Thursday, September 7, 2023

#TBT - Mel's Top 100 Hits of 1991

 



1991: A Year of Transition

In 1991, I shifted from mainstream top 40 music to more alternative rock music. This was the year that pop music transitioned to more rap and hip hop songs, hence the transition to alternative rock. 

The songs on my Top 100 Hits of 1991 were all popular for different reasons. 

Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" was a cultural phenomenon that helped define the grunge movement and  generation. It turned out to be the band's first and only #1 hit and became their signature song.

"Valerie Loves Me" by Material Issue was a catchy power pop song that started the band's foray into titles named after women. R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion" was a more thoughtful and introspective song that resonated with many people in 1991. 

Prince and the New Power Generation's "Cream" was a danceable and funky rock track that was perfect for parties. "Caribbean Blue" by Enya was a beautiful and ethereal ballad that transported listeners to another world. 

Seal's "Crazy" was a soulful and passionate love song that was sure to stir emotions, while EMF's "Unbelievable" was a quirky and experimental track that was ahead of its time. 

"Justified and Ancient" by The KLF and Tammy Wynette was a strange and unexpected collaboration that merged dance, funk and country into an unexpected but memorable hit. 

Sting's "All This Time" was a moving and heartfelt ballad about love and loss.

Yes, 1991 was a year of great musical transition. The rise of grunge and alternative rock challenged the dominance of synth-pop and hair metal, while hip hop and R&B continued to evolve. Meanwhile, genres like electronica and world music were also gaining ground.

THE TOP 100 HITS OF 1991

No.TitleArtist(s)
1Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
2Valerie Loves MeMaterial Issue
3Losing My ReligionR.E.M.
4CrazySeal
5Wicked GameChris Isaak
6Caribbean BlueEnya
7UnbelievableEMF
8I've Been Thinking About YouLondonbeat
9CreamPrince and The New Power Generation
10Justified And AncientThe KLF with Tammy Wynette
11Groove Is in the HeartDeee-Lite
12Alice EverydayBook of Love
13Shiny Happy PeopleR.E.M.
14Tom's DinerDNA featuring Suzanne Vega
15Nothing Else MattersMetallica
16Something to Talk AboutBonnie Raitt
17Silent LucidityQueensrÿche
18Sadeness (Part I)Enigma
19Kiss Them For MeSiouxsie & The Banshees
20All This TimeSting
21Justify My LoveMadonna
22Right Here, Right NowJesus Jones
23Give It AwayRed Hot Chili Peppers
24QuiverBook of Love
25So You Think I'm in LoveRobyn Hitchcok & The Egyptians
26JoyrideRoxette
27DianeMaterial Issue
28You Could Be MineGuns N' Roses
29Enter SandmanMetallica
30Here I Am (Come and Take Me)UB40
31Breaking the GirlRed Hot Chili Peppers
32I Touch MyselfDivinyls
33Mysterious WaysU2
34Baby BabyAmy Grant
35There She GoesThe La's
36I Wanna Sex You UpColor Me Badd
37Show Me the WayStyx
38Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance...)C+C Music Factory
39Black or WhiteMichael Jackson
40Near Wild HeavenR.E.M.
41Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me (live)Elton John with George Michael
42The Way You Do the Things You DoUB40
43Everybody Plays the FoolAaron Neville
44Learning to FlyTom Petty & The Heartbreakers
45The UnforgivenMetallica
46More Than WordsExtreme
47GirlfriendMatthew Sweet
48RushBig Audio Dynamite II
49MotownphillyBoyz II Men
50She Lives (In A Time of Her Own)The Judybats
51The Promise of a New DayPaula Abdul
52Don't Drop The BabyThe Judybats
53SignsTesla
54Wind of ChangeScorpions
55DisappearINXS
56Summer Kisses Winter TearsJulee Cruise
57Rush RushPaula Abdul
58Sunny DayBook of Love
59Right NowVan Halen
60Under The BridgeRed Hot Chili Peppers
61Bitter TearsINXS
62Until The End of the WorldU2
63AlivePearl Jam
64Real Real RealJesus Jones
65I Can't DanceGenesis
66EmotionsMariah Carey
67Hole HeartedExtreme
68Good VibrationsMarky Mark And The Funky Bunch
69Live and Let DieGuns N Roses
70High EnoughDamn Yankees
71Kinky AfroHappy Mondays
72The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)Cher
73(Everything I Do) I Do It for YouBryan Adams
74I'm Your Baby TonightWhitney Houston
75I'm Too SexyRight Said Fred
76Into the Great Wide OpenTom Petty & the Heartbreakers
77Just Another DreamCathy Dennis
78It Ain't Over 'til It's OverLenny Kravitz
79Radio SongR.E.M.
80Rhythm of My HeartRod Stewart
81The Other Side of SummerElvis Costello
82The FlyU2
83O.P.P.Naughty by Nature
84It Hit Me Like a HammerHuey Lewis & The News
85November RainGuns N' Roses
86This HouseTracie Spencer
87Too Many WallsCathy Dennis
88Get A Leg UpJohn Mellencamp
89Fading Like a Flower (Every Time You Leave)Roxette
90SomedayMariah Carey
91Love Takes TimeMariah Carey
92The One and OnlyChesney Hawkes
93Love Will Never Do Without YouJanet Jackson
94SummertimeDJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
95Touch Me (All Night Long)Cathy Dennis
96I Adore Mi AmorColor Me Badd
97I'm Not in LoveWill to Power
98Coming Out of the DarkGloria Estefan
99Here We GoC+C Music Factory
100Something to Believe InPoison


