February is full of wildly popular songs including “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran and “Take Me to Church” by Hozier. And 2015 is being led by a good mix of singer-songwriters from genres such as soul funk and acoustic pop. But, which songs led the charts in February 10 years ago? 20 years? 30? Check out these chart-toppers from previous decades and let the past take you back.
2005
“Let Me Love You” – Mario
First up comes “Let Me Love You,” by Mario. A soulful, R&B love song, “Let Me Love You” is still stuck in our heads. Most of us can still remember this tune off of Mario’s second album, “Turning Point,” or at least from TV shows like “Glee.”
“Candy Shop” – 50 Cent ft. Olivia
Also sharing the top title for February 2005 is “Candy Shop” peaking in the rap/hip-hop genre. As the second single of 50 Cent’s second album, “The Massacre,” “Candy Shop” ruled the Billboard charts for nine weeks at the number one spot. The song was also spoofed on Weird Al Yankovic’s “Polkarama!”
1995
“Creep” – TLC
In a decade when most current DU undergraduate students were being born, “Creep” by R&B/hip-hop girl group TLC held the number one spot on the Billboard charts. It was eventually nominated for two Grammys in 1996. TLC took home one of the prestigious awards (Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals) “Creep” is off the group’s second album, “CrazySexyCool.”
“Take a Bow” – Madonna
Considered a highly influential figure in popular music, Madonna released “Take a Bow” on her sixth album, “Bedtime Stories.” Characterized by slow vocals and dreamy instrumentals, the song ran number one on the Billboard Charts for seven weeks. It’s worth taking a peek at the music video for this song as well; it caused a huge stir amongst animal rights activist for reportedly promoting bullfighting.
1985
“Careless Whisper” – Wham! ft. George Michael
You may not think you know this song, but most people do without even realizing it. Armed with a smooth saxophone solo, “Careless Whisper” comes from the same group that brought us “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.” Sung by George Michael, this velvety tune is just the thing to bring you back to the oh-so-popular ‘80s pop.
“I Want to Know What Love Is” – Foreigner
What is more heart-wrenching or invigorating than an ‘80s power ballad? The answer is nothing, and Foreigner proves it with the chart-topping “I Want to Know What Love Is.” Kids of this decade will be singing along with this soft rock song to the top of their lungs. Covered by the likes of Mariah Carey, “I Want to Know What Love Is” is a tune that hasn’t been forgotten, even 30 years later.
Music has come a long way in the past three decades. From ‘80s power ballads to early 2000s hip hop, there is something for everyone. Who knows what the next decade will hold? Until then, reflect on the past, turn up these tunes and dance the night away.
