It's official. The late 90s have arrived. I'm currently doing a celebratory happy-dance in honor of this festive occasion (albeit by myself, alone, in my office). Also, I'm celebrating the fact that I just figured out how to include videos into my blog posts (I take longer than others for some things, bear with me) and will FINALLY be incorporating them into my rants! Hooray for audio/visual aids!
For starters, as usual, some fun facts about the next year in the lineup, 1995:
*It's official. I'm double digits. 10!
*Colin Ferguson is convicted on 6 counts of murder for the 1993 Long Island Railroad shootings and receives over 200 years in prison.
* Dow Jones closes at over 4,000 points for the first time in history (don't you miss those stimulated economy days?)s
* Mississippi ratifies the Thirteenth Amendment, making it the last state to abolish slavery....in 1995...what?
* Selena is murdered by her fan club President
* Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols set off the Oklahoma City bomb, killing 168 people
* The Jersey Devils win their first Stanley Cup!
* Microsoft releases Windows 95
* The DVD is officially announced as a new technology
* The Washington Post and New York Times publish the Unabomber's manifesto
* OJ Simpson is found not guilty
* The Million Man March is held in Washington DC
* Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin is assassinated at a peace rally in Tel Aviv
So, there you have it. 1995 in a nutshell, world-events style. And now, on to the best part, the Top 10 Songs of 1995:
1) "Gangsta's Paradise" ~Coolio: Released on two albums in 1995 (Coolio's Gangsta's Paradise and the Dangerous Minds Soundtrack), this song was a reworking of Stevie Wonder's 1976 hit "Pastime Paradise." The song was voted Single of the Year by the Village Voice and also won a Grammy. It hit number one on the Billboard Charts in dozens of countries, including the US, and came in number 69 on Billboards list of the Greatest Songs of All Time. "Gangsta's Paradise" also featured R&B singer L.V. who later released his own version of the song, but didn't come close to Coolio's success with the original.
I have so many amazing memories of this song, it's hard to decide where to begin. Let's see, first off, I think I watched Dangerous Minds about a million times in 1995. The movie was awesome (nope, I don't care what you think) and when I heard this song for the first time, I fell hard. I think at 10 I got the gist of the song, but really, I was obsessed with the gospel choir in the background. The lyrics are far too exciting for me to pick just one favorite line, although I am definitely partial to "I'm a education fool with money on my mind..." Take a trip down memory lane with me as we watch the 1995 phenomenon that is "Gangsta's Paradise" :
2) "You Oughta Know" ~Alanis Morissette: Released on her third album, Jagged Little Pill, "You Oughta Know" was Alanis's first top-ten hit in the US, reaching number six on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard (who helped write Michael Jackson's Thriller and Bad) and won two Grammys for Best Rock Song and Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. An alternate version of the song is also on Jagged Little Pill as a "hidden track" at the end of the album (which, by the way, I really miss. iTunes does not allow for surprise tracks. The mystery is gone forever).
Ahh, feminism at its best via what some people (unfortunately) call "angry chick rock." This song was my very first taste of a bitter breakup, and may be the ultimate breakup song. I had this album on cassette and remember playing it in the car while my parents slightly sneered at the questionable lyrics. This song will forever get me pumped each and every time I hear it, giving me a good "take that!" feeling toward all of those not-so-amicable breakups of the past. Ladies, let's all sing it together, shall we?
3) "This Is How We Do It" ~Montell Jordan: As Jordan's first single, "This Is How We Do It" was a smash hit. The single spent seven weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Def Jam's first number one single since the label's launch 10 years earlier. The song is in new jack swing style, which was heavily popular in the mid-90s and used an enhanced version of Slick Rick's "Children's Story." The song is still popular and has been featured in dozens of media outlets, most recently in a 2011 Pepsi ad.
Hearing the opening of this song makes me wanna bust a move. At 10, I'm not sure I was clear on exactly what Montell was "doing," but I knew he had to get his in a big black truck and there was always a designated driver. (Kudos, Montell, on slipping in that PSA for all us youngins.) I vividly remember begging our cheerleading coach to use this song for one of our routines and having absolutely no clue why we couldn't all shout "I'm kinda buzzed and it's all because this is how we do it!" In retrospect, she was wise. Our parents would not have been all too thrilled, but our ten-year-old selves would have been in heaven. We all knew every word to this song, so why not bust it out one more time? (*Please take note of the awesomely 90s outfits and dancing.)
4) "Run-Around" ~Blues Traveler: Four, Blues Traveler had their breakthrough hit with "Run-Around" in 1995. The song peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy for Blues Traveler. The song was originally sung solo by by the band's frontman, John Popper, and is said to have been written either about an argument he had with a friend of his or about Popper's relationship with Chris Barron, frontman for the Spin Doctors.
When I first heard "Run-Around," I immediately fell in love with Blues Traveler. Popper's penchant for witty lyrics, cliche phrases, and pop culture references (of which I understood about 10% of at the time) quickly made him one of my favorite writers and performers. Also, I loved trying to figure out the words (pre-Google) and/or making up my own when I couldn't decipher what in hell he was saying. Plus, who doesn't love a well-placed harmonica solo? The video was also a statement in itself, as Popper and the band hide behind a curtain to sing "Run-Around" while a more hip band lip sync to the audience without their knowledge. You clever band, you...
5) "Let Her Cry" ~Hootie and the Blowfish: This song was released as the second single off Hootie and the Blowfish's album, Cracked Rear View, after their initial success with "Hold My Hand" in late 1994. The single reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the American Billboard Top 40 Mainstream. The boys also won a Grammy for the song in 1996 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Although this song wasn't their biggest hit, it managed to leave the biggest Hootie and the Blowfish impression on me. Their other popular songs from Cracked Rear View (like "Hold My Hand," "Only Wanna Be With You," and "Time") were very upbeat, fun, pop songs, while "Let Her Cry" was sad, slow, and a bit deeper. I still get a bit teary-eyed when I hear this song, and I ma not ashamed to say that I am still a HUGE Hootie and the Blowfish fan, as well as a Darius Rucker solo career fan. (Also totally willing to admit that I would marry Darius in a heartbeat, if only so he could sing to me on command.) But let's remember Darius in his pre-country music days. (YouTube would not let me upload the "official video," so we'll have to settle for the live version):
6) "One Sweet Day" ~Mariah Carey feat. Boyz II Men: Released as the second single off Mariah's fifth studio album, Daydream, "One Sweet Day" was written and produced by Carey, Boyz II Men, and Walter Afanasieff. The song reached unbelievable success, as well as number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 weeks, making it the longest-running number 1 single in history. It was also a hit all over the world, including Canada, New Zealand, and Australia. The song was initially written by Carey and Boyz II Men about people in their personal lives, but the song was dedicated the AIDS epidemic, which had one global by 1995.
Talk about the quintessential, uniquely-90s super song. "One Sweet Day" is one of the biggest hits in recent history because it had every ingredient necessary to do so. Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men were already among the top performers of the 90s, and together they were unstoppable. They also dedicated the song to AIDS, perpetuating live performances for many years to come. As a kid, perhaps we didn'[t all appreciate the implication, but we did know that it was essential to so many middle school dances. Put your slow-dancin' shoes on and stick your arms out straight as far as they will go:
7) "Creep" ~TLC: Released as the first single off their second studio album, CrazySexyCool, in 1994, "Creep" hit the charts in 1995 and became the second-best selling single of 1995, behind Madonna's "Take A Bow." The song sat at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks, making it TLC's first number one hit and their fourth top-ten single. Initially, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was against releasing "Creep" as a single and threatened to wear black tape over her mouth in the video as a protest, which was eventually resolved. The song was written about a woman finding out about her significant other's cheating and, in turn, cheats on him as well.
Well folks, we've all been there, haven't we? Being cheated on, getting revenge by cheating too instead of curling up in a ball with a tub of ice cream and vodka and crying for days? (Nope, sorry, I was definitely the one with the ice cream and vodka.) Even if the premise is a bit unrealistic, TLC represented to kick-ass girl power in so many of their songs, especially "Creep." And at 10, it was really just something crazy-catchy and fun to dance to. I only knew the words to the chorus anyway, and i was convinced the song was about tip-toeing. Now, check out these killer pajamas:
8) "Kiss From A Rose" ~Seal: Written by Seal for his 1994 album Seal (II), the song was also featured on the Batman Forever Soundtrack in 1995, sealing it's fate as a chart-topper. The song rested at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week and won the 1996 Grammys for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Seal also won a Grammy that year for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. The song became tied to the Batman movie forever, thus sealing it's place in movie soundtrack history.
This is another song that I'm pretty sure everyone knows (almost) by heart. I have to admit that I still love this song to death almost as much as I love seal himself. I do remember singing this, karaoke style, while on vacation with my parents that year and thinking I was totally hip. I do have to admit, however, that this song's lyrics were a bit tricky for my ten-year-old brain and I wound up stumbling all over them. And now, here's your little piece of audio/visual nostalgia:
9) "Boombastic" ~Shaggy: Featuring a highly recognizable sample of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On," this song was Shaggy's second single off his 1995 album Boombastic. The song was hugely successful all over the world and reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, especially after being featured in a very popular Levi's commercial.
After re-watching this video again, it's hard to believe we all fell for Shaggy naming himself "Mr. Lovah-Lovah." In retrospect, um, no. The song, however, was grind-tastic, teaching us all how to dance dirty just a little too young and it was oh-so-catchy. Repetitive lyrics will do that for you. Despite all it's flaws, the upside to this song is it's video. Look how THIN he is here! My, how time flies.
10) "Another Night" ~Real McCoy: As the best-selling single by a German act in US rock history, Real McCoy took the dance music scene by storm. peaking at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 but on number 18 on the German charts, "Another Night" filled clubs everywhere throughout all of 1995 and beyond. The song was inspired by both "More And More" by Captain Hollywood Project and "Desire" by Roni Griffith.
If you don't know this song, go to your iTunes account immediately. I promise that less than halfway through this song, you'll become both giddy and addicted. There are few things better than a man with a heavy German accent speak-singing, "I TAWK, TAWK, I TAWK to yoooou..." It's delightful. I certainly owned this album and couldn't get enough of this song back in the day. Someone grab some glow sticks!
So 90s lovers, there it is. The first year in the second half of the greatest musical decade ever. I hope you enjoyed the added audio/visual bonuses! Keep checking back as I continue to grow this list of musical delightfulness!!! 1996, coming your way...
Monday, August 1, 2011
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Nostalgic Music - 1994
"I think it's time that I mention I've got myself an obsession for the smell, for the touch (keep that scruff lookin' rough). I know I've got myself a habit but I've gotta have it now, don't care where, work it out..."
(Ok, so I know that this is an oh-so-current Ke$ha quote, but it totally fits my obsessive 90s music habit. Oh, and it's called "Boots & Boys." Perfect. How does Ke$ha do it, gettin' all inside my head like that? The girl is a mind reader. And for all you haters out there, listen to her song "Grow A Pear." I swear you'll change your mind, maybe even your religious beliefs. Any song with lines like, "But I just can't date a dude with a vag" earns points with me every time. Who's coming with me to her show in August at PNC? I promise I won't tell anyone.)
It's true. I'm so excited about the 90s that I can't contain myself any longer. I initially planned to write one blog post per week, but someone admitted to reading my blog (*insert shout out here!*) and it got me all pumped about writing another. So, in true 90s fashion, let's bust a move. (Yes, yes, I know. "Bust A Move" technically came out in 1989, BUT it won the Grammy in 1990, so think if it as creative license.)
First, as always, some fun facts about the next year in my line-up, 1994:
*I turned 9
*Nancy Kerrigan is beaten down in Detroit on orders from Tonya Harding's ex-husband (Does anyone else remember the 95.5 WPLJ parody of Joshua Kadison's "Jessie," where they sang, "Tonya paint a picture 'bout whackin' her on the kneeee...."?)
*Lorena Bobbit is found not guilty by reason of insanity...duh.
*The Church of England ordains the first female priests
*Apple releases the first Macintosh computers to us the PowerPC Microprocessors (this was a huge deal at the time)
*Schindler's List wins 7 Oscars
*Kurt Cobain is found dead in his home from suicide by shotgun (RIP, Kurt)
*Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are murdered in LA, Bronco races ensue
*Woodstock '94 commences as the 25th Anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival
*George Forman becomes the oldest heavyweight champion in history (and then proceeds to lure us in further with grills)
*Justin Bieber is born, and I begin to feel extremely old.
Well, it seems 1994 was a tumultuous year, to say the least. Women taking each other out to be ice queens, OJ (not technically) murdering people, the death of grunge music altogether. (If you've never seen it, watch Nirvana's MTV Unplugged. It was filmed about 5 months before Kurt's death and may be the most moving performance I've ever seen. I have the DVD. Just ask.) But in all this sadness shines a little ray of 90s music delight. Here is the first Top Ten list of 1994:
1) "100% Pure Love" ~Crystal Waters: Released only as a single by house musician Crystal Waters, this may be her only US hit. The song only reached number 11 on the Billboard charts but won a Billboard Award for "Top-Selling Hot Dance Music Play Single." (That's an oddly specific award title.) The song was certified Gold and also spent time in the Top 20 on other lists like the Hot Dance Club Play chart, the US R&B chart, and the UK charts. It remains one of the longest charting singles in US history with 45 weeks on the Billboard Top 100. Imagine that.