Thursday, August 31, 2023

#TBT - The Name Game by Shirley Ellis

 


From my childhood way back in 1965 comes "The Name Game" by singer Shirley Ellis. We used to have this 45 on the old Congress label back in the day. My late sister and her friend used to love to sing this and substitute names of people they knew at the end of the song. This was a real long time ago... what almost 60 years now.

One thing I liked about "The Name Game" 45 was the killer B-side of that record. The song title was "Whisper To Me Wind". This could have also been a hit back in the day... though I never recall any radio station playing the song.

Shirley Ellis' real name was Shirley Marie O'Garra. She was born in 1929 and lived to 2005. During her career Shirley had three major Billboard Hot 100 hits. The first was "The Nitty Gritty" which came out in 1963 and topped off at the #8 position in October of that year. Her next hit single was "The Name Game" which peaked at #3, followed by "The Clapping Song (Clap Pat, Clap Slap)" which went to #8. Shirley Ellis had a total of 14 charted singles that appeared on the U.S. as well as the U.K. charts.

Check this playlist I created on Spotify featuring Shirley Ellis' music. The playlist tracks should play in full if you have a Spotify subscription.

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Elvis Presley - Are You Lonesome Tonight? | I Gotta Know


Throwback Thursday - 45 RPM Heaven

Much has been written about "The King of Rock n Roll", ELVIS PRESLEY. This little post on my music corner of nowhere is just another cog to add to that huge, growing wheel, more than 46 years ago today.

Elvis Presley passed away on August 16, 1977. He left a long musical legacy of hundreds of memorable singles and record albums, all of which have been brought up to date in the digital age when you can stream just about anything online.

One of the very first records I was exposed to in the rock n roll genre came very early in my life, probably before I was five years old. My Dad used to have a friend who ran a vending machine business. Among his many vending machines were jukeboxes that he loaned out to restaurants and other eating places. Periodically he would have to change out the records contained in the jukeboxes. Since he was a friend of my Dad, we would end up with dozens of old 45s that Dad brought home. How cool was that?

One of the first records I remember getting was Elvis Presley's single "Are You Lonesome Tonight" with "I Gotta Know" on the B-side. I think my Mom first played the record when we got it. She fell in love with the broken hearted ballad that was the featured A-side of the record. The song was one of several Elvis singles that went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

As a kid I found the other side of the record to be much better. "I Gotta Know" was an upbeat song, more to my early rock n roll liking of faster tunes. So I played that side of the record more than the A-side which my Mom loved. 

That all said, both "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "I Gotta Know" both became radio hits, with "Lonesome" as previously stated peaking at #1 and "I Gotta Know" peaking at #20 on the Hot 100.

I love 45 rpm records, especially in the old days when both sides of a 45 could become hits. DJs had more flexibility in those days to flip a record over and figure that hey, the other side is just as good as the A-side being pushed by the record company.

The original 45 was on the black RCA label featuring Nipper the dog looking into the old gramophone record player. What a classic label and symbol. Sadly I no longer have that original 45.

Today "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "I Gotta Know" exist on CD or a digital playlist like I have at. Spotify.


"Are You Lonesome Tonight" and "I Gotta Know" appear on the CD Elvis Golden Records Volume 3.

You can listen to both songs on my Digital 45 playlist on Spotify.


Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Rich Men North of Richmond - Oliver Anthony

 

"Rich Men North of Richmond" is a rootsy, blue-collar song that came out of nowhere to become a huge viral video hit for its author and singer Oliver Anthony. Apparently this guy just does some home made recordings and this one has resonated a lot... so much that it debut at #1 on my country music chart. The song is available for streaming on various platforms as well as digital purchase on Amazon and iTunes.

"Rich Men North of Richmond" also tops the iTunes Top 100 and the iTunes Country Charts. Oliver Anthony's other songs are also charting on iTunes including "Ain't Gotta Dollar" which chimes in at #10 on my country chart. Check that out below:

The Country 5 + 5 Chart

As of August 15, 2023.

TW                TitleArtistLR
1Rich Men North of RichmondOliver Anthony Music     new
2Try That In A Small TownJason Aldean1
3Need A FavorJelly Roll2
4When I DieFanny Lumsden4
5Fast CarLuke Combs5
6Bury Me In GeorgiaKane Brown7
7White HorseChris Stapleton9
8Save Me The TroubleDan + Shay3
9Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson)      Jelly Roll6
10Ain't Gotta DollarOliver Anthony Musicnew

You can listen to all ten of the Country 5 + 5 hits on Spotify.




