Throwback Thursday || The Charts 15 Years Ago Today

Guys, it's time for a bit of a scary timehop. I decided to take a very fascinating look at some of the most popular songs that were gracing the charts here and in the States exactly on this day 15 years ago. That would make me six years old which is quite worrying because these songs bring with them quite vivid memories.

So this held the number one spot in the UK...



and No.1 in America for a spectacular ten weeks was ...



These artists were in the Top 10 in the UK....









and dominating the charts in the US we had...









and appearing in the Top 10 of both charts was the unstoppable...



So there you have it. That is what the charts and music looked like exactly 15 years ago.
Funnily enough many of the artists such as Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Toni Braxton, are still relevant today but much of the artists in this list haven't had much success since these hits.
Even more interestingly, all of these songs are still popular today and have stood the test of time proving that music really can be timeless.

Throwback Thursday || Valentine's Day Playlist

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it is essential to have the perfect playlist ready to go for a home-cooked dinner date or a lazy day in bed. Even if you are single and don't celebrate/acknowledge 14th February, you can always sit back and appreciate some good old classic love songs...

Dynamic Duets

Because confessing your love is always better when your partner reciprocates

For The Ladies
The best way to serenade the woman in your life

For The Men
Every man appreciates a good love song once in a while

For The Bedroom
When the date is over and Valentine's day is coming to an end...

Throwback Thursday || Missy Elliott

In honour of Missy's surprise appearance at the Superbowl on Sunday, I have picked some of my favourites from the Missy Elliott collection.

The Rain

She's A Bitch

All N My Grill

Get Ur Freak On

Gossip Folk

Lose Control

Throwback Thursday | Noughties Forgotten Female Anthems

Another Thursday and more throwbacks, this week is dedicated to some of the biggest female anthems of the noughties that you may have forgotten. So here is a little reminder of what the last decade had to offer...

Stacie Orrico - Stuck

Nivea - Don't Mess With My Man

Aly and Aj - Potential Break-Up Song

Brooke Valentine - Girlfight

Cherish - Killa

Cassie - Long Way To Go

Throwback Thursday : '92, The Year of R'n'B Girl Groups

The year of 1992 was so great for R'n'B girl groups that it puts 2014 to shame as all we have to offer are half-heartedly reunited Danity Kane. So let's revel in quality girl power anthems with five of the biggest hits from 22 years ago...

Jade - Don't Walk Away

SWV - Right Here

En Vogue - My Lovin'

Xscape - Just Kickin' It

TLC- Baby, Baby, Baby

Throwback Thursday : Now and Then

Now #TT is getting really real with a ten year flashback of some of today's biggest artists.

Jay-Z: From 99 Problems to Picasso Baby

 

Eminem: From Toy Soldiers to Rap God

P!nk : From God is a DJ to Try

Ciara: From Goodies to Body Party

Trey Songz : From Gotta Make It to Na Na

Chris Brown: From You (Excuse Me Miss) to Loyal

Ashanti: From Only You to I Got It

Jennifer Lopez : From Get Right to I Luh You Papi

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Throwback Thursday : The Best of Basement Jaxx

The original Rudimental and house party music innovators, Basement Jaxx, not only created classic party tunes but paired them with often strange and disturbing music videos.

You can see where Skrillex and DJ Snake got their ideas from in this list of Basement Jaxx's best musical moments...

Red Alert

My favourite Basement Jaxx song and their first big hit, Red Alert is instantly catchy and will no doubt be stuck in your head for a couple of days.

Where's Your Head At ?

This is possibly the strangest video you will see all week, unless you're a fan of cat videos or Vine...

Romeo

You know you used to be my Romeo (oo-weh-o), LET IT ALL GO...

Good Luck

If you're a fan of those man-bashing ex-boyfriend songs like Kelis' Caught Out There and Make Me Wanna Scream by Blu Cantrell, then this is the perfect song for you.

Oh My Gosh

Such an innovative video and song which makes up for the fact that it isn't exactly a party-starter.

Hush Boy

Another cute and catchy song with a video to match and Basement Jaxx's last real hit (well, in my opinion).

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Throwback Thursday : Favourite One Hit Wonders

One hit wonders don't happen so often these days because if you have a hit song then, thanks to social media and the internet, everyone will know what you're doing, what you're wearing and when the album drops for the next year at least.
But back in the day, the charts were saturated with aspiring young artists whose debut hit was followed by years of silence or failed attempts at follow-up success.
Some of my favourites are listed below...

Eamon - F**k It

The 2003 version of Drake went by the name of Eamon and took the No.1 spot in the UK with this break-up anthem.

Las Ketchup - The Ketchup Song

Even though I had, and still have, no idea what they are singing about, this was my jam back in 2002 (when I was 10 I might add). Memories of me and my younger brother copying the dance moves whenever this song came on the TV still makes me smile.

Kandi Burruss

Ok so Kandi is not technically a one hit wonder because she was part of a very successful girl group and has one a Grammy for her song-writing. However, this is the only solo song that did well and people still remember.

