[Drafted November 2020, finalized several months later]

There are many pieces on this Blog that mention Pop Master, the BBC Radio 2 mid-morning quiz. You can hear it live on the Ken Bruce Show Monday to Friday at 10.30am or use BBC Sounds to listen back to any shows from the previous 30 days. You can also download the last 30 days’ worth of episodes as Podcasts. Since May (2020) that is how I have usually followed the show, and have ended up over a month behind most people who keep up with the UK’s most listened-to radio quiz.

Every now and then I have a binge and listen to several episodes back to back. I still keep a note of my scores every day (as first noted here, in 2017) and often make detailed notes of the questions and answers. I posted three weeks’ worth of these back in April (starting with this one), but found that the added time spent transcribing, proofing and finalizing these posts took some of the fun out of simply listening to the quiz. It is, or should be, just a bit of fun. There is no money at stake.

Last week’s Pop Master questions (up to Friday 6 November) took me to uncharted territory: my highest ever average score (37.2 out of a possible 39) and my joint-highest number of maximum scores of 39 (6 out of a possible 10). As a record of my best Pop Master week ever, here are the 100 questions and answers, and the 3 in 10 rounds for last week. There are also 10 Tie-Break Questions, from Thursday 5 November, which I didn’t do quite so well at

As with those pieces back in April, the questions appear first, for the whole week, then they are repeated with the answers in brackets (and notes or reminders in square brackets). At the very end of this piece is a summary of my scores and the 4 questions that caught me out (2 from Bonus Rounds, worth 6 points each, and 2 regular 3-point questions).

NOTE: There are two follow-up pieces to this one, from weeks when I managed to record even higher scores:

Pop Master: My best week ever, Part 2 (w/e 2-Apr-2020)

Pop Master: My best week ever, Part 3 (w/e 16-Apr-2020)

The Questions

Monday 2 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Hits from the movies [Not Lucky Numbers]

You should be dancing was a Top 5 in 1976 for which brotherly group?

What was the title of Madonna’s 2005 #1 that samples Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme a man after midnight?

BONUS: One of several hit songs featured in The Wedding Singer, name the group performing here [Hold me now, from the mid-80s]

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Get Ready for this 2Unlimited, Dizzy Vic Reeves and the Wonder Stuff, The Fly U2?

My Girl Lollipop was a Top 10 hit in 1982 for which group?

BONUS: Here’s a classic #1 from 1961, one of many tracks featured in the film American Graffiti [Runaway]; name the performer

The Jags made their only Top 40 appearance in 1979 with which Top 20 song?

The singer who had a Top 3 hit in 1992 with Save the best for last was Vanessa …

BONUS: A 1990 Top 20 by Go West, King of Wishful Thinking; it featured in which of these films? Edward Scissorhands, The Full Monty, Pretty Woman

In 1989 Prince had 3 hit singles from the soundtrack album to the film Batman, name any of them

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Highs and Lows [Not Lucky Numbers]

In 1985 Eurythmics had their only #1 with a song subtitled Playing with my heart; please give the full title

What was the name of Gary Numan’s group who had a #1 hit in 1979 with Are “Friends” Electric?

BONUS: What is the title of this 1966 hit for Ike and Tina Turner [includes the lyrics “When I was a little girl / I had a rag doll”]

The only Top 40 appearance for the duo Candy Flip was with which Beatles cover?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of One Love Blue, Like I love you Justin Timberlake, Dilemma Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland?

BONUS: Here’s a 1974 Top 10 single, Love on a mountain top; who is the singer?

Complete the title of this song that was a hit in the 1970s for both Gladys Knight and the Pips and John Holt: Help me

Who made her UK chart debut in 2009 with Love Story and had her only #1 in 2017 with Look what you made me do?

BONUS: This song by Andy Williams featured in the closing sequence to the film Shallow Grave; [Lyrics include: “It’s that sound that lovers hear / when they discover there can be no other / for their love”]; what is it called?

John Lennon’s son Julian made his chart debut in 1984 with which song?

3 in 10: Brotherhood of Man

Tuesday 3 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: 80s Hits [Not “Next Line”]

God Only Knows, Surfin’ USA and Barbra-Ann were all 60s hits for which group?

