Last Friday (2nd September), Love London Love Culture’s Emma Clarendon watched (and sang along) 90’s Live – which got her thinking… what are her favourite songs released in the 90’s?
Wannabe – Spice Girls: the 90’s was very much about girl power thanks to the Spice Girls – a group filled with plenty of spirit and attitude that still has me and so many others dancing around to this day! I could have picked any song of theirs but their debut single is still (in my opinion) the best song that they released and was a real breath of fresh air in the charts.
Never Forget – Take That: it would be fair to say that Take That was the first band I started to properly follow as a child – their instantly catchy songs and cheeky attitude really capturing my attention! Again I could have picked any song that they released in the 90’s but I have a strong affection for Never Forget – not only because it was the last song they released before splitting but the video was actually really memorable as well. The choice to include their fans and their memories was a lovely touch and nice tribute to the fans who had supported them along the way.
Ohh Aah..Just a Little Bit – Gina G: a simply fun and upbeat song infused with dance – this did feel like a proper pop song. But as a child (I don’t think I paid attention to Eurovision back then) I wasn’t aware that this song was our 1996 representation for the UK and did quite well – gaining 77 points, leaving us in 8th position!
…Baby One more Time – Britney Spears: towards the end of the 1990’s saw the emergence of Britney Spears with this instantly catchy song that really helped to propel her into fame and everything that came with it. As a song it was instantly recognisable from the first note and still feels as fresh today as it was when it was first released.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Deep Blue Something: I can’t remember when i first heard this song, but lyrically for some reason it is constantly in my head – I always find myself humming along to it unconsciously. Since I have grown up a bit, i have seen the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s (and loved it) so I do feel like this song is interlinked with my love of the film!
(Everything I Do) I Do it For You by Bryan Adams: the 90’s also saw some classic love songs being released – and Bryan Adams really hit the jackpot with this one. For me, I loved the hint of rock musically in the background but managing to keep the lyrics as romantic as possible – there is real depth, drama feeling about it that makes it so recognisable.
5,6,7,8 by Steps: everyone loves a song where you can recreate the moves don’t they? Well they certainly did in the 90’s and I remember dancing along to this one on many occasions at birthday parties and school discos. Fun and catchy!
Love is All Around by Wet Wet Wet: long before I had even seen the film, I remember this song being absolutely everywhere! It is probably (in my opinion anyway) one of the most iconic songs to feature in a film. Instantly recognisable – I have to say it is probably one of my all time favourite romantic songs.
C’est La Vie by B*Witched: when I listened to this song as a kid – I would try so hard to do the Irish dancing section but never quite managing to get the hang of it! As the debut song from their debut album it came across as a proper pop song – fun, playful and danceable too! I still love its energy and if it catches you unawares – will automatically see you getting up to the dance floor and sing and dance along to!
That Don’t Impress Me Much by Shania Twain: I have to say what I love the most about this song is the sheer sass and attitude about it that continues to get people singing and dancing along. It is a very smart and well written song that continues to be a bit of an anthem for the 90’s!
By Emma Clarendon
90’s Live continues to tour across the UK. To find out more visit: https://www.entertainers.co.uk/show/90s-live