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From her acclaimed album Anti (2016), Rihanna’s song Kiss It Better powerfully explores themes of love, heartbreak, and desire. With its bold sound and raw vulnerability, the track combines rock and R&B elements to create a unique, soulful experience. Through evocative lyrics and passionate vocals, Rihanna dives deep into the complexities of a turbulent relationship, pulling listeners into the song’s emotional core.

A Unique Sound and Composition

Kiss It Better stands out in Rihanna’s discography with its guitar-driven melodies and sultry production. Co-written by Rihanna, Jeff Bhasker, John Glass, and Teddy Sinclair, the song combines searing electric guitar riffs with R&B beats, creating a unique fusion that echoes the intensity of love and longing. Rihanna’s powerful vocals and emotional delivery amplify the song’s themes, giving it a timeless appeal.

Critical Acclaim and Fan Favorite

Though Kiss It Better didn’t climb the charts like some of Rihanna’s other hits, it has gained a loyal fan following and is celebrated for its lyrical depth and artistic production. It earned Rihanna a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance in 2017, solidifying her position as a versatile artist unafraid to push boundaries and experiment with different musical styles.

The Legacy of Kiss It Better

Anti marked a turning point in Rihanna’s career, showcasing her creative freedom and willingness to explore new genres. Kiss It Better has since become a fan favorite, with its message of vulnerability and honesty resonating with audiences worldwide. The track is a testament to Rihanna’s artistry, highlighting her ability to connect with listeners through relatable emotions and unforgettable melodies.

 
 

Kristina DeBarge began her career in music at a young age, inspired by her family’s musical background. She is the daughter of James DeBarge, a member of the R&B group DeBarge, which exposed her to the music industry early on. Kristina’s passion for singing and songwriting led her to pursue a solo career.

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Here are five hit songs by Kristina DeBarge that hits in music industry when she started her singing career: 

  1. “Goodbye” Kristina DeBarge’s debut single, “Goodbye,” was released in 2010 and quickly became her breakout hit. The song showcases her smooth vocals and emotional delivery, capturing the feelings of heartbreak and longing. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics resonated with listeners, leading to significant airplay on radio stations and streaming platforms. The music video features Kristina’s poignant performance, further amplifying the song’s themes of love lost. “Goodbye” established her as a rising star in the R&B and pop scenes, setting the stage for her future releases.
  2. “Dancing on the Moon” Following the success of her debut, Kristina released “Dancing on the Moon,” a vibrant and uplifting track that showcases her growth as an artist. The song features a catchy chorus and a danceable beat, making it a favorite for both radio play and social media. Lyrically, it speaks to the joy of love and the feeling of being on cloud nine, capturing the euphoric highs of romantic relationships. The infectious energy of “Dancing on the Moon” helped solidify Kristina’s position in the music industry, appealing to both fans of pop and R&B.
  3. “One Way Street” “One Way Street” is another standout track from Kristina DeBarge, known for its engaging narrative and soulful sound. The song explores themes of unrequited love and the emotional complexities of relationships. Kristina’s powerful vocals shine throughout, particularly in the chorus, where she expresses vulnerability and determination. The production features a blend of contemporary R&B elements and classic influences, making it a standout in her discography. This track further showcased her ability to convey deep emotions through her music.
  4. “The One” Released as part of her growing catalog, “The One” is a romantic anthem that highlights Kristina’s vocal prowess and songwriting skills. The song’s lyrics focus on finding that special someone and the excitement of new love. Its catchy hook and upbeat tempo make it a perfect addition to any summer playlist. Kristina’s charisma shines through in both the recording and the music video, which features vibrant visuals that match the song’s positive vibe. “The One” helped her expand her fan base and continues to be a fan favorite.
  5. “Paper” “Paper” is a powerful ballad that delves into the struggles and aspirations of young love, encapsulating the challenges faced in modern relationships. The song features heartfelt lyrics and a compelling melody, allowing Kristina to express a range of emotions from hope to frustration. With its dynamic production and Kristina’s soulful delivery, “Paper” stands out as one of her more introspective tracks. This song showcases her maturity as an artist and her ability to tackle deeper themes, earning her critical acclaim and further solidifying her presence in the industry.

