"Gonna Make You Sweat" featured the powerful vocals of Martha Wash and a rap from Freedom Williams along with state-of-the-art house rhythms to make up one of the most exhilarating songs of the year. For the centerpiece of his 1993 album, Billy Joel put together this stream-of-consciousness, gospel-influenced recording. (There It Is)" came up with another irresistible party hit. He is one of the top R&B masters of the 1990s and a key architect of new jack swing. One of the biggest is the music. The pairing of Mellencamp and NdegeOcello on this irresistible pop song is a match made in rock and roll heaven. 5 on the charts, and it became a well-deserved classic. Arrested Development finished their banner year by being awarded the Grammy for Best New Artist of 1992. The song is meant to be an adorable way for Nini to declare her love. If you don't know its history, this song might seem a bit treacly, and it's certainly no match for a number of other Eric Clapton classics. More dance hits followed in its wake, along with a farewell concert tour that lasted more than three years. Then it was a five-year wait for the next installment. The Best Gospel Songs Of All Time. The song's irresistible pop hooks kept it on the chart for most of the year. However, they're performed by the cast of the series, which brings it all together. With this song, one of music's most beautiful voices meets one of the most stunning ballads ever written, and it made history, becoming the biggest pop hit of all time. "Rump Shaker" is innocent by today's standards, but it pushed boundaries in its day. Parts of this song can send chills up your spine, while Colvin's voice gently lulls you back into the story. Seal's perfectly balanced, acrobatic, romantic vocals make this otherwise simply pleasant song a work of art. The voice of Counting Crows' lead vocalist, Adam Duritz, is a magnificent instrument. Unfortunately, the band never quite returned to the glory of this single, but it is one of the greatest tracks of the decade. The producers behind the irresistibly catchy "Whoomp! The lights went out and it could've thrown Nini. Ini Kamoze - "Here Comes the Hotstepper". "Right Here Right Now" is less frenetic than EMF's "Unbelievable," but it settled easily into the pop mainstream and quickly rose to the top of the pop singles chart. The truth is that it was one of the most instantly entertaining and catchy hits of the decade. This was one of the most joy-filled hits of 1990, an atmosphere further enhanced by the accompanying video. This single came out as the all-female Lilith Fair concert tour, organized by McLachlan, was just kicking into gear. E.J. "Girl power" from the group swept the U.K. in 1996 and then conquered America the following year. Throw in Seb stealing the show as Sharpay Evans and this was an easy winner. It is gorgeous and irresistibly prods you into singing along. "U Can't Touch This" is little more than Hammer's simple rap superimposed over Rick James' "Super Freak," but the image of Hammer working the crowd in his oversized parachute pants is one of the most memorable pop cultural moments of 1990. Music industry legend Clive Davis convinced her to record a new set of songs, and the resulting album, "My Love Is Your Love," includes some of her best work. RELATED: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series Characters Sorted Into Hogwarts Houses. No one really doubted Cher would eventually make another musical comeback, but this time it became the biggest hit of her entire career. Grunge had arrived. Like Mark Wahlberg, he went on to enjoy way more success as an actor, but this remains one of the more charming pop musical relics of the 1990s. (There It Is)" could also be heard for many years as part of the soundtrack for breaks in sports events of all kinds. Although a little of its cheeky, self-indulgent humor can go a long way, few songs epitomize 90s pop like "One Week.". It spent three weeks at the top of the pop singles chart and is one of the most uplifting hits of Joel's career. Everyone gets a moment and it culminates with the cast bowing to the audience, having succeeded in putting on a great show. stepped aside as Troy to allow Nini to sing to Ricky, who was in the crowd. "Vogue" was also significantly late in spotlighting the underground world of "voguing," but it is possibly the most perfect dance song Madonna has ever recorded. The song emerged out of lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis' struggles to overcome heroin addiction. 2 on the pop singles chart. It features Guns 'n Roses guitarist Slash ushering in an uplifting message about racial unity. Amy Grant spent the 1980s as one of the most successful of the Christian pop singers, but not until 1991 did she enjoy a major crossover into the pop mainstream. It was all accompanied by a music video that presented a memorable and unrelentingly dark view of the classic high school pep rally. Within the context of "Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness," an expansive double album dedicated to depression, "1979" sounds almost perky. By the time the '90s headed to a close, it had been eight years since Whitney Houston had put out a studio album. Her character, Nini, is like the actress in that she writes and performs her own songs. It came during auditions when Nini boldly stepped up to try and land the role of Gabriella. "All I Wanna Do" unfolds like a mini-movie thanks to Crow's artful vocals, whose lyrics paint a luminous picture of the adventures of Sheryl and "Billy" "until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard.". 