Singles’ Day is upon us, and that means… Fun facts about singles, and of course some super cool tracks to jam along with! Oh you thought Singles’ Day was all about people that are not in a romantic relationship? Well, some tracks are also alone and need some sweet sweet lovin’. That’s why we highlight some of the best singles ever.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Singles' Day

Death of the single

Did you know that around the end of the 20th century, record companies were booming? These were the glory days of the music industry, where labels could pick out an artist and make them great by just investing infinite amounts of cash in them. CDs were the main carrier of sound, and they were cheap to manufacture, so the potential profits were enormous.

This was also the time in which singles started to disappear. Why? Because the music industry saw that when an artist released a cool track on MTV and the radio, fans would buy it no matter if it was a single or a whole album. And since an entire record brings in more cash… You can figure out the rest. So singles slowly disappeared from the record stores. 

Rebirth

Until a funny little thing like the internet took the industry by storm in the form of a website called Napster. For all you young Millennials, this is the grandmother of all streaming services. Napster provided the technology of sharing your favourite tracks — on MP3, which became the main carrier of sound — with the world. 

Even after its ban, the website had started an irreversible revolution. Some would argue that this was about legal issues, we would like to think that Napster was the rebirth of the single. This is why we would like to celebrate Singles’ Day with you by highlighting two old school best-selling singles of all times, and two super popular tracks from the digital era. Enjoy!

Bing Crosby – White Christmas

One of the best selling singles of all time is “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. The song was released in 1942 and has sold over 50 million physical copies since. For all you piano players, this track has some pretty accessible seventh chords that could open your mind to a sound from almost a century ago. Try it out.

Elton John – Candle in the Wind

Remember “Candle in the Wind” by Elton John? He blew away everyone by performing this song during Princess Diana’s funeral service. The record sold over 33 million physical copies, and is the second best sold single ever. Written in the key of E, this track is easy to pick up if you’re a guitarist, and of course for all you piano players.

Ed Sheeran – Shape of You

So now that we’ve covered the old school physical copies, let’s take a closer look at our own era of digital singles. It can’t be a surprise that one of Chordify’s most played artists ranks number one in this playfield. Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” has been sold more than 41 million times throughout the whole digital world. Bing Crosby, you better watch your back, bro.

Luis Fonsi – Despacito

Right behind Ed Sheeran, the number two best selling digital single is “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee and Justin Bieber. The song might sound difficult when you listen to it, but it’s actually pretty easy to play along with. Just check out the chord progression that consists of only four chords: Bm, G, D, A. That’s all there is to it. A great hit doesn’t have to be difficult, just groovy and catchy.

Happy Singles’ Day

So what’s your favourite single? Play it, and play it loud! Not only today, but every day. Because cool songs sparkle the joy of living our music to the fullest. And don’t forget to celebrate you this Singles’ Day! Treat yourself and start mastering the songs you love in a heartbeat. Happy jamming!

What did you think of this article?👍 👎You already voted!
+ posts

Teo creates content, which means he writes, a lot, about music, and all things interesting. When it comes to jamming, his weapon of choice is the bass guitar.