Every Breath You Take, by Sting
«Every Breath You Take» is a song by Sting, frontman of the band The Police, which was released in 1983 on the album Synchronicity. The song was a huge hit and reached number one in the United States and the United Kingdom. However, the lyrics are not romantic, but rather about an obsessed and jealous man watching his ex-partner. Sting wrote the song after his divorce and called it «a nasty little song.» The black and white video was also very popular.
White Christmas, by Irving Berlin
«White Christmas» is a song by Irving Berlin that evokes a traditional Christmas. The song was written by Berlin for the 1942 musical film Holiday Inn. The composition won the Oscar for Best Original Song at the 15th annual awards. The most famous version is by Bing Crosby, who first sang it on his radio program on Christmas Day 1941. Crosby’s song is the world’s best-selling single, selling more than 50 million copies.
Happy Birthday, by The Hill Sisters
«Happy Birthday» is a song sung to celebrate a person’s birthday. The melody of the song comes from «Good Morning to All,» a song composed by the Hill sisters, Patty and Mildred, in 1893. Patty was a kindergarten director and Mildred was a pianist and composer. The song was first published in 1893 in Song Stories for the Kindergarten. The lyrics to «Happy Birthday» first appeared in 1912 and are attributed to the Hill sisters.
Yesterday, by John Lennon y Paul McCartney
How would you like to write a song that would make you a millionaire forever? That’s what happened to John Lennon and Paul McCartney with «Yesterday», one of the most successful songs in history. They recorded it in 1965 with The Beatles for the Help! album, but in the United States it was released as a single and reached number one. The song talks about the nostalgia for a lost love and has a simple and emotional melody. Many artists have covered it since then.
Shape of You, by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac y Johnny McDaid
«Shape of You» is a song by Ed Sheeran, Steve Mac and Johnny McDaid, which was released in 2017 as part of the album ÷. The song has dancehall and tropical house influences, and talks about a relationship based on physical attractiveness. The song was a worldwide hit and broke several streaming and sales records. Due to its resemblance to TLC’s «No Scrubs», the authors of this song received additional credits. The song won the Grammy for best pop solo performance.
Candle in the Wind, by Elton John y Bernie Taupin
«Candle in the Wind» is a song by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, who were inspired by the life and death of Marilyn Monroe. The song was released on the 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road and was a hit. In 1997, Elton John changed the lyrics to pay tribute to Princess Diana of Wales, who had died in an accident. This version became the world’s best-selling single and won the Grammy for best male pop vocal performance.
Despacito, by Luis Rodriguez, Ramon Ayala and Erika Ender
«Despacito» is a reggaeton and Latin pop song written by Luis Rodríguez, Ramón Ayala and Erika Ender, and performed by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. The song was released in 2017 and became a worldwide phenomenon, reaching number one in more than 40 countries. The song has sensual lyrics and a catchy melody, mixing Spanish and English. The song also had a version with Justin Bieber, which increased its popularity. The song won four Latin Grammys and was nominated for a Grammy.
Stand by Me, by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber y Mike Stoller
«Stand by Me» is a soul and R&B song, written by Ben E. King, Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, and performed by Ben E. King. The song was released in 1961 and was a hit. The song was inspired by a gospel hymn and talks about loyalty and support among friends. The song became famous again in 1986, when it was used in the movie of the same name, directed by Rob Reiner and based on a novel by Stephen King, starring among others River Phoenix.
Unchained Melody, by Alex North y Hy Zaret
«Unchained Melody» is a romantic song, composed by Alex North and Hy Zaret for the 1955 film Unchained. The song was sung by Todd Duncan on the soundtrack and later recorded by various artists, including Al Hibbler, Roy Hamilton and Les Baxter. The most famous version is by the Righteous Brothers in 1965, which was made popular again in 1990 by the movie Ghost. The song has been nominated for an Oscar and a Grammy and is one of the most covered songs of the 20th century.
Oh Pretty Woman, by Roy Orbison y Bill Dees
«Oh Pretty Woman» is a rock and roll and power pop song, written by Roy Orbison and Bill Dees, and performed by Roy Orbison and The Candy Men. The song was released in 1964 and was a worldwide hit, reaching number one in the United States and United Kingdom. The song was inspired by Orbison’s wife, Claudette, and speaks of admiration for a beautiful woman. The song won a posthumous Grammy in 1991 and was used in the 1990 film Pretty Woman.
Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, by Haven Gillespie y Fred J. Coots
«Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town» is a Christmas song written by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie in 1934. The song was first recorded by Harry Reser and his band and was made famous by Eddie Cantor’s version on his radio show. The song is about Santa Claus and how you have to be good to receive his gifts. The song has been performed by many artists, including Bing Crosby, the Andrews Sisters, the Jackson 5 and Bruce Springsteen.
I Will Always Love You, by Dolly Parton
«I Will Always Love You» is a song by Dolly Parton, which she wrote in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor and partner Porter Wagoner. The song was a hit in the country genre and she re-recorded it in 1982 for the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. However, the best known version is by Whitney Houston, who sang it for the movie The Bodyguard in 1992. The song became a romantic anthem and the best-selling single by a woman.
