Wumbo Ranks Billboard Year-End Hot 100 Charts! (Ahhh, the deed is done.)

[Katniss]

I'm guessing Mouth & MacNeal is the Captain and Tennille precursor   

A Horse With No Name is a really weird song. It doesn't sound too horrible but those lyrics make almost no sense.

 

[Wumbo]

All right, time to get our groove on. Here are...

Wumbo's Top 10 Songs of 1972

 

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. It's too bad John Fogerty wasn't too flattered when this song came out.

 

10. "Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress" - The Hollies

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lP94PlEtsEQ

 

Yeah, there's more than a few similarities between this and CCR's sound. But despite that, I don't think it's anything worth suing over. It still sounds distinctly like The Hollies, who are an awesome band that I don't really get to talk about often enough. But more importantly, this song sounds great. It's got this thumping energy to it that continues throughout the song with a great melody. Attempting to sound like CCR is never a bad thing, and this song shows it. It's a short cool song of '72.

 

9. "Go All the Way" - Raspberries

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULL7apmAJTE

 

The intro of this song just totally pumps me up, which is everything right with good 70s rock. The whole song keeps up that energy and that pulsating power, and it just rocks.

 

You can see why this band inspired so many, from Springsteen to Petty. The raw energy put into this song is something to be admired, along with the good vibes it gives off. They really do go all the way.

 

So, the soul that we saw in the bottom 10 of this year...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alvEUFJtMw8

 

...struck me as somewhat less soulful than I wanted. Good thing we have the top half of the list to make up for it!

 

8. "Oh Girl" - The Chi-Lites

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjN8huzS2Nc

 

Mmm, yeah. Back when music could be relaxing and downright heartbreaking at the same time.

 

I honestly feel like the art of pure singing is somewhat lost these days, what with autotune taking over. You don't really hear artists like this anymore, who just rely on the power of vocals to convey emotion. Not that the instrumentation and lyrics aren't also great, but the delivery just conveys the attitude of helplessness and despair so well.

 

It's a song that shows how hard breaking up with someone can be, and it works really well to convey that message. "Oh Girl" is definitely one of the most soulful songs of the year.

 

All right, now that we're all wringed out of emotion, let's get outta this world!

 

7. "Outa-Space" - Billy Preston

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuJVleNkJj0

 

Oh, I do love me a good, funky instrumental. Leave it to Billy Preston to provide me with one.

 

Actually, this was never conceived to be an actual hit. Instead, its b-side, "I Wrote a Simple Song", was meant to be the smash. But radio DJs kept flipping it over to the other side and "Outa-Space" became the far bigger hit. And while I like "Simple song", "Outa-Space" is definitely the one that deserves the nod. It's just so stunningly different from anything else on the pop charts in '72. I think it's one of the only instrumentals, actually. Groovy.

 

Well, now it's time to chill out with yet another British rock song from the 60's that Americans didn't pick up on until the 70s. How does that keep happening?

 

6. "Nights in White Satin" - The Moody Blues

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9muzyOd4Lh8

 

Oh well. While this song pretty squarely belongs in the 60s, it's still great to hear. The melody is so haunting and beautiful.

 

This is pretty much the defining song of the Moody Blues, and it's a pretty great one to have. It's chilling to the bone and soulful, as well as having that classic 60's feel. Again, America came late to this one, but if there was a better example of "better late than never", I haven't heard it.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYMCLz5PQVw

 

Oh yeah. Well, this song is up there with Bowie. Great British rock from the 60's has gotta get recognized sometime.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m48GqaOz90

 

I'll admit that despite my distaste for songs like "Boom Boom Pow", there is something commendable to be said for an artist so drunk on their own ego that they reference it as blatantly as possible in their music. But that sort of thing also gets tiring. i really wish the world had more encompassing self-empowerment messages, even if they were as simple as possible.

 

5. "Hold Your Head Up" - Argent

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBnSWJHawQQ

 

Ah, just what the doctor ordered.

 

You know, there are many ways to define the main message of the hippie culture of the late 60's and early 70's. But I think, essentially, more than anything, it's that feeling of loving yourself and feeling pride in yourself. Living life on your own terms and paying no mind to what others have to say about you.. And not only does this song get that message across perfectly, it's also wonderfully composed, grabbing your attention for more than six minutes.

 

It's great to be able to go back and listen to these songs and the positive messages they spread. It's what can really make a guy love music, and what it can do for people. Hold your head high!

 

Okay, so I like to provide a service to you all. That of entertainment and music criticism. however, there's another service I'd like to provide everyone with: how to spot a soulless person. It's very simple, actually. All you have to do is determine whether or not they like this song. If they don't, well... nothing to be found in there.

 

4. "Lean on Me" - Bill Withers

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KEXQkrllGbA

 

Okay, so ignoring that Al Green is the background picture for this video, damn, this song. It doesn't get much more classic than this, and you can really tell when a song has legacy when it survives this strongly for 40 years. And this one should! It's soulful, uplifting, and just a great song to jam to. Sometimes America just gets it right.

 

From one classic song to another, friends. There's just some clichés you gotta abide by.

 

3. "American Pie" - Don McLean

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAsV5-Hv-7U

 

I don't think there a very many better examples of storytelling in music than this song. McLean goes all out with the metaphors and personifications and it all just comes together beautifully. It's a good summary of 60's rock n' roll, and it's just held up over the years as a great example of songwriting.

 

You've got Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Byrds, The Stones - all these iconic performers mentioned in one song. "American Pie" is truly a great staple in music.

 

Man, the more I get into the 70s, the more killer tracks I discover by War.

 

2. "Slippin' Into Darkness" - War

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFSWW4O6QNM

 

This is a marvel in talent, energy, and just a passion for music. I love every single moment of this song. You can definitely tell that War were a different band, with their own unique sound that sets them miles ahead of the pop music game.

 

This isn't a song that you would expect to see on the pop charts. It's a little too weird, too surreal, too good really. This song is a delight, milking every single minute it has to air. I honestly can't think of much to say that couldn't just be explained by listening to the song itself. So go do that.

 

The only way to follow up that song is with a song even more unlikely to be a pop hit. But reaching #13 on the charts and #91 on the year-end, it more than qualifies. Ladies and gents: my favourite song of 1972.

 

1. "Roundabout" - Yes

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Tdu4uKSZ3M

 

What else can I even say except, "YES."

 

There are just no words to describe how awesome I think this song is, and how great it is that it actually made it onto the year-end chart. Granted, this was probably a shortened version, but personally there isn't a part of this song I could think of cutting out.

