(The Hit Hammer is where I'm reviewing each #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100. Starting from when the chart started in 1958 and eventually working my way to the present. To see my inspiration and more information about this blog, please refer down below)
Johnny Rivers - "Poor Side of Town"
Hit Number 1: November 12, 1966
Stay at Number 1: 1 Week
"Poor Side of Town" was a big milestone for Johnny Rivers. Originally a rock and roll singer out of Baton Rouge, he became a part of the ever-growing soul explosion that was rising in the mid-60s. 1964 saw Rivers' first taste of success, with the fun rock and roll jam "Memphis" barely missing out on the top spot, peaking at #2. (It's an 8) A couple years later, he had another big hit in another fun rocker "Secret Agent Man", with that one peaking at #3. (It's also an 8) But then for whatever reason, Rivers decided to change his style, becoming more of a soul-pop artist. That helped him yield his first and only #1 hit in "Poor Side of Town".
In my opinion, Rivers should've just stuck with rock and roll, as I find the two aforementioned songs better than "Poor Side of Town". "Poor Side of Town", to me, works as a pleasing to the ear piece of music, and acts as one of those slow ballads that makes it hard to get your attention. The song is about a guy who presumably lives on the poorer side of a city, and his lover originally left him for a richer guy. But then, the rich dude "put her down", and she comes running back to the narrator. Even the story in the song has your cliche movie plot, where everyone is happy in the end.
Even with the predictable plot, and the excitement that the song seems to be lacking, "Poor Side of Town" possesses undeniable craftsmanship that's worth respecting. There's a backing female choir, which always seems to make songs better for some reason, along with a lush string section that eliminates some of the corniness the song could've had. The scatting "doo-doo-wah-shoo-be-doo-be" is something that gives the song some form of identification, and helps people remember it. It's easy to tell that Rivers has a voice that's meant for rock and roll, and not the slower ballads like this song, but he does well with it. "Poor Side of Town" may not be my ultimate cup of tea, but I respect the work and craft that was put into it.
GRADE: 6/10
SONGS REFERENCED:
Johnny Rivers - "Memphis"
Johnny Rivers - "Secret Agent Man"
MY INSPIRATION / MORE INFORMATION:
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