This is another example of pure 90s nostalgia gold. I actually had forgotten all about this song until the radio gods decided to bless me and play it on the Sirius/XM 90s station on the way to work this morning. After I was through twirling from excitement (while driving my car, not safe. I don't suggest twirling and driving at the same time), I found that I remembered every single word and the dance moves that some friends and I had come up with in elementary school. Fourth grade was a magical time. I was also plagued with memories of using this song to torture a girl who went to school with us, by changing the words to "Back to the middle and around again, _____ is a pure lesbian..." (Names have been removed to protect anonymity.) Kids are cruel, and I was one of them. Of course I would never condone this kind of behavior now, but at the time it was the most clever tease we could come up with. Regardless, this song rocks and has since been added to my 90s must-have play list.
2) "The Sign" ~Ace of Base: Although technically released in 1993, "The Sign" became the #1 Song of 1994, according to Billboard Magazine's year-end charts. The song spent six weeks (nonconsecutively) at number 1 in the US and reached number 2 in the UK. Oddly enough, the song was actually on an album called Happy Nation all over the world except North America, where the album was called The Sign. (Did they think we could handle it over here, or were they trying to imply that we were not, in fact, a happy nation?)
Let me just say that this was the first CD I ever owned. 1994 was HUGE year for Ace of Base, as they also released "All That She Wants" and "Don't Turn Around" as well, and most people could not get enough of the slight ABBA ripoff. I distinctly remember driving to school in the morning with my friend Amy, the two of us begging her dad to turn up the radio when "The Sign" came on. Every. Single. Morning. I'm sure that if you were around for the release of this song, like me, then, like me, you still get totally pumped when you hear this song played. Ace of Base nearly defined our childhoods, making us all victims of crappy, Euro dance music...and happy to be a part of it.
3)"Whatta Man" ~Salt-n-Peppa with En Vogue: Off Salt-n-Peppa's fourth album, Very Necessary, and En Vogue's EP Runaway Love, "Whatta Man" was huge success for both groups. The song was a semi-cover of "What A Man" by Linda Lyndell, using the original (but re-recorded) chorus and replacing the verses with rap. "Whatta Man" peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and an AMA for Favorite Soul/R&B Single.
Honestly, I had a hard time deciding whether to use this song or "Shoop." "Shoop" is still one of my all-time favorite rap songs, which I made damn sure I learned each and every word to, and was also released in 1994. There was, however, more information available on "Whatta Man," so I went with it. The song is all-around awesome and gave rap both a positive female presence and a positive spin. How many rap songs nowadays are "thank yous" to significant others for being great people? None, I tell you. None. (Well, except, I suppose, "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, but I'm not sure that "You da fuckin' best" counts as a very positive "thank you." Not that it's without it's merits, with lines like "sweatpants, hair tie, chillin with no makeup on. That's when you the prettiest." That's sweet...)
4) "Tootsee Roll" ~69 Boyz: Released from their debut album 199Quad as the first single, "Tootsee Roll" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took 27 weeks to reach that momentous point. The song sampled "Moments In Love" by Art of Noise and ranked number 9 on the Hot R&B Singles chart and number 1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. The song was also ranked at number 73 on AOL Radio's "100 Worst Songs Ever."
Dear AOL: Again, I beg to differ. As an elementary school-aged child upon this song's release, I would like to say that, at the time, I considered this is best song ever. I'm not saying my nine-year-old brain was correct, I'm just saying...lay off. First off, anyone who states the year in the beginning of the song ("Yeah 1994, 69 Boyz backed up by Quad City DJs...") gets points. Second, this song was educational. How else would kids know when to go to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right, to the front, to the front, to the back, to the back? And lord, how would we ever know when to slide, baby, slide? Not to mention that the song forewarns us when they "feel a whoop comin' on." That's just practical safety. As a staple to all middle school and elementary school dances that year, I vote YES for "Tootsee Roll."
5) "Hero" ~Mariah Carey: Originally written by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff for Gloria Estefan, "Hero" was eventually recorded by Carey and released on her third studio album, Music Box. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard charts and became Mariah's eighth chart-topper. The song faced many critiques and a few copyright/plagiarism lawsuits, but is still deemed by her fans as Mariah's "signature song" and is performed at almost every one of her shows. Carey also re-recorded and released the song as a mash-up with "Never Too Far" after the September 11th attacks.
This song holds a very special place in my heart, as I used it to make both of my parents cry. Not on purpose, mind you. At my 1994 dance recital, I was asked by the dance studio owner to sing "Hero" as part of the show. Maybe she saw my singing potential...or maybe she thought I was a terrible dancer and needed to do something else. Either way, I sang it by myself on stage at age 9 (yes, I have it on VHS somewhere) and, according to my mother, she and my father wept like babies. How sweet!
Personal agenda aside, despite the fact that this song leans a bit on the hokey side, it's a beautiful song with a good message, which I'm sure inspired Mariah fans everywhere. I remember hearing this song constantly this year, whether on the radio or on TV or for some inspiring message of some sort. The song struck a chord with America and encouraged Mariah's ever-rising fame.
6) "I Swear" ~All-4-One: Originally a country song (wait, what?? Was anyone else aware or this little tidbit?) recorded by John Michael Montgomery in 1994, All-4-One's version was released just a few months later. The song quickly flew to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it rested for 11 consecutive weeks. The song was an exact replica of the original, with only one line changed. (All-4-One version: "And when just the two of us are there..." Country version: "And when there's silver in your hair..." I can understand the change. These were young guys. No one's woman was going gray yet.) The All-4-One version was eventually ranked number 78 on the Billboard's Top 100 Song in the 50-Year history of Billboard. (Geez!)
Another staple of school dances (you know, when you would seek out your crush and dance fingertip-to-shoulder style, arms stretched out as far as you could go to avoid the ever-lurking residual cooties of early childhhod), "I Swear" still makes me smile, especially the baritone part (sexy!). We may not have ever heard from All-4-One after this song, but they occupy a special place in all our school-dance memories.
7) "Shine" ~Collective Soul: As the lead single from their debut album, Hints, Allegations, And Things Left Unsaid, "Shine" became Collective Soul's signature song and a major staple of 90s alt rock. While it only peaked at number 11 on the Billboard charts, it won a Billboard Award for Top Rock Track and became the #1 Album Rock Song of 1994. The song was written by the band's guitarist, Ed Roland, who noted that the chorus was prayer-like in a time of heavy grunge music. The song has been covered by many, including Dolly Parton, who won a Grammy for her re-recording of the song in 2001. (Dolly's my girl.)
I agree with Ed Roland. Collective Soul came about at the perfect time, shining a bit of light (pun semi-intended) onto what had become the sad, depressing world of grunge music. I also think Collective Soul is timeless. I'm sure kids today who have never heard this song could listen to it and love it, stacking it up against all their current "music." (Quotes? Yes. Let's be fair. It's not all real music anymore, is it?) The song is proof of the staying power of no-strings-attached good rock.
8) "Because The Night" ~10,000 Maniacs: This song's original version was written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen had recorded a version for Darkness on the Edge of Town, but was unhappy with it. Patti Smith was next door in the studio recording her album, Easter and was handed Springsteen's recording by Jimmy Iovine, who was working with both artists at the time. Years later, 10,000 Maniacs recorded a live version of the song (with some new twists on the lyrics) for their MTV Unplugged session and the song began to gain considerable airplay, which shocked the band. The live version eventually reached number 11 on the Billboard charts, making it the first time 10,000 Maniacs ever broke into the Top 40.
Now, I love Patti Smith and I love-love Bruce Springsteen (it's a Jersey thing); however, this version is still my favorite. Natalie Merchant's voice gets me every time. It's so...unique and relaxing. If you haven't heard the other two versions of this song, I suggest you take a listen. They're very different, especially the Boss version, but I believe you'll find the 10,000 Maniacs version most attractive.
9) "Linger" ~The Cranberries: Although originally released in February 1993, this song was re-released in January of 1994, which was the start of its popularity. "Linger" was The Cranberries's first major hit and eventually worked its way up to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Written by two members of the band, Noel Hogan and Dolores O'Riordan, the song is about O'Riordan's first serious kiss.
The Cranberries seriously rock. This song and "Zombie" were two of my favorites in the 90s, and still are today. I always imagined "Linger" to be a really awesome wedding song---but first I'll have to find someone who agrees with me on that one to marry. The song refers a lot to "the guy" being with another girl but how Dolores is still "wrapped around [his] finger" regardless, so I think the sentiment remains. I remember desperately trying to learn the words to this song and being constantly thwarted by Dolores's thick, Irish accent. Much like a 90s version of Adele. I love the music but can't figure out what she's saying half the time. (Thank the heavens for Google.)
10) "Loser" ~Beck: Considering this song was an almost-mistake, it surprisingly reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became Beck's first single to place on a major chart. (You know, because only good music charts...sigh.) Beck began writing the song in his not-so-lucky days as a near-homeless musician who had recently return to LA after striking out in NYC. While working meager jobs, Beck played small venues at night around the LA music scene. When people would stop listening to him play and talk amongst themselves, Beck would start randomly singing made-up ridiculous songs (like "Loser") to grab the audience's attention. Thus, "Loser" was born and Beck became epic.
I'm not going to pretend I'm a huge Beck fan, because I'm not. I don't dislike him at all, I just never really got into much of his music. "Loser," however, is a song everyone knows, even if they're unsure of who's singing it (especially thanks to shows like Glee who have resurrected songs like this from the dead). The song is still cool in my book, and it put hip-hop, folk, and blues all into the same song. Nothin' like a little rapping to get the cool kids to listen to your folk music. Good call, Beck.
Well guys, there you have it. The first half of the 1990s had been encapsulated forever in Top 10 form. I'm sure the music will only get better and more nonsensical as the decade churns on. Drop a comment if you're cool, and I'll start gearing up for 1995!
(Ok, so I know that this is an oh-so-current Ke$ha quote, but it totally fits my obsessive 90s music habit. Oh, and it's called "Boots & Boys." Perfect. How does Ke$ha do it, gettin' all inside my head like that? The girl is a mind reader. And for all you haters out there, listen to her song "Grow A Pear." I swear you'll change your mind, maybe even your religious beliefs. Any song with lines like, "But I just can't date a dude with a vag" earns points with me every time. Who's coming with me to her show in August at PNC? I promise I won't tell anyone.)
It's true. I'm so excited about the 90s that I can't contain myself any longer. I initially planned to write one blog post per week, but someone admitted to reading my blog (*insert shout out here!*) and it got me all pumped about writing another. So, in true 90s fashion, let's bust a move. (Yes, yes, I know. "Bust A Move" technically came out in 1989, BUT it won the Grammy in 1990, so think if it as creative license.)
First, as always, some fun facts about the next year in my line-up, 1994:
*I turned 9
*Nancy Kerrigan is beaten down in Detroit on orders from Tonya Harding's ex-husband (Does anyone else remember the 95.5 WPLJ parody of Joshua Kadison's "Jessie," where they sang, "Tonya paint a picture 'bout whackin' her on the kneeee...."?)
*Lorena Bobbit is found not guilty by reason of insanity...duh.
*The Church of England ordains the first female priests
*Apple releases the first Macintosh computers to us the PowerPC Microprocessors (this was a huge deal at the time)
*Schindler's List wins 7 Oscars
*Kurt Cobain is found dead in his home from suicide by shotgun (RIP, Kurt)
*Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman are murdered in LA, Bronco races ensue
*Woodstock '94 commences as the 25th Anniversary of the original Woodstock Festival
*George Forman becomes the oldest heavyweight champion in history (and then proceeds to lure us in further with grills)
*Justin Bieber is born, and I begin to feel extremely old.
Well, it seems 1994 was a tumultuous year, to say the least. Women taking each other out to be ice queens, OJ (not technically) murdering people, the death of grunge music altogether. (If you've never seen it, watch Nirvana's MTV Unplugged. It was filmed about 5 months before Kurt's death and may be the most moving performance I've ever seen. I have the DVD. Just ask.) But in all this sadness shines a little ray of 90s music delight. Here is the first Top Ten list of 1994:
1) "100% Pure Love" ~Crystal Waters: Released only as a single by house musician Crystal Waters, this may be her only US hit. The song only reached number 11 on the Billboard charts but won a Billboard Award for "Top-Selling Hot Dance Music Play Single." (That's an oddly specific award title.) The song was certified Gold and also spent time in the Top 20 on other lists like the Hot Dance Club Play chart, the US R&B chart, and the UK charts. It remains one of the longest charting singles in US history with 45 weeks on the Billboard Top 100. Imagine that.
This is another example of pure 90s nostalgia gold. I actually had forgotten all about this song until the radio gods decided to bless me and play it on the Sirius/XM 90s station on the way to work this morning. After I was through twirling from excitement (while driving my car, not safe. I don't suggest twirling and driving at the same time), I found that I remembered every single word and the dance moves that some friends and I had come up with in elementary school. Fourth grade was a magical time. I was also plagued with memories of using this song to torture a girl who went to school with us, by changing the words to "Back to the middle and around again, _____ is a pure lesbian..." (Names have been removed to protect anonymity.) Kids are cruel, and I was one of them. Of course I would never condone this kind of behavior now, but at the time it was the most clever tease we could come up with. Regardless, this song rocks and has since been added to my 90s must-have play list.
2) "The Sign" ~Ace of Base: Although technically released in 1993, "The Sign" became the #1 Song of 1994, according to Billboard Magazine's year-end charts. The song spent six weeks (nonconsecutively) at number 1 in the US and reached number 2 in the UK. Oddly enough, the song was actually on an album called Happy Nation all over the world except North America, where the album was called The Sign. (Did they think we could handle it over here, or were they trying to imply that we were not, in fact, a happy nation?)