Complete the title of this 1989 hit for Chris Rea: The Road to

BONUS: Here’s the only #1 for this group, from 1985 [You spin me round like a record]; who are they?

Adele has had 2 #1s to date, Hello in 2015 and which other song, that spent 5 weeks at #1 in 2011?

Who was Lost in France according to the title of her 1976 debut hit?

BONUS: Here’s the only UK Top 20 by this group [Centerfold]; who are they?

Under what name did Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands record for their 1996 #1 Setting Sun and their 1997 #1 Block Rocking Beats?

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Smooth Operator Sade, Never Ending Story Limahl, Missing You John Waite?

BONUS: Here is one of 2 #1s by Wet Wet Wet from the 1990s [Love is all around]; name their only 80s #1

The first hit for Genesis came in 1974 with a song that had the subtitle In your wardrobe; what was its actual title?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Something beginning with El [Not “Next Line”]

The song Rivers of Babylon spent 5 weeks at #1 in 1978 for which group?

What was the title of the Rihanna and Coldplay hit from 2012?

BONUS: A top 10 from 1983 for Eddy Grant [Electric Avenue]; name the group he was with in the 1960s who had 3 hits themselves

Upside Down in 1980 and Working Overtime in 1989 were the first and last new hits of the 80s for which singer?

In 1993 David Bowie had a #1 album and a Top 40 single called Black Tie …

BONUS: Here’s the first of 3 hits by The Turtles in the 60s [Happy Together]; name the last

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Everyday Hurts Sad Cafe, When you’re in love with a beautiful woman Dr Hook, One day at a time Lena Martell?

The 5 members of Steps are Clare, Faye, H, Lee and …

BONUS: Here’s Barry Ryan’s 1968 hit Eloise, name the band who also had a hit with it in 1986

What Island did Blondie sing about according to the title of their 1982 hit?

Wednesday 4 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Girl Groups [Not The Birds]

Oops I did it again was a #1 hit in 2000 for which singer?

Come Back and Stay in 1983 Everything must change in 1984 and Every time you go away in 1985 were all hits for …

BONUS: Here’s part of the first #1 by Destiny’s Child in 2000 [Independent Women Part 1]; name their second and final #1 that followed a year later

The 2005 Top 3 Bad Day, which spent almost 6 months in the Top 40, was a hit for the Canadian singer Daniel …

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of I’d lie for you and that’s the truth Meat Loaf, Heaven for everyone Queen, Gangsta’s Paradise Coolio featuring LV?

BONUS: From 1986, here’s the debut chart hit by the Bangles [Manic Monday]; name their only #1

Released in 1989, Halo James had their only Top 10 hit in 1990 with which song?

Which member of One Direction had a 2017 #1 with his solo debut Sign of the times?

BONUS: This song [When will I see you again?] was the only UK chart-topper for which group?

Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 and 1979; both songs were UK hits, name either of them

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Silver and Gold [Not The Birds]

On his 1994 Top 3 hit Bruce Springsteen sang about the Streets of …

Who was a Slave to Love according to his 1985 Top 10 single?

BONUS: Here’s the debut hit by an American singer who once worked with Linda Ronstadt [Lonely Boy]; please name him

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of She Bangs Ricky Martin, I’m Over You Martine McCutcheon, and the double A side Holler & Let Love Lead the Way by the Spice Girls?

Giving it all away was a solo Top 5 hit in 1973 for which member of The Who?

BONUS: Here are the opening lines to one of Roy Orbison’s 1964 #1s [It’s Over]; name the other

Complete the title of this 1983 hit for Altered Images: Don’t Talk to

Jake Shears is best known as a singer and founding member of which act?

BONUS: Here’s one of two #1s by this singing actor from the 70s [Silver Lady]; who is he?

Coco represented the UK in 1978 with which single?

3 in 10: The Temptations, yes for me, not for her

Thursday 5 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Q&A [Not Once at One]

What are the 4 letters that make up the title of a 1979 Village People #1?

Step back in time was a 1990 Top 5 for which singer?

BONUS: Here’s the middle section of a One Hit Wonder from Quantum Jump; what is it called?

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Union of the snake Duran Duran, All night long Lionel Richie, Uptown Girl Billy Joel?

Unchained Melody in 2002 and Angel on my shoulder in 2007 were the first and last of 9 Top 40 singles for which singer?

