Browse the A-Z
See which of your favourites have made it onto our list of nominees.
MacArthur Park – Richard Harris (1968)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 4
A miniature symphony of a song, MacArthur Park was the first top 40 hit to run over seven minutes in length. With a long orchestral break and emotional lyrics involving a soggy cake and a forgotten recipe, the song divided listeners so much that some (misguided fools) even voted it the worst song ever. It has been recorded more than 50 times, including a disco version by Donna Summer, which made it to number one in the 70s.
Mambo No 5 – Lou Bega (1999)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
After a trip to Miami at the age of 18, German born David Lubega became fascinated by the mambo kings of the '30s and '40s. Splitting his surname in half, adopting white pin-stripe suits and a Borsalino hat, he remodelled himself as smooth-crooner Lou Bega. His mambo inspired single shot to number one and remained in the charts for 15 weeks!
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
After a trip to Miami at the age of 18, German born David Lubega became fascinated by the mambo kings of the '30s and '40s. Splitting his surname in half, adopting white pin-stripe suits and a Borsalino hat, he remodelled himself as smooth-crooner Lou Bega. His mambo inspired single shot to number one and remained in the charts for 15 weeks!
Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs – Brian and Michael (1978)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Manchester boys Mick Coleman and Brian Burke drew their inspiration for the song 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' from the people featured in the paintings of Salford artist L.S. Lowry. Both the song and the paintings are pieces of social commentary from the industrial city. The song featured the backing vocals of the St Winifred's School Choir and the music of the Tintwistle Brass Band, and was recorded in nearby Stockport.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 1
Manchester boys Mick Coleman and Brian Burke drew their inspiration for the song 'Matchstalk Men and Matchstalk Cats and Dogs' from the people featured in the paintings of Salford artist L.S. Lowry. Both the song and the paintings are pieces of social commentary from the industrial city. The song featured the backing vocals of the St Winifred's School Choir and the music of the Tintwistle Brass Band, and was recorded in nearby Stockport.
Mickey – Toni Basil (1982)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
The anthem of cheerleaders everywhere, Mickey was the sole hit for choreographer and actress Toni Basil back in 1982. Toni was the first artist to both perform and choreograph the video for a hit song. The track started life as an album track called 'Kitty' for 70s UK band Racey.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 2
The anthem of cheerleaders everywhere, Mickey was the sole hit for choreographer and actress Toni Basil back in 1982. Toni was the first artist to both perform and choreograph the video for a hit song. The track started life as an album track called 'Kitty' for 70s UK band Racey.
Money – Flying Lizards (1979)
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 4
Contesting the purist sentiments of "The best things in life are free," this catchy experimental track by concept group 'The Flying Lizards' features the monotone vocals of Deborah Upton demanding, "I want money!" (Perhaps an early premonition of the eighties yuppie culture that was to follow.) Recorded in an industrial fridge on a budget of five pounds, the single sold more copies in 1979 than any other release by Virgin Records that year and continues to feature heavily in film soundtracks and on compilation CDs.
HIGHEST CHART POSITION: 4
Contesting the purist sentiments of "The best things in life are free," this catchy experimental track by concept group 'The Flying Lizards' features the monotone vocals of Deborah Upton demanding, "I want money!" (Perhaps an early premonition of the eighties yuppie culture that was to follow.) Recorded in an industrial fridge on a budget of five pounds, the single sold more copies in 1979 than any other release by Virgin Records that year and continues to feature heavily in film soundtracks and on compilation CDs.
