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When the seasons change, having a few reliable layers can make getting dressed a whole lot easier. Early fall can bring unpredictable temperatures, so you want something cozy enough for chilly mornings but light enough to wear comfortably when the sun comes out. A fleece sweatshirt is an easy solution, but traditional hoodies can sometimes feel a little too casual for everyday plans.

One great alternative is the Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt. Right now, it’s on sale for up to 52% off at Walmart, bringing the price down from $50 to just $24. For a versatile layer you’ll be able to wear throughout fall and beyond, that’s a great value.

Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt, From $24 (was $50) at Walmart 

Courtesy of Walmart

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The sweatshirt comes in four easy-to-style colors: black, brown, gray, and blue. Its half-button placket lets you adjust the neckline depending on the weather, while the stand collar adds extra coverage and a slightly more polished look. There’s also a spacious kangaroo pocket for keeping your hands warm or stashing small essentials.

Available in sizes small through XXL, it has an oversized silhouette with dropped shoulders for a relaxed, laid-back fit. The roomy shape gives you plenty of freedom to move without feeling restrictive, while also making it easy to layer over a T-shirt or lightweight top.

The soft, mid-weight knit fabric has a cozy feel and gentle stretch, keeping you warm without being overly heavy. That makes it useful for cool summer nights, fall and winter, and those early spring days when there’s still a chill in the air. It’s machine washable in cold water with similar colors for easy care, too.

Related: This Office-Ready Knit Cardigan Is Perfect for Staying Cozy Under Blasting AC Vents, and It’s 54% Off

It’s also an easy piece to work into your existing wardrobe. Wear it with leggings for a relaxed day at home, pair it with jeans for errands or coffee with friends, or style it with biker shorts during transitional weather. The half-button design gives it a more elevated feel than a standard hoodie without making it any less comfortable.

One shopper described the sweater as “really cute and comfortable,” writing, “I love the half-button style — it gives a basic sweatshirt a little more personality. It’s easy to throw on with jeans or leggings for a casual, put-together look.” Another said it’s a ”versatile fall wardrobe staple,” adding, “The soft fleece lining keeps you warm without feeling overly heavy”

Shop More Deals

• Qualfort Cotton Button-Front Cardigan Sweater, $19 (was $33) at Walmart
• Moshu Color Block Crewneck Sweater, $13 (was $24) at Walmart
• Eytino Hooded Knit Cardigan Sweater, From $35 (was $54) at Walmart

For a comfortable everyday layer that feels a little more polished than your average hoodie, the Sunbs Half-Button Pullover Fleece Sweatshirt is a great pick. And with Walmart’s current 52% discount, you can save over $25 and snag this versatile staple for as little as $24.

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When Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game” was first released in 1989, it failed to gain mainstream traction. 

The rock ballad from Isaak’s album Heart Shaped World didn’t receive much airplay and was largely overlooked; however, it would soon become one of the most haunting love songs of a generation.

And it was largely due to director David Lynch (Twin Peaks, Mulholland Drive, Eraserhead), who featured the song in the 1990 film “Wild at Heart,” based on the 1989 novel of the same name by Barry Gifford, starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern.

The melancholic song underscored a surreal and emotional scene, captivating audiences and changing the song’s trajectory. 

An instrumental of “Wicked Game” played over a late-night driving scene in the film, where Cage’s Sailor and Dern’s Lula share an emotional conversation about her late father.

An Atlanta radio music director named Lee Chestnut saw the film and began playing the song on repeat, per Smooth Radio. 

Listener demand surged, as other stations followed suit, and the effect snowballed, bringing the song to a nationwide audience. Suddenly, the track that was largely overlooked just two years prior was exploding and taking over airwaves. 

By early 1991, “Wicked Game” had become a major hit in one of the era’s most surprising chart success stories

The forgotten single climbed its way into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 6. 

Isaak wasn’t new to the scene, as he garnered a cult following and plenty of buzz through the ’80s, but “Wicked Game” was his first major hit, turning him into a household name and catapulting him into the mainstream. 

While many see it as a song of unrequited love, Isaak later revealed in a 1991 interview with Rolling Stone, “There was a girl on the way over.” 

“It was one of those things where they call, they say, ‘I’m comin’ over.’ You know you shouldn’t, but you let ’em. Hang up the phone and go, ‘Oh, no. Now we’re gonna be in trouble,’” he expressed.

The sleeper hit became his career-defining single, proving that it needed the right moment—and medium—to help it find its audience and propel it to new heights. 

In 2019, the song saw renewed interest, rocketing to No. 1 on the digital charts after it was covered on The Voice.

37 years after the release, Isaak, now 70, continues touring, with his recent performance of “Wicked Game” at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, UK, getting plenty of attention from longtime fans who praised him for still sounding “absolutely fantastic.”

When asked in 2023 if he gets tired of singing his smash hit, the platinum-selling singer-songwriter simply responded, “Not at all.”

If you’re already dreaming of crisp sweater weather, roadside cider donuts, and winding mountain drives framed by fiery canopies of red, orange, and gold, it is time to start mapping out your autumn road trips.

Predicting where leaves will pop with brilliant intensity—and where they might turn brown and drop early—comes down to a delicate balance of summer moisture, tree health, and late-season temperature swings.

To help travelers plan their fall getaways, AccuWeather has released its official seasonal outlook, pinpointing the top leaf-peeping destinations, detailing the impact of regional droughts, and revealing the exact weather cues to watch before booking.

According to Paul Pastelok, Lead Long Range Forecaster and Senior Meteorologist at AccuWeather, the most promising color displays this year are concentrated across the northern tier of the country.

Related: A New Priceline Study Reveals Where Everyone’s Leaf-Peeping

Top Regions for Peak Fall Color This Year

“The northern Mississippi Valley/upper Midwest, Great Lakes, through the Northeast are the areas with the best shot at vibrant color this year,” Pastelok explains. “New England and upstate New York stand out in particular, since near-average rainfall frequency through the growing season has kept trees healthy heading into fall—a main ingredient. Much of the Midwest, northern Plains, and Great Lakes are expected to see a near to above-average display, where parts of the Tennessee Valley and northern mid-Atlantic will be a more typical, near average display. The Pacific Northwest can be near to above average on showing this year, a strong contrast to the interior Northwest where heat, drought and fires have left trees destroyed or stressed.”

The Perfect Recipe for Vivid Autumn Leaves

For New England and Upstate New York, steady summer precipitation has laid a solid foundation, but the upcoming transition into September will determine just how brilliant the canopy gets.

“Rainfall has stayed near average in frequency across the Northeast during the summer, which has kept trees in good condition,” says Pastelok. “The key factor now is what happens in the next few weeks: drier stretches in mid- to late September, followed by cooler nights moving into late September and October, are what would set the stage for the most vivid colors. The general recipe for a vibrant season is trees need to enter fall healthy, then get a run of sunny days and clear, cool nights.”

