I've always like Like Toy Soldiers. I never really liked Just Lose It.

Martika's original is great and Eminem's take on it is pretty on the nose, and an example of how he can stand at the top of that field when he goes for it. It's not in my top 5, but it's a goodie. The best rap songs are also great musically, even if it's borrowed, and have something more interesting to say that isn't just the cliched content: a) slagging off b) graphic sex c) objectifying d) graphic sex e) money-lust f) graphic sex g) boasting

I fell so far behind so just catching up on stuff! Bit of a mad week.

I appreciate Amarillo for giving Tony Christie a career boost - it was nice to see him doing well and it was a fun (if now tarnished) video, I liked seeing the Rainbow characters in it. It was a very long running No.1 for a charity hit so clearly got very popular with the helping hand from Peter Kay.

All About You is a lovely track, it's not one of theirs I actively play like Star Girl and Obviously but it's in my McFly top five, it's got some lovely production and was another good charity single. Characters in EastEnders have been singing this recently! I don't really rate the double a-side though, it's an ok cover.

Axel F would be quite a lot lower for me I must admit, but it had a time and a place. The ringtone/Jamster era was a moment in time really. I can't believe the frog racked up a few hits and wasn't a one hit wonder, surely the novelty wore off quickly for people!

Another of U2's No.1 singles that I don't care a great deal for, it's a well written song but quite subtle for them melodically.

Get Right is one I found kind of irritating but I don't mind hearing it now. I always like that J.Lo's No.1 singles were so well spread out - 2001, 2005, 2011, there aren't many female artists who have that kind of spread with their No.1 singles. The Jenaissance was a sight to behold.

Agreed with others' thoughts on Goodies. 1,2 Step is a better track and probably better remembered, but Goodies got lucky on a quiet week I suppose. In a sea of Elvis it was a refreshing sound at the top anyway.

I knew Don't Cha was written by Cee-Lo but hadn't noticed he was on backing vocals. Either way it was a real statement of a debut hit, you can't not have a hit with a chorus hook like that really and the production on it is great. It reminds me a bit of Bruno Mars having a hand in writing Get Sexy by Sugababes before he had any hits of his own. Fair to say, Don't Cha is far better.

Fair that Jailhouse Rock is in the top ten, it's one of my early favourites from Elvis too. It's crazy to me that this song was released just over a decade after the war ended and the likes of Vera Lynn dominating, rock and roll arrived very quickly and the public must have been all shook up. Even the early 50s were so, so different.

Push The Button was the first Sugababes single I ever bought, which may be surprising really five years in, but I was always more into Girls Aloud and Atomic Kitten. It's a really effortless pop song. I agree that it's a very smooth and slick production. A weird thing for me with this song is that I have always heard what sounds like a phone ringing on the beat buried in the production on the bridge, but never found anybody that can hear the same thing. It felt like they were just getting bigger and bigger still at this point, this was a big selling No.1 compared to some of their others!

Like Toy Soldiers is great, as Eminem usually is when he is serious. That's a wonderful sample choice as the original is a classic. I was a bit disappointed on a personal level that it beat Almost Here by Delta and Brian McFadden to No.1, as I thought that might have a shot at giving her a first chart topper, but in the end that got to No.3 behind yet another Elvis song, so at least Eminem saw that threat off anyway.

6. 2Pac feat. Elton John - Ghetto Gospel

#1 for 3 weeks W/E 2nd July-W/E 16th July

#13 in EOY

Like Toy Soldiers was a plea to end the hip hop feuds and gang wars that were leading to premature deaths, now here Eminem is again involved in a posthumous single which served as a companion piece by perhaps one of the most high profile hip hop deaths. Tupac Shakur was one of hip hop's most promising new talents, with raw, brutal lyrics about social injustice, politics and the marginalisation of African Americans. In his short career, he was extremely prolific, releasing both acclaimed introspective works like Me Against The World and more volatile gangsta rap in All Eyez On Me, as well as five film roles, but he lived alongside a life of crime and hostility, after surviving several shootings and serving prison time amongst East-West Coast feuding, he was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1996, at just 25 years old. Notorious B.I.G, another rapper he had a high profile feud with, was suspected to be involved and he was killed himself in a drive-by shooting six months later. Since his death, he has been heralded as one of the greatest artists of all time, yet his legacy is one of complexity - undeniably talented and introspective, but also a violent abuser that arguably had this coming due to the lifestyle he led. But whatever you think, he's certainly one that you can milk his discography for all it's worth, six studio albums have been release since his death, his estate managed by his mother Afeni Shakur, all largely juiced up and remixed by some big names in hip hop. One of those was Eminem in the 2004 album, Loyal to the Game, with which this single was the lead from.

