(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)
The Young Rascals - "Good Lovin'"
Hit Number 1: April 30, 1966
Stay at Number 1: 1 Week
Rarely is a remake of anything better than the original. This especially goes for movies, but you can also find it in music too. "Good Lovin'" is a prime example of that. The song was first written by songwriter Rudy Clark, and recorded in 1965 by an artist named Limmie Snell, who went by the stage name "Lemme B. Good". Then another version by the Olympics became a hit, albeit a very moderate one, making it only to #81 on the Hot 100. The story goes that Young Rascals member, Felix Cavaliere, was listening to the radio and happened to hear the Olympics' version. He then added it to the Young Rascals' concert repertoire, likely taking advantage of the song's fun build, and keeping the arrangement almost precisely the way the Olympics' version had gone. In 1966, the group recorded the song, and although they thought it didn't come together very well, they released it. Considering I'm writing about the song, we all know what happened next.
The song had been around a little bit before the Young Rascals turned it into a chart-topper, and it's safe to say that the song is their property now. The song serves as a garage-rock banger. and I'm getting the same vibes on "Good Lovin'" that I did on "Hang on Sloopy", in that they're both fun rock bangers with ridiculous lyrics. The song is about a guy who is sick or in pain. He goes to his family doctor to see what the problem is, and he tells him all he needs is some "good lovin'". Because, of COURSE that's the only thing that can cure his sickness. The Young Rascals at that time never had any real big hits, and they let themselves get carried away in the song. Cavaliere sounds like he's having the time of his life singing the song, and screams before launching into a fun organ solo, which is probably the best part of the song.
It's aged considerably well too. Besides hearing it on Pizza Hut and Applebee's commercials in recent years, I've heard it in movies, TV shows, and even on the radio a couple times too. You NEVER hear songs from the 60s on the radio anymore! But why not? The song is the kind of thing that can brighten up anyone's day, and serves as the ultimate sing a long for your drunk friends or even by yourself for those days you're feeling really good. Or if you're feeling upset about something, it can lift up your spirits too. Sometimes, all we need is some "Good Lovin'".
GRADE: 8/10
SONGS REFERENCED:
"Good Lovin" - (Lemme B. Good and the Olympics versions)
"Hang on Sloopy" - The McCoys
MY INSPIRATION / MORE INFORMATION:
댓글