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Released in 1970, "Your Song" introduced the world to one of popular music's greatest songwriting partnerships and its lyricist was still a teenager.

Bernie Taupin was just 17 years-old when he wrote the lyrics to "Your Song," while his musical partner, Elton John, transformed them into the tender ballad that became his breakthrough hit. More than 50 years later, the song remains one of the defining soft rock classics of all time.

The lyrics came together in remarkably ordinary surroundings.

Taupin wrote "Your Song" at the kitchen table of Elton John's mother and stepfather's home shortly after the two young musicians began collaborating.

"I scribbled the lyric down on a lined notepad at the kitchen table of Elton's mother's apartment in the London suburb of Northwood Hills, breakfast time sometime in 1969," Taupin told Town & Country. "That's it. Plain and simple. It was not to my recollection inspired by anyone, although at the time Elton secretly thought it was."

Taupin crafted simple, heartfelt lyrics that reflected a sincerity well beyond his years. Elton John immediately recognized their potential.

After receiving the lyric sheet, he composed the music in about 20 minutes, creating the elegant piano melody that has become inseparable from the song. The natural chemistry between the two young writers would become the foundation of one of the most successful songwriting partnerships in music history.

"It was one of the first songs we wrote when we really got locked into writing," Taupin told American Songwriter. "The great thing about that song is that the naiveté of it is truly honest. It's real. It's not somebody pretending to write a song that is simple and naïve. It is a simple, naïve song."

Listeners quickly embraced the ballad.

Released on Elton John's self-titled album before becoming a single, "Your Song" climbed to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the Top 10 in the United Kingdom. Its understated piano arrangement, warm vocal performance and timeless message of unconditional love helped establish Elton John as an international star.

The song also revealed a different side of popular music at the dawn of the singer-songwriter era.

Rather than relying on grand declarations or elaborate production, "Your Song" found its strength in honesty. Lines like "I hope you don't mind that I put down in words / How wonderful life is while you’re in the world" became some of the most cherished lyrics in pop history, demonstrating the emotional maturity Taupin possessed even as a teenager.

Over the decades, "Your Song" has remained one of Elton John's signature recordings. It has been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, regularly appears on lists of the greatest songs ever written, and has been covered by countless artists across multiple genres. John himself has continued to perform it throughout his career, rarely leaving it out of his concerts.

More than five decades after its release, "Your Song" continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. What began as lyrics penned by a 17 year-old Bernie Taupin ultimately became one of soft rock's most beloved anthems, a timeless reminder that extraordinary songwriting can come from even the youngest voices.

Related: 1974 Classic Ballad, Once Spent 32 Weeks Charting, Became a Soft Rock Anthem

The magic behind ChristopherNolan’sThe Odyssey is thanks to 35 bronze gongs and ancient Greek instruments.

The film’s composer, LudwigGöransson, wanted the score to feel authentic to the time.

“It’s not like the orchestra existed back then,” he told Time Magazine. “It was a challenge and also an opening to try to make something unique.”

Göransson composed Nolan’s Tenet and Oppenheimer, making this their third time working together. The duo revealed the score for The Odyssey is unlike anything they have ever worked on.

In a YouTube video posted by Universal Pictures, Nolan explained his vision.

“We wanted the film to feel like a recognizable world to people, even though it was going to be ancient Greece,” the director said. “We don’t want it to look and feel like previous movies that take on this kind of classical world. What can we do that’s more timeless than that?”

Göransson gladly accepted the unique challenge. He deep-dived into research to learn more about instruments and music of the time.

The composer knew Nolan wanted to include the sound of the lyre and aulos. The lyre is a U-shaped instrument, comparable to a small harp. The aulos is a wind instrument that sounds a bit like an oboe or a bagpipe. Göransson called it “the most popular rockstar instrument for a thousand years.”

He also gathered 35 bronze gongs of different sizes and experimented with them using synths. Nolan wanted to use bronze because The Odyssey would have been during the Bronze Age. 

Göransson tried other ways to achieve a percussion sound. He was “hitting walls, hitting railings, hitting any things you could find outside, like scrap metal or air conditioning units.”

The composer is excited for audiences to experience the score,  

“The music is definitely a very, very unique world, and I hope people are able to be part of it and fully immerse themselves in this world.”

The Odyssey is now in theaters.

National Auntie Day is right around the corner on July 26, and to celebrate the holiday, beloved pretzel brand Auntie Anne's is offering guests some exciting—and free—treats.

Kicking off their Auntie Day festivities is Auntie Anne's buy one, get one pretzel deal. On July 26, Auntie Anne's Reward Members will receive one free original or cinnamon sugar pretzel with the purchase of any pretzel item, including classic pretzels, pretzel nuggets, mini pretzel dogs and original pretzel dogs, at participating locations.

Auntie Anne's and kindness-oriented beaded bracelet brand Little Words Project are also teaming up for an adorable Auntie Day collab, offering guests a limited-edition bracelet, featuring a pretzel bead, lettering spelling out the word "auntie" and blue, white and gold beads inspired by Auntie Anne's signature colors.

The bracelet, perfect for aunts as well as aunt figures, will be available in-store at participating locations on July 26 and will be free with a qualifying purchase while supplies last. Locations offering the bracelet include:

• Long Island, NY: Roosevelt Field Mall (next to Build-A-Bear)
• Philadelphia, PA: King of Prussia Mall (Upper Level)
• Minneapolis, MN: Mall of America (Level 2)
• Chicago, IL: Woodfield Mall (Upper Level)
• Atlanta, GA: Perimeter Mall
• Los Angeles, CA: Century City
• Tampa, FL: International Plaza
• Charlotte, NC: Concord Mills (Food Court)

If you're not local to one of those locations, fear not. These limited-edition bracelets will also be available online beginning on July 20. Loyalty rewards members can score the bracelet online for $10, and all guests can purchase one for $12, using the code AUNTIEDAY. Don't wait, though; even online, there are limited quantities of these bracelets.

The free limited-edition bracelet is one per person in stores. The BOGO pretzel deal must be redeemed in the Auntie Anne's Rewards App and is single use. The discount applies to the item of least value, and it is not valid with any other offer or reward. Other fees and taxes may apply.

Sheila E., who rose to stardom as a protégé of Prince in the ’80s, loves to show the world her ageless looks.

The singer and musician, 68, is often referred to as the “Queen of Percussion” thanks to her incredible drumming skills. After going out on her own, she rocked the world with her successful solo career. Her 1984 hit, “The Glamorous Life,” became a Billboard Top 10 hit and is her anthem that she still performs at every show. Still going strong, the star won her first Grammy in 2025. But as fans of her social media can see, Sheila E. can still rock out with the best of them, no matter her age. In a new social media post, Sheila sported a black string bikini as she soaked up the sun on the beach, making it clear that she's not waiting until her 69th birthday to celebrate.