Let me just say that this was the first CD I ever owned. 1994 was HUGE year for Ace of Base, as they also released "All That She Wants" and "Don't Turn Around" as well, and most people could not get enough of the slight ABBA ripoff. I distinctly remember driving to school in the morning with my friend Amy, the two of us begging her dad to turn up the radio when "The Sign" came on. Every. Single. Morning. I'm sure that if you were around for the release of this song, like me, then, like me, you still get totally pumped when you hear this song played. Ace of Base nearly defined our childhoods, making us all victims of crappy, Euro dance music...and happy to be a part of it.
3)"Whatta Man" ~Salt-n-Peppa with En Vogue: Off Salt-n-Peppa's fourth album, Very Necessary, and En Vogue's EP Runaway Love, "Whatta Man" was huge success for both groups. The song was a semi-cover of "What A Man" by Linda Lyndell, using the original (but re-recorded) chorus and replacing the verses with rap. "Whatta Man" peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group and an AMA for Favorite Soul/R&B Single.
Honestly, I had a hard time deciding whether to use this song or "Shoop." "Shoop" is still one of my all-time favorite rap songs, which I made damn sure I learned each and every word to, and was also released in 1994. There was, however, more information available on "Whatta Man," so I went with it. The song is all-around awesome and gave rap both a positive female presence and a positive spin. How many rap songs nowadays are "thank yous" to significant others for being great people? None, I tell you. None. (Well, except, I suppose, "Best I Ever Had" by Drake, but I'm not sure that "You da fuckin' best" counts as a very positive "thank you." Not that it's without it's merits, with lines like "sweatpants, hair tie, chillin with no makeup on. That's when you the prettiest." That's sweet...)
4) "Tootsee Roll" ~69 Boyz: Released from their debut album 199Quad as the first single, "Tootsee Roll" peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and took 27 weeks to reach that momentous point. The song sampled "Moments In Love" by Art of Noise and ranked number 9 on the Hot R&B Singles chart and number 1 on the Hot Rap Singles chart. The song was also ranked at number 73 on AOL Radio's "100 Worst Songs Ever."
Dear AOL: Again, I beg to differ. As an elementary school-aged child upon this song's release, I would like to say that, at the time, I considered this is best song ever. I'm not saying my nine-year-old brain was correct, I'm just saying...lay off. First off, anyone who states the year in the beginning of the song ("Yeah 1994, 69 Boyz backed up by Quad City DJs...") gets points. Second, this song was educational. How else would kids know when to go to the left, to the left, to the right, to the right, to the front, to the front, to the back, to the back? And lord, how would we ever know when to slide, baby, slide? Not to mention that the song forewarns us when they "feel a whoop comin' on." That's just practical safety. As a staple to all middle school and elementary school dances that year, I vote YES for "Tootsee Roll."
5) "Hero" ~Mariah Carey: Originally written by Mariah and Walter Afanasieff for Gloria Estefan, "Hero" was eventually recorded by Carey and released on her third studio album, Music Box. It peaked at number 1 on the Billboard charts and became Mariah's eighth chart-topper. The song faced many critiques and a few copyright/plagiarism lawsuits, but is still deemed by her fans as Mariah's "signature song" and is performed at almost every one of her shows. Carey also re-recorded and released the song as a mash-up with "Never Too Far" after the September 11th attacks.
This song holds a very special place in my heart, as I used it to make both of my parents cry. Not on purpose, mind you. At my 1994 dance recital, I was asked by the dance studio owner to sing "Hero" as part of the show. Maybe she saw my singing potential...or maybe she thought I was a terrible dancer and needed to do something else. Either way, I sang it by myself on stage at age 9 (yes, I have it on VHS somewhere) and, according to my mother, she and my father wept like babies. How sweet!
Personal agenda aside, despite the fact that this song leans a bit on the hokey side, it's a beautiful song with a good message, which I'm sure inspired Mariah fans everywhere. I remember hearing this song constantly this year, whether on the radio or on TV or for some inspiring message of some sort. The song struck a chord with America and encouraged Mariah's ever-rising fame.
6) "I Swear" ~All-4-One: Originally a country song (wait, what?? Was anyone else aware or this little tidbit?) recorded by John Michael Montgomery in 1994, All-4-One's version was released just a few months later. The song quickly flew to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it rested for 11 consecutive weeks. The song was an exact replica of the original, with only one line changed. (All-4-One version: "And when just the two of us are there..." Country version: "And when there's silver in your hair..." I can understand the change. These were young guys. No one's woman was going gray yet.) The All-4-One version was eventually ranked number 78 on the Billboard's Top 100 Song in the 50-Year history of Billboard. (Geez!)
Another staple of school dances (you know, when you would seek out your crush and dance fingertip-to-shoulder style, arms stretched out as far as you could go to avoid the ever-lurking residual cooties of early childhhod), "I Swear" still makes me smile, especially the baritone part (sexy!). We may not have ever heard from All-4-One after this song, but they occupy a special place in all our school-dance memories.
7) "Shine" ~Collective Soul: As the lead single from their debut album, Hints, Allegations, And Things Left Unsaid, "Shine" became Collective Soul's signature song and a major staple of 90s alt rock. While it only peaked at number 11 on the Billboard charts, it won a Billboard Award for Top Rock Track and became the #1 Album Rock Song of 1994. The song was written by the band's guitarist, Ed Roland, who noted that the chorus was prayer-like in a time of heavy grunge music. The song has been covered by many, including Dolly Parton, who won a Grammy for her re-recording of the song in 2001. (Dolly's my girl.)
I agree with Ed Roland. Collective Soul came about at the perfect time, shining a bit of light (pun semi-intended) onto what had become the sad, depressing world of grunge music. I also think Collective Soul is timeless. I'm sure kids today who have never heard this song could listen to it and love it, stacking it up against all their current "music." (Quotes? Yes. Let's be fair. It's not all real music anymore, is it?) The song is proof of the staying power of no-strings-attached good rock.
8) "Because The Night" ~10,000 Maniacs: This song's original version was written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen. Springsteen had recorded a version for Darkness on the Edge of Town, but was unhappy with it. Patti Smith was next door in the studio recording her album, Easter and was handed Springsteen's recording by Jimmy Iovine, who was working with both artists at the time. Years later, 10,000 Maniacs recorded a live version of the song (with some new twists on the lyrics) for their MTV Unplugged session and the song began to gain considerable airplay, which shocked the band. The live version eventually reached number 11 on the Billboard charts, making it the first time 10,000 Maniacs ever broke into the Top 40.
Now, I love Patti Smith and I love-love Bruce Springsteen (it's a Jersey thing); however, this version is still my favorite. Natalie Merchant's voice gets me every time. It's so...unique and relaxing. If you haven't heard the other two versions of this song, I suggest you take a listen. They're very different, especially the Boss version, but I believe you'll find the 10,000 Maniacs version most attractive.
9) "Linger" ~The Cranberries: Although originally released in February 1993, this song was re-released in January of 1994, which was the start of its popularity. "Linger" was The Cranberries's first major hit and eventually worked its way up to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Written by two members of the band, Noel Hogan and Dolores O'Riordan, the song is about O'Riordan's first serious kiss.
The Cranberries seriously rock. This song and "Zombie" were two of my favorites in the 90s, and still are today. I always imagined "Linger" to be a really awesome wedding song---but first I'll have to find someone who agrees with me on that one to marry. The song refers a lot to "the guy" being with another girl but how Dolores is still "wrapped around [his] finger" regardless, so I think the sentiment remains. I remember desperately trying to learn the words to this song and being constantly thwarted by Dolores's thick, Irish accent. Much like a 90s version of Adele. I love the music but can't figure out what she's saying half the time. (Thank the heavens for Google.)
10) "Loser" ~Beck: Considering this song was an almost-mistake, it surprisingly reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and became Beck's first single to place on a major chart. (You know, because only good music charts...sigh.) Beck began writing the song in his not-so-lucky days as a near-homeless musician who had recently return to LA after striking out in NYC. While working meager jobs, Beck played small venues at night around the LA music scene. When people would stop listening to him play and talk amongst themselves, Beck would start randomly singing made-up ridiculous songs (like "Loser") to grab the audience's attention. Thus, "Loser" was born and Beck became epic.
I'm not going to pretend I'm a huge Beck fan, because I'm not. I don't dislike him at all, I just never really got into much of his music. "Loser," however, is a song everyone knows, even if they're unsure of who's singing it (especially thanks to shows like Glee who have resurrected songs like this from the dead). The song is still cool in my book, and it put hip-hop, folk, and blues all into the same song. Nothin' like a little rapping to get the cool kids to listen to your folk music. Good call, Beck.
Well guys, there you have it. The first half of the 1990s had been encapsulated forever in Top 10 form. I'm sure the music will only get better and more nonsensical as the decade churns on. Drop a comment if you're cool, and I'll start gearing up for 1995!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Nostalgic Music - 1993
Good morning (or afternoon or evening, depending on when you read. It's morning for me, so that's where we'll leave it) all you 90s music enthusiasts. Welcome to yet another lively installment of Nostalgic 90s Music.
Before we take another epic dive into the wildly thrilling world of 90s music, it has come to my attention that TeenNick will be premiering what they call "The 90s Are All That" tonight! Behold, the beauty of classic 90s kids television for your viewing pleasure. I have already made a note to set my DVR as soon as I get home from work tonight so that I, too, may participate in the nostalgia-rendering footage. Read about it on my favorite blog here: http://childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com/2011/07/to-discuss-exciting-90s-tv-development.html
Now, on to what we've all (and by "we" I mean me) been waiting for, the music of 1993! First, as always, a few fun facts about the next year in our line-up:
*I turned 8
*The state of Washington executes notorious serial killer Westley Allan Dodd by hanging, making it the first legal hanging in the US since 1965
*Bill Clinton becomes the 42nd US President
*The World Trade Center is bombed by a van parked underneath in its garage
*The ATF raids the Branch Davidian compound in Waco TX, initially
killing 4 agents and 5 Davidians
*Lorena Bobbit becomes infamous by cutting off her husband's penis in Virginia
*A bomb from the Unabomber injures a computer scientist at Yale University
*Magic: The Gathering is first released
*NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) passes in the US, Canada, and Mexico
So, there you have it. A brief and semi-educational look at 1993 in a nutshell (especially the release of Magic: The Gathering, obviously).
I would also like to dedicate this blog post to my kick-ass mom, who is (in one way or another) somehow a part of nearly every song on this list.
And now, without torturing you (or myself) and further, my first list of the Top 10 Songs of 1993:
1) "The River of Dreams" ~Billy Joel: As my all-time favorite musician/artist/singer/songwriter ever, this is a perfect place to start. "The River of Dreams" is the title track and first single released off of Billy's twelfth studio album, obviously named River of Dreams. The song became Billy Joel's biggest hit of the 90s, peaking at number 3 in the US and number 1 in Australia and the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, but lost to "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. (Touche, Grammys. Touche.)
It's hard to describe my undying devotion and loyalty to Billy Joel. I know pretty much every word to every one of his songs, and this one is no different. I remember my mother bringing home with the album that year and being obsessed with the cover art. My mother is a long-time Billy Joel obsessee, since long before he was famous, and encouraged my shared obsession by taking me to concerts, playing his music constantly, and reminding me that he is a native New Yorker (like her) and fellow member of the Tribe.
As for this particular song, it's a bit different than Billy's past hits. There's really no piano to speak of (considering he is THE Piano Man), but the song is catchy and meaningful, so you forget about the whole piano mishap. Also, if you don't already know the album by heart, I suggest downloading it from iTunes, as some of his best (albeit lesser-known) songs reside there, like "Lullaby(Goodnight, My Angel)," "Two Thousand Years," (which I think should replace all New Years Eve songs), and "All About Soul."
2) "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" ~The Proclaimers: Oddly enough, this song was first released in 1988 on The Proclaimers's album Sunshine on Leith and then later as a standalone single. The song reached number 11 in the UK and number 1 in Australia in 1989 but did not become a hit in the US until 1993, where is eventually reached number 27. Despite it's not-exactly-chart-topping performance here in the states, the song remains The Proclaimers's biggest hit and is a staple of their live performances. It is still played regularly at Scottish football and rugby games and has been featured in an array of TV shows and movies.
Every single time I hear this song, I literally laugh out loud. It's hilarious for many a reason, but the biggest reason being that this song hovers toward the top of my mother's list of songs she absolutely cannot tolerate and will not allow to be played in her vicinity (next to "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Red, Red Wine"). My brother and I used to sing this in the car on our way to day camp every morning that summer, raising my mother's blood pressure to what I can only guess was a seriously unhealthy level. But Mom aside, this song is awesome. I still have no idea what "haver" means, but I know that these guys loved this girl(s?) so much that they began making up words just to add to their song to her(them?). I believe it's impossible to not sing along to what may be the worlds easiest and catchiest chorus of all time, "And IIIII would walk 500 miles and IIIII would walk 500 more just beeeeee the man who walks a thousand miiiiiles to fall down at your door---BA DA BA!!!" You know you love the "ba da pa" part too, admit it.
3) "Whoomp! (There It Is)" ~Tag Team: Released in 1993 by the Miami bass group Tag Team, "Whoomp! (There It Is)" reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and number 1 on the US R&B charts. The song quickly became a huge hit and was made the theme song for the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies. The chorus is nearly identical to the song "Whoot, There It Is" by 95 South (which was released only one month prior) but the verses of the two songs are entirely different. (Not to mention that the 95 South song only reached number 11 on the charts). A clear one-hit-wonder, this song is still used regularly today at all kinds of sporting events.
