70's, 80's 'Feel Good' Music

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"On a Little Street in Singapore" is a jazz song written by Peter DeRose and Billy Hill. It had some measure of popularity in the 1930s and 1940s, marked by a number of high-profile performances. Artists to cover the song included Frank Sinatra with Harry James, Dave Brubeck & Paul Desmond, Glenn Miller, Bert Kaempfert, Jimmy Dorsey and most recently Bob Dylan. Manhattan Transfer covered it again in 1978; the French-singing Belgian group Lou and the Hollywood Bananas, in a french adaptation (Dans les petites rues de Singapour), around 1983.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra released "On a Little Street in Singapore" with a vocal by Ray Eberle in May 1944. Anticipating the end of the Second World War, Billboard wrote that Miller would be "the hottest thing in band fronting" and described the song as "good, if a little dated" but concluded that "with tune and Miller sizzling what more can be desired?".
Reviewing Bob Dylan's album Fallen Angels which included the song, Michael Hann wrote in The Guardian that "On a Little Street in Singapore" was a "throwaway number" whose "strength is all in the melody" and lacked the "romantic profundity" of the other songs on the album.
The British figure skaters Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean performed their ice dance routine in figure skating at the 1980 Winter Olympics to "On a Little Street in Singapore"

Manhattan Transfer - On a little Street in Singapore​

On a Little Street in Singapore - Bob Dylan​

GLENN MILLER BAND – “ON A LITTLE STREET IN SINGAPORE”​

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"Live to Tell" is a song by American singer Madonna from her third studio album, True Blue (1986), and also featured in the crime drama At Close Range, starring her then-husband Sean Penn. Originally composed as an instrumental by Patrick Leonard for the film Fire with Fire, the piece was rejected by Paramount, prompting Madonna to adapt it for At Close Range. She wrote the lyrics, added melodies and a bridge, and co-produced the track with Leonard. Lyrically, the pop ballad with torch influences explores themes of deceit, mistrust, and emotional trauma rooted in childhood.

Released on March 26, 1986, in the United States ahead of the film's premiere, "Live to Tell" also served as the lead single from True Blue. Internationally, it was issued on April 14. Upon release it was acclaimed by critics, with praise being given to Madonna's vocal performance. Retrospectively, "Live to Tell" has been widely cited as one of the singer's finest ballads. Commercially, it became her third number-one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and her first chart-topper on the Adult Contemporary chart, while also reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including Canada and Italy.

The accompanying music video shows the singer alone in a dark studio, intercut with scenes from At Close Range. Madonna has performed "Live to Tell" in four of her concert tours, most recently on the Celebration Tour (2023–2024). Its most controversial rendition occurred during 2006's Confessions Tour, in which Madonna sang suspended on a mirrored cross wearing a crown of thorns. The performance drew strong condemnation from religious leaders, who accused her of blasphemy; Madonna defended the segment, stating it was meant to highlight the plight of children suffering from AIDS in Africa. The song has since been covered by numerous artists and remains a staple in tribute compilations.

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Madonna - Live To Tell​

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"White Horse" is a song written and performed by Tim Stahl and John Guldberg of the Danish duo Laid Back. It was released as the B-side of their single "Sunshine Reggae" which became a major hit in several European countries. In the US, the A-side was mainly ignored and it was the B-side that became most successful. It was released as a single and went on to spend three weeks at number one on the Dance Charts. The single also made the top five on the R&B singles chart and peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. Although being played in European clubs, it failed to chart there when re-released as an A-side.
The song's lyrics, which refer to riding "the white horse" and "the white pony", have been interpreted as references to heroin and/or cocaine use. Rolling Stone described "White Horse" as "[p]erhaps the most unconvincing anti-drug song of all time". An article in Miami New Times listed it as one of the "top 10 cocaine songs" and stated, "It's often debated whether the white horse in this song refers to cocaine or heroin. Either way, Laid Back's 1983 single starts out persuading you not to ride the white horse but rather to ride the white pony, also a slang term for coke." The book Totally Awesome 80s described "White Horse" as "a song with very few words that still managed to be about the joys of cocaine". An article in the Tampa Bay Times stated, "While the title seems harmless, those in the know figured out the song was about drugs."
Co-writer Tim Stahl referred to an alternative interpretation of the song when interviewed for the book Flashbacks to Happiness: Eighties Music Revisited (published by iUniverse), saying, "Another cute anecdote about the song was when we got a letter from a little girl in Jutland in 1983, thanking us for making a song for her white pony!"