Related: The New England Fall Road Trip Travel Experts Swear By

How Summer Drought and Heat Impact Foliage Out West

“The drought picture is much more severe out West,” Pastelok notes. In the Central Rockies, severe spring and summer drought will likely dull the aspens, though late monsoon rains and higher elevations offer a slight silver lining. Farther northwest across the Interior Northwest, Northern Rockies, and Northern California, the combination of heat, drought, and active wildfires will make viewing tricky. “Check forecasts and local conditions closely before traveling, though fire activity should begin easing by late September,” Pastelok advises.

For travelers heading to the West Coast, California offers a more typical season with vibrant foliage in the far northern reaches, though late-autumn storms could knock leaves down early.

In the East, drought has created sharp regional contrasts. While central and northern Pennsylvania look solid, areas stretching through southeastern Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia suffered early-season drought stress that late summer rain couldn’t reverse—leading to earlier leaf drop and muted colors.

When Peak Color Will Arrive—and Storm Risks to Watch

When it comes to timing your trip, early-autumn temperature patterns will cause peak windows to arrive at noticeably different paces depending on where you travel.

Related: 10 Best Midwest Hikes to Take This Fall

Peak color will arrive earlier than usual across the Mid-Atlantic, Carolinas, Central Rockies, and interior Southwest due to long-term dry conditions accelerating the shift. Meanwhile, the Northeast, northern Plains, upper Midwest, and Great Lakes are tracking on a near-average timeline. If you are heading to the Ohio Valley or mid-to-lower Mississippi Valley, expect peak vibrancy to run a couple of weeks later than usual due to lingering warmth, with parts of the Northwest lagging about a week behind.

Travelers should also keep an eye on early-season storms that could suddenly strip canopies bare. “On top of that, fall storms are a wildcard,” Pastelok points out. “An increased tropical threat along the mid-Atlantic coast, southern New England, and parts of the Carolinas in September, where strong wind and heavy rain from a tropical system could shorten the viewing window. This can also happen in parts of California as well.”

Tips for Timing Your Autumn Road Trip

If you’re planning to book a spontaneous weekend road trip this fall, tracking daily weather patterns in late September is your best bet for timing the brightest colors.

“Travelers should watch for drier weather patterns settling in during mid-to-late September, followed by a cool-down—that combination is important for peak color in places like New England and upstate New York, the northern Plains and upper Midwest as well,” Pastelok advises.

Conversely, a lingering warm spell without chilly, crisp evenings will hold the season back: “a lack of clear, cool nights (as forecast for parts of the Southeast and lower Mississippi Valley) tends to keep leaves green longer and produce a more muted display.”

Related: We Asked 3 Travel Advisors for the Most Scenic Way to Visit Canada in Fall—They All Said the Same Thing

If you were listening to Top 40 AM radio in late 1977 or early 1978, you couldn’t escape the song “Thunder Island,” performed and written by Jay Ferguson.

The track soared to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming an enduring soundtrack of the soft-rock era. Yet, nearly five decades after the song’s release, many classic rock fans still don’t know that the song’s soaring guitar solo came from an uncredited rock icon.

When Ferguson entered the studio to record his second solo album, he had already honed his chops as a seasoned musician. According to AllMusic, in the late 1960s, he fronted the psychedelic rock band Spirit, co-writing their hit “I Got a Line on You.” He followed that success by co-founding Jo Jo Gunne, scoring another hit with “Run Run Run” before taking a break from the music industry.

Producer Bill Szymczyk asked the now-solo artist to visit his Coconut Grove studio in Miami, where Ferguson would record a new song, “Thunder Island.” Szymczyk, a longtime friend and collaborator with Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh, asked him to contribute to Ferguson’s second LP, Thunder Island.

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Walsh provided the guitar solo that gave “Thunder Island” its edge. It was the secret weapon that elevated Ferguson’s lyrics, inspired by a real-life experience involving his wife, into one of the late ’70s’ most enduring rock anthems.

Walsh wasn’t credited on Ferguson’s single. However, his name was listed among the contributors on the LP’s liner notes.

The mystery of who played the solo that transformed the song lingered for decades. Millions of listeners never knew the Eagles icon played lead guitar on the track.

While “Thunder Island” marked Jay Ferguson’s highest peak as a solo performer, followed by his 1979 Top 40 hit “Shakedown Cruise,” his career in the music industry was far from over. He later stepped into a second act as a Hollywood composer.

Ferguson composed the memorable theme song for the hit NBC comedy The Office, as well as scoring major film and television projects such as A Nightmare on Elm Street 5 and NCIS: Los Angeles.

Almost 50 years later, “Thunder Island” stands as one of the most unforgettable songs of the 1970s. The song brought together a seasoned singer-songwriter and an Eagles guitar legend for three and a half minutes of pure pop-rock gold that remains one of the definitive soft rock songs of all time.

Related: 1979 No. 1, Once Called the ‘Best Song of the Summer,’ Remains a Party Favorite Nearly 50 Years Later

Halloween candy is already one of the best parts of spooky season, but Costco has found a way to make digging into something sweet part of the entertainment.

The warehouse’s new Ten Acre Gifts Monster Mash Chocolate Head is a monster-sized Frankenstein-inspired treat made from Belgian milk chocolate. But the real fun starts when you grab the included mallet and smash through the chocolate shell to uncover a creepy surprise hiding inside.

Check it out in this August 30 Instagram post shared by Juli Sandjaja @costcoaisles:

View this post on Instagram Costco’s Monster Mash Chocolate Head Is Made for Halloween Parties

Tatiana Sviridova / Getty Images

At 5.5 pounds, this isn’t your average piece of Halloween candy. The hollow chocolate head is filled with approximately 64 fruit-flavored gummy body parts, so smashing Frankenstein open reveals an assortment of colorful, creepy candy.

It’s priced at $54.99, but this monster is definitely made for sharing. According to the package, the chocolate head contains about 71 servings, making the price a little easier to swallow when you consider just how many Halloween party guests can dig in.

Related: Costco’s New Mini Bakery Treat Is Like a Little Taste of Paris

And that’s really where the fun is. Set the head out on a Halloween dessert table, let everyone gather around for the big smash, and suddenly dessert doubles as entertainment. Between the giant green Frankenstein head, the mallet, and the gummy body parts waiting inside, it has all the makings of a memorable Halloween party centerpiece.

The Ten Acre Gifts Monster Mash Chocolate Head is item #2056395, and you can use the Costco app or website to check availability at your local warehouse.

People are already having fun with the idea in the comments. @mediaqueen77 admitted, “I couldn’t bring myself to break it!” while @costco.love said, “My kids would love this!” Another commenter, @costcobayareafinds, summed it up: “This is so fun!!”

And that’s probably the best way to look at this oversized Costco find. It’s a lot of chocolate, a lot of gummies, and definitely more than anyone needs for an ordinary candy craving. But for a Halloween party where the dessert can double as the night’s entertainment, Frankenstein might just be worth inviting.

Ten years together. No ring. Sound familiar?

Seo Kang-joon and Ahn Eun-jin star in “A Love Other Than Yours” which hits KBS2 on September 12 and streams on Amazon Prime Video in more than 240 countries. He plays Namgoong Ho. She plays Lee Mi-do. They’ve been together a decade. He wants to propose. She’s quietly falling for someone else. Nobody’s said any of this out loud yet. That’s the entire show.

