After releasing my last blog series on my top 150 songs of the 2000s, I received nothing but positive feedback from friends and family, as well as various people from around the world. With such positivity and reinforcement, I have summoned the ambition to create a new blog series in the same vain as the last one. I really enjoyed writing my last series and I look forward to writing this one for you all as well.
This time around we will not travel back once again to the decade that brought us iPods, Twitter, Justin Bieber, Google Chrome, 30 Rock and slim fit jeans, rather we will be going back even further to the decade that laid claim to the invention of Discmans, MSN Messenger, Backstreet Boys, Netscape Navigator, Seinfeld and flannel shirts.
The 1990s was a decade of new beginnings in society. The Soviet Union fell, a sheep named Dolly was the first organism to be cloned, the extreme brutality of the Rwandan Genocide shocked the world, and a deeply adored member of the British Royal Family was tragically killed in a car accident, among many other notable events.
For music, the glory days of New Wave and hair metal music came to an end at the turn of the decade, and thanks to the mainstream success of bands like Soundgarden and Nirvana, alternative rock and the unruly genre of grunge became more popular and accessible to people worldwide. Alternative and indie rock continued to endure the entire decade from the mid 1980s, but after the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, the genre of grunge perished with him. Between 1994 and 1999, alternative rock, punk, indie and pop punk continued on its legacy.
For music, the glory days of New Wave and hair metal music came to an end at the turn of the decade, and thanks to the mainstream success of bands like Soundgarden and Nirvana, alternative rock and the unruly genre of grunge became more popular and accessible to people worldwide. Alternative and indie rock continued to endure the entire decade from the mid 1980s, but after the death of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, the genre of grunge perished with him. Between 1994 and 1999, alternative rock, punk, indie and pop punk continued on its legacy.
Hip hop and rap reached unprecedented levels of innovation and creativity. Unknown artists such as Jay Z, Eminem, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube all found solo success in this decade and at the turn of the century hip hop was more popular than rock music. Dance and electronica also followed a similar path to popularity and progression. Pop music mostly became popular to young teens thanks to groups like the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys in the mid to late 90s despite its vacuous and generic veneer. Boy bands and girl groups experience a revival in the mid 90s thanks to the popularity of groups like the above.
In a similar fashion to my last series I will be counting down the best songs of this decade from 150 to 1 within four blogs, and by popular demand, a bonus blog of the Ten Worst Songs of the 1990s will be created before the fourth blog (Final 20) is released. And I would just like to reiterate that once again this is a personal list, not a reflection of musical history as a whole. So without further ado, I am happy to present to you, 150 to 101 of my countdown!!!!!!!!
150-101
150. Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hiUuL5uTKc&ob=av2e: What would the 90s be without new jack/RnB swagger hits like this one by the one and only Montell Jordan? Montell croons out a floor bustin' monologue on how him and his players party the night away. Put this on during a party and watch the dancefloor fill up.
149. Soundgarden - Pretty Noose (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8nkHrv_4Mg&ob=av2e: After the unexpected success of albums Superunknown and Badmotorfinger, these Seattle rockers released their last album before splitting. The single Pretty Noose is a cruisy distorted crunchfest about something that goes great then sours miserably. And I'm not talking about an apple left in the sun for days on end. Soundgarden would reunite in 2007 to rapturous shouts of victory from fellow rock fans.
148. Lenny Kravitz - Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLhpHjmxNw8: That unmistakable guitar riff at the start of this song will make anyone sit up and take notice. Sure the lyrics aren't the most original you heard, but it will quell your longing for listening to a decent rock and roll tune. The guitar solo is the stuff of legends.
147. Faithless - Insomnia (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LuqEbRzy_t8&ob=av2e: This British electronica group electrifies the listener with a track about not being able to sleep continuously. Lines like, I toss and turn without cease, like a curse, open my eyes and rise like yeast/kept takin' sleepers, and now I keep pepped/, resonated with the British rave culture at the time.
146. Garbage - Only Happy When It Rains (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esEdC0c3YI4: Scottish American rockers Garbage introduced themselves to the world with this self deprecating, dark alt rock number. We can place the blame solely on them for envisaging the emo movement of the early to mid 2000s.
145. Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrwjiO1MCVs&ob=av2e: Sure this is a very goofy song, but it has quite a bit of charm. Not every tune has to be a Jane Says or Mountain Song. The band provide us with 3 minutes and 34 seconds of deliberately cheesy guitar licks and adolescent like vocals. What a joy to listen to.
144. Hole - Celebrity Skin (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3dWBLoU--E&ob=av2e: The widow of Kurt Cobain and her band of musicians shocked the world with their acclaimed album Live Through This. Their follow up Celebrity Skin was also lauded, and the eponymous single is a sarcastic view on the glamour of Hollywood. Turn this up to 11 if you dare.
143. Underworld - Born Slippy .NUXX (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiMrrleH_hI: Yes, this is the opening song from the film Trainspotting. No one can escape the clutches of the pounding and relentless rhythm, as well as the droning vocals. Ravers still get hard at even the thought of this song blasting through the speakers.
142. Weezer - Buddy Holly (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kemivUKb4f4&ob=av2e: This song may be more known for the iconic Happy Days music video, but the first commercially released single by these American power poppers is a melodic romantic love me do story loaded with 1950s pop culture references.Weezer became a very popular group after this song's release.
141. TLC - Waterfalls (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WEtxJ4-sh4&ob=av2e: What a better way to ignite a successful RnB career than with this inspirational message of hope. T-Boz, Chili and the deceased Left Eye make a plea for impressionable teenagers to live life on the straight and narrow, and not cascade into a 'waterfall' of poverty and crime. This is a fine RnB song which still rings true today.
140. Backstreet Boys - Larger Than Life (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jkH7An7dKk: Everyone knows that boy bands and girl groups sucked ass during their peak in the mid 1990s and early 2000s. Everyone knows that these 'artists' had no musical talent, and they only had their cutesy looks that make them millions. But somehow this anthemic dance pop hit treads the line between generic manufactured pop and musical integrity quite successfully. For uneducated tweens born from the late 90s onward, these guys were the One Direction of 1990s pop.
139. Radiohead - Creep (1992)
\
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk&ob=av2n: Funny how a certain band can evolve so much that their earlier material sounds so dissimilar to their later releases. Before Radiohead transitioned into the grand alternative group they are today, they started out as a simpleton rock band from Oxfordshire, England. An anthem to stalkers worldwide, Creep is a special, so fuckin' special early 90s alt rock song.
138. Powderfinger - The Day You Come (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SIXpRVOQ9E: Our first Australian song on our countdown! They say good things come from Brisbane (myself included), and Finger's standout political number is arguably the best song they ever created. The soaring harmonic chorus brings tingles all over with its splendour.
137. Leonardo's Bride - Even When I'm Sleeping (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1ydd5OzWc: How this Sydney pop rock group never released another heartfelt ballad like this is beyond me. The beautiful female vocals, the supporting guitar. bass and drums, and the gorgeous lyrics still tug at our heartstrings today. This is one of the best Aussie one hit wonders ever.
136. Michael Jackson - Remember The Time (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeiFF0gvqcc&ob=av2n: By this stage in his career, Jacko had the whole world at his feet. His second single off Dangerous was an entertaining New Jack Swing inspired dance tune about remembering when he was in love. As was his trademark, the Egyptian themed music video goes for 9 minutes, so pop that popcorn, fluff your pillows and enjoy the show.
135. Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet With Butterfly Wings (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-r-V0uK4u0&ob=av2e: Anger, anger, ANGER!!!! ROAR!!!!! Long haired turn short haired turned bald haired Billy Corgan and co. convey a sense of calm in their simmering verses after declaring 'the world is a vampire' at the start of the song, but during the chorus they go all out, screaming 'despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage'. A powerful song about marginalisation and inequality off an equally powerful album.
134. Culture Beat - Mr. Vain (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W_kWxWn-Zo: The ingredients for a successful Eurodance global smash hit are as follows: pounding female vocals, a catchy keyboard loop, thumping bass, and a camp male back up vocalist with two or three separate half verses to sing. Lump all of the ingredients together, mash them up, and release your tune to the waiting world.
133. Blink 182 - Dammit (Growing Up) (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0g16_LQaQ&ob=av2e: This is adolescent adoring pop punk when it is done right. Pop punk became a popular subgenre of rock music in the late 90s when these Californians released this fun jamboree about breaking up with a girlfriend and realising the pains of teenagers going into adulthood.