1. Although her style is often thought of as overly earnest, Etheridge can also be gut-wrenching. The accident and long recovery inspired this gorgeous hit ballad. Lisa Loeb rose quickly to stardom on the heels of her hit "Stay" from the soundtrack to the film "Reality Bites." However, "Truth, Justice, and Songs In Our Key" stands out for other reasons. "Bump 'N Grind" connects the vocal stylings of early '90s new jack swing with the romance of classic R&B. That meant the show's cast rehearsed it on multiple occasions but it really didn't all come together until it was time for the big performance on opening night. Many alt-rock fans abandoned Soul Asylum as having sold out to the mainstream, but pop fans pushed "Runaway Train" to No. With the current backlash against boy bands, too few remember that these male vocal groups have recorded some great pop songs. The original version of "I Will Always Love You" was written and recorded by Dolly Parton. Another classic from the original High School Musical movie, "Start of Something New" was one of the first songs performed on the show. NEXT: High School Musical: The Musical: The Series: Sorting The Main Characters By Their MBTI®. The mix is incredibly catchy and showcases the vocal talents of the cast. E.J. Mark Wahlberg had a history of scrapes with the law as a teenager, but his ready-for-video buffed body and good looks, combined with energetic dance beats and Loleatta Holloway's diva-esque vocals, made for a smash pop hit. Those who watched it almost immediately fell in love for a handful of reasons. The humorous approach of Presidents of the United States of America stands out amid the onslaught of Seattle bands riding the wave of the grunge revolution. "C'mon 'N Ride It (The Train)" inspired another wave of soundalike hits and is perennially welcome on any party soundtrack. It was proof of just how far hip-hop artists could push the boundaries of the genre. The summer of 1997 came to a tragic close when Princess Diana died in a horrific car accident. Still, it served to make the group's lead vocalist, Gwen Stefani, a bona fide star. 3 before eventually spending, appropriately enough, one week at No. "Summertime," their biggest hit, is the centerpiece of the album. Fat, Parliament-style funky beats, laidback rap vocals, words reflecting the violence of life on the street, and pop hooks combined for a tremendously successful new sound. While preparing to perform High School Musical in front of everyone, Nini and Ricky rehearsed "Breaking Free" quite often. Together they took a Van Morrison chestnut and turned it into something transcendent. It's difficult to remember now the image of Sinead O'Connor prior to the controversial television appearances that nearly brought down her career, but few pop performers have put together more powerful, heart-stopping performances than this. In a year marked by wistfulness and longing in pop songs, this is the peak. With the words "This ain't no disco. "In the House of Stone and Light" is not artistically innovative, but it nearly perfectly encapsulates the mainstream of pop circa 1995. "What's Up?" This top-10 hit from San Francisco's Faith No More was both heavy and absurd. This came at a crucial time for her, as she had just split from E.J. "I Want It That Way" is simply one of the great ballads in pop music history. So who were some of the biggest acts of the 1990s? Ben Folds and company brought the issue of abortion to the pop charts—from a male point of view. The fusion didn't always work well, but this time it did, and the overall effect is eminently engaging. "Secret" is one of the least flamboyant of Madonna's 1990s hits, but it remains one of her most satisfying. Listen and enjoy Matthews' intimate vocals over intricately arranged bluegrass-tinged pop. Quad City DJs - "C'mon Ride It (The Train)". But given that this gentle ballad was written in response to the death of Clapton's young son, Conor, it becomes one of the greatest songs of sorrow and comfort ever written. Born and raised in New York City, Kevin eventually went on to attain my Bachelor's Degree in Creative Writing for Entertainment at Full Sail University as Valedictorian. "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" is one of the top albums of the decade, and "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a brilliantly tuneful dissection of sexual politics from the point of view of both genders. Guest musicians—including Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip—boost the party atmosphere. Us3 created a unique sound by placing contemporary rap rhymes on top of samples of classic jazz from the Blue Note record label. This is arguably the last great Michael Jackson single. There's a reason "The Medley, The Mashup" was actually the first single released from the show's official soundtrack. Sinead O'Connor - "Nothing Compares 2 U". Add to that, who would have thought its vocalist would be the lead singer for post-grunge band Matchbox 20? This is one of their few breakthrough American hits. "MMMBop" is catchy, sugary sweet, and irresistible. She's nearly crying with every verse and her unique voice makes it into something special. (1995), Heart: 'All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You' (1990), Whitney Houston: 'It's Not Right, But It's Okay' (1998), Presidents of the United States of America: 'Lump' (1995), Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch: 'Good Vibrations' (1996), Jesus Jones: 'Right Here Right Now' (1991), Will Smith: 'Gettin' Jiggy Wit