"Celebrating my birthday every day. 69 here I come Dec 12th 🔥🔥💯💕🙏🏽 U have to celebrate ur life too!!! #celebration#summer#escovedo#queenofpercussion#sheilaedrummer," the music master captioned the post, which showed her posing in the bikini.

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Sheila E. Loves to Ham it Up on Social Media

As fans of her social media can see, Sheila E. can still dress up and rock out with the best of them. In another recent video, the star sports a Batgirl costume as she walks down the hallway.

“Sometimes you just have to ! 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽Happy Saturday,” Sheila E. captioned the video, which saw her sporting knee-high black boots, a sky-high bun, a latex Batgirl costume, and a black mask.

View this post on Instagram What Did Sheila E. Win Her First Grammy For?

While she’s been a star for decades with endless hits under her belt, Sheila E. won her first Grammy in 2025 in the Best Global Music Performance category for “Bemba Colorá,” a collaboration with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar.

Check out the video for the heart-pumping tune below!

Related: Sheila E. Looks Amazing at 68 in Pants-Free Dance: ‘You Just Turned on an Entire Generation of Men'

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With temperatures continuing to rise as summer marches on, you may find yourself spending less time enjoying being outside. If you want to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside (where the air conditioning is), sometimes all it takes is a simple decor swap: a botanical shower curtain, a fun floral lamp, or a rug woven from natural fibers. To beat the heat in more ways than one, you could start by replacing your bedding with something light, airy, and garden-inspired. Right now, Macy's has a ton of fantastic deals on bedding, but one comforter set stands out as the perfect mid-summer refresh — and it's currently 70% off in every size!

Normally $80, the Penelope Reversible Printed 3-Piece Comforter Set is on sale for just $24 in twin, full/queen, and king sizes. The reversible design of this floral bedding set gives you two fresh looks, so you can easily switch up the vibe of your bedroom anytime the mood strikes.

Penelope Reversible Printed 3-Piece Comforter Set, $24 (was $80) at Macy's

Courtesy of Macy's

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This three-piece bedding set includes the comforter and two matching shams in the full/queen or king sizes and one sham for the twin size. A lovely floral print on one side bursts from a cool gray background in shades of pink, blue, and yellow with gorgeous pops of color. The reverse side also features a dreamy array of cascading flowers, but in tranquil cream hues. 

Made of microfiber, the featherlight comforter is ideal for warm summer nights when you want to feel cozy but need to stay cool. Once fall rolls around, you could easily throw another blanket on the bed if you need more warmth but still want to keep the botanical aesthetic as the seasons change. Macy's shoppers said this set was "easy to wash," holding up in the washer and dryer without fraying or fading. 

Reviewers were impressed by this "very lightweight" and "soft" comforter set, particularly for spring and summer. One person shared that the "pleasant design" boasts "beautiful flowers."  Describing the reverse side of the comforter, one shopper said the beige and white floral design looked "serene."

Shop More Deals

• Colesville Reversible 3-Piece Comforter Set, $30 (was $80) at Macy's
• Aiden Striped 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's
• Kathryn Botanical 8-Piece Comforter Set, $40 (was $100) at Macy's

Related: Martha Stewart's Farmhouse Bedding Sets Are Perfect for Refreshing Your Guest Room

Sleep like a dream this summer with the garden-inspired Penelope Reversible Printed 3-Piece Comforter Set. Snag the enchanting set in any size for just $24 right now at Macy's!

Don’t miss future deals!Sign up for Parade Picks to receive our commerce team’s curated selection of discounts and sales, twice a week. 

At a time when Dungeons & Dragons was captivating the country, Rankin/Bass produced the animated television version of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit. Following that success, they sought the help of a Japanese studio to bring another fantasy to life: Peter S. Beagle's best-selling tale, The Last Unicorn.

It's not uncommon for young girls to love unicorns, but I don't know if many can pinpoint the exact moment their obsession began. I can. I was five years old, visiting a great-aunt with my family. As the only kid on the visit, I was bored out of my mind when my mom's cousin asked if I'd like to watch a movie. They had a giant TV for the '90s, and my cousin was a movie fanatic and collected countless things about film. He happened to have a copy of the film and put it on. From the opening scene to the ending credits, I was enraptured.

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The story centers around a unicorn discovering her kin have all mysteriously vanished, so she embarks on a noble quest to find them. The journey proves tumultuous, as she is captured, meets friends and foes, and is forced to confront her immortality by facing the dastardly "red bull."

While it is easy to write it off as a silly anime, it was actually packed with a star-studded cast, almost all of whom jumped at the chance to play their iconic roles:

• Mia Farrow as The Unicorn / Lady Amalthea
• Alan Arkin as Schmendrick the Magician
• Jeff Bridges as Prince Lír
• Tammy Grimes as Molly Grue
• Christopher Lee as King Haggard
• Angela Lansbury as Mommy Fortuna
• Keenan Wynn as Captain Cully / The Celaeno Harpy
• Robert Klein as The Butterfly
• Paul Frees as Mabruk the Magician / The Cat
• Don Messick as The Roc / King Haggard's Guards
• Nellie Bellflower as The Tree
• René Auberjonois as The Skull

On top of that, the soundtrack's main song was performed by the legendary soft rock band America, and the original score is genuinely so good that it has a spot on my playlist.

The Last Unicorn's Emphatic Cast

The big names you see on the credit sheet were all thrilled to be part of the project.

“We decided to get the best people we could get,” Jules Bass, one of the movie's directors, said in an interview. “And one thing that’s interesting about it, and this is unique, is that every single person whom we approached to do it said yes immediately.”

When Bridges heard about the project, he reportedly called Bass to ask whether a role was open, according to Mental Floss. When he informed him that Prince Lír was available, he offered to do it for free or at whatever even the smaller characters were making. He was hired instantly.

Lee was particularly besotted with the role. In his obituary, written by Beagle himself, he noted that Lee jumped at the chance to perform the English and German versions of the animation, and told him he was a huge fan of the book. The two kept in touch over the years, and when Beagle called him on his 90th birthday, he once again declared his love for the book and film in a way only Lee could.

"I remember him assuring me that 'if, by the time you come to make your live-action version of your movie, I have passed on, do not let it concern you. I have risen from the dead several times. I know how it’s done,'" he wrote.

