Where Were You When I Needed You". Only one original member remains with the group that is touring.
1966: "Rain" by the Beatles was the Biggest Mover of the week, rising from 72-42.
"Memories of Madrid" helped give Alpert & the Brass a #1 album..
1966: This should give you an idea of how big Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass was in the 60's. What Now My Love was #1 on the album chart. If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears by the Mamas & Papas was #2, Whipped Cream & Other Delights by Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass was #3 in its 58th week on the chart, the Soundtrack to "The Sound of Music" was #4 and Going Places was the #5 album by Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. Three of the top five for Herb & the Brass. The rest of the Top 10: Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) by the Rolling Stones was stuck at 6, the Soundtrack to "Doctor Zhivago" was #7, Barbra Streisand had #8--Color Me Barbra, and two versions of the title The Shadow of Your Smile appeared, #9 from Andy Williams and #10 by Johnny Mathis.
1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience made its famous debut at the Monterey Pop Festival in California. After an argument with the Who as to which would close the Festival, Hendrix played an incredible set in which he lit his guitar on fire.
1979: After reading this, you should very easily be able to discount anything that VH1 says (which hopefully you were able to do prior to reading this!) VH1 claims that "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band and "My Sharona" by the Knack were released Saturday, June 23. As anyone with even a remote knowledge of music knows, a song cannot debut on a music chart on the day it is released. The trade magazine has to have time to see how popular the newly released song is and it actually does take a while to get the magazine published. So you see, it is impossible for a song to appear in print on the day it is mailed to radio stations. No, actually, those two singles were released on this date in 1984--June 18, which was a Monday. I was a radio station Music Director when the songs came out and I can tell you that VH1 has no knowledge of what they are talking about. This is one of the reasons I decided to do this blog--to get the truth out about all things related to rock.
1979: ELO released the album Discovery.
1942: Richard Perry, famous producer of Barbra Streisand, the Pointer Sisters, Carly Simon and others, was born in Brooklyn, New York.
"Memories of Madrid" helped give Alpert & the Brass a #1 album..
1966: This should give you an idea of how big Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass was in the 60's. What Now My Love was #1 on the album chart. If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears by the Mamas & Papas was #2, Whipped Cream & Other Delights by Herb Alpert's Tijuana Brass was #3 in its 58th week on the chart, the Soundtrack to "The Sound of Music" was #4 and Going Places was the #5 album by Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. Three of the top five for Herb & the Brass. The rest of the Top 10: Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) by the Rolling Stones was stuck at 6, the Soundtrack to "Doctor Zhivago" was #7, Barbra Streisand had #8--Color Me Barbra, and two versions of the title The Shadow of Your Smile appeared, #9 from Andy Williams and #10 by Johnny Mathis.
1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience made its famous debut at the Monterey Pop Festival in California. After an argument with the Who as to which would close the Festival, Hendrix played an incredible set in which he lit his guitar on fire.
1968: "In His Own Write", an adaptation of the writings of John Lennon, premiered at London's National Theatre.
1971: Fleetwood Mac performed at the Junction in Crewe, England.
1973: Chicago released their single "Feelin' Stronger Every Day".
1973: The Stories released the single "Brother Louie".
1973: Helen Reddy released the single "Delta Dawn".
1973: Maureen McGovern released the song "The Morning After from the great movie The Poseidon Adventure.
1976: ABBA performed for the Swedish King and his Queen-to-be on the eve of their Royal Wedding.
1971: Fleetwood Mac performed at the Junction in Crewe, England.
1973: Chicago released their single "Feelin' Stronger Every Day".
1973: The Stories released the single "Brother Louie".
1973: Helen Reddy released the single "Delta Dawn".
1973: Maureen McGovern released the song "The Morning After from the great movie The Poseidon Adventure.
1976: ABBA performed for the Swedish King and his Queen-to-be on the eve of their Royal Wedding.
1977: The #1 album in the U.K. was the Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl.