Sunday, August 6, 2023

Try That In A Small Town

 

Jason Aldean Tops the Current Top 20, Country 5 + 5, Billboard's Hot 100 and More

Jason Aldean tops Mel's Current Top 20 with his high profile hit, "Try That in a Small Town." The track has been the #1 best seller on iTunes for the past few weeks, and topped the Billboard Hot 100 onTuesday for the week of August 1. I would be thrilled to see if "Try That in a Small Town" can hold on to #1 for a few more weeks, especially on the Hot 100 chart.

Here are this week's Current Top 20 hits as posted on August 4, 2023.

TW                      TitleArtistLW
 1Try That In A Small TownJason Aldean3
 2When I DieFanny Lumsden1
 3I Can See You (Taylor's Version)Taylor Swift5
 4VampireOlivia Rodrigo4
 5Heavenly Kind of State of MindLewis Capaldi2
 6Need A FavorJelly Roll7
 7Fast CarLuke Combs8
 8CurtainsEd Sheeran6
 9Loving YouCannons10
10Island in the Sun (feat. American Authors)     Smallpools11
11American Flags (with Adam Calhoun)Tom MacDonald19
12Save Me (with Lainey Wilson)Jelly Roll9
13Silver FishDengue Fever15
14A Beautiful GameEd Sheeran14
15I Won't Back DownGoo Goo Dolls & O.A.R.16
16Resolution/RevolutionThe Linda Lindasnew
17Save Me The TroubleDan + Shay20
18Until I Found You (Em Beihold Version)Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold  12
19Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift13
20Barbie Girl (Tiësto Remix)Aqua + Tiëstonew


Jason Aldean and his #1 hit video.

The Country 5 + 5
As of August 1, 2023.

TW               Tit          leArtistLR
1Try That In A Small TownJason Aldean2
2Need A FavorJelly Roll3
3When I DieFanny Lumsden        1
4Save Me The TroubleDan + Shay6
5On The Boat AgainJake Owen5
6Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson)       Jelly Roll4
7Fast CarLuke Combs7
8Bury Me In GeorgiaKane Brown9
9Good Lookin'Dixon Dallas8
10World on FireNate Smithnew

Listen to the Current Top 20 on Spotify.

Awaiting: New Dawn by Fanny Lumsden from Bandcamp.

Also waiting from Bandcamp: Reissue of The Connells' 1993 album Ring with bonus tracks.

Listen to the Country 5 + 5 on Spotify.

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Mel’s Top 100 Hits of 1969


 Get Back is My Favorite Song of 1969

I was only 12 back in 1969. The biggest event of that year was the manned landing on the moon by Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin and Michael Collins. 

Music wise 1969 was another year of great rock and pop music that wrapped the decade of the 1960s up. We had some great big classic hits by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Creedence Clearwater Revival and many others.

In retrospect my favorite songs from 1969 are those by The Beatles. My #1 song of the year is "Get Back" and I list it with its 45 rpm B-side "Don't Let Me Down". My #2 song of the year is another Beatles song that was never released as a single. It is George Harrison's greatest song of all time... "Here Comes The Sun" from the Abbey Road album. He also showed up with The Beatles at #12 with "Something". John Lennon had Beatles tracks on my top 100 with "The Ballad of John & Yoko" at #9, "Come Together" at #21 and his first solo track, "Give Peace a Chance" at #58, which is shown on the record's label at John Lennon / The Plastic Ono Band. 

The Rolling Stones had a couple of big hits in 1969, with my favorite being "Honky Tonk Woman" at #3 for the year.

Several songs in my Top 100 of 1969 were not in the Billboard Top 100 of 1969. They include It's a Beautiful Day's "White Bird" at #4, The Youngbloods' "Get Together" at #11 (originally released in 1967), and "The Boxer" and "Baby Driver" 45 from Simon & Garfunkel. Several other songs that did not score high enough on the year end Billboard Chart of 1969 made this chart.

All of the songs on this chart can be streamed on my Spotify playlist. The Top 100 Hits of 1969 list is posted below. Enjoy!

