The Simpsons are one of the greatest animated family of all times. Being also the pioneers of the “adult” cartoons, with their raw and incorrect humor. But they also had a musical side, more than you see on their average episode. As it’s, in fact, they have top the charts several times.
Not by making silly versions of famous songs or covers of classics, as Homer tends to do in many episodes. But as they’ve also created some original songs that have conquered radio stations and obviously the heart of many fans.
Even The Ramones appeared on the characteristic show
The longest-running American program in television history is recognized for many things besides their yellow characters. As they’ve won 32 Emmy Awards and 11 Writers Guild of America Awards in the process. The Simpsons have had many musical guests over the years. Going from The Ramones, Blink-182, Metallica and Red Hot Chilli Peppers to Lady Gaga and Green Day. Also, they’ve some musical talent of their own, and it goes beyond the guest musicians they invite to the show.
Since they’ve landed four albums on the Billboard 200, plus some hit songs along the way. Reaching also the Billboard Hot 100 in the process. They first burst into the Billboard charts after the show premiered on its current format back on January 26th of 1991. They did it with “The Simpsons Sing the Blues,” who reached No. 3 on the Billboard 200 albums. Just below Vanilla Ice’s “To the Extreme,” and Madonna’s “The Immaculate Collection”.
Do the Bartman was a total hit
The album had some covers of Chuck Berry and Billie Holiday, among others, sung by the Springfield’s natives, along with some original tracks. As two of the original songs from the record “Do the Bartman,” and “Deep, Deep Trouble,” reached the Hot 100. “Do the Bartman” reached No. 11 and “Deep, Deep Trouble” reached No. 69. Showing everybody that The Simpsons could make us laugh and jam.
The success of the songs, especially “Bartman” came along and helped the shows raise to fame, and Bart’s character more specifically. To help the song even more popular there were rumors that Michael Jackson wrote it, who according to Matt Groening it’s half true. As the creator of the show said that Jackson, co-wrote the song along with friend Bryan Loren. In the case of “Deep Trouble,” it was written and produced by Groening and DJ Jazzy Jeff.
Keep rocking with The Simpsons and their guest artists
After that, they released “Songs in the Key of Springfield,” a 39-track soundtrack of original tunes from the series. The album set reached No. 103 on the Billboard 200 and became the first record of the franchise to reach No. 1 on the kid’s charts. Then on 1998, it followed “The Yellow Album,” that parodied songs by Prince and obviously The Beatles but didn’t enjoy the previous success.
After it, on 2005, there was “Go Simpsonic With The Simpsons,” a 53-song soundtrack of songs from the show, that got into the No. 197 of the Billboard 200. Finally, on 2007 Hans Zimmer-produced soundtrack to the “The Simpsons Movie,” which reached No. 108 on the Billboard 200, as well as No. 8 on the Soundtracks chart. Including the cover of “The Simpsons’” theme song by Green Day that opens the film, which reached No. 54 on Digital Song Sales.
Source: spin.com