TIMELESS MELODIES

Let's Sing And Dance To 10 Of The Best Songs Of All Time


Published on April 18, 2024


Credit: C D-X

With countless voices, instruments, melodies, and hearts beating in harmony to the rhythm over the years, it's a real challenge to name only 10 of the best songs in history. Yet, some pieces have something that transcends time and trends, capable of taking even the most serious person to the dancefloor or moving the most stoic to tears.

We know we've had to omit some iconic hits here (there could be a part two, what do you say?), but here are, in no particular order, ten songs from the history of music that we've chosen for you. We promise each one has the power to awaken the neighborhood to the urge to sing along!

1

"Johnny B. Goode"- Chuck Berry

Credit: Dominik Scythe

Let's start with a classic of classics. It's hard to find an adult who hasn't heard this song at least once in their lifetime. Back in 1958, the legendary Chuck Berry released an anthem that would define a whole era: "Johnny B. Goode."

A true rock and roll masterpiece, you don't even need three seconds of that opening guitar riff to recognize it and start dancing.

The artist has revealed that this hit has some autobiographical hints, and a quick listen to the lyrics and the title confirms it: Did you know that the talented musician was born at 2520 Goode Avenue in St. Louis?

2

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"- The Rolling Stones

Credit: Vale Arellano

In 1965, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote a song that would become one of the world's most danced-to rock and roll hits. We're talking about "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by The Rolling Stones, an absolute gem for fans of this genre.

Richards' iconic guitar at the beginning of the song is one of the most recognizable hooks in music history, forever linked with the image of Jagger's dance moves on stage.

But that's not all; Keith Richards claimed to have recorded that unforgettable guitar riff while he was sleepwalking! When he woke up the next morning, little did he know that he had created a masterpiece destined to be remembered for generations!

3

"Like a Rolling Stone"- Bob Dylan

Credit: Brett Jordan

But 1965 was full of hits, and among them is one of the most famous songs of the legendary Bob Dylan.

Ever found yourself singing "Like a Rolling Stone" at the top of your lungs? If not, we highly recommend giving it a try. This sensational hit resonated deeply with millions, reaching the impressivenumber 2 spot on the US Billboard charts.

But this success came close to never materializing: Rumor has it that, believe it or not, the label hesitated to release the song due to its unusually lengthy duration of nearly 6 full minutes.

4

"Superstition"- Stevie Wonder

Credit: Duncan Kidd

Now, it's time to dance to a funkier beat. And when it comes to funk, one track stands out above the rest: "Superstition," Stevie Wonder's 1972 hit.

Shortly after it was first released, this hit had already reached number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. It is said that during the recording sessions, Wonder improvised most of the song, perfectly complementing the rhythm set by the talented musician Jeff Beck.

Although Wonder and Beck had initially agreed that Beck would release the track first as part of his album, Stevie eventually took the lead and released it first on his Talking Book album.

Just remember: after you listen, give a knock on some wood for good luck!

5

"Respect"- Aretha Franklin

Credit: Robinson Recalde

While the original song was penned and performed by Otis Redding in 1965, Aretha Franklin's 1967 version of "Respect" has inscribed itself into our collective memory. With an irresistible rhythm and the Queen of Soul's divine voice, this song was crowned by Rolling Stone magazine as the absolute number 1 among the 500 best songs!

Did you know that Franklin's version is not only enriched with her own musical style but also subtly changes the original lyrics? "Respect" also transcended its musical nature to become a powerful feminist anthem of its time, helping to question gender roles in our society.

6

"My Way"- Frank Sinatra

Credit: Dushawn Jovic

Standing as one of the most universally recognized and covered songs, transcending language barriers with its charm, "My Way" by Frank Sinatra was recorded over five decades ago, but it still resonates in our hearts.

As many already know, this hit takes its music from the French song "Comme d'habitude" (we highly recommend listening to it if you haven't already.) And it was the talented Paul Anka who wrote the lyrics specifically for our beloved "Ol' Blue Eyes".