 

Bassist Chris Squire died earlier this year, so I'd like to draw some attention to his slick bass grooves here; some of his best work. it's awesome when a bassist can make a name for themselves and stand out in a song. Not to mention all the other instruments are sounding supreme as well.

 

It's so cool to just see an 8-minute prog rock song on a year-end chart. Certainly wouldn't happen today, and it wasn't even that common then, either. There is just so much to love about this song. Every moment brings a new burst of musical excellence. It's a joyride throughout, and I can think of no better song to top my list for 1972.

[Steel Sponge]

Thoughts on?:

Without You
My Ding-a-Ling
Popcorn
Layla
Ben
Let's Stay Together
Rocket Man
Get It On

[Sweat]

Explain the absence of Heart of Gold in your top 10

[Katniss]

Lean on Me is a true classic <3

[illiniguy34]

And they were singin' bye, bye, Miss American Pie. Drove my Chevy to the levy, but the levy was dry. Them good 'ol boys were drinkin' whiskey and rye, singin', "this'll be the day that I die".

[Wumbo]

Without You: #77. Booooring.

My Ding-a-Ling: #72. I guess I don't hate this song; it's certainly not one of the worst novelty songs out there. But I couldn't justify putting it any higher than this. It's a stupid song for sure.

Popcorn: #40. Pretty cool instrumental, just doesn't suck me in as much as "Outa-Space" does.

Layla: #15. Classic rock at its best, with all the soul squeezed in.

Ben: #20. I don't know why Donny Osmond even bothered when teenage Michael Jackson existed.

Let's Stay Together: #13. Great love song, so calm and mellow, yet with a lot of passion embedded in it as well.

Rocket Man: #35. I think it's gonna be a long long time until I finally put Elton John on a top list. What year did "Bennie and the Jets" come out again?

Get it On: #11. BANG A GONG

Heart of Gold: #18. Look, you try narrowing 1972's music down to a Top 10, okay?

[Katniss]

Bennie and the Jets was 1974, for the record. Two years off   

[Clappy]

As long as you don't say anything bad about Tiny Dancer, this friendship can keep coexisting.

Good lists as always.  A Horse With No Name is still massive amounts of suck and almost made my worst songs ever list as well.

[Wumbo]

Okay, so before I commence with my November year, time to finish some unfinished business. As promised, we're taking a look back at 1959 and getting some explanation for just why things are the way they are on that list! So, here we go. It's...

 

Wumbo's Bottom 10 Songs of 1959

Spoiler

 

...Hello again, Paul Anka.

10. "Lonely Boy" - Paul Anka

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKcCaCgMLBE

I think at this point, I've said all I can possibly say about this doofus. I just hate his music, and there's no getting around that. Teen idols don't usually bring out the best listener in me, but I think I can safely say that I have no more use for talking about Paul Anka.

It's just... wow, all his songs are bad in exactly the same way. Just this simpering whine over a sappy production. I'd like to say more, but... I honestly think I'm burned out on Anka. Sorry.

 

Spoiler

 

Oh my god. I will never complain about 70s kitsch again.

9. "Kookie, Kookie, Lend Me Your Comb" - Edd Byrnes & Connie Stevens

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpABRTn6kSA

Okay, I'm probably not going to be able to keep that promise above, but... god damn. This sucks so much. I honestly don't even know what to say. This is bad in an almost surreal sort of way. Almost... in a kooky sort of way.

I think more than anything, it's the slang that doesn't hold up that really draws me away from the song. Seriously, "ginchiest"? "Maximum utmost"? This sounds like something I'd hear in a Star Wars porn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F4qzPbcFiA

That it is, Admiral. An overly goofy, insufferably stupid trap.

It also doesn't help that both of these narrators sound like annoying twats. The story of this song is a guy won't stop combing his hair, so the girl wants him to lend the comb to her so he'll stop combing his hair and kiss her. You know, true love.

If I wanted to hear two idiots nattering on I'd listen to a podcast between PewDiePie and Donald Trump. Shit like this, however? Somehow even more insufferable. Next.

 

Spoiler

 

I honestly don't have anything to say here.

8. "The Three Bells" - The Browns

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTkbj56bnYs

This one comes with unfortunate timing since lead singer Jim Ed Brown passed away earlier this year. And for what it's worth, I guess this isn't a bad song. It just doesn't do a thing for me.

Maybe I'm heartless. Maybe I can't appreciate a good story for what it's worth. Maybe I don't like listening to droning, boring voices telling me a basic paint-by-numbers story through song. Let's go with that last one and retain my dignity.

Again, all due respect to the artists, they created perfectly serviceable music... I'd just rather not buy. Thank you.

 

Spoiler

 

I... God, I'm so sick of this.

7. "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" - Paul Anka

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKQL3262tjo

Stupid 1959 making me re-listen to stupid songs by stupid Paul Anka!

Okay, so... Paul Anka still sucks! Hi, hello, hey. Opinions don't change sometimes. Look, I already said I'm done talking about this guy. Can we talk about something else instead? Like... cheese fries?

Mmm. Cheese fries. They're like fries, but with cheese! Great combo. Where was I? Oh, yeah...

This guy was just the Justin Bieber of the late 50's. Too young to be singing, thought he had way more swagger than he did. If you do the math, it all adds up. God, fuck this song and fuck this artist. Now I'm really done.

 

Spoiler

 

Honestly, a lot of these bad songs are just boring and pointless. So you'll forgive me if I don't have much to say about them.

6. "Come Softly to Me" - The Fleetwoods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lc4o_wNoOBk

But, seriously now. This was impressive enough to become a hit in 1959? How? It's such a nothing song! It doesn't feel like anyone is putting in more than 40% effort, and it's just a bore.

The original title of this song was simply "Come Softly", but record execs thought it would be too risqué and so they changed it. I can't imagine anyone getting the double entendre either way through this boring pile of empty space.

This song just takes "boring" to a whole new level. I sure hope the next song is at least a more interesting flavour of bad than this. Jesus Christ.

 

Spoiler

 

Just play it.

5. "The Deck of Cards" - Wink Martindale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmp3TF1DFZ8

What the hell am I listening to, and why is it on a list of popular music?

All right, all right... so, 1959 was a different time. A time of faith, and religion, and praising Jesus. And this had a way of sneaking its way into music. But this... this isn't even a song. This is a damn sermon. Way to take the fun out of a deck of cards, guy!

You see Sir, when I look at the Ace, it reminds me that there is but one God. And the Deuce reminds me that the Bible is divided into two parts, the Old and the New Testaments. When I see-

zzzzz-huh? Sorry, sometimes I used to fall asleep in church. Which is where I feel I am right now.

