Music History Today: July 16, 2022

July 16, 2002: Eminem released the single "Cleanin' Out My Closet" from the album The Eminem Show. 

In "Cleanin' Out My Closet," Eminem talks about his mother who he feels neglected and mistreated him.

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It was used in some of the first trailers for Eminem's movie 8 Mile. It was going to be featured in the film, but Eminem objected because he thought it was too personal. 

Read more: Songfacts

July 16, 1966: Their second week on Billboard's Hot 10, The Rolling Stones' "Mother's Little Helper," blasted into the Top 40, from Number 70 to 38. 

"Mother's Little Helper" by the Rolling Stones is about a housewife who abuses prescription drugs to "get her through the day." It turns around the image of a suburban housewife, who is usually portrayed as cooking and caring for her family, by showing her as a drug abuser. 

Read more: Songfacts

 

July 16, 1983: Naked Eyes' "Promises, Promises" entered Billboard's Hot 100.

"Promises, Promises" was the second hit single for the British new wave group Naked Eyes in 1983. The song peaked at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was their follow up to their earlier hit "Always Something There to Remind Me" by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. 

Read more: Wikipedia

July 16, 1988: Tracy Chapman moved into the US Top 40 with "Fast Car." 

"Fast Car" is from the perspective of a woman with a guy who's unemployed, lazy and unsupportive. She works at the convenience store to pay the bills while he's drinking at the bar. Long ago, he made her feel like she belonged. Riding in his fast car, his arm around her shoulder, all was right. 

Read more: Songfacts

July 16, 1994: The Lion King soundtrack hit the top of Billboard's 200 Albums chart. 

The "Lion King"'s big numbers, like "Can You Feel The Love Tonight," "Circle of Life," and "Hakuna Matata" were written by Elton John (music) and Tim Rice (lyrics). "Hakuna Matata" was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, but lost to "Can You Feel The Love Tonight." 

Read more: Wikipedia

Cleanin' Out My Closet
Eminem