When you craft a playlist on Spotify and add a track, the algorithm keeps the vibe going by suggesting similar tunes—it’s surprisingly brilliant. Today, I’m kicking things off with Fine Young Cannibals’ ‘She Drives Me Crazy’ and sharing the algorithm’s picks that followed. It might get a bit boring, but let’s dive in…
She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
This British trio from Birmingham, formed in 1984, aimed for rock but found more love on the dance charts. It’s amusing that they dropped just two albums before disbanding in ’92, yet this song hit number one on the Billboard singles. Back then, the charts were a renaissance of pop with new hits every week, making a number one spot truly legendary.
Faith – George Michael
George Michael, alongside Michael Jackson, was a colossus of pop in their era. The clash of Michael Jackson’s ‘Bad’ and George Michael’s ‘Faith’ albums was an unforgettable musical showdown. Though ‘Faith’ outsold ‘Bad’ in the US, globally, ‘Bad’ took the crown. Don’t miss out on his duet with Elton John, ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.’
Got My Mind Set On You – George Harrison
This solo track by George Harrison, a member of The Beatles, was the last Beatles member’s song to top the Billboard chart. Interestingly, he was also the first among them to hit number one as a solo artist.
Invisible Touch – Genesis
Genesis, a British progressive rock band, rocked from 1968 to 2000 and even had a few reunions. Yet, this is their only Billboard number one hit. Snagging that top spot is no easy feat! The band’s drummer is none other than Phil Collins, famous for ‘I Wish It Would Rain Down’—he’s also the vocalist on this track.
Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper
This was the second single from her debut album and her first number one hit. Unlike her debut ‘Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,’ this ballad is a timeless classic. After listening, you’ll crave Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car’—why is a mystery even to me.
Kiss – Prince
When this track popped up in the recommendations, I was thrilled. If it were Apple Music or YouTube, it would’ve been ‘Purple Rain.’ It’s a mystery how such a tune was released in that era, yet it’s still as fresh as ever. Two weeks at number one on Billboard—back then, Janet Jackson held the longest streak with four weeks.
Everybody Wants To Rule The World – Tears For Fears
Played by JYUNA’s team two years ago on Super Band 2, making it known even to casual music lovers. To be honest, this is the only song I know by Tears For Fears. Speaking of JYUNA’s team, I thought Jang Haeun was a bit too much on the guitar, though she did play well. 🎸
As I kept adding to the list, I got overwhelmed by never-ending suggestions and had to close my phone. I’m curious why recommendation algorithms can’t leap through time. Start with the ’80s and you’ll get ’80s; start with the 2000s and it’s all 2000s—it’s the streaming platform cliché. I would’ve nodded if Tally Hall’s ‘Hidden In The Sand’ popped up after Genesis’ ‘Invisible Touch’ or if LE SSERAFIM’s ‘Fire In The Belly’ followed Prince’s ‘Kiss.’
Shine on, you so-and-so…
The end.
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