1977: Barry Manilow remained at the top for a third week with "Looks Like We Made It" on the Adult Contemporary chart.
1977: A lot of good albums in this Top 10! Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, in its 7th week at #1, The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl was #2 and the Commodores was third. The Soundtrack to "Rocky" came in fourth, followed by the former #1 album Hotel California by the Eagles. The rest of the Top 10: Book of Dreams by the Steve Miller Band, Barry Manilow Live was #7, Marvin Gaye Live at the London Palladium moved up to 8, Izitso by Cat Stevens was #9, and the debut album from Foreigner moved into the Top 10.
1977: "Dreams" went to #1 for Fleetwood Mac. "Got To Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye rose to the runner-up spot and Bill Conti was at 3 with the second-best version of "Gonna' Fly Now". Foreigner's first hit "Feels Like the First Time" was #4. The rest of the Top 10: "Lucille" from Kenny Rogers, Alan O'Day had his only hit "Undercover Angel" at 6, Andrew Gold remained at 7 with "Lonely Boy", K.C. & the Sunshine Band tumbled from 1 all the way to 8, Stevie Wonder's former #1 remained at #9 and Hot had a Top 10 song in "Angel In Your Arms".
1977: Barry Manilow remained at the top for a third week with "Looks Like We Made It" on the Adult Contemporary chart.
Keyboardist Al Greenwood's great work is showcased on "Long, Long Way from Home" as Foreigner got their start...
1977: A lot of good albums in this Top 10! Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, in its 7th week at #1, The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl was #2 and the Commodores was third. The Soundtrack to "Rocky" came in fourth, followed by the former #1 album Hotel California by the Eagles. The rest of the Top 10: Book of Dreams by the Steve Miller Band, Barry Manilow Live was #7, Marvin Gaye Live at the London Palladium moved up to 8, Izitso by Cat Stevens was #9, and the debut album from Foreigner moved into the Top 10.
1977: "Dreams" went to #1 for Fleetwood Mac. "Got To Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye rose to the runner-up spot and Bill Conti was at 3 with the second-best version of "Gonna' Fly Now". Foreigner's first hit "Feels Like the First Time" was #4. The rest of the Top 10: "Lucille" from Kenny Rogers, Alan O'Day had his only hit "Undercover Angel" at 6, Andrew Gold remained at 7 with "Lonely Boy", K.C. & the Sunshine Band tumbled from 1 all the way to 8, Stevie Wonder's former #1 remained at #9 and Hot had a Top 10 song in "Angel In Your Arms".
1979: After reading this, you should very easily be able to discount anything that VH1 says (which hopefully you were able to do prior to reading this!) VH1 claims that "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" by the Charlie Daniels Band and "My Sharona" by the Knack were released Saturday, June 23. As anyone with even a remote knowledge of music knows, a song cannot debut on a music chart on the day it is released. The trade magazine has to have time to see how popular the newly released song is and it actually does take a while to get the magazine published. So you see, it is impossible for a song to appear in print on the day it is mailed to radio stations. No, actually, those two singles were released on this date in 1984--June 18, which was a Monday. I was a radio station Music Director when the songs came out and I can tell you that VH1 has no knowledge of what they are talking about. This is one of the reasons I decided to do this blog--to get the truth out about all things related to rock.
1979: ELO released the album Discovery.
1980: The movie "Blues Brothers", starring John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, premiered in New York City.
1983: "Never Gonna' Let You Go" by Sergio Mendes was the new #1 song on the Adult Contemporary chart.
1983: Irene Cara remained at #1 for a third week with "Flashdance...What a Feeling". Culture Club moved to #2 with "Time (Clock of the Heart)" while David Bowie dropped with "Let's Dance".
1984: The movie Rhinestone starring Dolly Parton was released.
1984: "Panama" by Van Halen was not released Saturday, June 23 as VH1 claims (see the note next to the year 1979), but rather on this date, Monday, June 18.
