16 Best Songs From 1931

10. “Goodnight Sweetheart” By Wayne King

Song year: 1931

“Goodnight Sweetheart” by Wayne King is a song that was composed in 1931 by Ray Noble, James Campbell, and Reg Connelly. The song quickly became popular and was recognized as one of the best songs from that year.

The song’s melodic quality and romantic lyrics captured the hearts of listeners then and now. “Goodnight Sweetheart” has been used in various movies, television shows, and commercials throughout history.

Moreover, other noteworthy performers like Guy Lombardo and Bing Crosby also performed their renditions of “Goodnight Sweetheart.” The success of this beautiful love ballad is undeniable even today.

11. “Stardust” By Louis Armstrong

Song year: 1931

“Stardust” by Louis Armstrong is a musical classic and one of the best songs from 1931. Written by Hoagy Carmichael in 1927, the song was recorded in Chicago on November 4, 1931, with Louis Armstrong’s Orchestra.

Performing “Stardust” can be challenging because of its meandering melody that requires singers to improvise their notes within the musical arrangement. Over the years, many musicians have covered “Stardust,” creating various adaptations of this timeless classic.

The song’s popularity reached new heights when it was featured in the 2007 movie titled “Stardust.” It played during a scene where Yvaine (Claire Danes) dances with Tristan Thorn (Charlie Cox).

12. “Just One More Chance” By Bing Crosby

Song year: 1931

Bing Crosby was a significant force in the music industry during 1931, and “Just One More Chance” is one of the best songs from that year. Written by Sam Coslow and Arthur Johnston, the ballad was first recorded by Abe Lyman and His California Orchestra before being recorded again by Crosby later in the same year.

As one of the top recording artists of the Jazz Age, Bing Crosby brought melancholic nostalgia to audiences with his crooning style. In 1931 alone, he appeared on ten of the top 50 songs either solo or with others.

“Just One More Chance” is a standout example of Bing Crosby’s talents and illustrates why he remains a beloved figure in popular music today.

13. “I Got Rhythm” By Red Nichols

Song year: 1931

“I Got Rhythm” is undoubtedly one of the most enduring songs from 1931, and Red Nichols’ version stands out as a prime example of the era’s musical excellence.

Red Nichols and His Five Pennies recorded their rendition of the song that same year, which became immensely popular and reached #5 on the US charts. The band’s performance captures all the buoyancy and energy necessary to adequately convey Gershwin’s remarkable tune.

It is safe to say that “I Got Rhythm” helped shape American pop culture as we know it today, given its influence on countless artists throughout history.

14. “(There Ought To Be A) Moonlight Savings Time” By Guy Lombardo

Song year: 1931

“(There Ought to Be A) Moonlight Savings Time” by Guy Lombardo is a delightful song that was released in 1931. The catchy tune, upbeat melody, and clever lyrics make this song an instant classic.

This popular hit has been performed by various artists and covered in many different genres over the years, but Lombardo’s rendition remains one of the most beloved versions.

Irving Kahal and Harry Richman wrote “(There Ought to Be A) Moonlight Savings Time,” showcasing their mastery of musical composition and songwriting. Their lyrics reflected the sentimentality of those times when people longed for more leisure time with family and friends.

15. “By The River St Marie” By Guy Lombardo

Song year: 1931

“By the River St Marie” by Guy Lombardo is a classic tune that was listed as the 16th best pop song in 1931. The song, recorded by Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, has become a timeless example of big band music from the early days of popular music.

Despite its popularity, “By the River St Marie” didn’t make it to the top ten list of sheet music at the time. However, it remains an important part of pop music history and is included in various rankings of great songs from that era.

If you are looking for an excellent example of swing or jazz standards from back in those days, add “By the River St Marie” by Guy Lombardo to your playlist! Its place on multiple top lists attests to its enduring appeal, even many decades after its first release.

16. “When The Moon Comes Over The Mountain” By Kate Smith

Song year: 1931

Kate Smith’s “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” was one of her biggest hits and became her signature theme song for her radio show in 1931. The song has a happy, upbeat melody that captures the essence of love and romance.

Although Kate Smith passed away in 1986, her music and legacy continue to be celebrated by fans around the world. Her body of work represents an important contribution to American music history, showcasing not only her talent but also capturing a moment in time when pop culture was undergoing significant changes.

Top Songs From 1931, Final Thoughts

The year 1931 produced a plethora of timeless classics that continue to capture the hearts of music lovers today. From Cab Calloway’s energetic and infectious “Minnie the Moocher” to Wayne King’s sweet lullaby-esque “Good Night, Sweetheart,” there is no shortage of amazing songs from this era.

Duke Ellington’s jazzy masterpiece “Mood Indigo” and Kate Smith’s touching rendition of “When the Moon Comes Over the Mountain” are just two more examples of how remarkable music was during this time period.