Jade's favourite top 40 hits of each year ● 1997 onwards

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Jade's favourite top 40 hits of each year ● 1997 onwards, 2005: 40-21 posted

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Mack. View member profile	4th March 2019, 03:35 PM Post #101
It's still will be the return of the Mack 4eva Joined: 1 February 2011 Posts: 53,690 User: 12,915	'I Can't Help Myself' haven't heard this in a long time but wow this is still a tune. 'My Favourite Game' always though this peaked in the Top10 but what a song this was them. 'Turn Back Time' different from them than 'Barbie Girl' and 'Doctor Jones'. Prefer this to 'Barbie Girl' sorry. 'Rockafeller Shank' from Fatboy Slim, what a blast from the past this is, 21 years since this was first released, makes me feel old, absolute genius from Fatboy Slim. 'Love Like This' that sample just incredible. A R&B smash from that year.


dandy* View member profile	9th March 2019, 07:28 PM Post #102
Mansonette Joined: 7 March 2006 Posts: 35,301 User: 54	I'm late to ninety eight! However that Cardigans track is fantastic, I was gutted when it missed the top 10 at the time even though it ended up doing very well really and gave them their biggest era. The Rockefeller Skank is also a high point, it was the first Fatboy single I bought and it sounded so different at the time - the big beat era was great!


Jade View member profile	9th March 2019, 07:53 PM Post #103
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	QUOTE(Mack. @ Mar 4 2019, 03:35 PM) 'I Can't Help Myself' haven't heard this in a long time but wow this is still a tune. 'My Favourite Game' always though this peaked in the Top10 but what a song this was them. 'Turn Back Time' different from them than 'Barbie Girl' and 'Doctor Jones'. Prefer this to 'Barbie Girl' sorry. 'Rockafeller Shank' from Fatboy Slim, what a blast from the past this is, 21 years since this was first released, makes me feel old, absolute genius from Fatboy Slim. 'Love Like This' that sample just incredible. A R&B smash from that year. I hadn't heard 'I Can't Help Myself' in ages either until it cropped up at a recent Now plug session, was so great to hear it again and I'm glad that it's not just me who expected 'My Favourite Game' to have peaked higher, was such a shocking revelation! 'Barbie Girl' is a guilty pleasure but yeah 'Turn Back Time' is definitely their best <3 Fatboy Slim is indeed amazing, can't wait to get to his particularly epic stuff from 1999 <3 and v pleased to see the underrated 'Love Like This' getting some love from you, at first it was hard to get used to it away from 'Be Faithful' but Kisstory spam it so much that I'm so used to it as its own song now. QUOTE(dandy* @ Mar 9 2019, 07:28 PM) I'm late to ninety eight! However that Cardigans track is fantastic, I was gutted when it missed the top 10 at the time even though it ended up doing very well really and gave them their biggest era. The Rockefeller Skank is also a high point, it was the first Fatboy single I bought and it sounded so different at the time - the big beat era was great! Hey Dandy, better late than never . it is a real shame that 'My Favourite Game' didn't peak higher indeed, it's such a signature song of theirs, as well as 'Lovefool' of course. But yes it's definitely stood the test of time despite this and was introduced to younger generations through the advert it was on, in my case. 'The Rockafeller Skank' is a great first Fatboy Slim track to have bought <3 I think 'Right Here Right Now' was the first one I instantly needed on my iPod haha. Big beat ftw . Going to finally try and get the next section up later tonight after a run and catching up on the chart show, sorry again for such a long wait!!