It' (1997), Quad City DJs: 'C'mon 'n Ride It (The Train)' (1996), Martin Page: 'In the House of Stone and Light' (1994), Tracy Chapman: 'Give Me One Reason' (1995), Digital Underground: 'The Humpty Dance' (1990), DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince: 'Summertime' (1991), Collective Soul: 'The World I Know' (1995), Melissa Etheridge: 'Come to My Window' (1993), Various Artists: 'ESPN Presents the Jock Jam' (1997), Deborah Cox: 'Nobody's Supposed to Be Here' (1998), Dr. Dre: 'Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang' (1992), Backstreet Boys: 'Everybody (Backstreet's Back)' (1997), C&C Music Factory: 'Gonna Make You Sweat' (1990), Bruce Springsteen: 'Streets of Philadelphia' (1993), Dave Matthews Band: 'Crash Into Me' (1996), Ini Kamoze: 'Here Comes the Hotstepper' (1994), Lauryn Hill: 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' (1998), Puff Daddy and Faith Evans Featuring 112: 'I'll Be Missing You' (1997), Gloria Estefan: 'Coming out of the Dark' (1991), Red Hot Chili Peppers: 'Under the Bridge' (1991), Deee-Lite: 'Groove Is in the Heart' (1990), Proclaimers: 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' (1988/1993), Everything But the Girl: 'Missing' (1994), Britney Spears: '...Baby One More Time' (1998), M.L.S, Library Science, Indiana University. Today, most people regard "Macarena" as having been ridiculously overplayed, a quirky relic for wedding reception dances only. With a new season set to premiere in May, it's a good time to look back on the best songs so far. "A Kiss From a Rose" was featured as the love theme in the film "Batman Forever." It's a bit like welding a killer self-deprecating chorus to Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." A one-stop shop for all things video games. That's what happens when you have a #1 hit song. (Biggie Smalls) was tragically gunned down in March 1997. Sarah McLachlan's voice is almost otherworldly in its beauty. One of her best is "Out of the Old," from the seventh episode. It's a hard-hitting, aggressive rap classic that brought together both rap and pop audiences and cemented LL's status as one of the top rap artists of all time. The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. It quickly became his biggest-selling single ever worldwide. "Unbelievable" mixed intoxicating rhythms, sweet high vocals from lead singer James Atkin, and rousing shouts to storm to the top of the pop charts. This one was directed by John Landis and featured actors Macaulay Culkin, George Wendt, and Peggy Lipton. This classic song was what she had to sing. But it happened, and "Smooth" deserved its subsequent sales and acclaim. 1 hits than anyone else during that decade. Before Nini decides to start writing songs for herself, a lot of her music indeed had to do with her love life. The four-part crooning and gorgeous pleading fade are irresistible. In the years to come, Beck would prove "Loser" was just a drop in the deep well of his creativity. Martin Page - In the House of Stone and Light. It became even better when Gina made her triumphant return with her incredible dance moves taking this to the next level. Record industry execs intended Deborah Cox to be the next Whitney Houston. While the movies are legendary for many fans, it's telling that the top two songs on the list are completely original and only in the series. Watch Video. After their dramatic success with "The Joshua Tree" and an epic concert tour of the U.S., U2 completely reinvented their musical style on the album "Achtung Baby." Its laid-back grooves settled in as the summer song of 1991. Features Praise Be! Along with Whitney Houston's "I Will Always Love You," this became the second hit of 1992 to place on the all-time top-10 list of pop hits. Jay-Z consolidated his status as the best of the East Coast rappers with this brilliant single that transforms a show-stopping number from the Broadway musical "Annie" into a gripping hip-hop opus. The Hanson brothers brought back bubblegum pop in all of its glory. 112 - "I'll Be Missing You". Kicking off with the immortal "Are you ready to rumble..." this pop culture artifact is sure to get your blood pumping with snippets from such tracks as "Whoomp! Glorious pretensions gave way to some of the sexiest funky rock of the decade. The acclaimed David Fincher video wraps up a stunning pop-dance package. Some might dismiss this song as simply a novelty hit, but it deserves closer listening. Although it only reached No. It's ironic that a gentle ballad became the breakthrough hit for a band best known for blending classic uptempo funk with alternative rock. This No. One of her best is "Out of the Old," from the seventh episode. It comes at a pivotal moment for the show with some heavy emotional undertones at the end of "What Team? The idea was that Ashlyn suggested Nini write something about herself instead of her relationships. This is L.A.," the world was introduced to the neo-folkie, irresistible pop of Sheryl Crow. Backstreet Boys - "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)". With a new season set to premiere in May, it's a good time to look back on the best songs so far. An outstanding music video added more resonance to this powerful song. Fatboy Slim and the Chemical Brothers rejuvenated electronica, Shania Twain and Garth Brooks spurred a resurgence in the popularity of country music, and Jay-Z and Tupac Shakur brought new life to hip-hop. It is both a moving tribute to comedian Andy Kaufman and a thoughtful meditation on the power of popular culture. It was the chart debut of