Don McLean's "American Pie" starts in mono and gradually goes to stereo. It isn't full stereo until the end of the song, which is over 8 minutes long.
Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation" was inspired by the tribes that came together at New York dance clubs.
The Rick James song "Cold Blooded" is about Linda Blair from The Exorcist, his girlfriend at the time. In James' lingo, "cold blooded" means sexy, not cruel.
Thomas Dolby wrote "She Blinded Me With Science" so he could direct the video, which was inspired by silent films and set in a "home for deranged scientists."
"Rhythm Of My Heart" by Rod Stewart is about a soldier at war - his heart is beating like a drum because he's in battle.
The first country song to win a Grammy for Record of the Year was "Not Ready To Make Nice" by The Dixie Chicks in 2007.
U2, Carly Simon, Joanna Newsom, Brian Wilson and Fiona Apple have all gone to Van Dyke Parks to make their songs exceptional.
On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.
"How much does it cost? I'll buy it?" Another songwriter told Jonathan to change these lyrics. Good thing he ignored this advice.
Genesis' key-man re-examines his solo career and the early days of music video.
On the "schizoid element" of his lyrics, and a famous line from "Everything Zen."
Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.