100. Opposites Attract- Paula Abdul

UK No.2 (1990)

 

This is Paulas' biggest single in the UK reaching number two, it was kept off the top spot by Madonnas' "Vogue", in the US it became her fourth consecutive number one of six. The clever music video which sees Abdul dancing with a cartoon cat won her a Grammy award in 1991 for "Best Short Form Music Video".

 

 

99. Children- Robert Miles

UK No.2 (1996)

 

This was held off the UK top spot by Oasis' "Don't Look Back In Anger" and Take Thats' "How Deep Is Your Love". It reached number one in over 12 countries and just missed out on reaching the US Top 20 peaking at number 21 on the Hot 100. It is the UKs' 68th biggest-selling single of the decade.

 

 

98. Genie In A Bottle- Christina Aguilera

UK No.1 (1999)

 

This was Christinas' debut single in the UK and first physical release in the US. It became a chart-topping smash in both the UK and US as well as reaching high up on the charts across the world and won "International Hit Of The Year" at the 2000 Ivor Novello Awards. It is the UKs' 83rd biggest-selling single of the decade.

 

 

97. It's Not Right But It's Okay- Whitney Houston

UK No.3 (1999)

 

This was Whitneys' first solo Top 10 hit in the UK since "I Have Nothing" reached number three in 1993 ("When You Believe" with Mariah Carey reached number four in 1997). This track won her the 2000 Grammy Award for "Best Female R&B Vocal Performance" and is considered a girl power anthem.

 

 

96. Better The Devil You Know- Kylie Minogue

UK No.2 (1990)

 

Surprisingly this only reached a modest peak of number four in Kylies' home country Australia and was only the 55th biggest-hit of that year, here in the UK it just missed out on the top spot being held off by Adamskis' "Killer", it did however reach number one in Israel. It is regarded as a ultimate Gay anthem and is played every Saturday night at 12.30am at the GAY club at Londons' Heaven nightclub.

 

 

95. Nothing Compares 2 U- Sinead O' Connor

UK No.1 (1990)

 

This was the Irish songstress' only Top 10 hit in the UK and reached the top spot all over the World. It was written by Prince whom began performing the track after Sineads' version had become a mega global smash. The music video is famous for mostly featuring a close-up on O'Connors' face with tears running down and won the "Best Video Award" at the 1990 MTV Video Music Awards, a first for a female artist a well as "Best Female Video". It is the UKs' 63rd best-selling song of the 90s.

 

 

94. My Heart Will Go On- Celine Dion

UK No.1 (1998)

 

"My Heart Will Go On" was the soundtrack to the box office smash, "Titanic", it could only reach #34 in New Zealand as it was only a radio single. The song won the 1997 Academy Award for "Best Original Song". It dominated the 1999 Grammy Awards winning four Awards which were for "Record Of The Year", "Song Of The Year", "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" and "Best Song Written Specifically For A Motion Picture or Television", it also won the Golden Globe Award for "Best Original Song- Motion Picture" in 1998. It is the UKs' 10th biggest-selling single of the decade.

 

 

93. Don't Speak- No Doubt

UK No.1 (1997)

 

"Don't Speak" is No Doubts' most successful single, in the US no commercial single was released for the song but it did reach number one on the US Hot 100 Airplay Chart for 16 weeks. It is said that the song is about the break-up of Gwen Stefanis' 7-year relationship with the groups' bassist, Tony Kanal. It is the 36th biggest-selling single of the 90s in the UK.

 

 

92. The Key, The Secret- Urban Cookie Collective

 

This was the British techno/house bands' biggest hit peaking at number two, it was kept off the UK top spot by a remix of Freddie Mercurys' "Living On My Own". The band still remain active and maintain a busy concert schedule.

 

 

91. Return To Innocence- Enigma

 

This was the Electronic bands' second and last Top 5 hit in the UK and US, it reached the top spot in over 10 countries.

 

Edited May 29, 201114 yr by gagafan

Jesus Christ! Well so far that's 9 reasons to hate the 90s as far as I'm concerned. Sinead is f***ing wondrous though.

I'd never describe Enigma as an electronic band.

The mash-up of Genie/Hard to Explain is amazing.

If you can't appreciate Genie in a Bottle after that you're deaf.

 

 

Can not stand that Titanic song. The film is bad, and the song is just one of many production line power ballads. Celine should have gone down with the Titanic with that odious junk. The song makes me want to vomit!

"Don't Speak" is very overplayed, and the novelty has worn off on this now, ditto "Better The Devil You Know". The rest however, are all good :)

Edited May 24, 201114 yr by Joinwithus

90. Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve

UK No.2 (1997)

 

This became The Verves' first UK Top 20 hit, despite releasing their debut in 1992. It reached a high of #2 being kept off the top spot by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans' tribute to Notorious BIG, "I'll Be Missing You". It was the bands' only US hit reaching #12 on the Hot 100. It was later spoofed by Fat Les in 1998 for their "Vindaloo" video.

