Ah, diamonds. We all know Marilyn Monroe sung about them in Gentlemen Prefer Blonds. But what about the other songs, with that famous gem in the title, that made it big?
Ready for some time travel? Well good. Because here’s a decade by decade trip down memory lane to visit some of music’s biggest diamond smash hits.
2000s
Diamonds from Sierra Leone – Kanye West
The American rap artist picked up a Grammy for this 2005 song, featuring a snippit of the eternal Ms Shirley Bassey belting out the 007 number Diamonds are Forever.
Diamonds on the Inside – Ben Harper
From the studio album of the same name, Ben Harper’s popular 2004 release.
1990s
Diamond Ring – Bon Jovi
A quiet moment with Bon Jovi is a rare and fine thing indeed. That’s just what you’ll find on this gorgeous tribute written by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora and Desmond Child.
Diamonds and Pearls – Prince
This edgy rock cum upbeat ballad is the title track of Prince’s 1991 studio album. Features an interesting film clip too.
1980s
Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes – Paul Simon
Who could forget this Soweto inspired number? Almost an anthem of its day, with Mandella taking the reins in South Africa – where so many diamonds are mined.
Diamond Mine – Blue Rodeo
The title track from this 1989 release made an impressive chart debut and stayed the distance for Blue Rodeo.
1970s
Black Diamond – Kiss
This dramatic show closer is one of Kiss’ best remembered tracks. It was released on the self titled 1974 album, along with six singles.
Diamond Dogs – David Bowie
On the success of his 1974 album of the same name, David Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust and embarked on a world Diamond Dogs tour.
1960s
Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds – The Beatles
The Beatles 1967 studio album, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band featured this song inspired by John Lenon’s son Julian. It’s inspired a lot more musicians since and is one of the band’s most covered numbers.
Diamonds – Jet Harris & Tony Meehan
While not strictly speaking a song, it’s hard to argue with six weeks at the top of US charts. Looks like Diamonds did it for just about everybody in 1962!
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