132. Radiohead - No Surprises (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5CVsCnxyXg&ob=av2e: Before the release of this first single and the subsequent album OK Computer, something must have triggered the band to look beyond their overdriven grungy musical horizons and explore uncharted territory in the musical sense. No Surprises is an ambient ensemble gleeming with tight piano hooks and a trance inducing xylophone like percussion.
131. Enigma - Sadeness Part I (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw&ob=av2e: This track is perfect for the Easter holidays. The Latin and French text, the Gregorian chants, the pan flute crescending throughout parts of the song. The group themselves are an enigma. One Youtube viewer even says that it was the perfect song to listen to while colouring in his Lion King colour book as a child. Talk about life imitating art.
130. Nas Feat. Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlp-IIG9ApU&ob=av2e: A lot of us would have plenty of plans we would like enacted if we ruled the world. For hip hop artist Nas, and RnB sensation Lauryn Hill, they would do things like being free to smoke on the street without cops harassing them, abolishing parole, and promoting harmony amongst all races. Record producers stook up to take notice of Nas when this poppin' tune came out, and Lauryn Hill commenced her successful post-Fugees solo career.
129. Sheryl Crow - If It Makes You Happy (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyihQtBes1I&ob=av2e: Sure Mrs Lance Armstrong can churn out an amusing road trip hit like All I Wanna Do, but when she wants to she can belt out a guitar driven rock pop ballad with finesse. The 90s were the decade of roaring female singer-songwriters, and Ms Crow was certainly no exception with hits like this one.
128. MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo&ob=av2e: She's a superfreak, superfreak......wait a minute, this isn't Rick James' signature tune. Numerous cultural and pop references stemmed from this multi platinum selling pop-rap superhit spawned by the now bankrupt Hammer. Now stop and listen to the inevitable nostalgia which comes to mind when listening to this, Hammer Time!
127. D:Ream - Things Can Only Get Better (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIj-6fr2SlI: If this song were a pizza, it would be called a Guilty Pleasure Special With Extra Cheese. D:Ream were one hit wonders from the UK who found overnight success with this chart topping smash in the year that was 1993. Everyone has this song on their iPod, but they are just too afraid to admit it.
126. The Living End - Second Solution (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaXKiyKwaOU: We have a lot to thank Aussie radio station Triple J for over the decades. The Jays always know a good band when they see them, and this Melbourne trio are still going strong after two decades. Second Solution is a melodic singalong which laid the foundations for the End's trademark punkabilly (punk and rock and roll) that would see them gain enormous popularity in their motherland for a long while.
125. Notorious B.I.G Feat. Puff Daddy and Mase - Mo Money, Mo Problems (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUhRKVIjJtw&ob=av3e: After the big man was tragically shot dead, a posthumous album was released with studio recordings of raps laid down by the great man of hip hop. Puff and Mase deliver support with cruisy rhymes and bouncy hooks about living the high life, despite adversities faced when more money is made. Biggie's rap verse sounds so grand, it is hard to believe that he was high in the clouds at the time of this release. R.I.P Notorious.
124. Ace Of Base - All That She Wants (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjJwqDa1QVI: 'How could you have these watered down Swedish hacks in your influential countdown Pooge?'. Have you actually heard the lyrics in this song? There is nothing about seeing signs on here. This song is quite tragic when you hear what they are saying, and the sombre stuttering rhythm fits this song quite appropriately.
123. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc: For a short while in 1997, desperate and horny teens and adults were able to serenade their desired mates with a poorly strummed guitar recital of this four chord acoustic melody. That is until the women in question figured out what was going on. In all seriousness, this is a sickly sweet stripped down version of Green Day that you will never hear again.
122. Grinspoon - Champion (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLfUBVckNbU: Triple J Unearthed winners of 1996 Grinspoon must have listened to Rage Against The Machine prior to writing this. The lyrics are not politically motivated in the slightest, but Spoon express their rage on people trying to punch above their weight in many things in life. I will forgive you for jumping manically on your bed smashing your furniture while listening to this roaring track.
121. Ben Folds Five - Brick (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5EHAqhR1c&ob=av2e: Who needs sex education in schools when you have this unfortunate piano ballad about the pains of a boyfriend taking their pregnant partner to an abortion clinic? Folds' vocals are filled with a sense of aching for the entire thing. The song is truly beautiful.
120. Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin' Beats (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTxOKsyZ0Lw&ob=av2e: This acclaimed British electronica group belts out a bassline which sounds like a cat on the prowl, accompanied by wailing guitars and synths in the chorus. The whole concept of the song is given a grungy and dirty sort of demeanour, not that this is a bad thing. This is perfect to listen to in the car on the way to a house party or nightclub.
119. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzJj5-lubeM&ob=av2n: Considered by many as one of the greatest comeback songs in music history, the Chilis obtained newfound solace in their more rock orientated style. With the commercial and critical failure of their previous album One Hot Minute, and with the return of guitarist John Frusciante, the mellow Scar Tissue can be seen as the most appropriate title that symbolises the after-effects of the previous pain endured by the band.
118. Jesus Jones - Right Here, Right Now (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6dxQVhE8o&ob=av2e: There is nothing more that screams early 90s then having the name Jesus inserted in a band's name or material. This short lived band exclaimed in collective ecstasy of their gratefulness to be right here right now in the present. And shouldn't we all be grateful for that?You'll have this song on repeat for days after you first hear it.
117. Ben Lee - Cigarettes Will Kill You (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAorQM7sL8: How a weasly young man with curly hair quit a fledgling rock band to create this timeless Aussie classic is beyond me. We are all grateful that Ben Lee created this, and we are glad that this is 100% dinki di Aussie. No references to cigarettes have been heard on this song after numerous listens. This should be the Quit campaign's theme song.
116. Des'ree - You Gotta Be (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO40TcKa_5U&ob=av2e: Listen to this gorgeous sunny track and watch as your self esteem and confidence rise exponentially by 100000000% in the process. Is Des'ree a counsellor or motivational speaker when she is not making music? Because she would do a damn good job of it if she was.
115. Madonna - Secret (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPHUZenprKc&ob=av2e: With the music world at her feet since the mid 80s, the undisputed Queen of Pop delved into the intimate and erotic during the early to mid 90s. This sultry track in particular stands out as well crafted pop, with sensual lyrics and mellow hooks to set the desired mood. If only Madge could entice us in the year 2012 in the same way she did on tracks like this in the 90s (sigh.....).
114. Yothu Yindi - Treaty (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Ci1ubPwbM&feature=fvst: In 1991 Indigenous musicians Gurrumul Yunupingu and Wenten Rubuntja penned what was to be a smooth guitar and Aboriginal instrument driven protest song about the treatment of the Indigenous people by the government. Musician Paul Kelly recommended speeding up the song's tempo and dynamics to appeal to the masses, and this astoundingly sublime Australian classic was born.
113. Ginuwine - Pony (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVMKQP0K3a0&ob=av2e: Within a day of this revolutionary New Jack Swing/RnB song being released, hip hop producer Timbaland went from being an aspiring mogul to a respected producer. Things such as stop-start instrumentation, cartoon slide whistles, vocodered vocal samples and 'electronic belching' were all introduced for the first time on this track. Ginuwine waxes lyrical about how to be courteous to a lady (or something of that nature).
112. Bodeans - Closer To Free (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR4sdKrL9n4: On one hand some TV show theme songs can be atrocious (like The Rembrandt's I'll Be There For You from Friends), and songs like this are quite enjoyable and convey a carefree attitude. While Party of Five does not have a strong popularity anymore like Friends does, this song really came home with its cruisy sound.
111. L7 - Pretend We're Dead (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAdlZ2F-fs8: It is quite a relief that many women the world over decided to pick up an instrument and just rock out. This all female grunge band started this trend in the 90s, and their signature hit is full of the usual suspects of grunge: three chord tuned down guitar strumming, driving bass and accompanying drums.
110. Blur - Girls And Boys (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDswiT87oo8&ob=av2e: The UK music markets set its sights on the growing Britpop genre, and this particular band fuelled its popularity. The supposed rivals of Oasis churn out a shallow ode to having fun while you're young, and its carefree style makes this a great track to have going through the speakers during summer.
109. En Vogue - My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpugp6DIb3I: Oh yes, this funky RnB number feels quite liberating to listen to. En Vogue express their disinterest in falling in love with a man who won't treat them with the respect they deserve. And there's a flute in the song!!! It's scary how fresh this song sounds even 20 years after it was released.
