Jio's HoF :NOW:WEEKLY PICKS (26/9/2023)

[Skoolio]

I love you, jio, man. Did I ever say that? You're one of my favourite, if not favourite member of UKmix. I followed this thread from the very beginning and I discovered some previously unheard Prince and Madonna jams, as well as some other songs I didn't even know I knew. Love your 1990 countdown! Keep up the good work!

[Chun]

Love the Pasadenas, Pebbles and After 7! Where were you in 1990? I mean geographically!

In Athens until September, then to Cyprus...

I will be in Cyprus in September

Great countdown! Listening to Hello Africa now.

[jio]

Thanks Skoolio)))

In which place are you goin'Chun?

[jio]

R&B 1990 Top 40 part 3



So 1990 was the year that I began listening systematically to new music (UK Top 40 was my bible on the radio) and whoever remembers how that time was... well it was involving a lot of running like an idiot or alternatively a lot of standing next to the radio (again like an idiot) in order to manage to record your favorite new song from the beginning on a tape. I have to admit I wasn't that much into R&B that year (I hardly even knew what it was exactly, I was only 13 after all) but I did enjoy several of the listed songs, despite having heard and loved some of them the following years. So this is R&B's best of 1990,,, according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...


20.
Get A Life-SOUL II SOUL


"Get A Life" is one of those rare Soul II Soul singles featuring main member Jazzie B. on vocals instead of a guest vocalist. The song was the first single from Soul II Soul's sophomore album "Vol.II 1990 A New Decade" and, although it didn't break any new territory for the group, it kept them firmly on top of the UK R&B scene. The song peaked at #3 on the UK singles chart, becoming Soul II Soul's third straight UK Top 5 hit following "Keep On Moving" and "Back To Life".

19.
Round And Round-TEVIN CAMPBELL


Although Prince's importance in the history of music is beyond huge, in 1990 two songs he composed but did not perform outshone his own releases. On the pop charts, it was Sinead O' Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" and in the R&B charts it was this little gem, also taken and featured in his 1990 flop film "Graffiti Bridge". "Round And Round" also became Tevin's first ever pop hit, making it to #12 on the BB Hot 100 but his career would continue strong for the next five years proving that he was a talent bound to make it with or without Prince's help.

18.
Oops Up-SNAP!


Snap!'s second single was a reworking of the 1980 Gap Band classic "I Don't Believe You Want To Get Up And Dance" and that's the reason this single appears kinda low on my chart, since, otherwise, this is my favorite single from the band. Although Snap! would make a later career out of (equally amazing) dance records such as "Rhythm Is A Dancer" and "Exterminate", in 1990 the combination of Turbo B.'s rap and Penny Ford's out-of-this -world vocals gave the band a well-deserved place in the history of European (in this case German) urban music

17.
Fairweather Friend-JOHNNY GILL


Former New Edition member Johnny Gill had a great 1990 with an R&B #1 album and two R&B #1 singles. This is actually his only 1990 release which did not top the R&B charts (it peaked at #2) but that doesn't mean anything since it was still a pop hit making it to #28 on the BB Hot 100 and of course another ace track in a solo career filled with them.

16.
Make You Sweat-KEITH SWEAT


Keith Sweat is widely credited with inventing the new-jack swing sound with his 1987 album "Make It Last Forever". That resulted in a career culminating in a total of ten US Top 40 albums. His 1990 hit "Make You Sweat" remains a classic peaking at #14 on the BB Hot 100.

15.
I've Got You Under My Skin-NENEH CHERRY


By the time this single was released, Sweden's Neneh Cherry had already four UK and two US hits under her belt. This single, re-working Frank Sinatra's song of the same name, was created as part of "Red, Hot & Blue" a compilation of songs promoting AIDS awareness. A very worthy cause indeed and a classic song to go for it, the song peaked at #25 on the UK Singles Chart

14.
Sensitivity-RALPH TRESVANT


Actually before becoming new-jack swing's latest flavor, Ralph Tresvant was... a tenor. His career in music would proceed with a number of R&B hits, but this is the song everyone remembers him for. "Sensitivity" peaked at #4 on the BB Hot 100 and #18 on the UK Singles Chart.

13.
Sucker D.J.-DIMPLES D.


This was originally a flop single from way back in 1983, but in 1990 interest on the song rose thanks to its inclusion in an American sitcom. So a brand new video was filmed and Dimples D. had not just a massive hit but also a major club classic on her hands, a status not fully reflected by its #17 UK peak

12.
The Power-SNAP!


This was Snap!'s debut single and what an arrival it was for this German mega-act. The song spent two weeks on the top of the UK charts and peaked at #2 on the BB Hot 100, introducing rapper Turbo B. and vocalist Jackie Harris to the world. Interestingly, this is actually the only Snap! single Jackie would ever appear since she quit the group shortly after their breakthrough. The most interesting aspect of the video is probably the Russian-language intro which has bizarrely disappeared in all youtube videos. Just to prove the power of "The Power", people exercising to the song actually managed to 'cause a small earthquake in Seoul, South Korea in 2011. Different versions of the song have re-charted for Snap! through the years including the Indian-flavored "Power of Bhangra" charting at #34 in 2003

11.
Livin' In The Light-CARON WHEELER


Former Soul II Soul front-woman Caron Wheeler launched her solo career back in 1990 with this very Soul II Soul-esque massive tune. "Livin' In The Light" remains Caron's biggest solo hit to date, making to #14 on the UK charts

[CrazyCrazy]

Snap, Neneh & Lisa Stansfield!! Great list mate!!