Ghetto Gospel was originally recorded in 1992 for inclusion on a Christmas compilation with proceeds going to the Special Olympics, but was dropped and never released due his ongoing legal issues. Produced by Big D The Impossible from his first two albums and it builds on a sample of Tracy Chapman's Crossroads. Eminem's version takes the first two verses and added a sample of Elton John's 1971 album track Indian Sunset, as well as some more melancholic production of strings and piano over the raw beats and organ, his rapping is also slowed down considerably to fit the beat of the song which gives it quite a different sound. I confess I'd never heard the original (it's quite hard to track down and not on streaming), and it's an interesting listen. The song itself is certainly an outcry to end war on the streets, shouting out activists Malcolm X and Bobby Hutton in the process, but it's not quite as cut and dry as you'd think. The last line on the second verse is very telling, it was 'And this is not world peace / we tried to wait and there's war on the streets', in the new version it is 'Before we find world peace / we gotta find peace and end the war on the streets'. Not to mention, the various more raw lyrics in the third and fourth verses that are cut including 'the Devil ain't got nothing on the president', the message of hope survives through that of introspective resilience rather than getting those on the outside involved.

One thing you have to ask with posthumous singles is would the artist approve of it, and in this case, I think it's safe to say he wouldn't - the song really is quite defanged and stripped of it's original intention and turns it into a standard peace anthem to go hand in hand with Like Toy Soldiers earlier in the year. It's hard to say this is representative of Shakur's original message and what he stood for and more jazzed up for mainstream appeal. Yet despite all this, I can't deny I have always really loved this, and mainly that's the beautiful melancholy vibe the song gives, the strings, opening piano and absolutel masterstroke of a sample work brilliantly and makes you wonder how he didn't use it in the first place. Eminem really knew how to produce something to tug at the heartstrings and he does it really well here, and that makes up for the occasionally slightly stilted sounding rapping. I can ultimately overlook it's faults as though it's not the most authentic image of 2Pac - I would recommend Me Against the World if you want a fitting representation of his introspection and consciousness - it's message is one that is needed and if it brings more attention needed to stop another hip hop star murdered by violence, then you can't say it's not doing something good.

'Push The Button' is great and very nostalgic, it's coming up to 20 years since my dad recorded a home video of me singing along to it on my MP3 player that Christmas *.* I think I grasped that the video was a bit suggestive at the time but I was none the wiser with those lyrics and just sang along phonetically. I enjoy its playful nature, electro-pop production and strong hooks. That "I've been waiting patiently" lyric is quite funny to observe retrospectively though when "soon" would become so associated with MKS

'Just Lose It' was the nadir of Eminem's singles catalogue so the only way is up! I wouldn't really seek out 'Like Toy Soldiers' but appreciate the sample and message nevertheless.

I wasn't aware of the sanitisation of 'Ghetto Gospel's lyrics. That's a shame to hear. I remember instantly taking to it back in the day and still do enjoy it now, the biggest selling point to me was always the slick Elton sample but I appreciate the message (even if watered down) and Eminem's production.

“Like Toy Soldiers” is the one of the last three I’d have lower. I think the Martika track does most of the heavy lifting - still I’d rank it somewhere in the middle of his 11 #1s.

“Push The Button” is so catchy and slickly produced that I can forgive it being basic.

“Ghetto Gospel” works very well and is poignant - I guess it had to be watered down a little to be a mainstream smash.

it's a good record and I quite rate this version, though I have doubts I would have gone for the original as I didnt have a lot of time for 2-Pac and B.I.G. cliques feuding at the time, nor did I have a great deal of surprise that gun-toting violent gangs often ended badly for many involved then - and still does. That's what put me off Gangsta Rap initially. Malcolm X was many things in his fights in the 60's, but preaching peace and love wasn't necessarily top of his list, nor did he believe that much in Martin Luthor King's peaceful mass protests as a way to achieve equality, so I'm less convinced slotting a reference to him into a wanna-be Christmas charity record would have worked at a festive time of preaching peace and love. This version is a better result for everyone concerned, I think.