This song brings back fond memories of cheerleading competitions and Jock Jams. Anyone who has ever been part of a cheerleading team know that it's songs like these (used in one way or another by nearly every competitive team) that are the staple to cheer routines. Hearing this song brings me back to moments of letting my mom french braid my hair and cake on silly amounts of blue eyeshadow and hair glitter and red bows so that each girl on the team could look identical to one another while we hoisted each other in the air and did cartwheels (plus shouting on the "chaka-laka's" repeatedly). Completely practical. I apologize, Mom (and to everyone else on the team's mom) for making you sit through these things. (But we totally had fun.)
4) "If" ~Janet Jackson: Released on her fifth studio album, janet, as the second single, "If" peaked at number 4 on the US charts. Written by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Louis, the song was a major departure for Jackson, combining hip-hop, heavy metal guitar riffs, and dance music. The song was seen as an extension of what she was trying to create on her previous album, Rhythm Nation. The song was highly sexually charged and was picked on by critics, but remains a song Janet has performed on every single one of her tours, including her current tour Number Ones: Up Close and Personal.
This song gives me goosebumps. I still believe this is one of Janet's sexiest songs and it always makes me want to get up and dance like a crazy-person. (Not saying that I don't always dance like a crazy-person.) The guitar parts and military-esque beats (a la Rhythm Nation) were such a unique mix and had the capability to appeal to many more audiences than her previous singles. Janet represents an all around girl kick-ass-ness power (listen to "Son Of A Gun" of you're a nonbeliever as of yet) and I still get a charge out of wearing my mom's Rhythm Nation tour shirt. Plus, the video is super hot. It's win/win.
5) "Runaway Train" ~Soul Asylum: Released off their sixth studio album, Grave Dancers Union, "Runaway Train" was Soul Asylum's third album single. The song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993 and also won a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1994. The song was also well-known for it's video, which (in the US) started off with the line "There are over one million youth lost on the streets of America." Several versions of the video were made and eventually led to many successful reunions of missing children and their families. However, not every reunion was successful. In one case, one of the "missing" children turned out not to be "missing" at all, but was killed and buried in the backyard by her mother who was in a nasty court custody battle with the girl's father.
"Runaway Train" is one of my favorite songs of all time, and Soul Asylum still sits toward the top of my favorite bands list. The song is nostalgia gold, and while I didn't quite understand it's context back in the day, I can appreciate and respect it now for all it's efforts and concern for missing kids in both the US and UK. The band's other big hit, "Misery," is a favorite of mine and one of my BBFs, Joe, and together, the two songs bring me back...way back...to a time when music still rocked and had meaning.
6) "Can't Help Falling In Love" ~UB40: Released on their tenth (wow, really? UB40 had nine other albums before this one?) studio album, Promises and Lies, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A cover of the original version by Elvis Presley (which was featured on his album and, later, movie Blue Hawaii), UB40 kept the song in it's original format, but gave it their own, unique, British-reggae feel.
Another one of my mom's all-time most hated groups, UB40 (thanks to their hit "Red, Red Wine," which has been deemed irresponsible and intolerable by Mom, as previously mentioned) still makes me smile. This is still one of my favorite Elvis songs (as cliche as it may seem) and I love UB40 for bringing it to a younger, more Elvis-ignorant generation. I know it's a cover, but there's something sincere in singer Robin Campbell's whiny voice. It's as if, well, he can't help falling in love with...me. Or someone. Whoever.
7) "I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me" ~Expose: Peaking at number 8 on the American pop charts, this song dominated the radio waves in the summer of 1993. The song was written by Dianne Warren and recorded by Expose for their album of the same name. The song has been covered numerous times, including a recording by the late, great Selena.
There's not much to say about this song. For some strange reason, I was obsessed with in the in summer of 1993. I have distinct memories of, once again, riding to day camp with my mom and hearing this song every single morning on the radio. I loved it and knew every word. Upon a recent listening, however, I've decided that there is absolutely nothing exciting about this song. Both the melody and lyrics are mundane, not exactly profound or thought-provoking. The vocals are OK at best and give me the feeling that it's best suited for a middle school dance and nothing more. Nonetheless, this song was a childhood staple that, for some reason, held my attention at age 8.
8) "Two Princes" ~Spin Doctors: The band's most popular hit, "Two Princes" was released on the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite. It reached number 7 in the US, number 3 in the UK, and number 2 in Canada; however, it was ranked by Blender Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Worst Songs Ever." The band also did a modified version of the song for Sesame Street stressing the important of sharing. (Awww.)
Despite the claims made by Blender, I would like to go on record saying that this is FAR from one of the worst songs ever. I could easily come up with 50 songs that were much worse than "Two Princes" (and perhaps I will in another blog post). This song has all the makings of a classic: easy rhyming, random white-boy scatting, gender equality (letting the woman buy him flowers---how fair!), and the offering of rockets. Who doesn't want rockets as a romantic gesture? I know I do. (Could be why none of my past relationships have worked out. Not enough rockets.) Plus, we all know this song and love to sing along (though, I'll be honest, I had to look up the lyrics.) It's a 90s favorite, for heavens sake! Also, big shout out to my friend Matt who performed this in high school (circa 2002 maybe?) in "concert" (or the high school equivalent) and totally kicked ass and didn't mess up the words. Kudos!
9) "I'm Every Woman" ~Whitney Houston: Originally recorded by Chaka Khan in 1978, Ms. Whitney re-recorded the hit for The Bodyguard soundtrack and released the single in 1993. This song was released just after her huge hit (another cover) "I Will Always Love You" from the same soundtrack and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song remained in the Top 40 for 19 weeks. As a tribute to Chaka Khan, Whitney gives her a shout-out at the end of the song and Chaka is also featured in Whitney's video.
Ahh, another song that reminds me of my mom. This song is a serious proclamation of power for women everywhere. I mean, let's be honest, ladies...we know this song is gospel, we just didn't really want men to be privy to this secretive information. Thanks, Whitney, for giving us all away. We did not need them all knowing we could actually read their thoughts (every one from A to Z) and cast spells. Sheesh, talk about a dead give-away. But, regardless, this song is a booty-shaker and makes you feel powerful for all 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
10) "What's Up?" ~4 Non Blondes: Mistakenly called "What's Goin' On" by nearly everyone, "What's Up?" was named so to avoid confusion with the Marvin Gaye song (not that the two are comparable, but OK). The song was released at the second single of the album Bigger, Better, Faster, More! and was, unfortunately, their only real hit. "What's Up?" was written by Linda Perry (the band's singer, better known as celebrity go-to song writer for the likes of Christina Aguilera for songs like "Beautiful") and it ranked number 14 at it's peak position on the US Billboard Hot 100.
This is one of my favorite songs to sing (karaoke, in the shower, in my car, etc.), bar none. Linda Perry is one of my top favorite song writers and all-around wonder woman, and I find her voice incredible. Although not the prettiest voice ever, Linda possesses a quality that few share. I put her in the same category as Stevie Nicks: fascinating, strange, unique, and awesome. I still get pumped when this song comes on (especially when I was 25, since it was all too true...and still is a year later). "Twenty-five years and my life is still trying to get up that great big hill of hope...for a destination...mmmm..."
Well fellow 90s whores, there you have it. 1993 in a neat little mom-filled package. (Mom, I hope you're reading this, it being dedicated to you and all!) Join me next week as we ease on down the road to 1994. (I know. This is a 1975 reference, and I'll get there at some point. Play along.) Until next time...
Before we take another epic dive into the wildly thrilling world of 90s music, it has come to my attention that TeenNick will be premiering what they call "The 90s Are All That" tonight! Behold, the beauty of classic 90s kids television for your viewing pleasure. I have already made a note to set my DVR as soon as I get home from work tonight so that I, too, may participate in the nostalgia-rendering footage. Read about it on my favorite blog here: http://childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com/2011/07/to-discuss-exciting-90s-tv-development.html
Now, on to what we've all (and by "we" I mean me) been waiting for, the music of 1993! First, as always, a few fun facts about the next year in our line-up:
*I turned 8
*The state of Washington executes notorious serial killer Westley Allan Dodd by hanging, making it the first legal hanging in the US since 1965
*Bill Clinton becomes the 42nd US President
*The World Trade Center is bombed by a van parked underneath in its garage
*The ATF raids the Branch Davidian compound in Waco TX, initially
killing 4 agents and 5 Davidians
*Lorena Bobbit becomes infamous by cutting off her husband's penis in Virginia
*A bomb from the Unabomber injures a computer scientist at Yale University
*Magic: The Gathering is first released
*NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) passes in the US, Canada, and Mexico
So, there you have it. A brief and semi-educational look at 1993 in a nutshell (especially the release of Magic: The Gathering, obviously).
I would also like to dedicate this blog post to my kick-ass mom, who is (in one way or another) somehow a part of nearly every song on this list.
And now, without torturing you (or myself) and further, my first list of the Top 10 Songs of 1993:
1) "The River of Dreams" ~Billy Joel: As my all-time favorite musician/artist/singer/songwriter ever, this is a perfect place to start. "The River of Dreams" is the title track and first single released off of Billy's twelfth studio album, obviously named River of Dreams. The song became Billy Joel's biggest hit of the 90s, peaking at number 3 in the US and number 1 in Australia and the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Record of the Year, but lost to "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. (Touche, Grammys. Touche.)
It's hard to describe my undying devotion and loyalty to Billy Joel. I know pretty much every word to every one of his songs, and this one is no different. I remember my mother bringing home with the album that year and being obsessed with the cover art. My mother is a long-time Billy Joel obsessee, since long before he was famous, and encouraged my shared obsession by taking me to concerts, playing his music constantly, and reminding me that he is a native New Yorker (like her) and fellow member of the Tribe.
As for this particular song, it's a bit different than Billy's past hits. There's really no piano to speak of (considering he is THE Piano Man), but the song is catchy and meaningful, so you forget about the whole piano mishap. Also, if you don't already know the album by heart, I suggest downloading it from iTunes, as some of his best (albeit lesser-known) songs reside there, like "Lullaby(Goodnight, My Angel)," "Two Thousand Years," (which I think should replace all New Years Eve songs), and "All About Soul."
2) "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" ~The Proclaimers: Oddly enough, this song was first released in 1988 on The Proclaimers's album Sunshine on Leith and then later as a standalone single. The song reached number 11 in the UK and number 1 in Australia in 1989 but did not become a hit in the US until 1993, where is eventually reached number 27. Despite it's not-exactly-chart-topping performance here in the states, the song remains The Proclaimers's biggest hit and is a staple of their live performances. It is still played regularly at Scottish football and rugby games and has been featured in an array of TV shows and movies.
Every single time I hear this song, I literally laugh out loud. It's hilarious for many a reason, but the biggest reason being that this song hovers toward the top of my mother's list of songs she absolutely cannot tolerate and will not allow to be played in her vicinity (next to "I Shot The Sheriff" and "Red, Red Wine"). My brother and I used to sing this in the car on our way to day camp every morning that summer, raising my mother's blood pressure to what I can only guess was a seriously unhealthy level. But Mom aside, this song is awesome. I still have no idea what "haver" means, but I know that these guys loved this girl(s?) so much that they began making up words just to add to their song to her(them?). I believe it's impossible to not sing along to what may be the worlds easiest and catchiest chorus of all time, "And IIIII would walk 500 miles and IIIII would walk 500 more just beeeeee the man who walks a thousand miiiiiles to fall down at your door---BA DA BA!!!" You know you love the "ba da pa" part too, admit it.
3) "Whoomp! (There It Is)" ~Tag Team: Released in 1993 by the Miami bass group Tag Team, "Whoomp! (There It Is)" reached number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and number 1 on the US R&B charts. The song quickly became a huge hit and was made the theme song for the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies. The chorus is nearly identical to the song "Whoot, There It Is" by 95 South (which was released only one month prior) but the verses of the two songs are entirely different. (Not to mention that the 95 South song only reached number 11 on the charts). A clear one-hit-wonder, this song is still used regularly today at all kinds of sporting events.
This song brings back fond memories of cheerleading competitions and Jock Jams. Anyone who has ever been part of a cheerleading team know that it's songs like these (used in one way or another by nearly every competitive team) that are the staple to cheer routines. Hearing this song brings me back to moments of letting my mom french braid my hair and cake on silly amounts of blue eyeshadow and hair glitter and red bows so that each girl on the team could look identical to one another while we hoisted each other in the air and did cartwheels (plus shouting on the "chaka-laka's" repeatedly). Completely practical. I apologize, Mom (and to everyone else on the team's mom) for making you sit through these things. (But we totally had fun.)
4) "If" ~Janet Jackson: Released on her fifth studio album, janet, as the second single, "If" peaked at number 4 on the US charts. Written by Janet Jackson, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Louis, the song was a major departure for Jackson, combining hip-hop, heavy metal guitar riffs, and dance music. The song was seen as an extension of what she was trying to create on her previous album, Rhythm Nation. The song was highly sexually charged and was picked on by critics, but remains a song Janet has performed on every single one of her tours, including her current tour Number Ones: Up Close and Personal.
This song gives me goosebumps. I still believe this is one of Janet's sexiest songs and it always makes me want to get up and dance like a crazy-person. (Not saying that I don't always dance like a crazy-person.) The guitar parts and military-esque beats (a la Rhythm Nation) were such a unique mix and had the capability to appeal to many more audiences than her previous singles. Janet represents an all around girl kick-ass-ness power (listen to "Son Of A Gun" of you're a nonbeliever as of yet) and I still get a charge out of wearing my mom's Rhythm Nation tour shirt. Plus, the video is super hot. It's win/win.
5) "Runaway Train" ~Soul Asylum: Released off their sixth studio album, Grave Dancers Union, "Runaway Train" was Soul Asylum's third album single. The song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993 and also won a Grammy for Best Rock Song in 1994. The song was also well-known for it's video, which (in the US) started off with the line "There are over one million youth lost on the streets of America." Several versions of the video were made and eventually led to many successful reunions of missing children and their families. However, not every reunion was successful. In one case, one of the "missing" children turned out not to be "missing" at all, but was killed and buried in the backyard by her mother who was in a nasty court custody battle with the girl's father.