[Marius]

Right - I need to read every single post in this topic. Also should start a similar one at some point. Will comment as i read on songs i nh before.

Well, skipping the Madge and Prince countdowns.
First thing to mention is the Greek song links for the below have been removed by youtube, so FYI jio.

-Stefanos Korkolis & Fransesca Schiavo: Se Thelo/Ti Voglio (I Want You)
-Sofia Arvaniti & Bonnie Tyler: The Desert Is In Your Heart
-Nama: Odysseas (Odysseus)
-Manos Loizos: To Zeimbekiko Tis Evdokias (Instrumental)

Arabic stuff:

-#1.Dalida: Salma Ya Salama (Egyptian)
-#2.Rasha: Salib Fuadi (Sudanese)
Not a big fan of these

-#3:Rohff & Mohammed Lamine:Mon Bled (Abdel Kader) (Algerian)(click here for the Cheb Khaled original)
Much better

-#4.Cheb Khaled: Didi (Algerian)
Brilliant. I think it was a massive #1 in France, his first of 3 that I am aware of (with Aisha and Meme pas fatigue)

-#5.Amr Diab:Tamally Maak (Egyptian)
-#6.Saber El Robaey:Sidi Mansour (Tunisian)
-#8:Yuri Buenaventura & Faudel: Salsa Rai (Colombian/Algerian)
-#10.Alabina & Ishtar: Yalla Beena Yalla (Israeli/Spanish)
Videos unavailable

-#7.Faudel: Tellement N' Brick (Algerian)
-#9.Amr Diab & Angela Dimitriou: Habibi Ya Habib Alby Yadoob (Egyptian/Greek)
OK-ish

I am not a major fan of Arabic music, but do you know these two songs i can recall liking, off the top of my head:

1) 2 of your top artists together, Khaled & Amr Diab
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKzP3gWAFJU
2) Alabina's biggest hit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V6J0FTl-ec

[Marius]

French countdown - I like almost all, especially

-#2.France Gall: Ella Elle L'A (France #2---Switzerland #5)
-#3.Desireless: Voyage Voyage (France #2---Belgium #1---Switzerland #4---UK #5)
-#4:Mylene Farmeresenchantee (France #1-Canada #9-Belgium #23-Switzerland #23)

Also, I recall how shocked i was upon stumbling upon the video for Patti Guesch - Etienne at the age of 11

Sabrina & Sam Fox - i am male, straight and was 11-12 when they were big, so obviously remember them well. I don't mind their songs, in fact one i have always liked by SF and which did not make your top 5 is I Promise You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eU84ORB-Y9k

Greek and Cypriot acts - will listen to tomorrow, Greek music is immensely popular in Romania where i grew up, with the likes of Kaiti Garbi and Despina Vandi being almost household names so i probably know some of the songs you listed (if not by title).

[jio]

Wow Marius, thanks for checking those old charts of mine. I had no idea which songs' links were unavailable but that was to be expected with everchanging youtube links for most songs... ain't gonna change them... But the Alabina song you posted is the same with the one I had originally posted (I believe)...

Yeah, Arabic music is great and it still sounds greater to me the more I discover it. I do not know much of it but I now know certainly much more than what I did when I made that chart. And Khaled is a legend

And you are Romanian... so from the Balkans too... great... I knew that Greek music used to be popular in the rest of the Balkans in the '90s (I am assuming it's not anymore because it has become far less interesting than it once was, I don't like it much myself anymore) but I was unaware your radios were actually playing those songs in Greek... I was in Serbia in the '90s and I did hear Serbian versions of songs we had in Greek as well but not songs actually sang in Greek... and I thought it must have been something like Greek and Turkish music, everyone covering each other and nobody being quite certain as to who did the original version in the first place lol. Interesting to know Greek music was heard in Romania then. The only time I have heard original music from other Balkan countries being played here was Bregovic in the '90s and a bit of Azis now (OK Inna too but she sings in English).

And yeah French music is great and always has been... wish I was far more familiar with it too

Sabrina & Sam Fox>>>>>>>>>>

[Marius]

Well, mostly on pirate radios and in clubs actually. However, i remember Gia by Despina Vandi being #1 in the top 40 of one of the commercial stations, so some made it.

[jio]

R&B 1990 Top 40 part 4



So 1990 was the year that I began listening systematically to new music (UK Top 40 was my bible on the radio) and whoever remembers how that time was... well it was involving a lot of running like an idiot or alternatively a lot of standing next to the radio (again like an idiot) in order to manage to record your favorite new song from the beginning on a tape. I have to admit I wasn't that much into R&B that year (I hardly even knew what it was exactly, I was only 13 after all) but I did enjoy several of the listed songs, despite having heard and loved some of them the following years. So this is R&B's best of 1990,,, according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...


10.
Rub You The Right Way-JOHNNY GILL


This was Johnny Gill's second R&B number one and his biggest pop hit ever (#3 on the BB Hot 100) and remains an all time new jack classic. In order to get its appeal however, you just need to play it really loud and feel that bass.