RankTitleArtist
1Get Back / Don't Let Me DownThe Beatles
2Here Comes The SunThe Beatles
3Honky Tonk WomenThe Rolling Stones
4White BirdIt's A Beautiful Day
5In the Year 2525Zager & Evans
6OneThree Dog Night
7Crimson and Clover (album version)Tommy James and the Shondells
8Bad Moon Rising / LodiCreedence Clearwater Revival
9The Ballad of John & Yoko / Old Brown ShoeThe Beatles
10Time of the SeasonThe Zombies
11Get TogetherThe Youngbloods
12SomethingThe Beatles
13Everyday PeopleSly and the Family Stone
14Fortunate Son / Down on the CornerCreedence Clearwater Revival
15DizzyTommy Roe
16HairThe Cowsills
17Crystal Blue PersuasionTommy James and the Shondells
18Green River / CommotionCreedence Clearwater Revival
19Eli's ComingThree Dog Night
20I Heard It Through the GrapevineMarvin Gaye
21Come TogetherThe Beatles
22Proud Mary / Born on the BayouCreedence Clearwater Revival
23Love (Can Make You Happy)Mercy
24Suspicious MindsElvis Presley
25Put a Little Love in Your HeartJackie DeShannon
26Someday, We'll Be TogetherDiana Ross & The Supremes
27It's Your ThingThe Isley Brothers
28Sugar, SugarThe Archies
29These EyesThe Guess Who
30Sympathy for the DevilThe Rolling Stones
31Hawaii Five-OThe Ventures
32Touch MeThe Doors
33Lay Lady LayBob Dylan
34Easy to Be HardThree Dog Night
35Hot Fun in the SummertimeSly and the Family Stone
36Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him GoodbyeSteam
37A Boy Named SueJohnny Cash
38Soul DeepThe Box Tops
39Time Is TightBooker T. & the M.G.'s
40More Today Than YesterdaySpiral Starecase
41Sugar on SundayThe Clique
42Spinning WheelBlood, Sweat & Tears
43The Boxer / Baby DriverSimon & Garfunkel
44Whole Lotta LoveLed Zeppelin
45Marakesh Express / Helplessly HopingCrosby, Stills & Nash
46AtlantisDonovan
47LaughingThe Guess Who
48I'd Wait a Million YearsThe Grass Roots
49I Can Hear MusicThe Beach Boys
50My Cherie AmourStevie Wonder
51What Does It Take (To Win Your Love)Jr. Walker & The All Stars
52You've Made Me So Very HappyBlood, Sweat & Tears
53You Showed MeThe Turtles
54Smile a Little Smile for MeThe Flying Machine
55TracesClassics IV
56Ramblin' Gamblin' ManBob Seger System
57Tell All The PeopleThe Doors
58Give Peace A ChanceJohn Lennon & the Plastic Ono Band
59Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to TownKenny Rogers and The First Edition
60Aquarius/Let the Sunshine InThe 5th Dimension
61Backfield in MotionMel and Tim
62I Can't Get Next to YouThe Temptations
63Wishful SinfulThe Doors
64Build Me Up ButtercupThe Foundations
65This Magic MomentJay and the Americans
66Maxwell's Silver HammerThe Beatles
67In the GhettoElvis Presley
68Everybody's Talkin'Harry Nilsson
69Baby It's YouSmith
70The River is WideThe Grass Roots
71Too Busy Thinking About My BabyMarvin Gaye
72Good Morning StarshineOliver
73Gimme Gimme Good Lovin'Crazy Elephant
74Wedding Bell BluesThe 5th Dimension
75It's Getting BetterMama Cass Elliot
76Sweet CarolineNeil Diamond
77Games People PlayJoe South
78Baby, Baby Don't CryThe Miracles
79Take A Letter MariaR.B. Greaves
80IsraelitesDesmond Decker & The Aces
81Jingle JangleThe Archies
82GalvestonGlen Campbell
83UndunThe Guess Who
84Octopus's GardenThe Beatles
85GoodbyeMary Hopkin
86I'm Gonna Make You Love MeThe Supremes & The Temptations
87Bella LindaThe Grass Roots
88That's the Way Love IsMarvin Gaye
89Hooked on a FeelingB.J. Thomas
90This Girl Is a Woman NowGary Puckett & The Union Gap
91Only The Strong SurviveJerry Butler
92Ruben JamesKenny Rogers and The First Edition
93Time MachineGrand Funk Railroad
94Try A Little TendernessThree Dog Night
95Baby, I Love YouAndy Kim
96Mr. Sun, Mr. MoonPaul Revere & the Raiders
97Can I Change My MindTyronne Davis
98GitarzanRay Stevens
99Grazing in the GrassThe Friends of Distinction
100Keem-O-SabeElectric Indian


Sunday, July 30, 2023

Fanny Lumsden @ #1 on the Currrent Top 20

 

Fanny Lumsden, contemporary country star from Australia tops The Current Top 20 chart this week with her single "When I Die". The song is from her forthcoming album New Dawn that is slated for release this coming Friday, August 4. Two other singles have also been previously issued prior to the album's release. They include "Millionaire" and "Ugly Flowers".

She first hit the top 20 back in 2021 with her #4 hit "Dig". All of her videos are filmed in Australia.

Ms. Lumsden is currently on tour in the land down under. You can find more about her by visiting her website.

MEL’s CURRENT TOP 20

Hot Tracks That Should Be Hits

As of July 28, 2023.

TW                         Title ArtistLW
1When I DieFanny Lumsden1
2Heavenly Kind of State of MindLewis Capaldi2
3Try That in a Small TownJason Aldean15
4VampireOlivia Rodrigo6
5I Can See You (Taylor's Version from the Vault)Taylor Swift9
6CurtainsEd Sheeran3
7Need A FavorJelly Roll11
8Fast CarLuke Combs5
9Save Me (with Lainey Wilson)Jelly Roll7
10Loving YouCannons8
11Island in the Sun (featuring American Authors)Smallpools12
12Until I Found You (Em Beihold Version)Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold4
13Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift10
14A Beautiful GameEd Sheeran18
15Silver FishDengue Fever19
16I Won't Back DownGoo Goo Dolls & O.A.R.20
17Padam PadamKylie Minogue13
18Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi14
19American Flags (with Adam Calhoun)Tom MacDonaldnew
20Save Me The TroubleDan + Shaynew

More videos by Fanny Lumsden.