Honestly, it's not even a sermon. It's just a weird and flawed analogy about how a deck of cards represents different parts of Catholicism. You've got your standards, three is the holy trinity, seven is the seven is the day of God's rest, yada yada. But then there's weird shit like this:

When I count the number of spots on a deck of cards, I find 365, the number of days in a year

I don't know what cards you play with, Wink, but Wikipedia did the math and that isn't true.

It's just... such a curiosity as to why this exists on Billboard. Did people... buy this? Why? What do even devout Catholics have to gain from a speech of how their religion is like a deck of cards? Isn't that kind of reductive?

When I see the King, it reminds me that there is but one King of Heaven, God Almighty.

Wh-you can't have both the king and the ace represent God, you cheater! Christ, every lyric I delve into this song, it just gets worse and worse. I fold.

 

Spoiler

 

Okay, so I'm on record as not liking Paul Anka's music. But believe it or not, there was a worse teen idol to score hits this year. His name is Frankie Avalon, and we're gonna look at not one, but two of his hits in the same spoiler. Strap in.

4. "Venus" - Frankie Avalon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fakpqLDEQAo

3. "Bobby Sox to Stockings" - Frankie Avalon

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYpnIDzMzhE

If you listen to the two songs, you'll see why I grouped them together. They're basically the same song. "Bobby Sox" ranks higher on my hate-o-meter just because it doesn't really sound romantic at all. It mostly sounds like this:

While I do see the romantic potential in "Venus", on the other hand, Avalon's voice and the sappy music just get to me. I hated it the first time I heard it and I still hate it. And that goes double for "Bobby Sox to Stockings". So to recap, Paul Anka may be bad, but he ain't Frankie bad.

 

Spoiler

 

...

...

Fuck The Chipmunks.

2. "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)" - The Chipmunks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whY9MKlvisI

and well, may as well throw #1 in here too:

1. "Alvin's Harmonica" - The Chipmunks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFEbdc-kla4

These are rodents that inspire hatred. If you had to ask me what fad of 1959 made the least sense, I would go with The Chipmunks in a heartbeat. They're an assault on the ears and I've never heard a single defense of theirs that I agree with.

They're not cute. They're not charming. They're not funny. They're not musically pleasing. They're not even fun in the kitsch sort of way. How, exactly, am I supposed to enjoy a song when you have "David Seville" screaming at one of them throughout the song?

These are both equally annoying, but "Harmonica" gets the nod over the Christmas song for the worst of the year because, let's face it, I'm a sucker for Christmas music. But that still doesn't mean the Christmas song sucks that much less. Who wants to hear a Christmas tune where some guy comes in and critiques their singing halfway through?

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7149597

"Alvin, you're a little flat. Watch it. Or next time I'll take your thumbs."

This very concept is just psychotic. I can only assume these things ever got created on some weird mental breakdown, and unfortunately the public ate it up like it was perfectly serviceable pop music. Well, to that I say... nothing, because it was 56 years ago and the Chipmunks are irrelevant now.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjXoeufkLJU

Completely, irrefutably, irrelevant. Let's keep it that way.

 

 

[Wumbo]

Now it's time to verify my picks for the top side of 1959. Why are they what they are? Let's find out!

 

Wumbo's Top 10 Songs of 1959

 

Spoiler

 

Yee-ha! It's country time!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbxuXq_981s

 

No, no, not that. Yeesh.

 

Like most genres in 1959, with country music you can see the roots of where it all began. You can even see the influence of the early genre on other genres. But rather than talk about it, let's listen to some.

 

10. "Gotta Travel On" - Billy Grammer

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9skKTcw6h8

 

Like, just listen to this song. Full of pep and energy, and could plausibly be a precursor to many styles of music. It's got the short sensibilities of pop, the fast energy of rock, the twang of country. It's great to see what became of songs like this. That's why these years, while difficult to do, are also fun because you can really see the roots of pop music, and where it all began. And I'm happy to see that country music owes some of its roots here.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Do we have groundbreakers? You bet we do! Anyone care to hear the first pop hit featuring an organ?

 

9. "The Happy Organ" - Dave "Baby" Cortez

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNxpU_ITpMQ

 

Aw yeah, this some prog rock shit goin' on here.

 

Seriously though, you can definitely hear some musical chops going on here. This sounds so fun and upbeat, while a lot of 1959 honestly just kind of droned. I love hearing tunes like this coming from the most unexpected of eras. It's really a breath of fresh air. Sometimes a good instrumental is all you need. Hey, just wait until you see the rest of this list.

 

 

Spoiler

 

The word "cool" is a strange one. One era later, what was cool then may be totally passé now. So it's nice to hear a group whose songs have kept things cool through the ages.

 

8. "Charlie Brown" - The Coasters

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbBr2bgAbcM

 

You know, it's funny. For all intents and purposes, this is just "Alley Oop" over again.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sz6IpmmYSXA

 

No, really. Tangible references to comic strip characters, outdated slang. So why do I like this one so much and loathe that one so much? Well... what The Coasters do with their song makes it sound cool! It's that simple.

 

Maybe it's the higher energy, maybe it's the harmonizing, but whatever it is, it makes a hell of a difference. Enough to rocket them to my top 10. This is one truly rockin' song.

 

 

Spoiler

 

All right, time for another history lesson.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltjT25GyXTM

 

Pipe down! We'll get to the music.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4scedJs6hC8

 

This is "Stagger Lee", a song about Lee Shelton, a late 1800s pimp who was also a gamblin' gunslinger. Yee-haw! "Stagger Lee" has gone by several names over the course of its long run, but it wasn't until 1959 that the song and story got the pop success it deserved.

 

7. "Stagger Lee" - Lloyd Price

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FCPutYaGFlE

 

There have been so many versions of this song before and since Lloyd Price's. Nick Cave, Wilson Pickett, even Hugh Laurie took a shot at it! But Lloyd Price's version has always stuck out as the best to me. Not just because it sounded ridiculously ahead of its time, especially for a pop song and especially with the lyrical choices, but there is just so much passion in Lloyd Price's voice. You can tell that he loves singing, and you can't take that away from him. The music matches his tone, with the piano and the rhythm. All-around great rendition of an great song.

 

 

Spoiler

 

I gotta admit, the first time I heard this song was by The Rolling Stones.

 

6. "Poison Ivy" - The Coasters

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRfRITVdz4k

 

While the Stones' version is indeed well done, this one still edges out on top for me just because it's a silly song, and they play it off like that. The song's about STDs.

 

You're gonna need an ocean

Of calamine lotion

You'll be scratchin' like a hound

The minute you start to mess around

 

Yyyyeah.