 

 

89. Pray- Take That

UK No.1 (1993)

 

This was the boys' first number one and the first of four consecutive chart toppers, In Australia it was the first of two Top 10 hits. The track won "Best British Single" and the video was awarded "Best British Video" at the 1994 BRIT Awards.

 

 

88. Truly Madly Deeply- Savage Garden

UK No.4 (1998)

 

"Truly Madly Deeply" became Savage Gardens' biggest-selling single in the UK, yet is only their second-highest peaking hit. It was a massive #1 success in their native Australia and the US, surprisingly it only reached #12 in New Zealand. It is the UKs' 72nd biggest-seller of the decade. More Savage Garden still to come.

 

 

87. U Sure Do- Strike

UK No.4 (1995)

 

This was originally released in 1994 but only peaked at number thirty-one. The song was a big club hit in the UK and after receiving regular play in clubs throughout late 1994 and early '95 it was re-released and reached as high as number four. It is considered a dance anthem.

 

 

86. Spaceman- Babylon Zoo

UK No.1 (1996)

 

After being used on a Levis' Jeans advert this track went straight to #1 when released selling over 400,000 copies in its first week becoming the fastest selling single by a debut artist in the UK at the time. It become a #1 hit in an impressive 23 countries and despite being regarded as a one-hit wonder Babylon Zoo had one other UK Top 20 hit with "Animal Army" which reached #17. "Spaceman" is the UKs' 24th biggest-selling single of the 90s.

 

 

85. Mmmbop- Hanson

UK No.1 (1997)

 

"Mmmbop" is one of the biggest debut singles of all time as it reached #1 in a staggering 27 countries. Did you know the song was originally a ballad but was reworked as an upbeat pop track by hit producers The Dust Brothers. It is the UKs' 52nd biggest-selling song of the decade.

 

 

84. Finally Found- Honeyz

UK No.4 (1998)

 

This was the girls' debut single and become the first of five consecutive Top 10 hits. It was also a hit in Australia peaking at number three, their only Top 20 hit and even gained Platinum status there. In 2005 they were contestants on the ITV singing contest "Hit Me Baby One More Time" (remember that!), former pop stars would sing their biggest hit and their own cover version of a contemporary hit. Honeyz were featured on the first show and sang this track as well as Nickelbacks' "How You Remind Me", however they lost out on a place in the final by Tiffany, Shakin' Stevens went on to win the show.

 

 

83. I Swear- All 4 One

UK No.2 (1994)

 

This was originally a Country hit for John Michael Montgomery in the US reaching #1 on the Hot Country Songs Chart. Just a few months later boyband All 4 One re-recorded it and it became a Worldwide smash. It peaked at #2 in the UK where it stayed for an impressive 7 weeks, kept off the top spot by Wet Wet Wets’ 15-week reign with "Love Is All Around". It was #1 on the US Hot 100 for eleven consecutive weeks and is featured in the 2005 Ryan Reynolds comedy "Just Friends".

 

 

82. Joyride- Roxette

UK No.4 (1991)

 

This was the duos' follow-up to the massive "It Must Have Been Love" and became their fourth Top 10 hit in the UK and their fourth chart topper in the US. Per Gessle has said he got the idea for the opening line of the song from his girlfriend (now wife) who left a note on his piano that stated, "Hello, you fool, I love you".

 

 

81. Barbie Girl- Aqua

UK No.1 (1997)

 

"Barbie Girl" is cheesy pop at its best. It was a Worldwide smash and went 2x Platinum for selling over 1.2 million copies, it sold over 8 million Worldwide. Did you know Mattel, which is the toy company that produces Barbie Dolls, sued the band saying they violated the Barbie trademark and turned Barbie into a sex object. It is the UKs' second biggest-selling song of the 90s.

 

 

I'd never describe Enigma as an electronic band.

 

Yeah its a tricky one, what would you describe them as??

Can not stand that Titanic song. The film is bad, and the song is just one of many production line power ballads. Celine should have gone down with the Titanic with that odious junk. The song makes me want to vomit!

"Don't Speak" is very overplayed, and the novelty has worn off on this now, ditto "Better The Devil You Know". The rest however, are all good :)

 

I hate "Titanic" too but I do like the song, and yes I agree "Don't Speak" is very overplayed if I was doing this list 10 years ago it would definately had been in my Top 10 :)

Strike - "U Sure Do" is a 90s classic and would be #1 on my list :D 17 years on, this still sounds fresh.

 

I don't like that Hanson song...I remember a girl in my class at school who was crazy over them. I wonder if she liked their comeback in 2005 especially as "Penny and Me" was actually a decent song! "I Swear" is too drippy for my liking.....ditto "Truly Madly Deeply". Other than that, you've a fantastic list. Keep up the good work.