I love her vintage 1980s Toyota Celica in this video.








Tuesday, July 25, 2023

WOP Your Jaws CMT

 


Jason Aldean Burn Up The Charts With Latest Single Release

I LOVE this new Jason Aldean song. It's called "Try That in a Small Town" and addresses serious social issues regarding respect, crime, law and order and honoring the American flag (by not burning it).

Ever since the song was pulled from the Country Music Televison (CMT) video music channel, sales and streams of the single have soared 1000% from the previous week. Sales were so high that "Try That In A Small Town" became the #1 selling country song on the Billboard and iTunes Top 100 country music charts. Today it made its chart debut on the Billboard Hot 100 at #2. WOW! Not bad for a controversial song that has been embraced by many people.

On my personal Country 5 + 5 chart "Try That in a Small Town" debuts at #2, just behind Fanny Lumsden's #1 hit, "When I Die". The song also debut this weekend at #15 on my Current Top 20 weekly chart of pop and rock hits.

THE COUNTRY 5 + 5 CHART - As of July 25, 2023.

TW TitleArtistLR
  1When I DieFanny Lumsden  1
  2Try That In A Small TownJason Aldeannew
  3Need A FavorJelly Roll  2
  4Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson)Jelly Roll  3
  5On The Boat AgainJake Owen  5
  6Save Me The TroubleDan + Shay  9
  7Fast CarLuke Combs  4
  8Good Lookin'Dixon Dallas  8
  9Bury Me in Georgia (Single Edit)Kane Brown  7
10Life Goes OnEd Sheeran & Luke Combs  6

Saturday, July 15, 2023

You're Gonna Need A Bigger Boat

 

Jaws - Main Title by John Williams

Video by the Film Symphony Orchestra

Composer John Williams is well known for his many film scores and title themes. "Jaws" was his major film score breakout hit, as it became the signature song that totally identifies with the shark in the film. The "Jaws Main Title" theme evokes a feeling of fear, looming doom... that something awful is going to happen to you. The music was effectively used in the opening of the film where you see a young lady swimming in the night time ocean, and suddenly becomes prey and a meal for yet unseen shark. The theme carries throughout the movie.

"Jaws" is popular musical piece for orchestras to perform on stage. The video above is from the Film Symphony Orchestra and the one below is from the Boston Pops orchestra, conducted by John Williams himself. Sit back and enjoy the Themes from Jaws.

You won't want to get into the water and will definitely need a bigger boat if you do.



Monday, July 10, 2023

Best of the 1990s: “Joey” by Concrete Blonde


Starting in the 1980s, I grew more and more aware of alternative rock music. MTV’s 120 Minutes showcased many neat alternative rock tracks in the mid to late 1980s and onward to the 1990s.

One of the bands that were part of the scene in 1990 was Concrete Blonde. I became aware of them when their third album Bloodletting became a hit on one of our local alt rock radio stations. The song leading the charge of hits from Bloodletting was “Joey”.

“Joey” was Concrete Blonde’s biggest hit and their only record to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 singles list. It peaked at #19 on that chart in 1990, and spent four separate weeks on Billboard’s Alternative Rock chart, where it peaked at #1. “Joey” is an angst ridden song about the writer’s ex-boyfriend.

As for the album Bloodletting, it is an album that I have liked through the years. Best tracks are “Joey”, “Caroline” “Darkening of the Night” and the long and brooding “Tomorrow Wendy”.

Listen to Bloodletting at the following links:

SPOTIFY



JOEY - YouTube Enhanced Audio



Friday, July 7, 2023

Mel's Top 20 Hits So Far of 2023.

 OK... Posting of the weekly Current Top 20 charts are not happening here.... at least on this blog's main pages. I tried, but am utterly a failure here. 

That said, both Mel's Current Top 20 Chart and The Country 5 + 5 Chart are regularly posted on their own pages within the confines of this blog site. You can find links to the latest charts by accessing them at the right hand column on this and every blog page here.

I will eventually create bigger graphics with links going to those pages on the blog's right hand columns.

Stay tuned.

Resuming our blog, it is time to kind of re-cap the top 20 songs so far that have made it on Mel's Current Top 20 chart. Not surprisingly Tom MacDonald and his long running hit "Ghost" tops the half-way chart so far this year at #1.

Rank                     TitleArtistPeakWAPTotal Weeks
1GhostTom MacDonald1721
2Anti-HeroTaylor Swift1523
3Love AgainThe Kid LAROI1210
4End of the WorldTom MacDonald featuring John Rich1210
5Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi1211
6FlowersMiley Cyrus1213
7I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz1213
8PointlessLewis Capaldi1216
9Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift128
10Lux ÆternaMetallica129
11Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran1112
12LostLinkin Park1114
13Get Her BackMichael Ray119
14Blind For LoveAmerican Authors2314
15I'll Be Seeing YouIam Tongi216
16EvangelineStephen Sanchez3213
17Lavendar HazeTaylor Swift3111
18I'm Feelin' Good (Steve Miller Band)King Calaway3111
19TrustfallP!nk3111
20BejeweledTaylor Swift3112

Key - Rank | Peak Position | Weeks at Peak (WAP) | Total Weeks on Top 20 


Wednesday, June 14, 2023

Lewis Capaldi / Kane Brown Top the Charts

 Mel's Current Top 20 | As of June 10, 2023.


