A new countdown commences: The 200 ESSENTIAL 90s Songs. More tomorrow.

Caffe` Latte` presents…

200

 ESSENTIAL SONGS

 of the  

1990s

Many new sub-genres were launched during the 1990s as hybrids of various styles were fused to create innovative new sounds. Females infiltrated the once misogynistic world of rap as it evolved into hip-hop. New Jack Swing gave way to New Jill Swing. Grunge exploded around the world. The music industry grappled with dwindling sales and the threat of piracy. Here are the 200 songs that mattered most -in terms of lasting impact, influence and enduring quality- in the final decade of the previous millennium.

200

GOOD VIBRATIONS Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch

Before he gained respect as an actor, Mark Wahlberg was noticed for his physique in Calvin Klein ads and as an early member of New Kids On The Block. In 1991 he enjoyed success as the central figure in the group Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch with a song that sampled Loleatta Holloway's "Love Sensation".

199

CAUGHT OUT THERE Kelis

Issued in late 1999, "Caught Out There" hip hop artist Kelis delivered one of the most uncompromising singles ever, finally thrusting the "victim" angle into the past.  

198

WILL2K Will Smith

Prince had built up our anticipation as the year 1999 approached. The end of the millennium threatened chaos as the world waited to see if Y2K concerns would eventuate. This song was the perfect soundtrack, dropped a few months before the planet faced the year 2000. It featured a guest vocal by K-Ci.

197

FADE INTO YOU Mazzy Star

This hauntingly beautiful rock song from the group Mazzy Star hit the airwaves in 1994. It was written by members Hope Sandoval and David Roback. The latter also produced the track which was on the 'So Tonight That I Might See' album.

196

PEACHES Presidents of the United States of America

Alternative rock and grunge merged on this track from the US group's self-titled debut album. It came out in 1994, during the Clinton presidency.

195

CONSTANT CRAVING K.D. Lang

On her 'Ingenue' album, K.D. Lang took the brave step of re-inventing herself musically. After establishing a following among country music fans, the Canadian performer carved out a niché of her own, with elements of folk, pop, rock, jazz and country. The Grammy winning song was released in 1992.

194

SOMEDAY Sugar Ray

"Every Morning" became Sugar Ray's biggest hit single. Follow-up "Someday", which was also released in 1999, proved it was no fluke. The single was from the American alternative rock group's '14:59' album.

193

ANGELS Robbie Williams

Take That emerged onto the pop scene in 1990. Williams was a member of the British boy band until 1995 when he quit to launch a solo career. His debut solo album 'Life Thru A Lens' included this epic ballad. It remains his best single.

192

INTO MY ARMS Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Australian alternative music artist Nick Cave delivered this delicate piano-driven ballad in 1997 with the group The Bad Seeds, from their album 'The Boatman's Call'. Cave has long been revered for his songwriting craft and this song is one reason why.

191

TWO PRINCES Spin Doctors

In 1993, this song reflected the American pop/ rock sound that was all over the radio. The single was a Top 10 hit all over the planet. Despite releasing singles in the years since, this remains the band's last major success.

1990s