These songs not only highlight Kristina DeBarge’s talent but also her versatility as an artist, helping her carve out a unique space in the music world.

The Spice Girls began their career in 1994 when they were formed through a talent search initiated by music manager Simon Fuller. Originally called “Touch,” the group consisted of five members: Melanie Brown (Scary Spice), Melanie Chisholm (Sporty Spice), Emma Bunton (Baby Spice), Geri Halliwell (Ginger Spice), and Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice).

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Here are five iconic songs by the Spice Girls:

  1. Wannabe”
    Released in 1996, “Wannabe” was the Spice Girls’ debut single and instantly became a global phenomenon. The song’s catchy chorus and upbeat tempo encapsulate the essence of girl power and friendship. With its memorable opening lines, “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends,” the track emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in relationships. The vibrant music video, featuring energetic dance moves and bold fashion choices, helped define the 90s pop aesthetic. “Wannabe” topped charts worldwide and remains an anthem for empowerment and fun
  2. “Spice Up Your Life”
    This track served as the lead single from their second album, Spiceworld, in 1997. “Spice Up Your Life” is an exuberant celebration of diversity and positivity, featuring a catchy chorus that encourages listeners to embrace life. The song showcases the group’s signature harmonies and incorporates elements of Latin music, making it a danceable hit. The accompanying music video, filled with vibrant colors and lively choreography, reflects the fun and carefree spirit of the Spice Girls. This song solidified their status as pop icons and became a staple in their live performances.
  3. “Say You’ll Be There”
    Released in 1996 as the second single from their debut album, this song showcases a more mature sound while still maintaining the catchy pop essence. “Say You’ll Be There” is a soulful ballad that expresses longing and the desire for reassurance in a relationship. The harmonies among the group members shine through, creating a rich and engaging sound. The music video, featuring a desert setting and stylish outfits, captures the essence of friendship and connection. This track reached the top of the charts in multiple countries, further establishing the Spice Girls as pop sensations.
  4. “2 Become 1”
    A standout ballad from their debut album, this song was released in 1996 and highlights the emotional depth of the group’s musical range. “2 Become 1” addresses themes of love, intimacy, and connection, featuring heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners. The gentle melody, combined with the girls’ harmonious vocals, creates a romantic atmosphere that sets it apart from their more upbeat tracks. The music video, showcasing soft lighting and intimate moments, complements the song’s themes. This ballad remains one of their most beloved songs, often performed at reunions and special events.
  5. “Viva Forever”
    Released in 1998, “Viva Forever” serves as a poignant reflection on friendship and the passage of time. The song combines a touching melody with introspective lyrics, exploring the idea of cherishing memories and connections. The lush production and emotive vocal delivery create a powerful listening experience. The music video features a fairy-tale theme, highlighting the group’s bond and the bittersweet nature of growing up. This song showcases the Spice Girls’ ability to evolve musically while maintaining their core message of empowerment and camaraderie, making it a lasting favorite among fans.

Following the success of “Wannabe,” their debut album, Spice, was released in November 1996, featuring other hit singles like “Say You’ll Be There” and “2 Become 1.” The group quickly became cultural icons, known for their catchy songs, vibrant personalities, and the “Girl Power” movement they championed. Their unique blend of pop, dance, and girl group aesthetics set the stage for their meteoric rise in the music industry throughout the late 1990s.

Jessie McCartney began his career in the early 2000s as a member of the boy band Dream Street. Formed in 1999, the group gained popularity with their self-titled debut album and hit singles like “It Happens Every Time.” Although Dream Street disbanded in 2002, McCartney’s talent shone through, and he transitioned to a solo career.
 
