Tuesday, September 30, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1591 A DIFFERENT CORNER George Michael
In 1986 it was announced that Wham! was breaking up. George Michael launched his solo career with "A Different Corner", a UK #1 that year; that he wrote, produced, sang, arranged and performed all the instruments on.

#1592 I CAN'T STAND THE RAIN Eruption
Eruption scored an Australian #1 and global hit with a disco remake of the Ann Peebles 1973 R&B song "I Can't Stand The Rain" 4 years later. Precious Wilson performed lead vocals. Peebles co-wrote the song with Don Bryant and Bernard Miller. 

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#155 BILLIE JEAN Michael Jackson
"Billie Jean", the mammoth hit track from Michael Jackson's best selling album 'Thriller', was almost entitled "Not My Lover". Producer Quincy Jones was concerned that the song's subject matter would be confused with tennis legend Billie Jean King! The original title "Billie Jean" prevailed and went on to be a massive success for the unique artist.
Jackson wrote the song himself. It was inspired by various women that had accused his brothers of fathering a child with them. Jackson's vocal was recorded in 1 take. It was while performing the song at the Motown 25th TV special taping that Jackson introduced the public to his 'Moonwalk'.  This watershed moment doubtlessly helped ship copies of 'Thriller'.
Released as the 2nd single from the album in 1983, "Billie Jean" reached #1 in the US on both the R&B (ruling for 9 weeks) and Pop (for a 7-week residency) charts. The disc also made #1 in the UK, Canada, Australia and Europe. The LP, of course, went on to make history.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Monday, September 29, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1589 NOW THAT WE FOUND LOVE Heavy D & The Boyz
In 1991, Heavy D & The Boyz scored a hit with a remake of Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff's "Now That We Found Love", originally recorded by The O'Jays in 1973.

#1590 ALL FOR LEYNA Billy Joel
"All For Leyna" is a self-penned album track from Billy Joel's 1980 album 'Glass Houses'.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#156 THE ROSE Bette Midler
Bette Midler finally emerged on the entertainment horizon in 1973. She collected her 1st pop hit and a Best New Artist Grammy Award. Those highs were quickly replaced by lows as Midler struggled to sustain her chart run. She had already taken on a minor role in the motion picture 'Hawaii' in the mid-60s, but The Divine Miss M' took on a mighty acting challenge when she agreed to star in the film 'The Rose'. The movie was loosely based on Janis Joplin. 
At Oscar time, Midler was nominated for Best Lead Actress, but the Academy Award went instead to Sally Field for 'Norma Rae'. The title song had been written by Amanda McBroom a few years before it was selected for use in the film. 
Paul A. Rothchild produced Joplin's final album 'Pearl', which was released posthumously in 1971. He had previously worked on key albums by The Doors. Rothchild was the appropriate choice for the film's subject matter. He produced 'The Rose' soundtrack album. 
The version of "The Rose" on the LP is a live rendition. The film was released in 1979. Its lead single was Midler's cover of the Percy Sledge hit "When a Man Loves a Woman". The following year, "The Rose" was issued. This became a major hit for Midler; reaching #1 on both the US and Canadian AC charts. It peaked at #3 Pop in America and made the Top 10 in Canada and Australia. 
Since then, Midler has scored other major hits, including "Beast of Burden", and the #1 singles: "From A Distance" and "Wind Beneath My Wings". The latter was from the soundtrack for another of the performer's box office hit films, 'Beaches'. Other significant film roles include: 'Down and Out in Beverly Hills', 'Ruthless People', 'Outrageous Fortune' and 'The First Wives Club'. 
Midler continues recording and touring to this day. In 2013, she starred in the one-woman show "I'll Eat You Last" on Broadway in the role of real-life agent Sue Mengers. A new album, entitled 'It's The Girls', is expected in November 2014, paying tribute to the girl groups.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