99. Children- Robert Miles :wub: :wub: :wub: (never fails to make me feel emotional)

98. Genie In A Bottle- Christina Aguilera

96. Better The Devil You Know- Kylie Minogue

95. Nothing Compares 2 U- Sinead O' Connor :wub: :wub: :wub: (as does this)

94. My Heart Will Go On- Celine Dion (I know all the words to this :kink: I used to sing it at school )

93. Don't Speak- No Doubt

90. Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: (another one of my favourites)

89. Pray- Take That

88. Truly Madly Deeply- Savage Garden :wub:

87. U Sure Do- Strike

86. Spaceman- Babylon Zoo

85. Mmmbop- Hanson (another guilty pleasure really :lol: )

83. I Swear- All 4 One

82. Joyride- Roxette

81. Barbie Girl- Aqua :lol:

 

very good chart so far :D

 

 

Thanks for all the comments so far guys!!

 

80. You're Not Alone- Olive

UK No.1 (1997)

 

This was Olives' only Top 10 hit however that wasn’t until it was re-mixed that it reached number one, the original version could only manage a peak of number forty-two the year before.

 

 

79. I Try- Macy Gray

UK No.6 (1999)

 

This is currently Macy Grays' only Top 10 success in the UK and despite only peaking at a modest peak of number six it went on to become the 20th biggest-seller of the year selling more than some of the chart toppers of that year. It was released the following year in the states and became her only Top 40 hit on the US Hot 100 peaking at number five and won her the "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" award at the 2001 Grammy Awards.

 

 

78. 3 Is Family- Dana Dawson

UK No.9 (1995)

 

Dana Dawson scored her only Top 20 hit with this track. Sadly she passed away last August from Colon Cancer, she was only 36 years old.

 

 

77. Shy Guy- Diana King

UK No.2 (1995)

 

This is Dianas' only Top 10 success hit in the UK peaking at number two, it was kept off the chart-topping spot by The Outhere Brothers' "Boom Boom Boom". It was also her biggest US hit reaching number thirteen on the Hot 100. It was featured on the "Bad Boys" soundtrack.

 

 

76. I Love Your Smile- Shanice

UK No.2 (1992)

 

This 90s classic is Shanices' only Top 40 entry in the UK, it was kept off the number one spot by Shakespears Sisters' "Stay". Janet Jackson as well as her husband at the time René Elizondo Jr. can be heard laughing at the end of the track.

 

 

75. 2 Become 1- Spice Girls

UK No.1 (1996)

 

This was the girls' third single release and third consecutive chart topper as well as their second million-seller and was also their first of three consecutive Christmas number ones, in the US it was their third and final Top 5 hit reaching number four. It was inspired by the special relationship that was developing between Geri Halliwell and writer/producer of the track, Matt Rowe. It is the UKs' 19th biggest-seller of the decade.

 

 

74. The Shoop Shoop Shoop Song- Cher

UK No.1 (1991)

 

This was the soundtrack to "Mermaids" which starred Winona Ryder as well as Cher, it became her first solo number one hit in the UK but could only reach number thirty-three on the US Hot 100. It is the 98th biggest-selling single of the 90s in the UK.

 

 

73. We're Going To Ibiza- Vengaboys

UK No.1 (1999)

 

This track is one of two number one hits for the Vengaboys here in the UK, the other being their previous hit "Boom Boom Boom Boom!!" The song is based around Typically Tropicals' 1975 hit "Barbados". The song is infamous for the mis-pronunciation of "Ibiza" by the vocalists and I don’t know about you guys but at the time I always thought the band were singing "We're going to eat Pizza" lool.

 

 

72. Mr. Vain- Culture Beat

UK No.1 (1993)

 

This was the German-Eurodance bands' most successful hit reaching number one in the UK and number seventeen in the US. It hit the top spot in twelve countries and was Europes' biggest-selling song of 1993. In the UK it was the first number one single not to be available as a 7" since the 1950s and heralded the demise of the 7" single as a mass market medium.

 

 

71. Love Song For A Vampire- Annie Lennox

UK No.3 (1993)

 

This was released as a double-A side single along with "Little Bird", it reached a peak of number three in the UK. It was recorded as the theme song to the 1992 film adaptation of "Bram Stoker's Dracula".

 

Edited May 24, 201114 yr by gagafan

Yeah its a tricky one, what would you describe them as??

 

 

New age ambient or possibly World Ambient.

70. The You & Me Song- The Wannadies

UK No.18 (1996)

 

This is the Swedish bands' most well-known hit reaching number 18 in the UK Charts. Although virtually one-hit wonders they did have one further UK Top 20 hit.