BONUS: A cover version of this hit for Billie Davis [1963] and Hello [1974] [Tell Him] was a hit for the two lead actresses in Men Behaving Badly; how were they billed on the record?

Complete the title of this 1974 #1 for New Seekers featuring Lynn Paul: You won’t find another

The 2013 hits We can’t stop and Wrecking Ball are the only #1s to date for which singer?

BONUS: Listen to this final hit for the group A1 and give me the title

Split Enz made their only Top 40 appearance in 1980 with which song?

33 for me, 21 for her

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Now with added lyrics [Not Once at One]

What is the 4-word subtitle of the Four Seasons 1976 #1 December 1963?

What happens Where My Rosemary Goes according to the full title of Edison Lighthouse’s 1970 #1?

BONUS: In 1973, Simon Park Orchestra reached #1 with an instrumental version of Eye Level; name the singer who had this Top 30 hit version in the same year

Name the two former members of 10cc who had a Top 10 in the early 80s with Wedding Bells

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Saturday Night Whigfield, Always Bon Jovi, Baby Come Back Pato Banton?

BONUS: Here’s the middle section from Anita Dobson’s Top 5 hit version of the “Eastenders” theme; please give its title

The Top 10 instrumental Love’s Theme was a 1974 hit for Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra; the band Love Unlimited also had 2 hits in the 1970s, name either

Who had their first hit in 1981 with New Life and their first Top 10 in the same year with Just can’t get enough?

BONUS: One of the biggest hit albums from 1983/4 contains this tune based on Beethoven, name the performer

What was Victoria Beckham’s surname when the Spice Girls had their first #1 in 1996 with Wannabe?

Tie-Break Questions:

Cher and 2 other female singers reached #1 in 1995 with Love can build a bridge; name either of them

Writing’s on the wall, sung by Sam Smith, is the theme tune to which Bond movie?

Name the Romanian duo who had a Top 3 in 2003 with Take your shoes off

What was the first #1 for Westlife?

What was the name of the first Top 10 by Sugababes?

Confusion, Fine Time and Touched by the hand of God were all 80s hits for which band?

The 1980 Top 10 Back together again was a hit for Roberta Flack and which other singer?

Which rapper featured on J-Lo’s 2003 hit All I have?

In 1986 Huey Lewis had a double A sided hit with Do you believe in love and which other song?

Old before I die was a Top 3 hit for which singer in 1997?

3 in 10: Alicia Keys

Friday 6 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: I write the songs [Not That’s the Way]

Tainted Love was the debut hit and only #1 for which early 80s duo?

Which Wizzard seasonal record from 1973 has appeared regularly in the charts since then?

BONUS: Here are The Strangeloves with their version of a song they wrote [I Want Candy]; it was a hit in 1982 for which group?

Kelly Jones is best known as lead singer with which group?

What song spent 3 weeks at #1 for No Doubt in 1997?

BONUS: Too Hot to Handle, a hit for Counting Crows, was first a hit for its co-writer; who was he?

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Jack & Dianne John Cougar, Maneater Hall and Oates, I’ll be satisfied Shaking Stevens?

What were In the Window according to a 2002 Travis hit?

BONUS: Here’s Neil Sedaka’s version of Stupid Cupid, a 1958 chart-topper for which female singer?

Spirit, Body and Soul was the 1979 chart debut for which family group?

Round 2 Bonus Questions: That’s the way [Not Kings and Queens]

The 1983 #1 Every breath you take was the 5th and final chart-topper for which group?

Bjorn sang lead vocals on which 1979 Abba hit?

BONUS: In 1992 this performer changed record labels; this is her first hit for that label; who is she?

In 2005 Kelly Clarkson had a Top 10 with Behind these …

Hang on to your love in 1990, Any dream will do in 1991 and As time goes by in 1992 were all hits for which singer?

BONUS: In 2005 Tony Christie reached #1 with this song [Is this the way to Amarillo?], with a little help from which comedian?

Tears are not enough in 1981 and One Better World in 1989 were the first and last hits of the 80s for which group?

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Dance little lady dance Tina Charles, If not you Dr Hook, Play that funky music Wild Cherry

BONUS: Here’s the second of two Top 20 hits by the Honeycombs [That’s the way]; name the first, which reached #1 in 1964

The singer-songwriter Donna Lewis had her first and biggest hit in 1996 with which Top 5 song?