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Here are 5 Jessie McCartney songs you can’t help but sing along to, each with a detailed description:

  1. “Beautiful Soul”
    This debut single launched Jessie McCartney into the spotlight and remains a beloved classic. With its infectious chorus and heartfelt lyrics about longing for a genuine connection, it captures the essence of youthful romance. The upbeat melody invites listeners to reminisce about first crushes and the thrill of young love, making it a staple at sing-alongs.
  2. “Leavin’”
    A standout track from his second album, “Leavin’” showcases McCartney’s vocal prowess. The song explores themes of heartbreak and moving on, with a catchy chorus that’s easy to remember. Its blend of pop and R&B elements, paired with relatable lyrics, makes it a favorite for belting out during late-night drives or gatherings with friends.
  3. “Right Where You Want Me”
    This smooth ballad features a romantic narrative about being in love and wanting to be close to someone special. The melodic hooks and lush instrumentation create an inviting atmosphere, making it perfect for a sing-along. Its relatable lyrics resonate with anyone who has experienced the thrill of love, encouraging listeners to join in on the chorus.
  4. “Something Special”
    An upbeat anthem celebrating love and connection, “Something Special” radiates positivity. With its lively tempo and feel-good lyrics, it encourages listeners to embrace joyful moments. The catchy chorus is designed for group sing-alongs, making it a popular choice for parties or feel-good playlists.
  5. “Take Your Time”
    This heartfelt track conveys a message of patience and understanding in relationships. Its soothing melody and emotive lyrics resonate deeply, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. The chorus is especially catchy, making it a perfect choice for singing along during quiet moments or road trips.

In 2004, he released his debut solo album, Beautiful Soul, which featured the hit title track. The album’s success helped him establish himself as a solo artist, showcasing his pop and R&B influences. With a series of chart-topping singles and subsequent albums, Jessie McCartney solidified his place in the music industry and expanded his career to include acting and songwriting. His journey reflects a blend of talent, perseverance, and adaptability in a competitive landscape.

Bill Withers began his career in music relatively late compared to many artists. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he worked in various jobs, including as a factory worker and a songwriter. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1960s, where he honed his craft and began performing at local clubs.

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Here are the top 5 songs of Bill Withers that will inspire, uplift, and resonate with listeners:

  1. “Ain’t No Sunshine”
    This soulful classic reflects on heartbreak and loneliness, with its haunting melody and poignant lyrics. The repetitive refrain emphasizes the emptiness felt in the absence of a loved one.
  2. “Lean on Me”
    A powerful anthem about friendship and support, this song encourages people to rely on each other during tough times. Its uplifting message and memorable chorus have made it a timeless favorite.
  3. “Lovely Day”
    With its optimistic lyrics and soothing melody, this song promotes a positive outlook on life. The repetitive “lovely day” refrain uplifts listeners, making it a feel-good classic.
  4. “Use Me”
    This track explores the complexities of relationships, portraying a willingness to be used emotionally despite the potential pain. Its funky groove and candid lyrics resonate with many.
  5. “Just the Two of Us”
    A collaboration with Grover Washington Jr., this smooth jazz-influenced song celebrates love and intimacy. The lyrics highlight the importance of nurturing relationships and making the most of time together.

In 1971, Withers recorded his first album, Just As I Am, which featured the hit single “Ain’t No Sunshine.” The song quickly gained popularity, reaching the top of the charts and establishing him as a prominent artist. His unique blend of soul, folk, and R&B, combined with his heartfelt lyrics, resonated with audiences and helped him build a successful career. Over the years, he continued to release critically acclaimed albums and hits, solidifying his status as a legendary musician.

“You Belong with Me” is one of Taylor Swift’s most iconic tracks from her second studio album, Fearless, released in 2008. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a fan favorite. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics tell the story of unrequited love, where Taylor sings about her feelings for a boy who is in a relationship with someone else. The song’s universal theme of longing and heartache resonated with listeners worldwide.

The music video, directed by Roman White, further enhanced the song’s popularity. It features a classic high school storyline where Taylor portrays both the nerdy best friend and the glamorous girlfriend, emphasizing the contrast between the two roles. The video was a commercial success, winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Female Video and earning nominations for several other awards.

