March 23Mar 23 11 hours ago, gooddelta said:There's my No.2 and No.1.Run is a great song by Snow Patrol, but Leona really turned it into a moment in time, an exceptional diva ballad with astonishing vocals and great production. The X Factor performance was so good. That's how you do a power ballad cover.Girls Aloud's post The Sound Of career turnaround in 2006 should be studied. It so easily could have gone south for them firstly after Life Got Cold, and secondly after the underperformance of the two ballad singles in a row from Chemistry, but The Sound Of... and Something Kinda Ooooh turned it around for them and they capitalised on the momentum so well with Call The Shots and Can't Speak French, which FINALLY made them commercial radio darlings after so many years of commercial radio barely touching them. They really needed a killer single to keep this momentum up, not to mention the extra boost from Cheryl's successful judging stint on X Factor, and The Promise was THAT song.One of my top 100 songs of all-time easily, and my favourite single they ever released. The iconic solos (Sarah, the star of the song ❤️, in particular), their glamorous A-list star look, the soulful production that really fit the Adele/Duffy/Cilmi vibe of the year without being a carbon copy, the key change, the Blankety Blank theme-esque chorus melody. Music to my ears and by a mile my favourite No.1 of the year. I believe with this single (backed by Sound of the Underground, Love Machine, Biology and Call The Shots before it) they fully cemented their legendary status in pop forever more. What an amazing time it was to be a Girls Aloud fan.Now you mention it re 'Blankity Blank' I can totally hear it. It does help that Blankity Blank was only on the tv just over an hour ago.
March 23Mar 23 Author 1 The Ting Tings That's Not My Name#2s held off #1: NoneSo there you have it. The Ting Tings are my number one. Let's tell you the story of why I love this song. I finished Uni in 2007 and didn't really want to move back home. A friend asked if I wanted to live in Manchester with him and I said I'd think about it. Fast forward two weeks later and I was pulling my hair out being back at home, parents right?! I needed my independence. Me and my friend got a flat, which was only twenty or so minutes walk from Canal Street. I was looking for my first post PGCE job, but in the meantime we took advantage of all the nights out available on our doorstep. As 2008 began, I got my first and last teaching job. I was too young and immature to be able to make a go of it. Didn't stop me bawling my eyes out when I realised I'd failed. A month later this song came out. I was obsessed with it. It didn't even cross my mind that The Ting Tings were from Salford (a city literally joined at the hip to Manchester), but thinking about it, I probably heard the song more than I would have in other parts of the UK. I used to go to a club called Alter Ego, especially on Tuesday/Saturday nights when they'd make one room a pop room (my teenage self rejoiced) and an indie room. I'd flit between the two over the night, deciding which song I'd like to dance to. Turns out I was drawn more towards the latter, as I love love loved losing myself in an indie song. The DJ in the indie room was also more receptable to requests. I used to request two songs; 'Misery Business' by Paramore and 'That's Not My Name'. Pretty much every time I went I'd run round and request the song, and then run around the venue until I heard my request play. When my request played, it was 3-4 minutes of pure joy and voice straining, errr, screaming. It also helped that I was from Milton Keynes, a place where the accent is perfectly suited to singing songs where the 'T's' are regularly dropped. It just rolled off the tongue. Around the time the song was released, I met someone off a dating app. We'd messaged and spoke on the phone a few times before arranging our first date. The first date went extremely well and we ended up at Alter Ego. When he left the next morning he sent me a message saying 'I'm glad we met'. As it turns out, I was not glad on how the next couple of years turned out with that. It was messy, on/off constantly (most of the time through his choice). In fact, any heartbreak song released at the time will probably hold some kind of memory for me that relates to that relationship. I recently messaged him to wish him a happy 40th (his bday is a few weeks before mine). He then told me that whenever he hears this song, he thinks of me. Make of that what you will. I'm choosing to embrace it, rather than denouncing any likeness for the song! Looking back, the song was very different from a lot of the other stuff I was listening to at the time. I was very pop-centric but moving to what I'd like to call a more well rounded music taste. It helps that I was living in a place quite well known for its musical output. The duo Katie & Jules stated that 'That's Not My Name' was written to vent their frustrations at the record industry. They'd been part of a group called 'Eskimo', who had been signed and then dropped. When no-one would then answer the phone to them, they wrote this song. Hence the multiple names reeled out before the inevitable 'That's Not My Name'. The video is beautifully simple. Katie & Jules perform in front of block colour backgrounds. It's very minimalistic in style but effective. The bands name makes multiple subliminal appearances via the drum that Jules bangs on throughout. The Ting Tings would follow this song with an equally catchy 'Shut Up & Let Me Go'. The parent album, 'We Started Nothing' would also hit the top spot. Both the single and album would only get the solitary week at the summit. Future releases saw a drastic dip in their charting prowess, although in total they ended up with 5 top 40 hits and 2 top 40 albums. I've always hoped that one day they'd return with a big hit, but alas that looks unlikely to ever happen. So we're over to @jimwatts for the 2009 countdown. Sorry for finishing this ranking so soon, but I am now off on my hols!