I certainly know if The Last Unicorn is re-animated or remade in any way, I will be first in line with a ticket.

Jim Parsons began his career on stage before gaining fame as one of the highest-paid TV actors, playing the role of Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory. Now, the actor opens up about the price he paid on the rise to fame.

The CBSsitcom put Parsons on the map throughout its 12-season run on the air, which led him to win four Primetime Emmy Awards. While many actors would relish the fame and the stardom, Parsons admitted during an appearance on All Out with Jon Dean that he sacrificed a lot emotionally, which led him to be unhappy.

“I look back now and realize that there were many ways, at some of the best moments of my life, I was miserable,” Parsons said. “I was not happy. I was stressed."

“I felt that there was so many plates I was supposed to be keeping in the air and that the success and the good things of life that were happening were only due to this overworking … discipline and whatever. And maybe to a degree that was true. I don’t know.”

Playing Sheldon on the hit series wasn't an easy task based on the character's mannerisms, and Parsons acknowledges that his intense discipline contributed to his success on the sitcom. At the same time, he believes it was his downfall due to putting constant pressure on himself.

The Big Bang Theory became a big part of Parsons' jumpstart in his career, but he admits that he "wouldn’t do that again and for any amount of money." In the end, putting so much into the series led it to become "stressful and miserable," and he made himself miserable as well.

Parsons doesn't necessarily consider it a result of work ethic, but "it translated in part into a work ethic, but it was really just obsessive behavior basically.” For the actor, his discipline and perfectionism were rooted in something being "OCD in nature." There was a list in his mind of things in his mind that needed to get done for him to feel like he did his job right, "which I don't think was true."

As a result, Parsons felt he missed out a lot on life amid the fame of The Big Bang Theory, and admits he isn't sure if he's found a better balance in his life. While knowing he can't go back to how he was, he also admits, "well, I wouldn’t be where I am right now if I hadn’t had that time of life."

Since the sitcom, Parson has appeared on and off screen, with his latest work being an on-stage production of the jukebox musical Titanique.

Related: Olympic Runner, Who Fell During the Race, Finished With Help From an Unforgettable Person

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Soft surfaces and smart proportions can make a room feel finished without overwhelming it. In smaller homes, every piece has to earn its place and furniture that multitasks tends to deliver the most value. A table that can hold everyday items while still looking refined gives a room both purpose and personality.

That balance matters most when space is limited. A good accent piece should feel light enough to move visually, sturdy enough for daily use, and attractive enough to stand on its own. When a room needs structure without bulk, the right table can serve as a quiet anchor.

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Sagebrook Home 20x16 Storage Accent Table With Marble Top, $149.99 at T.J. Maxx

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The Sagebrook Home Storage Accent Table With Marble Top does exactly that. It brings in a natural material that instantly reads as polished and timeless. The storage element adds everyday usefulness, whether the table sits beside a sofa, next to a chair or in a bedroom corner that needs a little order.

Related: Marshalls Antique-Inspired Lamp Set Gives a Luxe Look for a Budget-Friendly Cost

The design works because it keeps the look simple. Marble adds pattern and texture without making the piece feel busy, while the compact size makes it easy to place in tight spots. That makes it a strong choice for shoppers who want style without committing to a large furniture footprint.

It also fits a trend that keeps showing up in home design: furniture that looks decorative but still solves a problem. A table like this can hold a lamp, a drink, a book or a small tray, and the hidden storage can help reduce clutter. That combination makes it especially useful in homes where function has to come first.

For buyers who want one piece to do more than one job, this is an appealing option. It brings a clean, updated look to a room while helping keep essentials close at hand. In other words, it is the kind of accent table that adds style without asking for extra space.

Related: Costco's Antique-Inspired Gold Wall Mirror Is a Charming Addition to Any Room

Teenage tragedy songs dominated radio in the late 1950s and early 1960s. For whatever reason, melodramatic ballads about young lovers meeting heartbreaking ends struck a chord with listeners.

"Running Bear" was one of the genre's biggest hits, reaching No. 1 twice, first for Johnny Preston in 1959, then for Sonny James a decade later.

Once stars like Elvis Presley proved teenagers could drive the music business, record companies started chasing that audience. Soon, songs about young romances gone tragically wrong were everywhere.

Wayne Cochran's "Last Kiss" and the Shangri-Las' "Leader of the Pack" became two of the trend's biggest hits, and "Running Bear" was right there alongside them.

The song tells the story of two Indigenous teenagers, Running Bear and Little White Dove, who fall in love despite coming from rival tribes.

With their tribes keeping them apart and a river blocking their path, the two lovers make one last attempt to be together. They jump into the water and swim toward each other, but they never make it across.

According to Songfacts, the song was actually written by the Big Bopper, who chose not to record it himself. He was known for novelty songs, and this one just felt too heavy for his style. So he passed it along to Preston instead.

Preston's original recording didn't come out until August 1959, with George Jones on backing vocals. The song hit a snag after the Big Bopper died in the same plane crash that killed Buddy Holly and Ritchie Valens, which left copyright questions to sort out.

Once it was finally released, "Running Bear" took off. Preston's track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1960, staying there for three weeks. It also topped the charts in the U.K. 

A decade later, James showed the song still had life left in it. He took his own version to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1969, where it also stuck around for three weeks. 

Jones took a crack at the song as well, but his version never found the same success as Preston's or James'.

In 1978, the Doobie Brothers were at the height of their fame when they did something totally unexpected.

Already well known for the songs “China Grove,” “Listen to the Music,” and more, the California rockers were no strangers to appearances on music-related TV shows such as The Midnight Special and Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert. But in 1978, the Doobies made a cameo like no other on the hit sitcomWhat’s Happening!!.

The two-parter, titled, “Doobie or Not Doobie,” originally aired in January 1978 on ABC.

The storyline featured main charcater Raj (Haywood Nelson) and his pals going to a Doobie Brothers concert, with Rerun (Fred Berry) getting caught illegally recording the show.

Doobie Brothers bandmates Michael McDonald, Patrick Simmons, and Tiran Porter had several lines in the episode and even got in a plug for their then-new album Livin’ on the Fault Line. The band also performed several songs, including "Black Water" and "Takin' It to the Streets.”

One of the most memorable lines from the episode came when Nelson’s character asked one of the band members, “Which Doobie you be?”

Nearly 50 years later, fans still remember the “Doobie or Not Doobie” episodes fondly and have made “Which Doobie you be?” into an enduring catchphrase.

ABC Photo Archives / Getty Images

With a greatest hits blockbuster already under their belt (1976’s Best of the Doobies), and their biggest-selling studio album, Minute by Minute, just around the corner, the big question became why would the already popular Doobie Brothers agree to a sitcom appearance?