1984: Lionel Ritchie released the single "Stuck On You" on this date, Monday, June 18.
1987: Bruce Springsteen separated from wife Julianne Phillips.
1988: George Michael performed at the SEC in Glasgow, Scotland.
1983: "Never Gonna' Let You Go" by Sergio Mendes was the new #1 song on the Adult Contemporary chart.
1983: Irene Cara remained at #1 for a third week with "Flashdance...What a Feeling". Culture Club moved to #2 with "Time (Clock of the Heart)" while David Bowie dropped with "Let's Dance".
1984: The movie Rhinestone starring Dolly Parton was released.
1984: "Panama" by Van Halen was not released Saturday, June 23 as VH1 claims (see the note next to the year 1979), but rather on this date, Monday, June 18.
1984: Lionel Ritchie released the single "Stuck On You" on this date, Monday, June 18.
1987: Bruce Springsteen separated from wife Julianne Phillips.
1988: George Michael performed at the SEC in Glasgow, Scotland.
1988: A former cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers decided to record an album. Unlikely success story, right? In this case, it worked as Paula Abdul was introduced to the world with her debut single "Knocked Out" first charted on this date.
1988: Rick Astley had the #1 song with "Together Forever". George Michael dropped from the top spot after three weeks with "One More Try" and Debbie Gibson moved to #3 with "Foolish Beat".
1988: Faith was on top the album charts for the 12th week for George Michael. Def Leppard's Hysteria was still at #3 after 44 weeks on the chart.
1988: Bruce Hornsby & the Range had themselves a #1 song on the Adult Contemporary chart with "The Valley Road".
1993: After 30 years as leaders of the company they founded, Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert announced they were leaving A&M Records.
1994: All-4-One had the #1 song for a fifth week with "I Swear".
1988: Rick Astley had the #1 song with "Together Forever". George Michael dropped from the top spot after three weeks with "One More Try" and Debbie Gibson moved to #3 with "Foolish Beat".
1988: Faith was on top the album charts for the 12th week for George Michael. Def Leppard's Hysteria was still at #3 after 44 weeks on the chart.
1988: Bruce Hornsby & the Range had themselves a #1 song on the Adult Contemporary chart with "The Valley Road".
1993: After 30 years as leaders of the company they founded, Jerry Moss and Herb Alpert announced they were leaving A&M Records.
1994: All-4-One had the #1 song for a fifth week with "I Swear".
1995: In today's episode of Inmates Run Rap Music, Christopher Wallace, who goes by the fake name of Notorious B.I.G., was arrested in Camden, New Jersey for robbery and aggravated assault.
1997: U2 and Oasis performed the first of two concerts at the Oakland Coliseum in California.
2002: To his credit, Billy Joel checked himself into an alcohol rehabilitation center.
1997: U2 and Oasis performed the first of two concerts at the Oakland Coliseum in California.
2002: To his credit, Billy Joel checked himself into an alcohol rehabilitation center.
2003: Dexy's Midnight Runners, who had the #1 hit "Come On Eileen", announced that they would get back together for a tour of the U.K.
2003: Joey Fatone of 'N Sync was engaged to longtime girlfriend Kelly.
2003: Luther Vandross, who was recovering from a stroke suffered in April, had the #1 album with Dance With My Father.
2004: The funeral is held for Ray Charles at the First AME Church in Los Angeles. Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson and B.B. King performed at the service, which was attended by Little Richard, Berry Gordy Jr. and Jesse Jackson.
2006: Nelly Furtado had the #1 U.K. song with "Maneater".
2007: Hank Medress of the Tokens died of lung cancer.
2010: John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles sold for $1.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York City.
2010: Richard Carpenter and his late sister Karen of the Carpenters, Herb Alpert and Donna Summer were inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.
2011: Clarence Clemons, famous saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, died at the age of 69 from complications of a stroke suffered on June 12.