09.
Escapade-JANET JACKSON


There is absolutely no need in introducing this lady who by the end of the '80s had firmly established herself as a superstar having already eight US Top 10s under her belt and some of the most breathtaking dance moves ever seen on video. Despite all that, 1990 was definitely her year as her popularity in her country would hit dizzying heights with the release of her fourth album "Rhythm Nation 1814". "Escapade" was the third single taken from that album and it easily became Janet's third BB Hot 100 #1. Despite the fact that the song did not impress the UK much (it only made it to #17 there), it did impress me so all hail the queen of R&B.

08.
Feels Good-TONY! TONI! TONE!


Although this was actually the 6th single released by this new-jack band, it is the song which shot them to superstardom by making it to #9 on the BB Hot 100. And once they reached the charts, they weren't planning to let them go. The band would keep scoring hits until 2004 managing gaining an almost legendary status on the R&B scene where their career will culminate in no less than five genre #1s.

07.
It's A Shame (My Sister)-MONIE LOVE


UK rap artists making it to the US? That's exactly what Monie Love managed and despite having already a couple of UK hits in her name, this reworking of The Spinners' "It's A Shame" is the single which achieved the feat making it to #26 on the BB Hot 100 and #12 on the UK Singles chart. What was next for Monie Love? A career defining collaboration with Prince. But for now "It's A Shame" is the top rap song for 1990 on my list.

06.
Dub Be Good To Me-BEATS INTERNATIONAL feat. LINDY LAYTON


What happens if you combine the producing talents of Norman Cook, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on a cover of a S.O.S. Band classic? The answer is a mega-club hit and a mega chart hit at the same time. This is a fierce remake of "Just Be Good To Me" which easily surpassed the original in popularity in early 1990 spending four weeks on top of the UK singles chart.

05.
A Dream's A Dream-SOUL II SOUL


Soul II Soul were undoubtly the biggest and most influencial UK R&B group to emerge in 1989 but by 1990, they had a problem:How to replace lead vocalist Caron Wheeler who had just left the group to pursue a solo career. The answer was with a string of female power vocalists. Victoria Wilson James is the lady providing the vocals in this jam which samples Rose Royce's '70s hit "Wishing On A Star". The single peaked at #6 on the UK Singles chart, proving that Soul II Soul had much life in them still, despite Caron's departure.

04.
Close To You-MAXI PRIEST


Reggae and R&B were never far from eachother musically and in the late '80s/early '90s no other person took more advantage of this to score transatlantic hits than the UK's Maxi Priest. This remains his biggest hit ever reaching #7 on the UK Singles chart and going all the way to the top of the BB Hot 100 making Maxi Priest only the second (and final) British reggae artist to have an American #1 hit after UB40.

03.
No More Lies-MICHEL'LE


Although this lady was actually scoring hits until 1996. no other song of hers came close to repeating the success of this new-jack swing classic. Originally peaking at #7 on the BB Hot 100 and being criminally ignored in Europe, "No More Lies" was produced by Michel'le's then boyfriend, major hip-hop superproducer Dr. Dre, and helped her debut album sell over 2 million copies in the USA alone

02.
Got To Have Your Love-MANTRONIX feat. WONDRESS


"Got To Have Your Love" is definitely one of the most memorable singles of 1990 and one of the most evergreen club hits to derive from that year. That song has personally given me some of my best moments when I was still dancing like mad in clubs and it is one of the songs you will always listen in a retro club and for good reason that is. The song reached #4 on the UK singles chart.

01.
Hold On-EN VOGUE

So here's my favorite R&B song of 1990. The opening single of one of the most important R&B acts of the '90s as a whole. I remember quite clearly being a love at first hearing with this song and then trying desperately to find out who sings it, only to result in purchasing the god-awful Wilson Phillips single of the same name. That said, this song was well ahead of its time with a beat far less in tune with the new jack swing groove of its time and more in tune with the mid '90s hip hop/R&B sound. The single made it to #2 on the BB Hot 100 and #5 on the UK singles chart and the rest is history for this all-time favorite band of mine.

most mentions so far:

1.Soul II Soul  3
2.Beats International 2
3.Johnny Gill   2
4.Snap!   2
5.Dr. Alban  2
6.LL Cool. J. 2
7.En Vogue  1
8.Mantronix feat. Wondress 1
9.Michel'le    1
10.Maxi Priest    1

[Grybop]

Great chart, I love all those songs, except your #3, which somehow escaped me.

[jio]

Great chart, I love all those songs, except your #3, which somehow escaped me.

I did say it passed criminally unnoticed in Europe though lol. Did you listen to it? I love it

[Grybop]

Yes! It's good!

[jio]

Grybop, parakoloutho to dokimanter sou... :-?

[Grybop]

why the face?
pm me your thoughts

[jio]

R&B 1991 Top 40 part 1



By 1991, I was still interested in dance & pop more than R&B but my interest on the genre was actually growing, most probably because that was the year I got into Prince and Prince was heavily new jack swing in 1991. That said, the R&B scene didn't change much during that year, new jack was still king but the entrance of harder sounds were evident a couple of years prior to the big change of direction in R&B. So this is R&B's best of 1991... according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...
40.
For The Love Of Money-TROOP & LEVERT feat. QUEEN LATIFAH

"New Jack City" was a very successful action film released in 1991 starring rapper Ice-T. Perhaps more memorably, "New Jack City" began the trend of mega-R&B soundtrack albums featuring brand new songs by some of the biggest current names in R&B/Hip-Hop. For this mega-collabo, the three rap stars are essentially rapping over the background music of the O'Jays' classic song of the same name. The "New Jack City" version made some headway on the R&B charts although it didn't really crossover on the pop charts .