In a 2018 interview with Go Jimmy Go, Simmons revealed that the sitcom cameo came at the suggestion of their publicist, David Gest.

"I was already familiar with What’s Happening!!, because I’d watched the show a few times,” Simmons shared. “I thought it was hilarious and really liked the character of Rerun. …Because it was a Black situation comedy, I thought it would be an adventurous thing for us to do because our music had always been laced with R&B and soul. Not only would our fans tune in, but it would also expose us to a new audience of people who watched the show regularly, and would begin to listen to our music.”

Simmons admitted he has “no idea” how the Doobie Brothers would fit into the show, but added, "[I] thought it was something fun and different to do. David had great ideas, and that was certainly one of them."

RELATED:1970 No. 1 Hit Ranked One of the ‘Top Love Songs of All Time’ Was by a Made-for-TV Band

Speaking with Yahoo! Entertainment, Simmons gave Gest full credit for the Doobie Brothers/What’s Happening!! crossover.

"He was a great publicist,” Simmons said of Gest. “He was really good. He kind of made it up as we went along, but he had great ideas — how to stage events, interesting interviews for us, different things that we hadn’t really done before. That’s how we ended up on the show. That was his idea.”

Simmons also noted the What’s Happening!! episodes' cultural impact.

“I think our audience broadened and we connected more with the African American community, having those R&B and blues sounds in our music," the Doobie Brothers legend added. "I think people were aware of our social viewpoint, that we really value all of a larger, multicultural social audience. So, doing that show for me was a joy in that regard — to be building what I thought was a bridge, at a time in television where those situation comedies were bridges between cultures."

Related: Huey Lewis Was Booed Every Night on Tour With '70s Rock Band—So He Came Up With a Brilliant Trick

Being the daughter of the King of Pop comes with plenty of perks but apparently, a smooth relationship with his estate isn't one of them. Paris Jackson is heading to court over what she says is years of financial mismanagement tied to her father Michael Jackson's estate. According to a new filing exclusively obtained by Us Weekly, the 28-year-old is demanding nearly $3 million back for her family, taking direct aim at John Branca, the longtime executor who controls the King of Pop's fortune.

Part of the dispute traces back to Paris' own legal bills. She claims Branca "over-litigated" a prior disagreement between them, sticking her with $1.1 million in legal fees that she now wants reimbursed. But the bigger number in the filing comes from something else entirely: Paris alleges Branca funneled $2.85 million in estate funds toward unauthorized gifts - money she says should have gone to the family instead.

CAP D'ANTIBES, FRANCE - MAY 22: Paris Jackson attends the amfAR gala Cannes 2025 presented by Chopard at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 22, 2025 in Cap d'Antibes, France. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)

A source close to Paris' legal team suggests this fight has been building for a while. "All Paris has ever wanted is fair treatment for her family, but the Estate has tried to block her at every turn," the source told Us Weekly, describing Branca's handling of the estate as "wasteful spending" and "financial mismanagement," and calling for real accountability going forward.

Unsurprisingly, the estate isn't taking these allegations lying down though its lawyers have been careful about what they'll actually say publicly. In their response, they leaned on attorney-client confidentiality, arguing they have a duty to protect details of their legal strategy rather than litigating the dispute in the press. It's a reminder that even decades after Michael Jackson's death, his legacy (and the fortune behind it) is still very much a family affair, drama included.

Country music singer Gavin Adcock has announced a new album while preparing to hit the road for his 2026 North America tour.

The fast-rising country artist revealed on Instagram that his new album, The Day I Hang It Up, will arrive on Oct. 2. Along with the announcement, Adcock confirmed that the record's title track would be released at midnight for fans eager to hear new music from the Georgia native.

The singer shared a personal message about the journey that inspired the project.

"This last 5 years have been the wildest time of my life. I’ve been through nearly everything a person could imagine writing songs and living on a damn tour bus. Through all of that I’ve stood up to my darkest demons, laughed in the face of adversity, and kept the pedal down letting out music for my fans."

Singer Gavin Adcock performs on the Palomino Stage during day 2 of Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California.

Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images for Stagecoach

Adcock also made it clear that he has no plans of stepping away from country music anytime soon.

"Some artist come in, make a couple records and disappear for the rest of their life. For me? Imma be doing this shit till the day I die."

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He closed the message by thanking supporters who have followed his career. "I wanna thank every single one of y’all for rockin with me on this wild ride,” he said.

The Day I Hang It Up will be Adcock's next studio release and follows a busy run that has helped turn him into one of country music's fastest-growing names.

Three songs connected to the album are already available for listeners: "Wannabe," "Cheap Thrills" and the title track, "The Day I Hang It Up."

The title song carries a message about commitment to music and staying true to his path. Its chorus includes the lines:

"The day I hang it up, is the day I’m ridin’ out / Flyin’ high above, will put me in the ground / I got it in my blood, too late to change it now / The day I hang it up, is the day they lay me down."

"Cheap Thrills" features fellow country singer Hudson Westbrook, marking only the second time Adcock has invited another artist onto one of his songs. The collaboration follows his earlier track "Almost Gone" with Vincent Mason.

Meanwhile, "Wannabe" highlights themes that have become familiar to Adcock's audience, including country living and small-town values.

The album announcement arrives after several years of rapid growth for the singer-songwriter, who first shifted his focus to music following a football injury while attending Georgia Southern University.

Since then, Adcock has built a loyal audience through songs such as "A Cigarette," which has surpassed 150 million streams, helping establish him as one of the genre's emerging stars.

The album news comes as Adcock prepares for his 2026 North America tour, which shares the same name as the upcoming record.

One confirmed stop on The Day I Hang It Up Tour will bring the singer to Bakersfield, California, on Aug. 14 at Dignity Health Theater. Pecos & The Rooftops and Tyler Nance are scheduled to join him for the show.

Adcock enters the tour with strong momentum. According to organizers, the artist has now surpassed 1.5 billion global streams across his catalog.

His growing popularity has also translated into major touring opportunities. In recent years, he has headlined his own runs, including the Actin' Up Again Tour and the Need To Tour, while also appearing as an opening act on Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem Tour in 2025.

Born in Athens, Georgia, and raised on his family's cattle farm in Watkinsville, Adcock's music often blends traditional country themes with energetic live performances and an outlaw-country edge.

That style has helped him stand out in a crowded country music landscape and attract a rapidly growing fan base.

With a new album set for release, fresh music already reaching fans and a major North America tour on the calendar, 2026 is shaping up to be another important year in Gavin Adcock's career.