NEW RELEASE OF THE MONTH
SEPTEMBER 2014
BARBRA STREISANDPARTNERS [The Deluxe Edition]
Barbra Streisand has carved out her own place among the pantheon of greatest vocalists. Her duets too, have become legendary: "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" with Neil Diamond; "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" with Donna Summer; "Guilty" with Barry Gibb; "I've Got a Crush on You" with Frank Sinatra and "The Music of the Night" with Michael Crawford rank high among her finest collaborations. 
Streisand's newest album teams her dulcet tonsils with new male vocalists on 'Partners'. The album covers an array of styles and genres; revisiting some classic songs from her catalogue as well as new ones. It all fuses perfectly. 
'Partners' opens with Michael Buble' joining Streisand on the standard "It Had To Be You"; serving as the perfect entreatment for her latest project. Together, the 2 singers mesh magically, with the young Canadian sounding genuinely chuffed to be singing alongside the legend.
Stevie Wonder has worked with Streisand previously, and on the new CD the 2 veterans team up to re-interpret her signature song "People". The result is a fresh aural context that Wonder embellishes with his trademark skill on the harmonica. 
John Mayer's vocal works well with the new and bluesy arrangement on "Come Rain Or Come Shine". He manages to hold his own alongside Streisand's colossal performance. 
"Evergreen", 1 of the jewels of her songbook, is lovingly approached by Streisand with this album's co-producer, Babyface. His velvet vocals are almost as heavenly as Luther Vandross' remake in 1994. The decision not to alter too much proves wise.
Streisand covered Billy Joel's "New York State Of Mind" back in 1977. For 'Partners', the composer joins her for this re-recorded tribute to the state and their shared birthplace. This duet surprisingly meshes their 2 contrasting voices faultlessly and concludes with some cute dialogue between them.
On "I'd Want it to be You", Streisand goes country, but brings her adult contemporary credentials with her on the duet with Blake Shelton. The track helps provide more variety in the CD's sound, but it is the weakest of its songs. 
Tackling a song as iconic as "The Way We Were" is an arduous objective. Arguably no other song is so indelibly associated with Streisand. The new interpretation, with Lionel Richie, sadly fails. He seems dwarfed by Streisand's obvious ownership of the tune. The new arrangement sounds like an elevator muzak watered down version, trying to sound more like Richie's own "Endless Love" than the cherished 1974 version. Not only does the remake miss the mark, but it leaves Richie almost unrecognisable and unintentionally diminished to merely a background singer. 
All is forgiven as soon as the next track- "I Still Can See Your Face", Streisand's glorious duet with Andrea Bocelli -begins. Why these 2 titans haven't been matched previously is perplexing. This new song is majestic yet never indulgent. It left me wishing the Italian tenor would burst into some Italian to really carry this highlight track over the edge. 
If any listeners faced the duet with Streisand's son Jason Gould with trepidation, rest assured: the collaboration is well executed. Gould has talent and he certainly demonstrates it on the Irving Berlin standard "How Deep is the Ocean". The result sounds like Streisand duetting with George Michael- it's simply that good!
Shrewdly, this CD finds Streisand collaborating with celebrated performers as well as contemporary talents such as John Legend. He tackles "What Kind Of Fool", first recorded by Streisand as a duet with Barry Gibb on the 1980 album 'Guilty'. The soft keyboards draw the listener in and then Legend's velvet vocals make this new version irresistible. 
For me, the definitive version of "Somewhere" was recorded by Streisand on her 'The Broadway Album'. On 'Partners', she revisits the anthemic song from "West Side Story" with Josh Groban. The new treatment lacks excitement, but is a faultless reading. 
The album closes with a posthumous duet with Elvis Presley, on his ballad "Love Me Tender". The track leaves one pondering what 'A Star Is Born' would have been like had the 2 co-starred in the 1970s update as Streisand had originally planned. This new recording is Streisand's "Unforgettable". 
The deluxe edition of 'Partners'  includes additional tracks, most having been previously issued: with Barry Manilow, Sinatra, Gibb and Bryan Adams. The sole exception is a 2nd duet with Babyface. This new track is a re-visiting of the love song "Lost Inside Of You" (from 'A Star Is Born'); an underrated gem from her songbook. It is lovingly performed by the 2 singers. 
'Partners' shows Streisand is still in fine voice. This will definitely be a hit album for the legendary singer. Plans are afoot for a sequel, matching her with female singers; including a duet with Whitney Houston and possibly Beyonce`. Personally, I cannot wait! 
CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1587 POISON Bell Biv Devoe
Elliot Straite is better known as Dr Freeze. He wrote "Poison" and, although he planned to record it himself, offered the song to the trio Bell Biv Devoe (a splinter group from boy band New Edition). The boys scored an R&B #1 hit in 1990 with it.