3 in 10: Stranglers

Questions and Answers

The answers are in brackets (like this); Answers IN CAPITALS indicate questions that I got wrong; notes or explanations are in square brackets [like this]. The word “YES” indicates a question I guessed correctly and was pleased about.

Monday 2 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Hits from the movies [Not Lucky Numbers]

You should be dancing was a Top 5 in 1976 for which brotherly group? (Bee Gees)

What was the title of Madonna’s 2005 #1 that samples Abba’s Gimme Gimme Gimme (a man after midnight)? (Hung Up)

BONUS: One of several hit songs featured in The Wedding Singer, name the group performing here [Hold me now, from the mid-80s] (The Thompson Twins)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Get Ready for this 2Unlimited, Dizzy Vic Reeves and the Wonder Stuff, The Fly U2? (1991)

My Girl Lollipop was a Top 10 hit in 1982 for which group? (Bad Manners)

BONUS: Here’s a classic #1 from 1961, one of many tracks featured in the film American Graffiti [Runaway]; name the performer (Del Shannon)

The Jags made their only Top 40 appearance in 1979 with which Top 20 song? (Back of my hand)

The singer who had a Top 3 hit in 1992 with Save the best for last was Vanessa … (Williams)

BONUS: A 1990 Top 20 by Go West, King of Wishful Thinking; it featured in which of these films? Edward Scissorhands, The Full Monty, Pretty Woman (Pretty Woman) YES

In 1989 Prince had 3 hit singles from the soundtrack album to the film Batman, name any of them (Batdance) Party Man, Arms of Orion

39 for me, 30 for him

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Highs and Lows [Not Lucky Numbers]

In 1985 Eurythmics had their only #1 with a song subtitled Playing with my heart; please give the full title (There must be an angel)

What was the name of Gary Numan’s group who had a #1 hit in 1979 with Are “Friends” Electric? (Tubeway Army)

BONUS: What is the title of this 1966 hit for Ike and Tina Turner [includes the lyrics “When I was a little girl / I had a rag doll”] (River Deep Mountain High)

The only Top 40 appearance for the duo Candy Flip was with which Beatles cover? (Strawberry Fields Forever)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of One Love Blue, Like I love you Justin Timberlake, Dilemma Nelly featuring Kelly Rowland? (2002)

BONUS: Here’s a 1974 Top 10 single, Love on a mountain top; who is the singer? (Robert Knight)

Complete the title of this song that was a hit in the 1970s for both Gladys Knight and the Pips and John Holt: Help me (make it through the night)

Who made her UK chart debut in 2009 with Love Story and had her only #1 in 2017 with Look what you made me do? (Taylor Swift)

BONUS: This song by Andy Williams featured in the closing sequence to the film Shallow Grave; [Lyrics include: “It’s that sound that lovers hear / when they discover there can be no other / for their love”]; what is it called? (HAPPY HEART) NOPE [And I’m not sure how that’s a Highs and Lows question; is it because it featured in Shal-LOW Grave? Bit tenuous, that, and it cost me a top score.]

John Lennon’s son Julian made his chart debut in 1984 with which song? (Too late for goodbyes)

33 for me, 15 for him

3 in 10: Brotherhood of Man

Brotherhood of Man (2 November 2020): Save your kisses for me / Angelo / Figaro / United we stand / Oh Boy [and others]

Tuesday 3 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: 80s Hits [Not “Next Line”]

God Only Knows, Surfin’ USA and Barbra-Ann were all 60s hits for which group? (The Beach Boys)

Complete the title of this 1989 hit for Chris Rea: The Road to (Hell)

BONUS: Here’s the only #1 for this group, from 1985 [You spin me round like a record]; who are they? (Dead or Alive)

Adele has had 2 #1s to date, Hello in 2015 and which other song, that spent 5 weeks at #1 in 2011? (Someone like you)

Who was Lost in France according to the title of her 1976 debut hit? (Bonnie Tyler)

BONUS: Here’s the only UK Top 20 by this group [Centerfold]; who are they? (J Geils Band)

Under what name did Ed Simons and Tom Rowlands record for their 1996 #1 Setting Sun and their 1997 #1 Block Rocking Beats? (The Chemical Brothers)

