SINGLED OUT
Canadian musicians have been topping the charts worldwide since Guy Lombardi in the big band era. These 20 singles weren’t just hits, they also represented Canadian culture to the wider world — and to their fellow Canucks. 1. “American Woman” by the Guess Who A rock anthem for Canadians who define themselves as “not American.” 2. “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen The singer placed third on Canadian
Idol in 2007 and then went on to release the best-selling single worldwide in 2012. Call me, maybe? Such a Canadian pickup line. 3. “Canada” by Bobby Gimby This jingoistic jingle was released to commemorate Canada’s 100th birthday in 1967. 4. “50 Mission Cap” by Tragically Hip Maple Leafs, hockey cards and the Hip themselves, of course, are about as Canadian as it gets. 5. “Helpless” by Neil Young Neil sets the stage from the haunting opening line: “There is a town in North Ontario/ With dream comfort memory to spare.” 6. “If I Had a Million Dollars” by Barenaked Ladies The tune references Kraft Dinner. ’Nuff said. 7. “I Just Want to Stop” by Gino Vanelli “When I think about those nights in Montreal” is one of the sexier opening lyrics in pop history. 8. “Mushaboom” by Feist Ever wondered what a Mushaboom is? Well, it’s a town in Nova Scotia. 9. “Northern Touch” by Rascalz (featuring Checkmate, Kardinal Offishall, Thrust and Choclair) A summit of the most influential MCs from across the country, this track celebrated Canada’s unique hiphop scene, paving a path for future stars like the Weeknd and A Tribe Called Red. 10. “Northwest Passage” by Stan Rogers The history of early explorers searching for a route across Canada, sung a cappella. 11. “Raised on Robbery” by Joni Mitchell More Maple Leafs. More tales of woe. 12. “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks An English-language version of Jacques Brel’s “Le Moribund,” this track is one of the fewer than 40 singles to have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Thanks to Can Con regulations, it’s still heard in heavy rotation on oldies radio. 13. “Snowbird” by Anne Murray Canadian folkie Gene MacLellan’s most famous song has been recorded by many, but Murray’s pure and effortless vocals make this version the best. 14. “Sorry” by Justin Beiber There’s nothing more Canadian than a Canadian apologizing. 15. “Spirit of Radio” by Rush An ’80s-era homage to Toronto indie station CFNY. 16. “Started from the Bottom” by Drake Aubrey Graham’s origin story. The video features Drake working at Shopper’s Drug Mart. 17. “Tshinanu” by Kashtin A surprise worldwide hit from folk duo Claude McKenzie and Florent Vollant, sung in their native Innuaimun language. 18. “Underwhelmed” by Sloan Instrumental in building the 1990s Halifax music scene, Sloan are also known for clever word play. This song references the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation. 19. “Waving Flag” by K’naan This tune by Somali-Canadian K’naan has had many lives: first as a song of hope for Somalia, then as a Canadian fundraiser for the 2010 Haitian earthquake relief efforts, then as a promo for FIFA. It’s so anthemic that there’s even a book about it. 20. “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down of this epic tale of the sinking of a Great Lakes Freighter.