#1588 YEAR OF THE CAT Al Stewart
Scottish singer/ songwriter Al Stewart co-wrote his biggest hit "Year of the Cat" with Peter Wood. In 1976, the song charted around the world. The track was produced by Alan Parsons.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#157 YOUNG HEARTS RUN FREE Candi Staton
Southern soul vocalist Candi Staton came to the public's attention for her Muscle Shoals tracks on the Fame label, before teaming up with songwriter / producer David Crawford in the mid-1970s. He crafted a new song that would prove to be timeless entitled "Young Hearts Run Free". 
As Staton explained to me during an interview in 2002, at the time the singer was "going through a horrible divorce... We would talk at lunch sometimes and he would ask me what was going on with me and I'd tell him... Meanwhile, he's writing stuff down, and when we got ready to do the album, he told me- '...I'm going to write you a song that's going to last forever', and he did!". Staton continued: "it's actually about my life". 
After the singer recorded "Young Hearts...", Staton was confident that the song was going to be a hit. Her instincts proved to be accurate. The disc reached #1 on the US R&B chart and peaked at #20 on the Pop charts there. In the UK, the disco hit made it to #2. In Australia, the single peaked at #4. 
Staton continues to record to this day. She is also well remembered for the dance track "You Got the Love". Remixes of this song by The Source with Staton on vocals, went Top 10 in Britain in 1991 and 1997. That same year, Kym Mazelle covered "Young Hearts..." for the 'Romeo + Juliet' soundtrack.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Saturday, September 27, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 What Kind Of Fool BARBRA STREISAND & JOHN LEGEND  1wk                                8 2

2 Tell You (Today) ROBYN                                                               1 4

3 Lost Inside Of You BARBRA STREISAND & BABYFACE                                      10 2

4 Dead Again ASA                                                                                     7 3

5 Trouble With My Baby PALOMA FAITH                                                                       3 3

6 The Chamber LENNY KRAVITZ                                                                          NEW

7 Eyo ASA                                                                                               4 3

8 I Still Can See Your Face BARBRA STREISAND & ANDREA BOCELLI                        NEW

9 She Came To Give It To You USHER featuring NICKI MINAJ                                                9 5

10 We Are Here ALICIA KEYS                                                                                  2 3

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1585 TROUBLE MAN Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye penned 'Trouble Man' for the film of the same name. The title song charted in 1972 and peaked at #7 in the US.

#1586 BALLROOM BLITZ The Sweet
Mike Chapman and Nicky Chinn created the glam floor filler "Ballroom Blitz" for British group the Sweet. It charted in 1973, becoming a global hit single. It finally conquered North America 2 years later.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#158 TOUCH ME IN THE MORNING Diana Ross
The Diana Ross hit "Touch Me in the Morning" was readied for release just after the Motown recording artist had wrapped up her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film 'Lady Sings the Blues'. Label boss Berry Gordy wanted a guaranteed hit single to follow Ross' movie debut, in case the motion picture or its soundtrack LP failed. 
Michael Masser composed the music. Ron Miller penned the lyrics with Ross in mind. The former Supreme's solo career was gaining momentum. Masser co-produced the cut with Tom Baird. The song was the title track for Ross' new album in 1973.
Released as a single, "Touch Me in the Morning" became a worldwide hit; reaching #1 in America (on both the Pop and Adult Contemporary charts) as well as peaking in the Top 10 in Britain, Australia and Canada. 
Gordy need not have been concerned. Ross' acting performance earned the singer an Oscar nomination (she lost out to Liza Minnelli in 'Cabaret'). The 'Lady Sings the Blues' soundtrack reached #1 on the Album Chart in the US.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Friday, September 26, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1583 TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT The Eagles
The Eagles scored another Top 10 hit in 1975 with "Take it to the Limit", a track written by group members Glenn Frey, Don Henley and Randy Meisner and included on the band's 'One Of These Nights' album. It showcased the latter's high vocal skill.

#1584 BREAKFAST IN AMERICA Supertramp
Supertramp enjoyed their greatest success with the 1979 album 'Breakfast In America'. Its title track, penned by band members Roger Hodgson and Rick Davies, ironically failed to crack the US Top 40 but did make the British Top 10.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#159 SIMONE Boz Scaggs
"Simone" is an album track from 'Middle Man', the LP released by Boz Scaggs in 1980. The performer wrote the upbeat song with David Foster. The latter also contributed keyboards and synthesizers on the cut. 
Toto members David Hungate, Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro played on the album's tracks. "Simone" featured another group member: David Paich on additional synthesizer. Among the background singers was Venetta Fields who later relocated to Australia. Bill Schnee produced the 'Middle Man' sessions.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1581 STAY WITH ME TILL DAWN Judie Tzuke
British singer/ songwriter Judie Tzuke penned the sublime ballad "Stay With Me Till Dawn" with Mike Paxman. She was signed to Elton John's Rocket label. Lifted as a single off her 1979 album 'Welcome to the Cruise', the song became her biggest hit. 

