The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 I Still Love You JENNIFER HUDSON    1wk                                                                           2 5

2 All You Need Is A Spark DANNY SAUCEDO                                                                       3 3

3 Cosby Sweater HILLTOP HOODS                                                                                    1 5

4 You Can Have It All STONEBRIDGE with LUV GUNZ & KOKO LAROO                     6 2

5 Changing SIGMA featuring PALOMA FAITH                                                                     NEW

6 Blame It On Me GEORGE EZRA                                                                       9 2

7 One Last Night VAULTS                                                                                                 NEW

8 Earned It THE WEEKND                                                                           NEW

9 Therapy MARY J  BLIGE                                                                                                  5 3

10 Time Of Our Lives NE-YO featuring PITBULL                                                                    4 3

THE CAFFE` LATTE`

TOP 10 ALBUMS – FEBRUARY 2015

1 JHUD Jennifer Hudson 2 2

2 REBEL HEART Madonna NEW

3 FIFTY SHADES OF GREY Motion Picture Soundtrack NEW               

4 THE COMPLETE GREATEST HITS Eagles NEW

5 UPTOWN SPECIAL Mark Ronson 1 2

6 X Ed Sheeran NEW           

7 SELECTED WORKS 1972-1999 Eagles NEW

8 BRIT AWARDS 2015 Various Artists NEW

9 IN THE LONELY HOUR Sam Smith NEW

10 HOZIER Hozier NEW

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1867 MY LOVE IS YOUR LOVE Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston rediscovered her R&B roots with her 1998 album 'My Love Is Your Love'. The title track, written by Wyclef Jean and Jerry Duplessis, reached #1 in Europe and New Zealand. In the US, it climbed to #2 R&B and 4 Pop. It also peaked at #2 in the UK.

#1868 LULLABY FOR MYSELF Barbra Streisand
The ballad "Lullaby For Myself" was written by Rupert Holmes and originally intended for use in the Barbra Streisand film 'A Star Is Born'. Instead, it was included on her 1977 album 'Streisand Superwoman'- an apt home for the song's theme of empowerment.

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 remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#31 YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE

STEVIE WONDER

(1972)

Writers: Stevie Wonder

In the hands of a lesser talent, a song like "You Are the Sunshine of my Life" could have ended up a hackneyed and cheesy ballad; but Stevie Wonder manages to inject it with a sincerity built around an easy groove. It's an irresistible love song with a hint of jazz and lots of soul.
"You Are The Sunshine..." was the 2nd single lifted off Wonder's hit 1972 album 'Talking Book', and the follow-up to the US Pop and R&B #1 song "Superstition". Issued in the following year, it too proved a popular addition to Wonder's repertoire. In America, the disc reached #1 on both the Pop & Adult Contemporary charts and 3 R&B. The single also made the British, Australian and Canadian Top 10. 
The idea for the song came to Wonder 3 years before he recorded "You Are The Sunshine...". Along with the talented singer/ songwriter on lead vocals, some lyrics are sung by Jim Gilstrap and Gloria Barley. Lani Groves also contributed backing vocals on the recording. Wonder produced the cut.
The love song collected the Best Pop Vocal Performance Grammy Award. It was also nominated in both the Song and Record of the Year categories; losing to Roberta Flack's hit record "Killing Me Softly With His Song". 

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. 
Each weekday, a new song from the remaining Top 100 is added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1865 IS IT A CRIME Sade
The group Sade dropped the glorious love song "Is It A Crime" in 1985. It was the opening track on the group's album 'Promise'. The smooth soul / jazz ballad was written by group members Sade Adu, Gordon Matthewman and Andrew Hale. It was released as a single the following year.

#1866 TOKYO Danny Saucedo
Swedish rising star Danny Saucedo scored a homegrown #1 hit with "Tokyo" in 2007. The catchy dance/ pop song served as a preview of the versatility in his music. It was written by Jonas & Niclas von der Burg with Anoo Bhagavan. The former also produced the track.

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 remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

The Icons Gallery

The Icons Gallery

The segment where a musical act is highlighted is being rested during 2015, but will resume in the future.  
In the meantime, each month a song will be featured as the Icons Gallery salutes the GLBTI Anthems. Starting January 2015. Feel free to nominate a song for February.

THE ANTHEMS

I AM WHAT I AM - Gloria Gaynor
Originally featured in the musical "La Cage Aux Folles", Gloria Gaynor released her disco remake in 1983. It reached #3 on the Billboard Dance Chart. Jerry Herman wrote the lyrics and the music. 

  This is a hall of fame for performers whose music has meant a great deal to the gay & lesbian community. Below are the 96 musical acts already in the Icons Gallery.

