20 more steps.
20 - “Sad but True,” Metallica
The fifth single from the career turning point that was The Black Album was this pounding rocker that seems like it’s about drug abuse, spoken from the POV of the drug a la James Brown’s “King Heroin.” Of the singles, I’d say this is the one that sounds the most like they did before Bob Rock got to them.
19 - “Exterminate!” Snap! featuring Niki Harris
The Germans’ seventh Top Ten was this Eurodance track. Harris sings nicely enough, but without a rap from Turbo B., it feels lacking.
18 - “In Your Care,” Tasmin Archer
Bradford-born singer-songwriter Archer followed up her #1 debut single “Sleeping Satellite” with this cry of anger at a lover’s betrayal. When she sings “Son of a bitch, you broke my heart,” I buy it so much that I almost open my mouth to apologize. It’s not the ear worm that her biggest hit is, but it’s a sign that she had the talent to be bigger than she got.
17 - “The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonight,” R.E.M
The Georgians’ tenth hit was this jangly number with lyrics about snakes, food, machines that swallow money, Dr. Seuss, and more. Delightfully odd, and more whimsical than usual.
16 - “How Can I Love You More,” M People
This re-release of their debut single, containing remixes, became their first Top Ten. Good dance music sung powerfully by Heather Small. I’m glad to hear their non-“Movin’ On Up” stuff is also pretty good.
15 - “Stick it Out,” Right Said Fred and Friends
Formed by East Grinstad brothers Fred and Richard Fairbrass, these guys became international stars with their iconic dance throwaway “I’m Too Sexy.” Although they are considered one-hit-wonder punchlines on this side of the Atlantic, they had a nice little career at home, which included this benefit recording for Comic Relief with “friends” including future Dr, Gregory House Hugh Laurie. It’s a silly song about being silly. Harmless fun, unless you were to take its advice and hug a bus.
14 - “Stairway to Heaven,” Rolf Harris
The Australian-born singer/comedian moved to Britain in the 50s had his first hit with 1960’s “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport,” then became an entertainment fixture in the U.K. for decades. His last Top Ten hit was this cover of the Led Zeppelin epic, performed on wobbleboard and didgeridoo. Novelty for novelty’s sake. Unfortunately, just a few years ago, in an investigation that would implicate several high-profile show business figures, Harris was found to have committed multiple sexual offences against underage girls. So his stairway may ultimately lead somewhere else.
13 - “Oh Carolina,” Shaggy
The debut single for the Jamaican-American was this #1 cover of a 1960 Folkes Brothers ska somg, adorned with dancehall toasting. Carolina is a good dancer, apparently, who “move just like a squirrel.” It makes me smiley and happy. And he’d never do better. Not even close.
12 - “Ordinary World,” Duran Duran
The Duranies returned to form with this fantastic midtempo ballad about trying to find normalcy again after the collapse of a relationship. It’s got great lyrics, great structure, perfect production, and possibly Simon Le Bon’s greatest vocal. It hit me as something special back then, and it still does. Disagree if you want, but this is a Top Fifty 90s single at worst.
11 - “Ruby Tuesday,” Rod Stewart
From an album released only here and in Germany, Roddy scored another hot with this cover of the Stones’ best ballad. He does okay, but there’s no reason for this to exist. A great singer and a great song doesn’t always add up to magic.
10 - “The Love I Lost,” West End featuring Sybil
American Sybil Lynch’s biggest hit was this collaboration with Pete Waterman and DJ Eddie Gordon on a cover of a 1973 Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes hit. Basic piano-driven house. Teddy Pendergrass is greatly missed.
9 - “I Will Always Love You,” Whitney Houston
Whitney covers Dolly Parton’s 1974 country hit for her movie debut The Bodyguard, it wins a Triple Crown and goes to #1 pretty much everywhere else. Dolly made it a sweet little love song, Whitney made it a grandiose showcase. It works both ways. Yes, it has been played to death, but there’s a reason for that. It’s an outstanding commercial performance.
8 - “I Feel You,” Depeche Mode
Their first hit since their American breakthrough Violator was a surprise turn to feedback-heavy hard rock. It’s a positive love song, but it still sounds ominous. An interesting one-off experiment.
7 - “Deep,” East 17
Named for the postcode of their home London neighbourhood of Walthamstow, these guys were one of the two boy bands who battled for British supremacy in the early to mid-90s. Their first Top Five combined dance-pop with a rap that was more suggestive than you’d expect in this genre. And yet, it’s still little more than your average bit of product.
6 - “Give in to Me,” Michael Jackson
It was always going to be more than a little awkward the first time I covered one of his songs in the wake of Leaving Neverland, but why did it have to be one with a title like this? Okay, starting with the track, which was Dangerous’ designated hard rock song, following in the footsteps of “Beat It” and “Dirty Diana.” This one sees him in seduction mode, and he isn’t super convincing. Slash is the superstar guitarist on this one, and he does his thing, but it doesn’t add a whole lot. A bit of a dud. As for the current talking points: well, I haven’t seen the documentary, I’ve only read descriptions of the interviews. Obviously I can never know the truth for sure, but the stories sound credible, and it will take more than denials from the usual defenders to make me dismiss them. What that means for my relationship with the man’s music, I can’t say. I’ll cover his songs as they come, but if and how my coverage of them changes, I can’t speculate on.
5 - “Are You Gonna Go My Way,” Lenny Kravitz
The American retro-rocker had his first Top Five here with this old-school blues-rock blast. It’s one of those songs that felt like it always existed even when it was played for the first time. For better or for worse, it’s his definitive track. To me, it sounds great, but it’s not a great song. Interpret that how you will.
4 - “I’m Every Woman,” Whitney Houston
Another cover from The Bodyguard, this one of a 1978 Chaka Khan hit. This one is more of a clear lesser in comparison to the original. Not distinctive enough.
3 - “Little Bird/Love Song for a Vampire,” Annie Lennox
The fourth solo hit for the once and future Eurythmic was a double A. The first track is strutting declaration to strike out on one’s own in spite of fear and doubt. The second is a gothic ballad written for the soundtrack of Francis Ford Coppola’s version of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. It’s pretty and evocative, but I much prefer “Little Bird.”
2 - “Why Can’t I Wake Up with You,” Take That
The other top U.K. boy band of the era had their second Top Five with this goopy ballad written and sung by Gary Barlow. From what I understand, he was the one of the five who was seen as having the best prospects for a solo career. Like most things in life, pop is full of inaccurate predictions.
1 - “No Limit,” 2 Unlimited
The only #1 for the Dutch Eurotechno outfit, and a sports arena staple. Try as you might, You just can’t deny that jackhammer beat and those punishing synth chords. The singing and rapping are superfluous. You will let them hear you say “Yeah!”
There’s the latest. Next time we begin the third round of the OMUSURT. See you then.
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