Jade View member profile	10th March 2019, 01:25 AM Post #104
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	35. Sham Rock - Tell Me Ma (chart-run: 13-19-17-24-34-43-56-66-59-69-73) 34. Apollo 440 - Lost In Space (Theme) (chart-run: 4-6-11-16-23-31-46-60-73) 33. Beastie Boys - Intergalactic (chart-run: 5-11-14-27-39-50-65) 32. Robbie Williams - No Regrets (chart-run: 4-14-19-18-16-22-28-37-40-40-41-54-65) 31. Chef - Chocolate Salty Balls (chart-run: 2-1-3-4-9-13-18-20-27-26-33-46-48) c3RgXpIl8XM Right we're back in action now! Kicking off the second section for 1998 is Sham Rock with the delightful 'Tell Me Ma'. The pseudo-folk band took this song all the way to #13 in the UK chart but would remain one hit wonders forevermore. But it's okay when your one hit is this good tbh. I'm sure this would absolutely go OFF on the dance-floor of an Irish wedding but you needn't be Irish to embrace this in all its glory. It's the epitome of euphoric with an infectious high-energy beat, a ridiculously catchy chorus and sweet lyrics elsewhere like "she's as nice as apple pie". Also, did I mention that it's very Irish? It features lyrics such as "she is the belle of Belfast city" and incorporates traditional Irish instrumentation. 'Tell Me Ma' is actually a pop version of the children's song 'I'll Tell Me Ma'. Whoever decided to turn that children's song into this brilliant barn-stomper was a genius. Next up is the first of a very spacey back-to-back! At #34 we have 'Lost In Space (Theme)' by Apollo 440. The English electronic group put their spin on the 'Lost In Space' theme for the 1998 movie of the same name and got it all the way to the top 5 of the chart. I gather that soundtrack songs were a pretty big deal back in the 1990s as this was their biggest ever hit. I tend to enjoy sci-fi or action film soundtrack songs a lot as they are naturally quite exhilarating - this is no exception! It flips the original theme on its head and gives it super cool big beat production. I typically enjoy Apollo 440's style in general ('Stop The Rock' and 'Blackbeat' in particular are absolute tunes) so it's no surprise that I'd be into this, because they're doing their usual kind of thing really. Plus there are some small amusing vocal segments in amongst the thrilling instrumental that are thrown in for good measure. Last one to kill a bad guy buys the beer! Now we have the second space-themed song of two at #33 and this is 'Intergalactic' by the Beastie Boys! If this doesn't make you feel hyped then there's something wrong with you tbh. They attack those verses with the perfect amount of energy and the heavily vocoded hook is equally infectious. I'd consider this and '(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party)' as the songs I know best by the Beastie Boys. I love both but shamefully don't know that much of their other material. I really should delve deeper. This was the hip-hop group's biggest ever hit here as it's their only top 5 single! Aside from the song itself, I also appreciate the use of a hamster in the cover art and the action-packed video. 'Intergalactic' was well-received as it picked up a Grammy award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, yay! At #32 is Robbie's first appearance of THREE for 1998 with 'No Regrets', what a year it was for him! Robbie wrote this song about both his time in Take That and past relationships. I feel like he writes some of his best songs when he's channeling pain and this is no exception. The final thirty seconds or so in particular actually gives me chills a bit! "I guess the love we both had is officially... DEAD". What a great moment of tension, up there with Rocky Horror's "I'll make you shiver with antici...pation" tbh. Aside from the gripping lyrics, I also love the dreamy production duties and the use of Neil Tennant and Neil Hannon as backing vocalists - effective extra layers for sure. He would later go for a similar sound with 'She's Madonna' for the 'Rudebox' era, another one of his that I'm fond of. Lastly, you read #31 right and Chef really is closing this section! I must confess that I have somehow avoided ever seeing an episode of South Park before. But this is a huge guilty pleasure and I totally get what the UK was smoking when they allowed this to be a #1! Not quite the Christmas #1 though, the Spice Girls edged Chef there. Despite being a big Spice fan, I must confess that 'Goodbye' is one of my least favourite singles of theirs so I would have actually supported this in the race. God bless Chris Moyles and his airplay for this. Anyway, this song is absurd really but you know what, the innuendos are amusing and the production is actually really good?! I love how thumping and intense it is during the verses. Okay it sounds weird to describe 'Chocolate Salty Balls' as intense in any way but you know what, it is!! Then it becomes a whole lot of fun during the chorus and the production then goes wild. It reminds me of 'Macarena' in a way that it's a novelty song but is actually produced well. I enjoy Isaac Hayes' delivery here as the Chef character too, it's smooth in a Barry White kind of way. RIP Isaac. Idk... what an iconic comedic song. This is why the British charts are the best. All hail Chef.