"Runaway Train" is one of my favorite songs of all time, and Soul Asylum still sits toward the top of my favorite bands list. The song is nostalgia gold, and while I didn't quite understand it's context back in the day, I can appreciate and respect it now for all it's efforts and concern for missing kids in both the US and UK. The band's other big hit, "Misery," is a favorite of mine and one of my BBFs, Joe, and together, the two songs bring me back...way back...to a time when music still rocked and had meaning.
6) "Can't Help Falling In Love" ~UB40: Released on their tenth (wow, really? UB40 had nine other albums before this one?) studio album, Promises and Lies, the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A cover of the original version by Elvis Presley (which was featured on his album and, later, movie Blue Hawaii), UB40 kept the song in it's original format, but gave it their own, unique, British-reggae feel.
Another one of my mom's all-time most hated groups, UB40 (thanks to their hit "Red, Red Wine," which has been deemed irresponsible and intolerable by Mom, as previously mentioned) still makes me smile. This is still one of my favorite Elvis songs (as cliche as it may seem) and I love UB40 for bringing it to a younger, more Elvis-ignorant generation. I know it's a cover, but there's something sincere in singer Robin Campbell's whiny voice. It's as if, well, he can't help falling in love with...me. Or someone. Whoever.
7) "I'll Never Get Over You Getting Over Me" ~Expose: Peaking at number 8 on the American pop charts, this song dominated the radio waves in the summer of 1993. The song was written by Dianne Warren and recorded by Expose for their album of the same name. The song has been covered numerous times, including a recording by the late, great Selena.
There's not much to say about this song. For some strange reason, I was obsessed with in the in summer of 1993. I have distinct memories of, once again, riding to day camp with my mom and hearing this song every single morning on the radio. I loved it and knew every word. Upon a recent listening, however, I've decided that there is absolutely nothing exciting about this song. Both the melody and lyrics are mundane, not exactly profound or thought-provoking. The vocals are OK at best and give me the feeling that it's best suited for a middle school dance and nothing more. Nonetheless, this song was a childhood staple that, for some reason, held my attention at age 8.
8) "Two Princes" ~Spin Doctors: The band's most popular hit, "Two Princes" was released on the album Pocket Full of Kryptonite. It reached number 7 in the US, number 3 in the UK, and number 2 in Canada; however, it was ranked by Blender Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Worst Songs Ever." The band also did a modified version of the song for Sesame Street stressing the important of sharing. (Awww.)
Despite the claims made by Blender, I would like to go on record saying that this is FAR from one of the worst songs ever. I could easily come up with 50 songs that were much worse than "Two Princes" (and perhaps I will in another blog post). This song has all the makings of a classic: easy rhyming, random white-boy scatting, gender equality (letting the woman buy him flowers---how fair!), and the offering of rockets. Who doesn't want rockets as a romantic gesture? I know I do. (Could be why none of my past relationships have worked out. Not enough rockets.) Plus, we all know this song and love to sing along (though, I'll be honest, I had to look up the lyrics.) It's a 90s favorite, for heavens sake! Also, big shout out to my friend Matt who performed this in high school (circa 2002 maybe?) in "concert" (or the high school equivalent) and totally kicked ass and didn't mess up the words. Kudos!
9) "I'm Every Woman" ~Whitney Houston: Originally recorded by Chaka Khan in 1978, Ms. Whitney re-recorded the hit for The Bodyguard soundtrack and released the single in 1993. This song was released just after her huge hit (another cover) "I Will Always Love You" from the same soundtrack and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song remained in the Top 40 for 19 weeks. As a tribute to Chaka Khan, Whitney gives her a shout-out at the end of the song and Chaka is also featured in Whitney's video.
Ahh, another song that reminds me of my mom. This song is a serious proclamation of power for women everywhere. I mean, let's be honest, ladies...we know this song is gospel, we just didn't really want men to be privy to this secretive information. Thanks, Whitney, for giving us all away. We did not need them all knowing we could actually read their thoughts (every one from A to Z) and cast spells. Sheesh, talk about a dead give-away. But, regardless, this song is a booty-shaker and makes you feel powerful for all 4 minutes and 10 seconds.
10) "What's Up?" ~4 Non Blondes: Mistakenly called "What's Goin' On" by nearly everyone, "What's Up?" was named so to avoid confusion with the Marvin Gaye song (not that the two are comparable, but OK). The song was released at the second single of the album Bigger, Better, Faster, More! and was, unfortunately, their only real hit. "What's Up?" was written by Linda Perry (the band's singer, better known as celebrity go-to song writer for the likes of Christina Aguilera for songs like "Beautiful") and it ranked number 14 at it's peak position on the US Billboard Hot 100.
This is one of my favorite songs to sing (karaoke, in the shower, in my car, etc.), bar none. Linda Perry is one of my top favorite song writers and all-around wonder woman, and I find her voice incredible. Although not the prettiest voice ever, Linda possesses a quality that few share. I put her in the same category as Stevie Nicks: fascinating, strange, unique, and awesome. I still get pumped when this song comes on (especially when I was 25, since it was all too true...and still is a year later). "Twenty-five years and my life is still trying to get up that great big hill of hope...for a destination...mmmm..."
Well fellow 90s whores, there you have it. 1993 in a neat little mom-filled package. (Mom, I hope you're reading this, it being dedicated to you and all!) Join me next week as we ease on down the road to 1994. (I know. This is a 1975 reference, and I'll get there at some point. Play along.) Until next time...
Monday, July 18, 2011
Nostalgic Music - 1992
Ahh, a new week, a new blog post. It's a little sad (but mostly awesome) how much I look forward to writing these nostalgic music pieces. So many songs I've almost forgotten about, so many songs that others have never heard of (I'm looking at you, youngin's.) And, to top it off, it's Monday. What better way to make a Monday tolerable than with a hefty dose of 90s music? There is no better way, I tell you. None.
So, as per my usual MO, here are some fun facts about the next year in our line-up, 1992. Think of them as an appetizer, if you will:
*I turned 7
*President Bush (senior) becomes ill and vomits and faints into the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister on national television (Watch this little ditty here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOnDatqENo. It's delightful to watch over and over again. Hours of fun!)
*Euro Disney Resort (now Disneyland Paris) opens in France
*The Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert is held at Wembley Stadium and raises millions for AIDS research
*Yitzhak Rabin becomes the Prime Minister of Israel
*Hurricane Andrew hits South Florida
*Sinead O'Connor rips up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live after singing a song of protest about child abuse in the Catholic Church
*Prince Charles and Princess Diana announce their separation
Now that the appetizer is polished off, it's time to make way for the main course. I hope you saved room, as we're about to over-indulge in yet another classic year in music history. Here is the first Top Ten list for 1992:
1) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ~ Nirvana: Although released on their 1991 album, Nevermind, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" didn't hit the mainstream charts or gain popularity until 1992. The song was a highly unexpected success for both the public and the band, who became exceedingly uncomfortable with all the attention they were received post-release. Kurt Cobain later explained to Rolling Stone Magazine that all he was trying to do with the song was write in the style of the Pixies (a late-eighties/early-nineties indie-surf rock band). Cobain penned the song just weeks before recording Nevermind, and while it was initially dismissed by the rest of the band, the boys spent time working on it together, making it the only song on the album to credit all three band members as authors.
As far as the song's title, it is said that Kurt took the name from his wall, where his friend Kathleen Hanna (lead singer of Bikini Kill) spray painted "Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit." (You know, the deodorant we all used?) Unaware of the deodorant brand, Cobain took this to mean something revolutionary. Hanna meant that he smelled like deodorant. Ignorance is both bliss and unmatched success.
If you're a big Nirvana fan (as I am), then you probably both love and hate this song (as I do). I love this song because, well, it's a Nirvana song and, taken out of context, it's still pretty great. At the time, it was unlike anything the mainstream had ever heard and was, as Kurt had thought, revolutionary (and deodorant-y). However, in order to think all these thoughts, I have to take a step back from all the reasons why I hate it. This song has, unfortunately, become the ultimate cliche. It's THE Nirvana song that everyone knows, and it boils my blood when people rock out to this song like they're big fans but have no idea how to even hum along to "Polly," which was released on the very same album. Frustration abound. I still usually skip this song if it comes up on my iPod or switch stations if it pops up on the radio. I'd rather remember Kurt for songs like "About A Girl" and "Pennyroyal Tea." RIP, Kurt. (Can you believe it's been over 17 years already?)
2) "I Will Always Love You" ~ Whitney Houston: Written by one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Ms. Dolly Parton, this Whitney cover version was released in 1992 on the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. The original version was written in 1973 and released on Dolly's album Jolene in 1974. She wrote the song for her once-partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner, with whom business was splitting.
This song, in retrospect, was an obvious choice for The Bodyguard's main theme; however, the original pick was a cover of Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted." When Whitney learned that Ruffin's song had been used in another film, she decided to look for another. Co-star Kevin Costner brought her Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" and Whitney and her producer redid the song as a soul power ballad. (Nice choice, Whit.) The song spent 14 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 (a record at the time), was Houston's longest-running number one hit (and her 10th number one), and also became the longest-running hit from a soundtrack. The song also smashed a number of other records, stealing titles from the likes of Bryan Adams and such. Whitney also took home 2 Grammys for the song for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal.
This song gives me chills every time I hear it. There's no denying Whitney Houston's once-coveted voice and power. Her vocals are one in a million on nearly every song she's recorded, but this song is somehow more special than the rest. The song itself is haunting and sad, yet beautiful, and the pure burst of power she uses to belt out the the end of the song is nearly unfathomable. The way Whitney holds back for nearly the entire length of the song until the very end at the key change makes the recording that much more powerful, satisfying, and genius. We know girl can belt it out, but to make us wait until the end of the song to hear those spine-curving notes is pure anticipatory glee. And then I cry. No big deal.
3) "To Be With You" ~ Mr. Big: Written by Eric Martin (the band's lead singer) while he was still a teenager, "To Be With You" was released on the band's second album, Lean Into It. Despite the fact that the album was to be purely rock, "To Be With You" was eventually included and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and was number one in 14 other countries simultaneously. The song was, by far, Mr. Big's biggest (ha!) hit of all time and has been covered by tons of others artists since it's release.
This is, for sure, one of my go-to feel-good songs. Every girl loves a good song about a man who wants to save her from her recent heartbreak by loving her more, right? It's another one of those songs that I like to pretend is being sung to me, plus it's totally fun to sing along to, especially in the chorus. (I like to do the lead vocal and sing in between the rest of the band while they generically sing the chorus lyrics. "You feel it toooo, yeaaahhh....") Also, this song makes a great addition to a bonfire/camp sing-along. Just sayin'.
4) "End Of The Road" ~ Boyz II Men: It seems 1992 was dominated by the ballad. This song was written by Babyface, LA Reid, and Daryl Simmons and is Boyz II Men's most successful single of all time. It also became Motown's most successful single, replacing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There." That's one hell of a feat. The song was originally recorded for the movie Boomerang with Eddie Murphy and quickly became a mainstream smash hit, a la Boyz II Men style. The song was also the first the break Elvis's 11-week holding record at number one by staying on top for 13 weeks, but was quickly beaten out but Whitney Houston (see above). The song has been covered by everyone from Gladys Knight to the Backstreet Boys and was re-recorded (a cappella) by the Boyz for their 2007 album, Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA.
As stated in previous posts, I have had a long-time love affair with Boyz II Men, and this song is no exception. Their voices make my knees weak, and this song is another classic case of "Man, I wish someone had written this for me." I completely suggest buying the a cappella version on iTunes, as the record is just proof of their undeniable talent for harmony and soul. Plus, the rest of their Motown album is awesome if you're a fan of the old Motown classics like I am. Boyz II Men can sing Temptations songs to me all day, if they like.
5) "Baby Got Back" ~ Sir Mix-a-Lot: From his album Mack Daddy came Sir Mix-a-Lot's big one hit wonder. The song sat pretty at number one for 5 weeks in the summer of 1992 despite all the controversy surrounding it, such as being briefly banned from MTV. The song also managed to get Sir Mix-a-Lot a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance and has been parodied countless times on shows like The Simpson's and Robot Chicken.
Talk about a serious 90s anthem. If you don't know every word to this song, you're just not as cool as the rest of us. This song gave all us white girls a good reason to shake our booties, despite looking completely ridiculous, and gave everyone a greater appreciation for a fuller butt. It had every woman in American wishing they had an "LA face with an Oakland booty" and "36-24-36" measurements, but only if you 5"3 (which I am! Almost. 5"2 1/2...it counts. The measurement part though, not so much). This anthematic song has spanned decades and for good reason---it's catchy and fun and dancy. Even white boys got to shout.
6) "Tears In Heaven" ~ Eric Clapton: This song was written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings about the grief over Clapton's son's death in March of 1991. Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a window on the 53rd floor of an apartment building in New York City and Clapton arrive at the scene shortly after the accident. Eric Clapton was obviously (and rightfully so) distraught and beside himself for many months after the accident and isolated himself for a period of time.
A year later, Jennings and Clapton were contracted to write songs for the upcoming movie Rush and Clapton asked Jennings to help him write a song about his son. While initially against helping Clapton write something so personal, the two eventually came up with "Tears In Heaven," which was featured in the movie and, later, on Clapton's MTV Unplugged album. Clapton stopped playing "Tears In Heaven" and "My Father's Eyes" in 2004, saying he may or may bring them back at a later time.