Related: Country Star Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts 12 Years After No. 1 Hit

Metallica is taking inspiration from the band that first conquered Las Vegas' Sphere.

After wrapping up its three-year M72 World Tour earlier this month, Metallica has shifted its attention to one of the most ambitious projects of its career: a 24-show residency at Las Vegas' Sphere. According to drummer Lars Ulrich, one legendary rock band's groundbreaking performances at the venue helped shape the group's approach.

Speaking with U2 guitarist The Edge on SiriusXM's Close to the Edge, Ulrich revealed that seeing U2 perform Sphere's opening night in 2023 left a lasting impression.

"We've been working on this for a year, year and a half," Ulrich said of Metallica's upcoming residency. "Certainly thank you to you guys. You know, I was there opening night and was so just f---ing awestruck, inspired, energized, all of it. And it was just like, 'Holy s--t, this is somehow another frontier.'"

Ulrich said the experience felt like witnessing a new era of live performance.

"We're all fortunate enough to be able to do these shows, to connect with these audiences, to play with the configuration and reinvent the staging all the time. But this is something else. This is another level," said Ulrich.

Metallica will launch its Life Burns Faster Sphere residency on Oct. 1, with 24 performances scheduled through March 13, 2027. The band has been developing the production for more than a year and expects it to be unlike anything it has attempted before.

Ulrich also credited U2 with showing what was possible inside the revolutionary venue.

"You guys were the first ones in, and it was just so incredible to see that night," he said. "Three years later, when we start here in a few months, we're so excited."

Even after decades of headlining stadiums around the world, Ulrich admitted Sphere presents a unique challenge.

"It's going to be challenging," he said. "Like everybody else I've talked to about it, it's overwhelming and intimidating. But hopefully when we step out on stage that first night, we'll have it somewhat together."

He added that stepping outside the band's comfort zone is exactly what makes the residency exciting.

"We have a tendency to put ourselves in environments that we completely control and know," Ulrich explained. "I think it's really good to throw yourself for the loop like that."

Metallica's Life Burns Faster residency begins Oct. 1 at Sphere in Las Vegas.

Related: '80s Rocker Says Metallica 'Always Had an Attitude Like They Were Better Than Everybody Else'

When it comes to fast food, everyone has a favorite french fry. Maybe you swear by crispy shoestring fries. Maybe it's thick-cut fries, waffle fries or heavily seasoned ones. Whatever your preference, chances are, you'll defend your favorite chain to the end.

A few restaurants have earned almost legendary status. McDonald's fries are often considered the gold standard, while In-N-Out's fresh-cut fries might be the most polarizing item in fast food. Some people love them, while others can't stand them.

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I wanted to find out whether these french fry reputations actually held up when every fry was stacked against the competition, so I spent the day driving from one fast-food restaurant to the next, ordering fries from 14 different chains and tasting them side by side. Some were exactly as good as I remembered, others were surprisingly disappointing and a couple completely caught me off guard.

I expected several chains to be in a close race for the top spot. Instead, one restaurant separated itself from the pack much more than I expected. By the end of the taste test, there really wasn't much debate about which fast-food chain served the best fries.

Read on for the results of the taste test and to see where your favorite fry landed on the list. Who knows: you may have a new fast-food french fry to try on your next drive-thru run.

The Fast-Food Fry Taste Test: My Methodology

SimpleImages / Getty Images

To keep things fair, I ordered every fry in person and ate them as soon as possible after they were served. There were no delivery apps and no ketchup or dipping sauces to cover up any flaws.

While this list doesn't cover every fast-food fry out there, it includes a good mix of national chains and a couple of regional favorites.

Every order was judged on flavor, texture, crispiness, seasoning and consistency from the first fry to the last. Of course, taste is subjective, but after 14 orders, one chain clearly stood above the rest.

The Bottom Tier: The Worst Fast-Food Fries We Tried14. Sonic ($3.39)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

These Sonic fries were the biggest disappointment of the entire taste test. The fries were so dark and overcooked that the first bite caught me off guard. They were tough to chew, tasted like old frying oil and reminded me more of stale fries than a fresh order. I've seen similar complaints from other customers about the Groovy Fries, so my experience may not have been an isolated one. Either way, this batch landed firmly at the bottom of my rankings.

Related: Sonic Is Making ‘Big Deal’ Changes to Its Menu This June

13. Wendy's ($3.89)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

I had high hopes for Wendy's fries after hearing so many people rave about them, but this order didn't quite live up to the hype. They were on the darker side with a crispier exterior than most of the fries I tried, but they also tasted a little dry and could've used more salt. They're still a perfectly decent side, but just not one that stood out once I started comparing them with the rest of the competition.

12. KFC ($3.39)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

The seasoned coating is easily the best part of KFC's fries. It adds plenty of flavor and gives them a crisp exterior, but the fries themselves were a little too soft and oily for my liking. By the end of the order, the coating had left noticeable oil marks on the carton, which made them feel heavier than many of the other fries I tried. They're not bad by any means, but I expected them to be a little crispier.

11. Burger King ($4.49)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Burger King's fries have a nice crisp and are a little longer than most of the others I tried. They reminded me a bit of Carl's Jr.'s fries, though they were slightly drier and didn't leave much of an impression beyond that. There's nothing wrong with them, but when stacked against the rest of the competition, they were easy to forget.

Related: 8 Overrated Fast-Food Burgers (and What to Order Instead)

The Middle Pack: Good, But Forgettable10. Taco Bell ($2.99)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Unlike most of the fries on this list, Taco Bell's Nacho Fries rely on seasoning instead of just salt. The fries themselves are soft with a light crisp, but the seasoning gives every bite plenty of flavor. I would've liked a little more crunch, but they're still a solid option, especially if you're looking for something different than a traditional order of fries. I skipped the nacho cheese for this ranking, but it's hard to argue that the two aren't made for each other.

9. Popeyes ($4.09)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

If bold flavor is what you're after, Popeyes delivers. The Cajun seasoning gives these fries one of the biggest flavor boosts of the entire taste test, making them stand out from the sea of plain salted fries. This particular order wasn't quite as crispy as I've had from Popeyes before, but the bold seasoning still carried them to one of the stronger finishes in the ranking.

8. Jack in the Box ($3.99)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

If you're ordering fries at Jack in the Box, skip the regular fries and go straight for the curly fries. They have an excellent crispiness, plenty of flavorful seasoning and just the right amount of salt to keep you reaching for another bite. They are a little oily, but not enough to take away from the experience. The seasoning and crispiness give the curly fries just enough of an edge over the regular fries.

