New York proto-hippies The Lovin’ Spoonful achieved a US No.1 with this epic, whipping up some urban heat with close, minor-chord verses before bursting free with a tingling chorus. It was actually written by non-member Mark Sebastian (brother of TLS singer John) along with bassist Steve Boone and was treated to a vast cover from Isaac Hayes in 1995. Bette Midler lent her acting talent and vocal chops to 1988's "Beaches," a film about the on-and-off relationship between two close friends. While her cover of oldies tune "Under the Boardwalk" was used to promote the film in advance, it was "Wind Beneath My Wings" that took the world by storm, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It's still considered one of Bette Midler's most popular songs. Laughing Len once sang in a honey-smeared pop register before trilbies and dodgy accountants had taken their toll. Here on his debut album ‘Songs Of Leonard Cohen’ he bids farewell to Marianne, his love and muse throughout the 60s, with a pristine bit of poetry and a typically stately and swinging folk-pop arrangement.

Decades after it was released, ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ would be referred to as “David Lynch-esque”. The gossamer tones of Cline’s voice and honky tonk rhythms were paired with the creepy undercurrents of the lyrics, that suggested insomnia or even some sort of psychotic, night-time mania. It was a beautiful duality. Recorded when the remarkable Anka – who also managed to co-write it – was only 15, this perky slice of doo-wop turned into one of the biggest selling singles of all time, apparently shifting nine million units. Almost from the get-go it established the Canadian Anka as a mainstream crooner who continues to record and perform into his 70s. The Stax house band found themselves with an iconic record themselves here, a simple 12-bar blues that thrives on in-built cool. Against the walking bass, it’s Booker T. Jones’s Hammond organ that steals the show, providing a slink that habitually pops up in adverts and movies including Get Shorty and American Graffiti. Anything that requires a swagger, basically. Elaine Paige says:“I wasn’t at all surprised to see ‘One Day More’ take the top spot. It’s the ultimate, ultimate Les Misérables show tune; a superb ensemble number that leaves you with goosebumps because you get to hear so many refrains from the show in this one song.”The reverend of the double entendre, Little Richard’s portrait of a good time “ mama” is unforgettable. With a ragtime piano and a crowing vocal, Little Richard creates a sonic romp that suggests there’s a lot more going under the covers than one initially suspects. Later recorded by The Rolling Stones and George Clinton, there’s a timeless carefree spirit about ‘Let The Good Times Roll’, which gives the whole thing a gentle ‘Happy Birthday’-like vibe. Over a simple piano figure and a nursery rhyme like melody, these “good times” sound like they’re nothing more salacious than a game of Scrabble and some warm Ribena. Cry Me A River’ made its big screen debut in Jayne Mansfield’s The Girl Can’t Help It, with London performing it as the sultry, unattainable siren. It’s remarkable for its minimalist presentation, with London accompanied only by Barney Kessel on guitar and Ray Leatherwood on double bass. London’s cool, seductive vocal carries it. Over the past few months, we’ve invited you to take part in our first poll to choose the Top 100 Greatest Musicals. Tens of thousands of votes were made and the competition was fierce. Votes came in from musical lovers around the globe, some of you were extremely specific even going down to the productions you liked. In many cases, just a single vote separated each show.

A cover of a Doris Day standard, Nat King Cole’s version was a creamy confection of dream-like music covered in swathes of layered strings, over which Cole’s velvet voice floated. It sounded like a puffy white cloud floating in the sky. No wonder it’s permanently associated with Christmas. You may not be familiar with all the entries on this list, but trust us: You’ll love them. Maybe they’ll introduce you to a new Broadwayshow to put on your list of must-sees. Maybe you’ll find one to add to your karaoke rotation. Either way, you’ll get an earful of tunes that are sure to stir your heart.Sometimes ‘The Sounds Of Silence’, sometimes ‘The Sound Of Silence’, depending on which year you’re standing in, Simon And Garfunkel’s first US No.1 started life on the flop debut album ‘Wednesday Morning, 3am’ before being retooled for success without the duo’s permission by producer Tom Wilson. They didn’t complain about the results, and the song found its true resonance in 1967’s The Graduate. Featuring Curtis Mayfield on glorious lead vocals and sparing, funky guitar, ‘People Get Ready’ is a calm and spiritual call to join the fight – be it for civil rights or simple religious salvation. Trading lines with Mayfield is tenor Fred Cash, and there are strings and brass arranged by Chicago soul producer Johnny Pate to create a gorgeous love train that’s leaving today. The classic Broadway musical Anything Goes features a score by Cole Porter, original book by Guy Bolton and P G Wodehouse with heavy revisions by Howard Linsday and Russel Crouse. Concerning itself with the madcap antics about a transatlantic ocean liner headed to London from New York, Anything Goes has been revived multiple times since its 1934 debut, it has been filmed twice and continues to be a favourite of school and community groups around the world. It has also won the Tony award for Best Revival of a musical TWICE! 94. Merrily We Roll Along On the heels of the Madonna EP came "Glee: The Music, Journey To Regionals," which included six songs from the season one finale. Released on the same day the episode aired, the album contains covers of three Journey songs, one Queen song, a Lulu song, and "Over the Rainbow" from the "The Wizard of Oz." Needless to say, fans were all over it. A hymn-like universal anthem which King penned with songwriting legends Leiber and Stoller, that was not only later to be covered by Jimi Hendrix but also used for the classic coming of age film of the same name and would become a by-word for 50s nostalgia.

