Be There or Be Square: “Beggin'” is one of Radio’s Most Popular Songs
1967's "Beggin'," by the Four Seasons, wasn't one of the group's biggest hits, but it has had a long life, with several covers, the latest by Italian rockers Maneskin, an in-your-face, edgy and grittier version, with rap lyrics, heavy drums and a much stronger bass...
Ed Sheeran’s Next #1!
Current Hit: "Shivers" by Ed Sheeran Linked to: “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" by Wham/1984 Because: Both songs have a strong dance beat and catchy pop hooks. "Shivers," which has a "chill worthy" opening, is the second single from Sheeran's soon to be released new...
Let’s Dance! And Then Let’s Dance Some More!
Current Hit: “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa Linked to: Elton John's "Rocket Man" (1972) and "Sacrifice" (1989) Because: Uptempo, disco-flavored "Cold Heart," a mashup of melodies from John's "Rocket Man" and "Sacrifice," is the creative vision of...
“Take My Breath” is a Very, Very, Sexy Song
Current Hit: "Take My Breath" by The WeekndLinked to: "Night Fever" by the BeeGees/1978Because: Global superstar (who starred in last year's Super Bowl halftime) The Weeknd captures the anything goes musical vibe from the late 70s-early 80s that the Bee...
“Skate” Has an Old Skool Vibe
Current hit: " Skate" by Silk Sonic Linked to: "I'll Be Around" by The Spinners/1972 Because: No one can throw a new spin on an old school vibe with more precision than Bruno Mars, here collaborating with rapper/producer/writer Anderson.Paak --together...
Maroon 5: Saved by Love
It's a big deal when Adam Levine, Maroon 5's lead singer and all around talent, says that "Lost," the bands latest release, is one of his all-time Maroon 5 favorites. There's joy in the lyrics, and the music is infused with an 80s vibe akin to songs like "Things Can...
A Summertime “Feel Good” Song
Summertime demands feel good songs, and Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello's upbeat and fast paced "Don't Go Yet" fills the bill--a snappy sound with lots of yeah-yeah-yeah and la-la-la, it's wonderfully mindless and charming In late summer 1983, Lionel...
“I tried to make pain sound beautiful.”
One of the most played song on Top 40 radio last week is about love gone wrong, and newcomer Giveon (pronounced give-ee-on) delivers on "Anniversary of a Heartbreak," hitting the bullseye via the magic mix of the right lyrics and his superb vocal texture--just the...
“The Girl From Ipanema“ is a Hit, All Over Again
In May, 1964, when the first generation of Boomers (sometimes called Zoomers) were graduating from high school, one, if not thee, most successful bossa nova songs ever, "The Girl from Ipanema,” was released, winning a Grammy the next year for “Record of the Year” for...