39.
Through-VICTORIA WILSON-JAMES


Having already tasted success as the main vocalist on Soul II Soul's "A Dream's A Dream", Victoria Wilson-James followed the footsteps of Caron Wheeler in 1991, attempting a solo career. Unlike Caron however, this (her debut single) generally passed unnoticed. Still though, I think it is a wonderful single. Just check out those drums towards the end.

38.
Long Hot Summer Night-J. T. TAYLOR


J.T. Taylor had already scored 21 US & 18 UK Top 40 hits as one of the main members of legendary R&B act Kool & The Gang. By 1991 he was releasing his own material and this fabulous smooth jam clearly shows the craftmanship of a legend.

37.
You Can't Play With My Yo Yo-YO YO feat. ICE CUBE


Yo Yo told us all we can't play with her... yo yo and in the process scored one of the most memorable female rap hits of 1991. Of course it didn't hurt that she had rapper Ice Cube on board. As years went by, Yo Yo will build an acting career for herself appearing in films such as "Boyz 'N' The Hood".

36.
Straight Down To Business-READY FOR THE WORLD


The band is largely remembered for their mid-80s mega smash "Oh Sheila" but they were actually scoring R&B hits until 1991. This one was a very typical new jack swing smash which peaked at #12 on the R&B charts and a rather obscure favorite of mine.

35.
Love Crazy-ATLANTIC STARR


I swear the parade of veteran acts is purely coincidental. 80s R&B maestros Atlantic Starr borrowed heavily from the UK Soul II Soul sound for the title track from their 9th studio album and although neither album, nor single were actually hits, the song got sufficient airplay on R&B radios and clubs to be considered a genre hit.

34.
Housecall-SHABBA RANKS feat. MAXI PRIEST


Jamaica's Shabba Ranks remains one of the most recognizable reggae voices of the '90s and one of the most controversial ones too. Despite having already a hit single behind him, this Maxi Priest collabo (heavily borrowing from Maxi's own smash "Close To You" from 1990) is what put him firmly on the map. Although the song became just a modest hit upon release peaking at a mere #31 on the UK Singles charts and #37 on the BB Hot 100 in 1991, as reggae will take Europe by storm a couple of years later, "Housecall" would be re-released and shot straight into UK's Top 10, eventually peaking at #8.

33.
(Everybody) Get Up-ROGER


There are few R&B sub-genres (if any) which are as infectious on the dancefloor as funk and there are few acts who knew funk as well as Zapp. By 1991, Zapp member Roger Troutman was releasing his own material and this little jam is just a classic. Unfortunately Roger was found dead of a shot wound in 1999, leaving us with a wealth of fabulous music to remember his and Zapp's legacy .

32.
Emotions-MARIAH CAREY


Mariah Carey wasn't quite the lady with the most Billboard Hot 100 #1s just yet in 1991 but it was more than obvious that she was steadily heading that way. "Emotions", the lead single of her second studio album of the same name, became her 5th straight BB Hot 100 #1 and what was even more impressive was that that was actually a record since Mariah had only released five singles up to that time. In the UK the single peaked at #17 and remains a somehow underrated classic over there.

31.
Why-SMALL CHANGE


Don't really have anything to say about this act, as far as I can tell they pretty much dissapeared without a trace following this R&B hit, still though "Why" remains a great jam in my ears.

[Chun]

Thanks Skoolio)))

In which place are you goin'Chun?

Nicosia

[jio]

Really? That was the last town I was expecting you to go

[jio]

R&B 1991 Top 40 part 2



By 1991, I was still interested in dance & pop more than R&B but my interest on the genre was actually growing, most probably because that was the year I got into Prince and Prince was heavily new jack swing in 1991. That said, the R&B scene didn't change much during that year, new jack was still king but the entrance of harder sounds were evident a couple of years prior to the big change of direction in R&B. So this is R&B's best of 1991... according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...
30.
Ring Ring Ring-DE LA SOUL


One of the most (if not the most) memorable rap hits of 1991, De La Soul effectively became the band that did the "Hello how ya doin'? I'm sorry I can't get through why don't you leave your name and number and I'll get back to you" song. That line was used in so many idiotic answer machines at the time that it became annoying. But despite all its popularity, "Ring Ring Ring" is actually a re-working of Curiosity Killed The Cat's "Name And Number". "Ring Ring Ring" peaked at #10 on the UK Singles chart

29.
D-O-G Me Out-GUY


1991 was another year where new jack swing was king and perhaps no other band were as successful showcasing the sound of the moment as Guy. This was the follow-up to the single coming up later on the countdown and dully became Guy's eight R&B Top 10 hit (a chart height they wouldn't reach again for the next 8 years).