Brer View member profile	10th March 2019, 01:46 AM Post #105
is my brain across your walls? Joined: 14 February 2009 Posts: 115,071 User: 8,300	Omg what a flawless section there . I don't think I know the Apollo 440 song (although I need to hear more of their stuff in general) but the other 4 are great, especially 'Tell Me Ma' (a plug.dj anthem) and 'Intergalactic'. Also Chef the actual UK #1, goals. Love Fatboy Slim and The Cardigans from the previous section as well, 'The Rockafeller Skank' is criminally low though xx


Chez Wombat View member profile	10th March 2019, 10:31 AM Post #106
The owls are not what they seem Pronouns: He/him Joined: 11 July 2009 Posts: 37,124 User: 9,232	OMG Tell me Ma . I didn’t expect to see that! I unashamedly love it, think it’s the Irish melodies in it, it always gets me <3 Also love My Favourite Game ❤️


Jade View member profile	10th March 2019, 03:42 PM Post #107
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	QUOTE(Bré @ Mar 10 2019, 01:46 AM) Omg what a flawless section there . I don't think I know the Apollo 440 song (although I need to hear more of their stuff in general) but the other 4 are great, especially 'Tell Me Ma' (a plug.dj anthem) and 'Intergalactic'. Also Chef the actual UK #1, goals. Love Fatboy Slim and The Cardigans from the previous section as well, 'The Rockafeller Skank' is criminally low though xx Why thank you . I did think you'd perhaps be a fan of this section haha. I'd definitely recommend the Apollo 440 song if you already know that you like some of their other stuff! Haha it was so iconic when 'Tell Me Ma' was played on plug that time (by... dhwe I'd like to say) - tune. Chef being a #1 is so amazing, I do love how eclectic our chart can be . I guess it's still the case from time to time when stuff like LadBaby can still get to #1 :') Oops, sorry 'The Rockafeller Skank', that shall be made up for by a couple of his songs definitely being higher in 1999 xx QUOTE(Chez Wombat @ Mar 10 2019, 10:31 AM) OMG Tell me Ma . I didn’t expect to see that! I unashamedly love it, think it’s the Irish melodies in it, it always gets me <3 Also love My Favourite Game ❤️ Haha <3 'Tell Me Ma' is just so much fun, you can't help but love it! I'm glad you're a fan too, the Irish melodies are indeed fantastic. ❤️ The Cardigans really had their moments.


Mack. View member profile	11th March 2019, 03:53 PM Post #108
It's still will be the return of the Mack 4eva Joined: 1 February 2011 Posts: 53,690 User: 12,915	'Tell Me Ma' have to say I unashamedly like this. 'Lost In Space (Theme). haven't heard in this in a while but blimey this some tune from them. I entered 'Blackbeat' in BJSC once, that song was used as ITV F1's intro between 2000 and 2002. 'Intergalactic' it definitely makes me feel hyped, great tune this from them. 'No Regrets' not one that I'm familiar with Robbie to be honest. But this is good from him. 'Chocolate Salty Balls' well this was fun from Issac Hayes, funny as anything this.


Jade View member profile	11th March 2019, 09:47 PM Post #109
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	QUOTE(Mack. @ Mar 11 2019, 03:53 PM) 'Tell Me Ma' have to say I unashamedly like this. 'Lost In Space (Theme). haven't heard in this in a while but blimey this some tune from them. I entered 'Blackbeat' in BJSC once, that song was used as ITV F1's intro between 2000 and 2002. 'Intergalactic' it definitely makes me feel hyped, great tune this from them. 'No Regrets' not one that I'm familiar with Robbie to be honest. But this is good from him. 'Chocolate Salty Balls' well this was fun from Issac Hayes, funny as anything this. Glad that you're appreciating another one of these sections Mack! 'Blackbeat' is one of your very best BJSC entries


JackTheeStallion View member profile	11th March 2019, 10:10 PM Post #110
BuzzJack Legend Joined: 15 March 2006 Posts: 48,135 User: 223	In love with this idea 'Chocolate Salty Balls' always sounded hilarious to me as a kid, I don't even think I understood that it was naughty


DalekTurret32 View member profile	11th March 2019, 10:43 PM Post #111
FIVE YEARS OF THE TURRET 15-20 Joined: 12 March 2015 Posts: 4,754 User: 21,666	I can imagine Tell Me Ma being used as a cheesy Eurovision entry.