108. Green Day - Basket Case (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUTGr5t3MoY&ob=av2e: Diehard Green Days fans rejoice, there is an Old Green Day tune on this list. Billie Joe and his ragtag bunch of punks belts out the struggle with anxiety in typical three chord pop punk fashion. Man Dookie was such a good album to listen to during childhood.
107. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson - Scream (1995)
After receiving allegations of child molestation for the first time in the early 1990s, Micky J teamed up with his talented sister Janet to give a big fuck you to his detractors. Roaring guitars, angst filled lyrics and ferocious percussion bring the message to the fore, and the music video is one of the most expensive to ever be produced.
106. Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZxxhxjgnC0: This hard hitting riot grrl number puts the 70s tune I Am Woman Hear Me Roar to considerate shame. The whole ambience is intesified with the radical feminist themes and crunching instruments.
105. Hole - Malibu (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0CYB5V9e64&ob=av2e: This is arguably Hole's most famous song, and upon release in 1998, critics and fans were in raptures with its sunny ambience and carefree guitar work. However underneath the sweet exterior lays a sombre reflection of husband Cobain's treatment in a Malibu rehab centre prior to his death in 1994.
104. Snoop Doggy Dogg - What's My Name (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC4_MD0VIFE: Izzle dizzel schizzle manizzle, Snoop said an introductory holla to y'all in the early 90s with this shiz bangin' tune. Snoop became a poppin' rapper throughout the next two decades, and he still brings his weed filled shiz to many artists in contemporary music.
103. The Lemonheads - It's A Shame About Ray (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFYFj5q8_Qk&ob=av3e: While the rock world was engulfed in countless grunge and hard hitting alt rock songs, these normally hard punk rockers stripped down their heavy sound to bring out a soulful acoustic song which struck a chord with its smooth presence. This can be seen as an anti-grunge song in a sense. And yes, that is Johnny Depp in the video.
102. Foo Fighters - Big Me (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLdJQFTnZfA&ob=av2e: When Cobain died, Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl was stuck in a rut not knowing what to do. He eventually decided to go ahead and start his alternative rock band. Big Me is a radical departure to the rest of the Fooeys eponymous debut album, but the song is more famous for the Mentos ad parody that is the music video. Not that this takes away from the beauty of this short quiet jamboree.
101. Seal - Crazy (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fc67yQsPqQ&ob=av2e: You have to be crazy to not find this British soul artists' signature hit somewhat soothing to listen to. Is it the swelling keyboard mantra that does it for you, or maybe the bass heavy beats, or perhaps the endearing wah wah guitars? This melodic soul tune will be sure to make you wanna scream in ecstasy for being so grateful to discover it for the first time.
Well that's the first 50 songs out of the way, and next week I will present number 100 to 51 songs of the 90s. Happy Easter again y'all. See you next week.
\http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFkzRNyygfk&ob=av2n: Funny how a certain band can evolve so much that their earlier material sounds so dissimilar to their later releases. Before Radiohead transitioned into the grand alternative group they are today, they started out as a simpleton rock band from Oxfordshire, England. An anthem to stalkers worldwide, Creep is a special, so fuckin' special early 90s alt rock song.
138. Powderfinger - The Day You Come (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SIXpRVOQ9E: Our first Australian song on our countdown! They say good things come from Brisbane (myself included), and Finger's standout political number is arguably the best song they ever created. The soaring harmonic chorus brings tingles all over with its splendour.
137. Leonardo's Bride - Even When I'm Sleeping (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ1ydd5OzWc: How this Sydney pop rock group never released another heartfelt ballad like this is beyond me. The beautiful female vocals, the supporting guitar. bass and drums, and the gorgeous lyrics still tug at our heartstrings today. This is one of the best Aussie one hit wonders ever.
136. Michael Jackson - Remember The Time (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeiFF0gvqcc&ob=av2n: By this stage in his career, Jacko had the whole world at his feet. His second single off Dangerous was an entertaining New Jack Swing inspired dance tune about remembering when he was in love. As was his trademark, the Egyptian themed music video goes for 9 minutes, so pop that popcorn, fluff your pillows and enjoy the show.