28.
Steady Mobbin'-ICE CUBE


Ice Cube was one fifth of legendary rap group N.W.A. along with Dr. Dre, Easy-E, DJ Yella and MC Ren. He was also the most capable rapper within the group (and IMO one of the most capable rappers of all times), a fact that actually caused the downfall of that group, as Ice Cube abandoned it and took legal action against his relatively small percentage of the profits in comparison to his contribution. He also began a solo career which made him one of the most successful rappers of all times with eight American Top 10 albums under his belt and five rap #1 hits. "Steady Mobbin'" was the biggest hit from his second solo album, peaking at #30 on the R&B charts

27.
Real Love-DRIZABONE feat. MC NI


Drizabone was a collective of UK dance producers who, at least initially, had enough soul in their sound to be included in this chart. This remains their biggest hit ever, peaking at #16 on the UK Singles chart but their career progressed mainly on the remix front, working with artists such as Kylie Minogue. Watch more of their producing work coming up later on the countdown.

26.
Now That We Found Love-HEAVY D. & THE BOYZ feat. AARON HALL


Heavy D. & The Boyz had a career dating back to 1987 but it was only after embracing a more commercial sound that the band would actually taste success. That sound is nowhere more evident than in this rap reworking of Third World's reggae classic of the same name and although it is nowhere as good as the original, it still shook the clubs and became a massive hit, peaking at #2 on the UK Singles chart and #11 on the BB Hot 100.

25.
Just Ask Me To-TEVIN CAMPBELL feat. CHUBB ROCK


This was Tevin's second single, following the Prince-produced "Round & Round" from 1990. Although it did not bother the pop charts, it went Top 10 on R&B, helped by its inclusion on the soundtrack of the movie "Boyz 'N' The Hood". Interestingly enough, Tevin's debut album from which this song is taken would be responsible for no less than seven R&B Top 40 hits, making Tevin one of the biggest new names of the genre, circa 1991.

24.
Someday-MARIAH CAREY


The third single taken from Mariah's debut album, "Someday" was the first non-ballad ever released from the diva, showcasing that she could do dance as well as she did tearjeckers. The single became her third BB Hot 100 #1 in early 1991 but Europe remained unimpressed. "Someday" barely scratched the UK Top 40 peaking at #38, but I guess that's far better than the single next.

23.
Hold You Tight-TARA KEMP


A rare example of American blue-eyed soul, Tara began her career by scoring two straight BB Hot 100 Top 10s, of which this was the biggest making it to #3 on the BB Hot 100. Despite having a sound which sounded far more British than American, Tara never achieved success in the UK and by the following year, she was forgotten in her home land as well.

22.
My Name Is Not Susan-WHITNEY HOUSTON feat. MONIE LOVE

I don't think Whitney had ever diverted so far away from her mainstream ballad & pop hits as with this track. "My Name Is Not Susan" is pure new jack swing from a lady who had been accused in the past of sounding "too white" and perhaps is indicative of the Bobby Brown influence on her. Despite having her previous 14 singles all going Top 10 on the BB Hot 100 (including no less than nine of them going all the way to the top), this new street-wise Whitney proved too much of a shock for her fanbase to accept and as a result the single stalled at #20 States-side. In the UK, where new jack remained far from mainstream, Whitney's name carried the song to #29.

21.
Do Me Right-GUY feat. HEAVY D.


It's hard to believe that Guy failed to score any Top 40 hit during 1991 since the band was simply ruling the R&B charts with infectious new jack grooves such as this one. "Do Me Right" climbed as high as #2 on the R&B charts without ever bothering the Hot 100. Heavy D. who was something like 1991's version of Pitbull (as in present in a number of songs) is the guest rapper here.

[jio]

R&B 1991 Top 40 part 3



By 1991, I was still interested in dance & pop more than R&B but my interest on the genre was actually growing, most probably because that was the year I got into Prince and Prince was heavily new jack swing in 1991. That said, the R&B scene didn't change much during that year, new jack was still king but the entrance of harder sounds were evident a couple of years prior to the big change of direction in R&B. So this is R&B's best of 1991... according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...
20.
Motownphilly-BOYZ II MEN


Although Boyz II Men would be better known for their ballads (which spent a whooping 50 weeks on top of the BB Hot 100 among them), they actually began their career with this energetic tribute to their homestate, Philadelphia. The song was a hit peaking at #3 on the BB Hot 100 and #23 on the UK Singles charts, opening the road for one of the most commercially successful R&B acts of the '90s

19.
Can I Kick It?-A TRIBE CALLED QUEST


Definitely one of the most memorable rap tracks of the early '90s, "Can I Kick It?" has been sampled or covered by people such as the Black Eyed Peas, Jay-Z, performed live by Lykke Li and paid tribute to in songs by such diverse artists such as the Gorillaz, Robbie Williams and Drake. The reason for all that? That's it's simply ace. The song peaked at #15 on the UK Singles charts and became the biggest hit ever for the band, who nevertheless kept on recording until 1998.

18.
Peace-SABRINA JOHNSTON


This was the first and only hit for this lady who is the prime example of what we call one-hit wonder. "Peace" reached #8 on the UK Singles chart and nothing was heard from Sabrina Johnston ever again. Well, not quite. Although indeed Sabrina did not have another hit, the dance-gospel song recharted one year later this time peaking at #35 and became a very well-deserving club classic. Meanwhile Sabrina became one of the backing vocalists on Lauryn Hill's mega-successful solo album.