“You Belong with Me” was a significant milestone in Taylor’s career, showcasing her transition from country to pop music. The song helped Fearless win the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2010, making Taylor the youngest artist to achieve this honor at the time.

The song remains a staple in Taylor’s concert performances, featuring prominently in her Fearless Tour and subsequent tours. Its enduring appeal has made it a favorite among fans, often cited as one of her best songs.

Over the years, You Belong with Me has received numerous accolades and recognition, including being listed on Rolling Stone’s “The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” Taylor Swift’s ability to capture the essence of young love and heartache in this track has solidified its place as a timeless anthem in pop music history.

Connie Francis’s classic pop song “Wishing It Was You” stands out as one of her most heartfelt ballads from the 1960s. The song captures the emotions of longing and unfulfilled love, showcasing Francis’s soulful voice and timeless appeal. Released during the height of her career, “Wishing It Was You” quickly became a fan favorite, resonating with listeners for its relatable lyrics and melodic charm.

The track was featured on several compilation albums, solidifying its place in pop music history. Francis’s ability to convey deep emotion through her singing contributed to the song’s enduring popularity. Throughout her career, she received numerous accolades, including Grammy nominations and multiple chart-topping hits that defined the era.

“Wishing It Was You” has also been part of many nostalgic playlists, keeping the song alive for new generations to discover. Francis continued to perform the song in her live shows, where fans still connect with its sincere message. Her impact on music remains significant, inspiring artists across different genres.

The song is an essential piece of Connie Francis’s musical legacy, showcasing her as not only a pop star but a versatile artist who could convey the deepest of emotions through song. As a result, “Wishing It Was You” continues to be celebrated as a cherished classic in the world of music.

Rihanna is a global superstar known for her chart-topping hits, business ventures, and cultural impact. She burst onto the music scene in 2005 with her debut album, “Music of the Sun,” featuring the hit “Pon de Replay.” Over the years, she released several successful albums, including “Good Girl Gone Bad” (2007), “Rated R” (2009), “Loud” (2010), “Talk That Talk” (2011), “Unapologetic” (2012), and “Anti” (2016). These albums produced iconic tracks like “Umbrella,” “We Found Love,” “Diamonds,” and “Work.”

Rihanna won 9 Grammy Awards, 13 American Music Awards, and 12 Billboard Music Awards throughout her career. She sold over 250 million records worldwide, solidifying her status as a best-selling music artist. Her last album, “Anti,” hit number one on the Billboard 200, highlighting her growth and versatility.

Beyond music, Rihanna achieved massive success in fashion and beauty. She launched Fenty Beauty in 2017, gaining acclaim for its diverse range of shades. Her lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, promotes body positivity and inclusivity. These ventures helped her achieve billionaire status by 2021.

Rihanna’s 2013 Diamonds World Tour and 2016 Anti World Tour were among her most successful, drawing massive crowds worldwide. In 2023, she made a highly anticipated return to the stage, performing at the Super Bowl LVII Halftime Show to rave reviews.

Rihanna’s influence spans music, fashion, and culture, making her an enduring figure in pop culture.

He wrote many of the best and most-loved songs, from the hauntingly romantic “Anne’s Song”, to the fan favorite “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. He also wrote plenty of great but underrated songs, like “Singing Skies and Dancing Waters” and “Higher Ground”. Read on and know more about his songs.

“I believe that we are here for each other, not against each other. Everything comes from an understanding that you are a gift in my life – whoever you are, whatever our differences.” These are words uttered by John Denver.

For those who adore him, John Denver was more than your country and folk superstar. He was a storyteller, an environmentalist, and a philanthropist. His songs aimed not only to get radio airplay but also spread awareness and spark action – no wonder such masterpieces became classic.

But, if you are someone who has been born in the late 90s and earlier, you might be unfamiliar with him.

Who is John Denver?

John Denver: Artist Background

With a phenomenal four-decade career, John Denver won the hearts of many not only through his music but also through his acting, philanthropy, and environmentalism. Rightfully so, the legend had transcended across genres and trends and bagged accolades in the process.

Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. (most widely known through his stage name John Denver) was born to a military family with his father being a U.S. Air Force officer. Such a setup allowed him to move from place to place as he grew up. At age 11, Denver’s passion for music blossomed – as he inherited his grandmother’s acoustic guitar.

After which, Denver proceeded with taking guitar lessons. On top of this, he also joined a boys’ choir. At college, he traversed through different local pubs in hope of getting his talent recognized (eventually, having his last name altered after the capital city of his favorite state). And recognized Denver was when we were chosen as the lead singer of the Mitchel Trio in 1965 – this is among 250 talented musicians who also vied for the opportunity!

During these years he pursued folk music, but little did he know that he was destined for greater things.

In 1969, he pursued his solo career after three albums with the Mitchel Trio. This time was enough for him to develop the songwriting chops that he would be globally renowned for. This year, he released his first studio album as a solo artist Rhymes & Reasons which featured the single Leaving On A Jet Plane – which was a massive commercial success, claiming Denver’s first number-one single on the US Billboard Hot 100.

During the 1970s, Denver solidified himself as an industry staple, being one of the decade’s most popular and best-selling artists. This was kick-started by the 1970 studio album Take Me to Tomorrow, with a track list studded by the title track, Carolina in my Mind, Amsterdam, and Forrest Lawn. The moderately successful album was quickly followed up by a cover album released in the same year.

In the third consecutive year, Denver released another studio album Poems, Prayers & Promises (1971). The project was a modest success compared to its predecessor, climbing up to the 15th spot in the Billboard 200. This was quickly followed by another album Aerie that features singles such as City of New Orleans and Everyday. The project was not at par with his previous works in terms of commercial reception, peaking at 75.

It was apparent that Denver worked tirelessly, releasing a massively successful album in 1972 – Rocky Mountain High. The album entered the Billboard 200 Albums Chart top five at number four, with the help of singles such as the title track, Paradise, and Mother Nature’s Son. At this stage of his career, Denver’s passion for environmental protection and conservation was becoming more and more apparent.

This was quickly followed by the 1973, top 20 album Farewell Andromeda. By the following year, this project was, again, quickly followed by Denver’s biggest album during the time – Back Home Again. “Biggest” would be an understatement as the album clinched the top spot in the Billboard 200, claiming Denver’s first number-one album (just within the first five years of his solo career). The album eventually sold over 2 million copies with the help of promotional singles such as the title track and Annie’s Song.

In 1975, Denver reached new career peaks with the release of another massively successful studio album Windsong. Just like its predecessor, the project peaked at the top spot of the US charts. The studio album boasts the tracks Calypso and I’m Sorry.

By his tenth studio album entitled Spirit, Denver started facing a steady decline in commercial sales – with the said project peaking at 45 following its chart-topping predecessor. This was soon followed by the top 40 albums Autograph (1980), Some Days Are Diamonds (1981), and Seasons of the Heart (1982). From 1983 to 1986, Denver was still able to put up albums that reached the top 70 of the US Hot 200 – still a marvelous feat.

Denver was indeed a well-known and commercially successful performer and composer. this legend’s ambition to contribute to the emergence of a larger public space cleared the door for forays into novel artistic and geopolitical realms. Moreover, he was one of the few musicians who was able to make many records chart and win honors and accolades for his performance in the music industry.

Denver had 33 albums and singles certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He was able to release almost 300 songs, roughly 200 of which he created himself, with over 33 million units sold.

On top of all of this, Denver was also among the first musicians to utilize their music to convey a message on environmental awareness and protection. The Soviet Union of Composers, also, asked him to appear in the USSR in 1985, marking the first time an American musician had performed there since the Cold War ended.

His career may have been cut-off early due to his unforeseen passing, but he surely left an unfillable niche in the music industry.

Best John Denver Hits of All Time

As we’ve mentioned earlier, with 33 RIAA-certified albums in the US, Denver was able to put out nearly 300 tracks – two-thirds of which are self-written. These songs spanned a decade, transcending through trends, genres, and styles. Not to mention, many hold deep messages in line with Denver’s values and principles.