Lewis Capaldi tops the chart at #1 with his single "Wish You the Best." The track is taken from his recently released album Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent. This is one of two songs Capaldi has on the chart, the other being "Heavenly Kind of State of Mind" also from the same album, and moving up to #10 this week. Check out the acoustic video to "Wish You The Best" above.

TW TitleArtistLW
 1Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi  2
 2I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz  1
 3I'll Be Seeing YouIam Tongi  5
 4Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift  6
 5Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran.   4
 6Dirty MoneyTom MacDonald  7
 7SeasonsBebe Rexha & Dolly Parton   3
 8CurtainsEd Sheeran10
 9Thunder RumblesThe Cat Empire11
10Heavenly Kind of State of MindLewis Capaldi14
11Get Her BackMichael Ray  9
12Fast CarLuke Combs19
13Until I Found You (Em Beihold Version)    Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold    16
14Too Many ThingsThe Linda Lindas  8
15Loving YouCannons17
16Worth ItColbie Caillat20
17That Girl Don't Live HereCourtney Hadwin12
18Hey Girl / I Touch MyselfThe Dollyrots13
19Life Goes On (featuring Luke Combs)Ed Sheerannew
20World on FireDolly Partonnew


Two songs debut on the Top 20 this week. At #19 we have "Life Goes On," an Ed Sheeran song that also features country singer Luke Combs on this single. This is one of three songs Ed Sheeran has on the top 20. The other two are "Eyes Closed," a former #1 song now at #5, and "Curtains" at #8. All are from Sheeran's latest album Subtract. The video below with Luke Combs is taken from the recent Academy of Country Music awards show.

Luke Combs also has the #12 song of the week with his cover of Tracy Chapman's "Fast Car". The song moved up from last week's #19 position.

Dolly Parton is back with her latest track "World on Fire," which is a pop/rock single with a slight country tinge. The song debuts at #20. Dolly is also featured on Bebe Rexha's single "Seasons" which peaked last week at #3 but down to #7 this week. The "World on Fire" video is at the top of this post.



The Country 5 + 5 | As of June 13, 2023.

TW TitleArtistLR
1Bury Me in Georgia (Single Edit)Kane Brown2
2When I DieFanny Lumsden4
3Fast CarLuke Combs1
4Life Goes OnEd Sheeran & Luke Combs                  6
5Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson)Jelly Roll9
6Get Her BackMichael Ray7
7World on FireDolly Parton8
8Now I KnowTennessee Tears3
9Standing Room OnlyTim McGraw5
10Need A FavorJelly Rollnew

Kane Brown "Bury Me in Georgia" (Single Edit) #1 on the Country 5 + 5


Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Hot on My Charts This Week

Mel’s Current Top 20 Hits

As of June 3, 2023.

Colbie Callait debuts at #20 with "Worth It".

TW                    TitleArtistLW
1I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz1
2Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi3
3SeasonsBebe Rexha & Dolly Parton4
4Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran2
5I'll Be Seeing YouIam Tongi11
6Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift9
7Dirty MoneyTom MacDonald8
8Too Many ThingsThe Linda Lindas7
9Get Her BackMichael Ray5
10CurtainsEd Sheeran14
11Thunder RumblesThe Cat Empire13
12That Girl Don't Live HereCourtney Hadwin12
13Hey Girl / I Touch MyselfThe Dollyrots6
14Heavenly Kind of State of MindLewis Capaldi19
15Dead To YouIMY215
16Until I Found You (Em Beihold Version)   Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold   16
17Loving YouCannons20
18End Of The WorldTom MacDonald ft. John Rich10
19Fast CarLuke Combsnew
20Worth ItColbie Caillatnew

BUBBLING UNDER THE TOP 20

21. Life Goes On (featuring Luke Combs) - Ed Sheeran
23. Jaded - Miley Cyrus
26. Show Me How - Foo Fighters
30. Padam Padam - Kylie Minogue
31. I Won't Back Down - Goo Goo Dols & O.A.R.
35. Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson) - Jelly Roll

CHART NOTES

Jason Mraz holds at #1 for a second week with "I Feel Like Dancing."

Two debut songs: First one is "Fast Car" by country singer Luke Combs. The song is a cover of the old Tracy Chapman hit from 1988. It debuts at #19. It also holds the #1 spot on my Country 5 + 5 chart this week.

The second debut song is a comeback for singer Colbie Caillat with her latest track "Worth It" at #20. The video for that song is at the top of this post.


The Country 5 + 5: The Power of Ten!

As of June 7, 2023.