17.
O.P.P.-NAUGHTY BY NATURE


Time for another fantastic rap record, this time "OPP", the breakthrough hit single by Naughty By Nature. The single made it to #6 on the BB Hot 100 and #35 on the UK Singles charts but gained a sort of classic status among rap circles since then. OPP stands for Other People P*ssy although the last word cannot be actually heard on the song. The band still does its best to explain us what they mean:"It's sorta like another way to call a cat a kitten, it's five little letters that are missin' here". Yeah, we get it.

16.
Mind Playing Tricks On Me-GETO BOYS


Yeah, I do love gangsta rap and although I was never a big fan of the two classic bands (NWA and Public Enemy), this one was an early favorite of mine from the genre. The song peaked at a mere #23 on the BB Hot 100 but remains the Geto Boys' biggest hit ever and an all-time rap classic

15.
Let The Beat Hit' Em-LISA LISA & THE CULT JAM


With a career stretching back to 1985, Lisa Lisa & The Cult Jam were one of the most important '80s freestyle bands, yet their biggest hit came a bit later in 1991 with this classic. This dance jam crossed over to the pop charts making it to #37 on the BB Hot 100 and #17 on the UK Singles charts. Several remixes of the single are far better than the single version in my opinion, but I just chose to include the video version here for more visuals. Enjoy.

14.
You Don't Have To Worry-EN VOGUE


En Vogue are just better than most others even when they are not scoring hits. Indeed this jam, the third single taken from her debut album, became an R&B #1 without crossing over to the pop charts of either side of the Atlantic. Still, it showcased that the girls were destined for greatness.

13.
It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over-LENNY KRAVITZ

Although Lenny is far more well-known as a rocker with a taste for retro sounds and for dating gorgeous women such as Lisa Bonnett and Vanessa Paradis, his breakthrough hit (excluding his composing involvement in Madonna's "Justify My Love" and a minor UK hit with "Let Love Rule") was this soul ballad with a retro feel. The song remains Lenny's most successful ever as it peaked at #2 on the BB Hot 100 and #11 on the UK Singles charts.

12.
Don't Be A Fool-LOOSE ENDS


Loose Ends were one of those rare bands which had a decade's long career supported by few hits in between but always with good music. Although the band never made the Top 10 and this Soul II Soul-esque single remains their highest peak ever (#13 on the UK Singles charts), they had actually scored another three UK hit singles in 1985 and 1986 and then another two in 1990. OK I'll admit on a bit of cheating here, the single should have been included on the 1990 chart but since I forgot it and since it charted in the States in 1991, well, here it comes

11.
Why Can't You Come Home-EX-GIRLFRIEND


An early female R&B band formed by another band (Full Force), Ex-Girlfriend never quite took off although this single proves they were more than capable of singing. "Why Can't You Come Home" remains their sole hit single peaking at #5 on the BB Hot 100. I admit I was not familiar with the song back at the day but I heard it on radio a few years back and fell immediately in love with it. It's just amazing

[Skoolio]

Will you cover all the years until 1999.? And will you, maybe, after that, do the 00's countdown too? Keep 'em comin'.

[Wardo]

Lenny! I really like the Boyz II Men too

[hun]

So here's my favorite R&B song of 1990. The opening single of one of the most important R&B acts of the '90s as a whole. I remember quite clearly being a love at first hearing with this song and then trying desperately to find out who sings it, only to result in purchasing the god-awful Wilson Phillips single of the same name.



BTW, I loved your description for Janet.

[jio]

R&B 1991 Top 40 part 4



By 1991, I was still interested in dance & pop more than R&B but my interest on the genre was actually growing, most probably because that was the year I got into Prince and Prince was heavily new jack swing in 1991. That said, the R&B scene didn't change much during that year, new jack was still king but the entrance of harder sounds were evident a couple of years prior to the big change of direction in R&B. So this is R&B's best of 1991... according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...
10.
Go For It (Heart & Fire)-JOEY B. ELLIS & TYNETTA HARE


Although Snap! didn't release anything besides a rather indifferent megamix in 1991, their influence is all over this single from the soundtrack of the film "Rocky V". No, I do not like it more than "The Power" or "Oops Up", just the competition in 1991 was generally weaker than 1990, hence this single finds itself in my Top 10, whereas none of the Snap! singles did it (so far). The single peaked at #20 on the UK Singles chart.

09.
Tonite-DJ QUIK


Prior to the explosion of gangsta rap starting essentially in 1993, a rapper called DJ Quik rather impressed with this single. Although it was not a hit, it did help propel DJ Quik's debut album "Quik Is The Name" to sales of over a million copies in the States alone and began a very fruitful career which includes Top 40 albums until 2002. He would later sign on legendary Death Row Label and that's not surprising since this song bears all the hallmarks of a Death Row classic.

08.
Wrap My Body Tight-JOHNNY GILL


1991 was another good year for Johnny Gill who scored his fourth R&B #1 and overall 9th R&B Top 40 hit with this single, the fourth and final release from his 1990 self-titled album. Although the song did not enter the BB Hot 100 Top 40, there is no question that Johnny was still a force of power in the R&B world, a status he would keep for a few years more.