2011: The city of Chicago dedicated Sam Cooke Way in honor of its native son.
2007: Hank Medress of the Tokens died of lung cancer.
2010: John Lennon's handwritten lyrics to "A Day in the Life" by the Beatles sold for $1.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in New York City.
2010: Richard Carpenter and his late sister Karen of the Carpenters, Herb Alpert and Donna Summer were inducted into the Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame.
2011: Clarence Clemons, famous saxophonist with Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, died at the age of 69 from complications of a stroke suffered on June 12.
2011: The city of Chicago dedicated Sam Cooke Way in honor of its native son.
Born This Day:
Don "Sugarcane" Harris, guitarist and pianist who worked with Little Richard, John Mayall and Frank Zappa, was born in Pasadena, California; died November 30, 1999 in Los Angeles.
1942: Sir Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England.
Don "Sugarcane" Harris, guitarist and pianist who worked with Little Richard, John Mayall and Frank Zappa, was born in Pasadena, California; died November 30, 1999 in Los Angeles.
1942: Sir Paul McCartney was born in Liverpool, England.
1942: Carl Radle, bassist of Derek and the Dominoes, was born in Tulsa Oklahoma; died of kidney failure on June 30, 1980 at the age of 38.
1947: Sandy Posey ("Born a Woman" from 1966) was born in Jasper, Alabama.
1953: Jerome Smith of K.C. and the Sunshine Band; died August 2, 2000 when he was crushed by a bulldozer he was operating.
1957: Tom Bailey, vocalist and keyboard player with the Thompson Twins, was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.
1947: Sandy Posey ("Born a Woman" from 1966) was born in Jasper, Alabama.
1953: Jerome Smith of K.C. and the Sunshine Band; died August 2, 2000 when he was crushed by a bulldozer he was operating.
1957: Tom Bailey, vocalist and keyboard player with the Thompson Twins, was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England.
1961: Alison Moyet of Yaz and later a solo performer, was born in Basildon, England.
1963: Dizzy Reed, keyboardist with Guns 'N Roses, was born in Hinsdale, Illinois.
1971: Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1975: Silkk the Shocker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1963: Dizzy Reed, keyboardist with Guns 'N Roses, was born in Hinsdale, Illinois.
1971: Nathan Morris of Boyz II Men was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
1975: Silkk the Shocker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Hits List: Bryan Adams
This Canadian superstar has continued to enjoy success to the present day. Here is Bryan Adams' complete chart record:
1979: "Let Me Take You Dancing" (#18 Canada)
1980: "Give Me Your Love"
"Remember"
"Hidin' From Love" (#64 Canada)
1981: "Coming Home"
"Fits Ya Good" (#15 Mainstream Rock, #30 Canada)
1982: "Lonely Nights" (#84, #3 Mainstream)
"Straight From the Heart" (#10, #32 Mainstream, #51 U.K. #20 Canada)
"Cuts Like a Knife" (#15, #6 Mainstream, #12 Canada)
1983: "This Time" (#24, #21 Mainstream, #41 U.K., #32 Canada)
"I'm Ready" (#26 Mainstream)
"The Only One" (#44 Mainstream)
"Take Me Back" (#21 Mainstream)
1984: "Run To You" (#6, #1 Mainstream, #11 U.K., #4 Canada)
1985: "Somebody" (#11, #1 Mainstream, #35 U.K., #13 Canada)
"Heaven" (#1, #9 Mainstream, #38 U.K., #11 Canada)
"Summer of '69" (#5, #40 Mainstream, #42 U.K., #11 Canada)
"One Night Love Affair" (#13, #7 Mainstream, #19 Canada)
"It's Only Love" (with Tina Turner) --#15, #7 Mainstream, #29 U.K., #14 Canada)
"Diana" (#21 Mainstream)
"Christmas Time" (#31 Mainstream, #55 U.K., #39 Canada)
1987: "Heat of the Night" (#6, #2 Mainstream, #50 U.K., #7 Canada)
"Hearts on Fire" (#26, #3 Mainstream, #57 U.K., #25 Canada)
"Victim of Love" (#32, #10 Mainstream, #68 U.K., #49 Canada)
"Only the Strong Survive"
"Into the Fire" (#6 Mainstream)
"Another Day" (#33 Mainstream)
1990: "Young Lust"
"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" (#1, #1 U.K., #1 Canada)
"Can't Stop This Thing We Started" (#2, #11 U.K., #1 Canada)
"There Will Never Be Another Tonight" (#31, #32 U.K., #2 Canada)
1992: "Thought I'd Died and Gone to Heaven" (#13, #8 U.K., #1 Canada)
"All I Want Is You" (#22 U.K.)