Narrowing these down to a top 12 was nearly impossible, but made it happen. Below are our top 17 John Denver songs (in no particular order):

1. Fly Away

Fly Away is a song from John Denver’s Windsong from 1975, featuring Olivia Newton-John. The song implores a nostalgic folk and country vibe. It pays homage to the desire for simpler days and wanted freedom of loneliness. It depicts the possibility of living a gentler existence.

The violin along with the acoustic guitar are much incorporated in the song. Denver and Olivia Newton-John have great chemistry, with their soaring harmonies. The song reached number 13 on US Billboard’s Hot 100.

2. Thank God I’m a Country Boy

The track is a single from the 1974 album Back Home Again. John Martin Sommers wrote the track, which remembers serenity, pleasure, and contentment. The words to the song are lively, full of enthusiasm, and have a country feel to it.

The fiddle and the acoustic guitar are used, as well as handclaps for percussion. The live rendition was released as a single and spent one week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.

3. I’m Sorry

Another powerful track from Denver’s Windsong, which stood as twilight in-between pop and country (with a hint of ballad). Commercially, the song can be considered as one of Denver’s best – topping the US Billboard Hot 100, country, and adult contemporary charts.

The track conveys heavy emotions, recalling regret over unrequited romance. It features feelings of owning up to one’s mistakes, which perfectly complements the way, stripped-back feel of the song.

4. Take Me Home, Country Roads

Surely a fan favorite. The track implores the signature John Denver country sound, that is well-established in the album that this song belongs to – Poems, Prayers and Promises. It congregates themes of the desire to have a fruitful life in the rural county. It featured an addicting acoustic guitar that will surely get you dancing, regardless of your musical preference.

The song set a milestone in Denver’s career, giving the legend one of his few tastes of massive commercial success.

5. Back Home Again

Of course, we can’t forget this lyrical masterpiece and title track from one of Denver’s most memorable studio albums. The track gained both critical and commercial accolades – by bagging the Song of the Year award from the 1975 Country Music Association, while simultaneously topping the country charts.

The said award, however, was filled with controversies – which would be better discussed in a separate article. Still, the song aged beautifully and ended up as a fan favorite.

6. Annie’s Song

Despite being a country artist, Denver still managed to break through borders with this youthful hit – scaling up the UK charts. It displays lyrics that divulge Denver’s affection towards his wife and the joys he experienced during his marriage. As a little trivia, the name “Annie” was actually never mentioned across the duration of the song.

It is no surprise that the song eventually became a wedding staple for many. It is also said that the song was only written in 10 minutes, making it the fastest that Denver has composed.

7. Sunshine on My Shoulders

We cannot leave out Denver’s debut song as a solo artist for all the good reasons. The song was released as a single amid an incredibly challenging period in the US, which made the song a beacon of joy and inspiration to many.

The folk track highlights Denver’s yearn for sunlight – where the sun displays a metaphor for a better life. It was written about depression but from an inspirational perspective. It became Denver’s first number-one hit, showing the public that he’ll be here to stay.

8. Don’t Close Your Eyes Tonight

The adult contemporary track is surely a highlight in Denver’s Dreamland Express album. Lyrically, the ballad with a classic 80’s flare talks about wanting a woman to experience freedom with him.

During the track’s release, Denver was facing a decline in commercial success. The single was an effort to gain back his popularity by using sounds that were popular at the time – and it resulted in a masterpiece.

9. Poems, Prayers and Promises

Of course, we have to hand out proper props and recognition to the title track of Denver’s debut solo album. The laid-back, folk song centers around maturity and growing up – in a way of recollecting memories as we look forward to what’s to come. The song feels heavier, knowing that Denver never really reached the ripe age that he was singing about.

Sonically, the song features a rich and lush string interlude that makes folk music more appealing to the mainstream. These sounds also went well with Denver’s tender and sweet vocal lines – no vocal acrobatics, just raw story-telling.