 

Not to mention the vocals on The Coasters' version are just better. The Coasters really knew how to liven up their performances in the best ways possible, even when singing about venereal disease.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARe5tEpb99s

 

Kids... keep it in your pants.

 

 

Spoiler

 

You know... at this point, this project may as well become "history of songs before Billboard".

 

5. "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" - The Platters

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2di83WAOhU

 

You know, it's strange actually. I'm not the hugest fan of show tunes. But... dang, there's something about this one, isn't there? Lead singer Tony Williams just goes all out against the beautiful orchestration and it doesn't sound forced or put-on... it just sounds beautiful.

 

This song was originally done for the 1933 musical Roberta, in which... things happen, I presume. Point is, the original point of this song was to be in a musical, and even back in the 50's, the pop charts weren't really pretentious enough to have many songs originating from musicals. So The Platters, an R&B group, were no doubt treading on dangerous territory with the show's creator by covering this song. Thankfully, lyricist Otto Harbach adored The Platters' rendition. And so do I.

 

 

Spoiler

 

See? I told you guys instrumental music would be coming back! You just had to wait awhile.

 

4. "Guitar Boogie Shuffle" - The Virtues

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JdZ0KmeBQc

 

Because... fuck lyrics, right?

 

Nah, sometimes all a song needs to be great is a guitar and a dream. That's what The Virtues had, and man, doesn't this guitar just sound awesome?

 

One of my favourite things about these early years, as I think I've mentioned before, is the fact that I can look back and see the roots of great genres. That's what I get here with "Guitar Boogie Shuffle": a slick guitar tune that helps set the stage for rock. Rock on.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Even in an era where great singers ran amok on the pop charts, there were still some that were just a step above the rest. Here's one of them.

 

3. "Broken Hearted Melody" - Sarah Vaughan

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfE0Lhx66Mc

 

Sarah Vaughan's voice can simply be described as a miracle. There is such soul, such talent, and such versatility put into it that it kind of makes you feel like a chump just listening to her. She could sing the phone book and it would enchant you.

 

Side note: Vaughan herself actually found this song to be incredibly corny, but y'know, artists always seem to hate their biggest hits, so make of that what you will. For me, "Broken Hearted Melody" is just the song to enjoy from this year... barring my #2 and #1 picks. But still, Sarah Vaughan. Amazing voice. That's all.

 

 

Spoiler

 

You know, of all the songs on this list, this is the one I was least expecting to even exist in 1959. I'd never heard the song before, but once I did, I knew I had to put it on my list, because it just seemed so ahead of its time, and so different, and so unique. So... here it is.

 

2. "Quiet Village" - Martin Denny

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnq2Z2Iu9S4

 

Up next on "pop songs that make you go 'whaaaaa?'", this.

 

Isn't it just bewildering to hear something like this in 1959, as well as it being successful on the pop charts in 1959? This song quite honestly fucks with my mind and doesn't even stay for pillow talk. This is a weird one.

 

And apparently, it started out that way. The bird calls and such were recorded by Denny and his friends as a joke. But people heard it, loved it, and it kind of heightens my faith in people that they would consider such a weird experiment worthy of making it big on Billboard. And it is weird. But it's also wonderful.

 

Starting out with the bird calls is such a clever idea hidden in a gag; it instantly draws you in. And then when they stop, you get to hear the sounds of Martin Denny's instruments do the work. It's one of those strange songs that probably shouldn't have worked at all, but did anyway. And I'm grateful for it.

 

 

Spoiler

 

The man. The myth. The legend. Were you expecting anything different to top this list?

 

1. "What'd I Say" - Ray Charles

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTIP_FOdq24

 

This is probably Ray Charles' most iconic and influential song, and for good reason. It is the product of experimentation, messing around, and success. Ray Charles improvised this song in front of an audience and left them desperately wanting the record. It's a testament to his performance abilities, for sure.

 

"What'd I Say" is more than just a great song, though. It's a groundbreaker. It pretty much brought the concept of soul music into the world of R&B, and set the tone for many artists to come and try to match. It is one of the most classically remembered songs by so many artists, because it gave what no other artist could give in 1959; an unmistakable influence on soul, R&B, and rock n' roll.

 

The call-and-repeat. The beat. The vocals. It's all masterfully done, and just goes to prove why Ray Charles more than deserves the top spot on my list... again

 

[Katniss]

Can't say I've heard of any of these songs, but thanks for the introduction   

[Wumbo]

Any-hoos, now that that's out of the way, my year of the month!

1995

Yo whattup, it's my birth year. Fun times to be had for sure as I look at the music that shaped my very essence. Top and bottom 10, you know the drill.

[Joe Biden]

You know, I won't blame you if you put that "Total Eclipse of the Heart" cover on your Bottom 10 list.

[Wumbo]

I suppose it's high time I re-posted my worst list, especially before I reveal my best and worst of this year. Here you all go!

---

Twenty years ago, the world welcomed a bright new face into the world. Twenty years from then, that face is sitting here banging away at a computer keyboard bashing on songs from said year.

 

Yeah, in all honesty, the 90's were a great decade, but after covering 1996, '95 feels like kind of a beta 1996. It just doesn't feel like music mattered as much this year. I expected to see a lot more ginormous hits than I did. I expected this year to rock my world.

 

And in some ways, I did, and it did. But in other ways, it gave us a Stevie B single, a boring MJ ballad, and music somehow worse than that. Let's look at that worse music now. It's...

 

Wumbo's Bottom 10 Songs of 1995

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

If you don't know who Babyface is, now might be a good time to learn, because he was one of the main driving forces behind 90's R&B. Thing is, he mainly worked behind the scenes as a producer and writer, notably for Whitney Houston, Boyz II Men, and so forth. But even some of the most important men in the pop world have their misfires.

 

10. "Someone to Love" - Jon B.

 

 

 

Sometimes in order to help an artist, you have to let them go. Otherwise, you end up staining your reputation with some mealy, watered-down Enrique Iglesias shit like this. At least I assume an Iglesias-like trill is what Jon B. is going for here. It might be that he just can't sing.

 

Basically, once Babyface gets on the track, you wonder why he even bothered with Jon B. and didn't just release this song himself. Jon B. is totally outclassed by Babyface here, and the fight isn't even fair. Jon B.'s like, 20 years old here. He's the *NSYNC member that fades into the background because he actually can't sing.

 

Beyond that, there's really nothing to grasp on here. It's as generic a love song as you can get. And to be fair, Babyface's strong suit was never really his writing. It was his production and his ability to work with shining stars. I guess the production's okay, but if Jon B.'s a shining star, then I'm a supernova. Which I'm not. Analogy proven.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Boyz II Men. Aren't they dreamy?