 

 

69. Freak Me- Another Level

UK No.1 (1998)

 

This was the boybands' only chart topper going straight in at number one. The song was originally a R&B ballad recorded by American group Silk whose version reached the Top 5 in the US but failed to make the UK Top 40.

 

 

68. Too Blind To See It- Kym Sims

UK No.5 (1991)

 

This was Kyms' biggest hit spending seven weeks in the UK Top 10 peaking at number five and being the only time she made the Top 10. It is considered a dance classic.

 

 

67. Stay- Eternal

UK No.4 (1993)

 

This was the girl trios' debut release reaching number four, it also became their first and sadly last hit in the US where it peaked at number nineteen on the Hot 100. Band member Louise left in 1995 and pursued a solo career having all her 12 singles making the UK Top 20 just like Eternal who went on till 1999 having all their 15 singles making the UK Top 20.

 

 

66. Touch Me (All Night Long)- Cathy Dennis

UK No.5 (1991)

 

This became Cathys' first and only Top 10 hit in the UK and was also her biggest US hit making it to number two on the Hot 100. Today she is a well-known songwriter writing massive hits such as "I Kissed A Girl", "Toxic" and "I Can’t Get You Out Of My Head".

 

 

65. All My Life- K-Ci & Jojo

UK No.8 (1998)

 

K-Ci & Jojo were an American R&B brother duo who had a number one smash with this track in the US and scored them their only Top 10 hit in the UK. The opening violin of the song is sampled from "P.S. I Love You" as performed by Frank Sinatra, while the piano part interpolates "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson.

 

 

64. Steal My Sunshine- Len

UK No.8 (1999)

 

Len were a Canadian pop-rock group who scored their only Top 20 hit with this track at the end of '99, it hit the top spot in their native country. The song samples Andrea True Connections' 70s disco classic "More, More, More" and was inspired by The Human Leagues' "Don't You Want Me".

 

 

63. S Club Party- S Club 7

UK No.2 (1999)

 

S Club 7 rose to fame by starring in their own BBC television series, "Miami 7" and this was their second single release reaching number two, kept off the top spot by Eiffel 65s' "Blue (Da Ba Dee)". The music video was filmed in the Californian desert at the Vasquez Rocks which was on the set of their TV special "Back to the 50s".

 

 

62. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me- U2

UK No.2 (1995)

 

This was the soundtrack to "Batman Forever" and just missed out on the UK top spot being kept off by Robson and Jeromes’ absolute massive hit "Unchained Melody". It is my favourite song by U2.

 

 

61. I Don't Want To Miss A Thing- Aerosmith

UK No.4 (1998)

 

This became the Rock bands' first and only Top 10 hit in the UK and despite only reaching a modest peak of number four it went on to became the 18th biggest-seller of the year selling more than many chart toppers and is also the UKs' 90th biggest-selling single of the decade. It was written by hit maker Diane Warren and featured on the soundtrack to "Armageddon" which starred front man Steve Tylers' daughter, Liv Tyler.

 

 

60. Better Off Alone- Alice Deejay

UK No.2 (1999)

 

This was the Dutch electronic groups' debut release and the first of five Top 20 hits. The songs' secondary line, "Talk to me" was borrowed from The Eurythmics hit song "Here Comes The Rain Again". It is the UKs' 78th biggest-selling song of the 90s.

 

 

59. Caribbean Blue- Enya

UK No.13 (1991)

 

You may think this is a odd choice but I love this track. It became Enyas' third Top 20 hit, she would later go on to have two more. In her native Ireland it reached the Top 10 peaking at number eight. The song features a kind of tropical mood with a relaxing vibe, giving the listener the feeling of being on a Caribbean cruise ship.

 

 

58. Birdhouse In Your Soul- They Might Be Giants

UK No.6 (1990)

 

This is the American Alternative Rock bands' only Top 20 hit in the UK, they later sung the theme tune to "Malcolm In The Middle" and was released as a single peaking at number twenty-one. This is a fun little track and returned to the UK Chart last year when it was used in a Clarks Shoes advert, it peaked at number seventy.

 

 

57. The Boy Is Mine- Brandy & Monica

UK No.2 (1998)

This was an absolute massive hit for Brandy & Monica staying at number one on the US Hot 100 for 13

weeks, in the UK it had to settle for number two being kept off the top spot by B*Witcheds' "C'est La Vie". The songs' lyrics tell the story about two women disputing the love of a man, it was inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jacksons' 1982 duet "The Girl Is Mine". It won the 1999 Grammy Award for "Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal". It is the 95th biggest-selling song of the 90s in the UK.

 

 

56. What Can I Do? (Tin Tin Out Remix)- The Corrs

UK No.3 (1998)

 

When the original version of this track was released just a few months earlier it could only manage a peak of number fifty-three, when it was remixed by Tin Tin Out and re-released it became one of their biggest hits reaching number three.