135. Smashing Pumpkins - Bullet With Butterfly Wings (1995)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-r-V0uK4u0&ob=av2e: Anger, anger, ANGER!!!! ROAR!!!!! Long haired turn short haired turned bald haired Billy Corgan and co. convey a sense of calm in their simmering verses after declaring 'the world is a vampire' at the start of the song, but during the chorus they go all out, screaming 'despite all my rage I am still just a rat in a cage'. A powerful song about marginalisation and inequality off an equally powerful album.
134. Culture Beat - Mr. Vain (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4W_kWxWn-Zo: The ingredients for a successful Eurodance global smash hit are as follows: pounding female vocals, a catchy keyboard loop, thumping bass, and a camp male back up vocalist with two or three separate half verses to sing. Lump all of the ingredients together, mash them up, and release your tune to the waiting world.
133. Blink 182 - Dammit (Growing Up) (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sT0g16_LQaQ&ob=av2e: This is adolescent adoring pop punk when it is done right. Pop punk became a popular subgenre of rock music in the late 90s when these Californians released this fun jamboree about breaking up with a girlfriend and realising the pains of teenagers going into adulthood.
132. Radiohead - No Surprises (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5CVsCnxyXg&ob=av2e: Before the release of this first single and the subsequent album OK Computer, something must have triggered the band to look beyond their overdriven grungy musical horizons and explore uncharted territory in the musical sense. No Surprises is an ambient ensemble gleeming with tight piano hooks and a trance inducing xylophone like percussion.
131. Enigma - Sadeness Part I (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F9DxYhqmKw&ob=av2e: This track is perfect for the Easter holidays. The Latin and French text, the Gregorian chants, the pan flute crescending throughout parts of the song. The group themselves are an enigma. One Youtube viewer even says that it was the perfect song to listen to while colouring in his Lion King colour book as a child. Talk about life imitating art.
130. Nas Feat. Lauryn Hill - If I Ruled The World (Imagine That) (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlp-IIG9ApU&ob=av2e: A lot of us would have plenty of plans we would like enacted if we ruled the world. For hip hop artist Nas, and RnB sensation Lauryn Hill, they would do things like being free to smoke on the street without cops harassing them, abolishing parole, and promoting harmony amongst all races. Record producers stook up to take notice of Nas when this poppin' tune came out, and Lauryn Hill commenced her successful post-Fugees solo career.
129. Sheryl Crow - If It Makes You Happy (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyihQtBes1I&ob=av2e: Sure Mrs Lance Armstrong can churn out an amusing road trip hit like All I Wanna Do, but when she wants to she can belt out a guitar driven rock pop ballad with finesse. The 90s were the decade of roaring female singer-songwriters, and Ms Crow was certainly no exception with hits like this one.
128. MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo&ob=av2e: She's a superfreak, superfreak......wait a minute, this isn't Rick James' signature tune. Numerous cultural and pop references stemmed from this multi platinum selling pop-rap superhit spawned by the now bankrupt Hammer. Now stop and listen to the inevitable nostalgia which comes to mind when listening to this, Hammer Time!
127. D:Ream - Things Can Only Get Better (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIj-6fr2SlI: If this song were a pizza, it would be called a Guilty Pleasure Special With Extra Cheese. D:Ream were one hit wonders from the UK who found overnight success with this chart topping smash in the year that was 1993. Everyone has this song on their iPod, but they are just too afraid to admit it.
126. The Living End - Second Solution (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaXKiyKwaOU: We have a lot to thank Aussie radio station Triple J for over the decades. The Jays always know a good band when they see them, and this Melbourne trio are still going strong after two decades. Second Solution is a melodic singalong which laid the foundations for the End's trademark punkabilly (punk and rock and roll) that would see them gain enormous popularity in their motherland for a long while.
125. Notorious B.I.G Feat. Puff Daddy and Mase - Mo Money, Mo Problems (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUhRKVIjJtw&ob=av3e: After the big man was tragically shot dead, a posthumous album was released with studio recordings of raps laid down by the great man of hip hop. Puff and Mase deliver support with cruisy rhymes and bouncy hooks about living the high life, despite adversities faced when more money is made. Biggie's rap verse sounds so grand, it is hard to believe that he was high in the clouds at the time of this release. R.I.P Notorious.