"Do I Have to Say the Words?" (#11, #30 U.K., #2 Canada)
"Touch the Hand" (#37 Canada)
1993: "Please Forgive Me" (#7, #2 U.K., #1 Canada)
"All for Love" (with Rod Stewart and Sting) --#1, #2 U.K., #1 Canada
1995: "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" (#1, #3 U.K., #1 Canada)
"Rock Steady" (#73, #50 U.K., #17 Canada)
1996: "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You" (#52, #5 U.K., #4 Canada)
"Let's Make a Night to Remember" (#24, #9 U.K., #1 Canada)
"I'll Always Be Right There" (#14 Canada)
"Star" (#12 U.K.)
"18 'Til I Die" (#21 U.K., #21 Canada)
1997: "Do to You" (#6 Canada)
"I Finally Found Someone" (with Barbra Streisand) --#8, #9 U.K., #18 Canada
"Back to You" (#17 U.K., #1 Canada)
1998: "I'm Ready" (#19 U.K., #11 Canada)
"On a Day Like Today" (#11 U.K., #1 Canada)
"When You're Gone" (with Melanie C.) (#2 U.K., #13 Canada)
1999: "Cloud Number Nine" (#5 U.K., #7 Canada)
"The Best of Me" (#46 U.K., #10 Canada)
"Inside Out"
2000: "Don't Give Up" (with Chicane) --#1 U.K., #9 Canada
2002: "Here I Am" (#5 U.K.)
2004: "Open Road" (#21 U.K.)
"Flying" (#39 U.K.)
2005: "Room Service"
"This Side of Paradise"
2006: "So Far So Good"
"When You're Gone" (with Pamela Anderson)
2008: "I Thought I'd Seen Everything" (#47 Canada)
"Tonight We Have the Stars"
"She's Got a Way"
2009: "You've Been a Friend to Me"
2010: "One World, One Flame"
"I Still Miss You...a Little Bit"
That's 40 hits in his native Canada, 17 in the Top 10 with 9 #1's.
25 hits in the U.S., 11 of those going Top 10 and 4 #1's.