Brooke Valentine

Surprisingly, this song is less than 10 years old which means Brooke debuted around the same time as Rihanna and a year later than Ciara and solo Beyonce. She never reached their level of success even though she had the potential, last I heard she was rumoured to be appearing on Love and Hip Hop: LA later this year.

Nina Sky

These identical twins have actually had follow up releases and a few mixtapes and albums but nothing has charted anywhere as well as Move Ya Body did back in 2004.

MIMS

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Throwback Thursday : Before They Went Solo

It is not easy to forget where you came from but sometimes it's easy for us to forget that some solo artists actually started their career in groups/bands. Here is a look at some groups who produced the biggest artists of our time...

Destiny's Child - Beyonce

Of course everyone is well aware of Destiny's Child, one of the biggest girlbands of all time, and the queen that has dominated since the groups break up. Beyonce was always the main focus of the group and was destined for a massive solo career but Kelly and Michelle haven't done too bad out of it either.

N'Sync - Justin Timberlake

No one could have predicted that from the ashes of pop boyband, N'Sync, an R'n'B superstar would arise and become one of the biggest selling male soloist of the noughties. But Justin Timberlake has done just that. Again, he was always the lead vocalist and front-man of the group so if anyone was going to be a success story it would be him.

Black Eyed Peas - Fergie & Will.I.Am

The Black Eyed Peas have produced two superstar soloist who have had hit albums and singles since the band went on a break three years ago. Fergie, the only female voice in the band, had a brilliant debut album in 2006 and has since announced her permanent leave from the group. Will.I.Am, the founder and frontman, is a super producer who has worked with Miley Cyrs, Justin Beiber, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson, Rihanna and Usher to name a few. His own music hasn't done too bad either with four solo albums and two of them being top 10 hits.

Clipse - Pusha T

Pusha was part of the duo, Clipse, with his brother and backed by hit producer Pharrell Williams. Having been active for over 20 years, they have taken a hiatus where Pusha T has established himself as a successful solo rapper.

Three Six Mafia - Juicy J

The very recent success of Juicy J as a solo rapper, thanks to his collaborations with Katy Perry, Lil Wayne, 2Chainz and The Weeknd, was quite a surprise. He may not be the best lyricist but he does bring something to his features including his status as part of hip-hop group Three Six Mafia.

The Pussycat Dolls - Nicole Scherzinger

It was always apparent that the day would come when Nicole left behind the rest of The Pussycat Dolls, a.k.a the back-up dancers, to pursue her own dreams as a solo artist. Although her music has never had the same success as her group did, she had a great run on X Factor and is given the music scene another go (see my latest post on new music from Nicole Scherzinger).

Twitter: @PaigeLouiseP

Throwback Thursday: Epic Music Debuts

Every artist has to begin somewhere in their musical career and only the lucky few start as they mean to go on - successfully. In honour of Throwback Thursday, I have taken a look back at some of music's most important debut singles from the last twenty years. Only the epic made it onto this list...

1994

Who knew that Usher was only 15 when he debuted with Can You Get Wit It and that 20 years later he would still be a superstar.

1999

This song brings back a ton of memories almost making it hard to believe that it's fifteen years old...and J-Lo has not aged at all.

2000

It's amazing how far Pink has come musically as her debut single is a far cry from the rock star we know these days. No more pink hair, no more r'n'b, the only thing that hasn't gone is her endearing attitude.

2001

I have discovered a new favourite T.I song and it happens to be his debut which features Beenie Man. It's surprising how much his music has changed and matured over the past 15 years.

This classic saw Shakira make her English debut after being a successful Latin music star for ten years already.

2005

Fresh-faced and innocent, who would have thought this Bajan pop princess would grow up to be the feisty bad girl we all know and love today.

2007

Many forget that Drake's first single and video was this little gem Replacement Girl almost seven years ago. He has definitely come along by carving his own lane in rap and proving himself to be a mighty lyricist.

2010

In only four years J.Cole has managed to establish himself as a lyricist and rapper who can compete with the best of them and it all started here.

Throwback Thursday : R&B/Rap Collaborations

Some of music's best moments are the results of collaborations between female R&B singers and male rappers. It was a trend that peaked in the early noughties but, unfortunately, has since become a rarity which means I had to commemorate some of the best for this week's Throwback Thursday.

Enjoy!

Jennifer Lopez Feat. Ja Rule - I'm Real

J-Lo loves a good male rap collaboration - Lil Wayne, Pitbull, French Montana - and it usually provides us with some good music, but nothing will beat early noughties J-Lo...

Beyonce Feat. J.Cole - Party

One of those few and far between, 21st century, male/female collabs courtesy of Queen Bey. Usually we only hear her with Jay-Z but Party sees her experiment with Jay's protégé, J. Cole and with legends Kanye and Andre 3000 on the album version.