 

 

55. That's The Way Love Goes- Janet Jackson

UK No.2 (1993)

 

This is Janets' highest peaking UK hit and was kept off the top spot by George Michael, Queen and Lisa Stanfields' "Five Live" EP, it did however become her sixth US number one staying there for eight weeks. It won the Grammy Award for "Best R&B Song" at the 1994 ceremony and is the biggest-selling single by a female artist in South Africa where it spent nine weeks at number one.

 

 

54. Larger Than Life- Backstreet Boys

UK No.5 (1999)

 

The video for "Larger Than Life" is one of the most expensive music videos ever made. It was originally supposed to be the first single release from their "Millennium" album but they opted for "I Want It That Way" instead after hearing the completed version. "Larger Than Life" became the second single and went straight in at number five on the UK Chart.

 

 

53. Men In Black- Will Smith

UK No.1 (1997)

 

This is Wills' biggest UK hit reaching number one and becoming the 28th biggest-seller of the 90s. Did you know the female vocalist on this track is Coko, one third of 90s R&B girl group SWV. The song samples the Patrice Rushen 80s hit, "Forget Me Nots" and is the soundtrack to the film of the same name. Will Smith won the Grammy for "Best Rap Solo Performance" in 1998.

 

 

52. Lets Get Rocked- Def Leppard

UK No.2 (1992)

 

This is one of the British Rock bands' biggest hits in the UK where it reached number two, held off the top spot by Shakespears Sisters' "Stay". Lead vocalist Joe Elliott has claimed the song is about Bart Simpson disobeying the orders of his parents and also tells the story of Joe himself as a child.

 

 

51. Ebeneezer Goode- The Shamen

UK No.1 (1992)

 

This classic dance anthem was banned by the BBC when they discovered it was based on a certain drug. It is the Scottish dance bands' biggest ever hit reaching number one (ironically during the BBCs' drug awareness week). The single was eventually withdrawn after the band were hounded by the British tabloid press.

 

The Boy is Mine and Birdhouse in Your Soul are great.

ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww, that "Freak Me" song is nasty. So desperate. What is more disturbing is, I have a mental image of Dane Bowers singing this to Jordan before doing her!!!

 

"Don't wanna miss a thing" = "My heart will go on" - Both from overhyped crappy films and overplayed.

 

"All my life" - I just adore that song. Easily one of the best 1990s ballads. Also like Enya, Brandy and Monica and Def Leppard - all classics.

50. To Be With You- Mr. Big

UK No.3 (1992)

 

This is the Rock groups' only UK Top 20 hit reaching number three. The song is about a man who has his eye on a woman who has recently experienced a broken heart from a previous relationship. It was a huge number one hit around the World including in the bands' native USA.

 

 

49. Scream- Michael & Janet Jackson

UK No.3 (1995)

 

The video for this epic track is the most expensive music video ever made and won the "Best Music Video (Short Form)" award at the 1996 Grammy Awards. It was the lead single along with "Childhood" from Michaels' "HIStory" album and debuted and peaked at number five on the US Hot 100, a first in the charts' 37-year history. It also debuted and peaked in the UK at number three.

 

 

48. Little Bird- Annie Lennox

UK No.3 (1993)

 

This was released as a double A-side single along with "Love Song For A Vampire" (See number 71). The music video features several Lennox lookalikes dressed as different personas that Annie has used in her videos (both solo and as part of Eurythmics) as they perform with Lennox in a Cabaret-esque setting. Lennox was in the late stages of pregnancy with her second daughter Tali during the filming of the video.

 

 

47. Stay (I Missed You)- Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories

UK No.6 (1994)

 

This was Lisas' first and only major hit, she had two other Top 20 hits in the US. She was discovered by her friend Ethan Hawke who asked Ben Stiller to feature the song in their film "Reality Bites" he agreed and it helped the song reach number one on the US Hot 100, earning her the distinction of being the only artist to top the chart before being signed to any record label. She won the "International Breakthrough" award at the 1995 BRIT Awards but failed to have another UK Top 40 hit.

 

 

46. I Have Nothing- Whitney Houston

UK No.3 (1993)

 

This was the third release from "The Bodyguard" Soundtrack and reached the Top 5 in both the UK and US, all five of "The Bodyguard" singles made the UK Top 20. It has since become a popular choice of song for many reality TV talent shows such as "American Idol" and "The X Factor" and in my opinion is far better than "I Will Always Love You".

 

 

45. Say You'll Be There- Spice Girls

UK No.1 (1996)

 

This was the girls' second release and second chart topper, in the US it became their second most-successful hit peaking at number three on the Hot 100. The music video was inspired by the films "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!" and "Pulp Fiction". The high anticipation for the girls' second single assured its commercial success, a week before its release it was reported that the it had already had advanced sales of over 330,000 copies, the highest Virgin Records had ever recorded for a single. It is the UKs' 26th biggest-selling single of the 90s.

