THROWBACK THURSDAY
Welcome back to Throwback Thursday! Every week I dive into music’s past with a playlist composed of songs that were released this week in years prior, along with notable events from music history. This week’s playlist is nothing short of multifaceted; with genres ranging from country to rock, and artists varying from Shania Twain to Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Our playlist for this week opens up with the infamous “Sweet Home Alabama”, by Lynyrd Skynyrd. “Sweet Home Alabama” is featured on the band’s sophomore album, Second Helping, and became their highest charting single when it reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100. It has since become a staple in classic rock, and is known as Lynyrd Skynyrd’s signature song.
“Sweet Home Alabama”- Lynyrd Skynyrd (1974)
“Brown Sugar”- The Rolling Stones (1971)
“Don’t Cry”- Neil Young (1989)
“Maybe I’m Amazed”- Paul McCartney (1970)
“What Made You Say That”- Shania Twain (1993)
“This Kiss”- Faith Hill (1998)
“Friday I’m In Love”- The Cure (1992)
“Peaches” - The Stranglers (1977)
“It Don’t Come Easy”- Ringo Starr (1971)
“Should’ve Been A Cowboy”- Toby Kieth (1993)
Further down we have a personal favorite, Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.” This track was included on the former Beatles member’s solo debut titled McCartney, and despite the song never being released as a single, it turned into a top ten hit following a live performance by Wings was released in 1977. It is now one of McCartney’s most popular songs.
Switching genres for our next song, we’re tapping into a bit of country with Shania Twain’s “What Made You Say That.” This was Twain’s debut single, released in 1993. The success of the song resulted in her winning CMT’s rising star award in Europe. Since then, Shania Twain has become a pioneer in country-pop, and is the top-selling female artist in country music history.
“Friday I’m In Love” by The Cure holds the seventh spot on our playlist this week, and was released as a single from the British rock band’s ninth album, Wish. Interestingly, there were two versions of the song that were released, causing it to chart twice.
To close out our playlist today, we’re tapping back into country with Toby Keith’s “Should’ve Been A Cowboy.” This was Keith’s debut single off his self-titled album, released in 1993, and it ultimately reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. The song has since become a staple, especially for Oklahoma State University, who are known as “the home of the Cowboy’s.”
Moving onto our notable events, in 1971, the Beatles took home their first and only Oscar award, winning Best Original Song Score for the Let It Be film. The film documented the band’s recording of the Let It Be album, which was released in 1970. For the first time since 1980, there is a restored version of the movie that is now available for streaming.
In 1999 at a concert in New Jersey, Billy Joel announced that he would be retiring and taking a break from recording. This came as a shock to many, however fans were pleasantly surprised at his return the following December, and continuing on to tour with Elton John in 2001.
Speaking of Elton John, in April of 1970 the British singer and pianist made his own stage debut when he opened as a solo act for T. Rex, Spooky Truth and Jackie Lomax in London. He has since become one of the most famous musicians, and has had a lasting impact on music.
Join us next week for a brand new playlist with blasts from the past from your favorite artists and bands!