#1582 NOW IS THE TIME Jimmy James & The Vagabonds
The Jamaican group Jimmy James & The Vagabonds relocated to England and its long wait for success ended in 1976 with the disco hit "Now is the Time", a #5 UK single penned by producer Biddu (who later created hit songs for Tina Charles).

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#160 NEVER, NEVER, NEVER Shirley Bassey
Shirley Bassey's reading of "Never, Never, Never" is pure class. The song was composed by Tony Renis and Alberto Testa as an Italian ballad entitled "Grande, Grande, Grande" (Big, Big, Big). The original version was a chart hit in 1972 for the Italian singer Mina. 
Norman Newell contributed English lyrics for the remake by Bassey the following year. The cover version was the title track from the Welsh vocalist's new album in 1973. Released as a single, it peaked at #8 in Britain and cracked the Top 40 in the USA. The disc fared better in Australia and South Africa, where it reached #1.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1579 HEAD OVER HEELS The Go-Gos
The all-female group The Go-Gos scored success in 1981 with "Our Lips Are Sealed". "Head Over Heels", penned by group members Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine, charted 3 years later and was lifted off the band's 'Talk Show' album.

#1580 PER SEMPRE (FOR ALWAYS) Anthony Callea
Following the success of his rendition of "The Prayer", it was inevitable that "Australian Idol" finalist Anthony Callea would search out a similar song. "Per Sempre", written by Steve Balsamo and Ben Robbins, was lifted off Callea's 1st album and peaked at #5 in Australia in 2005.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#161 LAY ALL YOUR LOVE ON ME Abba
ABBA cleverly never fully embraced the formulaic sound of disco, although some of their songs were perfectly suited for the dance floor. When the genre's popularity went into swift decline, ABBA didn't find itself locked into the disco style the same way as groups such as the Bee Gees and Chic experienced. "Lay All Your Love On Me" proved the band could adapt to the changing musical mood; still incorporating a dance element, but with a marked 80s approach.
ABBA moved comfortably into the new decade with the album 'Super Trouper'. The LP was dropped in 1980. "Lay All Your Love On Me" was featured on the disc. Group members Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson co-wrote the dance track. Agnetha Faltskog handled lead vocals. Together with Anni-Frid Lyngstad, the harmonies are featured at their best on this track. Its climax is where the choral overdubs kick in. 
Released as a single the following year, the track reached #7 in Britain and was a hit in some European territories. At the time, the disc became the highest charting single in the UK released only in 12" format.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1577 MISS YOU MUCH Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson teamed up again with the hot team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for her 1989 smash hit album 'Rhythm Nation 1814'. "Miss You Much" was the 1st track they recorded and more hits followed...

#1578 STREET LIFE The Crusaders
"Street Life" is sometimes credited to Randy Crawford, but this was a collaboration with jazz group The Crusaders.  They faded into history in the 1980s while Crawford gained fame as a soloist. The song was re-discovered through the film 'Jackie Brown' in 1997.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#162 GYPSYS, TRAMPS AND THIEVES Cher
Producer Snuff Garrett was searching for a story-song in the vein of Dusty Springfield's 1960s hit "Son of a Preacher Man" for Cher. Songwriter Bob Stone offered him a composition he had, entitled "Gypsys and White Trash"; which evolved into "Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves".
Cher's new single was issued in 1971. Her most recent solo hit had been back in 1971 so this release was an important attempt to re-launch the entertainer in her own right. At the same time, Cher was co-starring with Sonny Bono on the "Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" TV series. 
"Gypsys..." proved to be a clever choice, becoming the singer's biggest hit to date as well as her 1st chart hit in the 1970s. The single reached #1 in the US and Canada. It also peaked in the Top 10 in Britain, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. The song was the title track from her new album. 
Cher's 1st solo hit "All I Really Want To Do" charted in 1965. The singer still tours around the world and records to this day. She released an album of all-new songs entitled 'Closer to the Truth' in 2013. Cher also continues acting, with recent roles in films that have included 'Tea With Mussolini', 'Stuck On You' and 'Burlesque'.
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Monday, September 22, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1575 DO YOU WANNA GET FUNKY? C+C Music Factory
C+C Music Factory cranked up the funk factor on the dance track "Do You Wanna Get Funky" in 1994. The song was written by Robert Clivilles and David Cole with Duran Ramos, Tony Romeo and Greg Mays.

