Throwback Thursday: From Frank Sinatra to Eminem – 02/06/16

Today I've been doing some research into the history of music for the 2nd June. Here are 5 things I found interesting, or that I thought were important in contributing to the music we listen to today.

1962 – Ray Charles hits number one for the start of a 5 week run with “I Can't Stop Loving You”. There is absolutely no doubt about it, Ray Charles is an iconic performer. With songs like “I Got A Woman”(which you may know as the sample in Kanye and Jamie Foxx's legendary “Gold Digger”) and “Hit The Road Jack” still being played across the world today, Ray has definitely had his impact on the music industry and shaped soul music into what it is today. This song is a compelling work which I had not heard until today (don't judge me) and have since fallen in love with – definitely worth a listen: https://open.spotify.com/track/2FTCUHcXNicisIq19seZ2b

1966 – Frank Sinatra's “Strangers In The Night” smashes number one in the UK singles chart. Frank Sinatra to me, and to many I'm sure, will always be one the greatest the music industry has ever seen. If people can be classics, he is one. Although the name of this song only rang a bell for me originally, when I heard it it instantly reminded me of my Grandad singing away in his chair, with his iPod blasting out from its dock, a beautiful memory for me. It is a timeless classic along with the majority of Frank's work, and I believe his voice strikes a chord with everyone who hears it with his smooth tonality and beautiful heart-warming sound. I loved this song so much I added it to my NRMB Daily Playlist! I hope you’ll give it a listen: https://open.spotify.com/track/4yRPGDmtIWZjhIPcEvPxsF

And if you have time, just listen to the whole album – I am listening while I write this, it's incredible!!

1978 – Thin Lizzy release their iconic double album “Live and Dangerous”. Wow. The best way I can describe this album. With this album we hear some of Thin Lizzy's classics such as “Jailbreak”, “Dancing In The Moonlight” and top hit “The Boys Are Back In Town”. Although sadly I will never see Thin Lizzy live, this album makes you appreciate how good they must have been – I could literally hardly tell it was live! The only thing that gave it away was the odd scream from the crowd and Phil Lynott talking to his audience. This album is a pure masterpiece, with beautiful guitar solos, soulful vocals, and lively rhythms. Make sure you listen with headphones because I am and somehow the music is just bouncing off them - it's beautiful 😍 I definitely would say give it a listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/35hIIMcm8BTJ8Jr5K2Ky7T

1984 – Wham!'s classic “Wake Me Up Before You Go Go” hits number one in the UK singles chart. GITTERBUG. 18 years down the line from Frank and music has evolved, now we have this jive-type rhythm, disco hit of a song. It's safe to say nearly everyone knows this song. Personally it reminded me of my childhood, playing Wii Music with my sister – good times 😝. This song is another classic with it's catchy melodies and foot-tapping beats, but in my opinion not quite in the same league as our two previous songs! I doubt you haven't heard it but if you haven't, give it a go go: https://open.spotify.com/track/5XsMz0YfEaHZE0MTb1aujs

2002 – Eminem's album “The Eminem Show” hits number one in the UK and US album charts. I must say, I do like some of Eminem’s music but I wouldn't call myself a massive fan – so (again, don't judge me) I hadn't actually heard the majority of this album before. It is an iconic album for rap, there is no doubt about it. Eminem’s smooth flow on the beat is incredible, he has perfect control that allows for easy listening, contrasting incredibly well with his thought provoking lyrics – something very little people can achieve. When I got further into this album, I realised I recognised more than I thought, with classics like “Without Me” reminding me of weekends away with friends in Crich – again, good times! I'm probably in the minority here so you've most likely already heard this album, but if you're like me you haven't, then it's worth a listen: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ftvBBcu7jYIvXyt3JWB8S

So there they are, my five throw backs for this week, hopefully you'll have discovered something new or learnt something! 😊

~ Will Cruddace