124. Ace Of Base - All That She Wants (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjJwqDa1QVI: 'How could you have these watered down Swedish hacks in your influential countdown Pooge?'. Have you actually heard the lyrics in this song? There is nothing about seeing signs on here. This song is quite tragic when you hear what they are saying, and the sombre stuttering rhythm fits this song quite appropriately.
123. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CnQ8N1KacJc: For a short while in 1997, desperate and horny teens and adults were able to serenade their desired mates with a poorly strummed guitar recital of this four chord acoustic melody. That is until the women in question figured out what was going on. In all seriousness, this is a sickly sweet stripped down version of Green Day that you will never hear again.
122. Grinspoon - Champion (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLfUBVckNbU: Triple J Unearthed winners of 1996 Grinspoon must have listened to Rage Against The Machine prior to writing this. The lyrics are not politically motivated in the slightest, but Spoon express their rage on people trying to punch above their weight in many things in life. I will forgive you for jumping manically on your bed smashing your furniture while listening to this roaring track.
121. Ben Folds Five - Brick (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt5EHAqhR1c&ob=av2e: Who needs sex education in schools when you have this unfortunate piano ballad about the pains of a boyfriend taking their pregnant partner to an abortion clinic? Folds' vocals are filled with a sense of aching for the entire thing. The song is truly beautiful.
120. Chemical Brothers - Block Rockin' Beats (1997)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTxOKsyZ0Lw&ob=av2e: This acclaimed British electronica group belts out a bassline which sounds like a cat on the prowl, accompanied by wailing guitars and synths in the chorus. The whole concept of the song is given a grungy and dirty sort of demeanour, not that this is a bad thing. This is perfect to listen to in the car on the way to a house party or nightclub.
119. Red Hot Chili Peppers - Scar Tissue (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzJj5-lubeM&ob=av2n: Considered by many as one of the greatest comeback songs in music history, the Chilis obtained newfound solace in their more rock orientated style. With the commercial and critical failure of their previous album One Hot Minute, and with the return of guitarist John Frusciante, the mellow Scar Tissue can be seen as the most appropriate title that symbolises the after-effects of the previous pain endured by the band.
118. Jesus Jones - Right Here, Right Now (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z6dxQVhE8o&ob=av2e: There is nothing more that screams early 90s then having the name Jesus inserted in a band's name or material. This short lived band exclaimed in collective ecstasy of their gratefulness to be right here right now in the present. And shouldn't we all be grateful for that?You'll have this song on repeat for days after you first hear it.
117. Ben Lee - Cigarettes Will Kill You (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJAorQM7sL8: How a weasly young man with curly hair quit a fledgling rock band to create this timeless Aussie classic is beyond me. We are all grateful that Ben Lee created this, and we are glad that this is 100% dinki di Aussie. No references to cigarettes have been heard on this song after numerous listens. This should be the Quit campaign's theme song.
116. Des'ree - You Gotta Be (1999)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pO40TcKa_5U&ob=av2e: Listen to this gorgeous sunny track and watch as your self esteem and confidence rise exponentially by 100000000% in the process. Is Des'ree a counsellor or motivational speaker when she is not making music? Because she would do a damn good job of it if she was.
115. Madonna - Secret (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPHUZenprKc&ob=av2e: With the music world at her feet since the mid 80s, the undisputed Queen of Pop delved into the intimate and erotic during the early to mid 90s. This sultry track in particular stands out as well crafted pop, with sensual lyrics and mellow hooks to set the desired mood. If only Madge could entice us in the year 2012 in the same way she did on tracks like this in the 90s (sigh.....).
114. Yothu Yindi - Treaty (1991)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1Ci1ubPwbM&feature=fvst: In 1991 Indigenous musicians Gurrumul Yunupingu and Wenten Rubuntja penned what was to be a smooth guitar and Aboriginal instrument driven protest song about the treatment of the Indigenous people by the government. Musician Paul Kelly recommended speeding up the song's tempo and dynamics to appeal to the masses, and this astoundingly sublime Australian classic was born.
113. Ginuwine - Pony (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVMKQP0K3a0&ob=av2e: Within a day of this revolutionary New Jack Swing/RnB song being released, hip hop producer Timbaland went from being an aspiring mogul to a respected producer. Things such as stop-start instrumentation, cartoon slide whistles, vocodered vocal samples and 'electronic belching' were all introduced for the first time on this track. Ginuwine waxes lyrical about how to be courteous to a lady (or something of that nature).