Related: 7 'Secret Menu' Items at Texas Roadhouse Even Regulars Don't Know About

7. Carl's Jr. ($3.59)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

These Carl's Jr. fries ended up being one of the biggest surprises of the taste test. They arrived hot, were nicely salted and packed more flavor than I expected. They're a little softer and oilier than some of the fries ranked above them, but they were still packed with flavor. A little more crispness would've pushed them even higher, but they were still satisfying enough that I'd happily order them again.

6. Raising Cane's ($2.99)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Freshness is what stood out most about Raising Cane's crinkle-cut fries. They arrived lightly golden with a satisfying texture, and they didn't have the greasy taste that held back a few other chains. I found myself wishing they had a little more salt to make the flavor pop, but the fresh potato taste and solid crisp more than made up for it. They weren't quite good enough to crack my top tier, but they're an easy side I'd order again.

5. In-N-Out ($2.40)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

In-N-Out fries are probably the most divisive among fast-food fries, but I don't think they deserve nearly as much hate as they get. Fresh out of the fryer, they had a clean potato flavor, a good amount of salt and were cooked surprisingly evenly from fry to fry. They weren't nearly as crispy as some of the higher-ranked chains, and after a few minutes, they started to soften, which is where I can see the "cardboard" complaints coming from. Even so, they're still a fry I'd gladly order again, especially because you can ask for them to be made light or well-done if you prefer a different level of crispiness.

Related: 7 'Secret Menu' Items at Olive Garden Even Regulars Don't Know About

4. McDonald's ($2.99)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

McDonald's fries are every bit as good as people say they are, but tasting them side by side with other chains made me notice a few things I probably would've overlooked otherwise. They have that classic crispy exterior, fluffy center and unmistakable salty flavor, but my order was a little oilier than I'd like. They're still an easy fry to finish and absolutely deserve a spot near the top of the rankings, but they didn't quite live up to the almost untouchable reputation they have among die-hard fans.

The Top 3: The Elite Fast-Food French Fries3. Del Taco ($3.99)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Del Taco may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of great french fries, but these were one of the biggest surprises of the french fry taste test. They arrived piping hot and tasted noticeably fresher than several competitors, even when ordered late at night. While they weren't the crispiest fries I tried and could have used a little more salt, I found myself reaching back into the bag for more. If you're already stopping for tacos, don't sleep on the fries.

2. Shake Shack ($4)

Courtesy Fred Hernandez

Shake Shack's crinkle-cut fries got off to a strong start thanks to their crispy exterior and satisfying chew. The thicker cut gives them a hearty bite without feeling overly dense, and they stayed crisp longer than many of the other fries I sampled. They missed the top spot because my order wasn't perfectly consistent. There were a few overly browned pieces and smaller crunchy bits at the bottom, but the overall quality was still excellent.

1. Chick-fil-A ($2.99)

Chick-fil-A's waffle fries checked nearly every box. They were crispy on the outside, soft inside and had a texture that kept every bite interesting. Their unique shape also means you get plenty of crispy edges without sacrificing the fluffy potato center. My only real complaint was that they could have used a touch more salt, but even without it, these were the fries I kept comparing every other order to in my taste test.

Related: This Sandwich Chain Just Ended Chick-fil-A's 11-Year Reign as America's Favorite

The #1 Best Fast-Food Fry: Chick-fil-A

As I worked my way through all 14 orders, Chick-fil-A's waffle fries remained the one to beat. They struck the best balance of crispiness, texture and freshness without sacrificing one quality for another. Some competitors were crispier but drier. Others had better seasoning but lacked texture. Chick-fil-A found the sweet spot.

The waffle shape deserves some credit too. Those extra ridges create more crispy edges while still leaving plenty of soft, fluffy potato in the center. Every fry felt substantial, and unlike several other chains, my order was consistently cooked from top to bottom.

Would I have sprinkled on a little more salt? Sure. But that was about the only knock I could come up with. When a fry's biggest criticism is that it could use a pinch more seasoning, it's doing something right. After tasting 14 different orders side by side, Chick-fil-A earned the top spot by delivering the most complete fry of the bunch.

Fast-Food Fry Superlatives: Beyond the Overall Winner

• Best Curly Fries: Jack in the Box. Crispy, well-seasoned and packed with flavor, these are everything you'd want from a curly fry.
• Best Waffle Fries: Chick-fil-A. Crispy on the outside, soft inside and consistently cooked from the first fry to the last.
• Best for Reheating:Popeyes. A few minutes in the air fryer brings back their crispiness, while the Cajun seasoning keeps every bite flavorful.
• Best Salt Level:Carl's Jr. These struck the sweet spot with enough salt to enhance the fries without overpowering them.
• Crispiest French Fries:Shake Shack. The crinkle-cut fries delivered one of the crunchiest bites of the entire taste test.
• Best Seasoning:Popeyes. The Cajun seasoning added the boldest flavor of any fry in the lineup.
• Biggest Surprise:Del Taco. I wasn't expecting these to finish near the top, but their fresh flavor won me over.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're grabbing a quick lunch, making a late-night drive-thru run or just craving something salty, the right fries can easily steal the show. Hopefully this ranking helps narrow down your next order—or at the very least gives you a few new chains to try.

Related: 15 Photos of McDonald's in the 1990s That Unlock a Core Memory

FIFA has announced that award-winning singer and entertainer Jennifer Hudson will perform the United States national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19.

The performance will take place before what is expected to become the largest sporting event finale in history, as Spain and Argentina prepare to meet in the championship match. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 P.M., while the closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. local time, 90 minutes before the match starts.

Hudson's appearance adds another major moment to an already star-filled event that will close the first 48-team FIFA World Cup tournament.

FIFA confirmed that the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner will deliver a special rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in front of a global audience expected to reach hundreds of millions of viewers.

Jennifer Hudson performs onstage at the 51st AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute Celebrating Eddie Murphy at Dolby Theatre on April 18, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images

According to FIFA, Hudson's performance will "set the stage for football's biggest match and the most anticipated moment of the tournament."

The singer arrives at the World Cup Final after recently performing "God Bless America" at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia, a performance that drew widespread attention across social media and served as a high-profile lead-up to her appearance at football's biggest event.

Star-Studded FIFA World Cup 2026 Closing Ceremony

The World Cup Final closing ceremony will celebrate the journey of all 48 national teams that competed across Canada, Mexico and the United States during the tournament.

FIFA confirmed performances from Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and internet personality IShowSpeed, while actor Tom Cruise will make a special appearance during the show.

