Chart Beat Podcast: Special Guest Diane Warren on ‘Probably My Best Song,’ Celine Dion’s No. 1 ‘Because You Loved Me’
A chat with the songwriting legend caps a top 20 countdown of the Hot 100 this week in 1996.
Welcome to the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast, where each week co-hosts Gary Trust and Trevor Anderson, from the Billboard charts department, discuss why what’s on the charts … is on the charts, while also looking at current chart action in a historical context for even greater insights.
This week, Gary and Trevor count down Nos. 20 through 1 of the Billboard Hot 100 this week 22 years ago, on the chart dated March 23, 1996. Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige highlight the success of pop/R&B divas at the time, while Smashing Pumpkins, Gin Blossoms and Alanis Morissette represent the commercial heights of ’90s alt rock.
Joining the podcast is very special guest Diane Warren, who has authored 32 Hot 100 top 10s. Among her nine No. 1s is 1996’s “Because You Loved Me,” which became Celine Dion‘s second of four toppers and, with six weeks at the summit, is tied for her longest-leading No. 1.
“I feel like it was a leap in my craft,” Warren says of “Because.” “I felt that when I wrote that song, it was better than I was at the time, if that makes sense. I was like, ‘Whoa, this is probably my best song.’ There’s something lyrically about it.”
“Because” was released as both the lead single from Dion’s first No. 1 Billboard 200 album (of four), Falling Into You, and theme to the Robert Redford and Michelle Pfeiffer movie Up Close & Personal. Despite her hit track record, Warren still had to convince director Jon Avnet to feature the song in the film. “He wasn’t telling me for a couple months,” she recalls. “I was like, ‘You know this song’s the one. Come on.’ “
Enjoy the latest Billboard Chart Beat Podcast and check back for additional upcoming episodes with artists, label executives, radio 7programmers and personalities, songwriters, producers and more. And, to receive every episode automatically in your inbox, subscribe to (and rate) the Billboard Chart Beat Podcast on iTunes!
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