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Smooth Operator Sade, Never Ending Story Limahl, Missing You John Waite? (1984)

BONUS: Here is one of 2 #1s by Wet Wet Wet from the 1990s [Love is all around]; name their only 80s #1 (With a little help from my friends)

The first hit for Genesis came in 1974 with a song that had the subtitle In your wardrobe; what was its actual title? (I know what I like)

39 for me

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Something beginning with El [Not “Next Line”]

The song Rivers of Babylon spent 5 weeks at #1 in 1978 for which group? (Boney M)

What was the title of the Rihanna and Coldplay hit from 2012? (Princess of China)

BONUS: A top 10 from 1983 for Eddy Grant [Electric Avenue]; name the group he was with in the 1960s who had 3 hits themselves (The Equals)

Upside Down in 1980 and Working Overtime in 1989 were the first and last new hits of the 80s for which singer? (Diana Ross)

In 1993 David Bowie had a #1 album and a Top 40 single called Black Tie … (White Noise)

BONUS: Here’s the first of 3 hits by The Turtles in the 60s [Happy Together]; name the last (Eleanor) YES

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Everyday Hurts Sad Cafe, When you’re in love with a beautiful woman Dr Hook, One day at a time Lena Martell? (1979)

The 5 members of Steps are Clare, Faye, H, Lee and … (Lisa)

BONUS: Here’s Barry Ryan’s 1968 hit Eloise, name the band who also had a hit with it in 1986 (The Damned)

What Island did Blondie sing about according to the title of their 1982 hit? (Island of lost souls)

39 for me, 12 for her

3 in 10: New Kids on the Block

New Kids on the Block (3 November 2020): You got it the right stuff / Step by step / Hanging Tough / I’ll be loving you forever [and others]

Wednesday 4 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Girl Groups [Not The Birds]

Oops I did it again was a #1 hit in 2000 for which singer? (Britney Spears)

Come Back and Stay in 1983 Everything must change in 1984 and Every time you go away in 1985 were all hits for … (Paul Young)

BONUS: Here’s part of the first #1 by Destiny’s Child in 2000 [Independent Women Part 1]; name their second and final #1 that followed a year later (Survivor)

The 2005 Top 3 Bad Day, which spent almost 6 months in the Top 40, was a hit for the Canadian singer Daniel … (Powter)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of I’d lie for you and that’s the truth Meat Loaf, Heaven for everyone Queen, Gangsta’s Paradise Coolio featuring LV? (1995)

BONUS: From 1986, here’s the debut chart hit by the Bangles [Manic Monday]; name their only #1 (Eternal Flame)

Released in 1989, Halo James had their only Top 10 hit in 1990 with which song? (COULD HAVE TOLD YOU SO) NOPE

Which member of One Direction had a 2017 #1 with his solo debut Sign of the times? (Harry Styles)

BONUS: This song [When will I see you again?] was the only UK chart-topper for which group? (Three Degrees)

Israel won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1978 and 1979; both songs were UK hits, name either of them (A-ba-ni-bi) Izar Cohen and Alpha-beta or Hallelujah Milk and Honey

36 for me, 27 for her

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Silver and Gold [Not The Birds]

On his 1994 Top 3 hit Bruce Springsteen sang about the Streets of … (Philadelphia)

Who was a Slave to Love according to his 1985 Top 10 single? (Bryan Ferry)

BONUS: Here’s the debut hit by an American singer who once worked with Linda Ronstadt [Lonely Boy]; please name him (Andrew Gold)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of She Bangs Ricky Martin, I’m Over You Martine McCutcheon, and the double A side Holler & Let Love Lead the Way by the Spice Girls? (2000)

Giving it all away was a solo Top 5 hit in 1973 for which member of The Who? (Roger Daltrey)

BONUS: Here are the opening lines to one of Roy Orbison’s 1964 #1s [It’s Over]; name the other (Oh Pretty Woman)

Complete the title of this 1983 hit for Altered Images: Don’t Talk to (me about love)

Jake Shears is best known as a singer and founding member of which act? (Scissor Sisters)

BONUS: Here’s one of two #1s by this singing actor from the 70s [Silver Lady]; who is he? (David Soul)

Coco represented the UK in 1978 with which single? (Bad old days)