1979: "Let Me Take You Dancing" (#18 Canada)
1980: "Give Me Your Love"
"Remember"
"Hidin' From Love" (#64 Canada)
1981: "Coming Home"
"Fits Ya Good" (#15 Mainstream Rock, #30 Canada)
1982: "Lonely Nights" (#84, #3 Mainstream)
"Straight From the Heart" (#10, #32 Mainstream, #51 U.K. #20 Canada)
"Cuts Like a Knife" (#15, #6 Mainstream, #12 Canada)
1983: "This Time" (#24, #21 Mainstream, #41 U.K., #32 Canada)
"I'm Ready" (#26 Mainstream)
"The Only One" (#44 Mainstream)
"Take Me Back" (#21 Mainstream)
1984: "Run To You" (#6, #1 Mainstream, #11 U.K., #4 Canada)
1985: "Somebody" (#11, #1 Mainstream, #35 U.K., #13 Canada)
"Heaven" (#1, #9 Mainstream, #38 U.K., #11 Canada)
"Summer of '69" (#5, #40 Mainstream, #42 U.K., #11 Canada)
"One Night Love Affair" (#13, #7 Mainstream, #19 Canada)
"It's Only Love" (with Tina Turner) --#15, #7 Mainstream, #29 U.K., #14 Canada)
"Diana" (#21 Mainstream)
"Christmas Time" (#31 Mainstream, #55 U.K., #39 Canada)
1987: "Heat of the Night" (#6, #2 Mainstream, #50 U.K., #7 Canada)
"Hearts on Fire" (#26, #3 Mainstream, #57 U.K., #25 Canada)
"Victim of Love" (#32, #10 Mainstream, #68 U.K., #49 Canada)
"Only the Strong Survive"
"Into the Fire" (#6 Mainstream)
"Another Day" (#33 Mainstream)
1990: "Young Lust"
"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" (#1, #1 U.K., #1 Canada)
"Can't Stop This Thing We Started" (#2, #11 U.K., #1 Canada)
"There Will Never Be Another Tonight" (#31, #32 U.K., #2 Canada)
1992: "Thought I'd Died and Gone to Heaven" (#13, #8 U.K., #1 Canada)
"All I Want Is You" (#22 U.K.)
"Do I Have to Say the Words?" (#11, #30 U.K., #2 Canada)
"Touch the Hand" (#37 Canada)
1993: "Please Forgive Me" (#7, #2 U.K., #1 Canada)
"All for Love" (with Rod Stewart and Sting) --#1, #2 U.K., #1 Canada
1995: "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" (#1, #3 U.K., #1 Canada)
"Rock Steady" (#73, #50 U.K., #17 Canada)
1996: "The Only Thing That Looks Good on Me Is You" (#52, #5 U.K., #4 Canada)
"Let's Make a Night to Remember" (#24, #9 U.K., #1 Canada)
"I'll Always Be Right There" (#14 Canada)
"Star" (#12 U.K.)
"18 'Til I Die" (#21 U.K., #21 Canada)
1997: "Do to You" (#6 Canada)
"I Finally Found Someone" (with Barbra Streisand) --#8, #9 U.K., #18 Canada
"Back to You" (#17 U.K., #1 Canada)
1998: "I'm Ready" (#19 U.K., #11 Canada)
"On a Day Like Today" (#11 U.K., #1 Canada)
"When You're Gone" (with Melanie C.) (#2 U.K., #13 Canada)
1999: "Cloud Number Nine" (#5 U.K., #7 Canada)
"The Best of Me" (#46 U.K., #10 Canada)
"Inside Out"
2000: "Don't Give Up" (with Chicane) --#1 U.K., #9 Canada
2002: "Here I Am" (#5 U.K.)
2004: "Open Road" (#21 U.K.)
"Flying" (#39 U.K.)
2005: "Room Service"
"This Side of Paradise"
2006: "So Far So Good"
"When You're Gone" (with Pamela Anderson)
2008: "I Thought I'd Seen Everything" (#47 Canada)
"Tonight We Have the Stars"
"She's Got a Way"
2009: "You've Been a Friend to Me"
2010: "One World, One Flame"
"I Still Miss You...a Little Bit"
That's 40 hits in his native Canada, 17 in the Top 10 with 9 #1's.
25 hits in the U.S., 11 of those going Top 10 and 4 #1's.
Discography: Cars
The Cars have become one of The Top Artists of the Rock Era* from relatively few studio albums. Here is the complete list of albums for the group:
1978: The Cars (#18, #29 U.K.)
1979: Candy-O (#3, #30 U.K.)
1980: Panorama (#5)
1981: Shake It Up (#9)
1984: Heartbeat City (#3, #25 U.K.)
1987: Door to Door (#26, #72 U.K.)
2011: Move Like This (#11)
Compilations:
1985: Greatest Hits (#12, #27 U.K.)
1995: Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology
2001: Shake It Up & Other Hits
2002: Complete Greatest Hits (#144)
2005: The Essentials
1978: The Cars (#18, #29 U.K.)
