41 of 1001 Songs: Billie Holiday's Gloomy Sunday

One of the most prominent female figures in music is Billie Holiday, and if you listen to a few of her songs you will understand why. One of her tunes has already appeared on this list from the 30's, and she once again makes a hit in the 40's.  Gloomy Sunday is a beautiful song, and it sets the mood perfectly for what the lyrics capture in the tune.

History: Interestingly this song was a Hungarian song performed in 1933 by Rezso Seress, but it didn't hit popularity till Billie Holiday's version. It was even adapted before her version by another set of English artists. She would perform the tune in 1941 around the time that World War Two was being entered by Americans. It's interesting to think of the things perpetuating around this version in particular.

I love the instrumentals of the tune as much as I love the vocals. The lead in of wind instrumentals give it's a nice jazz tone, and it builds the mystery that is reflected in Holiday's voicing. She has an unique voicing that I haven't heard anything like since.

The lyrical content is sung as if Holiday already has her own personal meaning behind the lyrics. She sings it as if she is singing her own gloomy Sunday tale. The music only gets better as you continue to listen, and not only do the vocals intensify, but so does the music.

The instrumentals aren't projected as well as the song, but I more so attribute that to recording of the time. It's restored beautifully, but still some qualities could probably only be captured by personally hearing it live at the time. The arrangement and composition of the song is beautifully done, and it weaves the idea of a dark fairy tale with the choice of instruments.

I love how by the end of this song every part of the song works together to build the emotions. I can see why the public might have been a bit frightened of this song at the time. In a time where we reflect on as light and positive even going into dark times, no one wanted to push forth the darker roots to be popular sentiments.

43 of 1001 Songs: Joseito Fernandez's Guantanamera

 I know many, if not all, will disagree with me, but Joseito Fernandez is a bit more my speed of what I enjoy. Cuban music is a whole lot of fun, and with the recent reunited relations with Cuba between American, and needing a warmer song in this cool climate this seemed the perfect song to warm it up!

History: The beginnings of this song are sort of patchy, but Fernandez gets the main rights, if not all the attention for composing the song. For Cuba this is a hugely patriotic song, and it's better known song from the country in other places. The song has been covered many times, with a popular version coming along in the 60's of the tune. The lyrics are rather intriguing for the song as well, and worth looking up to learn a bit about the tune.

I had a lot of fun listening to this tune, and it might be one of the longer older tunes I've heard. Most only run around three minutes, but this one went a bit over four. I love the composure of the song though. Even though I can't understand the language of the lyrics, I do hear a lot of the emotion from the singer performing the song enough to enjoy the tune, but what I really enjoy are the instrumentals.

I love the instrumentals on the album. You have a variety of brass and drumming instrumentals that bring out the flare of the song. I could have even just listened to these bits without the lyrics. The lyrics add a lot of emotion that wouldn't otherwise be there though.

While I'm sure this song was released sometime in the early 40's, I wasn't able to find any exact date this song came on the radar. It's odd considering they give a date for the covers. Perhaps it is because Joseito Fernandez claims this tune was made over time instead of all at once.

If you're up for a listen of something different and a classic, then I do recommend this one. I have always loved music like this, and it makes me want to explore Cuban music more as well. This song also has been restored very well, and this brings out all the different enjoyable elements that make this song unique. I love how even the song opens with some acoustic playing, and the sound of the drums. It makes the song stand out, and have a lot of personality.

I also can't help but wonder if I heard this song on Dexter? It sounded familiar the entire time I was listening.

39 of 1001 Songs: The Ink Spots' Java Jive

If you're a coffee lover you might want to add a new song to your morning playlist, especially one that loves on coffee as much as this tune does. The Ink Spots progress the tunes into the 40's, and it shows the era of the 40's is one to get excited to listen to as I move away from songs from the 30's.