39 for me, 15 for him

3 in 10: The Temptations

Temptations (4 November 2020): My Girl / Papa was a rolling stone / Just my imagination / Ain’t too proud to beg / Get Ready / Ball of confusion [and more]

Thursday 5 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: Q&A [Not Once at One]

What are the 4 letters that make up the title of a 1979 Village People #1? (YMCA)

Step back in time was a 1990 Top 5 for which singer? (Kylie Minogue)

BONUS: Here’s the middle section of a One Hit Wonder from Quantum Jump; what is it called? (The Lone Ranger)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Union of the snake Duran Duran, All night long Lionel Richie, Uptown Girl Billy Joel? (1983)

Unchained Melody in 2002 and Angel on my shoulder in 2007 were the first and last of 9 Top 40 singles for which singer? (Gareth Gates)

BONUS: A cover version of this hit for Billie Davis [1963] and Hello [1974] [Tell Him] was a hit for the two lead actresses in Men Behaving Badly; how were they billed on the record? (Q&A) [It was Caroline Quentin and Leslie Ash, and Ken allowed the full names of both actresses as a correct answer; Everyhit.com lists the act as Quentin & Ash]

Complete the title of this 1974 #1 for New Seekers featuring Lynn Paul: You won’t find another (fool like me)

The 2013 hits We can’t stop and Wrecking Ball are the only #1s to date for which singer? (Miley Cyrus)

BONUS: Listen to this final hit for the group A1 and give me the title (CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE) NOPE [It was Stuck at 2, having entered the chart in February 2002, kept off the top by Enrique Iglesias, Hero]

Split Enz made their only Top 40 appearance in 1980 with which song? (I got you)

33 for me, 21 for her

Round 2 Bonus Questions: Now with added lyrics [Not Once at One]

What is the 4-word subtitle of the Four Seasons 1976 #1 December 1963? (Oh what a night)

What happens Where My Rosemary Goes according to the full title of Edison Lighthouse’s 1970 #1? (Love Grows)

BONUS: In 1973, Simon Park Orchestra reached #1 with an instrumental version of Eye Level; name the singer who had this Top 30 hit version in the same year (Matt Monro) is my guess, it sounds like him, YES, it’s Matt; and it had the extra title: And you smiled

Name the two former members of 10cc who had a Top 10 in the early 80s with Wedding Bells (Godley and Creme)

In which year did this week’s Top 3 consist of Saturday Night Whigfield, Always Bon Jovi, Baby Come Back Pato Banton? (1994)

BONUS: Here’s the middle section from Anita Dobson’s Top 5 hit version of the “Eastenders” theme; please give its title (Anyone can fall in love)

The Top 10 instrumental Love’s Theme was a 1974 hit for Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra; the band Love Unlimited also had 2 hits in the 1970s, name either (Walking in the rain with the one I love) It may be winter outside but in my heart it’s spring

Who had their first hit in 1981 with New Life and their first Top 10 in the same year with Just can’t get enough? (Depeche Mode)

BONUS: One of the biggest hit albums from 1983/4 contains this tune based on Beethoven, name the performer (Billy Joel)

What was Victoria Beckham’s surname when the Spice Girls had their first #1 in 1996 with Wannabe? (Adams)

39 for me, 21 for him

Tie-Break Questions:

Cher and 2 other female singers reached #1 in 1995 with Love can build a bridge; name either of them (Neneh Cherry, Chrissie Hynde)

Writing’s on the wall, sung by Sam Smith, is the theme tune to which Bond movie? (Spectre)

Name the Romanian duo who had a Top 3 in 2003 with Take your shoes off (Cheeky Girls)

What was the first #1 for Westlife? (Swear it again)

What was the name of the first Top 10 by Sugababes? (OVERLOAD) NOPE

Confusion, Fine Time and Touched by the hand of God were all 80s hits for which band? (NEW ORDER) [I should have got that]

The 1980 Top 10 Back together again was a hit for Roberta Flack and which other singer? (DONNY HATHAWAY)

Which rapper featured on J-Lo’s 2003 hit All I have? (LL COOL J)

In 1986 Huey Lewis had a double A sided hit with Do you believe in love and which other song? (Hip to be square) NOPE The POWER OF LOVE

Old before I die was a Top 3 hit for which singer in 1997? (Robbie Williams) – that’s the 10th Tie-Break Question, and the FIRST question that either of them got right

