Before I knew who Cardi B was, I learned that her surprise hit ‘Bodak Yellow’ (this week’s #7) defied all odds and unseated juggernaut Taylor Swift for the #1 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100.
In doing so, Cardi B became only the second solo female artist to reach the top of the chart with a hip-hop track (the first was Lauryn Hill, with 1998’s ‘Doo Wop (That Thing)’). When the song stayed on top for three straight weeks, it became the longest-running #1 single by a solo female rapper in history.
Continuing our march through the top of Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, we arrive at #6 and Sam Smith’s heartbreak ballad ‘Too Good at Goodbyes.’
I haven’t liked a Sam Smith song yet, and this one isn’t an exception. Mostly it’s because I find his voice grating, which I know sounds funny coming from a guy who loves Bob Dylan, Rufus Wainwright and Morrissey. I also find his songs quite generic, which is where those guys have him beat.
I had forgotten that Lyle Lovett’s song ‘Promises,’ in addition to appearing on The Road to Ensenada, showed up on the soundtrack of Tim Robbins’ film Dead Man Walking.
The film came out about six months before the album, but I’m not sure if the song was written for the movie. The lyrics are certainly appropriate for a film about the redemption of a death row inmate but the feelings described could apply as easily to a relationship as a crime.
I often stumble across the website songfacts.com when doing research for the blog. If you have the right song, you’ll find a treasure trove of illuminating information.
Today’s Random Song of the Day, ‘Big River’ by Johnny Cash, features a few such nuggets, including the following quotes about the track by Bob Dylan and Tom Petty.
Today is my birthday, and while it doesn’t fall on a Random Weekend, the nature of my Billboard countdown means today’s song choice isn’t in my control. So what did the hands of fate serve up in tribute?
‘Thunder,’ by Imagine Dragons, which occupies the #5 spot on Billboard’s Hot 100. This is the 4th top ten hit for Imagine Dragons, a Las Vegas-based indie rock band, and their second this year (‘Believer’ reached #4 over the summer).