Busta Rhymes Feat. Mariah Carey - I Know What You Want

One of my all-time favourites is this beautiful slow jam by Busta. Not only is the production sexy and Busta's flow on top form, but coupled with Mariah's stunning vocals this is a timeless track...

P Diddy Feat. Christina Aguilera - Tell Me

Probably one of the lesser known collaborations from Diddy's back catalogue, nonetheless anything that features Christina's vocals is going to be good. The hook is catchy and its worth watching the video just to see Diddy's infamous moves...

Ludacris Feat. Mary J Blige - Runaway Love

Two musical legends in their own right have come together and created a heartfelt ballad with meaning and power. It didn't get the credit it deserved on the mainstream circuit but it doesn't take away from the greatness of the song.

Ciara Feat. 50 Cent - Can't Leave 'Em Alone

Most male/female collaborations are formed by couples and Ciara is no stranger to putting her man on a track like Bow Wow and, most recently, Future. But between those two she had a little fling with 50 Cent and explicitly shared it with the world in their video of this decent R&B song...

Nelly Feat. Kelly Rowland - Dilemma

This is a collaboration classic which set the standard for future attempts and remains one of the most popular till this day. Not only were they a great match because of their rhyming names, but Kelly's soft vocals together with Nelly's macho rasp was always going to equal perfection.  

Keri Hilson Feat. Kanye West, Neyo - Knock You Down

Keri's only good song, in my opinion, is this one and probably only because of Kanye's brilliant verse which I anticipate every time this song plays on radio.

Throwback Thursday : The Music of 1994

I recently posted a piece on some of the songs that would be turning 10 years old this year but what about those reaching adulthood.
The 90's was a great era for music (and I'm not just saying that as a 90's child) so it only feels right to celebrate the songs we were listening to 20 years ago.

Notorious B.I.G - Juicy

Salt'n'Pepa feat. En Vogue - Whatta Man

Two female powerhouses joined forces to create this legendary karaoke anthem which in 2014 happens very rarely. Female artists seem to be pitted against each other far more often than they share a stage.

Nas - The World Is Yours

Mariah Carey - Without You

Another legendary tune in the form of a 90's power ballad from R'n'B diva Mariah Carey. Not only does this prove that the best ballads are from twenty years ago but it also proves the Mariah, who is still relevant today, is a true music icon.

Aaliyah - Back And Forth

Another female whose music is still celebrated today, unfortunately, due to her untimely passing, her legacy lies in her catalogue of 90's and early 00's music.

Snoop Dogg - Gin and Juice

Twenty years later and Snoop has barely changed, apart from reaching his lion state. This hip-hop classic does feel very 90's in comparison to the trap music we are slowly becoming accustomed to.

Brandy - I Wanna Be Down

Throwback Thursday : March Number 1's Of The Last 8 Years

Ever wondered what was topping the charts both in the UK and in the States this time last year, or the year, or the year before that. Well wonder no more, here is a list of the songs which took the No.1 spot in March since 2006 until the present day.

2006

In the UK and the US, it was Neyo at the top of the charts with this R&B classic which held its place for two weeks in both charts.

2007

Funnily enough, it was two girlbands who no longer exist that were are at the No. 1 spot in England this time last year. Girls Aloud and Sugababes joined forces for Comic Relief with this questionable remake of a hip-hop classic.

Opting for a slightly different chart sound, the US had this delightful rap song at No.1 which, again, is now by a band who remain a distant memory. In fact, are Mims officially a one hit wonder ?

2008

Yes, it was six years ago that everyone was singing 'will you be my American boy' which does make me feel very old indeed. Unfortunately, Estelle seems to have gone awol which is a shame because we need more music like this in 2014.

While the UK were looking for American boys, there was a talented one across the pond taking the charts by storm and making love in clubs. Usher ruled the top spot for three weeks with Young Jeezy on this club banger.

2009

Another joint number one but this time it comes courtesy of Flo Rida. Not only did he manage to do the double and have a No.1 in the UK and US at the same damn time but he also managed to stay at the top spot in the states for six whole weeks. The song ain't even that good!

2010

Tinie debuted back in 2010 with this amazing track and managed to back a No.1 single which is still popular today.

Over in the states, they were also enjoying some powerful club music by a little known band called The Black Eyed Peas.

2011

Was I the only one who didn't know Nicole Scherzinger had ever had a solo No.1 in the UK ?! Well she has, and here it is.

Lady Gaga was in fact the only No.1 song in American during March as she held the top spot with Born This Way for six weeks.

2012

And still dominating the charts two years later, Katy Perry took the No.1 spot with one of her lesser known songs both in England and America.

2013

JT ruled the UK charts for three weeks with this beautiful ballad and proved that absence really does make the heart grow fonder after a five year break from the music scene.

The US let themselves down with this one. Somehow, the exceptionally annoying - and inaccurate - Harlem Shake took over the world and the charts last year.

2014

The man of the moment, Pharrell, is enjoying his third time at the number one spot with his single Happy in the UK while clutching to that top spot on his home turf, the US.