Best of THE 90s

Because of the nature of Awakenings with its strong dedication to America, introduction to the 90s will be Whitney Houston singing our National Anthem. The singer's unforgettable live performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV (1991) in Tampa, Florida has become an iconic moment in American history. This event occurred during the time of the Persian Gulf War. Whitney Houston actually rose to international prominence in the mid-eighties but it is the 90s during which she made the greatest impact. Sadly in 2012, at the age of 48, Whitney Houston was found dead in her guest room at The Beverly Hilton, in Beverly Hills, California. Houston was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 200 million records worldwide.

 Into the 90s...

Top 100 Songs From the 90s

With the 90s came many popular styles of music. Some much more entertaining than others but then, of course, that depends upon the age of those listening to the music. It also measures one's ability to understand music's musicality - how "good" it is, how strong an emotional effect it has, and how much a person enjoys listening to it!

The 90s birthed the age of alternative rock. The term 'alternative' implies there is more than one possibility. With so many different rock genres, this gave music lovers one more choice. It is important to understand alternative rock is merely an umbrella term encompassing numerous sub-genres among which is indie rock and grunge.  Pop punk, another strand of alternative music, also gained mainstream popularity. Each of the rock groups brought their own kind of music, style and showmanship to the stage.

Here are but a few of the notable alternative rock groups of the 90s decade, some who blossomed out of the 80s: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Goo Goo Dolls, The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots.  Grunge music, which combines rock, punk and metal sounds, was popularized in the 90s by groups such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Pop punk's popularity boasts thanks to the success of groups such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer as they combined elements of punk rock with pop music to varying degrees.

[Sidenote: Thought about putting a youtube video of punk rock until I listened to some of the so-called music. Nah! Don't think so. If you are into that kind of music, you can just Google it!] 

The 18 Best 90s Pop Songs You Forgot Existed

Many European artists were the driving force behind Pop music through the 90s decade. Some of the top groups/artists included All Saints, the Spice Girls, George Michael, Ace of Base, Robert Palmer and Oasis. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had their first chart-topping hits in the late 90s, and their careers boomed in the 2000s. Paula Abdul, Hanson, and R. Kelly are just a few of the others’ enjoying success in the 90s.

Contemporary R&B brought forth elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk, and hip hop. During the mid-1990s, Michael Jackson, Zapp and Roger, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, R. Kelly, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, TLC, Brandy and Boyz II Men brought contemporary R&B to the mainstream. Boyz II Men are the most commercially successful R&B group of all time.

Love Songs of the 90s

Adult contemporary music was popular in the form of soft-rock and singer-songwriter styles throughout the decade. Lilith Fair concert tour and music festival exemplified the singer-songwriter style and provided an outlet for a feminist wave. Participating artists included SarahMcLachlan, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne and Meredith Brooks. Other popular artists in this genre that borrowed from this style included Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Dave MatthewsBand, Natalie Merchant and Edwin McCain. 

Adult contemporary artist Celine Dion is one of the biggest international stars in music history, selling more than 220 million albums worldwide. In 1991, Dion was a featured soloist in Voices That Care, a tribute to American troops fighting in Operation Desert Storm. Also at the top of the contemporary charts in the early 90s were Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Whitney Houston's version of the Dolly Parton song, "I Will Always Love You" (1992), stands as one of the best selling singles of all time.

Celine Dion's real international breakthrough came when she performed a duet with Peabo Bryson on the title track to Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Top 20 Dance/Club Hits of the 1990s

 

I really have to ask myself, "Is this for real?"

Since the visit to the 90s began with a tribute to America, it is only fitting to end it in the same way.

Following the September 11 attacks, Dion returned to the music scene, and in a televised performance sang "God Bless America" at the benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes. Chuck Taylor of Billboard wrote, "the performance... brings to mind what has made her one of the celebrated vocalists of our time: the ability to render emotion that shakes the soul. Affecting, meaningful, and filled with grace, this is a musical reflection to share with all of us still searching for ways to cope." [Source: en.wikipedia.org]

 And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times... 

Into the 90s...