This may be the saddest song ever written. I don't have children and, so, I cannot understand mourning the loss of a child; however, I do know that it may be one of the worst pains to ever overcome a person. I can't even pretend to understand how this could have felt for Clapton, and I give him much credit for writing about it and being able to perform it for his fans for years. The lyrics and melody are so simple and perfect for the situation. According to Clapton, the music helped him to to cope with his grief, and once he felt complete about it, he stopped performing to song. Understandable, no?
7) "Black or White" ~ Michael Jackson: Released from his eighth (eighth!) studio album, Dangerous, "Black or White" was written, composed, and produced by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell. Although it was technically released in 1991, the song was at the height of its popularity in 1992. The song is the fastest chart-topper since the Beatles's "Get Back," going from number 35 to number 1 in less than three weeks. The song and video both stand behind their message of "Prejudice is Ignorance." The video shows Michael dancing with various cultures in West Africa, India, Russia, etc. and later smashing car windows boasting racial and cultural slurs. The video caused controversy with it's "sexual tones" (read: Michael grabs his crotch, again) and violence, and the video was later edited to "fix" these issues for mainstream video play.
This song is both iconic and ironic. I mean, let's be honest. It was a bit ironic (even a little giggle-worthy) that Michael just so happened to release a song titled "Black or White" at the height of his skin color confusion. How's that for adding fuel to the fire? But all jokes aside, I think this song is done in the true Michael Jackson fashion of promoting cultural and racial acceptance and tolerance with the help of some nifty dance moves, panthers, and facial morphing (which, by the way, is still awesome to watch). The video cameos (Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt) were equally exciting and took another Michael Jackson song from just a music video to epic short movie. The song is fun, catchy, good-natured, and, of course, cover-worthy. (Take a listen to Adam Lambert's cover version from American Idol. Delightful). Ain't nothin' wrong with rocking out to this one in your car and screaming "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color!" Go ahead. Promote equality out loud at red lights.
8) "Jump" ~ Kriss Kross: Released on their 1992 album Totally Krossed Out, these mini hip-hoppers achieved double platinum success with their first-ever single. When they recorded the song, Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith were only 12 and 13-years-old. The song was written and produced by Jermaine Dupri and stayed on the top of the charts for eight weeks. "Jump" features samples from a handful of songs, including the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," and the boys later toured Europe with Jackson himself. The original version featured an intro in which the boys dissed another kid group, Another Bad Creation, but was later removed for copyright infringement.
I still haven't decided if I love or hate this song. I know for a fact that I LOVED it in 1992, but now I have my doubts. I mean, it's cool when you hear kids single a popular song on the radio when you, yourself, are a kid. However, after hearing this song recently, I can understand why, according to adults, this song is one of the worst ever. Little kid voices constantly demanding that you "jump, jump!" No. No, thanks. I'm all set today. Maybe tomorrow. It can get nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating, especially when kids all around you are following the aforementioned demands. Sigh. Nothing profound here. Just a lot of jumping and backwards overalls. Always fashionable, mind you.
9) "Jump Around" ~ House Of Pain: Oh lord, another song about jumping, only this time it can't be excused with a 12-year-old mentality. Released on their debut, self-titled album, "Jump Around" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The song's intro, which made it unmistakable, was a sample from Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle." It has been featured in countless movies, such as Happy Gilmore, Mrs. Doubtfire, Rush Hour, and many more. The song has also since become a staple at the University of Wisonsin-Madison home football games, the University of North Carolina's men's home basketball games, and at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, when closing pitcher Brian Wilson (tee hee) enters the game.
First off, aside from the vast radio popularity of this song, I will forever associate it with Pringles. There was a very long stretch in the late 90s when the Pringles brand used this song in their commercials, a genius move. The song has staying power, proven with all the sports games it's associated with now, because it's fun and catchy and suggests, rather than demands, that you "jump around." This song is certainly better craftier than the Kris Kross song, with lyrics like "I got more rhymes than a Bible's got psalms" (my personal favorite), but still rests on the irritating side of the line should you find yourself outside of a sports arena. Also, I would love to know how Everlast (House of Pain's frontman) went from "Jump Around" to his 1998 solo single "What It's Like." Really? Wow.
10) "Just Another Day" ~ Jon Secada: This song is Jon's debut single off his debut, self-titled album. It was written by Secada and Miguel Morejon and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Adult Contemporary charts, eventually reaching gold status. The song was also released in Spanish ("Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte"), since Jon (born Juan Francisco Secada Martinez) is Cuban and has long been involved in the Latin music world. The song was later covered by Bernie Williams (yes, of New York Yankees fame) and featured Secada on the track as well.
While completely admitting that this is what I would normally dub as "mom music," I really love Jon Secada, ironically because my mom loved Jon Secada. I have distinct memories of singing this song and "If You Go" along with her in the car and falling in love with his voice. (This also, unfortunately, happened with Johnny Mathis Christmas albums, but that's for another blog.) This is standard pop music at its best, and it does its job well. Catchy tune? Check. Simple lyrics? Check. Suave, handsome, Latin lover singing the song? Check. It's like Ricky Martin without the gay. Good times.
So, there you have it. 1992 wrapped up in a neat, little, 10-song package. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have, and if you did, leave a comment! If you didn't, leave a comment! If you read this at all, leave a comment! Meanwhile, I'll be putting a list together for next week's compilation of tunes from 1993. Rock on, Gen X/Gen Y-ers. Rock on.
So, as per my usual MO, here are some fun facts about the next year in our line-up, 1992. Think of them as an appetizer, if you will:
*I turned 7
*President Bush (senior) becomes ill and vomits and faints into the lap of the Japanese Prime Minister on national television (Watch this little ditty here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOnDatqENo. It's delightful to watch over and over again. Hours of fun!)
*Euro Disney Resort (now Disneyland Paris) opens in France
*The Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert is held at Wembley Stadium and raises millions for AIDS research
*Yitzhak Rabin becomes the Prime Minister of Israel
*Hurricane Andrew hits South Florida
*Sinead O'Connor rips up a picture of Pope John Paul II on Saturday Night Live after singing a song of protest about child abuse in the Catholic Church
*Prince Charles and Princess Diana announce their separation
Now that the appetizer is polished off, it's time to make way for the main course. I hope you saved room, as we're about to over-indulge in yet another classic year in music history. Here is the first Top Ten list for 1992:
1) "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ~ Nirvana: Although released on their 1991 album, Nevermind, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" didn't hit the mainstream charts or gain popularity until 1992. The song was a highly unexpected success for both the public and the band, who became exceedingly uncomfortable with all the attention they were received post-release. Kurt Cobain later explained to Rolling Stone Magazine that all he was trying to do with the song was write in the style of the Pixies (a late-eighties/early-nineties indie-surf rock band). Cobain penned the song just weeks before recording Nevermind, and while it was initially dismissed by the rest of the band, the boys spent time working on it together, making it the only song on the album to credit all three band members as authors.
As far as the song's title, it is said that Kurt took the name from his wall, where his friend Kathleen Hanna (lead singer of Bikini Kill) spray painted "Kurt Smells Like Teen Spirit." (You know, the deodorant we all used?) Unaware of the deodorant brand, Cobain took this to mean something revolutionary. Hanna meant that he smelled like deodorant. Ignorance is both bliss and unmatched success.
If you're a big Nirvana fan (as I am), then you probably both love and hate this song (as I do). I love this song because, well, it's a Nirvana song and, taken out of context, it's still pretty great. At the time, it was unlike anything the mainstream had ever heard and was, as Kurt had thought, revolutionary (and deodorant-y). However, in order to think all these thoughts, I have to take a step back from all the reasons why I hate it. This song has, unfortunately, become the ultimate cliche. It's THE Nirvana song that everyone knows, and it boils my blood when people rock out to this song like they're big fans but have no idea how to even hum along to "Polly," which was released on the very same album. Frustration abound. I still usually skip this song if it comes up on my iPod or switch stations if it pops up on the radio. I'd rather remember Kurt for songs like "About A Girl" and "Pennyroyal Tea." RIP, Kurt. (Can you believe it's been over 17 years already?)
2) "I Will Always Love You" ~ Whitney Houston: Written by one of the greatest songwriters of all time, Ms. Dolly Parton, this Whitney cover version was released in 1992 on the soundtrack to The Bodyguard. The original version was written in 1973 and released on Dolly's album Jolene in 1974. She wrote the song for her once-partner and mentor, Porter Wagoner, with whom business was splitting.
This song, in retrospect, was an obvious choice for The Bodyguard's main theme; however, the original pick was a cover of Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes Of The Brokenhearted." When Whitney learned that Ruffin's song had been used in another film, she decided to look for another. Co-star Kevin Costner brought her Linda Ronstadt's version of "I Will Always Love You" and Whitney and her producer redid the song as a soul power ballad. (Nice choice, Whit.) The song spent 14 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 (a record at the time), was Houston's longest-running number one hit (and her 10th number one), and also became the longest-running hit from a soundtrack. The song also smashed a number of other records, stealing titles from the likes of Bryan Adams and such. Whitney also took home 2 Grammys for the song for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal.
This song gives me chills every time I hear it. There's no denying Whitney Houston's once-coveted voice and power. Her vocals are one in a million on nearly every song she's recorded, but this song is somehow more special than the rest. The song itself is haunting and sad, yet beautiful, and the pure burst of power she uses to belt out the the end of the song is nearly unfathomable. The way Whitney holds back for nearly the entire length of the song until the very end at the key change makes the recording that much more powerful, satisfying, and genius. We know girl can belt it out, but to make us wait until the end of the song to hear those spine-curving notes is pure anticipatory glee. And then I cry. No big deal.
3) "To Be With You" ~ Mr. Big: Written by Eric Martin (the band's lead singer) while he was still a teenager, "To Be With You" was released on the band's second album, Lean Into It. Despite the fact that the album was to be purely rock, "To Be With You" was eventually included and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and was number one in 14 other countries simultaneously. The song was, by far, Mr. Big's biggest (ha!) hit of all time and has been covered by tons of others artists since it's release.
This is, for sure, one of my go-to feel-good songs. Every girl loves a good song about a man who wants to save her from her recent heartbreak by loving her more, right? It's another one of those songs that I like to pretend is being sung to me, plus it's totally fun to sing along to, especially in the chorus. (I like to do the lead vocal and sing in between the rest of the band while they generically sing the chorus lyrics. "You feel it toooo, yeaaahhh....") Also, this song makes a great addition to a bonfire/camp sing-along. Just sayin'.
4) "End Of The Road" ~ Boyz II Men: It seems 1992 was dominated by the ballad. This song was written by Babyface, LA Reid, and Daryl Simmons and is Boyz II Men's most successful single of all time. It also became Motown's most successful single, replacing the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There." That's one hell of a feat. The song was originally recorded for the movie Boomerang with Eddie Murphy and quickly became a mainstream smash hit, a la Boyz II Men style. The song was also the first the break Elvis's 11-week holding record at number one by staying on top for 13 weeks, but was quickly beaten out but Whitney Houston (see above). The song has been covered by everyone from Gladys Knight to the Backstreet Boys and was re-recorded (a cappella) by the Boyz for their 2007 album, Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville USA.
As stated in previous posts, I have had a long-time love affair with Boyz II Men, and this song is no exception. Their voices make my knees weak, and this song is another classic case of "Man, I wish someone had written this for me." I completely suggest buying the a cappella version on iTunes, as the record is just proof of their undeniable talent for harmony and soul. Plus, the rest of their Motown album is awesome if you're a fan of the old Motown classics like I am. Boyz II Men can sing Temptations songs to me all day, if they like.
5) "Baby Got Back" ~ Sir Mix-a-Lot: From his album Mack Daddy came Sir Mix-a-Lot's big one hit wonder. The song sat pretty at number one for 5 weeks in the summer of 1992 despite all the controversy surrounding it, such as being briefly banned from MTV. The song also managed to get Sir Mix-a-Lot a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance and has been parodied countless times on shows like The Simpson's and Robot Chicken.
Talk about a serious 90s anthem. If you don't know every word to this song, you're just not as cool as the rest of us. This song gave all us white girls a good reason to shake our booties, despite looking completely ridiculous, and gave everyone a greater appreciation for a fuller butt. It had every woman in American wishing they had an "LA face with an Oakland booty" and "36-24-36" measurements, but only if you 5"3 (which I am! Almost. 5"2 1/2...it counts. The measurement part though, not so much). This anthematic song has spanned decades and for good reason---it's catchy and fun and dancy. Even white boys got to shout.
6) "Tears In Heaven" ~ Eric Clapton: This song was written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings about the grief over Clapton's son's death in March of 1991. Clapton's four-year-old son, Conor, fell to his death from a window on the 53rd floor of an apartment building in New York City and Clapton arrive at the scene shortly after the accident. Eric Clapton was obviously (and rightfully so) distraught and beside himself for many months after the accident and isolated himself for a period of time.
A year later, Jennings and Clapton were contracted to write songs for the upcoming movie Rush and Clapton asked Jennings to help him write a song about his son. While initially against helping Clapton write something so personal, the two eventually came up with "Tears In Heaven," which was featured in the movie and, later, on Clapton's MTV Unplugged album. Clapton stopped playing "Tears In Heaven" and "My Father's Eyes" in 2004, saying he may or may bring them back at a later time.
This may be the saddest song ever written. I don't have children and, so, I cannot understand mourning the loss of a child; however, I do know that it may be one of the worst pains to ever overcome a person. I can't even pretend to understand how this could have felt for Clapton, and I give him much credit for writing about it and being able to perform it for his fans for years. The lyrics and melody are so simple and perfect for the situation. According to Clapton, the music helped him to to cope with his grief, and once he felt complete about it, he stopped performing to song. Understandable, no?
