#1 for weeks of December 22 and 29th, 1958, and January 5 and 12th, 1959.
The first novelty song on this list, and the only Christmas #1 for the US Billboard Hot 100. It is not that common that novelty or holiday songs reached #1 in the states, (This was much more common in the UK).
It is a bit weird to see this song on this list, considering its novelty factor. Still, the song is a timeless nostalgic song that many people are familiar with, and during the holidays, it certainly acceptable to hear. It's also refreshing to hear something done under the Alvin and the Chipmunks name by its original creator, Ross Bagdasarian Sr, before the franchise became the bastardized, CGI, pop culture obsessed mess that it is today.
However, while giving the song the mandatory 3 listens minimum I give every song on this list, (despite me being quite familiar with the song), I found that by the second listen, any novelty factor had worn off, and by the 3rd listen, It was more of a chore to sit through. Because of this, I can't see how this was number one for a whole month. It's a song that's best taken in small doses, and of course, listening to it in August doesn't help either.
It's worth noting that "The Witch Doctor", credited to David Seville, (The voices of David Seville and the Chipmunks were really Bagdasarian), was a #1 hit earlier in the year. However, this was based on the recently defunct, 'Best Sellers' chart (ended in October of 1958), so it doesn't count for this list.
Final Verdict - While this song certainly is a tune most people are familiar with, and is reveled around the holidays, I can't see how or why this got to #1. The novelty factor wears off after a few listens and the fact that this was still being regularly played through January of 1959 really perplexes me. This song is only good in strict moderation and when it's played in December.
Coming Up Next - 1958 Reflection.
Until Next Time - Dr. Rock -
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