"You've Been Cheatin'" by The Impressions

Chicago-based R&B outfit The Impressions scored their first hit in 1958 when "For Your Precious Love" hit #11. The group was billed as Jerry Butler and the Impressions at the time, but he quickly left for a solo career, leaving Curtis Mayfield (the band's lead songwriter), Sam Gooden, and the Brooks brothers to carry on without him.

A string of big hits in the 60s have earned this group the 34th best chart performers for that decade, a sampling of which includes "It's All Right" (#4), "Keep On Pushing" (#10), and "Amen" (#7). Another classic, "People Get Ready" reached #14 and won a Grammy.

"You've Been Cheatin'" managed to reach #33 in 1965, but probably would've done much better a few years prior. Energized by a 50s Motown beat, this is one of the peppiest songs you'll hear about suspected infidelity.

"Welcome Home" by IKE

We've seen quite a bit of John Faye in our time here, through his work in The Caulfields and as a solo artist, but today we're highlighting his other band, IKE. Based in Philadelphia, IKE has released several records since their formation in 2003. If you are a fan of power pop in the vein of Cheap Trick, be sure to check out more of IKE.

"Welcome Home" is a terrific tune about welcoming a newborn into your life, and home. Great lyrics, great music, nicely sung. You just can't ask for more. The song comes from the band's debut record, "Parallel Universe."

"World Comin' Down" by Billy Idol

Billy Idol (aka William Broad) cranked out a number of classics from the 80s, beginning with "Hot In The City," which landed at #23 in 1982. His biggest hit was the #1 smash and cover of the Tommy James song "Mony Mony," followed by the #2 hit "Cradle Of Love" in 1990.

Some of Idol's best known hits may not have performed as well as you think. "Rebel Yell" barely reached #46 and "White Wedding" had to be released twice just to get to #36. "Dancing With Myself" never even broke the top 100.

Idol faded into obscurity during the 90s but released a terrific album called "Devil's Playground" in 2005. The record sounds more energetic and fierce than most of his 80s work. "World Comin' Down" is the obvious standout, but be sure not to miss "Super Overdrive," "Sherri," and "Yellin' At The Xmas Tree" (just for fun).

"You're All Forgiven" by The Idle Wilds

A little-known Philly band that truly deserved widespread fortune and glory was a power pop outfit known as The Idle Wilds. Their album "Dumb, Gifted & Beautiful" is stacked with potential hits that never got their due. Definitely worth tracking down, this record remains one of my all-time favorites. "You're All Forgiven" is just a small sample of the lost gems from this talented band.

"You Wouldn't Listen" by The Ides of March

We've reached one of the many projects and bands masterminded by Jim Peterik. The Ides of March was Peterik's first taste of chart success, with much more to follow in the 80s after he co-founded Survivor.

The Ides of March are best known for their sassy and brassy number, "Vehicle," which soared to #2 in 1970. The band sounds a lot like Blood, Sweat & Tears, and a lot different than Peterik's later projects.

Considered a one-hit wonder, most folks forget about the catchy tune "You Wouldn't Listen," which only hit #42 in 1966. This ear-worm of a song showcases the melodic songwriting talents Peterik would continue to leverage throughout his remarkable career.

The Ides made three additional appearances in the Top 100. "Roller Coaster" climbed to #92 in 1966, "Superman" flew to #64 in 1970, and "L.A. Goodbye" waved to us at #73 in 1971.

"My Obsession" by Icehouse

Icehouse is Australian slang for an insane asylum, but also the name of a little known 80s band led by Iva Davies. Their big hit in the US was 1988's "Electric Blue," which went all the way to #7 (little known fact: this song was co-written with John Oates). A song more appropriate for the band's name, "Crazy," also fared well, reaching #14 before "Electric Blue" was released. 

Both of those singles came from the band's landmark album, "Man of Colours," which I believe to be the band's masterpiece. Barely a bad track on the record. The third single was "My Obsession," and to me it had hit written all over it. However, it stalled at #88 and killed momentum for this talented band. Too bad because I think "Nothing Too Serious" had chart potential, too.

Their follow-up record, "Great Southern Land," was a compilation with a couple new songs including "Touch The Fire," which deserved better. It became the band's last top 100 appearance, only reaching #84.

"Honor Them All" by Janis Ian

Native to New York City, Janis Fink changed her name to Janis Ian (good move) before launching a critically acclaimed career as a folk singer/songwriter. She's won two Grammys and released twenty-two studio albums.

Her career began way back when she was only 14 with the stunning song, "Society's Child (Baby I've Been Thinking)," which went to #14 in 1967. A song about interracial dating, it was way ahead of its time and just hinted at the genius that was to follow Ian's catalogue through the years. With exception of a comeback hit in 1975, the remarkable "At Seventeen," which went to #3, Ian has not enjoyed widespread commercial success.

"Honor Them All" is from her 1997 album, "Hunger." A sweet song about cherishing those dear to you. Another terrific cut from this record is "Getting Over You." Surprising this one didn't mark a second comeback for Ian, as the record fit nicely with the rise of female singer/songwriters in the 90s.