The Lost Songs Project

The Lost Songs Project is a newsletter that explores forgotten top 10 hits, analyzing their historical context, chart performance, and enduring appeal. It features a diverse range of artists and genres from various decades, highlighting interesting anecdotes, artist influences, and the unique aspects that made these songs popular.

Music History Pop Culture Artist Profiles Song Analysis Music Industry Trends

The hottest Substack posts of The Lost Songs Project

And their main takeaways
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Lost Grammy Nominee: Kirk Franklin's "Lean On Me"

137 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎶 Music Artist Song
  1. Kirk Franklin is a major gospel music star who only records gospel music.
  2. In the 90s, Franklin's albums frequently hit the top 10 of Billboard's main album chart.
  3. Franklin made himself a household name by recording with various gospel choirs.

"When I Think About Angels," Jamie O'Neal (2001)

117 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎶 Music Songwriting Artists
  1. Jamie O'Neal's song 'When I Think About Angels' is a well-crafted country song with specific imagery and clever rhymes.
  2. The song's melody is as delightful as its lyrics, embodying the joy of the singer.
  3. Jamie O'Neal's thoughtful vocal choices showcase her talent as a great singer.

"Hate On Me," Jill Scott (2007)

157 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎶 Music Song analysis Music Industry
  1. Jill Scott's song 'Hate On Me' gained popularity after being covered on Glee.
  2. The extended version of the song features a memorable reference to 'peaches'.
  3. Amber Riley's performance of the song was notable for her powerful vocals.

"Days of the Week," Stone Temple Pilots (2001)

117 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎶 Music Rock Pop
  1. Stone Temple Pilots' song 'Days of the Week' is about heroin addiction.
  2. The band had a varied sound with different styles throughout their career.
  3. The song 'Days of the Week' is described as a power-pop explosion, different from the band's previous releases.

"Money Don't Matter 2 Night," Prince (1992)

216 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎶 Music Pop History
  1. The song "Money Don't Matter 2 Night" by Prince is a socioeconomic battle cry with a sexy vibe.
  2. The song peaked at #14 on the R&B chart and #23 on the Hot 100, with 11.4 million streams.
  3. The post features guest columnists Jami Smith and Songs That Saved Your Life, offering unique insights and perspectives.

"Solitaire," Laura Branigan (1982)

176 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🎶 Music History Analysis
  1. The song "Solitaire" by Laura Branigan in 1982 was secretly one of the most significant hits of the 1980s.
  2. It peaked at #7 on the Hot 100 and has 1.9 million streams.
  3. "Solitaire" is considered a stellar record in pop music history.

"Don't Rush Me," Taylor Dayne (1988)

157 implied HN points • 15 May 23
🎶 Music Music history Music Analysis
  1. The song 'Don't Rush Me' by Taylor Dayne from 1988 is a classic from the 80s music era.
  2. Taylor Dayne's vocals are described as sultry and smoky, delivering high notes with remarkable skill.
  3. The song peaked at #2 on the Hot 100 chart and has accumulated 1.7 million streams.

"My Best Theory," Jimmy Eat World (2010)

98 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎶 Music Band Songwriting Music history
  1. Jimmy Eat World had a big hit with 'The Middle' in 2001, reaching #5 on the Hot 100 chart.
  2. Despite being known as a one-hit wonder on the Hot 100, Jimmy Eat World has continued to release music and evolve their sound.
  3. The song 'My Best Theory' by Jimmy Eat World, released in 2010, has a different style from their popular power-pop/emo tracks.

"The Shot Gun Boogie," 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford (1951)

78 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎶 Music
  1. The song 'The Shot Gun Boogie' by 'Tennessee' Ernie Ford from 1951 is a fun, witty honky tonk hopper.
  2. Despite the darkness in the lives of golden age country music stars, this song is full of humor and joy.
  3. Country music doesn't always have to be sad - it can be uplifting and enjoyable.

"Goodbye to You," Scandal (1982)

78 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎶 Music Analysis Songs Artists
  1. Many happy songs are actually quite sad when you listen closely.
  2. Scandal's 'Goodbye To You' has a peppy tune but dark, heartbreaking lyrics.
  3. Patty Smyth's vocals in the song hold the contradiction of a devastated farewell.

"Let Me Tickle Your Fancy," Jermaine Jackson (1982)

78 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎶 Music Classic Collaboration Review
  1. The song 'Let Me Tickle Your Fancy' by Jermaine Jackson from 1982 features Devo in the background.
  2. The song peaked at #5 on the R&B chart and #18 on the Hot 100, with 117,000 streams.
  3. The collaboration between Jermaine Jackson and Devo in the early 80s was unexpected, as many may have assumed it would be with Michael Jackson instead.

"My Maria," B.W. Stevenson (1973)

58 implied HN points • 08 May 23
🎶 Music History Review
  1. The song 'My Maria' was not an original by Brooks and Dunn, but rather by B.W. Stevenson in 1973.
  2. The song 'My Maria' by B.W. Stevenson peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 and has 9.2 million streams.
  3. There is a well-organized archive of Billboard magazines where one can find interesting musical history.

"Kicks," Paul Revere and the Raiders (1966)

58 implied HN points • 10 Apr 23
🎶 Music Rock Songs Artists
  1. The song 'Kicks' by Paul Revere and the Raiders is considered a cool anti-drug song in rock and roll.
  2. Paul Revere's name was genuinely Paul Revere, and he formed a band that reflected his name.
  3. The band Paul Revere and the Raiders reached #4 on the Hot 100 with 'Kicks' and had 4.2 million streams.