 

 

 

Boyz II Men! Aren't they funky?

 

 

 

All-4-One. Aren't they... something.

 

I really don't have much against All-4-One, but it's really hard to top Boyz II Men for mid-90's R&B jams (and certainly not helping is the fact that the Boyz have Babyface on their side). But even so... my tolerance for overwhelming mediocrity only goes so far.

 

9. "I Can Love You Like That" - All-4-One

 

 

 

Put simply, I just don't have a use for this.

 

Okay, this was actually originally a country song by John Michael Montgomery, and while admittedly All-4-One do try to make the song more interesting, hearing this version just sort of confirms to me that this song was dead on arrival. Unfortunately, no amount of R&B burnouts can save it.

 

I don't know why I don't like these guys as much as Boyz II Men, but it might have to do with the fact that they don't have a cool bass singer like Michael McCary.

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7409845

 

Smooth as butter, that man's voice. Anyway, All-4-One just never felt quite good enough to me to gain my approval. I can see why others would like them, but they, and especially this song, just don't do it for me.

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7409857

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

Madonna propelled herself into the 90's with the monster hit "Vogue", a bombastic statement that cemented her as one of the great enduring pop stars. Then she continued the rest of the 90's making songs like this.

 

8. "Take a Bow" - Madonna

 

 

 

This song frustrates me more than anything. I see a lot of praise for songs like this, where Madonna strips down... well, musically, anyway, and shows her "true colours". Fair enough, I guess. But I have no use for low-tempo ballads sung by one of the most provocative pop stars of all time.

 

Like... really? This is what the public wanted from Madonna in the 90's? This is the Madonna that gained critical acclaim? Why were the 90's so willing to accept boring ballads among all the genres they had to offer? I'd rather hear Madonna rap than sing this!

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7410815

 

...okay fine, point taken. But this still isn't the Madonna that I know and love. It's a shame she couldn't keep up her Vogue-ish style throughout the decade, but I guess then I'd have one less song for my Bottom 10. Take a bow, Madonna. Your capacity to entertain has come to an end.

 

 

Spoiler

 

...

 

What the hell is this.

 

7. "I Believe" - Blessid Union of Souls

 

 

 

Seriously, what is this? Did I step back to 1990 and start listening to "This One's for the Children" over again? AHHH, I'M STUCK IN A TIME LOOP

 

Okay no, it's not that bad. But it still sounds very amateur, with the lack of instrumentation throughout the song. And you can pull that off if you have the pipes to do so. But these guys?

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7410869

 

...

 

God bless 'em, they're trying!

 

Actually, that's another thing: what's up with the misspelling of "Blessid" in their own name? Are they trying to distance themselves from being Christian in this manner? Because... yeah, that'll trick 'em! Isn't trickery the work of the devil anyway?

 

Well, there's no trickery here that I can't see through: this song is schmaltzy as hell. And the worst part is, I actually see potential in it! They've got some great stories about prejudice and drug abuse in the lyrics, almost "Waterfalls"-style, but it's all thrown away for that vapid, nasally chorus. And I believe that it ruins the momentum of the entire song. Sorry, Blessid Union. You wasted your miracle.

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

In the "Brandy vs. Monica" wars, I take the side of there really being no winners.

 

 

 

Look, throughout the 90's they were... serviceable pop stars. They fit the teenage slot pretty well and they certainly weren't awful. But when either of them are completely off... oh dear god, it's a chore to get through.

 

6. "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" - Monica

 

 

 

Listen to this song. It sounds like the beat's dying.

 

If Monica had a time where she was more often than not on point, it would be in her ballads. But here? She sounds way out of her element, not knowing what to do with the song. She sounds restrained and overwrought at the same time.

 

What is this song about, anyway? She's just having a bad day? Taking one down? Singing a sad song just to turn it around?

 

 

Yeah, not a good omen.

 

I don't know... maybe I'm just having one of dem days. Those days where I don't care for crappy music. Next.

 

 

Spoiler

 

But, y'know, why settle for teens making shitty music when you can hear kids making shitty music??

 

5. "Candy Rain" - Soul for Real

 

 

 

Okay, so there's only one kid. But it doesn't matter the quantity, but rather the quality. And this is pretty damn bad. You thought Blessid Union had off-key voices? Listen to this.

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7410965

 

Yeah, kid, you're gettin' there... just try to hit anything resembling a pitch.

 

Okay, so it's not like me to be too harsh on kid performers, but I just can't help but think of Michael Jackson with the Jackson 5 and just how dynamic a performer he was at like, age 10. And unfortunately, if you get popular around that age, that's who I'm at least subconsciously gonna compare you to. You ain't a Michael, kid. Sorry to have to be the one to tell you.

 

 

Spoiler

 

...

 

...

 

MoKenStef??

 

4. "He's Mine" - MoKenStef

 

 

 

Okay, so, the song. No, we're going with the group name first. Seriously, MoKenStef? That sounds like the last name of a guy selling you Swedish meatballs outside the Costco.

 

But more importantly, this song is either too mean-spirited or not mean-spirited enough. This entire lyrical makeup is just catty, right down to the chorus, but... it's performed in this weird smooth R&B way that just doesn't fit at all. I'm not sure how I would have performed it to make it sound pleasant, but if you're going to be mean about it, then go all out and be a bitch!

 

But no, alas, what we have here is a mediocre-sounding song that falls into the awful territory through these catty lyrics. The doggone boy is yours, and so forth. It's just such an unpleasant song. I feel like taking a shower after listening to it. Eergh.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Well... it's finally come to this. I have to talk about a song I've already put on a worst list of a previous year. I could do the smart thing and leave it off for redundancy-related reasons, but then the list just wouldn't seem as authentic to me. So, here you go: my #2 worst song of 1996 is my #3 worst song of 1995.

 

3. "As I Lay Me Down" - Sophie B. Hawkins

 

 

 

This song... it's just so.. white. It oozes whiteness. (Yes, your music being white is bad. Shut up and eat your Lunchables.)

 

I just have absolutely no reason to listen to this. I hate Sophie B. Hawkins' breathy voice. I hate the background voices. I hate the awful overbearingly happy production. I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! I hate it so much that I think it totally deserves to go on two of my worst lists. It's that bad. Fortunately, there's still a little bit of badness to come. Let's check it out.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Okay, so I know I wasn't going to participate in the Brandy vs. Monica battle, but if I had to, I'd pick Monica every time.

 

2. "Baby" - Brandy

 

 

 

Monica at her worst is just kinda boring and confused. Brandy at her worst is fucking obnoxious. Listen to this song! Almost makes you want to go back to Justin Bieber.