BARBRA STREISAND DUSTY SPRINGFIELD THE CARPENTERS ABBA
JIMMY SOMERVILLE SHIRLEY BASSEY MARCIA HINES GEORGE MICHAEL KATE BUSH ELTON JOHN DAVID BOWIE RENEE GEYER BETTE MIDLER
PET SHOP BOYS K D LANG ANTHONY CALLEA DONNA SUMMER CHER KYLIE MINOGUE ANNIE LENNOX FREDDIE MERCURY HUMAN NATURE
TINA TURNER MADONNA ALISON MOYET DIANA ROSS OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN
VILLAGE PEOPLE TRACY CHAPMAN KATE CEBERANO SUZI QUATRO
WHITNEY HOUSTON MICHAEL JACKSON DEBBIE HARRY LIZA MINELLI
JUDY GARLAND DOLLY PARTON SADE CLIFF RICHARD TINA ARENA
HELEN REDDY CYNDI LAUPER SUPREMES MAMA CASS PAT BENATAR
BOY GEORGE PETER ALLEN SPICE GIRLS BEYONCE` QUEEN STEVIE NICKS
GLORIA GAYNOR MELISSA ETHERIDGE LADY GAGA ROXETTE GRACE JONES
MARTHA WASH CHRISSIE AMPHLETT POINTER SISTERS BONEY M ERASURE BANANARAMA BEE GEES MARY J. BLIGE DARREN HAYES JOAN ARMATRADING
SCISSOR SISTERS MORRISEY EARTHA KITT RUFUS WAINWRIGHT KIM WILDE CHRISTINA AGUILERA RICKY MARTIN CHRISSIE HYNDE DIONNE WARWICK PATSY CLINE BARRY MANILOW PETULA CLARK PINK ARETHA FRANKLIN DORIS DAY SYLVESTER STEPS BRITNEY SPEARS JANIS IAN SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR ALCAZAR LULU WHAM! MARIAH CAREY BRONSKI BEAT THE B-52s JANET JACKSON HOLLY JOHNSON PATTI LABELLE DIVINE

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#32 I LOVE YOU

DONNA SUMMER

(1977)

Writers: Donna Summer; Giorgio Moroder & Pete Bellotte
 

By 1977, Donna Summer was enjoying immense popularity, particularly on dancefloors around the globe. Her music was dominating the dance charts and, by now, she was the undisputed Queen of Disco. Earlier that year, her worldwide hit "I Feel Love" changed music forever. Months later, Summer released a double album entitled 'Once Upon A Time'. This was an ambitious disc, which again found the singer exploring variations on the disco sound. The lead single from that LP was the exalted track "I Love You".
The love song was co-written by Summer with her 2 producers on the album: Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte. Together, they created the songs that made up the concept album, dealing with a Cinderella-like tale. "I Love You" appears towards the end of side 4, where the protagonist finds love. 
The single proved especially popular in Britain, where it peaked at #10. It also made the Dutch and Norwegian Top 10. While it only reached the lower rungs of the American Top 40, the cuts from the LP climbed to the top of the Disco Chart. 

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. 
Each weekday, a new song from the remaining Top 100 is added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1863 SHIP OF FOOLS World Party
"Ship Of Fools" is a prophetic song that is as timely today as it was in 1987. It deals with the imminent consequences of mankind's disregard for the environment. The single was written and produced by pivotal World Party member and lead singer Karl Wallinger.

#1864 TIME OF OUR LIVES Marcia Hines
Marcia Hines can create magic with a torch song. She can just as easily add an effervescence to a dance track, as evidenced on her 1999 Top 40 hit "Time Of Our Lives". The fun track was written by Gary DeVeaux and Charlie  Mole.

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 remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#33 I'LL BE OVER YOU

DANNY SAUCEDO

(2007)

Writers: David Westerlund & Mack

The opening track on Danny Saucedo's debut album is an entrancing dance track entitled "I'll Be Over You". The protagonist declares his everlasting love for the object of his affection. Co-writer David Westerlund played all the instruments on this modern cut, as well as handling its production and mixing. He wrote "I'll Be Over You" with fellow Swedish house producer Mack. The song was recorded in Stockholm, in the singer's homeland. 
Swedish audiences became aware of Saucedo through his appearance on "Swedish Idol" in 2006. The following year, he placed 2 singles at the top of the charts in Sweden: "Tokyo" and "Play It For the Girls". Both were included on his 1st album 'Heart Beats', which also made the top. 
Saucedo explained to me during an interview how he came to record "I'll Be Over You": "... [the writers] didn't want to do their stuff anymore; and that track ... was left over". "I heard it," he continued. "And just felt that I really need to record it". 
While most of Saucedo's early music would fit into the dance and schlager genres, he has astutely expanded his repertoire in recent years, exploring a more urban feel. This is an appropriate evolution, given that the singer is a fan of rhythm and blues. When I interviewed him around 2011, he cited Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and Brian McKnight among his influences and favourite artists.
In 2014, he emerged with new single "All You Need Is A Spark". It was a charity disc created especially for a Swedish TV show. As Saucedo described it to me this year: "the new sound is more organic and urban I would say". It sounds fresh and contemporary. He is currently working on a Latin album.

