The 90s are so big, again. It's inspiring current music and fashion. Plus, it's great to go back and check out the awesome songs of the 90s, they do bring me sheer joy. That's what we're going to do over the next 10 weeks, look at the best songs of the 90s. These weren't the biggest songs of the year, and you may have forgotten some, but all these are tracks I look back on with great affection. First up, 1990.
Which of these songs from 1990 do you love? Which great 1990 track did we miss? Tell us in the comments section below.
I Don't Want To Be With Nobody But You- Absent Friends
Now this is a brilliant song and a great way to start our look at 1990. Absent Friends was a great little super group featuring some top Aussie musicians including members of INXS and The Models and great solo artists like Peter Blakeley and the very talented Wendy Matthews. It was Wendy who took the lead on this great cover and just nailed it. This song is so beautiful, Wendy sounds amazing, showing great range and emotion. This was a deserved record of the year at the ARIA awards!
Do Me! - Bell Biv Devoe
I do adore a slice of 90s hip-hop and the gents of Bell Biv Devoe did it better than most. They had amazing songs like "Gangsta" and "Poison", but "Do Me!" was definitely their best. The beat is fantastic and the combo of brilliant vocals and fierce rap is perfection. Now this is a dirty little song all about sex, but it's still fun and still holds some mystery - this is a lot classier than some of the rap out today. Wow, I just showed all of my 40 years just then!
Just Another Dream - Cathy Dennis
I was such a big Cathy Dennis fan in the early 90s. Many know her best as the writer of Kylie's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" and the American Idol theme, but she will always be an awesome vocalist to me. After teaming up with D-Mob for the brilliant, "C'Mon Get My Love", Cathy released "Just Another Dream" as her first solo single. That chorus is spectacular and the beat is so infectious. This song still holds up well today, as does her other massive hit, "Touch Me (All Night Long".
Joey - Concrete Blonde
What a an emotive song. This heartbreaker is all about being in love with a guy who is battling addiction, "I just stand by and let you fight your secret war". Lead singer Johnette's voice is so beautifully pained, you can't help but emote with her. This was a massive hit here in Australia, and rightfully so, not many songs are as honest or as raw as this brilliant rock ballad. I think I still know every lyric, as many would!
She Ain't Worth It (featuring Bobby Brown) - Glenn Medeiros
Now this track is so 90s it hurts. Glenn Medeirios was only known for power ballad, "Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You", so when he came out with this pop/R7B scorcher, it was a welcome relief. Bobby Brown was hot property after his brilliant debut solo album, that the combination was a winner. Those synths are great and the song has the perfect build, plus Bobby Brown's rap is awesome. This may have dated, but I still rock out to this very early 90s tune.
Candy - Iggy Pop
This song still makes people happy, 25 years later. Featuring the wonderfully distinctive vocals of Kate Pierson of The B'52s, this is such a weirdly different track, that is just works perfectly. Pierson's talking at the start of the second verse is everything, and when Iggy Pop's go for his sweet spot, it's not technically perfect, but it is irresistable. This one goes off on the dance floor at a party. Now sing with me, "Candy, candy, candy, I can't let you go".
Love Rear Its Ugly Head - Living Color
Now you go on quite the journey with this very funky pop/rock song. That guitar is sublime and the vocals are exceptional. I imagine hearing this song live would be a major treat. The chorus is so simple, but so addictive, as he sings, "Oh no, please not that again", I just want to close my eyes and feel the beat. A passionate little song that still sounds brilliant.
Hanky Panky - Madonna
This Madonna gem is often forgotten. From the Dick Tracy inspired "I'm Breathless", this is great pop with influences of jazz and swing. Let's be honest, only Madonna could get away with such an adorable ode to spanking. The beat is damn catchy and the horns are divine. This tongue in cheek song shows both Madonna's fun and naughty sides - all the things that make her the Queen of Pop.
Cult of Snap - Snap
Snap! will always be remembered for their massive hits, "The Power" and "Rhythm is a Dancer", and to a lesser extent, "Oops Up", but it was their third single, "Cult of Snap" that was my favourite of theirs. This had a harder beat and combined with the tribal sounds, it became irresistible. While the 90s club sound dated fast, it is definitely making a comeback and is such an influence on current dance producers. This song makes me want to dance.
Hold On - Wilson Phillips
This is probably the most recognisable song on the list, and that's in part to its excellent usage in the hilarious film, "Bridesmaids" - what a perfect ending to that film. This is such a genuinely good song, a brilliant debut for the very talented ladies of Wilson Phillips. It builds perfectly to that end part with the claps and great harmonises. I still listen to this track a lot, it is just that good!!
So which of these songs did you love? Still love? What should we have included? Or what should we include for 1991 next week? Tell us in the comments section below.
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