1979: Candy-O (#3, #30 U.K.)
1980: Panorama (#5)
1981: Shake It Up (#9)
1984: Heartbeat City (#3, #25 U.K.)
1987: Door to Door (#26, #72 U.K.)
2011: Move Like This (#11)
Compilations:
1985: Greatest Hits (#12, #27 U.K.)
1995: Just What I Needed: The Cars Anthology
2001: Shake It Up & Other Hits
2002: Complete Greatest Hits (#144)
2005: The Essentials
Five Best Songs: Moody Blues
This British group has consistently put out outstanding music. They have so many good songs, these make the Five Best:
1. "Nights in White Satin"
2. "Question"
3. "Tuesday Afternoon"
4. "I'm Just a Singer (in a Rock and Roll Band)"
5. "Ride My See-Saw"
The #54 Album of All-Time in the Rock Era: "An Innocent Man" by Billy Joel
We already heard 52nd Street from Billy Joel. The Long Island native checks in again with another album in the Top 100 for All-Time in the Rock Era.
Joel has always been impressive in changing musical styles and sounds. No two of his songs sound alike; he's a very unique writer in that way. On this album, Joel pays homage to the music of his childhood and made it sound fresh.
An Innocent Man was the ninth studio album by Joel. It reached #4 on the album chart, not outstanding but you might want to stay away from any album ranking that goes solely by chart information. It is important, but isn't everything. The key to analyzing chart information is not the peak (and those for songs as well) but how it did against what kind of competition? In this case, keep in mind that the album went against Synchronicity by the Police and Thriller from Michael Jackson. Those are a couple of tough customers. Then, you look at weeks in the Top 10. It didn't hit the top, but then did it turn around and go south or did it hang around? This album did--29 weeks in the Top 10 and 111 on the chart (over 2 years). You realize that despite peaking at #4, it was one of the top albums of the time and one of the tops of the year. Then, you look at that since it was popular, it has continued to sell, now over 7 million copies. And you consider the airplay of songs from the album.
Three Top 10 singles and 7 released kept this album in the forefront of listener's minds. "Tell Her About It" was #1, "Uptown Girl" and the title track were the others to go Top 10. "The Longest Time", "Leave a Tender Moment Alone", "Keeping the Faith" and "This Night" were also released. That is lots of airplay and exposure for An Innocent Man. Those singles go a long way in giving the album a Track Rating* of 9.1.
Another thing going for it is that it was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, losing to Thriller.
An Innocent Man:
(All songs by Billy Joel; the chorus on "This Night" is credited to L.V. Beethoven.)
Side one
1. "Easy Money" (Homage to James Brown) --4:04
2. "An Innocent Man" (Homage to Ben E. King and the Drifters) --5:17
3. "The Longest Time" (Homage to doo-wop) --3:42
4. "This Night" (Homage to doo-wop) --4:19
5. "Tell Her About It" (Homage to Motown) --3:52
Side two
1. "Uptown Girl" (Homage to Franki Valli & the 4 Seasons) --3:17
2. "Careless Talk" (Homage to Sam Cooke) --3:48
3. "Christie Lee" (Homage to Jerry Lee Lewis) --3:31
4. "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" (Homage to Marvin Gaye) --3:56
5. "Keeping the Faith" (Homage to Bob Marley) --4:41
Joel has always been impressive in changing musical styles and sounds. No two of his songs sound alike; he's a very unique writer in that way. On this album, Joel pays homage to the music of his childhood and made it sound fresh.