one of the most striking voices of the mid-1990s. "Connected" is propelled by a catchy but downbeat atmospheric brand of hip-hop. Top 20 Alternative Rock Songs of All Time, 25 Great One Hit Wonders and Where They Are Now, Nirvana: 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (1991), Elton John: 'Candle in the Wind 1997' (1997), Whitney Houston: 'I Will Always Love You' (1992), Sinead O'Connor: 'Nothing Compares to You' (1990), Alanis Morissette: 'You Oughta Know' (1995), Jay-Z: 'Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)' (1998), Celine Dion: 'My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic')' (1997), LL Cool J: 'Mama Said Knock You Out' (1990), Backstreet Boys: 'I Want It That Way' (1999), Ricky Martin: 'Livin' La Vida Loca' (1999), Santana Featuring Rob Thomas: 'Smooth' (1999), John Mellencamp With Me'Shell NdegeOcello: 'Wild Night' (1994), Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories: 'Do You Sleep?' The spiritual quest detailed in "Tennessee" was a big part of the band's success. 1 hit was the world's first introduction to the voice of Mariah Carey. All the latest gaming news, game reviews and trailers. Being a well-written, enjoyable song is enough for a track to land on this list. In the wake of the disintegration of New Edition, three of the group's members, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe, proved that Bobby Brown wasn't the only breakout talent in the group. This song demonstrates exactly why we fell in love with the music of R. Kelly, if not the man. The song brought the entire cast together and while the track itself is clearly strong, it's the dance number that makes it shine. He has written in the past for various websites covering movies, TV, pop culture, sports, and wrestling. Echoes of Whitney Houston's influence are evident, but the sheer power and swooping highs are all Mariah's own. The a cappella anguish in Kelly's voice in the song's opening is brilliant, and it becomes an amazingly sexy song. Not entirely sure what she sees in drippy Marius, but On My Own is the ultimate anthem for unrequited love. It's difficult to pick out one song as the most memorable of them all from the trilogy of movies. Although many people remember the video for its sweet "dancing bee girl," the tune itself is much darker, outlining the efforts of bassist Brad Smith to cope with his girlfriend's struggles with clinical depression. It's a mix of the most popular songs from the original movies. Sometimes, you don't need one specific song to stand out from the rest. Like the previous entry, the acoustic version is even better, especially since it features the four top female characters singing. This song, a gorgeous R&B ballad revved up with a club mix, was one of the top dance hits of the decade. In a dance-happy pop environment, this trio swept in with a classic that still sounds half-retro, half-contemporary, and completely groovy. The group never duplicated the success of this song, but lead vocalist Linda Perry went on to become a successful songwriter and producer, crafting hits for everyone from Pink to Courtney Love. The ultimate hook in the lyric is the line "Tell me all your thoughts on God / Cause I'd really like to meet her,"  and it has something to do with asking questions, like children often do. is the first hit from her debut solo album, "Tails.". Even those who don't watch this series have heard about Olivia Rodrigo. This is the masterpiece that helped the Backstreet Boys conquer the hearts of millions. Although later hits would more dramatically demonstrate the vocal acrobatics of the group's lead singer, Dolores O'Riordan, "Linger" has an almost ethereal beauty that does indeed remain long after the song ends. This is the peak of the work created by producer, songwriter, and performer Teddy Riley, leader of the group Blackstreet. Page faded from the airwaves not long after this one hit. Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith (aka the Fresh Prince) took a big step forward in the maturity of their sound with the 1991 album "Homebase." "Coming out of the Dark" is now considered one of the top inspirational pop hits of all time. It's automatically a gorgeous song on its own and Ashlyn is great at singing it but when Nini joins her, it becomes the best of the bunch. It was part of the soundtrack to the film "Rush," and Clapton's "Unplugged" album featured the even more popular acoustic rendition. There It Is," "It Takes Two," "YMCA," and "Pump Up the Jam.". New acts like Nirvana changed the way people listened to rock music, while established stars like Madonna had the biggest hits of their careers. When "Livin' La Vida Loca" dropped, the English-speaking world discovered what they had been missing. This remains one of the best-ever autobiographical songs by a pop recording artist. "Baby Baby" is a delightful celebration of love between life partners. This is one of Alanis Morissette's most memorable and lyrically uncluttered songs. Instead, she belted it out with Ricky and E.J. Riveting and atmospheric, "Gangsta's Paradise" was such a shift in focus that Coolio's record label decided to leave it off his solo album and instead put it on the soundtrack to the film "Dangerous Minds." Having it intercut with sad scenes of Ricky calling his mom and Gina crying about having to leave made for an interesting juxtaposition. (There It Is)" is art, it is possibly the most popular party single of the last 25 years. They were integral to the development of 1960s counterculture and popular music's recognition as an art form.