Jade View member profile	11th March 2019, 10:45 PM Post #112
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	QUOTE(Jack @ Mar 11 2019, 10:10 PM) In love with this idea 'Chocolate Salty Balls' always sounded hilarious to me as a kid, I don't even think I understood that it was naughty Aww thank you Jack Lmaooo oh childhood innocence. I don't think I discovered 'Chocolate Salty Balls' until I was a teenager so got the gist with that one pretty quickly, but the big one for me was the classic '2 Become 1' realisation when growing up _ 'Who Let The Dogs Out?' was another childhood destroyer as well, but less lewd and more generally rude. QUOTE(DalekTurret32 @ Mar 11 2019, 10:43 PM) I can imagine Tell Me Ma being used as a cheesy Eurovision entry. I would SO be here for this . move over Jedward. ~~~ (writing a new section right now yay!)


Jade View member profile	11th March 2019, 11:41 PM Post #113
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	30. Aerosmith - I Don't Want To Miss A Thing (chart-run: 12-14-8-7-4-4-5-7-8-9-8-11-14-20-24-27-24-35-45-62) 29. Faithless - God Is A DJ (chart-run: 6-14-18-20-27-35-47-73) 28. Jamiroquai - Deeper Underground (chart-run: 1-5-9-15-21-25-31-39-47-61-74) 27. Cher - Believe (chart-run: 1-1-1-1-1-1-1-2-4-3-4-7-14-21-23-28-29-30-35-38-37-48-62-61-68-72-59R(2)-61) 26. Robbie Williams - Millennium (chart-run: 1-2-6-9-13-21-26-32-36-43-42-54-64-72-65-46-43-51-61-70-74R(49)) xcWOviMI6Lk Time for my taste to get a bit Heart FM now! Because that is actually how I discovered 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' back in the day. For some reason I thought this song was a #1 hit in the UK so I was a bit shocked to be reminded that it 'only' got to #4! It's okay though, there are plenty of #1 hits stuffed into this section. I think my ultimate favourite Aerosmith song is 'Dream On' but I do have a real soft spot for this as well. It's a pretty epic ballad and has that unmistakeable Steven Tyler stamp to it. I suppose the lyrical content is a bit cheesy really but it also has this powerful feel to it - the kind of timeless quality that will ensure that it's played at all kinds of events forevermore. But especially soundtracking slow dances. Dianne Warren has a knack for writing a good dramatic song! This is yet another 90s hit song from a film, this time Armageddon. The critics were mixed as the song was nominated for both an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Original Song! I'd say #29 is powerful as well but in a different way. 'God Is A DJ' is a progressive house song released by British group Faithless. I of course think that 'Insomnia' is their magnum opus but this is another really strong release from them! Lyrics such as "this is my church, this is where I heal my hurts" are so soothing and inviting, you really feel part of something as a listener. It's like raves are a religion and life is the party. I mean, I'm hardly the raving type, but I am a huge fan of this kind of music! The concept is wonderfully executed, it feels both wholesome and cool instead of preachy and OTT. Then they kill it on production duties as ever. Next is the first of three #1 hits in a row! Although, as much as I enjoy 'Deeper Underground', it always feels weird that this is the Jamiroquai song that is a #1 single. I'd say the likes of 'Canned Heat' and 'Virtual Insanity' feel better remembered. But oh, of course, it was the nineties and this was a soundtrack song so it was bound to do really well in this case the film was Godzilla. The song itself is a funky electronic song from the British band and it was so instant for me! I fell in love with the bassline in particular, that riff is so multi-dimensional which gives it a truly epic feel. The distorted guitar in particular really elevates it. Then, away from the standout production, Jay Kay has a really distinctive voice which really helps to sell it. Then that video is SO extra but I can't help but love it! Jamiroquai don't feel like an act that I particularly rave about all that often but they have so many gems in their singles discography when I sit and think about it. This, Space Cowboy, Virtual Insanity, Canned Heat... I feel bad for ever being like "what on Earth is this?!" when they performed on X Factor when I was very young Now it's time for the biggest hit of 1998 (just look at all those shiny weeks at #1 .) and a rare song that me and Bray have a differing opinion on! I find the success of this song to be such a triumph, imagine having your biggest hit over 30 years into your career and at the age of 52 at that, g'won Cher! She actually has a Guinness World Record for the 'oldest female solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart' unsurprisingly. This was a departure from Cher's previous rock influenced pop music, because now we had a total dance-pop shift from her. It was a bold reinvention for sure but she pulled it off and then some! I enjoy 'Believe' just for how feel-good it is. I am obviously in a happy relationship, so cannot relate to the painful break-up part, but it's about empowerment after all of that and I am definitely down with that feeling. The use of the vocoder can be a bit hit-or-miss for my taste (remember that year of X Factor where everyone was done dirty with that? poor Gamu), but I don't actually mind it here that much. I can understand why it might be for others though as it's a very prominent feature. Cher and the Beastie Boys slaying those vocoder hooks so far! This is a truly iconic dance song and a fun gay anthem for a new generation. Also, side-note, I really enjoyed Ella Henderson's stripped back take on this song on X Factor too. Lastly is Robbie's second of three appearances for 1998! I was shook when I found out that this was released in 1998 and not 2000. 'Millennium' was Robbie's first UK #1 and also became his first ever Billboard Hot 100 appearance over in the states. This song has such a simple structure in terms of production as it's comprised of just two chords. The noticeable production features are a re-recorded sample of 'You Only Live Twice' from the James Bond franchise and a hip-hop type beat alongside it. I was not surprised in the slightest when I found out that the string section was related to the Bond films, as I always thought it sounded like it was from one of the movies anyway. It was a very grandeur choice of sample but there are some quintessentially Robbie lyrics here that bring it back down to Earth! Noticeably "come and have a go if you think you're hard enough" and "get up and see the sarcasm in my eyes". A high quality cheeky but classy effort from Robbie. He definitely needs to do an actual Bond theme one day!


