May 22: from “Yeah” to “Burn” on top of the charts
This day in 2004 marked the heroic fall from the top of the charts by the everlasting hit “Yeah.” Usher’s iconic single was ousted by another single, and it couldn’t be anyone’s but Usher’s. After 12 weeks at #1, the song that made everyone sing and dance (and today still does), left the top. “Burn,” also part of the album Confessions, would’ve spent eight weeks at the top of the charts.
May 23: The Marshall Mathers LP
On this day in 2000, American rapper and music pillar Eminem dropped his groundbreaking album, The Marshall Mathers LP. The album was released with Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. Moreover, it was mainly produced by Dr. Dre and Eminem. The duo became one of the strongest in the music industry, guaranteeing only the best for the albums with them collaborating. Released a year after the rapper’s breakout studio album The Slim Shady LP, The Marshall Mathers LP was the confirmation of the Detroit singer as an upcoming rap emperor.
May 24: The passing of Slipknot’s Paul Gray
On this day 13 years ago, Slipknot bass player Paul Gray dies at age 38. The passing was very sudden and due to an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl that left both the band, fans and the world shocked. Gray however also had developed “significant heart disease,” according to the autopsy. The artist passed in his Iowa hotel room.
May 25: Avril Lavigne’s second album, Under My Skin
On May 25th, 2004, punk and rock icon Avril Lavigne released her second studio album, Under My Skin. The artist was 19 years old when she dropped the record and featured main singles, “Don’t Tell Me” and “My Happy Ending.” Together with Let Go, her first album, the singer fast became an inspiration and icon for the genre and a generation.
May 26: Chris Cornell is finally laid to rest
On this day in 2017, a week after taking his own life, singer and musician Chris Cornell is laid to rest at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. The artist was laid next to Johnny Ramone. After fighting against depression and addiction, the artist hanged himself on May 18, leaving an open scars in the hearts of many. From fans to colleagues, many cried and joined he’s family and friends in their mourning. From Chester Bennington to Dave Navarro and Tom Morello, together with Metallica’s Lars Ulrich and James Hetfield and of course Soundgarden’s members were only some of those who attended the funeral.
May 27: The rise of “Running Up That Hill”
On this day last year, the airing of the fourth season of Netflix’s tv series Stranger Things brought a then not so well known Kate Bush single “Running Up That Hill” not only back on everyone’s mouth, but also on the top of every chart. The single became a unparalleled hit and entered the top 10 of 34 different countries. The song received a never-seen-before love and affection, also connected to its meaning in the tv series. A unique moment for Bush, whose music newly entered the conversations of Gen Z and all Stranger Things fans.
May 28: Sweet Caroline
A timeless hit was released on this day in 1969 when Neil Diamond dropped “Sweet Caroline.” Becoming one of Diamond’s main stadium hits for both his shows and many sporting events. The single has marked the long drives and crowd choirs of many generations. The song was part of the homonymous album, which includes also “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show.”
