The countdown continues: The 200 ESSENTIAL 90s Songs.  Today: #190-181. More next week.

200

 ESSENTIAL SONGS

 of the  

1990s

Many new sub-genres were launched during the 1990s as hybrids of various styles were fused to create innovative new sounds. Females infiltrated the once misogynistic world of rap as it evolved into hip-hop. New Jack Swing gave way to New Jill Swing. Grunge exploded around the world. The music industry grappled with dwindling sales and the threat of piracy. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most -in terms of lasting impact, influence and enduring quality- in the final decade of the previous millennium.

190

DON'T SPEAK No Doubt

Like the group Blondie before it, No Doubt had released a series of singles that were distinctive. "Don't Speak" sounded like no previous songs from the American alternative rock band. It helped that the impassioned ballad was well crafted and sounded real. The 1996 hit was lifted off the previous year's 'Tragic Kingdom' album.

189

TRULY MADLY DEEPLY Savage Garden

Australian pop duo Savage Garden unleashed this big ballad in 1997. It was soon ruling over charts in many countries. Sadly, 4 years later, the duo had split with only Hayes achieving solo recording success.

188

ALL THE SMALL THINGS Blink-182

While Blink-182 was a lite version of punk, the band enjoyed chart success in 1999 and a good deal of radio airplay with this power pop song. The track was lifted off the group's 'Enema Of The State' album.

187

SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST Vanessa Williams

Having endured the Miss America scandal, Williams focused on her musical aspirations. This ballad soon became an anthem. The R&B/ adult contemporary / pop love song topped charts all over the world in 1992.

186

SEMI-CHARMED LIFE Third Eye Blind

Alternative rock dominated radio during the 1990s. Issued in 1997, this served as Third Eye Blind's debut single.Unfortunately, the band failed to maintain the momentum and chart success. 

185

CANNONBALL The Breeders

Kim Deal of The Pixies was also a member of The Breeders. She penned this indie/ alternative pop single that remains a sonic trailblazer for the decade. It is found on the group's 'Last Splash' album.

184

I DON'T WANT TO MISS A THING Aerosmith

Aerosmith had built up a loyal following with a string of pop/ rock singles, but enjoyed its greatest success with this power ballad. Prolific hit-maker Diane Warren wrote the song for the group to perform for the box office hit film 'Armageddon'. 

183

ANOTHER NIGHT MC Sar & The Real McCoy

This 1993 dance hit ushered in a new musical direction for Eurodance in the 90s. The German act scaled charts on many continents. Among its contemporaries were: The Vengaboys, AB Logic and Jam & Spoon.

182

YOU DON'T TREAT ME NO GOOD Sonia Dada

American band Sonia Dada cooked up their individual sound by adding ingredients from pop, rock, soul, country and folk. This single was featured on the group's debut album in 1992. Follow-up "You Ain't Thinking (About Me)" fared well, but the band faded into obscurity soon after.

181

RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW Jesus Jones

The London-based act Jesus Jones fused dance, pop and techno to create this alternative dance track which charted around the globe in 1990. It was included on the 'Doubt' album. Despite persevering with subsequent releases, this remains the band's best and only worldwide hit.

1990s