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. 
Each weekday, a new song from the remaining Top 100 is added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1861 CHARIOTS OF FIRE Vangelis
Greek composer Vangelis created a magical score for the Academy Award winning film 'Chariots Of Fire', which also netted him an Oscar for his efforts. This beautiful and gentle instrumental was a US #1 single in 1981. Vangelis also produced this piece.

#1862 PROTECTION Donna Summer
"Protection", a track off the self-titled 1982 Donna Summer album, came from an unlikely source; but once you hear it, it's obviously a song penned by Bruce Springsteen. The man himself performs the guitar solo and members of Toto were also among the session musicians.

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 remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#34 ANOTHER STAR

STEVIE WONDER

(1976)

Writer: Stevie Wonder

Of all the awe-inspiring albums released by Stevie Wonder, 'Songs in the Key of Life' remains a watershed. It showcases the breadth of the musician's indisputable talent. On the double album, Wonder demonstrates his mastery of an array of genres. "Another Star" is 1 of its standout tracks.
Produced, arranged and composed by Wonder, it is an upbeat jam where Motown's premier artist sings of his enduring love for a woman who is moving on. Wonder sang lead and contributed backing vocals on the track, joined by Josie James and George Benson. The latter also played guitar on the recording. 
"Another Star" is 1 of the lengthiest tracks on the LP, running for over 8 minutes. It was edited when issued as a single in 1977. Considering it was the 4th track lifted from the classic album, it fared rather well internationally. In the USA, it peaked at #32, 18 and 29 on the Pop, R&B and AC charts. On the British chart, the disc reached #29.

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. 
Each weekday, a new song from the remaining Top 100 is added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

CAFFE` LATTE`TOP 2000 TRACKS {EXPANDED EDITION}

#1859 SO EMOTIONAL Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston reached #1 in the USA with the dance hit "So Emotional" from her 1987 album 'Whitney'. The upbeat track was penned by the songwriting team Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly. Narada Michael Walden produced.

#1860 I HAVE DREAMED / WE KISS IN A SHADOW / SOMETHING WONDERFUL Barbra Streisand
Barbra Streisand's 1985 'The Broadway Album' featured a medley of 3 songs from the legendary Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II's musical "The King And I": "I Have Dreamed", "We Kiss in a Shadow" and "Something Wonderful"; woven together for Streisand's golden tonsils.

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 remaining Top 100, 2 new songs ranked in positions 1501-2000 will also be added each weekday.

CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS

THE TOP 100

#35 NO MORE TEARS (ENOUGH IS ENOUGH)

BARBRA STREISAND & DONNA SUMMER

(1979)

Writers: Paul Jabara & Bruce Roberts

In 1979, 2 titans of music came together on a duet entitled "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)". Donna Summer had been a fan of Barbra Streisand's since hearing singing "People" while in her teens. 
Paul Jabara had just written the Oscar winning hit song "Last Dance" for Summer and "The Main Event/ Fight" for Streisand. The latter proved to be a disco smash for the actress/ vocalist. For her follow-up, Streisand chose another dance track penned by Jabara (and co-writer Bruce Roberts). 
Summer recounted to me in an interview: "he wrote that song for the 2 of us because he thought our voices would blend well together and that we should sing together and that 1 career would help the other... He was absolutely right". While the 2 performers were recording in the studio, Summer fell off her stool. As she explained: Streisand "kept on singing... she's such a professional!". 
The track was produced by Garry Klein and Giorgio Moroder. Beginning with a slow and basic intro, the collaboration gradually builds to its disco climax. The lyrics find both women declaring that they are through with crying over their respective no-good partners.
Released as a single, the superstar duet rocketed to #1 in the USA, where it reigned for 2 weeks. It also peaked in the Top 10 in Britain, Canada, Australia, Sweden, Norway and New Zealand. It was a fitting final hit in a decade which saw both singers dominate the pop charts and both sing Academy Award- winning movie songs.
The single was edited down to just under 5 minutes. This was released on Summer's label, Casablanca. The full length version appeared on Streisand's 'Wet' album (through Columbia Records), running for over 8 minutes. The 12" extended disco single went for 11 minutes 40 seconds. The track was also included on Summer's 2-disc compilation 'On The Radio: Volumes I & II'.
In 1993, K.D. Lang and Erasure's Andy Bell covered the song for the 'Coneheads' movie soundtrack. The following year, Kym Mazelle and Jocelyn Brown returned the duet to the British chart. Amber and Zelma Davis also recorded a remake.
Summer re-recorded "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" in 1999 with Australian singer Tina Arena for her 'VH1 Presents: Live & More Encore!' album. She also performed it with Irish boyband Westlife, an interpretation that appeared on the album 'Discomania' in 2004. 