#1576 ON THE WINGS OF LOVE
Jeffrey Osborne co-wrote the soulful ballad "On the Wings of Love" with Peter Schless. The uplifting love song charted globally in 1982.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#163 ALONE Heart
American rock group Heart formed in 1973 around the nucleus of sisters Anne and Nancy Wilson. The band broke through 2 years later with debut LP 'Dreamboat Annie' and the hit single "Magic Man". Heart scored another hit song, "Barracuda", in 1978. The momentum wound down as the group entered the next decade, with the exception of "Tell It Like It Is" in 1980. Heart's fortunes significantly improved in 1985. Suddenly, the band was a consistent chart act again. In fact, this resurgence proved even more lucrative than Heart's success in the preceding decade. A group that had been written off was now scoring Top 10 hits that included: "What About Love", "Never", "Nothin' At All" and their 1st US #1, "These Dreams". "Alone" became the band's 2nd American chart topper. 
The hit was penned by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. The 2 songwriters had already created #1 hits for Madonna ("Like A Virgin") and Cyndi Lauper ("True Colors"). Steinberg and Kelly had recorded a version of the song as part of the group i-Ten on their only album 'Taking A Cold Look' in 1983. 
Years later, producer Ron Nevison was working with Kelly and explained that his next project was to be with Heart and that he needed a power ballad. Kelly suggested "Alone". The song was altered for a demo and Heart recorded it. 
"Alone" was a worldwide hit in 1987. Along with its Stateside success, the disc reached #1 on the  Canadian chart. The single also peaked at #3 in the UK and made the Top 10 in Europe and Australia. The track was included on the band's 'Bad Animals' album.
More hits followed for the group, including another major #1 in 1990, entitled "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You". The group continues to tour as well as recording new material. Heart's most recent original music was featured on the 2012 release 'Frantic'. 
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1573 ALLENTOWN Billy Joel
The single "Allentown" takes us to the economic woes of a town in Pennsylvania. He wrote this for the 1982 album 'The Nylon Curtain'. This one is very reminiscent of Bruce Springsteen.

#1574 POP SONG '89 R.E.M.
"Pop Song '89" was lifted off 'Green', the 1989 album offering from R.E.M. and written by the band members.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.
CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

#164 ONLY YOUR LOVE SONG LASTS Randy Crawford
Randy Crawford's vocals wrap themselves around the lyrics of the underrated album track "Only Your Love Song Lasts". The gorgeous ballad was written by Art Munson and Stephen Kalinich and was included on Crawford's 1st solo album 'Everything Must Change' in 1976. Stewart Levine produced the LP. 
"Only Your Love Song Lasts" was recorded before Crawford broke through. She was born in Macon, Georgia, U.S.A. in 1952. Crawford grew up in Ohio; starting as a singer in venues while in her teenage years. In the early 1970s, Crawford worked with Bootsy Collins and George Benson. The singer came to wider attention with The Crusaders and, in particular their 1979 track "Street Life", before her solo career took off with the hit song "One Day I'll Fly Away" in the following year. 
 
This is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A new song from the Top 200 is added each day, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours for an update of the 2000.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Tell You (Today) ROBYN  1wk                                                             2 3

2 We Are Here ALICIA KEYS                                                                                  4 2

3 Trouble With My Baby PALOMA FAITH                                                                       5 2

4 Eyo ASA                                                                                          8 2

5 Don't Say Goodbye SERGIO MENDES featuring JOHN LEGEND                                    1 4

6 The Tracks of my Tears SMOKEY ROBINSON & ELTON JOHN                            3 2

7 Dead Again ASA                                                                                     10 2

8 What Kind Of Fool BARBRA STREISAND & JOHN LEGEND                                NEW

9 She Came To Give It To You USHER featuring NICKI MINAJ                                                7 4

10 Lost Inside Of You BARBRA STREISAND & BABYFACE                                      NEW








CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1571 I GOTTA FEELING The Black Eyed Peas
"I Gotta Feeling" was a 2009 global sensation; a hit written by the group members and producer/ DJ David Guetta that effectively fused R&B / hip-hop with house music.

#1572 INNER CITY BLUES (MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER) Marvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye touched on various social issues with the soul track "Inner City Blues" in 1971; from his classic 'What's Going On' LP. The song was composed by Gaye with James Nyx; the former also handling its production.

The list is a ranking made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks. Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have universal appeal. They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal choice.This expanded section now includes songs from the last few years. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
Along with climbing among the Top 200 each day, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added daily.