Our top 10 Fatboy Slim songs introduce us to an artist famed for his influence in the big beat genre. Born in 1963, Fatboy Slim has had a successful career as a musician, DJ and record producer. As a young man, he enrolled in violin lessons growing up with a passion for music. His brother purchased him the debut album of The Damned owing to his love for music. The gift left a mark in Fatboy Slim’s life, turning him into punk music, where he attended multiple gigs and later played in several punk bands. Initially a drummer at the band, Fatboy Slim took on the lead vocalist role after Charlie Alcock resigned to concentrate on his studies.
Fatboy Slim later joined The Housemartins as the bassist spending three years in the band before it split. The disbandment of The Housemartins gave Fatboy Slim a chance to concentrate on the music he loved. Fatboy Slim achieved his debut solo hit “Blame It On the Bassline” in 1989. The song featured MC Wildski of Beats International, a dance music band formed by Fatboy Slim. Beats International is famously known for its song “Dub Be Good to Me.” However, the band was accused of copyright infringement with the song’s lyrics borrowed from “Just Be Good to Me” by The S.O.S. Band, while its bassline was lifted from “The Gins of Brixton” by The Clash. Fatboy Slim was ordered to twice the royalties made on the record as a fine for copyright infringement.
Attempts to revamp the band’s career with a sophomore album failed, leading to Beats International’s disbandment in 1992. Fatboy Slim’s enthusiasm for music led to the formation of Freak Power with vocalist Jesse Graham and horn player Ashley Slater. The band went on to bag a multimillion-dollar ad campaign with its song “Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out.” Fatboy Slim was also significant in the formation of the group The Mighty Dub Katz, whose biggest song was “Magic Carpet Ride.”
Since 1996, Fatboy Slim embarked on a solo career, making tons of releases in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The artist has won one Grammy Award, two Brit Awards, and nine MTV Video Music Awards, among others. Fatboy Slim holds a legacy in influencing the flourishing hip-hop scene in Brighton, UK. In America, Fatboy Slim dazzled his audiences with his fresh blend of electro-house, breakbeats, and rock ‘n’ roll vibes. Fatboy Slim has inspired a new breed of DJs since the explosion of dance music. Here are the top 10 Fatboy Slim songs that bring out his legacy in the music scene.
#10 – Gangster Trippin’
Ushering us to the top 10 Fatboy Slim songs is the hit “Gangster Trippin’.” The song is featured on his sophomore album, You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998). “Gangster Trippin’” possesses a monster beat delivered with a mean swing that helps make it quite a unique ballad. The production of this song is legendary, having it seamlessly incorporate a load of samples (five in total). The samples include both The X-Ecutioners’ “The Turntablist Anthem” and “Word Play,” DJ Shadow’s “Entropy,” Ann Robinson’s “You Did It,” and Dust Junkys’ “Beatbox Wash.” “Gangster Tripping” features an upbeat and groovy vibe that adds to its glamorous tropical-like sound.
#9 – Sunset (Bird of Prey)
Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars (2020) featured several hit songs by Fatboy Slim, bringing him to the peak of his career. One of the songs featured on this album is “Sunset (Bird of Prey),” which samples Jim Morrison’s vocals from The Doors hit ballad “Bird of Prey.” The song showcases Fatboy Slim’s range of musical styles and unique sounds, having it delivered on some heavy and dreamy tunes. “Sunset (Bird of Prey)” peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart.
#8 – Because We Can
The song “Because We Can” might seem short and nothing much when you look at its lyrics. However, it is an upbeat tempo ballad whose tune is packed with energy that complements the song’s meaning. The song channels the message that everybody can (everyone can make it)! “Because We Can” had its lyrics penned down by Fatboy Slim with actor Jim Broadbent featuring on the rap. The song was used in the movie Moulin Rouge! Bon Jovi released his version of “Because We Can” in his album What About Now (2013).
#7 – Don’t Let the Man Get You Down
“Don’t Let the Man Get You Down” is one of the best Fatboy Slim songs from his fourth studio album Palookaville (2004). The song title is not featured anywhere in the song’s lyrics. “Don’t Let the Man Get You Down” is all about repetition of the lyrics, “And the sign said, Long haired freaky people need not apply.” However, the song’s delivery is what makes it a massive hit thanks to the powerful tunes that yield a dance vibe. “Don’t Let the Man Get You Down” samples the opening line of Five Man Electrical Band’s song “Signs.”
#6 – East Sleep Rave Repeat
Number six on our top 10 Fatboy Slim songs is the hit “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat.” The song is an acid-infused house hit written by Fatboy Slim, Riva Starr, and Beardyman, who is also featured on the song’s vocals. Calvin Harris is one of the artists who remixed the song. “Eat Sleep Rave Repeat” reached number three on the UK Singles Chart. The five-versed song was covered by Northlane, who released their cover in January 2018. This is a great video that you don’t want to miss.
#5- Ya Mama
“Ya Mama” is one of the songs on the double A-side single “Song for Shelter”/”Ya Mama.” The song is featured on the soundtrack of the film Charlie’s Angels. “Ya Mama” sampled guitar riffs from Colosseum’s “The Kettle” with vocals sampled from Doug Lazy’s “Let the Rhythm Pump” and Stik E & The Hoodz’s “Shake Whatcha Mama Gave Ya.” The song also borrows much from “Block Rockin’ Beats” by The Chemical Brothers. The title “Ya Mama” was used earlier by Wuf Ticket and The Pharcyde in their 1982 and 1992 releases, respectively.
#4- The Rockafeller Skank
“The Rockafeller Skank” is one of the best Fatboy Slim songs from his sophomore studio album You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998). The song features a massive beat that serves as the song’s major selling proposition. “The Rockafeller Skank,” peaked at the sixth position on the UK Singles Chart while reaching the top of the Icelandic Singles Chart. The song also peaked at number seventy-six on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, making it the second song after “Praise You” to enter the chart. You ought to love how Fatboy Slim mixes old-school DJ techniques to create a simple yet unique masterpiece.
#3- Right Here, Right Now
“Right Here, Right Now” has been considered by many to be one of the most iconic dance ballads of all time. The song is featured as the second single on the album, You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998). Thanks to its infectious urban groove and spiritual melodic detail, “Right Here, Right Now” reached number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song saturates the party space, inspiring excitement on the dance floor with its sing-along essence. “Right Here, Right Now” sampled James Gang’s “Ashes, The Rain and I.”
#2- Praise You
Also from Fatboy Slim’s sophomore album is the hit “Praise You.” While the song’s title looks a little religious, the song is more of a praise to a lover or someone the singer has been with through the hard times. We deduce from the lyrics that the singer insinuates that he would barely have made it the far he had reached without the support of the addressee. “Praise You” features a vocal sample from Camille Yarbrough’s “Take Yo’ Praise.” The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart and number thirty-six on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
#1- Weapon of Choice ft. Bootsy Collins
Number one on our top 10 Fatboy Slim songs list is the hit “Weapon of Choice.” The song was released on Fatboy Slim’s third studio album, Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars. Without a doubt, Christopher Walken’s natural tap-dancing skills in this song made the song quite a massive hit and one of the most memorable Fatboy Slim songs. The song went on to win the 2002 Grammy Awards for the Best Music Video and the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards.
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