There’s not much new this week, and certainly nothing that makes me want to comment on science, current events, etc. So let’s go back 50 years and compare the Billboard Top 10 songs from then to what they are now. This comparison turned out to be less dire than the past few.
There are two possible reasons for this. First, rock was already at its peak before 1974, and while the 1974 list includes some classics and certainly some great musicians, this list generally It’s not inspiring.
Second, pop music seems to be injected with country music soupsons, which can only make things better considering how bad pop music is these days.
First, this week’s list for 1974. I will post a link to the performance of each song.
The best songs on this list include #1 (The Spinners were underrated; “I’ll Be Around” is one of the great soul songs), and the addition of Dionne Warwick earns the credit It is a song that can be done. Stevie Wonder’s songs are OK, but not as good as his greatest works (i.e. “Isn’t she Lovely?” and “For Once in my Life"). I don’t use Bachman Turner Overdrive much, but Jazzman: is a great piece by Carole King. Elton John’s song is an 8. I can dance to it. Bad Company’s song is rated 5 out of 10 and there It’s all downhill from there, with the exception of the classic “Sweet Home Alabama.” Therefore, I rate #1, #4, and #8 as music that will last a long time. You’ll forget about Tony Orlando, Mac Davis, and the Osmonds.
Here are the Billboard Top 10 from 50 years ago: October 21, 1974:
1.) “Then Came You” Dionne Warwick and the Spinners
2.) “Doing Nothing” Stevie Wonder
3.) “You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet/Free Wheelin'” Bachman Turner Overdrive
4.) “Jazzman” Carole King
5.) “The Bitch Is Back” Elton John
6.) “Not good enough” bad company
7.) “Steppin’ Out/Gonna Boogie Tonight” Tony Orlando and Dawn
8.) “Sweet Home Alabama” Lynyrd Skynyrd
9.) “Stop and Smell the Roses” Mac Davis
10.) “Love Me for a Reason” Osmonds
And the latest Billboard Top 10 for October 19, 2024.
The music on the list below is surprisingly good considering it’s from today. I don’t really like “A Bar Song” because it’s too rap-like, but it’s worth noting that it has a country feel to it. My favorite song on this list is Billie Eilish’s song (#2) and it’s so sweet. #3 is primarily a hybrid of country and pop. That’s fine, but the melody and words are pretty corny. Putting aside the untalented Sabrina Carpenter, three songs are left off this list. Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga’s duet incorporates elements of country music (cowboy hat and boots, Lady Gaga’s big hair), but it’s fine, it’s neither catchy nor memorable. Chapel Lawn seems to be a genius these days, but I wasn’t impressed with this one. After all, it’s a standard love song and the melody is corny. Skip from “Carpenter” to “Swims,” a song that starts to sound like a piece with lots of contemporary music elements, but it’s okay (note the country intonation). It ends with Carpenter skipping (yes, I listened to the whole song) and Benson Boone playing a country pop song, but again, the song is boring and the lyrics are unconvincing.
1.) “Bar Song” Tipsy
2.) “Birds of a Feather” Billie Eilish
3.) “I Had Some Help” Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen
4.) “Espresso” Sabrina Carpenter
5.) “Die with a Smile” Lady Gaga with Bruno Mars
6.) “Good luck, baby!” Chapel Lawn
7.) “Taste” Sabrina Carpenter
8.) “Out of Control” Teddy Swim
9.) “Please Please Please” Sabrina Carpenter
10.) “Beautiful Things” Benson Boone
Overall, the list is pretty much tied, but 1974 wins because it has some classics (I knew it would!). In my opinion, the latest list is supplemented by Billie Eilish songs, so we should sample more of her music. She is only 22 years old and her full name is Billie Eilish Pirate Baird O’Connell. (Note that Wonder’s “For Once in My Life” was recorded when he was 18 years old.)
This is Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” co-written with her brother Finneas O’Connell.
