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... 

Where Do Broken Hearts Go

Today in Music History: April 23, 1988

In the spotlight: Whitney Houston (1963–2012)

1988, April 23, Whitney Houston, American recording artist, singer, actress, producer, and model, becomes the first artist to hit #1 on US Hot 100 with seven consecutive singles as 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go' hits the top. Previous record holders (with six each) were the Beatles and the Bee Gees. Whitney becomes the second only recording artist to release four #1s from the same LP. Her first four albums, released between 1985 and 1992, amassed global sales in excess of 86 million copies.

In Whitney's first film, 'The Bodyguard,' she proved her adversity to everyone worldwide. 'The Bodyguard', went on to become the biggest international film in Warner Bros. history. How much did the movie gross?

400 million dollars

 *****

Whitney always felt a need to give back to the country that blessed her with the fulfillment of lifelong dreams. In what year did she establish the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children?

1989

The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children is a non-profit organization. It promotes a positive self-image and provides opportunities for children to grow and learn in supportive environments. The foundation benefits the homeless, children with AIDS, children's literacy, and the prevention of child abuse.
 *****

During Whitney's time in the music industry, she has won the respect of fans and many of her peers. She has broken many records and became in such a short time...a living legend. How many Emmy Awards did Whitney win?

2

Not stopping there however, Whitney has received as of 2000: 5 Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 5 People's Choice Award's, and 16 Billboard Music Awards, and that's just to name a few.
*****

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

Source: Fun Trivia : Houston, Whitney

♫Where Do Broken Hearts Go♫

Today in Music History: April 23, 1988

In the spotlight: Whitney Houston (1963–2012)

1988 April 23, Whitney Houston, American recording artist, singer, actress, producer, and model, becomes the first artist to hit #1 on US Hot 100 with seven consecutive singles as 'Where Do Broken Hearts Go' hits the top. Previous record holders (with six each) were the Beatles and the Bee Gees. Whitney becomes the second only recording artist to release four #1s from the same LP. Her first four albums, released between 1985 and 1992, amassed global sales in excess of 86 million copies.

In Whitney's first film, 'The Bodyguard,' she proved her adversity to everyone worldwide. 'The Bodyguard', went on to become the biggest international film in Warner Bros. history. How much did the movie gross?

400 million dollars

 *****

Whitney always felt a need to give back to the country that blessed her with the fulfillment of lifelong dreams. In what year did she establish the Whitney Houston Foundation for Children?

1989

The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children is a non-profit organization. It promotes a positive self-image and provides opportunities for children to grow and learn in supportive environments. The foundation benefits the homeless, children with AIDS, children's literacy, and the prevention of child abuse.
 *****

During Whitney's time in the music industry, she has won the respect of fans and many of her peers. She has broken many records and became in such a short time...a living legend. How many Emmy Awards did Whitney win?

*****
2000

Not stopping there however, Whitney has received as of 2000: 5 Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 5 People's Choice Award's, and 16 Billboard Music Awards, and that's just to name a few.

Source: Fun Trivia : Houston, Whitney

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

Good Girl Gone Bad

Today in Music History: January 27

Many of our top recording artists in the 21st century place as much focus on their appearance and performance as their singing. Apparently there is no limit. The one featured in today's spotlight is no exception.
Welcome into the Spotlight...

Rihanna: the youngest artist to score 12 number one singles in the US

As a teenager, Rihanna turned to singing as a release from her troubles at home. She left home in Barbados and signed with Def Jam records at age 16 and released her first album, which sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, in 2005.

"When I left Barbados, I didn't look back," Rihanna recalled. "I wanted to do what I had to do, even if it meant moving to America."

In 2007, Rihanna effected a transformation from cute teen pop princess to fully fledged superstar and sex symbol with her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, fueled by its smash hit lead single "Umbrella," featuring Jay-Z. "It shows such growth for her as an artist," Jay-Z said about the track. "If you listen to the lyrics to that song, you know the depth and how far she's come." [Source: Biography.com]

2012 Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
"We Found Love" was met with mixed reviews from music critics, who praised the song's composition and Rihanna's vocal performance; however, some critics felt that the lyrical content was sparse and came second to Harris' production. Commercially, the song was a major success.

No.1 singles on this day...
[Click on the year for the songs that hit number one on the charts in the US during that year.]

• 
  

  1962 Joey and the Starlighters started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Peppermint Twist, part 1'. The single reached No.33 on the UK chart.

• 1973 'Superstition' the lead single from Stevie Wonder's Talking Book album gave him his second No.1 single in the US, 10 years after his first No.1. Jeff Beck created the original drum beat while in the studio with Wonder. After writing the song, Wonder offered it to Beck to record, but at the insistence of Berry Gordy, Wonder himself recorded it first. Beck was instead offered 'Cause We've Ended As Lovers', which he recorded on Blow by Blow in 1975.

• 1981 Blondie - The Tide Is High
  "The Tide Is High" is a 1967 song written by John Holt, originally performed by the Jamaican group The Paragons, with John Holt as lead singer. The song went mainly unnoticed in the rest of the world, until it was rediscovered in 1980, when it became a US/UK No.1 hit for the American band Blondie.

• 1990 Michael Bolton - How Am I Supposed To Live Without You "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" is a song written in 1983 by Doug James and Michael Bolton. The ballad has been recorded by dozens of artists around the world, in English and Spanish, becoming something of a modern pop standard. Instrumental versions of the song have been recorded featuring variously the piano, guitar, saxophone, pan flute, steel drum, and music box. Bolton's own rendition of the song became a worldwide hit in early 1990.