3 in 10: Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys (5 November 2020): Empire state of mind Fallin’ / This girl is on fire / Another way to die / No one / Girlfriend / Try Sleeping with a broken heart / [NOT Unthinkable, it wasn’t a UK hit]/

Friday 6 November 2020

Round 1 Bonus Questions: I write the songs [Not That’s the Way]

Tainted Love was the debut hit and only #1 for which early 80s duo? (Soft Cell)

Which Wizzard seasonal record from 1973 has appeared regularly in the charts since then? (I wish it could be Christmas every day)

BONUS: Here are The Strangeloves with their version of a song they wrote [I Want Candy]; it was a hit in 1982 for which group? (Bow Wow Wow)

Kelly Jones is best known as lead singer with which group? (Stereophonics)

What song spent 3 weeks at #1 for No Doubt in 1997? (Don’t Speak)

BONUS: Too Hot to Handle, a hit for Counting Crows, was first a hit for its co-writer; who was he? (Otis Redding)

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Jack & Dianne John Cougar, Maneater Hall and Oates, I’ll be satisfied Shaking Stevens? (1982)

What were In the Window according to a 2002 Travis hit? (Flowers)

BONUS: Here’s Neil Sedaka’s version of Stupid Cupid, a 1958 chart-topper for which female singer? (Connie Francis)

Spirit, Body and Soul was the 1979 chart debut for which family group? (Nolans) YES – I was torn between that and The Dooleys

39 for me, 24 for him

Round 2 Bonus Questions: That’s the way [Not Kings and Queens]

The 1983 #1 Every breath you take was the 5th and final chart-topper for which group? (The Police)

Bjorn sang lead vocals on which 1979 Abba hit? (Does your mother know)

BONUS: In 1992 this performer changed record labels; this is her first hit for that label; who is she? (Janet Jackson) YES, I guessed right, but I didn’t think that she’d changed labels

In 2005 Kelly Clarkson had a Top 10 with Behind these … (HAZEL EYES) NOPE

Hang on to your love in 1990, Any dream will do in 1991 and As time goes by in 1992 were all hits for which singer? (Jason Donovan)

BONUS: In 2005 Tony Christie reached #1 with this song [Is this the way to Amarillo?], with a little help from which comedian? (Peter Kay)

Tears are not enough in 1981 and One Better World in 1989 were the first and last hits of the 80s for which group? (ABC)

In which year were the songs at 30 20 and 10 in this week’s chart Dance little lady dance Tina Charles, If not you Dr Hook, Play that funky music Wild Cherry (1976)

BONUS: Here’s the second of two Top 20 hits by the Honeycombs [That’s the way]; name the first, which reached #1 in 1964 (Have I the right)

The singer-songwriter Donna Lewis had her first and biggest hit in 1996 with which Top 5 song? (I love you always forever)

36 for me, 15 for him

3 in 10: Stranglers

Stranglers (6 November 2020): No more heroes / Go Buddy Go / Peaches / Golden Brown / Walk on by / All day and all of the night [and more]

Summary of my scores, and the questions I got wrong

Monday 2 November 2020: 39, 33, Happy Heart by Andy Williams features in the closing sequence of Shallow Grave

BONUS (Highs and Lows): This song by Andy Williams featured in the closing sequence to the film Shallow Grave; [Lyrics include: “It’s that sound that lovers hear / when they discover there can be no other / for their love”]; what is it called? (HAPPY HEART)

Tuesday 3 November 2020: 39, 39

[No questions wrong]

Wednesday 4 November: 36, 39, Halo James only Top 10 Could have told you so

Released in 1989, Halo James had their only Top 10 hit in 1990 with which song? (COULD HAVE TOLD YOU SO)

Thursday 5 November 2020: 33, 39, final A1 hit Caught in the middle [Stuck at 2, 2002]

BONUS (Q&A): Listen to this final hit for the group A1 and give me the title (CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE) NOPE [It was Stuck at 2, having entered the chart in February 2002, kept off the top by Enrique Iglesias, Hero]

Friday 6 November 2020: 39, 36, Kelly Clarkson 2005 Behind these hazel eyes

In 2005 Kelly Clarkson had a Top 10 with Behind these … (HAZEL EYES) NOPE