Jade View member profile	14th March 2019, 07:33 PM Post #114
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	JAMIROQUAI ROUND at music quiz night tonight, this was a sign!! .


Sergej View member profile	14th March 2019, 09:54 PM Post #115
BuzzJack Platinum Member Joined: 7 September 2017 Posts: 11,833 User: 39,723	Hi Jade! Sorry, that I couldn't comment on your chart, once again I was busy with work, school, making my own chart and many things. How let's see how 1997 ended on your Year-End List. Wow, I only know one song from your top 5, yay! "Spice Up Your Life" is such a fun song from the group, though "Wannabe" is still my favourite Spice Girls song, this is a close second. Also, there was a competition, when I listened to a radio station where I was working on Thursday that not only played 90s music the whole day, but the whole day they gave away tickets to the Spice Girls reunion concert, I would've called there and grab them... If I wasn't busy with my work and the drivers license (when I failed). But hey, in 10 days I get another chance at the drivers license! From the first songs of 1998, I know "The Rockafeller Skank", "Chocolate Salty Balls", "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing", "God Is A DJ" and of course, "Believe". All of them are great songs!


Mack. View member profile	18th March 2019, 04:49 PM Post #116
It's still will be the return of the Mack 4eva Joined: 1 February 2011 Posts: 53,690 User: 12,915	'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' one of the classic movie tracks this. 'God Is A DJ' this pure genius from Faithless. 'Deeper Underground' this from Jamiroquai, I think this may have been better than the actual Godzilla film. 'Believe' from Cher, although I know this was autotuned quite a bit this was one of the most defining #1s of the 90s. I can't see another #1 from anyone else who would turn 52 years old ever again. 'Millennium', classic from Robbie.


