The unofficial graduation anthem of 1990. Those harmonies (the daughters of The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson and John Phillips of The Mamas & the Papas) were like harmonic Valium. "Someday somebody's gonna love you" is a promise we are still waiting on.
A tribute to Elvis Presley wrapped in a blues-rock shuffle. This song felt old the minute it came out, which is why it aged so well. It’s smoky, sensual, and feels like a Louisiana bayou at 2 AM. top 100 songs from 1990
Madonna was already a star, but "Vogue" made her a living art exhibit. Inspired by the underground ballroom scene of Harlem, she took gay club culture and put it in the center of the mall. The video is black-and-white perfection. Strike a pose. The unofficial graduation anthem of 1990
Was it Mariah’s high note, Hammer’s pants, or Sinéad’s tear? Let us know in the comments below. A tribute to Elvis Presley wrapped in a blues-rock shuffle
Say what you want about the parachute pants. Hammer’s sample of Rick James’ “Super Freak” created a cultural juggernaut. The "Hammer Dance" was performed at every school talent show, wedding, and bar mitzvah. It is the ultimate "stop, collaborate, and listen" moment of the year.