March 23Mar 23 Author Confirming my final list: 1) The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name2) Girls Aloud - The Promise3) Leona Lewis - Run4) Pink - So What5) Estelle ft Kanye West - American Boy6) Beyonce - If I Were A Boy7) Take That - Greatest Day8) Duffy - Mercy9) Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl10) Coldplay - Viva La Vida11) Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire12) Ne-Yo - Closer13) Rihanna - Take A Bow14) Basshunter - Now You're Gone15) Madonna ft Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes16) Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv Me17) Mint Royale - Singin' In The Rain18) Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah 19) X Factor Finalists - Hero20) Leon Jackson - When You Believe21) Kid Rock - All Summer Long
March 23Mar 23 Massive thank you for this countdown @Herbs. 2008 is quite possibly my second favourite year of music, so I’ve absolutely love every minute of following this. 2008 was my last year of post high school studies, so so many of the songs hold so many wonderful memories.
March 23Mar 23 @jimwatts, 2009 was also a strong year for me which holds some great memories, so I’m really looking forward to seeing your rank once you start it up.
March 23Mar 23 My top 10 for 2008:1) Duffy - Mercy2) Leona Lewis - Run3) Girls Aloud - The Promise4) Beyonce - If I Were A Boy5) The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name6) Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah7) Coldplay - Viva La Vida8) Ne-Yo - Closer9) Rihanna - Take A Bow10) X Factor Finalists - HeroSo many other songs that didn't go #1 in 2008 in the UK but did reach #1 in Australia in 2008 like:Apologize, Bleeding Love, Don't Stop The Music, Low, Sweet About Me, No Air, Just Dance and Poker Face.Then you have the non #1's like:Warwick Avenue, Better In Time, Up, Chasing Pavements, The Boy Does Nothing, Womanizer, Hot N Cold, Untouched, Disturbia, Perfect, Love Song, Work (Freemasons Remix), Sober, Cry For You, Won't Go Home Without You, I Never Liked You & One Step At A Time, just to name a few. Ok more than a few. Edited March 23Mar 23 by Paddington James
March 23Mar 23 “That’s Not My Name” would be right up near the top for me too - wonderful and quirky. I am a fan of “The Promise” as well and was glad Girls Aloud had such a resounding return to form at the time.Will do a full ranking but thanks so much Herbs for this!
March 23Mar 23 'That's Not My Name' does my head in, in all honesty. I do like some of their other stuff though, and it was still cool to see them get a #1 at the time!
March 23Mar 23 The Promise is a great pop song, and yes the Blankety Blank bit was noticeable 😄I had no idea that Girls Aloud as a thing were about to end - I'd found myself getting more and more impressed with them as they went on so it really was a case of going out on a high - though I prefer some other singles to The Promise, but it is so catchy! That's Not My Name I went mad on instantly and rushed put to buy it, what a chant and a half. I tried to persuade my then-16-year-old nephew that it was a cool track but I don't remember him being that bovvered. I really must play it to him again and remind him now his 7-year-old is into current pop music and see if I can persuade her instead 😄Enjoyable run-down Herbs!(PS Four Minutes loud intro came up in a music quiz last thursday and reminded me why I love it so much, mega! My top 3: 1. Coldplay 2. Madge/Justin 3. Ting Tings or Duffy
March 23Mar 23 A very fitting No.1 then Herbs with that story behind it. Often the songs that mean the most to us are those that we link to our own history in some way, be it for better or worse.I do like the track, just checked back and it got to No.12 in my personal chart, but the follow up Shut Up And Let Me Go went top ten for me, and I do prefer that still. I did buy their album at the time, and was also impressed with their comeback album last year, which was more Fleetwood Mac vibes.That's Not My Name is a very quirky song and stood out at the time, (and it clearly influenced APT. by Rosé and Bruno Mars, even if subconsciously). Thanks so much for another enjoyable rank, I loved it particularly because the order was unpredictable, you never knew what was coming next.Here's my rank of the year:Girls Aloud - The PromiseLeona Lewis - Run--Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv MeNe-Yo - CloserDuffy - MercyEstelle ft Kanye West - American Boy--Basshunter - Now You're GonePink - So WhatKaty Perry - I Kissed A GirlThe Ting Tings - That's Not My NameMadonna ft Justin Timberlake - 4 MinutesColdplay - Viva La VidaRihanna - Take A BowKings of Leon - Sex On FireMint Royale - Singin' In The Rain--Beyoncé - If I Were A BoyAlexandra Burke - Hallelujah--Take That - Greatest DayKid Rock - All Summer LongX Factor Finalists - HeroLeon Jackson - When You BelieveVery much split into five sections here. Top section are all-time favourites, next section are songs I still really love, third section is mostly songs I liked more at the time but do still enjoy to some extent if I hear them (however wouldn't rush to put on), then Beyoncé and Alexandra I can take or leave, and urgh to the bottom four.