History: The song shows a huge music transition from the 1930s to the 1940s. The lyrics are a lot different. They still have lots of rhythm, but way less emotional tension, and a lot more fun instead with the words of the song. It also moves along the genre of jazz after the birth of blues oriented artists in the 30's. The harmonies are an ode to mostly coffee, but you also have a love for tea in the song also that rings through. The song was recorded in 1940.


Songs like this are a subtle reminder of how times have shifted, and even shifted from the early 40's, till after World War 2. This song was a recorded single, and yet it has the ease of a jingle. The song is relaxing and it definitely got me wanting to drink a cup of tea while listening.

Another aspect I noticed about the tune was how crisp it was in comparison to the songs recorded in the 30's. This is just 1940, but you can already hear the difference. Also, I understand that many changes in the music industry and preservation had also been occurring by this time to contribute to that as well.

I wanted to keep in mind the cultural changes that were occurring when listening. I know the 30's were a harsh one, and from what I remember a brief time between America entering World War II and the Depression I believe was upbeat, and this song does reflect that.

I can't help but be compelled by the harmonies though. The guitar leads in the tune well with the other instrumentals to get the listener curious, but when the harmonies begin the real charm of the tune also begins. It's a simple song that reflects a simple enjoyment till this day that people have. I love how the song continues, and the harmonies become more of what carries the tune than the instrumentals.

For a song to start the 40's this is definitely a great start, and I'm excited to see more of what this era is going to offer. The Ink Spots are worth checking out if you're looking to explore of this era.

38 of 1001 Songs: Duffy's Mercy

I realized that Duffy might be Kristen Chenoweth in disguise, and I also realized I still like the song today just as much when I heard it in 2008. Sadly, the song and even the artist, Duffy, would get swept under the rug years later in the comparisons to Amy Winehouse, or at least that is what I assume. Personally, I think they were both individually talented.

History: Duffy's second single, Mercy, from the album Rockferry, would have positive notice, but a lot of questionable comparisons as well. This didn't kill the buzz for the song that seemed to be in every commercial it could be fitted into. The song though is catchy, and it's usage of the bass gives it more notice. Duffy also has a very that is recognizable despite comparable counterparts. It was released in 2008, and is just as recognizable song in 2015.

I haven't heard the other songs that Duffy draws close comparison to with this one, but Duffy styles her voicing to keep enough uniqueness to it to stand out. I also think this song became a very popular feminine song. Men can listen to it just as easy, but the voicing and the lyrics provide a feeling of power for women listening. I at least would turn it on for a listen for some power.

The different elements are what make this tune powerful. You have a strong lead singer, and then an arrangement of instrumentals that contribute to the front woman. The opening is arguably the best part though. Every time I hear this song coming on, I can't help but stopping to listen. I think what drove this song to be as prominent as it came to be was the catchy sound.

I don't know if this song will be legendary in a few years. It was a huge chart topper with talent that abounded in it. I don't know if it stands out against some other contemporaries that were also in the music industry at the same time. If I remember, I did listen to this song a good bit when it was released, but slowly just forgot it after a year or so.

37 of 1001 Songs: Solomon Linda and The Evening Birds' Mdube

Most of us, especially kids from the 90's, remember The Lion King, and what you might remember most about the movie were the songs featured. Especially the one with the chorus of the lion sleeping tonight. While there were some issues in using the song for the movie, and it is a cover of the original song from the 30's, it's how most of us in the current generation came to know the song.

History: While there isn't much on The Evening Birds working with Solomon Linda on this tune, there is a good bit on the revolutionary performer from South Africa, Solomon Linda. This song became a huge hit in South Africa. The group though is credited with doing a unique new thing with vocals, which you probably noticed, in how they key their voices to sound like a texture of male and female voices even though everyone is male.

Vocals: Well the vocals are much like you're imagining if you haven't heard the original, because it follows closely to how the updated version would go on to sound. There is something highly catchy, and even puts you in a trance while you're listening to this little tune though. I think it is the way the song interchanges between the varying sounds of the vocals though. As they intended to create, the way the song sounds like it is multiple sexes singing makes it more amazing it's all guys singing.