Jade View member profile	28th March 2019, 11:35 PM Post #117
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	SORRY for being such a flop going through a pretty big life change right now (new job x) so I've been busier than usual, will try and bang out a new section tomorrow though <3 QUOTE(sergejdordij98 @ Mar 14 2019, 09:54 PM) Hi Jade! Sorry, that I couldn't comment on your chart, once again I was busy with work, school, making my own chart and many things. How let's see how 1997 ended on your Year-End List. Wow, I only know one song from your top 5, yay! "Spice Up Your Life" is such a fun song from the group, though "Wannabe" is still my favourite Spice Girls song, this is a close second. Also, there was a competition, when I listened to a radio station where I was working on Thursday that not only played 90s music the whole day, but the whole day they gave away tickets to the Spice Girls reunion concert, I would've called there and grab them... If I wasn't busy with my work and the drivers license (when I failed). But hey, in 10 days I get another chance at the drivers license! From the first songs of 1998, I know "The Rockafeller Skank", "Chocolate Salty Balls", "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing", "God Is A DJ" and of course, "Believe". All of them are great songs! Hey Serge - No worries whatsoever, sorry that I've taken a whopping 2 weeks to reply to this I totally relate to the being busy with work thing!! I've neglected my chart for 3 weeks so I haven't related to that business lately, but getting back on track now - Yess 'Spice Up Your Life' is an absolute bundle of joy it will be a LIFE highlight for me to see them perform that live in June ahhhh!! Fair enough at 'Wannabe' being your favourite haha, a common one but it is pretty infectious so why not tbh. Also that radio station sounds heavenly!!! 90s music all day and Spice competitions? Yes please! How did the driving license go this time? ;o hope you had better news than when you last commented here! - Yay for you listing quite a handful of faves from 1998 so far, stay tuned for more QUOTE(Mack. @ Mar 18 2019, 04:49 PM) 'I Don't Want To Miss A Thing' one of the classic movie tracks this. 'God Is A DJ' this pure genius from Faithless. 'Deeper Underground' this from Jamiroquai, I think this may have been better than the actual Godzilla film. 'Believe' from Cher, although I know this was autotuned quite a bit this was one of the most defining #1s of the 90s. I can't see another #1 from anyone else who would turn 52 years old ever again. 'Millennium', classic from Robbie. Hey Mack - Yesss it really is such a classic movie song! I have never seen Armageddon in my life but I managed to recall that it was from that movie in a music quiz ages ago, so it has impact from somewhere and omg yesss at 'God Is A DJ', isn't it just?! <3 and oh yes I've never seen Godzilla either but most people seem to dislike the movie in the YouTube comments of that song, mess :') great tune though! 'Believe' really has cemented itself as a modern classic / gay anthem, what a re-invention for Cher! Yeah I find it hard to ever imagine that either, the 90s were wild. Slay us Robbie .


Sergej View member profile	29th March 2019, 10:44 PM Post #118
BuzzJack Platinum Member Joined: 7 September 2017 Posts: 11,833 User: 39,723	QUOTE(Jade @ Mar 29 2019, 12:35 AM) How did the driving license go this time? ;o hope you had better news than when you last commented here! Sorry to disappoint, but I failed again for the fourth time. Now I had to pass the writing test once again, before I can drive again.


Jade View member profile	29th March 2019, 10:51 PM Post #119
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	QUOTE(sergejdordij98 @ Mar 29 2019, 10:44 PM) Sorry to disappoint, but I failed again for the fourth time. Now I had to pass the writing test once again, before I can drive again. Oh no Serge, I'm sorry to hear that </3 wishing you all the luck in the world for both of these tests next time!