 

 

44. Girlfriend- Billie

UK No.1 (1998)

 

This was Billies' second release and second to go straight in at number one, she was the youngest ever artist to debut at number one on the UK Chart. Now she is best known for starring in the TV Shows "Doctor Who" and "Secret Diary Of A Call Girl".

 

 

43. So Young- The Corrs

UK No.6 (1998)

 

This became the Irish groups' third Top 10 hit in the UK but had to settle for a peak of number 29 in Ireland. The band initially had to fight with their label to include the song on their "Talk On Corners" album, a decision vindicated by its popularity.

 

 

42. What Is Love?- Haddaway

UK No.2 (1993)

 

This became a Worldwide smash for Haddaway back in '93 reaching the top spot in thirteen countries as well as reaching number 11 on the US Hot 100. It is the 62nd best-selling single of all time in Germany. Haddaway went on to have four other Top 20 hits in the UK and appeared on "Hit Me baby One More Time" in 2005 where he sang this track as well as Britney Spears' "Toxic", he lost out on a place in the final to Shakin’ Stevens, who eventually won the show.

 

 

41. Blue (Da Ba Dee)- Eiffel 65

UK No.1 (1999)

 

This was an absolute global smash reaching number one in many countries as well as peaking at number six on the US Hot 100. In 2009 Flo Rida sampled the track on his UK Top 20 hit "Sugar". It's easy to forget that the Italian dance band had another hit with "Move Your Body" which reached number three in the UK the following year. This track is the UKs' 22nd biggest-selling single of the decade.

 

Birdhouse In Your Soul is amazing :wub: :wub: :wub: I actually only discovered it recently, but I'm glad I did, its strangeness is its strength imo :D

 

Bluer (Da Ba Dee) is probably one of my favourite number 1s as well- it was one of the first songs I ever heard

40. Everybody (Backstreet's Back)- Backstreet Boys

UK No.3 (1997)

 

This was the boys' sixth UK Top 20 hit (all but one had gone Top 10) and is regarded as one of their signature tunes. The video won the "Best Group Video" at the 1998 MTV Video Music Awards which saw Brian as a werewolf, Howie as a vampire, Nick as a mummy, AJ as Erik (The Phantom of the Opera) and Kevin as Two-Face (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde).

 

 

39. Set You Free- N-Trance

UK No.2 (1995)

 

It was third time lucky for this track as it had been released twice before it became a hit. In 1993 it reached number 83, the following year number 39 and in 1995 it became a number two smash, kept off the top spot by Celine Dions' mega hit "Think Twice". It became a hit again in 2001 when a remix reached number four on the UK Singles Chart. It is regarded as one of the essential dance tracks of the 90s.

 

 

38. Two Princes- Spin Doctors

UK No.3 (1993)

 

This was the American alternative rock bands' only Top 20 hit in the UK and their second and last in the US where it became their biggest hit peaking at number seven. The band even appeared on "Sesame Street" and sang a modified version of the song that emphasised the importance of sharing.

 

 

37. Sunchyme- Dario G

UK No.2 (1997)

 

This is the dance groups' biggest hit just missing out on topping the UK Chart to Elton Johns' "Candle In The Wind". It samples "Life In A Northern Town" by The Dream Academy and is used a lot for Sporting events.

 

 

36. A Whole New World- Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle

UK No.12 (1993)

 

This is the theme tune to Disneys' "Aladdin" and won the "Best Original Song" award at the 1993 Academy Awards. It could only manage a modest peak of number 12 in the UK but it did however became a number one hit in the US where it was responsible for knocking Whitney Houstons' "I Will Always Love You" off the top spot after 13 weeks.

 

 

35. I'll Be There For You- The Rembrandts

UK No.3 (1995)

 

This is the theme tune to the sitcom that defined the 90s, "Friends". It was a hit twice in the UK upon its original release in 1995 it peaked at number three and number five when it was re-released in 1997. The releasing of the theme as a single came about when the original theme which is under one minute long started to receive airplay on a popular American Radio Station where the DJ looped the original short version into a full-length track and broadcasted it, it became so popular that the band were forced to record a full-length version by their record company. It is the UKs' 82nd biggest-selling single of the decade.

 

 

34. Rollercoaster- B*Witched

UK No.1 (1998)

 

B*Witcheds' debut single "C'est La Vie" went straight in at number one on the UK Chart making them the youngest girl group to do so, their first four singles all entered at number one, "Rollercoaster" being the second, also making them the only girl group to do so. The group filmed two videos for the track one of which was for its US release but the single could only reach number 67 on the Hot 100 making them one-hit wonders with their debut single which peaked at number nine there.