Because of the nature of Awakenings' strong dedication to America, introduction to the 90s will be Whitney Houston singing our National Anthem. The singer's unforgettable live performance of the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XXV (1991) in Tampa, Florida has become an iconic moment in American history. This event occurred during the time of the Persian Gulf War. Whitney Houston actually rose to international prominence in the mid-eighties but it is the 90s during which she made the greatest impact. Sadly in 2012, at the age of 48, Whitney Houston was found dead in her guest room at The Beverly Hilton, in Beverly Hills, California. Houston was one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold over 200 million records worldwide.

 Into the 90s...

Top 100 Songs From the 90s

With the 90s came many popular styles of music. Some much more entertaining than others but then, of course, that depends upon the age of those listening to the music. It also measures one's ability to understand music's musicality - how "good" it is, how strong an emotional effect it has, and how much a person enjoys listening to it!

The 90s birthed the age of alternative rock. The term 'alternative' implies there is more than one possibility. With so many different rock genres, this gave music lovers one more choice. It is important to understand alternative rock is merely an umbrella term encompassing numerous sub-genres among which is indie rock and grunge.  Pop punk, another strand of alternative music, also gained mainstream popularity. Each of the rock groups brought their own kind of music, style and showmanship to the stage.

Here are but a few of the notable alternative rock groups of the 90s decade, some who blossomed out of the 80s: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Goo Goo Dolls, The Smashing Pumpkins and Stone Temple Pilots.  Grunge music, which combines rock, punk and metal sounds, was popularized in the 90s by groups such as Pearl Jam and Nirvana. Pop punk's popularity boasts thanks to the success of groups such as Green Day, Blink-182, and Weezer as they combined elements of punk rock with pop music to varying degrees.

Thought about putting a youtube video of punk rock until I listened to some of the so-called music. Nah! Don't think so. If you are into that kind of music, you can just Google it! 

The 18 Best 90s Pop Songs You Forgot Existed

Many European artists were the driving force behind Pop music through the 90s decade. Some of the top groups/artists included All Saints, the Spice Girls, George Michael, Ace of Base, Robert Palmer and Oasis. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera had their first chart-topping hits in the late 90s, and their careers boomed in the 2000s. Paula Abdul, Hanson, and R. Kelly are just a few of the others’ enjoying success in the 90s.

Contemporary R&B brought forth elements of rhythm and blues, pop, soul, funk, and hip hop. During the mid-1990s, Michael Jackson, Zapp and Roger, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, R. Kelly, Janet Jackson, Aaliyah, TLC, Brandy and Boyz II Men brought contemporary R&B to the mainstream. Boyz II Men are the most commercially successful R&B group of all time.

Love Songs of the 90s

Adult contemporary music was popular in the form of soft-rock and singer-songwriter styles throughout the decade. Lilith Fair concert tour and music festival exemplified the singer-songwriter style and provided an outlet for a feminist wave. Participating artists included SarahMcLachlan, Jewel, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne and Meredith Brooks. Other popular artists in this genre that borrowed from this style included Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morissette, Dave MatthewsBand, Natalie Merchant and Edwin McCain. 

Adult contemporary artist Celine Dion is one of the biggest international stars in music history, selling more than 220 million albums worldwide. In 1991, Dion was a featured soloist in Voices That Care, a tribute to American troops fighting in Operation Desert Storm. Also at the top of the contemporary charts in the early 90s were Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.

Whitney Houston's version of the Dolly Parton song, "I Will Always Love You" (1992), stands as one of the best selling singles of all time.

Celine Dion's real international breakthrough came when she performed a duet with Peabo Bryson on the title track to Disney's animated film Beauty and the Beast (1991).

Top 20 Dance/Club Hits of the 1990s

 

I really have to ask myself, "Is this for real?"

Since the visit to the 90s began with a tribute to America, it is only fitting to end it in the same way.

Following the September 11 attacks, Dion returned to the music scene, and in a televised performance sang "God Bless America" at the benefit concert America: A Tribute to Heroes. Chuck Taylor of Billboard wrote, "the performance... brings to mind what has made her one of the celebrated vocalists of our time: the ability to render emotion that shakes the soul. Affecting, meaningful, and filled with grace, this is a musical reflection to share with all of us still searching for ways to cope." [Source: en.wikipedia.org]

 And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times... 

