Mental Floss

MUSIC HISTORY





Give ’em a spin.

Some true classics are turning the big 5-0 this year, from Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’ to Rush’s ‘Fly by Night.’

Kenneth Partridge






Michael Putland/Getty Images

Over the course of his illustrious career, George Michael gave the world many gifts. One that keeps on giving is “Last Christmas,” the 1984 holiday classic by Wham!, Michael's pop duo with Andrew Ridgeley.

Kenneth Partridge


Concept albums are alive and well in the 21st century.

Some people love the concept album—and some love to hate them. But chances are you’ve listened to songs from one or two of them in your life.

Kenneth Partridge




’Tis the season to learn about your favorite Christmas songs.

You’ve sung them while clutching cups of hot cocoa. You’ve heard them played in shopping malls. But do you know how some of the world’s best-known Christmas carols were created?

Kristy Puchko




David Bowie in 1999.

The groundbreaking artist made history in 1999 with his album ‘Hours’ when he sold it as an internet download before it hit stores: “Mark my words … we are not going back to record companies and through shops.”

Jon O'Brien




Everything from ‘Jolene’ to ‘Waterloo’ is hitting the big 5-0 in 2024. Give ’em a spin.

Kenneth Partridge
Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli.

From Milli Vanilli’s “Girl, You Know It’s True” to Technotronic’s “Pump Up the Jam,” these songs all made it to the Billboard Hot 100—and they all had something to hide.

Jon O'Brien