Post Malone will headline the ceremony with a performance that FIFA President Gianni Infantino said was "designed to celebrate the tournament's journey and ignite the atmosphere before the world's attention turns to the two finalists."

The final will also feature the FIFA World Cup's first-ever halftime show. The production is being organized by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and is expected to include performances by Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira and BTS.

Both the closing ceremony and halftime show will be broadcast alongside the final match.

The 2026 tournament opened with performances from Shakira and Burna Boy, while Katy Perry, Future, Ellie Goulding, Michael Bublé and Alanis Morissette also appeared during events connected to the competition.

Hudson enters the World Cup Final as one of the most decorated performers in entertainment.

The Chicago native became the youngest woman and the third African-American recipient of the prestigious EGOT, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award.

She first rose to national attention as a finalist on the third season of "American Idol" in 2004 before winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White in the 2006 film "Dreamgirls."

Hudson later portrayed music icon Aretha Franklin in the biographical film "Respect" and currently hosts "The Jennifer Hudson Show."

Her career has also included performances at the Super Bowl, the Democratic National Convention and several major national events, making her one of the most recognizable voices in American entertainment.

The World Cup Final anthem performance adds another major stage to that list.

FIFA said the closing ceremony, produced in creative partnership with Balich Wonder Studio, will celebrate "the passion, emotion and global spirit" that shaped the tournament.

Fans attending the final have been encouraged to arrive early to participate in activities planned throughout the venue.

Stadium gates will open at 11 A.M. local time, with FIFA promising exclusive activations, rewards and additional entertainment before the ceremony begins.

By the time Hudson steps to the microphone to sing the national anthem, the stage will already be set for one of the biggest moments in World Cup history.

Related: World Cup Announces Country-Rock Star as Performer for Closing Ceremony

Keeping up with everything on Netflix is almost like fighting the mythical Hydra. Every time you finish a show, three more seem to pop up in its place. But it's that seemingly unlimited well of content that has made it the most popular streamer today, even amidst the numerous amount of competition. And so, at the end of every week, we kick up our feet, grab the remote, and listen for that classic "tudum" sound as we dive into Netflix's voluminous library.

Luckily for you, Parade has flagged three new shows coming to Netflix this week that can become your new binge obsession! Here's what you need to check out this weekend (July 17-19, 2026).

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New on Netflix (July 17-19, 2026)Quarterback Season 3 Dana Flacco (L) and Joe Flacco (R) in 'Quarterback'

While the World Cup has been on sports fans' brains worldwide for the better part of a month, for Americans, their football season is around the corner. We're a little less than two months removed from the start of the NFL calendar and luckily, to bide the time, we have the third season of Quarterback. The docuseries kicked off a long-standing collaboration between Netflix and the NFL back in 2023, becoming an instant hit for its peek into the daily lives of some of the game's biggest players. This time, four QBs are on the roster, following a quartet in very different stages of their careers. It covers number one draft pick Cam Ward in his rookie season, JaydenDaniels trying to follow up his own sensational rookie run with a frustration injury-plagued year, Baker Mayfield continuing to mount a career comeback in Tampa Bay, and former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco navigating the game — and multiple teams — at the age of 41.

Related: Is Jayden Daniels Single? Why His Mother Isn't Keen on Him Having a Girlfriend

The Hawk Will Ferrell is Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins.

Colleen E Hayes/Netflix © 2026

Despite his meteoric rise to fame on Saturday Night Live over 30 years ago, interestingly, Will Ferrell has not done much since in leading a TV show. But that all changes with The Hawk. The new comedy series aims to do to golf what Talladega Nights and Blades of Glory did for racecar driving and figure skating, respectively. Ferrell plays Lonnie "The Hawk" Hawkins, a golfer looking to regain his former glory by rejoining the PGA tour — and competing against his own son. The Emmy winner is joined by a cast on par with some of his best supporting players, including Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster, Luke Wilson and Chris Parnell. When it comes to sinking the comedic putt, we shall see if Ferrell is able to nail the birdie, or sink a bogey.

Related: No One’s Laughing at Will Ferrell’s Net Worth in 2026

Heartstopper Forever Joe Locke as Charlie (L) and Kit Connor as Nick (R) in 'Heartstopper Forever'

Samuel Dore/Netflix

From 2022 to 2024, Netflix subscribers had their hearts sore over Heartstopper. Created by Alice Oseman, and based on the webcomic and graphic novel series of the same name, the coming-of-age drama followed the ups and downs of Nick (Kit Connor) and Charlie (Joe Locke) as they navigated their feelings for one another amongst the many changes that come with high school. And, after three seasons and 24 episodes, the gang is back together for a feature-length conclusion to the story. Based on Oseman's sixth and final graphic novel in the series (which just came out July 2!), everyone seems to be in a state of transition, whether it's getting through the final year of high school, acclimating to university, or figuring out what the world holds for young adults. Regardless of the trials and tribulations Nick, Charlie and their friends go through, there's bound to be plenty of complicated subjects, swooning romance, and plenty of, well, heart.

Related: This Teen Romance Series Was Just Named Most Beloved Netflix Show of All Time

In 1964, Connie Smith released her debut single "Once a Day" and watched it climb all the way to number one, where it stayed for eight weeks. No woman in country music had held the top spot that long before, and none would again until Taylor Swift came along nearly 50 years later.

Just a year before that record-breaking run, Smith was a 22-year-old homemaker. In August 1963, she entered a talent contest at Frontier Ranch, a country music park outside Columbus, Ohio, singing Jean Shepard's "I Thought of You." 

She won first place and five silver dollars, but the real prize was impressing one of the judges, Grand Ole Opry member Bill Anderson.

"This little girl, with a guitar bigger than she was, came out on stage and just blew me away with her voice," Anderson told American Songwriter in 2018. "She won the contest and I went backstage and told her if she ever wanted to come to Nashville I'd like to help her. I thought she was terrific."

Still, Smith wasn't about to quit everything and pursue music full time. But six months later, she called Anderson and told him she'd reconsidered. 

He helped her sign with RCA Records, where producer Chet Atkins had another job for Anderson. 

"Chet Atkins told me, 'We have a lot of good singers but we don't have a lot of good songs. I'm counting on you to write her some good songs,'" Anderson recalled. "We started with 'Once a Day' and went from there."

Anderson wrote her a song about a woman who can't quite let go of an old love, but has at least gotten her crying down to just "once a day."

Smith released the song in August 1964, and it climbed the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart before hitting number one the week of November 28. It stayed there until January 23, 1965, when Sonny James' "You're the Only World I Know" finally knocked it off.