TW                        TitleArtistLR
1Fast CarLuke Combs1
2Bury Me in Georgia (Single Edit)              Kane Brown4
3Now I KnowTennessee Tears2
4When I DieFanny Lumsdennew
5Standing Room OnlyTim McGraw3
6Life Goes OnEd Sheeran & Luke Combs          9
7Get Her BackMichael Ray5
8World on FireDolly Parton10
9Save Me (featuring Lainey Wilson)Jelly Rollnew
10Last NightMorgan Wallen6

Monday, May 29, 2023

The Return of Mel's Current Top 20

 Mel's Current Top 20 | As of May 27, 2023.

Welcome to the resumption of weekly postings of Mel's Current Top 20 Chart. I've been doing personal charts of current pop and rock music for some years now and have occasionally posted them to this blog. Since 2020, the Current Top 20 has been regularly posted to the M4B Chart Central website. Prior to that a previous incarnation of these charts were posted there starting around 2009.

I love lists. Ranking favorite songs, movies, TV shows, cars, etc... overall and by genre. On this blog's pages you can see a music chart for both pop/rock music and a separate one for country music.
Through the years, special charts have been posted on favorite artists such as The Beatles and charts for the Christmas holiday season.

Now I'm bringing the weekly Current Top 20 chart back to these pages. Enjoy.

TW                              TitleArtist LW 
 1I Feel Like DancingJason Mraz  2
 2Eyes ClosedEd Sheeran  1
 3Wish You The BestLewis Capaldi  4
 4SeasonsBebe Rexha & Dolly Parton  6
 5Get Her BackMichael Ray  3
 6Hey Girl / I Touch MyselfThe Dollyrots  7
 7Too Many ThingsThe Linda Lindas  8
 8Dirty MoneyTom MacDonald  9
 9Karma / Karma (featuring Ice Spice)Taylor Swift 12
10End Of The WorldTom MacDonald ft. John Rich  5
11I'll Be Seeing YouIam Tongi new
12That Girl Don't Live HereCourtney Hadwin 13
13Thunder RumblesThe Cat Empire 15
14CurtainsEd Sheeran 20
15Dead To YouIMY2 16
16Until I Found You (Em Beihold Version)      Stephen Sanchez & Em Beihold         18
17BillyThe Shang Hi Los 10
18How I'm Feeling NowLewis Capaldi 11
19Heavenly Kind of State of MindLewis Capaldi new
20Loving YouCannons new

BUBBLING UNDER THE TOP 20

21. Worth It - Colbie Caillat
23. Fast Car - Luke Combs
27. World on Fire - Dolly Parton
30. More - The Warning
33. Show Me How - Foo Fighters
38. Bury Me in Georgia (single version) - Kane Brown

CHART NOTES

The #1 position changes again. This week Jason Mraz tops the chart with "I Feel Like Dancing." The single nudges up from last week's #2 position after its debut way back on April 1. Been nearly 2 months.


The biggest debut song is from American Idol. Iam Tongi, an 18 year old student originally from Hawaii won the nationally televised contest last weekend, propelling his debut single "I'll Be Seeing You" to debut at the #11 spot this week. He has been a media sensation in the State of Hawaii this past few weeks.


New last week was the highly anticipated new album Broken By the Desire to Be Heavenly Sent, from crooner Lewis Capaldi. Several singles including "Wish You The Best," currently #4 on this week have come and gone on this chart this past few months. The latest track from the album debuts at #19. It's called "Heavenly Kind State of Mind."

Cannons, the alternative rock music band who went to #1 last year with "Hurricane" are back this week with their latest track. It's called "Loving You." It debuts at #20 for the week.

Original Post on M4B Charts Central - Mel's Current Top 20 | As of May 27, 2023.


Mel's Spotify Page: More than 110 playlists available for your listening. Many genres including The Current Top 20, The Country 5 + 5, Top Hits of 2023 and more!





Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Iam Tongi Has a Great Opportunity to Create Worldwide Hits

Iam Tongi covers Sam Cooke's "Bring It On Home to Me" 


I am not a regular viewers of American Idol, the nationwide talent contest that just wrapped its 21st season on ABC-TV. I never took much interest in it until this past Sunday, when I watched the three hour long live broadcast Sunday afternoon at 2:00 pm.

Like many viewers throughout the State of Hawaii and across the nation, the big draw to American Idol this year was singer William "Iam" Tongi, who is an 18-year old singer from Kahuku on Oahu's North Shore. Since his audition in February of this year, Iam has made an impact across the islands and the nation with strong and emotional voice covering well known songs such as "Monsters" by James Blunt, "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel and "Bring it on Home to Me" by Sam Cooke to name few. 

The talented singer gives his all to every song he sings, pouring his soul into the songs and bringing them to life, often in remembrance of his father, Rodney, who passed away in 2022. He brought American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie during his audition singing James Blunt's "Monsters" which he dedicated to his father. Judge Katy Perry stated, "you hit a nerve, that is what great story tellers do. Your voice is so magnificent."

From that point on, Iam Tongi made it through all of the subsequent rounds of the American Idol song competition until he was placed among the final three this past Sunday. When the final vote was counted, Iam Tongi was named the new American Idol for 2023. More than 17 million people voted in the ongoing poll that was taken throughout the three hour broadcast.

