One Hit Wonder Wednesday: A bizarre choice for a political campaign song…and more
We’re helping you get up and over “hump day” by taking a look back at the history of a few BIG songs, that were the only lasting example of success for the artists behind them.
It’s ONE HIT WONDER WEDNESDAY!!!
“Layla” from Derek and the Dominos (1970)
This track is widely considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It comes from a group that was lead by one of the greatest guitar players of all time in Eric Clapton. Derek and the Dominos only put out one album together.
The song was inspired by Eric’s unrequited love for model a photographer Pattie Boyd, who at the time was married to his close friend George Harrison…You might now him from a little group called The Beatles.
The name of the song actually comes from a 12th-century poem, which tells of a man driven to madness by a love that he cannot have.
In 1992, Eric released a slowed-down acoustic version which won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
”Somebody’s Watching Me” from Rockwell (1983)
This song was an international smash hit, peaking at #2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and at #2 here it Canada.
Rockewell’s real name is Kennedy William Gordy. He is the son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. He reportedly secured a record deal without his father’s knowledge to avoid accusations of nepotism
The hook features uncredited guest vocals from Michael Jackson!
”Obsession” from Animotion (1984)
This tune was a huge hit all over the world, reaching the 10 Ten on the charts in both Canada and the US.
It has been used a the theme song for a couple of iconic TV shows that bean airing in the 80’s.
WWE’s “Saturday Night’s Main Event”
Canada’s “Fashion Television”
For the 1993 federal election, the Liberal Party of Canada, led by Jean Chrétien, even used it as a campaign song…for some strange reason.
Despite the odd musical choice, the Liberals won a massive majority in that election.
”Tubthumping” from Chumbawamba (1997)
This banger went to the top of several music charts all over the world, including here in Canada as well as in the US.
The songs title is actually a term that refers to a loud, aggressive, or blustering style of political campaigning or public speaking, often used to rally support in a passionate, “in-your-face” manner.
Chumbawamba are known for their radical leftist views, and they have actually used the song’s massive success as a “Trojan horse” to fund activist causes and pull public stunts, such as pouring a bucket of water on the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott at the 1998 Brit Awards. More recently, the band has actively issued cease and desist orders to right-wing politicians, like as Donald Trump and New Zealand’s Winston Peters, for using the song at rallies.
Despite its reputation as a “drinking song”, the band really wrote it as a celebration of the working class and their ability to keep fighting despite hardship.