 

But y'know, on the other hand, maybe I am being way too hard on these kid and teen artists. Not everybody can be Michael, and maybe the timing just had something to do with it. Maybe there just weren't any standout teen stars in the 90-OH WAIT

 

 

 

Yeah, sorry Monica. Sorry Brandy. You will always be the poor man's Aaliyah to me. Unfortunately, no Aaliyah to be seen in 1995, which is another strike against it. Baby, baby, baby, ohhhh god.

 

 

Spoiler

 

*sigh*

 

Let's talk cover songs.

 

 

 

"Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler is one of the finest songs ever to come out of the 80's. It's a bombastic ballad with lush instrumentation and a powerhouse vocalist at the forefront. It's a goddamn masterpiece, and I will hear no words describing it otherwise.

 

In fact, it's such a masterful song that I can't think of any possible way to screw it up!

 

1. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Nicki French

 

 

 

Unless you MAKE A STUPID DANCE VERSION OF THE SONG THAT SOUNDS TERRIBLE AND HAS NONE OF THE PASSION OF THE ORIGINAL AND COMPLETELY MISSES EVERYTHING THAT MAKES THE SONG SO GREAT AND THIS IS THE MOST IDIOTIC FUCKING THING I'VE EVER LISTENED TO- *breathes*

 

I don't particularly care for this cover.

 

I just... can't even comprehend the thought process behind the making of this song. It sucks everything out of the original and it's downright disrespectful. Nicki French is no Bonnie Tyler, and she doesn't even try to be, because it's just a dance song now. No effort needed!

 

The existence of this just makes me so upset. It teaches me that anything can be tainted and ruined, even some of the best pop songs of all time. 1995 has taught me that nothing is untouchable, and this list topper proves that for all the wrong reasons. Now let's forget this ever happened and get to the good tunes next time!

 

[Joe Biden]

Yet again, I predict the #1 choice, pay up, bitches.

[Wumbo]

oh and another thank you to Fred for showing me how to format videos

[Wumbo]

Well, I said I would get to the good tunes next time, and it's next time this time, so let's make time for...

 

Wumbo's Top 10 Songs of 1995

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

1995 was a good year to be a Mr. Christopher Wallace, better known to the public at large (no pun intended) as Biggie Smalls.

 

 

 

Indeed, Biggie was celebrating his most successful year on Billboard in 1995. Between his R&B collaborations, his work with Junior M.A.F.I.A., and his album Ready to Die still maintaining momentum, there was no stopping The Notorious B.I.G. Even so, I only had room for one song of his on this list, and I'm going with what was allegedly his most popular of the year.

 

10. "One More Chance" - The Notorious B.I.G.

 

 

 

Essentially, this is the Biggie song for me that had the best production this year, so it makes the cut over his other songs. Rest assured though, Biggie definitely deserved to be one of the hottest stars of the year. There's just something about his presence that makes its way onto all his singles that is truly captivating.

 

It really is a shame that he died as young as he did. 24 years is just a ridiculously short time to leave your mark. But that's exactly what Biggie did. Actually... this video is kind of eerie in hindsight. You've got Biggie, Aaliyah, Heavy D... all taken before their time. Is there some kind of "One More Chance" music video curse I don't know about? Spooky.

 

Well, this is still a great song with a smooth melody and star presence. Actually, this isn't even the original version of the song. The original I actually like even more; it's got a bit of a darker tone with the phone calls at the beginning and the less bouncy beat. But either way, the song is one of Biggie's finest, and was his one chance to reach my countdown.

 

 

Spoiler

 

And speaking of great beats... let's look at some of the best in the biz. And I ain't talkin' about the headphones! (Seriously, they suck.)

 

9. "Keep Their Heads Ringin'" - Dr. Dre

 

 

 

I've never been the hugest fan of Dr. Dre as a rapper, but like Biggie he definitely commands a presence with his... presence. Unlike Biggie, he's also skilled at creating great beats, and this is probably one of the best I've heard from him. Dark and unsettling, but catchy and bouncy at the same time. Perfect for the song, which falls into the vein of bragging about the gangsta life.

 

The chorus, for me, is what brings the song together. It's a masterful number from Death Row member Nanci Fletcher, hitting the notes of sweet and unnerving perfectly. This isn't a particularly deep song lyrically or anything, but it really doesn't have to be. It just has to convey a mood, and this song has its mood down pat. And I know it'll be keeping my head ringin' for quite some time to come. A-ding-ding-ding dong.

 

 

Spoiler

 

There were quite a few female rockers on the charts in '95, either coming off from the 80's or up-and-coming superstars. I pretty much liked all these songs, but there was one that just overpowered the rest with its sheer display of passion and hardcore soul. And seeing as the best of the best make the Top 10, it was the only one I had room for. Makes the title all the more fitting, now that I think about it.

 

8. "I'm the Only One" - Melissa Etheridge

 

 

 

Melissa Etheridge has been a long-standing staple in my family's music collection, and with songs like this it's easy to see why. I've always been a sucker for blues rock, but that doesn't mean I can't tell a good song from an exceptional one. The buildup to the chorus is outstanding, and a lot of that can be attributed to Melissa Etheridge's performance. She's got such a control over her sound that when she lets loose on the chorus, it's a joy to hear.

 

It's just a kickass song from a kickass artist. The song is about how Melissa Etheridge will be the only person who can ever truly love an unnamed person who is in a relationship with someone else. And it doesn't come off as catty or presumptuous; it just oozes with soul and passion, making the song's subject matter justified. You believe Melissa Etheridge will be the only one to love this person right.

 

I could go on and on about how much I love this song, but it'd just be me gushing about blues rock and Melissa some more, so let's head on to the next one.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Despite what you might believe, TLC haven't been the luckiest of groups. Nearly declaring bankruptcy, Left Eye being jailed and her death from a car crash, T-Boz's sickle-cell anemia... it's not exactly smooth sailing. However, things can always go worse if you live your life without thinking about consequences. And who would know better than someone who commits arson and does the time for the crime?

 

7. "Waterfalls" - TLC

 

 

 

All right, I'll admit that the last sarcastic comment is a bit out of line, because Left Eye does get personal in her rap verse and it's really well done, as is the rest of the song. The song essentially plays out like an all-encompassing PSA on not being stupid, but it gets it across in such a smooth, cool way that you might not even notice.

 

You got drug deals, AIDS, murder, all sorts of serious topics going on.  And TLC have a clear agenda in this song, telling people to be careful of the consequences of risky behaviour. But it's not laid out in a preachy way; it's just told through different stories. And the stories work very well to tie into that all-encompassing chorus.

