GThe 90s were a key decade of the last century. Especially when it comes to the songs. In fact, the international musical panorama is filled with original productions, with new genres that merge with those already explored. From the consolidation of rock, passing through the advent of dance music to get to the top girl group that drove little girls all over the planet crazy. But what are they? the 15 songs, Italian and foreign, that have left their mark?
Unforgettable 90s songs, Italian and foreign
1. All That She Wants – Ace of Base (1992)
Hit by the Swedish dance grouptaken from their first album Happy Nationthe song is an irresistible reggae-pop that has climbed the charts around the world. In the text, the story of a man-eater who wishes to enjoy all the pleasures of life. In the following years, Ace of Base would produce other successful songs such as Life Is a Flower.
2. Barbie Girl – Aqua (1997)
Song that became one of the summer hits of that summer, it is a tasty parody of the Barbie world that discreetly infuriated Mattel. Which indeed sued the group for damage to its image but without finding any confirmation from the judges. More than 25 years later, the song has returned to success thanks to the film Barbie Of Greta Gerwig and to the sample of Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice who sampled it in theirs Barbie World.
3. The Rhythm of the Night – Crown (1994)
One of the most famous 90s Eurodance songs of all time, this all-Italian hit was the best-selling single in 1994. Contrary to what is thought, the vocal part is not played by Olga Maria De Souza (Corona’s real name) but, uncredited, by the Roman singer Jenny B. In fact, the Brazilian, despite having a good voice but with a strong Carioca accent, limited herself only to lip performance on TV shows and dance moves .
4. Wannabe – Spice Girls (1996)
Symbolic song of the second half of the ninetiesthe first single from the most famous girl band of all time is a hymn to the power of female friendship. Victoria Beckham, unlike the other members of the group, does not have a solo part in the song while they remained Melanie C’s stunts in the video that accompanied the song. Where the wild singers wreaked havoc in a hotel frequented by London’s high society.
5. Beware of the Wolf – Lucio Dalla (1990)
Written by my friend Ron, is one of the most famous of the great Lucio and one of the most famous 90s songs on the Italian scene. At first place in the Italian charts for many months, iThe reggae-influenced song successfully mixes irony, love and fairy-tale atmospheres. Also unforgettable was the dance that Dalla did with each performance of the song in his television appearances.
6. Come back – Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
Cover of a pop rock song (not successful) by Ednaswap, in the hands of the Australian singer Come back becomes a surprise a worldwide hit among the songs of the 90s. Also thanks to a simple but very effective video clip where Natalie Imbruglia sings her desperation in extreme close-up while behind her the technicians assemble and dismantle the set and the actors rehearse the scenes.
7. Loneliness – Laura Pausini (1993)
In first place in the Sanremo Giovani rankings in 1993is the song that launched the career (also international) of the then very young singer from Romagna. A “soap and water” song that tells of an adolescent love interrupted by his move to another city. Pausini herself, over the years, has often declared herself to be particularly linked to the songindicating it as a decisive element for the success achieved in all these decades.
8. I’ll Be Missing You – Puff Daddy (1997)
Dedicated to the passing of his rapper friend Notorious BIG (killed in March of the same year, murder still today without a guilty party), the song contains a sample of the famous Police song Every Breath You Take. Poignant and rhythmic, also features BIG’s widow Faith Evans and the rap crew 112. One of the 90s songs that made the rap/hip-hop genre accessible to everyone.
9. Losing My Religion – R.E.M. (1991)
The most famous song from Michael Stipe’s bandinspired, according to the frontman himself, by Every Breath You Take by The Police. Although the title may recall religious concepts, the American expression “losing my religion” means “losing patience”. The “Caravaggesque” video directed by Tarsem Singh is also very famous and evocative. One of the 90s songs that brought alternative rock to the top of the world charts.
10. The best thing – Eros Ramazzotti (1996)
Dedicated to his then girlfriend Michelle Hunzikerwhich also appears in the video clip and which he will marry on Lake Bracciano two years later, was the launch single of the record album Where there is music. Rhythmic and engaging pop rock with some parts of the text now entering common language. Like the expression “Thanks for existing“.
11. They killed Spider-Man – 883 (1992)
The song has the Marvel comics superhero as its protagonist, symbolizing youth who clashes with the problems of life. Written by Max Pezzali and Mauro Repettolaunched the pop duo to the top of the Italian charts. An eponymous TV series directed by Sydney Sibilia is arriving in 2024 which recounts the genesis of the band, before Repetto’s departure in 1994.
12. 50 Specials – Lùnapop (1999)
First single from the Bolognese band led by Cesare Cremonini, the song was written shortly before the singer’s final exam and inspired by the book Jack Frusciante left the group by Enrico Brizzi. After the incredible and unexpected success, the band disbanded one year and Cremonini began a formidable solo career. Which continues very well today.
13. Livin’ la vida local – Ricky Martin (1999)
The song that launched the Puerto Rican pop star’s US career is the perfect mix of Latin, rock and pop music. Hugely successful too the video clipwinner of six MTV Video Music Awards, where Ricky goes wild together with a very young, diabolical and sexy girl Nina Moric.
14. My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion (1997)
Song inserted in Titanic by James Cameronthis epic power ballad was released as the album’s fourth promotional single Let’s Talk About Love and as the only single from the film’s soundtrack. The song, in addition to climbing the charts around the world, he won an Oscar and a Golden Globe in 1998 in the Best Original Song category. And a year later tcame back at the Grammy Awards into four categories.
15. Vogue – Madonna (1990)
First single from the album I’m Breathlessthe song has dance sounds typical of the nineties and is considered an invitation to escape the daily monotony thanks to the music and the dance floor. The song has great merit in having brought to the fore a dance that has become a real social phenomenon: vogueing. Very popular at the time in gay clubs in the United States and that consists in imitating the plastic poses of models which appear in the well-known magazine Vogue.
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