It premieres in ten days. Definitely worth clearing the calendar for.

What makes this one different from your average “will they won’t they” romance is the specific emotional situation it’s putting under a microscope. This isn’t two people falling in love. It’s two people who already did that — ten years ago — and now have to figure out if what they built together is still what they want.

Namgoong Ho is an assistant manager at a snack company. Warm. Steady. Ready for the next chapter. Lee Mi-do is a film director whose career’s hit a wall and who wasn’t expecting to develop feelings for anyone new. Those two situations — one person leaning in one person pulling back — create the kind of tension that doesn’t announce itself. It just quietly builds until something has to give.

Seo Kang-joon just came off the action comedy “Undercover High School” and Ahn Eun-jin was the lead in “Dynamite Kiss” on Netflix. Neither of them is a stranger to carrying a show. The interesting question here is whether they can make ten years of familiarity feel real on screen — not electric or new but genuinely lived-in. That’s harder to pull off than a first kiss.

Related: ‘Made in Korea’ Season 2, the Final Chapter of Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung’s KCIA Thriller, Hits Disney+ September 9

Then the new arrivals. Lee Joo-ahn plays Han Tae-seung a lawyer who becomes part of Mi-do’s life in ways neither of them planned. Jo Aram — who you might know from K-pop group Gugudan — plays Park Su-ah a younger colleague who quietly enters Namgoong Ho’s orbit. Neither character is there just to stir the pot. They’re mirrors. They show Namgoong Ho and Lee Mi-do things about themselves and each other that ten years of comfortable routine had kept safely out of view.

The Question Nobody Wants to Answer

Here’s the question the show is really asking. Not “will they get married?” That’s too simple. The real question is this: after ten years together is staying together an act of love or is it just the easier choice? Because those are very different things and most people in long-term relationships spend a lot of time not thinking about which one applies to them.

That question lands differently when it’s yours. And for a lot of people watching — whether they’re ten years in or two — it probably will be.

The show runs 14 episodes every Saturday and Sunday. It premieres on KBS2 on September 12 and streams on Amazon Prime Video the same day worldwide. The question’s been waiting ten years. Probably shouldn’t wait much longer.

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Shakira’s song, “Dai Dai,” has reached a major Billboard milestone, spending its 10th week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.

Billboard shared the update on Instagram, noting that the FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem is still “running the world.” The song also holds the top spot on the Billboard Global 200 for a seventh week.

The latest result puts “Dai Dai” among a small group of songs that have ruled the Global Excl. U.S. chart for at least 10 weeks. Since the global charts began in September 2020, only seven songs have reached that mark.

Shakira performs during the SHAKIRA – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour held at Intuit Dome on June 13, 2026 in Inglewood, California.

Photo by Christopher Polk/Billboard via Getty Images

The song first reached No. 1 on both global charts in July and has continued its strong run even more than a month after the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended.

View this post on Instagram

According to Luminate data for Aug. 21-27, “Dai Dai” recorded 36.7 million streams worldwide, down 9% from the previous week. It also sold 4,000 copies worldwide, a 15% weekly drop.

Outside the United States, the song collected 31.4 million streams and sold 3,000 copies during the same tracking period, per Billboard.

With 10 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Dai Dai” now joins an elite list of global hits.

HUNTR/X’s “Golden” currently holds the record with 20 weeks at No. 1. ROSÉ and Bruno Mars’ “APT.” follows with 19 weeks, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” has spent 17 weeks at the top.

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” has reached 14 weeks, while Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and Harry Styles’ “As It Was” each have 13 weeks.

“Dai Dai” is now seventh on that list with its 10-week run.

The song’s latest chart performance adds another milestone to Shakira’s long connection with the FIFA World Cup. She previously recorded “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa),” the official anthem for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

She also performed “Hips Don’t Lie” during the 2006 World Cup closing ceremony and “Dare (La La La)” at the 2014 World Cup closing ceremony.

For the 2026 tournament, Shakira teamed up with Nigerian singer Burna Boy for “Dai Dai.” The song was released as the official anthem of the competition, which was hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.

The song’s title and refrain use phrases from several languages. “Dai,” “ikou,” “dale,” “allez” and “let’s go” all serve the same basic purpose: encouraging listeners to move forward.

The song also includes references to famous soccer players, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.

While “Dai Dai” remained at the top, other artists also made major moves on the latest Billboard global charts.

Karol G’s “BbY WOW,” featuring Judeline and rusowsky, jumped from No. 37 to No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200. It also climbed from No. 41 to No. 10 on the Global Excl. U.S. chart.

The song’s worldwide streams increased by 45% to 26 million. The result gives Karol G her seventh top 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and her eighth on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. Judeline and rusowsky each earned their first top 10 placements on the two rankings.

The latest Billboard results also saw renewed interest in several songs by Dolly Parton following her Aug. 25 passing.

“Jolene” led Parton’s five songs entering the Billboard Global 200, debuting at No. 16 with 18.5 million streams and 20,000 sales worldwide.

“9 to 5” followed at No. 25, while “Islands in the Stream,” her collaboration with Kenny Rogers, reached No. 43. “I Will Always Love You” debuted at No. 55, and “Here You Come Again” entered at No. 133.

On the Global Excl. U.S. chart, “Jolene” reached No. 70, while “9 to 5” landed at No. 136 and “Islands in the Stream” at No. 141.

For Shakira and Burna Boy, the latest numbers give “Dai Dai” another major chapter in its World Cup run.

Related: Shakira Makes Announcement on Official World Cup Song

Kacey Musgraves had a special way to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton by putting her own spin on one of the country star’s most beloved songs.

During her Middle of Nowhere Tour, the “I Remember Everything” hitmaker lit up Madison Square Garden by honoring the music legend not just with a heartfelt message but also with a notable performance.

Onstage, digital photos of Parton flashed across the large screen above the country-pop singer, as if bringing the country icon into the performance.

“I’m not over it, and I’m never gonna be over it,” the 38-year-old singer told the crowd, calling the “9 to 5” singer a “supernova of a person.” “The world definitely lost a light, and it’s hard for me to talk about. And I know how much Dolly meant to everybody also in this room. I think why it feels so dark is it’s already hard to navigate these times right now, and then we lose a matriarch like that. It’s the closest thing we’ve ever had to royalty.”

Dolly Parton and Kacey Musgraves perfom onstage during the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards

Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Late in the main set, Musgraves performed her piano-driven ballad, “Rainbow,” drawing loud cheers from the crowd as they sang along to the beloved song.

The eight-time Grammy winner transitioned into her celebratory cover of Parton’s signature song, “9 to 5.”

Kacey Musgraves covers Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” at MSG during night 1 of the “Middle of Nowhere Tour.” pic.twitter.com/Kjn5YYIuxW

— Kacey Musgraves Access (@KaceyAccess) September 1, 2026

Her rendition of the 1980 song marked Musgraves’ first performance of “9 to 5” in more than four years, following her Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour in 2022.

The country pop star would sing the Parton-penned theme song during the “Kacey Karaoke” segment.

Her performance of the 1980 song marked Musgraves’ first performance of “9 to 5” in four years, following her Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour in 2022.