 

 

33. Kiss From A Rose- Seal

UK No.4 (1995)

 

This track was originally released in the UK in 1994 and made a modest peak of number 20, the following year it was used for the "Batman Forever" soundtrack and subsequently re-released making a new peak of number four and also hit the top spot on the US Hot 100. It won both the "Record of The Year" and "Song of The Year" awards at the 1996 Grammy Awards as well as the "Best Male Pop Vocal Performance" award for Seal.

 

 

32. Diamonds & Pearls- Prince

UK No.25 (1991)

 

This amazing track could only reach number twenty-five in the UK but made a more respectable peak in the US where it reached number three on the Hot 100, it was also responsible for introducing us to the incredible vocal talent of Rosie Gaines who went on to have a Top 5 hit with "Closer Than Close" in 1995.

 

 

31. Sleeping Satellite- Tasmin Archer

UK No.1 (1992)

 

Tasmin is considered a one-hit wonder despite having another Top 20 hit, "Sleeping Satellite" was a number one hit in the UK and made the US Top 40 reaching number 32. Tasmin won the 1993 BRIT Award for "Best British Breakthrough" but later joked that she uses it for cracking nuts and tenderising steak.

 

30. No Limit- 2 Unlimited

UK No.1 (1993)

 

This was the duos' first and only UK number one and was (according to Wikipedia, which also says the same for Culture Beats' "Mr. Vain") the biggest-selling song in Europe of 1993. The word "No" is said an incredible 72 times and was parodied by "Spitting Image". It was sadly announced in January that the female half of the band Anita has Breast Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

 

 

29. Frozen- Madonna

UK No.1 (1998)

 

This was seen as a comeback single for Madonna in the UK, despite having a number three hit with "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" the year before, It went on to become Madonnas' first UK number since "Vogue" in 1990 and also her first ever single to debut at the top spot. It peaked at number two in the US making her the artist with the most number two hits in the history of the Hot 100 chart. The famous promo video won the MTV Video Music Award for "Best Special Effects" in 1998.

 

 

28. All I Have To Give- Backstreet Boys

UK No.2 (1998)

 

This was the boys' 8th Top 20 hit in the UK just missing out on the top spot to Aquas' "Doctor Jones". It would be their last single until "I Want It That Way" was released over a year after. The promo video won the "Video of The Year" award at the 1999 Teen Choice Awards.

 

 

27. King Of Wishful Thinking- Go West

UK No.18 (1990)

 

Can you believe this didn't make the UK Top 10? Well it didn't reaching number 18, whereas in the US it became their only Top 10 hit peaking at number eight. It was featured on the "Pretty Woman" soundtrack as well as the duos' studio album "Indian Summer". Go west went on to have one other Top 20 hit in the US and three more in the UK.

 

 

26. Hello (Turn Your Radio On)- Shakespears Sister

UK No.14 (1992)

 

This is another track that shoulda been a Top 10 hit from quirky female duo Shakespears Sister. This track reached number 14 and became their last UK Top 40 hit as a duo, Siobhan had a number 30 hit with "I Can Drive" in 1996 and Marcella had a hit with "I Believe" which reached number 11 in 1994. It was covered in 2004 by German girl group Queensberry whose version reached the German Singles Chart Top 5.

 

 

25. Un-break My Heart- Toni Braxton

UK No.2 (1996)

 

This is Tonis' biggest hit which went straight into the UK Chart at number four and on its 8th week it made a peak of number two kept off the number one spot by Dunblanes' "Knockin’ On Heavens' Door" which was raising money for charity in light of the Dunblane massacre, and Spice Girls' "2 Become 1", it spent a total of 11 weeks inside the UK Top 5. The track was written by Diane Warren and won Braxton the 1997 Grammy Award for "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance". It is the UKs' 44th biggest-selling single of the 90s.

 

 

24. Baby I Love Your Way- Big Mountain

UK No.2 (1994)

 

This is Big Mountains' only Top 40 hit spending three weeks at number two, kept off from claiming the top spot by Wet Wet Wets' "Love Is All Around". It was included on the "Reality Bites" soundtrack whose other big track was Lisa Loebs' "Stay", whereas "Stay" was the bigger hit in the US "Baby, I Love Your Way" became the bigger hit of the two in the UK

 

 

23. Three Lions- The Lightning Seeds feat. Baddiel & Skinner

UK No.1 (1996)

 

The ultimate football anthem which is the only single to reach number one in the UK twice with different lyrics, the second being released in 1998. Despite its lyrics obviously supporting England it even managed to reach the Top 20 on the German Singles Chart peaking at #16. It is the UKs' 58th biggest-selling single of the 90s.