Instrumentals: I'm unsure whether any actual instrumentals were used because everything sounded like harmonizing as I was listening, which makes the tune pretty impressive. The movement and transition of the tune utilizes so well the varying degrees of what the singers are able to do that you can't even tell that they might or might not be using voices, or just instruments. Along with that Linda is the composer, and shows his skills at arranging this whole tune.

Where did I first hear this tune?: Well like most anyone my age, in their twenties that is, and perhaps most anyone alive unless you're 80 and over, you might have heard this tune first in the 90's, or at least the updated one. Listening to where it originally came from felt like an education and a nice look back onto where I found it in my childhood.

Well if you find yourself interested in wanting to check out more classic music that you might only find on singles or single vinyls then this is one to check out. I personally am enjoying the music from the 30's in how diverse and passionate it is. It seems like a time where music was roaring and progressing and just enjoying what it could do instead of conforming.

35 of 1001 Songs: Lead Belly's The Gallis Pole

The next song on the list is getting me back to the blues, and it's catchy and interesting. The instrumentals were where it was really at for me among the other sounds happening. Also, it's a song you definitely are going to have go back and read the lyrics over as it moves extremely quick. I imagine people had to be moving with the pace of this song.

History: This song existed before Lead Belly covered it. His version though switched it up a bit though with more emphasis on the lyrics, and an instrument that would liven the tune up a lot. It was also the song that launched the song to be more familiar to the public as it is today. The song would go on to be covered by many other artists though like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, charting the song's popularity didn't stop with artists.

33 of 1001 Songs: Judy Garland's Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is perhaps the most recognizable song of all time no matter what age you are. Judy Garland would sing the song in 1939. As I was listening it was easy to see why this song has had such long standing appeal. It has this very hopeful vibe to the tune that stays throughout. The singer seems to be a serious situation hoping for a positive change. It's a realist song with a positive edge.

History: This song would be an Academy Award winning tune performed by Judy Garland. Before albums, songs were released as singles, so songs made for movies seemed to have the potential to garner a lot more individual attention. This song was specifically written for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The song has spawned many covers, some that became quit popular for the artist who covered it.

32 of 1001 Songs: MGMT's Time to Pretend

This is another song I remember listening to a good bit when it was first released. I have to say of the ones I've went back and listened to again though this one catchy still and I liked it, but as far as meaning it got me disgruntled. It's a very early twenties song, and maybe maturing just makes it rub me the wrong way. I arrangement of the instrumental sounds though does give it this very movie tone though, and I can't deny it is quite catchy.

History: This song became quite a hit when the second version was released on their album, Oracular Spectacular. There was an earlier version on their EP. Basically the song is about as straight in meaning as you can get. This song made many best of lists, including Time's. It would also be the most successful song that MGMT has had to date.

29 of 1001 Songs: Robert Johnson's Hellhound on my Trail

So I used this single cover of Cross Road Blues because finding a cover to use for Hell Hound on My Trail was even more complicated. It seems the song has inspired many art prints and artistic endeavors of those who enjoy the tune. Johnson is a very bluesy artist, and while I'm sure plenty of women enjoy his music there is a masculine tone that is present in most songs that show cases the appeal.

History: This song further puts into the tale that Johnson sold his soul to the devil to achieve his musical talents. People continued to let this song fuel the tale even though plenty of artist before Johnson had discussed the topic of hellhounds. The song though has achieved a legacy as well. It's been inducted in blues' hall of fame, and has been credited as one of the most influential blues song there is. It's still one of Johnson's most popular singles to date.