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. 
Each weekday, a new song from the remaining Top 100 is added, while another 2 are also included from positions 1501-2000. Check back here  for an update of the 2000.

The Caffe` Latte` Top 10 Tracks this week:

1 Cosby Sweater HILLTOP HOODS   2wks                                                                                 1 4

2 I Still Love You JENNIFER HUDSON                                                                                       2 4

3 All You Need Is A Spark DANNY SAUCEDO                                                                       3 2

4 Time Of Our Lives NE-YO featuring PITBULL                                                                    8 2

5 Therapy MARY J  BLIGE                                                                                                  7 2

6 You Can Have It All STONEBRIDGE with LUV GUNZ & KOKO LAROO                     NEW

7 Goodbye Friend DAVID GUETTA featuring THE SCRIPT                                                 4 3

8 It's Your World JENNIFER HUDSON featuring R.KELLY                                              5 5

9 Blame It On Me GEORGE EZRA                                                                       NEW

10 Unapologetic Bitch MADONNA                                                                           NEW

THE 1980s MOST ESSENTIAL update: #110-101.

THE ESSENTIAL 200 SONGS

OF THE

1980s

These are the songs that mattered most in terms of breaking new ground; changing the musical landscape and influencing the music that followed. These 200 songs helped shape the music of the present day and / or captured that timeless quality.

To be eligible for the list, a song had to have first appeared –on an album or single- between Jan. 1980 and Dec. 1989.

110 BETTE DAVIS EYES

KIM CARNES - 1981

 

The 1975 song was totally transformed with a spellbinding synthesizer performed by Bill Cuomo. The Song & Record of the Year Grammy Awards winner made #1 in 21 countries.  Its sound helped popularize the ‘New Romantic’ genre.

109 CULT OF PERSONALITY

LIVING COLOUR - 1988

 

Heavy rock / metal groups made up of all-black members were rare until Living Colour made it look commonplace. Vernon Reid leads the band on this scathing attack on world leaders throughout history.

108 THRILLER

MICHAEL JACKSON -1982

 

This song not only served as the title track of the best selling album of the 1980s, but its accompanying video became an event. The music clip is still hailed as the best ever made. This song had so much more: the choreography of the zombie dance moves, Vincent Price’s cameo, sound effects and an irresistible funky beat. Jackson holds it all together, creating 1 of the most defining memories of the decade.

107 PURPLE RAIN

PRINCE & THE REVOLUTION - 1984

 

Prince gave soul music a blast of guitars in a gospel-tinged/ rock track that still reveals new dimensions to this day. A mighty example of Prince drawing from music history to create something new.  

106 LIVING ON THE CEILING

BLANCMANGE - 1982

 

Blancmange infused synth pop with Indian / Middle Eastern sounds to create this standout dance track.

105 TWO TRIBES

FRANKIE GOES TO HOLLYWOOD - 1984

 

Amid fears of nuclear war between the West and the Soviet Union in the 1980s, this song came blaring out of our radios. The Trevor Horn-led production adds to the power of this timely track. Its video remains a landmark of the 80s.

104 ENOLA GAY

ORCHESTRAL MANOUVRES IN THE DARK – 1980

 

OMD attack Thatcher’s plan to allow American cruise missiles into Britain. “Enola Gay” reminded listeners of the horrors of nuclear with its own brand of synth pop.

103 FASHION

DAVID BOWIE – 198O

 

Bowie explored new musical directions again with “Fashion”. It had a modern take on funk and dance. Robert Fripp on guitar drives the song so adeptly that is still sounds exciting and influential today.

102 GENIUS OF LOVE

TOM TOM CLUB - 1981

 

This side project from members of Talking Heads created a bouncy groove in “Genius Of Love” which was ahead of its time. It has been sampled by subsequent acts, (most effectively by Mariah Carey).

101 WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO

WHAM! - 1984

 

George Michael delivered 1 of the best examples of 80s bubblegum pop. Doing so, he revealed his immense talent for songcraft. Here, he created a fun, upbeat song that remains a timeless retro party favourite. The track has it all: soaring horns, a catchy chant (“jitterbug”), cute backup vocals anda heavenly falsetto from its songwriter / producer.

Another 10 songs will be added next Saturday.