Sinatra's charismatic style and incomparable voice propelled this song to international glory, surpassing the original in popularity and solidifying it as one of the artist's signature pieces.

7

"Bohemian Rhapsody"- Queen

Credit: Noah Näf

Universally acclaimed across generations and continents for its musical brilliance paired with its iconic music video, Queen's famous 1975 song, "Bohemian Rhapsody," could not be left out of this list.

The opening chorus of voices, questioning, "Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?" became an emblematic moment for the band. Furthermore, the song's remarkable span of 6 minutes allowed for a dynamic exploration and combinations of rhythms, styles, and harmonies, separating significantly from the conventional rock norms of its era.

Incredibly, no synthesizers were used during the recording process (which took three weeks of meticulous work), opting to craft all sounds using traditional voices and instruments!

8

"Suspicious Minds"- Elvis Presley

Credit: emrecan arık

Marking a pivotal moment for the King's career revival in the 1970s, "Suspicious Minds" by Elvis Presley and its iconic guitar solo is to this day a treasured gem for Elvis fans and the music world in general.

Originally written and first recorded by American songwriter Mark James, it wasn't until Elvis gave voice to this song that it soared to commercial success.

Rumor has it that Elvis was initially uncomfortable with Mark James' presence in the studio, so James decided not to attend the recording session, which took place between 4 and 7 am (yes, the working hours of the King). However, when the song was completed, James was blown away by Elvis' rendition, a fact that ultimately brought the two artists together.

9

"A Day in the Life"- The Beatles

Credit: Neil Martin

Regarded by music specialists as one of the Beatles' finest, if not their absolute best, "A Day in the Life" showcases a mountain of talent in both its musical composition and lyrical prowess.

Released as part of their iconic 1967 album,Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band****, this piece marked a pivotal moment in music productionand had a major impact on the society of its time.

According to Lennon himself, the controversial lyrics were inspired by a news article in the Daily Mail reporting the tragic death of Tara Browne, the young heir to the Guinness fortune.

10

"Redemption Song"- Bob Marley and the Wailers

Credit: Bill Fairs

Composed by the legendary Bob Marley and released with his band Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1980 (almost 45 years ago!), this gem transcends time and cultures.

We're talking about none other than "Redemption Song". But what makes it so special? Well, it is generally acclaimed for its deep and meaningful lyrics. Bob Marley wasn't just singing; he was preaching a message of self-liberation that still hits today. This hit is characterized by its acoustic nature; all we hear is a captivating guitar and Marley's moving voice.

But there is much more behind the music. Some historians say that when Bob Marley penned this song, he was dealing with the pain of the illness that would claim his life just a year later.


NATURE'S SURPRISES

10 Amazing Wildlife Facts That You Won't Believe!


Published on April 18, 2024


Credit: Nandhu Kumar

Although humans have been studying wildlife for centuries, its wonders continue to surprise us. Whether with the discovery of new species or with new details about the familiar ones, nature always catches our curiosity. Our planet is full of incredible creatures with abilities you never imagined. If you want to feel like an expert in your next science conversation, read on. Today, we'll tell you these 10 amazing wildlife facts that'll totally blow your mind!

1

Hummingbirds can fly backward

Credit: James Wainscoat

Have you ever seen a bird flying backward? Chances are you said no, and there's a reason for that: While some other birds can make small backward movements, hummingbirds are the only birds with the superpower of sustaining flight in that direction.

This ability is due to the structure of their wings. Equipped with a rotator cuff, hummingbirds enjoy the freedom to move in all directions. In addition, their wings can perform an 8-shaped movement that, combined with their flapping speed, allows them to hover in a fixed spot.

2

Salamanders can regenerate body parts

Credit: Pedro J Conesa

Can you imagine being able to regenerate parts of your body? (Actually, you can, but only the liver). If, unfortunately, you severely injure your toe, you won't be able to replace it with a new one naturally. Surprisingly, some animals can.