March 23Mar 23 Herbs... your #1 was my teased track so excellent choice I'm a huge Girls Aloud fan, so it wouldn't have been too much of a stretch to assume I was hinting at 'The Promise', but it's not quite top tier GA for me. Still good though and a game changer for their career, as such a smash and BRITs winner.... it's about tiiiiiiiiiime *.* fond memories of some of my teachers dressing up in gold outfits and performing that song for us But yes, it was 'That's Not My Name' that I'm a big fan of. I've always found its quirky DIY percussive, electro-pop energy really infectious and can literally relate to the line "they call me Jane" after a teacher did just that xoBtw I used to work at the Milton Keynes HMV when I was 17 so the mention of that was nostalgic to read!I think my own top 10 would look something like this:01 Coldplay - Viva La Vida02 The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name03 Estelle - American Boy (feat. Kanye West)04 Kings of Leon - Sex on Fire05 Mint Royale - Singin' In The Rain06 Girls Aloud - The Promise07 Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv Me08 Duffy - Mercy09 Ne-Yo - Closer10 Madonna - 4 Minutes (feat. Justin Timberlake)Thank you for putting this countdown together! I never quite knew what would be coming next and enjoyed reading your commentaries.
March 23Mar 23 Great choice of #1, a unique chart topper that captured the moment but remains memorable. As you may imagine, my own top 10 and the order would be a little different, but I only know for sure that 'Sex On Fire' and 'Viva La Vida' would be my top 2, and both reside in overplayedville (they've even been in the Top 100 in the past 6 months too), so it's been far more interesting to read your reasoning for each placing and commentaries on what these songs mean to you - thank you Herbs!3 hours ago, Herbs said:So we're over to @jimwatts for the 2009 countdown. Sorry for finishing this ranking so soon, but I am now off on my hols!No problem, for a long time I was worried you'd finish this in Feb and I'd be killing the momentum by having to leave such a big gap! As it is, I should be able to start my countdown sometime next week - could be just before Easter, but hopefully not too two-thousand-and-late for those keen to see these rates through to the decade's end!
March 23Mar 23 Author Thanks for all the lovely comments - yeah I do like to share why songs resonate with me!Jade, I have questions! When did you work there, did you work in the old two floor store or the smaller one when it moved?! Did you ever get sick of hearing certain songs in stores?
March 23Mar 23 4 minutes ago, Herbs said:Thanks for all the lovely comments - yeah I do like to share why songs resonate with me!Jade, I have questions! When did you work there, did you work in the old two floor store or the smaller one when it moved?! Did you ever get sick of hearing certain songs in stores?I worked there from November 2014 to January 2015 as a Christmas temp! It would've been fun to stay on for longer but sadly it was around the time HMV was going into administration, so they only extended my time there for a couple of weeks. I did need to study for my A Levels though so was probably a good time to pause employment anyway.So yeah this was the era when it was a two floor store and I was situated on the top floor with all the music, so was of course delighted with that! The vinyl display was tiny at the time so it's incredible to witness how much the revival has grown since then.Naturally, I think this was the first year I started becoming fed up of Christmas music
March 23Mar 23 Unfortunately 'That's Not My Name' got on my nerves to fully enjoy. I do like the music element though and I guess the chorus does get looped in your head regardless. I did and still do enjoy 'Shut Up and Let Me Go' though.My ranking, some of them would be higher or lower if I ranked this in 2009 mind.1. Coldplay - Viva La Vida2. Duffy - Mercy3. Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy4. Pink - So What5. Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl6. Mint Royale - Singin In The Rain7. Madonna Ft Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes8. Girls Aloud - The Promise9. Dizzee Rascal Ft Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv Me10. Ne-Yo - Closer11. Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire12. Kid Rock - All Summer Long13. Basshunter - Now You're Gone14. Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah15. Ting Tings - That's Not My Name16. Leona Lewis - Run17. Estelle Ft Kanye West - American Boy18. X Factor Finalists - Hero19. Take That - Greatest Day20. Leon Jackson - When You Believe21. Rihanna - Take a BowEdit : thanks for running Herbs. It's been an interesting one to follow and it's delivered in being a fun one!