28 of 1001 Songs: Santogold's L.E.S. Artistes

So at the time this song was recorded the artist now known as Santigold instead spelled it Santogold, so I just spelled it the way it was at the time of recording. This was an artist I had heard the name of, but wasn't familiar with, and I have to say it was a nice surprise. This artist sings what is known as pop, but also the modern take on new wave that honestly has struggled to be as popular a genre since it left with the 80's. To be hones though I don't know that new wave could ever truly exist anymore without the sounds I acquaint with the genre.

History: Santogold would cause a stir with her debut album that would release a couple of hits. Her second single would be L.E.S Artistes. The song did receive good critical attention, but it seems that Rolling Stones would really love it. It also was a bigger hit in the U.K. than it was even in America at the time of it's release. The song was released in 2008, but there are already bands covering the song.

27 of 1001 Songs: Robert Johnson's Cross Road Blues

Robert Johnson's song is very bluesy and very filled with attitude. I did like it, but I think of the older songs I've listened to so far it was my least favorite. It's very simple, but for those who like a more toned down blues style this is definitely an appealing song. Johnson's voicing is timed to fit the instruments as well, but his voice goes way beyond to make up the majority of the talent for the song.

History: There is a lot of interesting history behind Robert Johnson's song, that would also contribute to the myth that he sold his soul to the devil in the spot referenced in the song to gain his musical talents. If so that tragically just ruins the song! There are a few other possible meanings, with one being the difficulty of being black in some spots in the south, and others simply stating loneliness. The song is a very traditionally composed blues song though. The song is quite popular in pop culture with it being covered many times, and used in soundtracks.

25 of 1001 Songs: The Carters' Can the Circle be Unbroken? (Bye and Bye)

This is a beautiful song from The Carters. It made me think of O' Brother Where Art Thou? while I was listening. The music is in contrast to much of what I've been hearing from the 30's, which includes mostly blues and jazz, and now with The Carters introduction of country music. Even though there is a touch of folk in the song.

History: The song is derived from an older song titled, Will the Circle be Unbroken? The song is a bit dark in nature with it's themes, but I assume the Carters redid the song to fit with the death of their own family member. The song is very popular among folk artists, and a huge lists of artists have covered the song, and even redid the lyrics once again to make them more uplifting. Personally, I do like the vibe of this one though.

24 of 1001 Songs: Elbow's One Day Like This

 Elbow's One Day Like This is a very inspiring sounding song that is well composed to hit a spot with the listener regardless of whether the music feels like it is your style. The vocalist voicing is very somber, and the instrumentals never over whelm, and it brings in a unique type of alternative rock for the listener to enjoy. The positive vibe of the song though is welcome, but I kept trying to pin point quite what I was looking for to hit me the entire time of listening.

History: Elbow's song sounds like a lot like "Hey Jude" in some ways, and the band admits it was an inspiration for the tune. The song would be the second single from Elbow's fourth album, The Seldom Seen Kid. For the British band this would mark a hit on the U.K. charts with it placing in the top 40.

23 of 1001 Songs: Sol Hoopie's Hula Girl

Hula music has a distinct popular sound, and perhaps one of the most famous artists involved with that sound is Sol Ho'opi'i. His talents can be heard most notably on Hula Girl. A song where the instrumentals can almost outshine the vocals, but since the vocalist knows how to pace their voicing with the instruments it makes for a song that has a fun sound, and makes it one of the lighter toned songs I've heard.

History: Sol Ho'opi'i is one of the best steel guitarist there was. Though it is questioned, Ho'opi'i has been given the notoriety of inventing the electric steel guitar. If that's true, then I have to say that is pretty huge. He would also inspire many sounds from his own sounds. His mix of jazz and blues regarding Hawaiian standards would make him legendary. There are also many references to the man in popular culture even to this day.

22 of 1001 Song's: Coldplay's Viva La Vida

Yet again another song that I loved  few years ago, and one I wish I still listened to as often nowadays. The song is very uplifting, and with all the very stressed out feelings and busy days I have I feel this song would be a great one to wind down to if I listened to it more often. Chris Martin has a great voicing, and the instrumentals are nicely arranged to lead to a grand finale for the song.