7) "Black or White" ~ Michael Jackson: Released from his eighth (eighth!) studio album, Dangerous, "Black or White" was written, composed, and produced by Michael Jackson and Bill Bottrell. Although it was technically released in 1991, the song was at the height of its popularity in 1992. The song is the fastest chart-topper since the Beatles's "Get Back," going from number 35 to number 1 in less than three weeks. The song and video both stand behind their message of "Prejudice is Ignorance." The video shows Michael dancing with various cultures in West Africa, India, Russia, etc. and later smashing car windows boasting racial and cultural slurs. The video caused controversy with it's "sexual tones" (read: Michael grabs his crotch, again) and violence, and the video was later edited to "fix" these issues for mainstream video play.
This song is both iconic and ironic. I mean, let's be honest. It was a bit ironic (even a little giggle-worthy) that Michael just so happened to release a song titled "Black or White" at the height of his skin color confusion. How's that for adding fuel to the fire? But all jokes aside, I think this song is done in the true Michael Jackson fashion of promoting cultural and racial acceptance and tolerance with the help of some nifty dance moves, panthers, and facial morphing (which, by the way, is still awesome to watch). The video cameos (Macaulay Culkin, Tess Harper, and George Wendt) were equally exciting and took another Michael Jackson song from just a music video to epic short movie. The song is fun, catchy, good-natured, and, of course, cover-worthy. (Take a listen to Adam Lambert's cover version from American Idol. Delightful). Ain't nothin' wrong with rocking out to this one in your car and screaming "I'm not gonna spend my life being a color!" Go ahead. Promote equality out loud at red lights.
8) "Jump" ~ Kriss Kross: Released on their 1992 album Totally Krossed Out, these mini hip-hoppers achieved double platinum success with their first-ever single. When they recorded the song, Chris "Mac Daddy" Kelly and Chris "Daddy Mac" Smith were only 12 and 13-years-old. The song was written and produced by Jermaine Dupri and stayed on the top of the charts for eight weeks. "Jump" features samples from a handful of songs, including the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," and the boys later toured Europe with Jackson himself. The original version featured an intro in which the boys dissed another kid group, Another Bad Creation, but was later removed for copyright infringement.
I still haven't decided if I love or hate this song. I know for a fact that I LOVED it in 1992, but now I have my doubts. I mean, it's cool when you hear kids single a popular song on the radio when you, yourself, are a kid. However, after hearing this song recently, I can understand why, according to adults, this song is one of the worst ever. Little kid voices constantly demanding that you "jump, jump!" No. No, thanks. I'm all set today. Maybe tomorrow. It can get nails-on-a-chalkboard irritating, especially when kids all around you are following the aforementioned demands. Sigh. Nothing profound here. Just a lot of jumping and backwards overalls. Always fashionable, mind you.
9) "Jump Around" ~ House Of Pain: Oh lord, another song about jumping, only this time it can't be excused with a 12-year-old mentality. Released on their debut, self-titled album, "Jump Around" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The song's intro, which made it unmistakable, was a sample from Bob & Earl's "Harlem Shuffle." It has been featured in countless movies, such as Happy Gilmore, Mrs. Doubtfire, Rush Hour, and many more. The song has also since become a staple at the University of Wisonsin-Madison home football games, the University of North Carolina's men's home basketball games, and at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, when closing pitcher Brian Wilson (tee hee) enters the game.
First off, aside from the vast radio popularity of this song, I will forever associate it with Pringles. There was a very long stretch in the late 90s when the Pringles brand used this song in their commercials, a genius move. The song has staying power, proven with all the sports games it's associated with now, because it's fun and catchy and suggests, rather than demands, that you "jump around." This song is certainly better craftier than the Kris Kross song, with lyrics like "I got more rhymes than a Bible's got psalms" (my personal favorite), but still rests on the irritating side of the line should you find yourself outside of a sports arena. Also, I would love to know how Everlast (House of Pain's frontman) went from "Jump Around" to his 1998 solo single "What It's Like." Really? Wow.
10) "Just Another Day" ~ Jon Secada: This song is Jon's debut single off his debut, self-titled album. It was written by Secada and Miguel Morejon and reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the Adult Contemporary charts, eventually reaching gold status. The song was also released in Spanish ("Otro Dia Mas Sin Verte"), since Jon (born Juan Francisco Secada Martinez) is Cuban and has long been involved in the Latin music world. The song was later covered by Bernie Williams (yes, of New York Yankees fame) and featured Secada on the track as well.
While completely admitting that this is what I would normally dub as "mom music," I really love Jon Secada, ironically because my mom loved Jon Secada. I have distinct memories of singing this song and "If You Go" along with her in the car and falling in love with his voice. (This also, unfortunately, happened with Johnny Mathis Christmas albums, but that's for another blog.) This is standard pop music at its best, and it does its job well. Catchy tune? Check. Simple lyrics? Check. Suave, handsome, Latin lover singing the song? Check. It's like Ricky Martin without the gay. Good times.
So, there you have it. 1992 wrapped up in a neat, little, 10-song package. I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have, and if you did, leave a comment! If you didn't, leave a comment! If you read this at all, leave a comment! Meanwhile, I'll be putting a list together for next week's compilation of tunes from 1993. Rock on, Gen X/Gen Y-ers. Rock on.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Nostalgic Music - 1991
Welcome to the next installment of Nostalgic Music of the 90s. After last week's post, I was so excited that I couldn't wait a full week to post the next spot. Even my step-dad, a true flower child of the 60s, was excited and wanted a CD of all the songs written about last week. And so, I trudge on.
This week, I am going to take aim at the next year in line, 1991. '91 was an interesting year, and here are some fun facts to spark your memory before getting down to the gritty, musical core:
*I turned 6
*Operation Desert Storm begins with air strikes in Iraq
*Female serial killer Aileen Wuornos confesses to the murders of six men (and if you haven't seen the movie Monster yet with Charlize Theron, I suggest you go rent it immediately)
*Jack Kevorkian is barred from assisting in suicides
*Jeffrey Dahmer is arrested with the remains of 11 men and boys are found in his apartment, and he is later guilty of six additional murders
*Super Nintendo is released in the US!
*Magic Johnson announces he has HIV
It was certainly a tense and controversial year, and that's just a taste of it. The 90s were shaping up to be a time of growth and expansion and musical delightfulness. Let's begin, shall we? Here is the first list of my Top 10 songs of 1991:
1) "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" ~ Bryan Adams: As his most successful song of all time, "I Do It For You" spent many weeks on the top of many charts in many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. The song holds the record for the longest run at #1 in the UK (16 weeks). Featured on the soundtrack for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Adams' album Waking Up The Neighbors, Adams and the song's two other co writers (Michael Kamen and Shania Twain's two-timing husband Mutt Lange) all won Grammys in 1991 for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture and were also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. But didn't win. Poor Mutt. :/
No matter how corny this song may sound today, I still consider it one of the ultimate tear-jerkers. I have been madly in love with Bryan Adams' songs since I was old enough to truly appreciate the written word, and my love only grows. I recently re-purchased his MTV Unplugged (on iTunes since my CD seems to have dissolved) and find myself singing, dancing, and crying along with all those lucky bastards in the live audience. This is the kind of song that (and I am sure I'm right here) every girl wishes some guy had written for and sung to her. Come on, admit it. You, too, have been in the car pretending Bryan was singing this song to you...right? Not just me?
2) "Motownphilly" ~ Boyz II Men: The debut single off their debut album, "Motownphilly" was the original launching pad of Boyz II Men's stellar career, reaching Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a guest rap spot by Michael Bivins, member of New Edition and Bel Biv DeVoe, who also co-wrote the song with the group and founded the Boyz as well (the busy beaver).
Much like Bryan Adams, I have long had a love affair with Boyz II Men, their super-catchy 90s songs, and their incredibly sexy voices. I still get shivers when I hear their other 1991 single, "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday." "Motownphilly" was the best choice for a debut single, since it was fun, catchy, and dancy. I get giddy when it comes on the radio and I can (try to) harmonize like the best of them while singing " Boyz II Men goin' off. Not too hard, not too soft..." and I especially love their first-verse shout outs to "ABC" (Another Bad Creation) and "BBD" (Bel Biv DeVoe), their "east coast family." It almost makes me proud to live only 2 hours from Philly. Almost.
3) "Losing My Religion" ~ R.E.M.: Off the band's 1991 album Out Of Time, "Losing My Religion" became R.E.M.'s highest-charting hit in the US and reached number 4 on the Billboard charts. It also won two Grammy awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or a Group with Vocal and Best Short Form Music Video. This song expanded R.E.M.'s then-limited fan base and exposed them to a whole new arena of audiences. It was based off a mandolin riff mistakenly written by the band's guitarist Peter Buck, who was trying to learn how to play the instrument and haphazardly recorded the riff that would later become "Losing My Religion."
For me, this song never gets old, no matter how many times I hear it. I love R.E.M., but I especially love Michael Stipes' lyrics, particulary in this song. When I was younger, I was pretty sure this song was about someone not wanting to be in their religion anymore. Simple, yes? Oops. Turns out, it's a tale of unrequited love. The title line is taken from an old southern saying, which really means losing one's temper or being at the end of one's rope, so to speak. Who knew? Not being southern, I think my childhood assessment was fair. Also, I was six. This is the kind of song that I'm pretty sure most people know most of the lyrics to, since it has such staying power and since it's so easy to listen to. Plus, who doesn't love a good mandolin every now and again?
4) "Good Vibrations" ~ Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway: A number one hit (their only number one hit) in the US, Sweden, and Switzerland, "Good Vibrations" was released in 1991 on the group's album Music For The People. The song was written by rapper MC SPICE, who was a good friend of the Wahlberg family and wrote other songs for Marky Mark later on. Fun video fact on this song: In the video, Marky Mark is shown out and about doing several things, including boxing. To train for this scene in the video, Marky Mark was helped by Irish Mickey Ward, the boxer he would late play in the film "The Fighter." IRONY!
First of all, can we, all together, say "swooooon!" I don't care. In my mind, Mark Wahlberg is still one of the sexiest men on the planet. Whether it's singing white-guy rap songs, posing in Calvin Klein underwear ads, or playing a Rock Star, Marky Mark makes my knees weak. "Good Vibrations" is that kind of song that you hear once in awhile (at a bat mitzvah, wedding, or 90s radio station) and you sing along with the chorus but then switch the song halfway through because you realize the rest of the song is kind of...well, crappy. BUT, I will give props to the cast of Glee for reviving the song for a moment in their episode "Funk" (despite the fact that the song is, in no way, funky).
5) "Emotions" ~ Mariah Carey: The ultimate diva herself, Ms. Mariah, shows us just what she's made of with her first single off her second album, Emotions. The song features some of her highest and lowest notes possible and was her fifth consecutive number one hit in the US, making her (still) the ONLY act to have their first five singles reach number one. Girl had it goin' ON. The song was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal performance, but lost to Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About." Ironically, the song that finally knocked "Emotions" out of it's number one spot on the charts was "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Hmmm...
Mariah Carey is a serious 90s princess. She knocked the world off its feet with her gorgeous voice, amazing range, and serious good looks. She really can sing anything, which is evident in "Emotions," a disco-style song brought right into the 90s without a hitch. This song makes me, at minimum, wiggle my butt while driving, but usually I break it down (90s style, of course) with the top down, singing "yoooou got me feelin' emotions!" to the passing cars. It's best at a red light, for sure. I don't think there are any Mariah songs I don't like, but this is certainly one of her most fun, butt wiggles and all.
6) "Baby, Baby" ~ Amy Grant: Technically Amy's second number one hit on the pop charts (her first was her duet with Peter Cetera with "Next Time I Fall"), this is her first chart-topper as a single act. The lyrics were written by Grant herself and were inspired by her then-six-week-old baby girl, Millie. Amy claims to have had an impossible time writing the lyrics when given the music until she finally was inspired by her daughter and then wrote the song in ten minutes. (Believe what you will, folks.)
While the words to this song aren't exactly profound or thought-provoking, they're sweet and catchy as hell. When I was little, I had a tape that came with the karaoke machine my parents bought for me one year. (Birthday? Chanukkah? I can't remember, but it was AWESOME! Thanks, guys!) "Baby, Baby" was on the tape (both the regular version and the karaoke instrumental version) and I certainly made it a point to sing this song at all opportunities. And even though Amy Grant became kind of a Jesus-freak later on, I still praise her for writing a vital song of my childhood. Well done, Amy. Kudos.
7) "More Than Words" ~ Extreme: Although this song was technically released in 1990, it's popularity grew in 1991, so that's where we're putting it. Done and done. While the song started on the Billboard charts at number 81, it quickly soared to number 1 in the US and number 2 in the UK. Written by Gary Cherone (the band's singer) and Nuno Bettencourt (the band's guitarist), this ballad was described by Bettencourt as a warning that the phrase "I love you" was becoming meaningless. He believed that people threw the phrase around too often and used it too lightly, that there were ways to show you loved someone that were better than just saying it.
This song melts my heart. An ex-boyfriend and I used to call this "our song" for three years (sigh...) and it still gets to me every time I hear it. The lyrics and melody are both so beautiful and the fact that Extreme was a "hair metal" band singing an incredible ballad made it that much better. Bettencourt's reasoning is just the icing on my hair-metal-music cake. I dare any of you to listen to this song in its entirety and not at least get a bit choked up. Go for it, let me know how that works out for you.
8) "I Wanna Sex You Up" ~ Color Me Badd: Their debut single off their first album, C.M.B., Color Me Badd achieved incredible success off this song in the US, UK, and New Zealand. It spent four weeks on the Billboard Top 100 in the US and reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance and R&B charts. The song featured handfuls of soundbites from other songs, including Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di" and Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night."