“9 to 5” was a special song for the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, who passed away Aug. 25.

She personally wrote it for the 1980 film of the same name, in which she starred and made her acting debut.

Parton revealed an interesting story behind her inspiration for the song’s unique rhythm.

“I have acrylic fingernails and they make a great rhythm sound,” she shared in her famous 60 Minutes interview with Morley Safer in 2009 via Smooth Radio. “They sound almost like a typewriter.”

As for the lyrics, they resonate with working women by addressing the frustration of being undervalued and unrecognized in the workforce.

“They just use your mind and they never give you credit,” Parton explained, adding, “It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it.”

“9 to 5” was a career-defining moment for Parton, expanding her audience from music to film while also earning major achievements for the song.

The song reached the top spot on the Billboard Country chart and her first No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Related: ’70s Rock Icon Shares Emotional Message After Dolly Parton’s Death: ‘We Will Miss Her’

Sara Bareilles knows the key to creating a radio-friendly hit is not trying to create a radio-friendly hit. Bareilles sat down for a revealing conversation on the Zach Sang Show, sharing how her 2007 hit “Love Song” was born out of the frustration that came with her record label encouraging her to write a hit. She did just that.

Working toward her major-label debut, Little Voice, in 2005, Sara Bareilles was feeling the pressure. Signed to Epic Records, the label encouraged her to write more commercially minded material. Bareilles knew that meant she needed to write a hit that would be popular on mainstream radio.

@zachsangshow

@thesarabareilles didn’t want to write a long song #sarabareilles #lovesong #songwriter #zachsangshow #fyp

♬ original sound – Zach Sang Show

The singer-songwriter tried just about everything to conjure up a hit, including trying to emulate songs she heard on the radio. But nothing felt authentic.

Finally, Bareilles decided to stop trying to create a hit. She went into a rehearsal space and began writing from a different point of view, this time writing for herself, not to impress her label.

That’s when “Love Song” came together.

Once she surrendered to the process of songwriting and not the result, Bareilles shared that “Love Song” “basically wrote itself.” The chorus and verse came quickly, and the song became a timeless anthem. And yes, a radio hit.

Bareilles wasn’t initially sitting down to write a rebellious anthem. She was trying to figure out how to give the record company what it wanted. She experimented with what she thought a radio song was supposed to sound like, but the more she tried to manufacture it, the further she got from herself.

Then she essentially got frustrated with her own approach and remembered who she was as a songwriter.

The song’s piano-driven melody and conversational lyrics came together quickly. Instead of writing the polished, generic pop song she thought the label wanted, she wrote about the very pressure she was experiencing.

The result was completely ironic—and a massive hit.

Related: 1976 Dolly Parton Performance Was the Rare Time She Sang on TV With Both Parents

“Love Song” Wasn’t Really a Love Song @postmabone

More good stuff from the #RedDressCollection because everyone should witness the beauty of @thesarabareilles and her iconic performance ♥️ #sarabareilles #lovesong #aha #americanheartassociation #heartmonth

♬ original sound – jude

The title itself is part of the joke.

“Love Song” implies a straightforward romantic ballad, but Bareilles was actually writing about her frustration with her record label and being pushed toward creating commercially viable hits. The tongue-in-cheek song was written as a response to the pressure she felt to write a hit.

The song was released in 2007 as the lead single from Little Voice. Though “Love Song” wasn’t an overnight success, it gradually built an audience. It was featured as an iTunes free single and in a Rhapsody commercial, both of which helped propel the song up the charts.

“Love Song” eventually reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spent 19 weeks in the Top 10. It also earned Bareilles two Grammy nominations, including Song of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

“Love Song” Became the Hit She Wasn’t Trying to Write

But the song became much bigger than Bareilles initially intended. “Love Song” features an instantly recognizable piano melody, coupled with Bareilles’ expressive voice and lyrics that sound more like a conversation than a manufactured hit.

“Love Song” wasn’t just another 2007 radio hit. It was a song about refusing to make a hit—and, ironically, that somehow made it one of the era’s most memorable songs.

Related: Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt Delivered One of the Most Flawless Harmonies Ever Covering a Neil Young Classic

Following Casa Amor, Aniya Harvey was given the option to couple up with someone from Casa, most likely Carl Schmidt whom she had built a connection with, or take a chance at love and see whether her partner, Kuman “KC” Chandler, was returning single for her or with somebody else. Harvey decided to give love a chance and remain loyal to Chandler, only to have his heart broken when she returned with someone else. Now Harvey is reflecting on the life-changing moment and how the future has a way of working itself out.

Elle interviewed Harvey about her experience on the Peacock reality dating series, its highs and lows, and her life post-Villa.

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During the conversation, Harvey was asked about her decision to remain loyal to Chandler, and how it felt to watch him return to the Villa with someone else, as he brought Tierra “Titi” Davis back with him.

Harvey shared that she wasn’t hurt that he decided to bring someone back; rather, “it just hurts being vulnerable up there after having my doubts about who to pick.”

LOVE ISLAND USA — “Week 3 ” Episode TBD — Pictured: (l-r) Aniya Harvey, Kuman Dameon Chandler — (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock)

She explained that going into Casa, “KC and I were in a lot of arguments,” sharing that they had various ideas that they were not aligned on, “but I just have a really strong sense of loyalty.”

Harvey added that she was more upset with herself, “because I didn’t put myself first in that pivotal moment.” Still, it allowed her to have a different perspective, so she began looking at her remaining time in the Villa from the outlook of “‘I need to have more pride and be a strong woman in here. This opportunity is for myself.’”

Ultimately, the audience was allowed to send Carl back into the game, and allow Harvey the chance to rewrite history and explore their connection on a deeper level. This brought the two all the way to second place in the finale and has remained a strong bond for the pair.

Love Island USA Season 8 is streaming in full exclusively on Peacock.

In 1957, Steve Porcaro was born into a family that would eventually put three brothers at the heart of one of the biggest rock bands of the 1980s.

On Sept. 2, Porcaro turns 69, nearly five decades after helping found Toto, the band behind “Hold the Line,” “Rosanna” and their only Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, “Africa.”

Porcaro grew up in a deeply musical household. His father, jazz drummer and educator Joe Porcaro, taught Steve and his brothers Jeff and Mike to play drums. Steve eventually gravitated toward keyboards, receiving an organ from his father in 1967 and later developing a particular talent for synthesizers.

He was still a teenager when his professional career took off. At just 17, Porcaro went on the road with Gary Wright for The Dream Weaver tour in 1975 and 1976. The following year, he toured with Boz Scaggs behind Silk Degrees, alongside several musicians who would soon become his Toto bandmates.

Related: 1982 Rock Classic With One of the Greatest Drum Intros Ever Became a Grammy-Winning Hit

Steve Porcaro Helped Found Toto in the ’70s

Toto’s roots stretched back years before the band released its first record. David Paich and Steve’s older brother Jeff Porcaro had known each other since high school and became in-demand session musicians. When they began assembling a band of their own, Steve Porcaro, guitarist Steve Lukather, bassist David Hungate and singer Bobby Kimball joined them. Middle brother Mike Porcaro would join later when Hungate left the group.