5. Oasis - The Importance of Being Idle

#1 for 1 week W/E 3rd September

#37 in EOY

So we come to the final Oasis number 1, and to date that still remains, I thought there may have been a possibility that Live Forever or Wonderwall c.ould've got back there after the tour, but it seems with ACR that may never happen. They may well record again in the future, but my sense is they're probably too lazy for it and will stick to banking off the nostalgia. Anyway, speaking of laziness!...The Importance of Being Idle was the second single released from Don't Believe The Truth and Noel took the reins from Liam for lead vocals, inspired by the Oscar Wilde play of a farcicial comedy about two men avoiding social obligations and taken to be a song about someone that's just lazy. It was inspired in sound by the Kinks and the La's, particularly that of Sunny Afternoon and Dead End Street and this inspiration also fed to the 1960s kitchen sink drama-style black and white music video feat uring actor Rhys Irfans miming the song, based on the play Billy Liar and similar in concept to that for Dead End Street. Liam's second child, Lennon (lol), also makes a cameo. It was the first time that Oasis had more than one number 1 in a calendar year and though they would manage one more album cycle in 2008, it was their first since their debut to not birth a number 1 single and ongoing tensions led to the band to break up the next year, the Gallaghers' resentment for each other remained and they pursued solo projects, making a reunion look as likely as pigs flying...until it actually happened in 2024 and they embarked on a nostalgia-filled, well-received tour and somehow they've put up with each other to this day x

Oasis releasing a song about them being lazy is apt for the last few years, but in this case, it's better than that. This is easily the best Oasis number 1 of the 2000s and was one I was quite sad to see was left off their setlist for the gigs (not that I got to go </3). I've always much preferred Noel's more diverse and interesting tones to Liam's dry growl, he can do a stadium anthem well but Noel gives a much better range. The guitar work feels fresher and doesn't just follow the standard structure they were used to, and the structure of the song allows for it to flourish quite well along to give you a surprise. I can't say I knew the work of the Kinks that well for many years, had I been more familiar, maybe I'd have been more cynical, but this was a favourite for me then and still remains that way now, a great song to go out with x

Big fan of 'Don't Cha' and 'Push The Button'. The latter is another highlight for Sugababes especially. 'Jailhouse Rock' is great fun too and like others a standout from Elvis despite not being much a fan.

Eminem's version of 'Like Toy Soldiers' is ok but give me the original anyday.

'Ghetto Gospel' is a strong track and 'The Importance of Being Idle' completes the best 3 Oasis songs of the 00's for me with 'Little By Little' and 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'!

Now we’re talking with Idle! A superb Oasis song and one of the very few I rate of the 2000s. Love it still and I also prefer Noel’s voice to Liams.

This would also be in my top 5 (and probably top 3) of the year.

22 minutes ago, Roba. said:

Big fan of 'Don't Cha' and 'Push The Button'. The latter is another highlight for Sugababes especially. 'Jailhouse Rock' is great fun too and like others a standout from Elvis despite not being much a fan.

Eminem's version of 'Like Toy Soldiers' is ok but give me the original anyday.

'Ghetto Gospel' is a strong track and 'The Importance of Being Idle' completes the best 3 Oasis songs of the 00's for me with 'Little By Little' and 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out'!

Ooh I agree on the other 2 best Oasis songs of the 00s.

Ghetto Gospel has grown on me over time, I don’t mind it now.

I hadn’t heard the Oasis song until today.

Ghetto Gospel was ok for me at the time. I wish Changes had been his No.1, one of my favourite songs of 1999. The Elton sample is well used though.

The Importance of Being Idle is fantastic, agreed that it’s one of their 00s holy trinity - I can’t believe that and Stop Crying Your Heart Out weren’t played on the recent tour, I couldn’t believe they had released a song so strong again at the time, it was a breath of fresh air. I could envisage another No.1 for them if they released new material but who knows - they really are a law unto themselves.

Can't argue with any of the top 10 or their placings really. I have a dislike for Don't Cha but can see its quality and success, which can't be said for many of the lower ones, would probably switch it for U2 in my top 10, and maybe have Amarillo as the highest placed oldie - just never overly cared for Elvis. It's been a long time since I've listened to Like Toy Soldiers or Ghetto Gospel so might have to add them to a shuffle list to play soon.

I'd say you have the top 4 correct, although I'd put three of them well above the other so will see if that's also the case here.