Jade View member profile	30th March 2019, 12:55 AM Post #120
Alone and wounded Pronouns: She/her Joined: 18 January 2011 Posts: 60,162 User: 12,810	25. Madonna - Ray Of Light (chart-run: 2-8-12-13-22-33-40-49-59-75R(2)) 24. The Tamperer Featuring Maya - Feel It (chart-run: 3-4-3-5-2-1-4-5-11-21-30-42-42-54-62-61-68) 23. Green Day - Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life) (chart-run: 11-20-31-52-75) 22. Madonna - Drowned World/Substitute For Love (chart-run: 10-27-40-50-66) 21. Massive Attack - Angel (chart-run: 30-60) hbe3CQamF8k Right, time to get back in action! Kicking off this section is the two-time Grammy Award winning record 'Ray Of Light' by the queen of pop Madonna. This is the first of three songs to appear for her in 1998, all of which are taken from the triumphant album of the same name as this song. This is very different from the other more slow singles from the campaign, but they do all happen to share one incredible ingredient - a large helping hand from William Orbit on production duties! Which has me sold from the word go, as he's one of my favourite producers of all time. What can I say, his beats are a treat to the ears. Although they're less ambient here than usual. Instead, we have fast paced swirling production throughout that really drives this song. Madonna's vocals compliment this production style so well as they feel very frantic! She seems like such a free spirit on this stomping single. She gave birth to her daughter Lourdes just a couple of years before this era kicked off but came back fighting to retain her crown as queen of the charts. This did pretty well, peaking at #2, although deserved a way better chart run than it had! From one club smash to another, next we have #1 hit 'Feel It' by Italian group The Tamperer Featuring Maya! This is built around a sample of 'Can You Feel It' by The Jacksons, after it was noticed that crowds would go wild in Ibiza whenever that song came on. So now it was time to take that thumping recognisable production and turn it into a full fat 90s dance banger! The song has a notable kooky lyric in "What's she gonna look like with a chimney on her?" which is taken from from Urban Discharge's song 'Drop a House'. I always thought it was such a random lyric but it clicked way more when I understood the context of that song! This is such a quick pick me up (it's a little under 3 minutes so the quick part is heavily emphasised here!) with the breeziness of The Jacksons' input and the super catchy hook swiftly becoming lodged in your brain. I feel like the vocalist really attacks the lyrics too which helps the whole package to stand out further. Now at #23 is a song that charted very early in 1998 - 'Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)' by Green Day, a band I generally like a lot. Billie Joe Armstrong actually wrote this song out of anger when his girlfriend at the time moved to Ecuador. This was back in 1990 however... the song took a while to see the light of day as they didn't feel like it would fit on an album yet, until 'Nimrod' came along and it was tweaked for that. Despite Billie's intention when writing this, 'Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)' actually garnered a legacy for being a popular graduation/prom song, as the lyrics can certainly be fitting in these scenarios too. The song feels happy and sad at the same time, the whole good riddance thing mixed with a celebration of a chapter that is coming to an end. I feel like the addition of strings was a gorgeous touch (naturally!) and really play to the more emotional side of the song. I'm glad this didn't come on at my prom tbh as I think it would hit me in the feels too much!! Instead we got 'Blurred Lines'. About five times. But I can happily listen to this gem from Green Day as long as I'm not actually saying goodbye to something when listening to it, as I hate goodbyes enough as it is. Although... I am currently leaving my job. Gah. Time to swiftly move on to the next song then...! Now it's time to return to Madge! I must admit that I've only known 'Drowned World/Substitute For Love' for a measly few years, thanks to Craig introducing it to me on plug.dj, but I loved it so much (and kept coming back to it) that it's already a part of my top 40 songs for 1998. This is such an eloquently written song that feels very autobiographical, as she is reflecting on her journey and career to date. Madonna had recently starred in Evita and I feel like being immersed in such a musical style definitely influenced her enunciation on this song. Which is a good thing, she sounds brilliant here. Also, the production is wondrous and even quite trip-hop-esque in places - yes please! She fused soulful and gentle vocals with beautiful electronic production so well during this era. This scraped the top 10 here but went to #1 in Spain so they won the battle of taste! Speaking of trip-hop... now it's time for the glorious Massive Attack . 'Angel' is taken from their classic album 'Mezzanine', which I am eagerly anticipating the 20 year anniversary re-release for! Although it keeps getting pushed back... mess. Gimme those coloured records now! Anyway, back to this song, it's very simple (with limited lyrics) but so intense at the same time. Perhaps because the production is so slow... it feels like it's continually trying to build to something. It features vocals from Horace Andy, who initially refused to say the word "hell" in the song as a religious man. So the song was changed from the vision of its original form. It is a staple on their tours so I guess I'd better go to one of those one day so I can hear it in all its live glory! There may or may not be a certain other Massive Attack song still to come for 1998...