Toto’s self-titled debut arrived in 1978 and produced “Hold the Line,” but it was 1982’s Toto IV that sent the band into another stratosphere.

The album included “Rosanna,” “Africa” and “I Won’t Hold You Back.” “Rosanna” reached No. 2 on the Hot 100, while “Africa” climbed all the way to No. 1.

According to music historian Fred Bronson’s “Billboard Book of Number One Hits,” “Africa” entered the Hot 100 at No. 75 in October 1982 and took 14 weeks to reach the summit on Feb. 5, 1983. It became Toto’s only No. 1 single on the Hot 100.

The success culminated at the 1983 Grammy Awards, where Toto IV won Album of the Year, “Rosanna” took Record of the Year and Toto collected six Grammys altogether.

Related: 1982 Hit Sent ’70s Rock Legends Back to No. 1, Dethroning Chicago for the Second Time in 6 Years

Steve Porcaro Is the Last Surviving of 3 Brothers Who Played in Toto

Steve wasn’t the only Porcaro to become part of Toto. His older brothers Jeff and Mike Porcaro both played major roles in the band’s history.

Jeff co-founded Toto and became one of the most respected session drummers of his generation. He was particularly renowned for the distinctive half-time shuffle he played on “Rosanna” that became known as “the Rosanna Shuffle.” Jeff died on Aug. 5, 1992, at just 38 years old after suffering a heart attack.

Mike joined Toto as its bassist in 1982, replacing original member Hungate shortly after the recording of Toto IV. He remained with the group until 2007, when increasing weakness in his fingers made it difficult for him to continue performing. He was later diagnosed with ALS, and Toto reunited in 2010 in part to tour in support of him.

Mike died from complications of ALS on March 15, 2015, at age 59, leaving Steve as the last surviving of the three Porcaro brothers.

Porcaro remained with Toto through the band’s first six studio albums before leaving as a full-time member in 1987 to concentrate on songwriting and composing for film and television. He continued contributing to Toto projects and eventually returned to performing with the group after it reunited in 2010.

He released his first solo album Someday/Somehow in 2016, followed by The Very Day in 2025.

Now 69, Porcaro is the last surviving member of a trio of brothers whose musical fingerprints remain all over Toto’s history.

Related: Last Original Member of Iconic ’70s Rock Band, Founded When He Was Just 16, Turns 78

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From her beautiful fall decor to heirloom-style quilts and ultra-soft pajamas, nobody does cozy quite like Martha Stewart. The queen of making a house feel like a home, there’s no shortage of beautiful things bearing her name that’ll transform a plain space into the coziest, most lounge-worthy spot you can imagine. One of the easiest rooms to refresh is the bedroom, as a simple bedding swap can instantly give the entire space a new vibe. And if your bedroom’s vibe could use a lot more cozy by way of vintage-inspired florals, there’s a Martha Stewart bedding set at Wayfair you absolutely must check out. The best part? It’s on sale for 72% off during the retailer’s massive Labor Day sale.

Normally $200, the Martha Stewart Vivian Floral Queen Duvet Cover Set is down to just $57 in a blue floral design. It also comes in beige, on sale for $68, as well as twin and king sizes, which are currently discounted up to 70%. If you like the botanical pattern but prefer a comforter, the same set is offered with a comforter instead of a duvet cover in twin, queen, and king sizes, though availability and sale pricing vary by style. 

Martha Stewart Vivian Floral Queen Duvet Cover Set, From $57 (was $200) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

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This bedding set features two-layer gauze fabric made from 100% cotton jacquard with a lightly textured finish that’s breathable for year-round comfort. The design has pretty florals and leafy branches scattered across a crisp white background, giving your bed a classic garden-inspired look. 

The queen and king-sized sets include the duvet cover (or comforter) plus two matching pillow shams, while the twin size includes only one sham. The cover has inner corner ties and oversized button closures to keep your insert in place, and everything is machine washable for easy care. Though the set does not come with a duvet insert, you can find several affordable options at Wayfair, including genuine down feather and down-alternative versions.

Martha Stewart Vivian Floral Queen Duvet Cover Set, From $57 (was $200) at Wayfair

Courtesy of Wayfair

Image (beige floral)

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Wayfair shoppers loved how “soft and comfy” this bedding set felt. With its “lovely” floral pattern, one customer said it made their bedroom look “absolutely beautiful.” Another reviewer put it simply: “I’m in love with this bed set.”

Shop More Deals

• Martha Stewart Songbird Cotton Reversible Duvet Cover Set, $78 (was $200) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart French Bird Floral Cotton Quilt Set, $67 (was $184) at Wayfair
• Martha Stewart Olivia Gingham Cotton Reversible Quilt Set, $80 (was $200) at Wayfair

Related: Wayfair’s ‘Adorable’ Farmhouse Nightstand Set Has a Rustic ‘Barn Look’ and ‘Lots of Storage,’ Now 57% Off

At just $57, the Martha Stewart Vivian Floral Queen Duvet Cover Set is a steal on heirloom-like bedding you’ll cherish season after season. Wayfair’s Labor Day sale runs through Sept. 7, so if you want to take advantage of this 72%-off deal, now is the time! 

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Sometimes a movie needs more than one opening weekend to find its audience.

Released in 1968, Once Upon a Time in the West brought director Sergio Leone back to the genre that had made him famous. Charles Bronson starred as Harmonica, an enigmatic gunslinger whose old score with the ruthless Frank, played by Henry Fonda, slowly comes into focus.

The story centers on Jill McBain, played by Claudia Cardinale, who inherits a valuable patch of land after her family is murdered. Harmonica and the outlaw Cheyenne, played by Jason Robards, become unlikely protectors as a railroad baron schemes to take control of the property.

Despite its heavyweight cast and reported $5 million budget, the film was a box office disappointment in the United States. Paramount shortened Leone’s 165-minute European cut for American theaters, where the film struggled to reach a sizable audience. Its reception overseas was far warmer, particularly in France and Germany.

The years were much kinder to Leone’s Western. The original version returned to circulation and gradually won over filmmakers, critics and viewers. It now holds a 96 percent critics score and a 94 percent audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, based on more than 50,000 viewer ratings.

Martin Scorsese is among the directors who have spoken about its importance. Discussing the movie’s mix of Italian opera, visual art and Western conventions, he said, “This is a whole new genre and that’s what made it so important.”

Bronson says relatively little as Harmonica, but his guarded performance anchors the film. His character’s recurring melody, backed by Ennio Morricone’s score, turns a simple instrument into both a warning and the key to his past.

Fifty-eight years later, Once Upon a Time in the West has outlived its disappointing American debut. What initially failed to connect with moviegoers is now treated as one of the Western genre’s essential films.

Related: 1977 Film Ranked Among ‘Best Movies of All Time’ Was an International Hit

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is back at Walt Disney World. And the culinary wizards of the mouse’s house have created an event bigger, better and more delicious than ever with dozens of dishes from over 30 global marketplaces. 