Best of 90s Country Time

Classic Country Radio

"I'm grateful when anybody can start to have his or her limited perception of the genre open up a little bit,... There's a lot of great music in the country genre that doesn't get heard because people say, 'Well, I don't like country.'" -Keith Urban

"Country music is the people's music. It just speaks about real life and about truth and it tells things how they really are." -Faith Hill

First impression, or perhaps the only impression of country music by some people, is the music referred to as "hillbilly redneck twang" or simply "redneck twang." This connotation resolved from forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments, such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, fiddles and harmonicas. The 'twang' resulted from musicians who could make their voices go high pitched all of a sudden, for a quick moment, then go back to regular sounding. That technique is actually a wonderful talent, practiced by a lot of old western music singers, those who lay the foundation for good ol' country.

Here is one definition from Twang Factor (FT): Rate Your Music:

Twang (my definition): ¹Easily detected, sometimes nasal, Southern U.S., hillbilly, or rural accent; also can be, ²brief almost yodel-like 'catch' or vocal 'hitch' present in some country music. 

Some musicians recognized with the 'twang ability' include, but are by no means limited to...

Wayne "The Train" Hancock is a proud retro rockabilly Super-Twanger.

Marty Brown hits the twang o-meter as honky-tonkin' twang run amok.

Deight Yoakam is probably the best twanger around.

Dolly Parton is most like the foremost female twanger.

George Jones is a real twangin' icon.

[For more of the twangers and their twang ability rate, learn more HERE!]

It has been said that one either loves country music or simply hates it, hardly ever any in between. Of course, that is solely a matter of opinion and many probably will admit to falling in the middle.

Regardless of whether the music is actually liked or not, one should NOT stop here without an understanding of country music. It goes much broader and deeper than the twang. Country music is a form of popular music having its roots in the rural southern United States. It is traditionally a mixture of ballads with each being a poem or song but always narrating a story in short verses. Such stories have been passed on orally from one generation to the next as part of the folk culture. The foundation of these songs is extremely emotional.

A new audience emerged for country music in the 80s and especially the 90s. A plethora of musicians set the stage on fire leaving the flames to rise higher and higher through the decades that followed well into the 21st century. This is but a few: Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Alan Jackson, John Michael Montgomery, Clint Black, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Lonestar. 

Super Star of the 90s Garth And New Country

  
Garth Brooks is undeniably the most popular country music artist of all time.

  After Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson was the most popular male country singer of the '90s.

 Top Female Artists of the 90s

 *****

*****

This country music ain't so bad...the music is great and at least you can understand the words! It is life personified!

 

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times... 

*****

Related country music posts:

And the music goes on: Country Time 1

And the music goes on: Country Time 2 

 

Into the 90s...Country Time

Classic Country Radio

"I'm grateful when anybody can start to have his or her limited perception of the genre open up a little bit,... There's a lot of great music in the country genre that doesn't get heard because people say, 'Well, I don't like country.'" -Keith Urban

"Country music is the people's music. It just speaks about real life and about truth and it tells things how they really are." -Faith Hill

First impression, or perhaps the only impression of country music by some people, is the music referred to as "hillbilly redneck twang" or simply "redneck twang." This connotation resolved from forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments, such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, fiddles and harmonicas. The 'twang' resulted from musicians who could make their voices go high pitched all of a sudden, for a quick moment, then go back to regular sounding. That technique is actually a wonderful talent, practiced by a lot of old western music singers, those who lay the foundation for good ol' country.

Here is one definition from Twang Factor (FT): Rate Your Music:

Twang (my definition): ¹Easily detected, sometimes nasal, Southern U.S., hillbilly, or rural accent; also can be, ²brief almost yodel-like 'catch' or vocal 'hitch' present in some country music. 

Some musicians recognized with the 'twang ability' include, but are by no means limited to...

Wayne "The Train" Hancock is a proud retro rockabilly Super-Twanger.

Marty Brown hits the twang o-meter as honky-tonkin' twang run amok.

Deight Yoakam is probably the best twanger around.

Dolly Parton is most like the foremost female twanger.

George Jones is a real twangin' icon.

[For more of the twangers and their twang ability rate, learn more HERE!]