Edited 19 hours ago19 hr by RabbitFurCoat

I don't really like 'Toy Soldiers' (although it's still a big improvement on the abysmal previous single), 'Ghetto Gospel' is pleasant enough and 'Idle' is really good Oasis single!

Ooh Idle may well be my top record of the year for a number one and my fave Oasis chart-topper by some distance, the 1960's vibe was strong and it was very unusual for the time. Love it. Outrageous they didnt do it live - Noel also didnt do it in 2024 either for his High Flying birds gig I saw (and was great): he did these Oasis tunes...

Going Nowhere

Talk Tonight

Half the World Away

Little by Little

The Masterplan

Stand by Me

Live Forever

Whatever

Don't Look Back in Anger

4. Stereophonics - Dakota

#1 for 1 week W/E 12th March

#40 in EOY

Stereophonics had been around some time before they finally struck gold. Formed in Wales in 1992, their style has been described as 'classic UK rock delivered with whiskey vocals' and since their debut in 1997, they had already had ten top 10 hits and three number 1 albums, but it wasn't until the lead single of their fifth album (and first after sacking drummer Stuart Cable, now deceased), Language, Sex, Violence, Other?, that they managed their first number 1 single. The song was originally named Vermillion to reflect the city in which the band wrote the lyrics when they were on tour in the States, but was changed when songs of the same name were released in short spaces of time by Slipknot and Mercury Rev (not sure what was in the water there), it was named not after the state, but the hotel they were staying in in New York, confusingly. The song sounded a little different to their usual fare, making prominent use of a synthesiser, preceding what was starting to become more common, it reached number 1 in the UK download chart before it's a physical release a week later got it a week at number 1 before the Comic Relief takeover. It is also one of their songs to make waves in the US, charting on the Billboard Modern Rock charts and received airplay on alternative stations, although it was promoted as 'Dakota (You Made Me Feel Like One)', because God forbid it's a little too confusing otherwise. Stereophonics never reached these heights again and this is to date their last top 10 hit, only having seven more top 40 appearances after, one of which being this song returning after it was promoted as a discounted download, they are still active as of this year though banking off albums and tours. I know I've heard something from their most recent number 1 album but I couldn't tell you how it goes x

I'm not a huge fan of the Stereophonics, I don't hate them as much as some, but Kelly's voice is definitely too grating for me to get into a lot of their work, though I do have a soft spot for the likes of Maybe Tomorrow, Have a Nice Day (shh) and Handbags and Gladrags (shhhh). Dakota though is something else, probably the only song from them that most can agree is great. The synthesiser that starts the song instantly pulls you into a hazy and drifting memory as Kelly gently recalls the past with a lost love, before exploding into that chorus which hits you with all it's might and for once, his voices works excellently here in it's sharp exclamation of past glory. It's structured wonderfully with the protagonist's silent reminiscing suddenly framed by a declaration of how strongly he felt about it, and the atmospheric synths and guitars know when to slow down and accelerate in the trip too so you're pulled along for the ride. It all works fantastically, there are several acts you can name with multiple hits and long chart histories where their number 1 doesn't really reflect their best work, but in this case, this was by far the best they ever sounded and a number 1 reflects that brilliantly.

I didn’t really like Dakota at the time, but it was everywhere here and my brother ,Ike’s it too. So it eventually grew on me throughout 2005/06.

Absolutely love 'Like Toy Soldiers' and 'Ghetto Gospel' in particular, two huge pillars of my faves in 00s rap, I love conscious hip-hop and particularly Ghetto Gospel works really well with those touches to bring it to a more mainstream audience, I don't think I'd have heard of Shakur anywhere near as early on as I did had this not been on the airwaves spreading out his legacy, admittedly not as hard-hitting as the material he recorded while he was alive. The Eminem song, I think again he lifts the song well with his lyrics and it (and Mockingbird) is about the only thing that works on an otherwise disastrous album era for him.

'Idle' and 'Dakota' are excellent starts to the top 5, both are some of the best of cinematic arena rock that was coming out about this time, the former has Oasis just really going for it with a rhythmic beauty that isn't them yowling into the mic for once, 'Dakota' is a really amazing song, like you I've never really got into Stereophonics normally for their stature as a rock band and wouldn't have thought from their other songs they could make something like this but this foray into synth really works and that explosion into the chorus really is unparalleled.

nothing but love for everything in this top 7 tbh