And it’s a fitting celebration being that it’s the 30th anniversary of the beloved annual event. There’s a cheese-based scavenger hunt and a rocking concert series, but many visit to sample arrays of delicious eats throughout the festival’s run ending on Nov. 21.

For this very special anniversary, longstanding favorites are back (hello, Canadian cheddar cheese and bacon soup) alongside nostalgic dishes inspired by eats of yesteryear. I’ve been visiting the festival since it began in 1996 and have detailed its history in my upcoming book, The Unofficial Disney Parks Retro Cookbook (Oct. 13 release, HarperCollins). It’s a festival I hold near and dear to my heart as it inspired my very own career (it’s also the first place I tried caviar!). And many, like me, make the pilgrimage each and every year to see what Mickey Mouse is offering up on his fantastical fork.

I ate my way around this year’s offerings, and here’s my top bites. 

Related: The Powerful Reason Magic Kingdom’s Villians Land Is Disney’s Ultimate Nostalgic Return To Its Roots

Here’s My Top 3 Eats Top Savory: Basil Pesto Chicken Dumplings, Gyozas of the Galaxy

Call the Guardians. The best festival savory eat is available from a themed food marketplace near the fan favorite Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction. And it was worth the nearly 30 minutes I had to wait in line. The booth is centered around a menu of inventive dumplings, including edamame and street corn-style. But the basil pesto chicken dumplings have become the darling of the event.

Related: What Disney Fans Won’t Want to Miss From Disneyland’s Halloween Eats

The chicken dumpling itself features a delicate wrapper and is packed with tender chicken. But things get interesting when it comes to its pairing of zesty basil pesto, cheesy fonduta, tomato confit and just a touch of tangy sweetness from the balsamic, cutting through the savory dish. The fonduta is a highlight and I’d gladly eat it by the spoonful. If there’s one dish I’m getting again and again, it’s this.

Top Sweet: Chocolate Pistachio Cookie, Tangerine Café: Flavors of the Medina

Morocco maintains its reputation as an underrated gem. And while the savory bowls, including the chermoula chicken, are a standout, it’s the dessert offering that shines. The chocolate pistachio cookie is Disney’s take on the viral Dubai chocolate trend. The softest, most chocolate-iest (is that a word?) cookie is filled with a creamy pistachio filling. The consistency is almost fudge-like, in the best way. It’s downright sinful, delicious and maybe one of the best things I’ve ever tasted at Walt Disney World. If you make time for one festival item, make it this.

Related: The Absolute Best Eats at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

Top Nostalgic: Rodizio-style Grilled Beef, Flavors from Fire

With it being the event’s 30th anniversary, Disney is turning back the clock with dishes inspired by former favorite eats of festival yesterday. In 2009, the then Argentina booth debuted the grilled beef skewer with chimichurri sauce and a creamy boniato puree. This was a hit dish for years, until it slowly faded into the vault. (I was so in love with this seasonal dish that at my 2015 Disney wedding I had the culinary team recreate it as an entrée).

Well, I’m happy to share that the dish has been lovingly reimagined for this year’s fest. It’s easily one of the best bangs for your buck, with a large portion size and quality ingredients. The chimichurri is perhaps better than ever, a suitable pairing for the well seasoned, well prepared steak and the filling, perfectly cooked potatoes.

Related: The Absolute Best Eats at Animal Kingdom Ranked, According to a Disney Food Author

Costco has a special way of keeping shoppers coming back for more. Whether it’s the unbeatable bulk deals, viral new finds or limited-time seasonal products, there always seems to be a reason to make another warehouse run. And luckily for us, Costco’s bakery department is giving customers plenty to be excited about this September.

The retailer recently added five new bakery items to shelves, and shoppers like me are already ready to fill our carts. From flaky biscuits that would make an easy addition to breakfast or dinner to sweet pies that are perfect for sharing, these new Costco bakery finds have something for nearly every type of Costco shopper. The bakery section is already one of the most tempting areas of the store, especially when you’re greeted by oversized muffins, fresh cookies, cakes and other ready-to-serve treats.

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What makes these new bakery finds even harder to pass up is Costco’s pricing. The warehouse is known for offering large portions at prices that often feel like a better deal than picking up similar items at a traditional grocery store or bakery. That means it may be difficult to leave with just one package, especially if you are planning a weekend brunch, family dinner, holiday gathering or simply want a few convenient treats on hand this fall.

Whether you prefer something buttery and savory or rich and sweet, Costco’s newest bakery additions for September are worth checking out during your next shopping trip. Just be prepared: You may walk in for one item and leave with some extra tasty additions.

Best New Costco Bakery Arrivals

These are the Costco bakery finds you’ll want to add to your cart this month.

1. Buttermilk Biscuits 10-Pack, $6.99

Courtesy Choya Johnson

Costco’s new buttermilk biscuits are a budget-friendly bakery find for anyone who loves a big, buttery addition to breakfast or dinner. A pack of 10 oversized biscuits costs $6.99, bringing each one to less than 70 cents. At about 4 ounces each and nearly 4 inches wide, these are far from small side-dish biscuits. They are baked fresh daily in Costco’s in-store bakery instead of being made from frozen, pre-portioned dough too.

These biscuits would be great with sausage gravy, topped with jam, used to make a chicken biscuit sandwich or sopping up a hearty chili.

2. Blueberry Cheesecake Caramelized Croissant 6-Pack, $12.99

Courtesy Choya Johnson

Costco’s Blueberry Caramelized Cheesecake Croissants are a bakery find made for anyone who loves an over-the-top sweet treat. The six-pack costs about $12.99 in warehouses, or about $14.74 through Costco same-day delivery. Each croissant starts with buttery pastry dough and features a caramelized, toffee-like bottom, creamy cheesecake filling, real blueberries and a buttery streusel topping. The combination sounds more like something you would find at a specialty bakery than a warehouse store.

Related: The Dangerously Delicious Costco Bakery Find I Would Buy Again and Again

3. Mini Beignets Filled With Chocolate Hazelnut 22-Pack, $9.99

Courtesy Choya Johnson

Costco’s new chocolate-hazelnut filled pastries are a sweet bakery find that dessert lovers will want to add to their carts. Each 22-count package makes it an easy option for sharing at brunch, parties or family gatherings. The bite-sized treats feature soft fried pastry dough filled with a rich chocolate-hazelnut cream that’s similar to Nutella, then finished with a dusting of powdered sugar. They sound especially delicious served slightly warm alongside coffee, tea or a cold glass of milk.

Pricing may vary by location, but Costco’s same-day delivery and Instacart listings place the pastries between roughly $11.34 and $12.43 per package.

4. Pumpkin Pie, $5.99

Courtesy Choya Johnson

Costco’s pumpkin pie is back just in time for fall, giving shoppers an easy dessert option for holiday dinners, Friendsgiving celebrations and cozy autumn nights at home. The warehouse favorite is known for its extra-large size, smooth pumpkin filling and classic flaky crust. It has become a seasonal tradition for many Costco shoppers, especially because it can serve a crowd without requiring any baking. The pie tastes even better when served chilled or lightly warmed with a generous scoop of whipped cream on top. Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving dinner or simply craving a classic fall dessert, Costco’s pumpkin pie is always worth picking up this time of year.