This one came from the end of Graham Gouldman, later one quarter of 10cc, who was inspired by gazing at the – yes – bus stop on his way to work. It’s performed on a bleak scale by Manchester’s finest The Hollies but is an ever-turning song of hope about the nice young lady in the queue who, by August, “ was mine“. Dance To The Music’ is a day-glo riot of pulsating horns, fuzzed-up guitars and zany organ, dressing up what’s essentially an “introducing the band” mid-concert jam. But the musicianship and full-force funk makes it transcend the throwaway, as Sly Stone, guitarist Freddie Stone, bassist Larry Graham and hornsmith Cynthia Robinson all get a go on lead vocals and sweep the world up in the fun. Penned by Jimmy Webb (who also wrote ‘Galveston’), this was another tale of blue-collar blues. Framed by producer Al DeLory’s wistful orchestration, Campbell’s honey-soaked croon perfectly captured the sadness of a long distance telephone lineman. From its brassy train whistle to the evocative lyrics, few tunes encapsulate a sense of travel and wonder as this early ‘50s classic. Where’s it coming from? Where’s it going? It remains a mystery but we’re very much on board for the ride.

82 The Chords, ‘Sh-Boom’

Habitually warring brothers Phil and Don regularly put aside their differences (or at least put them on ice for a couple of minutes) to record glorious close-harmony pop that influenced generations of bands from The Beatles to The Beach Boys to Simon & Garfunkel and beyond. With tremolo guitar from Chet Atkins, ‘All I Have To Do Is Dream’ is one of the decade’s more saccharine options, but proved how vital harmonies could be to a song’s DNA. French composer Maurice Jarre produced iconic instrumentals For 1965's "Doctor Zhivago," including "Lara's Theme," a tune that would later provide the basis for the hit song, "Somewhere, My Love." The film won five Oscars at the 1966 Academy Awards, including Best Original Music Score.

#1. The Sound Of Music

- Highest rank on Billboard 200: #1
Fresh from persuading Serge Gainsbourg not to release their version of ‘Je T’Aime…Moi Non Plus’, Brigitte Bardot again teamed up with the oily old goat to release this wonderfully louche, hypnotic (and occasionally tuneless) tribute to the gun-toting outlaw couple. It’s been covered by sometime Go-Go Belinda Carlisle and sampled by Kylie Minogue.

French composer Maurice Jarre produced iconic instrumentals For 1965's "Doctor Zhivago," including "Lara's Theme," a tune that would later provide the basis for the hit song, "Somewhere, My Love." The film won five Oscars at the 1966 Academy Awards, including Best Original Music Score. It’s nearly impossible tocreatea list of something so subjective, but we’re here to try. With that in mind, we've come up with these 50 Broadway bangers: a mix of classic musical-theater numbers from 1927 through today.Many ofthese come from the best Broadway musicals the Great White Wayhas ever known; to narrow the field a bit, we've limited ourselves to asingle song per show. (And sorry, jukebox musicals and movie adaptations: Only songs written for the stage are eigible.)Selected items are only available for delivery via the Royal Mail 48® service and other items are available for delivery using this service for a charge. The seventh "Fast and Furious" movie delivers no shortage of exotic locales, jaw-dropping action sequences, and explosive showdowns. The music is similarly guaranteed to get the adrenaline flowing, featuring a range of contemporary hip-hop and electronic dance music superstars like Flo Rida, David Guetta, Wiz Khalifa, and DJ Shadow. This one is a guaranteed party pleaser. Did your favourites make the Top 100? Don’t forget to let us know your thoughts in the Comments section below. 100. Fun Home