With that hit, Smith became the first woman in country music to send a debut single to number one. Nobody else matched it for nearly 30 years, until Trisha Yearwood did it in 1991 with "She's in Love with the Boy."

The song earned Smith Grammy nominations for Best Country and Western Single and Best Country and Western Vocal Performance, Female. 

She never topped the charts again, but her career kept rolling. Over the next several years, she racked up 19 more top 10 hits. 

Related: Congratulations Pouring in for Country Star Bill Anderson's Opry Milestone

BeforeJohn Waitemade it big with "Missing You," he released a rock track titled "Change" that landed him on the charts and was a cover of an already released song.

In 1981, singer-songwriter Holly Knight was a member of two pop-rock bands, Spider and Device. She had written several hit tracks, including "Change," and it was originally released by Spider for their second album, Between the Lines. The song was the album's opening track with lead vocalist Amanda Blue, guitarist Keith Lentin, and bassist Jim Lowel. It never made it to the charts, as it wasn't released as a single.

Knight took inspiration from her own experience in the industry to create a track about personal growth and witnessing artists change their image when reaching fame.

"Change" focused on staying truthful to oneself, with her having once told SongFacts, "I was thinking how important it was to keep things real when success starting happening for us. I had seen several musicians let the fame and success go to their head and I thought that all those things shouldn't really change a person because what's inside of you should remain the same. I think I've lived my life by that notion."

The following year, "Change" was pitched to Waite, who released it as the first single to his 1982 debut solo album, Ignition. He took on the track because of its overall message, as Waite was going through a big transition in his life. He had left The Babys as their frontman and had recently gotten married. Recording in New York took him away from his wife, and he was navigating the industry as a solo artist.

Waite's "Change" also included backing vocals by Patty Smyth and is considered an underrated hit among fans. It landed at No. 16 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks and spent 14 weeks charting. Sadly, it failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100, and Waite blamed the record company for failing to promote the single and album. He would end his contract with Chrysalis and sign with EMI.

Despite its mediocre fame, Waite did the track justice, as Knight would later admit, "I have to say that I much prefer John's version. It's much more guitar-driven, and I love his vocals."

"Change" would experience a resurgence in popularity a few years later when it was included in the soundtrack for the 1985 film Vision Quest. Its re-release led the track to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 54. The track served as a pivotal bridge for Waite's career from The Babys' frontman to solo artist, which would lead him to "Missing You" in 1984.

Related: 1978 Soft Rock Track, With Vocals Mistaken for Another Music Icon, Became a Hit Radio Anthem

Some albums become hits, while others become part of American culture. Classic rock band Journey's album, Escape, is one of those projects that has never left music lovers' playlists, and likely never will.

Released on July 17, 1981, Escape was Journey's seventh studio album and the first to feature keyboardist Jonathan Cain. The lineup change ended up being a major turning point, helping the band create what would become its most successful studio album—and the only one to top the Billboard 200. The record would eventually earn Diamond certification from the RIAA after selling more than 10 million copies in the United States.

Packed with arena-rock staples, Escape produced a mindblowing run of hit singles, including "Who's Crying Now" (No. 4), "Don't Stop Believin'" (No. 9), "Open Arms" (No. 2), and "Still They Ride" (No. 19). Fan favorite "Stone in Love" also became a rock radio fixture, helping make the album one of the defining releases of the early '80s.

Ironically, the song that became Journey's signature anthem wasn't even the album's biggest chart hit. "Open Arms" peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100, while "Don't Stop Believin'" initially reached No. 9 before taking on a remarkable second life through television, film, sports arenas, and streaming.

Today, the latter is widely regarded as one of the most recognizable rock songs ever recorded. "Don't Stop Believin'" became the "biggest song of all time" from the pre-digital era, and has been dubbed the "power ballad that refused to die."

Looking back years later, former frontman Steve Perry admitted the band had no idea just how enduring Escape would become. "When we got to Escape, we were flying," Perry recalled, perMusic Radar, reflecting on the chemistry the band found during those recording sessions.

At the same time, critics weren't particularly fond of the band, but they didn't let that stop them. "People condemned us... because we weren't the hip of the hip. We held our course," Perry told Classic Rock, according to a Louder Sound feature. "I'd rather fail than be successful being somebody else."

And that mindset clearly paid off. Decades later, Journey's risk-taking changed the course of rock music forever. More than four decades after Escape ruled the charts, its songs remain staples on classic rock radio, streaming playlists, movie soundtracks, and stadium speakers around the world.

Related: 1975 Classic No. 1 Hit Remains a Timeless Generational Anthem 51 Years Later

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Couch shopping sounds fun, until you realize that each one you want comes with an insanely high price tag. However, if you turn to budget retailers, you can actually find high-end home pieces without the threat of a large credit card bill. Thanks to Walmart, and Drew Barrymore's stunning affordable collection, you can shop for the Beautiful Drew Barrymore Sofa while it's just over 27% off.

The sofa originally cost $394, but has been marked down to just $286 during a limited-time rollback deal. The bestselling style is already in over 25 customer carts, and is available in three colors or patterns: dark gray, cream, and striped. The latter two hues are available at full price. Considering how popular this piece is and the incredible budget deal, we advise adding it to your cart as quickly as possible. 

Beautiful Drew Barrymore Sofa, $286 (was $394) at Walmart

Courtesy of Walmart

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The couch is 72.125 inches wide, 31.5 inches long, and 31.5 inches tall. Therefore, it's ideal for people who are living in smaller apartments or homes, but want seating for two people that they can rely on. The piece features a reversible back cushion and stain-resistant boucle or linen fabric upholstery, depending on your color preference, making the design perfect for those who want something modern and "chic."

The style additionally has "stylish" rounded armrests and a solid wood frame for sturdiness. The material consists of polyester, foam, steel, and plywood. Although stain-resistant, you can spot clean the piece to remove unwanted markings. Assembly will be required upon arrival, but shoppers assured that it's "easy" to put together. 

Related: Walmart's 'Gorgeous' $33 Color-Changing Floor Lamp Syncs to Your Music to Set the Perfect Mood

Customers further described the loveseat as "cozy," "super comfortable," "soft," and "perfect" for compact spaces. "The charcoal color is beautiful, the fabric feels durable, and it has held up well with kids and pants," another shopper wrote. This same reviewer said that they use the sofa for everyday lounging, adding that it's ideal for "apartments, townhomes, bonus rooms, or anyone working with a smaller living area."

You're not going to see a price better than this one. This adorable Drew Barrymore sofa "looks so much more expensive than it is," and it's on sale now. Shop it at Walmart while it's over $100 off! 

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