Wednesday 1 October 2008

Absolute best singles of the 1990s

From Metallica's "Enter Sandman" to Cher's "Believe" and Megadeth and "The Macarena", the 1990s were host to some of the best music in the latter part of the 20th century. 411Music writers throw their top 5 best singles of the 1990s into the ring. Check it out.

Ah, the decade of mix CDs replacing mix tapes. No more having to fumble with cassettes or worrying about the tape getting stuck in the player. A decade where music lost its innocence and many stars were lost before their time. But like a great musician once said, "It's better to burn out than fade away."

So, what do we have for you this week? A lot. A whole variety of stuff that barely even breaks the ice. Nothing popalicious either. That comes next week, with Worst Singles of the 1990s. For now, enjoy what the 411 Writing staff calls the crem de la crème of the close to the 20th century.

Storman Norman: There are far too many great songs from the 90's, even with all of the lists that have been complied here we does not do justice to what the 90's meant to music, especially after the dreadful 80's. I guess it is true the music of your youth is the soundtrack of your life.

Honorable Mentions: Mariah Carey - "Emotions", Tupac feat. Dr. Dre - "California Love", Sublime - "Santeria", Red Hot Chilli Peppers - "Under the Bridge", Fugees - "Killing Me Softly", Too Short - "Cocktails", Naughty by Nature - "O.P.P.", Color Me Badd - "I Wanna Sex You Up".

5. Garth Brooks - "The Thunder Rolls": This is one of my all time favorite country songs. One of three #1 hits from his 1991 album No Fences and spent the most time at #1 out of the three. Although in 1991 I was only 9 years old and didn't really understand the magnitude of what the song was about, I was instantly drawn to the clashing of thunder and amazing instrument play. It was the first music video to air on GAC (Great American Country) network and earned him the CMA Music Video of the Year award.

4. Mariah Carey feat. Boyz II Men - "One Sweet Day": This #1 hit single, was featured on Mariah's Daydream album and was inspired by the death of B2M's manager David Cole. Not sure why the Boys and Mariah never teamed up again as it still holds the record for the most time spent at #1 (16 weeks) on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. This sorrowful and optimistic ballad will always hold a special place in my heart, one sweet day mom, one sweet day.

3. Notorious BIG - "Juicy": This was our introduction to the original Bad Boy, "the N.O, T.O, R.I, O, U.S, you just lay down slow". It peaked at #3 on the U.S Rap chart and was song that chronicled his realization of a dream. A dream that every aspiring musician has, to go from obscurity to the lime light. Although it was out shined by the other two singles released from the Ready to Die album, "One More Chance" and "Big Poppa", I feel it is his best song. "It was all a dream..."

2. Dr. Dre feat Snoop Doggy Dogg - "Nuthin' But A "G" Thang": This single is one of the greatest rap songs ever! It was the second single that the D.O.C released as a solo artist and was also our introduction to a tall, lanky and corn-rowed Snoop Dogg. This west coast classic reached #2 on the U.S Hot 100 and spent significant time at #1 on both U.S Rap and R&B charts. "And if you bitches talk shit, I have ta' put the smack down."

1. Green Day - "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)": The best performing single from the 1997 two-time platinum album Nimrod. It peaked at #2 on the U.S Modern music charts. Initially written as a break-up song but due the reminiscing attitude of the song it becomes an international hit at ceremonial social occasions. I wonder how many people had this as their high school graduation song, I know I did. But for me the meaning goes far beyond that. You know how in movies before people die there is a montage of their life memories played to a song, well this would be the soundtrack to my life's montage. Every time I hear it the eyes kinda water and I begin to think about a few special memories.

(excerpt from 411mania.com)



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