 

Don't rush into something without knowing about it first; learn the risks of your actions. It's a very mature message that doesn't typically get performed by younger performers. And that makes it all the more influential. Kids look up to younger pop stars, and to get this message out was very brave and topical for the time period. So, yeah. Awesome song with a great message.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

The late 90's were definitely a lot happier than the mid-90's. Mid-90's, you had gangsta rap, alt rock, lovestruck ballads... the late 90's felt a lot more cheerful. I don't think either era is particularly better than the other; both have their merits and downfalls. But in the world of 1995, where hardcore rap and rock reigned supreme, it was nice to hear something that just made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. And here it is.

 

6. "I Know" - Dionne Farris

 

 

 

I don't know, maybe the stark contrast between this and everything else I heard from this year helped this song's ranks a little, but at the same time, I grew up with this song and I loved it from the very beginning. This is nostalgic music for me. Pop rock that doesn't have much of a message, but just delivers a warm feeling to your heart.

 

I think if you want to say anything positive about the late 90's happy happy joy joy streak, a lot of the music from that era feels very timeless. And that's the vibe I get from this song. I feel like I could hear this as a new song on the radio today and it would be just as welcomed as it was back in 1995. And make no mistake: this song was HUGE. It dominated the radio stations in '95 and ended up being one of the most-played songs of that year. And why shouldn't it? It's a super-fun tune with a bouncy melody and I still enjoy listening to it just as much as I did when I was a kid. Ain't nothin' wrong with that.

 

 

Spoiler

 

5. "This is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan

 

 

 

Don't you love those songs that need no introduction? I sure do. Saves on writing.

 

Seriously though, what can I say to lead into this song that would be better than just hearing the song's intro? There's nothing. Nothing at all. This song's intro is golden.

 

And that's not to throw shade at the rest of the song, either. It's got those new jack swing sensibilities that make the song groove all the way through. With a sample of Slick Rick's "Children's Story" carrying the song through to the end, and Montell Jordan's powerful singing all the way through, how can you not like this song? As far as music goes, this is how you do it!

 

 

Spoiler

 

So, like I said, "Waterfalls" displayed a very important set of messages, all centred around the dangers of ignoring consequences. Very powerful song, much-needed at its time. But let's face it. At the end of the day, do you want the prude or the promiscuity?

 

4. "Red Light Special" - TLC

 

 

 

While this isn't exactly as important a message to display in your music, I view it as the more successful TLC song. While "Waterfalls" is a fantastic song, the mood is a little hard to pin down. This just screams sex. You're not mistaking this for anything else.

 

I think credit needs to be given to T-Boz and Chilli here. I feel like these two get unfairly shafted when looking back on TLC, just because of Left Eye's tragic death and her lasting legacy. I still think Left Eye was the best of the group, and stole the show whenever she was given a rap verse, but T-Boz and Chilli are killing it on this song. Not to mention that slick guitar.

 

For my money, this is one of the sexiest songs ever recorded. It's just got that perfect pace and three lovely ladies to deliver it. Crazy, sexy, cool.

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

In 1995, Batman Forever was released and produced U2's biggest hit in three years, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me". It represented a new direction for U2 to take musically, to ditch the sincerity and just be over-the-top pretentious. It also happened to chart on Billboard this year. So I could put it on my list. I very well could.

 

But... no.

 

On the one hand, there are elements of this song I like. I think the buildup during the chorus with the guitar work is great, and Bono's always got stage presence. But the song just lacks something. This feels like album filler compared to U2's earlier work.

 

So unfortunately, I guess I won't get a chance to discuss the impact Batman Forever made on the pop charts in 1995. What a shame. If only there was an even more popular song that came off of the soundtrack, and probably would have never gotten famous had it not been on the soundtrack.

 

Yep. To all of you in the know, I'm going there.

 

3. "Kiss from a Rose" - Seal

 

 

 

What's this?! Another song from Batman Forever that was even more popular than the U2 song? This is almost too perfect to be a coincidence, almost like I planned this from the start!

 

Okay, all contrived segues aside, this song is wonderful. I don't normally put ballads so high on my lists, but damn it, I gotta respect the phenomenal ones. This song is just an orchestral masterpiece. The vocal layering is done great, the instruments all come in at the right time, and Seal just carries the song throughout. Take it from someone who's tried singing this song multiple times; it's not easy. At all.

 

Originally, this song was done in 1987, and Seal promptly forgot about it until his second album came around and Trevor Horn remixed it. It was then used in Batman Forever, re-released as a single, and finally achieved #1 status.

 

And this is definitely a classic song to be remembered that belonged in the #1 spot. Is it sappy? Yes, but it's wonderfully sappy. I wouldn't change it for anything. Hey, who knows? Maybe if this was used in Batman & Robin as well, the film would look better.

 

 

 

...maybe not.

 

 

Spoiler

 

Well, I've put two TLC songs in my Top 10. What say we finish off the trilogy?

 

2. "Creep" - TLC

 

 

 

At this point you may have questions about my moral judgment. Of the three TLC songs, the one with the cautionary tales goes last, the raunchy sex song goes in the middle, and the one straight-up about adultery is my favourite of the bunch.

 

 

 

Well, what can I say? This song just infects me with how stunning it is. It's got a slimy, no-good message and it kind of showcases that with the trumpet coming in. That is one slime ass brass.

 

In fact, this song has such an off-putting message that even within the group, members had probably, notably Left Eye, who actually threatened to wear black tape over her mouth during the video shoot, to absolve herself of any contribution to this song's message, which is, if your partner cheats on you, cheat back!

 

Left Eye, who was known for her good and strengthened morals, thought that if your man was cheating on you, you shouldn't cheat back. You should just leave him. I have to say, I think that's the better approach as well. But come on; how many songs do we have about revenge adultery? I haven't heard too many. And that's where I think this song really shines: it's unique. It's interesting. It's controversial. It's pretty much a Weekly World News headline. Nothin' wrong with a little schlock in your pop. Especially when that schlock presents itself as well as TLC does. Makes the concept of adultery sound downright charming.

 

 

 

Actually... yeah, this was a weird 90's thing, wasn't it? Well, we'll get to that song someday.

 

 

Spoiler

 

I do not like to be repetitive. Repeat: I do NOT like to be reptitive. Being repetitive is something that I do not like to do. I do not-

 

 

 

All right, all right!

 

So, you've seen this song before, if you've kept up with my lists. It's another 1996-charting song, and this time, it's my favourite song of the year. Kind of shows, more than anything, that '96 was a step up from '95. However, if there's one thing you can say about 1995, it knows how to treat a phenomenal song with respect.

