Yet for all of its stirring aesthetics, there’s loads of desperation. We’re guessing from the mantra “You do not know what it is like / To love anyone / The means I love you” that this relationship doesn’t pan out. This sugary ’64 chart-topper (the Temptations’ first) could be one of the best pet-love song ever. Speaking of Ben E. King, his crowning achievement remains this timeless, apocalyptic wonder, which he co-wrote with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Hear the easy bass line, adopted by that percussion, then King’s frayed vocals after which those strings and just attempt to let that chilly coronary heart of yours soften like butter.

Written for Eddie Cantor to sing—in blithe blackface—in the 1930 movie Whoopee! , “My Baby Just Cares for Me” has had an unusual afterlife. Though Nina Simone recorded her version in 1958, it turned an unlikely chart hit in the U.K.… Read More

Of course, this is what makes the track’s affection resonate—our major character’s relationship looks unsalvageable, but he remains steadfast. Dolly Parton’s farewell to her long-time partner and mentor, nation legend Porter Wagoner, when Mr. Grand Ole Opry determined to pursue a solo profession, turned quite the sensation in 1974. It’s exhausting to think of a better song in popular culture that captures the “when you love one thing, set it free” sentiment. While few of us—save Whitney Houston—can belt these excessive notes like Parton, that doesn’t cease us from wanting to sing along with the chorus, with all the same pent up ardour. Elvis could be as nicely be the king of affection ballads, but this late-in-career anthem is a real rock and roll hit.

Written by songwriter Chip Taylor and initially recorded by the Wild Ones in 1965, “Wild Thing” finally made it to No. 1 on the Billboard … Read More

Of course, this is what makes the track’s affection resonate—our major character’s relationship looks unsalvageable, but he remains steadfast. Dolly Parton’s farewell to her long-time partner and mentor, nation legend Porter Wagoner, when Mr. Grand Ole Opry determined to pursue a solo profession, turned quite the sensation in 1974. It’s exhausting to think of a better song in popular culture that captures the “when you love one thing, set it free” sentiment. While few of us—save Whitney Houston—can belt these excessive notes like Parton, that doesn’t cease us from wanting to sing along with the chorus, with all the same pent up ardour. Elvis could be as nicely be the king of affection ballads, but this late-in-career anthem is a real rock and roll hit.

Written by songwriter Chip Taylor and initially recorded by the Wild Ones in 1965, “Wild Thing” finally made it to No. 1 on the Billboard … Read More

Of course, this is what makes the track’s affection resonate—our major character’s relationship looks unsalvageable, but he remains steadfast. Dolly Parton’s farewell to her long-time partner and mentor, nation legend Porter Wagoner, when Mr. Grand Ole Opry determined to pursue a solo profession, turned quite the sensation in 1974. It’s exhausting to think of a better song in popular culture that captures the “when you love one thing, set it free” sentiment. While few of us—save Whitney Houston—can belt these excessive notes like Parton, that doesn’t cease us from wanting to sing along with the chorus, with all the same pent up ardour. Elvis could be as nicely be the king of affection ballads, but this late-in-career anthem is a real rock and roll hit.

Written by songwriter Chip Taylor and initially recorded by the Wild Ones in 1965, “Wild Thing” finally made it to No. 1 on the Billboard … Read More