112. Bodeans - Closer To Free (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR4sdKrL9n4: On one hand some TV show theme songs can be atrocious (like The Rembrandt's I'll Be There For You from Friends), and songs like this are quite enjoyable and convey a carefree attitude. While Party of Five does not have a strong popularity anymore like Friends does, this song really came home with its cruisy sound.
111. L7 - Pretend We're Dead (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAdlZ2F-fs8: It is quite a relief that many women the world over decided to pick up an instrument and just rock out. This all female grunge band started this trend in the 90s, and their signature hit is full of the usual suspects of grunge: three chord tuned down guitar strumming, driving bass and accompanying drums.
110. Blur - Girls And Boys (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDswiT87oo8&ob=av2e: The UK music markets set its sights on the growing Britpop genre, and this particular band fuelled its popularity. The supposed rivals of Oasis churn out a shallow ode to having fun while you're young, and its carefree style makes this a great track to have going through the speakers during summer.
109. En Vogue - My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It) (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpugp6DIb3I: Oh yes, this funky RnB number feels quite liberating to listen to. En Vogue express their disinterest in falling in love with a man who won't treat them with the respect they deserve. And there's a flute in the song!!! It's scary how fresh this song sounds even 20 years after it was released.
108. Green Day - Basket Case (1994)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUTGr5t3MoY&ob=av2e: Diehard Green Days fans rejoice, there is an Old Green Day tune on this list. Billie Joe and his ragtag bunch of punks belts out the struggle with anxiety in typical three chord pop punk fashion. Man Dookie was such a good album to listen to during childhood.
107. Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson - Scream (1995)
After receiving allegations of child molestation for the first time in the early 1990s, Micky J teamed up with his talented sister Janet to give a big fuck you to his detractors. Roaring guitars, angst filled lyrics and ferocious percussion bring the message to the fore, and the music video is one of the most expensive to ever be produced.
106. Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZxxhxjgnC0: This hard hitting riot grrl number puts the 70s tune I Am Woman Hear Me Roar to considerate shame. The whole ambience is intesified with the radical feminist themes and crunching instruments.
105. Hole - Malibu (1998)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0CYB5V9e64&ob=av2e: This is arguably Hole's most famous song, and upon release in 1998, critics and fans were in raptures with its sunny ambience and carefree guitar work. However underneath the sweet exterior lays a sombre reflection of husband Cobain's treatment in a Malibu rehab centre prior to his death in 1994.
104. Snoop Doggy Dogg - What's My Name (1993)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC4_MD0VIFE: Izzle dizzel schizzle manizzle, Snoop said an introductory holla to y'all in the early 90s with this shiz bangin' tune. Snoop became a poppin' rapper throughout the next two decades, and he still brings his weed filled shiz to many artists in contemporary music.
103. The Lemonheads - It's A Shame About Ray (1992)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hFYFj5q8_Qk&ob=av3e: While the rock world was engulfed in countless grunge and hard hitting alt rock songs, these normally hard punk rockers stripped down their heavy sound to bring out a soulful acoustic song which struck a chord with its smooth presence. This can be seen as an anti-grunge song in a sense. And yes, that is Johnny Depp in the video.
102. Foo Fighters - Big Me (1996)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLdJQFTnZfA&ob=av2e: When Cobain died, Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl was stuck in a rut not knowing what to do. He eventually decided to go ahead and start his alternative rock band. Big Me is a radical departure to the rest of the Fooeys eponymous debut album, but the song is more famous for the Mentos ad parody that is the music video. Not that this takes away from the beauty of this short quiet jamboree.
101. Seal - Crazy (1990)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fc67yQsPqQ&ob=av2e: You have to be crazy to not find this British soul artists' signature hit somewhat soothing to listen to. Is it the swelling keyboard mantra that does it for you, or maybe the bass heavy beats, or perhaps the endearing wah wah guitars? This melodic soul tune will be sure to make you wanna scream in ecstasy for being so grateful to discover it for the first time.
Well that's the first 50 songs out of the way, and next week I will present number 100 to 51 songs of the 90s. Happy Easter again y'all. See you next week.
No comments:
Post a Comment