10. Calypso

Yet again, another hit from Denver’s massively successful Windsong album. What’s “Calypso” anyways? Well, it is the name Jacques–Ives Cousteau’s research ship that sailed across the globe. The fact that it is written about such subject matter tells that we may never hear a similar song in our lifetime.

The ballad is a testimony to Denver’s versatility and creativity, departing from his usual country and folk sounds. If you’d listen to the song’s intro carefully, you’d even hear ship bells! The song also boasts an actual orchestra, making the track seem as grandiose as an intercontinental venture.

11. Some Days Are Diamonds

Undeniably one of Denver’s most “country-sounding” songs, thanks to the extremely apparent warm, earthy tones. Again, the song was released during the steady decline of Denver’s commercial success, but sure enough, it did not affect the quality of the song. It was produced by no other than Larry Butler.

12. Rocky Mountain High

Rocky Mountain High, as we’ve mentioned earlier, is a single off of an album with the same name. The hit track perfectly blends elements of folk, country, and rock music. It stands as a perfect example of Denver’s environmentalist value, tackling how mountains are being destroyed due to over-tourism. However, the song also shared some controversy with sources stating that the song referenced drug use.

Despite the fiasco, the track was able to climb into the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 9. The RIAA officially certified the track Gold for surpassing a whopping 500,000 units sold – a commendable feat especially for a country or folk artist during the time.

13. Leaving on a Jet Plane

“So kiss me and smile for me, tell me that you’ll wait for me, hold me like you’ll never let me go…” John Denver sure wears his heart on his sleeve with this classic that’s been covered by many artists throughout the years. Originally called “Babe I Hate to Go” (his producer convinced the singer-songwriter to change the title into one that we know today), this song talks about the heartbreak of having to leave his girlfriend behind as he embark on an extended tour.

14. To the Wild Country

John Denver sings about a very relatable state we all find ourselves in once in a while. This song especially rings true in these modern times (when society seems to get crazier)! This sad but hopeful song is about finding himself at a crossroad, trying to figure out what he wants to do and where he wants to go. And then, in the wild country, he found solace.

15. Singing Skies and Dancing Waters

Another poignant ballad penned by Denver, the song takes on that familiar lair of feeling lost after a loss (whatever that is—it’s up to you to decide based on your own journey). But just like how there is a silver lining in every dark cloud, a spark of hope is there when you know where to look. “I could see you in singing skies and dancing waters, laughing children, growing old, and in the heart and in the spirit, and in the truth when it is told.” Beautiful.

16. Higher Ground

This song is as country as country can get, with a melody and message resonating the heart of the genre. John Denver was singing about those who “are giving up their lives for something that is less than it can be” and how he is aiming to play it differently by living up the dream in him, following his heart, and “reaching for higher ground”.

17. Raven’s Child

One of Denver’s most underrated songs, it peeks into social issues, what is going on in the world and how it is destroying the human spirit and this one place we all live in at the same time.

Fun Fact: John Denver got the name Raven from a boat that was cleaning the waters after an oil spill accident in Alaska in 1989. He did his research on who Raven is, and he found out that in Indian and Eskimo mythology (and other Aboriginal groups around the world), Raven is the one who brought human beings to the earth. So, yes, in that context it makes him Raven’s child; and you, Raven’s child; and so are others.

Transcending Borders With Music: Final Thoughts

That was a long ride, but who can we blame? John Denver, indeed, has a roster of hits with nostalgic vibes and a message worth hearing. Denver came a long way from the country boy that inherited his grandmother’s guitar. From playing in local pubs, he went on to conquering American radios and selling millions of records.

In this article, we took a deep dive into Denver’s musical career and his profile as an artist, from childhood to superstardom. Of course, we tried our best to narrow down his roster of masterpieces to 17—with subsequent reason on why we gave them extra props. You might find some that you like and maybe, add to your playlist.

Indeed, music is powerful. It transcends generation, borders, language, and religion. It makes people listen and feel. It makes people act. John Denver was able to maximize such a powerful tool with his message for the environment and fellow human beings.

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