An Innocent Man was the ninth studio album by Joel. It reached #4 on the album chart, not outstanding but you might want to stay away from any album ranking that goes solely by chart information. It is important, but isn't everything. The key to analyzing chart information is not the peak (and those for songs as well) but how it did against what kind of competition? In this case, keep in mind that the album went against Synchronicity by the Police and Thriller from Michael Jackson. Those are a couple of tough customers. Then, you look at weeks in the Top 10. It didn't hit the top, but then did it turn around and go south or did it hang around? This album did--29 weeks in the Top 10 and 111 on the chart (over 2 years). You realize that despite peaking at #4, it was one of the top albums of the time and one of the tops of the year. Then, you look at that since it was popular, it has continued to sell, now over 7 million copies. And you consider the airplay of songs from the album.
Three Top 10 singles and 7 released kept this album in the forefront of listener's minds. "Tell Her About It" was #1, "Uptown Girl" and the title track were the others to go Top 10. "The Longest Time", "Leave a Tender Moment Alone", "Keeping the Faith" and "This Night" were also released. That is lots of airplay and exposure for An Innocent Man. Those singles go a long way in giving the album a Track Rating* of 9.1.
Another thing going for it is that it was nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards, losing to Thriller.
An Innocent Man:
(All songs by Billy Joel; the chorus on "This Night" is credited to L.V. Beethoven.)
Side one
1. "Easy Money" (Homage to James Brown) --4:04
2. "An Innocent Man" (Homage to Ben E. King and the Drifters) --5:17
3. "The Longest Time" (Homage to doo-wop) --3:42
4. "This Night" (Homage to doo-wop) --4:19
5. "Tell Her About It" (Homage to Motown) --3:52
Side two
1. "Uptown Girl" (Homage to Franki Valli & the 4 Seasons) --3:17
2. "Careless Talk" (Homage to Sam Cooke) --3:48
3. "Christie Lee" (Homage to Jerry Lee Lewis) --3:31
4. "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" (Homage to Marvin Gaye) --3:56
5. "Keeping the Faith" (Homage to Bob Marley) --4:41
Joel played a Baldwin acoustic piano on the album, in addition to a Fender Rhodes and a Hammond B-3. Russell Javos played electric, acoustic and rhythm guitar, David Brown was on electric, acoustic and lead, Doug Stegmeyer was the bassist and Liberty DeVitto was the drummer. Mark Rivera played alto and tenor sax and percussion, Ralph MacDonald played percussion, Leon Pendarvis played a Hammond B-3, Richard Tee played piano on "Tell Her About It", Eric Gale contributed electric guitar work on "Easy Money", the group String Fever did the strings on the album, Ronnie Cuber played baritone sax, the great David Sanborn played alto sax, Michael Brecker played tenor sax, Jon Faddis and John Gatchell and Joe Shepley were on trumpet. "Toots" Thielemans played the harmonica solo on "Leave a Tender Moment Alone" while Rivera played the alto sax solo on "Keeping the Faith", "This Night" and Christie Lee". Tom Bahler, Rory Dodd, Frank Floyd, Lani Groves, Ullanda McCullough, Ron Taylor, Terry Textor, Eric Troyer and Mike Alexander sang backing vocals.
The album was recorded in the Spring of 1983 at Chelsea Sound and A&R Recording in New York City; it was mixed at A&R and mastered at the high-quality Sterling Sounds in New York. Phil Ramone produced An Innocent Man, the engineers were Jim Boyer and Bradshaw Leigh; Ted Jensen mastered the album. Gilles Larrain provided photography and Christopher Austopchuk and Mark Larson did the cover design. It was released August 8, 1983 on Columbia Records.
Billy Joel places a second album in The Top 100 Albums*--at #54, An Innocent Man.
The album was recorded in the Spring of 1983 at Chelsea Sound and A&R Recording in New York City; it was mixed at A&R and mastered at the high-quality Sterling Sounds in New York. Phil Ramone produced An Innocent Man, the engineers were Jim Boyer and Bradshaw Leigh; Ted Jensen mastered the album. Gilles Larrain provided photography and Christopher Austopchuk and Mark Larson did the cover design. It was released August 8, 1983 on Columbia Records.
Billy Joel places a second album in The Top 100 Albums*--at #54, An Innocent Man.
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