Related: Costco’s Stunning Textured Lamp Set Delivers High-Quality Lighting at a Budget-Friendly Price

5. Variety Dessert Bar 32-Pack, $19.99

Courtesy Choya Johnson

Costco’s new variety dessert bar tray is the kind of bakery find that makes entertaining feel much easier. Each $19.99 tray includes 32 dessert bars, which comes out to about 62 cents per treat. Shoppers get four different flavors in one package: fudgy brookies, fruity wild berry macaroons, pecan caramel brownies, and Macaroon Madness bars made with a coconut base and chocolate, caramel, and white chocolate drizzles. With so many flavors to choose from, the tray is a great option for parties, office events, potlucks or family gatherings.

Related: Costco Just Dropped These 9 New Bakery Items—and Shoppers Are Clearing the Shelves

One of Love Island USA Season 8’s most talked-about relationships wasn’t its couple, but rather the bond Islanders Bryce Alakai and Zach Georgiou shared. Now removed from the Island, Bryce is addressing the discourse the friendship sparked online.

Bryce and his girlfriend, fellow Islander Trinity Tatum, were interviewed by Flaunt, where they discussed their experience on the show, their journey for finding love, and what life has been like following their win.

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During the conversation, Bryce was asked about his friendship with Zach. “Zach and I had a bromance, and a lot of that got blown out of proportion,” he relayed.

LOVE ISLAND USA — Episode 835 — Pictured: (l-r) Zacharias Georgiou, Bryce Alakai Dettloff — (Photo by: Ben Symons/Peacock)

Bryce went on to address the blatant “homophobia in the response,” sharing, “A lot of guys can relate to the fact that when you’re on a sports team, or close with your friends, you make jokes, do funny stuff.”

The duo’s closeness was evident throughout the season, as the friends expressed a sense of comfort with one another that hasn’t been seen in previous seasons of Love Island USA among the Islanders. This led to a few hilarious on-screen moments, including the iconic “girth check.”

Throughout their time on the show, some viewers questioned the closeness between the two and made comments questioning the pair’s sexuality.

During the same interview with Flaunt, Tatum addressed the double standard within the fandom. “Nobody said anything about the women-on-women kissing,” she shared. “Had it gone the other way, there’d have been a lot of discourse.”

Tatum went on to highlight how people, as a whole, are negative, and that is especially highlighted when “they see people comfortable in their sexuality.” The Love Island USA winner added that seeing Bryce and Zach close with each other is “actually a breath of fresh air, men being okay joking around while still loving the women they’re with.”

Love Island USA Season 8 is streaming in full exclusively on Peacock.

Related: Are ‘Love Island USA’ Season 8 Winners Bryce and Trinity Still Together? Inside Their Post-Villa Life

In 1974, Bad Company’s debut album became a rock radio favorite with the songs “Can’t Get Enough,” “Ready for Love,” “Movin’ On,” and the signature title track.

But accompanying those better-known tracks was “Rock Steady,” a bluesy rocker with a hard-driving riff, lyrics about letting go—and an unusual origin. Written by Paul Rodgers, “Rock Steady” was taught to the band in the studio, where it all came together on the fly. More than 50 years later, it remains one of the album’s most iconic tracks—despite never being released as a single.

In an interview with Louder, Rodgers revealed that he and Mick Ralphs both brought songs to Bad Company when the band was first formed. “I had the song ‘Rock Steady,’ and Mick had ‘Ready For Love’ and ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love,’” he shared.

When it came time to record Bad Company at Headley Grange in late 1973, some of the songs were unfinished. Rodgers ultimately taught his song to bandmates Ralphs, Boz Burrell and Simon Kirke while they were recording it in Ronnie Lane’s Mobile Studio.

“I taught the band ‘Rock Steady’ during recording,” Rodgers once told Vintage Guitar. “The backup vocals were Boz’s idea. There’s a story behind each song, and everybody contributed. We were a committed music unit going into the studio. It was a good feeling.”

Rodgers, who was only 23 when “Rock Steady” was recorded, originally wrote the song’s iconic guitar riff on a bass.

“I had an Echo bass,” he told Guitar Player in an interview. “It was acoustic, but you could plug it in as well, so it was nice to sit around and play because it was loud enough.”

“’Rock Steady’ has a big guitar riff,” he added. “I played it to Mick, and Mick could take my guitar riff ideas, even if I played them acoustically, and translate them into electric. So Mick came up with a great addendum to the riff by sliding his finger up a couple of strings instead of just playing the bass notes.”

Rodgers also noted that the song’s spontaneous recording resulted in some imperfections, which was exactly what Bad Company wanted.

“We weren’t the kind to use studio tricks,” he said in an interview posted by Hard Force. “I think everyone would agree with me if I say that our priority was not only to record the best possible take of a song, but above all to be able to reproduce it on stage. … We wanted it to sound live and to capture the essence of a song like that, sometimes you had to make compromises and leave a few mistakes in.”

“Take the song ‘Rock Steady, for example,” the Bad Company frontman continued. “I taught it to the band while we were recording it! … And you see, I think [Simon] hadn’t quite got that [drum] part down yet, which is why you can hear him playing something slightly different at the end!  But when I heard it for the first time, I remember that I didn’t want to redo it, because everything was there. The essence of the song had been captured. That was very important to us.”

Fifty-two years after its release, “Rock Steady” remains one of Bad Company’s most beloved tracks, a timeless album cut that earned its place in rock history.

Related: ’70s Rock Legend Explains the True Origin of Bad Company’s Name

Foghat had seen some success when they formed in the early 1970s, and a few short years later, the band released their highest-charting single, “Slow Ride.”

The band was born in London in 1971 and later moved to the U.S. when they signed a deal with Bearsville Records. They had gotten traction with their 1972 self-titled debut album and a cover of Willie Dixon‘s “I Just Want to Make Love to You.” After a few more albums, they released their fifth album, titled Fool for the City.

“Slow Ride” was the lead single for the album and is reported to have had five versions. Its LP version even goes beyond the eight-minute mark, and other versions hit at 3:56 minutes in length. Foghat found themselves with a chart hit that landed at No.20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and is included in Amazon’s “100 Greatest Classic Rock Songs” playlist.

Fohat was known for their use of slide guitar, and “Slow Ride” was no different, with a drum beat similar to banging on a headboard. Drummer Roger Earl once admitted that the meaning behind the track is exactly what fans would think.

“Of course Slow Ride is about sex,” he says, according to LouderSound. “All rock’n’roll songs are about sex, aren’t they? It’s either ‘I’ve just done it’ or ‘I’m thinking about doing it’ or ‘Thank you for letting me do it.’ It was inspired by women. We were very popular back then. It was the middle of the 70s, the band was doing really well, and we had more money than sense.”

The track became the band’s signature song, but was created during a time of transition for the band. Bassist Tony Stevens had left the band shortly before the song was written, having decided he was burnt out from the rocker lifestyle. Needing a new member, Earl recalls turning to their long-time producer to fill in the role.