March 24Mar 24 I've always admired the 2008 #1s because of the diversity of genres represented, really there was a little bit of everything throughout the year. A couple of duds here and there, but overall the quality was above average for me. Great job on the countdown and congrats on getting it finished!
March 24Mar 24 Had now a proper re-listen on the 20 new #1's of 2008. That Rihanna song is really bad, isn't it. Indeed, it is a great variety of styles and the top 15 are all songs I like.01 The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name (This is the biggest indie anthem of 2008)02 Duffy - Mercy (Such a great song - prefer this over Warwick Avenue, eventhough both are great)03 P!nk - So What (P!nk can't go wrong - this one rocks)04 Kings Of Leon - Sex On Fire (great indie anthem)05 Bassshunter - Now You're Gone (a guilty pleasure, megacatchy cheese)06 Coldplay - Viva La Vida (one of my favourite Coldplay songs, pop-rock at its best)07 Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl (I would love to have remake of this with as more catchy production, Katy's voice is awesome)08 Estelle - American Boy (very good R&B song)09 Dizzee Rascal - Dance Wiv Me (Cool production, cool vocals, like it)10 Girls Aloud - The Promise (a catchy pop song)11 Mint Royale - Singin' In The Rain (knew this one before it became a hit, solid track)12 Beyonce - If I Were A Boy (upper average Beyonce song, but far away from her best)13 Ne-Yo - Closer (good production here, but Ne-Yo never really catched me)14 Take That - Greatest Day (OKish but nothing special)15 Madonna & Justin - 4 Minutes (one of the weaker songs of both)16 Rihanna - Take A Bow (the most forgettable Rihanna song)17 Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah (Alexandra's voice is good here, but can't listen to that song anymore in general)18 Leona Lewis - Run (so weak compared to the original - her voice sounds so thin here)19 X Factor Finalists - Hero20 Kid Rock - All Summer Long
March 24Mar 24 Run! Such a stunning cover and that X Factor performance is my favourite star guest performance ever from the show. What a voice!! The Promise is top-tier Girls Aloud and has so many iconic moments attached to it ("HERE I AM, walking primrose" for starters) - it was amazing to see the girls reach that kind of level of BIG after 6 years of not being taken seriously. Obviously Cheryl's XF gig played a big part in that but the Tangled Up era/Call the Shots really took them up a notch in terms of critic support and radio. Love that Ting Tings song too but probably would've ranked it lowest of the 3. Thanks for a fab countdown Herbs! Loved hearing your anecdotes on top. Super hyped for the 2009 thread as I have many music/chart memories associated and there were a few notorious chart battles (thinking of 3 off the top of my head! )
Friday at 11:574 days Just having a flick through and it seems I must be in the minority that really likes All summer long and goes back to it regularly 🤣I was also slightly sad that pink blocked Geraldine mcqueen she could of let her have 1 week it would of been a moment considering I'll have a quick go at ranking20 mint royal- singing in the rain19 x factor finalists- hero 18 Ne-yo - closer 17 Dizzee rascal Dance wives me16 Madonna & Justin 4 minutes15 Katy Perry I kissed a girl14 Take that - the greatest day13 estelle american boy12 Rihanna take a bow 11 Beyonce - if i were a boy 10 kings of Leon sex on fire 9Coldplay viva la vida 8 Duffy mercy 7 pink so what6 alexandra Burke hallelujah 5 basshunter now your gone 4 leona Lewis run3 girls aloud the promise 2 kid rock all summer long1 the ting tings thats not my name Tbf the only one I didn't really like was Mint Royal the rest could literally change at any time given my mood
Sunday at 18:312 days Finally got round to doing this - I really like all the Top 12 but then there’s a big gap before #13 and down!1 Coldplay - Viva La Vida2 The Ting Tings - That's Not My Name3 Duffy - Mercy4 Estelle ft Kanye West - American Boy5 Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire6 Girls Aloud - The Promise7 Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris & Chrome - Dance Wiv Me8 Mint Royale - Singin' In The Rain9 Ne-Yo - Closer10 Madonna ft Justin Timberlake - 4 Minutes11 Leona Lewis - Run12 Pink - So What13 Take That - Greatest Day14 Rihanna - Take A Bow15 Katy Perry - I Kissed A Girl16 Basshunter - Now You're Gone17 Beyoncé - If I Were A Boy18 Kid Rock - All Summer Long19 Alexandra Burke - Hallelujah20 Leon Jackson - When You Believe21 X Factor Finalists - Hero
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