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Laid Back - White Horse​

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"Heaven" is a song by the Canadian singer and songwriter Bryan Adams recorded in 1983, written by Adams and Jim Vallance. It first appeared on the A Night in Heaven soundtrack album the same year and was later included on Adams' album Reckless in 1984. It was released as the third single from Reckless and reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in June 1985, over a year and a half after the song first appeared on record. The single was certified Gold in Canada in 1985.
Heavily influenced by Journey's 1983 hit "Faithfully", the song was written while Adams served as the opening act on the band's Frontiers Tour, and features their drummer, Steve Smith. It provided Adams with his first number one single and third top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The track placed number 24 on Billboard magazine's Top Pop Singles of 1985.

Bryan Adams - Heaven​

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What is the main theme of “Owner of a Lonely Heart” by Yes?​

The song explores individuality, self-determination, and the choice between solitude and emotional vulnerability. It encourages listeners to embrace their personal truth, even if it leads to loneliness.

What does “Owner of a lonely heart” mean in the song?​

It symbolizes someone who values emotional independence over the pain of a broken relationship. The phrase reflects the choice to avoid emotional turmoil by prioritizing self-reliance.

Is “Owner of a Lonely Heart” a love song?​

While it addresses themes of love and relationships, it’s more about the internal conflict of choosing between vulnerability and self-protection. The song has a broader focus on individuality and resilience.

Why does the song emphasize loneliness over a broken heart?​

It suggests that loneliness, while difficult, can be a more empowering and stable choice than the pain and uncertainty of toxic relationships. This perspective emphasizes self-worth and emotional resilience.

What inspired Yes to write “Owner of a Lonely Heart”?​

The song was primarily written by Trevor Rabin, with additional contributions from Jon Anderson and Trevor Horn. Its inspiration came from exploring themes of personal choice and emotional independence.

What does the line “Move yourself, you always live your life” mean?​

It’s a call to take control of your own destiny and make decisions that align with your values. The line encourages proactive, self-determined living rather than passivity.

How does the music enhance the song’s meaning?​

The striking guitar riff and dynamic arrangement mirror the song’s themes of conflict and resolution. The innovative production underscores the tension and energy of the lyrical message.

Why was “Owner of a Lonely Heart” significant for Yes’s career?​

It marked a departure from their progressive rock roots, introducing a more mainstream sound. The song became their first and only No. 1 hit, bringing them new levels of commercial success.

What is the emotional impact of the song?​

The song captures the complexity of human emotions, blending empowerment with introspection. Its combination of boldness and vulnerability resonates deeply with listeners.

Why has “Owner of a Lonely Heart” remained a timeless classic?​

Its universal themes of individuality and resilience, paired with its innovative sound, make it continually relevant. The song’s unique blend of creativity and accessibility ensures its enduring appeal.

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Yes - Owner Of A Lonely Heart​

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"Gonna Fly Now", also known as "Theme from Rocky", is the theme song from the movie Rocky, composed by Bill Conti with lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins, and performed by DeEtta West and Nelson Pigford. Released in 1976 with Rocky, the song became part of 1970s American popular culture, after the film's main character and namesake Rocky Balboa, as part of his daily training regimen, runs up the 72 stone steps leading to the entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in Philadelphia and raises his arms in a victory pose, while the song plays. The song was written in Philadelphia. The song is often played at sporting events, especially in Philadelphia. Most notably, the Philadelphia Eagles play the song before the opening kickoff of every home game at Lincoln Financial Field.
Gonna Fly Now (whose lyrics are only 30 words long) was nominated for Best Original Song at the 49th Academy Awards. The version of the song from the movie, performed by Conti with an orchestra, hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977, while a version by jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson hit the top 30. Disco versions by Rhythm Heritage and Current were on the chart at the same time (Conti's own version reveals some early disco influence in the orchestration). Billboard ranked Conti's version as the No. 21 song of 1977. Conti's single was certified Gold by the RIAA, for shipments exceeding one million in the United States. The American Film Institute placed it 58th on its AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs list.
American businessman Donald Trump used "Gonna Fly Now" at his 2016 presidential campaign rallies. When composer Bill Conti was asked what he thought of Trump's use of the song, Conti stated: “I think it's great. I’m an equal opportunity kind of guy. The song is my creation. And anytime something I create is used, I am happy about that. Music has no politics attached to it." The Finnish ice hockey team Jokerit uses "Gonna Fly Now" as its goal song.
New York Times critic John Rockwell called it "a classic bit of movie-music pomposity" but said it had a "cheesy inspirational appeal."

Bill Conti — "Gonna Fly Now" in Rocky III (1982)​

Hulk Hogan Scene | ROCKY III (1982)​

Rhythm Heritage - Gonna Fly Now​

Donald Trump to ROCKY theme song
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