“We were kind of like a three-wheeled Cadillac,” Earl said. “But our long-time producer, Nick Jameson, had played bass in his first band, so I said: ‘You want to join a band?’ We drove down to the house that I shared with [guitarist] Rod Price on Long Island, and Slow Ride came from a jam in the basement.

Earl would also give Jameson his credit for having basically written the song, the “middle part and the bass part and the ending.” A majority of “Slow Ride” was his idea, and they simply jammed on the track, with the band’s then-guitarist and vocalist Dave Peverett developing the lyrics.

The bassist recounts a story of him and Jameson going up to Vermont to officially record the track when the power went out for three weeks. He jokes they had a small vacation before finishing the song. Concerning the original eight-minute-long track, the head of Bearsville Records wasn’t pleased, with the band firmly saying, “F*ck off. It’s gonna be the single.”

Related: 1977 Rock Hit, Co-Written by Iggy Pop and David Bowie, Ranked Among ‘Greatest Songs of All Time’ 

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We’re ready for these heat waves to end, which is why we’re manifesting fall weather by adding iconic seasonal clothing pieces to our online carts. This includes everything from a stylish cropped cardigan to slip-on shoes that you can wear nearly anywhere. Luckily, JCPenney is selling recognizable styles for much less than the popular brand versions before the leaves begin to change color. The Arizona Jean Co. Riv Round Closed-Toe Clogs are nearly 60% off now, and perfect for everyday. 

The clogs initially cost $60, but have been reduced to just $26 in a classic taupe color. Make sure to use the promotional code GYMCLASS at checkout to receive the lowest discount price. The clogs come in sizes 6 to 11, including half sizes, at a medium width. Just note that the 5 and 5.5 sizes are already out of stock, so you may want to act quickly if you want to snag a pair in your preferred fit. 

Arizona Jean Co. Riv Round Closed-Toe Clogs, $26 (were $60) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

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Shoppers said that the clogs are true to size with or without socks. The slip-on design features a round toe, flat heel, and a gold-toned side buckle that you can adjust to your comfort. The shoes have cork insoles that mold to your foot shape over time, so they actually get more comfortable the more you wear them. 

The clogs have a suede leather upper and a synthetic lining and outsole, so buyers are advised to wipe them clean when they get a scuff or dirt on them. Aside from the fact that they’re easy to maintain, shoppers also loved that the style goes with everything.You can wear the clogs with jeans, dresses, skirts, trousers, and virtually any other outfit that you sport this season. 

One customer wrote that they’re “super comfortable and convenient to slide in,” adding that you “can’t tell that they’re not ‘name’ brand.” Another reviewer said that they’re “more comfortable than my Birkenstock [clogs].” Even though they’re casual, you can get away with wearing them to professional settings if you dress them up with accessories, too. 

Shop More Deals 

• Clarks Westlynn Bella Moc Closed Toe Loafers, $65 (were $110) at JCPenney
• St. John’s Bay Denton Flat Heel Rain Boots, $19 (were $65) at JCPenney
• Nike Journey Running Shoes, $76 (were $95) at JCPenney

These are the shoes that you’ll want to leave by the door at all times because they’re a classic go-to pair that you can slip on at a moment’s notice. Whether you wear them for just one hour or all day long, they’ll deliver on comfort and style. Add these chic clogs to your cart while they’re just $26 at JCPenney! 

Related: Martha Stewart’s ‘Adorable’ 2-Piece Pajama Set Is ‘Soft,’ ‘Luxurious,’ and 70% Off Ahead of Cozy Season

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A tourism board in southern Sweden is offering a free beachfront getaway this fall—but only for guests who can keep quiet.

Visit Skåne, the regional tourism organization for Skåne, Sweden‘s southernmost province, is offering three free nights for two guests in a remote cabin on the Baltic coast between Sept. 29 and Oct. 16, 2026. Visit Skåne will cover all travel, accommodation costs, food and activities, with the chance to slow down, disconnect and experience Sweden’s natural beauty and solitude.

But the free stay comes with a challenge: a decibel meter inside the cabin will track noise levels the entire time. Go above 45 decibels (roughly the volume of a whisper) and the free stay ends.

Related: What is Deadzoning? Experts Explain the New Travel Trend

The Idea Behind The Experiment Sweden’s Klövö Hallar in Söderåsen National Park has an average volume of just 38 decibels.

Photo courtesy of RegionSkåne/Apelöga

The offer is designed to draw attention to two things: rising concern over noise pollution and research suggesting that quiet, natural spaces can help people mentally recharge. Sweden has been at the forefront of recent wellness initiatives grounded in scientific research.

Noise from traffic and other everyday sources is considered a major public health issue across Europe, with a large share of the population regularly exposed to harmful levels. At the same time, recent studies have found that “forest bathing,” or time spent in nature, can boost attention and memory, with people seeing the greatest benefits after about 30 minutes outdoors.

“People need less noise and more presence,” said Josefine Nordgren, brand manager at Visit Skåne. “Silence has become rare, and many are actively seeking it out. By making space for it, we want visitors to experience how it can contribute to well-being.”

Related: The Exclusive Women’s Travel Retreat Where No One Knows the Itinerary

Why Skåne Is The Perfect Spot To Disconnect The rugged coastline of Kullaberg, Sweden, where cliffs meet a rocky beach along the sea.

Photo by Karol Werner, courtesy of RegionSkåne

The cabin sits on Skåne’s eastern coastline, facing the Baltic Sea, in a spot chosen for its distance from typical everyday noise. The secluded cabin is surrounded by apple orchards, with little more than the sound of the sea to fill the silence.

The stay builds on a project Visit Skåne launched in 2024 called the Map of Quietude, an online guide to some of the region’s calmest outdoor spots. Each location on the map comes with an average decibel reading and an hour-long recording of its natural sound, also available on Spotify.

Related: This Is the Safest Country in the World for Solo Travel

Skåne’s 5 Quietest Spots, According To The Map Kåseberga is a charming village located on the southern coast of Skåne, Sweden.

Photo courtesy of RegionSkåne/Apelöga

Dörröds fälad — 37 decibels. Open heathland dotted with heather, juniper and old oak trees.

Håkull — 37 decibels. A high point on the Kullaberg peninsula with wide coastal views.

Klöva hallar — 38 decibels. A forested ravine in the Söderåsen area.

Natthall — 38 decibels. A cliff overlooking the Rönne river.

Stockamöllan — 39 decibels. A riverside area with grassland, woods and birdsong.

Related: Samantha Brown Names Best U.S. Travel Destination to Visit

How To Apply Hovdala Hiking Centre is a popular outdoor recreation destination located in Skåne, Sweden.

Photo by LW Images, courtesy of RegionSkåne

Applications are open now through Sept. 6. To enter, send a direct message to Visit Skåne’s Instagram page with a short video explaining who you are, who you’d bring along, where you live and why you want to try the Stay Quiet challenge.

Guests chosen for the challenge will stay for free but will be asked to leave early if noise levels exceed the 45-decibel limit during their visit.

Applications close at 2 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, Sept. 6. For full guidelines and to apply, visit visitskane.com/stay-quiet.

Related: Celebrity Cruises Just Unveiled Its Biggest-Ever ‘Coolcation’ Lineup