Okay, I may have been born in 1995, making my arrival too late to be considered a 90's kid as I hardly remember the 90's, never mind claim I grew up then, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the top music that came out of the era that was the 90's.
In an era where Playstation was born, Tamagotchi's ruled supreme and 'Girl Power' was the motto, music had alot to live up to following the 80's, but with bands like Nirvana, U2, Oasis and Take That, plus solo artists like Britney, Kylie and Robbie, music in the 90's didn't fail to meet the public's high standards, and, unlike today, the charts were filled with top stuff. So after asking for the opinion of friends, and after scanning we7 and Wikipedia from top to bottom, here's my favourites...
15. Faithless- Insomnia, this is one of those classics, with few lyrics and a laid back style to the song, Insomnia was just one of dance god's Faithless' hits and was first released in 1995, with the original being nearly 11 minutes in length. The radio edit was cut down to just 3:34 thankfully, as never how good a song is, it is vulnerable to being over played and after just one song of 11 minutes it'd get boring, a top tune though that kicks off my top 15.
14. The Verve- Bitter Sweet Symphony, when it hit the charts in 1997, Bitter Sweet Symphony was seen as as Wigan based 'The Verve's' biggest hit and peaked at #2 and it's album 'Urban Hymns' The violin rift makes this song unique and notable, meaning this song will be a timeless classic, well worthy of it's placing at 14.
13. Cornershop- Brimful of Asha, a catchy tune released in 1997 and remixed by 'Fatboy Slim', the later's chart position was significantly higher than the original, reaching #1 in 1998, but I still prefer the original, basically for it's originality (surprisingly) and acoustic feel. The song was written in tribute to Indian singer Asha Bhosle, any coincidence that it was sang by a group called 'Cornershop?'
12. Foo Fighters- Everlong, in all Foo Fighter's long career, I don't think they've eclipsed 'Everlong' a rock masterclass from the dawn of summer 1997, of which I have to say I've mastered on Guitar Hero, and I have to admit it's the first time I've encountered the song, shameful I know. After being brought up in pop music, as reflected by my higher listed songs, I'd never came across 'Everlong' until 'Guitar Hero World Tour', and ever since, it's been a favourite of the time.
11. Westlife- Flying Without Wing, unlike the above songs, I actually remember listening to this song in the 90's, rather than just appreciating it in the next decade. With my sister being obsessed with Westlife at the time, it would have been a crime not to include the Irish pop geniuses, and after finding out 'Uptown Girl' was released in 2001, this was my automatic replacement. This song has a unique feel to it, a classic. The amount of times you've heard the expression 'Flying without wings' in real life is untrue and a tribute to Westlife, who's newer material I have to say just isn't the same.
10. The Goo Goo Dolls- Iris, a typical example of a song that you can't put a name to, but after recommendation from a friend (who remains unnamed) this was a certain for the top 10, why isn't music like this anymore?
9. Nirvana- Smells Like Teen Spirit, any guitarist will be appreciative of this classic piece, a little too shouty for my liking, but just imagine sweating your head off in a sweaty gig, shouting your face off to this little beauty. Classic.
8. MC Hammer- Can't Touch This, two words. Ultimate tune. Everyone must have done this at some time, during an awkward silence shouting, Stop! Hammer time! If you haven't, please do so soon, it's a brilliant laugh, and everyone is guaranteed to sing 'Can't Touch This'
7. Robbie Williams- No Regrets, a personal favourite, and anyone who doesn't like Robbie deserves a long lesson in music, ignore his drug addictions, and personal troubles and listen to the music. This song is also very personal to Robbie as he wrote it himself about his feelings after leaving boy band Take That, as the last line say 'I guess the love we once had is officially. Dead'
6. Blur- Track 2, a typical feel good track if there ever was one, during the pop battle with Oasis in the 90's which I wish I was old enough to remember) Blur released this to turn many to 'the dark side' in the battle, my opinions on the battle remain private...
5. Oasis- Masterplan, ...until now, there was really only one winner wasn't there? The charisma, brilliant songs and all round legendaryness of Oasis makes them the best band of the 90's for me, and 'Masterplan' was a great example of why, an eye opener to all the 'music' in the charts today, of which there is none.
4. Take That- Back For Good, now this is a song that everybody knows, sings along to and takes them back. After Robbie Williams' departure from Take That, could they return with anything good? The answer was a resounding 'Yes' and this is a timeless classic. Also a good song to sing at very amusing yet insensitive moments...
3. Eiffel 65- I'm Blue, some may say this is one of the most annoying songs of all time. Most however, will agree with me and say that actually, it's a brilliant feel good anthem written by Italian group Eiffel 65, which was their only song of note, by what a song it is, a great song to end the decade.
2. Wet Wet Wet- Love is all Around, another beautifully sensitive song when sung well, and Wet Wet Wet's cover of the song, originally performed by 'The Troggs' is my favourite simply for it's beautiful tone, this version was sang as the soundtrack for the movie 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' and is a notable song with famous lyrics, one of my all time favourites.
1. U2- Beautiful Day, I never actually realised that this song was a 90's hit, I, wrongly, thought it was a 'naughties hit' it was an automatic number one for my list. This song conjures up images of a summer's day without a cloud in the sky, a 'Beautiful Day' and the ultimate feel good song. A worthy number one for me.