The new American Idol winner gets a recording contract with Hollywood Records and $250,000 to pursue his musical dream. Let's hope he can craft great new music that can reach all demographics throughout the nation and world.

Iam has released a new single called "I'll Be Seeing You" which for the past several days, has topped the iTunes Top 100 songs of the day at #1. Best wishes to Iam Tongi as he moves up higher in his music career.

For the past several days Iam Tongi's "I'll Be Seeing You" has been on the top of the iTunes Top 100 Songs. He has also been instrumental for bringing James Blunt's 2019 track "Monsters" back into prominence as it hovers at the #2 position.

Iam Tongi's American Idol audition brought the judges to tears.

Iam Tongi's "I'll Be Seeing You" has already topped the iTunes Top 100 chart. The song is available to stream on all platforms or purchased as a digital download from Amazon and Apple.


Sunday, March 12, 2023

Top Songs of My Lifetime: 1957 to Today


Cannons' "Hurricane" turned out to be my favorite song of 2022, despite ending up only at #6 for my Top 100 Hits of 2022 chart.

Songs Per Year From the Start of My Life

Once again re-visiting my list of Top Songs per year of my life. I took the opportunity to revise the list once again, adding the 2022 entry and replacing the one from 2016.

It was very hard choosing just one song, per year since the start of my life. Many classic songs from every year had to be left off. Some songs you may know and recognize as classics.  Many were big Top 40 hits, with several going to #1.

Others were just #1 in my mind, but I love em to this day. So check the list out and listen to the Spotify Playlist provided at the end of the chart.

Have a great day!

Top Songs of My Lifetime
One song for each year of my life: 1957 to 2020.
Personal favorites or significant songs to pop music history.

Updated March 12, 2023.

Year - Title - Artist

1957 - Jailhouse Rock - Elvis Presley
1958 - Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran
1959 - Sweet Nothins - Brenda Lee
1960 - The Twist - Chubby Checker
1961 - Travelin' Man - Ricky Nelson
1962 - Soldier Boy - The Shirelles
1963 - Rhythm of the Rain - The Cascades
1964 - A Hard Day's Night - The Beatles
1965 - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Rolling Stones
1966 - I Fought the Law - Bobby Fuller Four
1967 - Let's Live For Today - The Grass Roots
1968 - Hey Jude - The Beatles
1969 - Honky Tonk Woman - The Rolling Stones
1970 - Let It Be - The Beatles
1971 - Joy to the World - Three Dog Night
1972 - American  Pie - Don McLean
1973 - Crocodile Rock - Elton John
1974 - Band On The Run - Paul McCartney & Wings
1975 - Philadelphia Freedom - Elton John
1976 - Rhiannon (Will You Ever Win) - Fleetwood Mac
1977 - Dreams - Fleetwood Mac
1978 - Stayin' Alive - Bee Gees
1979 - My Sharona - The Knack
1980 - (Just Like) Starting Over - John Lennon & Yoko Ono
1981 - The Break Up Song - Greg Kihn Band
1982 - I Love Rock n Roll - Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
1983 - Billie Jean - Michael Jackson
1984 - When Doves Cry - Prince & the Revolution
1985 - Money For Nothing - Dire Straits
1986 - Papa Don't Preach - Madonna
1987 - Just Like Heaven - The Cure
1988 - Sweet Child o' Mine - Guns And Roses
1989 - Lovesong - The Cure
1990 - Black Velvet - Alannah Myles
1991 - Valerie Loves Me - Material Issue
1992 - Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana
1993 - Dreamlover - Mariah Carey
1994 - Because the Night - 10,000 Maniacs
1995 - Kiss From A Rose - Seal
1996 - Don't Speak - No Doubt
1997 - Tubthumping - Chumbawamba
1998 - The Way - Fastball
1999 - Maria - Blondie
2000 - Smooth - Santana featuring Rob Thomas
2001 - Island in the Sun - Weezer
2002 - Hella Good - No Doubt
2003 - Stacy's Mom - Fountains Of Wayne
2004 - Boulevard Of Broken Dreams - Green Day
2005 - Love In A Trashcan - The Raveonettes
2006 - Dani California - Red Hot Chili Peppers
2007 - Phantom Limb - The Shins
2008 - Pork and Beans - Weezer
2009 - I Gotta Feeling - Black Eyed Peas
2010 - Need You Now - Lady Antebellum
2011 - Paradise - Coldplay
2012 - Drive By - Train
2013 - Change - Churchill
2014 - Uptown Funk - Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
2015 - Hello - Adele
2016 - Spirits - The Strumbellas
2017 - Shape of You - Ed Sheeran
2018 - Perfect - Ed Sheeran
2019 - Someone You Loved - Lewis Capaldi
2020 - Living in a Ghost Town - The Rolling Stones
2021 - Save Your Tears (remix) - The Weeknd with Ariana Grande
2022 - Hurricane - Cannons

Whatever song emerges in 2023 as my favorite will be added to this list later.

Listen To Every Song on My Spotify Channel