History: The song was uniquely written by all four members of the band. You can tell as well with the way the song stands on a united front of sound. The song was the second single from the album, and the one that would garner a lot of attention. Not only would the song be a success in the U.K. but also worldwide. It would receive Grammy attention as well. After all is said and done the album is appropriately named after the track Viva La Vida.

21 of 1001 Songs: Lydia Mendoza's Mal Hombre

Probably most popularly featured on the Crazy Heart soundtrack, Lydia Mendoza's Mal Hombre's song has long been used, and the fact she is the first Hispanic singer female on the list it makes for a significant listen. Mal Hombre though was also a success when it hit in 1934, and she would long be a success with her music.

History: Lydia Mendoza played the guitar and she sung, and she would find success in 1934. Mendoza would also use a twelve string guitar for her performances giving her music an unique flare. Mendoza though would find that she would garner recognition for her Mexican heritage and spreading it through her music that was mostly recorded in Texas. Lydia would also have a long life before passing away in 2007.

20 of 1001 Songs: Florence and the Machine's Dog Days Are Over

I remember hearing this song during a movie preview in 2009, and from there I was very into this song, and I still enjoy it as much now as when I first heard it a while back when. It's got a timeless vibe even with the heavy pop sounds that makes it motivating and uplifting. It's a beautifully pieced together song from Florence and the Machine that combines vocals and instrumental elements that still work just as well for me now as they ever did.

History: The song was released at the end of 2008, and I can't believe it was that long ago. The single would become a success in several countries and as a second single it would continue her success with critics. The song was released in several versions, with one being an acoustic, and it was also used in several commercials for advertisements as you might have heard.

19 of 1001 Songs: Bing Crosby's Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?

So most likely if you were alive in the 30's jazz would have been the cool thing to listen to because there is a lot of it early on in this list! It makes sense though. Bing Crosby was an artist who would release his hit song "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" in the world of jazz. Considering the history of the 30's, The Great Depression, it makes sense why audiences were loving this song and making it a hit.

Summary: The song was first part of a 1932 musical, Americana, but when Bing Crosby did a recording with the The Brunswick Crosby recording company that is when the song would take off to be a huge hit. The song was made to be sung on broadway, but obviously found a popular audience outside of that genre as well, and probably fit better as well considering the elements of the song didn't adhere to traditional broadway format.

18 of 1001 Songs: Lily Allen's The Fear

Lily Allen would introduce her second album with the single release of "The Fear." I remember hearing this song at the time of it's release, and I liked it a lot, so the question would be would I like the song this time as much as I did when I use to listen to it?  In 2009 I remember sharing this song with a few people after listening to it, and I was a sophomore in college still, but while the song still sounds catchy times have changed me.

History: The reviews for this song would range all over the place. While some critics loved the beats and the lyrics, others would write it off as being generic. Fans though would receive the song well, and it would go on to be a chart topping single, particularly in England, and it would make another chart hit in the U.S. for her. The song is classified as electropop, and has very upfront lyrics about materialism and celebrity temptations.

17 of 1001 Songs: Bessie Smith's Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl

Bessie Smith has one of the strongest voices you'll hear in music, and she is a woman highly associated as the voice of blues. If there is a reason to listen to blues it can be defined by Bessie Smith. Need a Little Sugar In My Bowl is a highly sexy song straight the 30's, and even though it never directly refers to the act there I can only assume what a bowl and the roll to the hot dog is.

History: Bessie Smith had just made a hit with St. Louis Blues, but she was still an undiscovered herself. She wouldn't get her break till the 30's when she would burst into the swing era. But Smith would fit more into the blues sound, which was where she ended up landing. She was a hit with her music, and Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl is apart of hits from the time. Her influence has been noted by other blues artists like Billie Holiday.