It has been said that one either loves country music or simply hates it, hardly ever any in between. Of course, that is solely a matter of opinion and many probably will admit to falling in the middle.

Regardless of whether the music is actually liked or not, one should NOT stop here without an understanding of country music. It goes much broader and deeper than the twang. Country music is a form of popular music having its roots in the rural southern United States. It is traditionally a mixture of ballads with each being a poem or song but always narrating a story in short verses. Such stories have been passed on orally from one generation to the next as part of the folk culture. The foundation of these songs is extremely emotional.

A new audience emerged for country music in the 80s and especially the 90s. A plethora of musicians set the stage on fire leaving the flames to rise higher and higher through the decades that followed well into the 21st century. This is but a few: Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Alan Jackson, John Michael Montgomery, Clint Black, the Dixie Chicks, Shania Twain, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Lonestar. 

Super Star of the 90s Garth And New Country

   Garth Brooks is undeniably the most popular country music artist of all time.

  After Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson was the most popular male country singer of the '90s.

 Top Female Artists of the 90s

 *****

*****

This country music ain't so bad...the music is great and at least you can understand the words! It is life personified!
  

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times... 

*****

Related country music posts:

And the music goes on: Country Time 1

And the music goes on: Country Time 2 

 

♫Melody is Memory♫

It is always amazing how a stroll down memory lane often brings back songs of yesteryear that are still so very, very familiar as to melody but totally unknown as to original recording artist. Sometimes a song is released as an instrumental to later be re-released with lyrics. Often that song is covered a varied number of times with perhaps only one of those releases remaining tucked away in the cobwebs of the mind, awaiting a time of remembrance. Should the tune be played today the title would emerge in a heartbeat with memories of two of its covers, one with lyrics and one instrumental, but ask who originally recorded it and heads would surely hang in shame.
 
Today in Music History: May 26

Do you remember 'Stranger on the Shore'? Better still, do you remember 'Acker' Bilk?

 

1962 Bernard Stanley Bilk of Somerset, England, aka 'Acker' Bilk, went to No.1 on the US singles chart 'Stranger On The Shore'. ("Acker" is a term for "friend".) The original tune is an instrumental song featuring Bilk's clarinet and the first song by a British artist to top the US charts. Billboard named it the #1 single for the year 1962. It became a million seller in the UK making No.2 on the charts. During its stay on the Top 10, two vocal versions of the song entered the Top 100: The Drifters (peaked at #73) and Andy Williams (reached #38). A soprano sax smooth jazz adaptation was also released by Kenny G in 1999. He is the most successful instrumental musician of all time.

Tidbit of  Trivia...

In May 1969, the crew of Apollo 10 took "Stranger on the Shore" on their mission to the moon. Gene Cernan, a member of the crew, included the tune on a cassette tape used in the command module of the Apollo space

50 Best 90s Songs

Continuing our little journey pushes forward from 1962 to 1990. The 90s are the years of birth for many music genres. Grunge, rock, punk, heavy metal, slow love songs, electronic dance music are all part of the new music scene. Video clips appear in the 90s making the music market much more vibrant.

Of the Top Five positions on the US singles chart in 1990, which songs vs. recording artists do you remember? Could you have matched them all having only listened to the music?

1990 For the first time ever the Top Five positions on the US singles chart were held by female artists; Madonna No.1, Heart (sisters Ann Wilson & Nancy Wilson) No.2, Sinead O'Connor No.3, Wilson Phillips No.4 and Janet Jackson No.5.

 Tidbit of  Trivia...

If you are not familiar with Wilson Phillips, it is not the name of a male. This misconception is common since Wilson is usually a man's first name. Of course, it can also be a person's last name as the case in point. Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips comprised the vocal trio, Wilson Phillips, whose sudden success was matched by an equally impressive pedigree. The two Wilson sisters had grown up in California with their father, Beach Boy bandleader Brian Wilson, and often made appearances on his albums throughout their childhood. Chynna's parents, meanwhile, were John and Michelle Phillips (of seminal folk-rock band the Mamas & the Papas).

Memories are made of this...

♫Music Memory Lane♫

Way Back When

Memory Lane

A Trip Down Memory Lane: The 50s

♫Morsels of Music Memories♫

♫Strolling Memory Lane♫

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...