07.
Gett Off-PRINCE & THE NEW POWER GENERATION


Prince was a major force in R&B music in the '80s but starting with his 1988 "Lovesexy" album he gradually moved away from his R&B roots and into a far more poppish territory. Well, no more. This racy 1991 single brought Prince straight back to the R&B Top 10 and was a pop success as well, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles chart and #21 on the BB Hot 100. The song previewed Prince's 15th studio album "Diamonds And Pearls" which, by embracing the new jack sound of the time, ended up as Prince's most successful '90s album by going double platinum almost everywhere. Although the album as a whole hasn't really stood the test of time for me, several songs did and this is the prime example. An all-time classic. The single was accompanied by Prince's first ever video single.

06.
Apparently Nothin'-YOUNG DISCIPLES


And from Prince to a very Prince-y like track. This song by an until-then little known British acid jazz band became an R&B classic which, however, did not propel the band into a long career since it disbanded a year later. The lead singer of the band, Cathleen Anderson, joined major British R&B act Brand New Heavies, who covered the song in 1999. The original version peaked at #13 on the UK Singles chart.

05.
Do You Want Me?-SALT-N-PEPA


Salt-N-Pepa were undoubtly the top female R&B band from the late '80s to the early '90s. The band is responsible for 5 studio albums from 1986 through to 1997, all of which went Top 40 in the States and three of them in the UK as well as a total of 15 UK and 8 BB Hot 100 Top 40 hits. My absolute favourite track by them is this 1991 bouncy single which peaked at #21 on the BB Hot 100 and #5 on the UK Singles chart. Although their next single, "Let's Talk About Sex" would become a much bigger hit, in my opinion it doesn't compare in the bit with the club magic of "Do You Want Me". And yes, there is another rap single coming up a bit higher.

04.
Summertime-DJ JAZZY JEFF & THE FRESH PRINCE


Although Will Smith would end up more appreciated for his contributions to the art of acting (mostly in very commercial movies of dubious quality) than for his skillful rhymes in rap songs (of equally dubious quality) and of course as a celebrity, there is no denying that there was magic in the beginning of his career. Back then he starred, along with Jazzy Jeff, in the sitcom "The Fresh Prince Of Bell-Air" (one of my childhood's biggest TV memories). Of course the two men had also their own band, active since 1986. "Summertime" was actually the third BB Hot 100 Top 40 hit and the second UK Top 40 hit for them. This fantastic laid-back jam is my top rap song for 1991. "Summertime" went Top 10 everywhere peaking at #4 on the BB Hot 100 and #8 on the UK Singles charts and was the peak in the career of the duo which accumulated a total of 5 Top 40 hits in each side of the Atlantic before disbanding thanks to Will's departure.

03.
Change-LISA STANSFIELD


In 1991, Lisa Stansfield made a comeback with a new more sexy and mature look and her sophomore studio album called "Real Love". Gone are the dance pretenses of her debut and present is the more soulful Barry White-type of vibe which was obviously closer to her heart at the time, as well as more experimentation with the sound of her songs. "Change", the first single taken from "Real Love", was another hit for Lisa peaking at #10 on the UK Singles chart and #27 on the BB Hot 100.

02.
I Love Your Smile-SHANICE


I promised you more Drizabone and here they come. Besides their own success with "Real Love" at #23 of this chart, the band was responsible for some of the hottest mixes of Lisa Stansfield's "Change" as well as the single remix of this single. Shanice shot to fame with this fab R&B jam which mostly peaked in 1992 although it was released in late 1991. The song peaked at #2 in both UK and US Singles charts and began a career for Shanice which, despite never reaching the magic of this song ever again, was still achieving BB Hot 100 Top 40 hits until 1999. When her own singing career ended, Shanice began a secondary career as a backing vocalist for such diverse artists such as Toni Braxton, Usher and even Michael Jackson himself

01.
Thinking About Your Love-KENNY THOMAS


OK, besides this being an amazing song in its own right, I got several personal memories from it too. See, 1991 was the year I began clubbing at an age when clubs were only playing English-language music and this song is forever connected in my memory with the feeling of clubbing and feeling the rhythm and freedom that only music can give. Back to the boring details for the song, the UK's Kenny Thomas had eight UK Top 40 hits between 1991 and 1995, this one being his sole Top 10, peaking at #4 on the UK Singles charts. I loved it then, I still love it now. Simply amazing.

most mentions so far:

1. (3) Johnny Gill  3
2. (1) Soul II Soul  3
3. (-) Guy  3
4. (7) En Vogue  2
5. (-) Lisa Stansfield  2
6. (4) Snap!  2
7. (2) Beats International  2
8. (-) Salt-N-Pepa  2
9. (-) Tevin Campbell  2
10.(-) Mariah Carey   2

[jio]

R&B 1992 Top 40 part 1



1992 was truly the year I discovered R&B. Although the genre was not popular yet in Europe, there was a little station in Cyprus that kept playing the current R&B hits from the States and it's through that station that I discovered the genre. Unlike 1990 and 1991, I have actually so many faves from this year that I had to leave outside quite a lot (including some from my all-time favorite man Prince) and I was even surprised on how low some of them rank on my countdown, simply because it was a year full of personal classics. So this is R&B's best of 1992... according to me... You can view the videos by clicking on the sleeves. Enjoy...
40.
Wishing On A Star-COVER GIRLS


OK, let's begin with a cover. In 1978, legendary R&B artist Rose Royce released the original version of this song, giving us one of the biggest, if not the absolute biggest R&B ballad of the '70s. Although the song was a smash in the UK peaking at #3, it surprisingly failed to enter the BB Hot 100 Top 40. In the United States, it took a New York band who had already scored four Top 40 hits in the late '80s and the addition of a typical new jack beat in the background but leaving the fab melody virtually unchanged, to take this song into the US Top 10. The song peaked at #9 and made it also to #38 on the UK Singles chart. And there are more covers coming up...

