60 jaar Top 40, volume 2 1985-2004

To mark the 60th anniversary of the Dutch Top 40 in 2025, three books are being released, each telling the stories behind the singles that have appeared in this influential chart. Following the recent release of Volume 1, this second instalment in the 60 Years of Top 40 series focuses on the period from 1985 to 2004. A vibrant era in pop music history, as reflected in the many artists and musicians who contributed to this book — from Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Alannah Myles and Dave Abbruzzese (Pearl Jam) to Darryl McDaniels (Run-DMC), Maxine Jones (En Vogue) and Dexter Holland (The Offspring). Dutch artists Ray (2 Unlimited), Desray (2 Brothers on the 4th Floor) and Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation) also feature prominently.

In addition, this book offers a wealth of remarkable and lesser-known anecdotes. Gloria Estefan, for instance, explains how a performance by Miami Sound Machine in a Utrecht nightclub proved pivotal in the creation of the megahit Conga, while Montell Jordan shares his motivations for transitioning from pop singer to preacher. Ulf Ekberg recounts how a jammed demo cassette tape launched Ace of Base’s career, and Natasha Hamilton reveals how Kylie Minogue’s Can’t Get You Out of My Head almost became an Atomic Kitten hit. There’s also Fab Morvan’s candid account of what really went on behind the scenes with Milli Vanilli.

Alongside these musical tales, Top 40 DJs Lex Harding and Erik de Zwart share their personal behind-the-scenes stories, and exclusive interviews with renowned producers Trevor Horn, Daniel Lanois and Per Magnusson provide further insight. Supplemented with yearly charts and a wealth of photos, Volume 2 of 60 Years of Top 40 is a captivating chronicle of pop music from 1985 to 2004.

“For pop artists in the Netherlands, reaching number one in the Top 40 is still the ultimate achievement.”
– Lex Harding

“The combination of radio, television and the printed chart effectively made the Top 40 the first true multimedia platform in the Netherlands.”
– Erik de Zwart

Godfried Nevels (1973) is a freelance journalist, author and music critic. He previously published the books Forever 27, I Love 80’s Music, In Search of Elvis, and George Michael. He also writes articles and reviews for various music magazines.