The salamander is one of them. This cute amphibian has the amazing ability to regenerate body tissue and limbs. In some extraordinary cases, certain species can even regrow organs. The X-men should consider recruiting these incredible creatures!

3

A cockroach can live without its head

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Pests in the house can be a headache. Some insects are a real challenge in terms of control, and among them, cockroaches stand out as one of the more problematic enemies.

These little critters have survived and evolved for more than 300 million years. What's more, they have a creepy talent straight out of a horror movie: they can live headless for weeks. Believe it or not, a cockroach can do that mainly because it doesn't breathe through its head but through tiny holes in its body.

Bonus fact: even after being detached, the head lives for a while, too!

4

Owls have tube-shaped eyes

Credit: Michael Chambers

Ever find yourself rolling your eyes when something's just too much? It's like a reflex, right? Unfortunately, poor owls can't make this move.

With their huge eyes, these birds don't have eyeballs like us. Instead, theirs are tube-shaped. This tubular design improves their vision to make them incredible hunters. But this also has a small drawback: They can't rotate their eyes in different directions.

However, these wise birds compensate for this disadvantage with the impressive ability to rotate their necks 270 degrees!

5

Baby elephants suck their trunks

Credit: Julie Wolpers

Is there anything more adorable than a baby sucking its thumb? Maybe there is: a baby elephant sucking its trunk!

These nice giants have many things in common with humans. Like us, they're also mammals, and their babies are born with a sucking reflex to feed on their mother's milk. Surprisingly, they suck their trunks for the same reasons human babies do, to feel relief and comfort.

Their trunks are like our hands since they function as their main tool for eating, drinking, socializing, and, as we just saw, being really cute.

6

Dogs have 3 "eyelids"

Credit: Jamie Street

Not everything here is about wild or exotic animals. Your pet also has some features to impress you.

While we humans have only two eyelids - cause, you know, we don't need more - dogs have three. In addition to the upper and lower eyelids, they have a third one that we can't see. It's located in the inner corner of your pup's eye, producing tears and adding extra protection against scratches and threats. It's called a nictitating membrane and is actually present in most animals.

We bet the next time you see a dog, you won't look at it with the same eyes.

7

Butterflies taste with their feet

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What is your favorite dish? Ah, just imagining it makes your mouth water, doesn't it? Well, butterflies can't say the same.

These colorful little insects taste with their feet. That's where their "taste buds" are located, which are like sugar sensors.

Just like butterflies, other insects do this, too. Remember that gesture flies make when they rub their feet? It may look like they're hatching an evil plan, but they're actually just testing their meal.

8

Mosquitoes are the world's deadliest insects

Credit: Cameron Webb

When you think of the most dangerous animals, terrifying beasts such as crocodiles, lions, or snakes might come to mind. However, in this case, the threat comes in a very small package.

Don't let its tiny size fool you! The mosquito may be small, but it is the most dangerous creature for humans.

Beyond being annoying, these insects can spread potentially lethal diseases with a simple bite. But don't worry, you just need a good insect repellent to face this little villain.

9

Crocodiles can't stick their tongues out

Credit: Sebastien Varin

It's not all about super abilities here. There are some distinctive features that, at first glance, may seem like disadvantages. Take the crocodile's tongue, for instance.

These scary animals, with their imposing size, have something special: they can't stick out their tongues. That's right, crocodiles have their tongues fixed in place, unlike other reptiles.

While it might appear to be a drawback, this peculiarity serves a purpose. It keeps the crocodile's tongue safe when it rapidly opens and closes its jaw during hunting.

10

Howler monkeys are the world's loudest land animals

Credit: Christina Victoria Craft

At times, your day is disrupted by irritating noises. Loud music when you're trying to sleep, a construction site soundtrack while you're working, or the repetitive barking of a neighbor's dog can be good examples.

But here's a noise-maker you might not be familiar with: the howler monkey, considered the world's loudest land animal. According to the Smithsonian's National Zoo, the howler monkey's vocalizations can be heard from 3 miles away!

While its appearance may be cute, the howler monkey's grunts are far from friendly.

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