• 
  

The longest running No.1 hits on this day from 1940-2015...

1993 Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
In 1992, singer Whitney Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, her film debut. Houston was originally to record Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" as the lead single from The Bodyguard.
Houston's version was a massive worldwide success.

1996 Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day
Both Carey and Boyz II Men wrote the song about specific people in their lives to include sufferers of the AIDS epidemic so globally prevalent at the time.
"One Sweet Day" has been lauded with a universal acclaim by contemporary music critics and won many prestigious awards throughout 1996.

Songs released on this day...

1956 Elvis Presley's single, 'Heartbreak Hotel' was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.

1968 Otis Redding's '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' was released. The release came six weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.

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

  

♫Good Girl Gone Bad♫

Entertainers have always been all about putting on a show...creating a kind of magic tempting the boundaries of excitement. The more glamorous, the glitzier, the crazier, the more outrageous, the better! With the coming of MTV (check out the first 30 videos!) in the 80s, recording artists could be seen as well as heard eventually offering global concert coverage without the travel and expense of obtaining concert tickets. Tickets by the way which all too often landed 'seats' in the land of boo-foo where one could barely hear, let alone see, who was on stage. Then came youtube in 2005 (check out the history of youtube as told through 10 iconic videos!) where showmanship eventually became either you loved it or hated it with that train not slowing down yet.

Into the 21st century certainly has had its spotlights on performance just as much if not more so than an artist's talents. Less demands more, more, more (attention, that is) with costumes becoming skimpier and skimpier leaving little to the imagination. Many of our top recording artists today plan, prepare, place as much focus on their appearance and performance as their musical abilities. Apparently there is no limit. The one featured in today's spotlight is no exception.

Today in Music History: January 27
 
Welcome into the Spotlight...

Rihanna: the youngest artist to score 12 number one singles in the US

As a teenager, Rihanna turned to singing as a release from her troubles at home. She left home in Barbados and signed with Def Jam records at age 16 and released her first album, which sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, in 2005.

"When I left Barbados, I didn't look back," Rihanna recalled. "I wanted to do what I had to do, even if it meant moving to America."

In 2007, Rihanna effected a transformation from cute teen pop princess to fully fledged superstar and sex symbol with her third album, Good Girl Gone Bad, fueled by its smash hit lead single "Umbrella," featuring Jay-Z. "It shows such growth for her as an artist," Jay-Z said about the track. "If you listen to the lyrics to that song, you know the depth and how far she's come." [Source: Biography.com]

2012 Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
"We Found Love" was met with mixed reviews from music critics, who praised the song's composition and Rihanna's vocal performance; however, some critics felt that the lyrical content was sparse and came second to Harris' production. Commercially, the song was a major success.

 
January 27, 2016

Rihanna’s New Single “Work” featuring Drake Has EveryoneDoing Anything But

  
"Rihanna premiered the first single from forthcoming album Anti this morning via BBC Radio 1 and it’s already climbing up the charts. The song is called “Work” and it includes a feature from Drake."  

No.1 singles on this day...
[Click the image and select a year to revisit or click on the year below for the songs that hit number one on the charts in the US during that year.]

 

• 
  

  1962 Joey and the Starlighters started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Peppermint Twist, part 1'. The single reached No.33 on the UK chart.

• 1973 'Superstition' the lead single from Stevie Wonder's Talking Book album gave him his second No.1 single in the US, 10 years after his first No.1. Jeff Beck created the original drum beat while in the studio with Wonder. After writing the song, Wonder offered it to Beck to record, but at the insistence of Berry Gordy, Wonder himself recorded it first. Beck was instead offered 'Cause We've Ended As Lovers', which he recorded on Blow by Blow in 1975.

• 1981 Blondie - The Tide Is High
  "The Tide Is High" is a 1967 song written by John Holt, originally performed by the Jamaican group The Paragons, with John Holt as lead singer. The song went mainly unnoticed in the rest of the world, until it was rediscovered in 1980, when it became a US/UK No.1 hit for the American band Blondie.

• 1990 Michael Bolton - How Am I Supposed To Live Without You "How Am I Supposed to Live Without You" is a song written in 1983 by Doug James and Michael Bolton. The ballad has been recorded by dozens of artists around the world, in English and Spanish, becoming something of a modern pop standard. Instrumental versions of the song have been recorded featuring variously the piano, guitar, saxophone, pan flute, steel drum, and music box. Bolton's own rendition of the song became a worldwide hit in early 1990.

• 
  

The longest running No.1 hits on this day from 1940-2015...

1993 Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
In 1992, singer Whitney Houston recorded the song for the soundtrack to The Bodyguard, her film debut. Houston was originally to record Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Brokenhearted" as the lead single from The Bodyguard.
Houston's version was a massive worldwide success.

1996 Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day
Both Carey and Boyz II Men wrote the song about specific people in their lives to include sufferers of the AIDS epidemic so globally prevalent at the time.
"One Sweet Day" has been lauded with a universal acclaim by contemporary music critics and won many prestigious awards throughout 1996.

Songs released on this day...

1956 Elvis Presley's single, 'Heartbreak Hotel' was released by RCA Records, who had just purchased Presley's contract from Sun Records for $35,000. The song sold 300,000 copies in its first week and would eventually sell over a million, becoming Elvis' first Gold record.

1968 Otis Redding's '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' was released. The release came six weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.

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