 

 

 

You don't see 1995 putting songs below the goddamn Macarena. Anyway, here we go. My favourite song of 1995. Enjoy.

 

1. "Gangsta's Paradise" - Coolio ft. L.V.

 

 

 

This song should be listened to by everyone in the world. If you can sum up the attitudes of hip hop music and the state of the genre in the mid-90's in one song, I think it would be this one.

 

"Gangsta's Paradise" is a statement on life in the hood that is raw, real, and honest. It doesn't try to glorify the life in any sort of way; it presents all the ugly sides of the lifestyle, through Coolio's tired but still rough delivery and the lyrics detailing the gangsta life. That third verse still gives me chills.

 

http://www.tubechop.com/watch/7477606

 

"Gangsta's Paradise" is one of the ballsiest songs out there to ever reach the pop charts. In a time when gangsta rap glorified the lifestyle, Coolio came to bring it back down to Earth. I've already gone on about how much I love this song, but it really is deserving of the best song of this year. Fool.

 

[Wumbo]

Full list here! i'm gonna start doing this now, but if you still want to hear my thoughts on a song that didn't make either Top or Bottom 10, feel free to comment.

Spoiler

 

1. "Gangsta's Paradise" - Coolio ft. L.V.

2. "Creep" - TLC

3. "Kiss from a Rose" - Seal

4. "Red Light Special" - TLC

5. "This Is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan

6. "I Know" - Dionne Farris

7. "Waterfalls" - TLC

8. "I'm the Only One" - Melissa Etheridge

9. "Keep Their Heads Ringin'" - Dr. Dre

10. "One More Chance" - The Notorious B.I.G.

11. "Freak Like Me" - Adina Howard

12. "December" - Collective Soul

13. "Only Wanna Be with You" - Hootie & the Blowfish

14. "Run-Around" - Blues Traveler

15. "Dear Mama" - 2Pac

16. "Here Comes the Hotstepper" - Ini Kamoze

17. "Big Poppa" - The Notorious B.I.G.

18. "Shy Guy" - Diana King

19. "Fantasy" - Mariah Carey

20. "Scream" - Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson

21. "Hold My Hand" - Hootie & the Blowfish

22. "Strong Enough" - Sheryl Crow

23. "Like the Way I Do" - Melissa Etheridge

24. "Player's Anthem" - Junior M.A.F.I.A. ft. The Notorious B.I.G.

25. "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" - Method Man ft. Mary J. Blige

26. "All I Wanna Do" - Sheryl Crow

27. "No More I Love You's" - Annie Lennox

28. "Feel Me Flow" - Naughty by Nature

29. "On Bended Knee" - Boyz II Men

30. "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me" - U2

31. "You Want This" - Janet Jackson

32. "You Don't Know How It Feels" - Tom Petty

33. "Let Her Cry" - Hootie & the Blowfish

34. "I'll Make Love to You" - Boyz II Men

35. "Sukiyaki" - 4 P.M.

36. "Constantly" - Immature

37. "Sugar Hill" - AZ

38. "The Rhythm of the Night" - Corona

39. "Water Runs Dry" - Boyz II Men

40. "Every Day of the Week" - Jade

41. "I Wish" - Skee-Lo

42. "Brown Sugar" - D'Angelo

43. "Give It 2 You" - Da Brat

44. "1st of tha Month" - Bone Thugs-n-Harmony

45. "Roll to Me" - Del Amitri

46. "I Miss You" - N II U

47. "Brokenhearted" - Brandy ft. Wanya Morris

48. "I'll Stand by You" - The Pretenders

49. "Can't Stop Lovin' You" - Van Halen

50. "Misery" - Soul Asylum

51. "Best Friend" - Brandy

52. "Ask of You" - Raphael Saadiq

53. "Short Dick Man" - 20 Fingers ft. Gillette

54. "Good" - Better than Ezra

55. "I Got 5 on It" - Luniz

56. "Thank You" - Boyz II Men

57. "Carnival" - Natalie Merchant

58. "This Lil' Game We Play" - Subway ft. 702

59. "Can't You See" - Total ft. The Notorious B.I.G.

60. "Til You Do Me Right" - After 7

61. "Turn the Beat Around" - Gloria Estefan

62. "100% Pure Love" - Crystal Waters

63. "You Used to Love Me" - Faith Evans

64. "This Ain't a Love Song" - Bon Jovi

65. "Freek'n You" - Jodeci

66. "Cotton Eye Joe" - Rednex

67. "Secret" - Madonna

68. "Come and Get Your Love" - Real McCoy

69. "I Wanna Be Down" - Brandy

70. "Runaway" - Janet Jackson

71. "You Gotta Be" - Des'ree

72. "Boombastic" - Shaggy

73. "Before I Let You Go" - Blackstreet

74. "I Live My Life for You" - FireHouse

75. "Dream About You" - Stevie B

76. "Tell Me" - Groove Theory

77. "Another Night" - Real McCoy

78. "The Sweetest Days" - Vanessa Williams

79. "Believe" - Elton John

80. "You Are Not Alone" - Michael Jackson

81. "Every Little Thing I Do" - Soul for Real

82. "If You Love Me" - Brownstone

83. "In the House of Stone and Light" - Martin Page

84. "Always" - Bon Jovi

85. "Colors of the Wind" - Vanessa Williams

86. "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" - Bryan Adams

87. "Back for Good" - Take That

88. "Hold On" - Jamie Walters

89. "Tootsee Roll" - 69 Boyz

90. "Run Away" - Real McCoy

91. "Someone to Love" - Jon B.

92. "I Can Love You Like That" - All-4-One

93. "Take a Bow" - Madonna

94. "I Believe" - Blessid Union of Souls

95. "Don't Take it Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" - Monica

96. "Candy Rain" - Soul for Real

97. "He's Mine" - Mokenstef

98. "As I Lay Me Down" - Sophie B. Hawkins

99. "Baby" - Brandy

100. "Total Eclipse of the Heart" - Nicki French

 

[Joe Biden]

To be honest, I saw your #1 choice coming after where you placed it on your '96 list. Don't blame ya, though. That song is awesome. One of the '95 songs in my Starred playlist on Spotify. Along with "Waterfalls" and "Kiss from a Rose", don't judge me.

 

Anyway, thoughts on:

- Good

- Run Around

- December

- Roll to Me

- You Gotta Be

- all Hootie and the Blowfish songs

- Carnival

- Boomtastic

- All I Wanna Do

- Misery (the song that robbed Runaway Train of becoming a one-hit wonder song)

- I'll Stand By You

- You Don't Know How It Feels