39.
I Adore You-CARON WHEELER


Hot on the success of her debut solo album from 1990, former Soul II Soul frontwoman Caron Wheeler made her comeback to the music scene in 1992 with this jam from the soundtrack of the picture movie "Mo Money". Despite its quality, the song failed to take off, perhaps showcasing the changing trends in R&B music and perhaps being a warning against the virtually unchanged sound of Caron. Despite all though, this was a fab track

38.
Love You All My Lifetime-CHAKA KHAN


Chaka is beyond any doubt one of the most celebrated voices in R&B. With a career commencing in 1973 as a member of Rufus, the lady had scored no less than 14 BB Hot 10 Top 40 hits, including seven R&B #1s, and 10 UK hits by the time this single was released. By 1992 however, her more commercial days were firmly behind her but the greatness of her music was not. Chaka made a comeback with his beautiful R&B Top 5 record and although it did not become a pop hit for her, it easily is another gem in a back catalogue filled with them.

37.
Goodbye-TEVIN CAMPBELL


The year was 1992 and Tevin's debut album just kept giving. "Goodbye" was the fourth single taken from that album and provided Tevin with a fifth straight R&B Top 5 hit and further solidified his position as the biggest new R&B artist of the previous couple of years. By the way "T.E.V.I.N", the album in question. would launch a further four singles (bringing their total to eight (!!!), with the last one being "One Song" in 1993, a full 3 years after the release of the first, "Round & Round".

36.
Baby Baby Baby-T.L.C.


"Baby Baby Baby" was the second and biggest hit single from TLC's debut album "Ooooooohhh... On The TLC Tip". Trading their trademark more aggressive sound for a ballad where T-Boz' and Chilli's vocals could really shine did wonders for the single, at least in the States, where it went all the way up to #2 and also became their first ever R&B #1. Although I prefer the other two TLC singles further up the countdown, I think "Baby Baby Baby" was the single that showed clearly that the band was not just another Salt-N-Pepa copy but was actually poised for greatness

35.
Deep Cover-DR. DRE feat. SNOOP DOGGY DOGG


Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg may be considered today two of the biggest names in gangsta rap, but here is where the death-row sound of both actually began, with a relatively unknown single from the soundtrack of a movie of the same name. Although this is Dre's debut single as a rapper, he already had almost 8 years of career behind him as a producer and as a member of N.W.A. But it was this sound that would make him the most celebrated rap producer of all times, beginning the following year.

34.
I'll Be There-MARIAH CAREY & TREY LORENZ


I think I have said multiple times in this forum how much I adore this particular version of this classic. Originally a 1970 BB Hot 100 #1 hit by none other than the Michael Jackson-featuring Jackson 5, Mariah Carey just took the song to a whole new level and, to me, it's one of those rare cases where the cover is better than the original. Taken from one of the most breathtaking live performances I ever watched by anyone, "MTV Unplugged", the song both became her 6th BB Hot 100 #1 and by far her biggest UK hit up to that time, peaking at #2 over there. Trey (who officially is only featured on the single) attempted a career after the success of "I'll Be There" resulting in one hit single at each side of the Atlantic. Today, he remains Mariah's backing singer and her steady duet partner in singing this song live. The only reason this ranks so low is because it's a cover of a very famous song and because 1992 is such a strong year. Otherwise, I really trully adore it.

33.
You Bring On The Sun-LONDONBEAT


It's always difficult to decide what should be considered R&B and what should not and I am sure many people disagree on some of my choices. I was especially conflicted about whether this act should be included since their music was something between soul and dance. In the end I decided that their biggest hit, 1990's "I've Been Thinking About You" was not R&B enough, whereas this one is. And of course it didn't hurt that this is my favorite song from them. It made it to #32 on the UK Singles chart becoming the fourth and final hit for this UK act.

32.
Who Is It-MICHAEL JACKSON


Although both Michael Jackson's "Dangerous" album and its most successful single "Black Or White" were released in 1991, most of the hits from that album came out in 1992. Michael chose to work with new-jack swing master Teddy Riley for what I consider his last truly great album and the results were something more than spectacular. This little thriumph of a tune bears all the holemarks of a Michael Jackson classic, which is why it's perhaps shocking to see it peaking at a mere #10 on the UK Singles chart and #14 on the BB Hot 100. Then again it was the 58th Top 40 hit for Michael in the USA and the 56th in the UK (counting his work with the Jackson 5/Jacksons) and came from an album which topped the charts in virtually every country of the world selling, according to some estimates, close to 30 million copies worldwide, so it's all good.

31.
Jump-KRIS KROSS


I got a bit sentimental when I found out that Kris Kross' Chris Kelly died of overdose earlier this year, because with him a part of my childhood went away. Kris Kross were not your average teenage boy band. For one thing they were actually talented, secondly they were not aiming at teenage girls and lastly, their music was actually good. Just listen the rhymes in this rap classic. "Jump" remains their biggest ever hit peaking at #2 on the UK Singles chart and actually topping the BB Hot 100 for no less than 8 weeks