While it must have been frightening for our parents to hear their young kids belting out "I wanna sex you up!" along with the song on the radio, I'm sure they also knew that none of us had any idea what we were singing about. All I knew was that this fun song had a cool beat and I could make out some of the words in the the chorus. That's all it really takes to have a kid love a song anyway. "I Wanna Sex You Up" is one of those quintessentially 90s nostalgia songs because it was just so....90s, for lack of a better description. All you Gen X and Gen Y-ers know what I'm talking about.
9) "I Touch Myself" ~ The Divinyls: Off their fifth (yes, fifth...that's what happens when you're from outside the US. We have no clue who you are until years later, trapped in our American music bubble) studio album, Divinyls, this song ended up knocking off Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" for the number one spot in the US. The song created a minor controversy on this side of the globe until it became so popular that it was being played everywhere, regardless of the subject matter.
This song is a serious guilty pleasure. I can't help but crack a smile and sing along any time this song plays. (Also, those scenes from Austin Powers are usually running through my head simultaneously.) This is another song I'm sure our parents weren't thrilled we were singing aloud in public, but ignorance is bliss. And, sometimes, very funny. How can one resist to sing along to the "oooh....ohhh ohhh...." I mean, it's impossible.
10) "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" ~ Lenny Kravitz: Off his second studio album, Mama Said, came Lenny's Kravitz's second single. The song is based on the famous line spoken by Yogi Bera, although Yogi meant baseball. Lenny meant love. Sigh... The song is Kravitz's most successful single to date and came in just behind Bryan Adam's number one hit, "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" in 1991. Lenny Kravitz wrote, recorded, and produced this song on his own, as well as played all instruments (except the strings) on the recording.
Let's just say that Lenny Kravitz is my idea of the perfect man. If I could, I'd hunt him down and marry him. 'Nuff said. This, too, is another swooner and makes me feel like Jell-O (it's aliiive!). His voice alone makes me melt, not to mention everything else about him. This song is the best kind of throwback tribute to a simpler time in music, particularly in R&B, and makes that retro sound more modern. (Plus, did I mention how sexy he is? It didn't hurt his career, that's for sure.) Anyway, this song, along with so many of his others, will stay embedded in my brain matter for a lifetime. He's far too wonderful to ever forget.
So, there you have it. The second installment of Nostalgic 90s Music, circa 1991. Feel free to comment on what I missed, what I messed up, or what I rocked. (Preferably NOT in that order.) Stay tuned for the next episode in the ever-expanding drama of 90s music: 1992. Cause, baby, it ain't over 'til it's over. Swoon.
This week, I am going to take aim at the next year in line, 1991. '91 was an interesting year, and here are some fun facts to spark your memory before getting down to the gritty, musical core:
*I turned 6
*Operation Desert Storm begins with air strikes in Iraq
*Female serial killer Aileen Wuornos confesses to the murders of six men (and if you haven't seen the movie Monster yet with Charlize Theron, I suggest you go rent it immediately)
*Jack Kevorkian is barred from assisting in suicides
*Jeffrey Dahmer is arrested with the remains of 11 men and boys are found in his apartment, and he is later guilty of six additional murders
*Super Nintendo is released in the US!
*Magic Johnson announces he has HIV
It was certainly a tense and controversial year, and that's just a taste of it. The 90s were shaping up to be a time of growth and expansion and musical delightfulness. Let's begin, shall we? Here is the first list of my Top 10 songs of 1991:
1) "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" ~ Bryan Adams: As his most successful song of all time, "I Do It For You" spent many weeks on the top of many charts in many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada. The song holds the record for the longest run at #1 in the UK (16 weeks). Featured on the soundtrack for Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and Adams' album Waking Up The Neighbors, Adams and the song's two other co writers (Michael Kamen and Shania Twain's two-timing husband Mutt Lange) all won Grammys in 1991 for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture and were also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song. But didn't win. Poor Mutt. :/
No matter how corny this song may sound today, I still consider it one of the ultimate tear-jerkers. I have been madly in love with Bryan Adams' songs since I was old enough to truly appreciate the written word, and my love only grows. I recently re-purchased his MTV Unplugged (on iTunes since my CD seems to have dissolved) and find myself singing, dancing, and crying along with all those lucky bastards in the live audience. This is the kind of song that (and I am sure I'm right here) every girl wishes some guy had written for and sung to her. Come on, admit it. You, too, have been in the car pretending Bryan was singing this song to you...right? Not just me?
2) "Motownphilly" ~ Boyz II Men: The debut single off their debut album, "Motownphilly" was the original launching pad of Boyz II Men's stellar career, reaching Number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song features a guest rap spot by Michael Bivins, member of New Edition and Bel Biv DeVoe, who also co-wrote the song with the group and founded the Boyz as well (the busy beaver).
Much like Bryan Adams, I have long had a love affair with Boyz II Men, their super-catchy 90s songs, and their incredibly sexy voices. I still get shivers when I hear their other 1991 single, "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday." "Motownphilly" was the best choice for a debut single, since it was fun, catchy, and dancy. I get giddy when it comes on the radio and I can (try to) harmonize like the best of them while singing " Boyz II Men goin' off. Not too hard, not too soft..." and I especially love their first-verse shout outs to "ABC" (Another Bad Creation) and "BBD" (Bel Biv DeVoe), their "east coast family." It almost makes me proud to live only 2 hours from Philly. Almost.
3) "Losing My Religion" ~ R.E.M.: Off the band's 1991 album Out Of Time, "Losing My Religion" became R.E.M.'s highest-charting hit in the US and reached number 4 on the Billboard charts. It also won two Grammy awards for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or a Group with Vocal and Best Short Form Music Video. This song expanded R.E.M.'s then-limited fan base and exposed them to a whole new arena of audiences. It was based off a mandolin riff mistakenly written by the band's guitarist Peter Buck, who was trying to learn how to play the instrument and haphazardly recorded the riff that would later become "Losing My Religion."
For me, this song never gets old, no matter how many times I hear it. I love R.E.M., but I especially love Michael Stipes' lyrics, particulary in this song. When I was younger, I was pretty sure this song was about someone not wanting to be in their religion anymore. Simple, yes? Oops. Turns out, it's a tale of unrequited love. The title line is taken from an old southern saying, which really means losing one's temper or being at the end of one's rope, so to speak. Who knew? Not being southern, I think my childhood assessment was fair. Also, I was six. This is the kind of song that I'm pretty sure most people know most of the lyrics to, since it has such staying power and since it's so easy to listen to. Plus, who doesn't love a good mandolin every now and again?
4) "Good Vibrations" ~ Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch featuring Loleatta Holloway: A number one hit (their only number one hit) in the US, Sweden, and Switzerland, "Good Vibrations" was released in 1991 on the group's album Music For The People. The song was written by rapper MC SPICE, who was a good friend of the Wahlberg family and wrote other songs for Marky Mark later on. Fun video fact on this song: In the video, Marky Mark is shown out and about doing several things, including boxing. To train for this scene in the video, Marky Mark was helped by Irish Mickey Ward, the boxer he would late play in the film "The Fighter." IRONY!
First of all, can we, all together, say "swooooon!" I don't care. In my mind, Mark Wahlberg is still one of the sexiest men on the planet. Whether it's singing white-guy rap songs, posing in Calvin Klein underwear ads, or playing a Rock Star, Marky Mark makes my knees weak. "Good Vibrations" is that kind of song that you hear once in awhile (at a bat mitzvah, wedding, or 90s radio station) and you sing along with the chorus but then switch the song halfway through because you realize the rest of the song is kind of...well, crappy. BUT, I will give props to the cast of Glee for reviving the song for a moment in their episode "Funk" (despite the fact that the song is, in no way, funky).
5) "Emotions" ~ Mariah Carey: The ultimate diva herself, Ms. Mariah, shows us just what she's made of with her first single off her second album, Emotions. The song features some of her highest and lowest notes possible and was her fifth consecutive number one hit in the US, making her (still) the ONLY act to have their first five singles reach number one. Girl had it goin' ON. The song was nominated for a Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal performance, but lost to Bonnie Raitt's "Something To Talk About." Ironically, the song that finally knocked "Emotions" out of it's number one spot on the charts was "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. Hmmm...
Mariah Carey is a serious 90s princess. She knocked the world off its feet with her gorgeous voice, amazing range, and serious good looks. She really can sing anything, which is evident in "Emotions," a disco-style song brought right into the 90s without a hitch. This song makes me, at minimum, wiggle my butt while driving, but usually I break it down (90s style, of course) with the top down, singing "yoooou got me feelin' emotions!" to the passing cars. It's best at a red light, for sure. I don't think there are any Mariah songs I don't like, but this is certainly one of her most fun, butt wiggles and all.
6) "Baby, Baby" ~ Amy Grant: Technically Amy's second number one hit on the pop charts (her first was her duet with Peter Cetera with "Next Time I Fall"), this is her first chart-topper as a single act. The lyrics were written by Grant herself and were inspired by her then-six-week-old baby girl, Millie. Amy claims to have had an impossible time writing the lyrics when given the music until she finally was inspired by her daughter and then wrote the song in ten minutes. (Believe what you will, folks.)
While the words to this song aren't exactly profound or thought-provoking, they're sweet and catchy as hell. When I was little, I had a tape that came with the karaoke machine my parents bought for me one year. (Birthday? Chanukkah? I can't remember, but it was AWESOME! Thanks, guys!) "Baby, Baby" was on the tape (both the regular version and the karaoke instrumental version) and I certainly made it a point to sing this song at all opportunities. And even though Amy Grant became kind of a Jesus-freak later on, I still praise her for writing a vital song of my childhood. Well done, Amy. Kudos.
7) "More Than Words" ~ Extreme: Although this song was technically released in 1990, it's popularity grew in 1991, so that's where we're putting it. Done and done. While the song started on the Billboard charts at number 81, it quickly soared to number 1 in the US and number 2 in the UK. Written by Gary Cherone (the band's singer) and Nuno Bettencourt (the band's guitarist), this ballad was described by Bettencourt as a warning that the phrase "I love you" was becoming meaningless. He believed that people threw the phrase around too often and used it too lightly, that there were ways to show you loved someone that were better than just saying it.
This song melts my heart. An ex-boyfriend and I used to call this "our song" for three years (sigh...) and it still gets to me every time I hear it. The lyrics and melody are both so beautiful and the fact that Extreme was a "hair metal" band singing an incredible ballad made it that much better. Bettencourt's reasoning is just the icing on my hair-metal-music cake. I dare any of you to listen to this song in its entirety and not at least get a bit choked up. Go for it, let me know how that works out for you.
8) "I Wanna Sex You Up" ~ Color Me Badd: Their debut single off their first album, C.M.B., Color Me Badd achieved incredible success off this song in the US, UK, and New Zealand. It spent four weeks on the Billboard Top 100 in the US and reached number 1 on the Billboard Dance and R&B charts. The song featured handfuls of soundbites from other songs, including Doug E. Fresh's "La Di Da Di" and Betty Wright's "Tonight Is The Night."
While it must have been frightening for our parents to hear their young kids belting out "I wanna sex you up!" along with the song on the radio, I'm sure they also knew that none of us had any idea what we were singing about. All I knew was that this fun song had a cool beat and I could make out some of the words in the the chorus. That's all it really takes to have a kid love a song anyway. "I Wanna Sex You Up" is one of those quintessentially 90s nostalgia songs because it was just so....90s, for lack of a better description. All you Gen X and Gen Y-ers know what I'm talking about.
9) "I Touch Myself" ~ The Divinyls: Off their fifth (yes, fifth...that's what happens when you're from outside the US. We have no clue who you are until years later, trapped in our American music bubble) studio album, Divinyls, this song ended up knocking off Vanilla Ice's "Ice Ice Baby" for the number one spot in the US. The song created a minor controversy on this side of the globe until it became so popular that it was being played everywhere, regardless of the subject matter.
This song is a serious guilty pleasure. I can't help but crack a smile and sing along any time this song plays. (Also, those scenes from Austin Powers are usually running through my head simultaneously.) This is another song I'm sure our parents weren't thrilled we were singing aloud in public, but ignorance is bliss. And, sometimes, very funny. How can one resist to sing along to the "oooh....ohhh ohhh...." I mean, it's impossible.
10) "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" ~ Lenny Kravitz: Off his second studio album, Mama Said, came Lenny's Kravitz's second single. The song is based on the famous line spoken by Yogi Bera, although Yogi meant baseball. Lenny meant love. Sigh... The song is Kravitz's most successful single to date and came in just behind Bryan Adam's number one hit, "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" in 1991. Lenny Kravitz wrote, recorded, and produced this song on his own, as well as played all instruments (except the strings) on the recording.
Let's just say that Lenny Kravitz is my idea of the perfect man. If I could, I'd hunt him down and marry him. 'Nuff said. This, too, is another swooner and makes me feel like Jell-O (it's aliiive!). His voice alone makes me melt, not to mention everything else about him. This song is the best kind of throwback tribute to a simpler time in music, particularly in R&B, and makes that retro sound more modern. (Plus, did I mention how sexy he is? It didn't hurt his career, that's for sure.) Anyway, this song, along with so many of his others, will stay embedded in my brain matter for a lifetime. He's far too wonderful to ever forget.
So, there you have it. The second installment of Nostalgic 90s Music, circa 1991. Feel free to comment on what I missed, what I messed up, or what I rocked. (Preferably NOT in that order.) Stay tuned for the next episode in the ever-expanding drama of 90s music: 1992. Cause, baby, it ain't over 'til it's over. Swoon.
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