Customer Reviews

The Billboard Book of Number One Adult Contemporary Hits

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This is a well-WRITTEN book, typical of the other informative Billboard offerings. There is a wealth of information here about songs you may have forgotten about, and some original interviews as well. Unfortunately, the text itself is riddled with spelling and factual errors: for example, Conor Clapton's mother was never Eric's wife; Leo Sayer's hit was Long Tall GLASSES, not DANCES; and Jim Seals' partner was CROFTS, not CROFT. And come on, Wesley, you know better than to write "TERRY" DeSario! Did anyone proofread this? I hope the author will take better care in the production of the next edition.

Anybody who is still looking for Joel Whitburn's updated Adult Contemporary singles book may have to wait, but this is a preview of the AC chart-toppers. This is awesome for those into soft music and elevator music. What I mean is Kenny G, Michael Bolton, Herb Alpert, whoever. I love the detailed information in this book about the song and the "behind the music" stories in here. Great job, Mr. Hyatt!

on page 206 "When I Need You" by Leo Sayer is listed as #1 for the week ending April 23, 1977. Within the text, the author mentions Sayer's #9 pop hit "Long Tall Glasses (I Can Dance)"...nowhere does it say "Long Tall Dances" as an earlier review stated. on page 153 is who i call the Adult-Contemporary King, the wonderful Barry Manilow. that page just happens to be all about Manilow's debut, "Mandy", which was #1 for two weeks on the AC chart starting in December 28, 1974 and on January 18, 1975 it was #1 on the Hot 100, as the book states. This is not a Joel Whitburn book. it's by a guy named Wesley Hyatt. Each #1 single is given mini stories behind the songs. in some of the stories, the author names several singles by the featured artist during the same era that may not have hit #1 but were Top-40 hits. On page 171 it shows The Carpenters at #1 on September 6, 1975 with Neil Sedaka and Phil Cody's "Solitaire"...which Clay Aiken has out now as the b-side of "The Way". All in all, this book is great for those who want to know the #1 AC hits from the beginning in 1961 through 1998.

This book has a lot of interesting information, although it's not quite up to the standard of the Joel Whitburn books. More pictures of the artists would be welcome, as would less "bubbling under" references. Also, it's not necessary to say the person being interviewed told "this author" something. That's assumed, unless another source is mentioned. If you work in AC radio, as I do, this book is very helpful!