 

 

22. Run Away- Mc Sar & The Real McCoy

UK No.6 (1995)

 

This was the German dance bands' second and last Top 10 hit in both the UK and US (this track as well as "Another Night" made it to number three on the Hot 100). The lyrics are based on the George Orwell novel Nineteen Eighty-Four.

 

Video Version

 

Single Edit

 

21. Waiting For Tonight- Jennifer Lopez

UK No.5 (1999)

 

This was JLos' second hit single reaching number five on the UK Chart. It won the MTV Video Music Award for "Best Dance Video" in 2000 which was set at a party celebrating the new year and millennium. It humorously portrayed the Y2K bug worries when the tropical skyline blackouts during the party but immediately lights back up seconds later as if the event was a prank. It is my favourite Jennifer Lopez track to date.

 

20. Think Twice- Celine Dion

UK No.1 (1994)

 

This was Celines' first UK chart topper, it did however take 16 weeks to get there. Two music videos were filmed for the track, the second was made because of the huge success of the song in the UK. The track won the "Song of The Year" award at the 1995 Ivor Novello Awards and is the 25th biggest-selling single of the 90s in the UK. Surprisingly it only reached number 95 on the Hot 100 (anyone know why??) selling just 50,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan.

 

 

19. As Long As You Love Me- Backstreet Boys

UK No.3 (1997)

 

This is one of the boybands' biggest hits reaching number three on the UK Chart. In the US it was never released as a commercial single however it was a massive airplay hit reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay Chart staying on the chart for 56 weeks. Did you know due to illness and the deadline for the song AJs' vocals do not appear on the song, also Brian met his wife on the set of the songs' promo video.

 

 

18. Country House- Blur

UK No.1 (1995)

 

This became Blurs' first number one single and famously beat Oasis' "Roll With It" to the top spot which was released the same day, the press famously called it The Battle of Britpop. The video features comedians Keith Allen, Matt Lucas and model Jo Guest.

 

 

17. I Knew I Loved You- Savage Garden

UK No.10 (1999)

 

This could only manage a modest peak of number 10 in the UK but was their second and last chart topper in the States, coincidentally their highest-peaking UK hit "To The Moon & Back" only reached number 24 in the US. The video is set on the New York Subway and sees Kirsten Dunst as band member Darren Hayes' object of his affections. It was the duos' last US Top 20 hit but they did have three more UK Top 20 hits one of which was "Affirmation" which was the follow-up to this track and made number eight.

 

 

16. Anything- 3T

UK No.2 (1996)

 

3T consisted of three brothers who just so happened to be Michael Jacksons' nephews (their father was Tito). This was their debut single becoming their biggest hit peaking at number two for three weeks on the UK Chart, kept off the top spot by the massive "Spaceman" from Babylon Zoo. The trio had four other UK Top 20 hits all of which were released during 1996, however this track was their only hit in the US reaching number 15 on the Hot 100. They were the 2nd highest-selling group in Europe of 1996 just behind the Spice Girls.

 

 

15. Doctor Jones- Aqua

UK No.1 (1998)

 

This was the second of three chart toppers for Aqua in the UK, many thought they would be one-hit wonders with "Barbie Girl", they were in the US. The video is based on the "Indiana Jones" movies and the song became the 85th biggest-seller of the decade.

 

 

14. Bitch- Meredith Brooks

UK No.6 (1997)

 

This is one of the most well-remembered one-hit wonders of the 90s, she did however have another Top 40 hit with "I Need". "Bitch" is an absolute anthem but surprisingly only reached a modest peak of number six in the UK, in the US it reached number two on the Hot 100. Meredith was asked before its release whether she would consider changing it to "Witch" but she refused.

 

 

13. Right Here- SWV

UK No.3 (1993)

 

This is the R&B trios' biggest hit being the only time they made the UK Top 10. The song was originally released in 1992 but it wasn't until it was remixed with the Michael Jackson hit "Human Nature" that it scored massive success. The Sisters With Voices had a total of five Top 20 hits in the UK and six in the US.

 

 

12. Maria- Blondie

UK No.1 (1999)

 

This was Blondies' first release in 17 years and went straight in at number one on the UK Chart, however it could only manage a peak of number 82 on the US Hot 100. It is their latest UK Top 10 hit and it is my favourite Blondie track.

 

 

11. Crush- Jennifer Paige

UK No.4 (1998)

 

This is 90s pop at its best but sadly Jennifer never had another Top 40 hit. The tracks' producer Andy Goldmark took a copy of the song to legendary radio station KIIS-FM straight after Jennifer had recorded it and it quickly became the stations' most requested song. Initially only 20,000 copies of the single were pressed in the US but it became so popular when other radio stations began to add the song to their playlists that they quickly sold out. Many music labels expressed interest in signing her, Hollywood Records eventually got her signed to their label and "Crush" went on to become one of the biggest hits of the year.