Today in Music: They Topped the Singles Chart in 1994

So, you might feel a wee bit old if you remember these hits by heart 20 years later. Times are a changing, unless you find Bryan Adams, Enigma and Maxx on the current charts. Back then, eurodance music (preferably German) was popular – a trend that definitely has been recycled (yo David Guetta). Check out today’s WelcheMusic’s Chart Rewind.

10. Janet Jackson – Again

Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song, Janet Jackson lost to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Streets of Philadelphia’ in 1993. Springsteen’s hit peaked at No.9 on the Billboard Hot 100, beaten by Janet Jackson’s ‘Again’ which topped the chart for two weeks. Written by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, ‘Again’ was the third hit single off janet. In Sweden, it peaked at No.5 becoming Jackson’s biggest hit ever in this country.

9. Just D – Vart tog den söta lilla flickan vägen?

Based on an Jamaican hit called ‘The Naughty Little Flea,’ Swedish hip hop trio Just D sampled Owe Thörnqvist’s Swedish verson ‘Vart tog den stygga lilla loppan vägen’ (Where Did the Naugthy Little Flea Go). The 1993 hit ‘Vart tog den söta lilla flickan vägen’ (Where Did the Sweet Little Girl Go) was included on the trio’s set Tre Amigos. The set was Just D’s fourth following Rock’n’Roll which was released the previous year. The group comprised of singers Peder ‘Pedda Pedd’ Ernerot, ‘William ‘Doktor C’ Craaford and Gustave ‘Gurra G’ Lund.

8. Bryan Adams – Please Forgive Me

Bryan Adams issued his greatest hits collection So Far So Good at the end of 1993. ‘Please Forgive Me’ was the only new track, co-written and co-produced by the heavyweight producer Robert Lange. The single was an international hit, topping tallies in e.g. Australia, his home country Canada and Norway. In Sweden, it peaked at No.2 (as well as the UK), while reaching No.7 at the Billboard Hot 100.

7. Björk, David Arnold – Play Dead

‘Play Dead’ was a soundtrack cut off The Young Americans, a 1993 crime drama and debut of British director Danny Cannon. David Arnold is known for writing the scores to five James Bond movies. Icelandic singer Björk added ‘Play Dead’ to her sophomore album Debut. The set spawned no less than five singles (including ‘Human Behaviour’ and ‘Violently Happy.’

6. Ace of Base – The Sign

‘The Sign’ hardly needs any introduction. Issued at the end of October, it never topped the Swedish singles chart peaking at No.2. It succeeded Celine Dion’s ‘The Power of Love’ in Mid-March 1994, ‘The Sign’ was produced by Joker, Denniz Pop and Douglas Carr. It was featured in the 2012 top movie Pitch Perfect.

5. Depeche Mode – In Your Room

‘In Your Room’ is one of few track in this top ten tally that was actually released in 1994. Included on the album Songs of Faith and Devotion, Depeche Mode was the group’s 30th UK hit single.

4. Captain Hollywood Project – Impossible

Captain Hollywood Project placed three hits in a row – ‘More and More,’ ‘Only with You’ and ‘Impossible.’ Evolved out of the Dutch dance project Twenty 4 Seven, front man Tony Dawson Harrison released three albums.

3. Maxx – Get-A-Way

Eurodance was definitely of fashion back in 1994. As well as Captain Hollywood Project, Maxx was also based in Germany. Preceding ‘No More (I Can’t Stand It),’ ‘Get-A-Way’ peaked at No.3, also charting in the UK.

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2. Enigma – Return To Innocence

Yet another German group, Enigma returned to the charts in early January with The Cross of Changes and its introductory hit ‘Return to Innocence.’ The group had previously got its breakthrough with ‘Sadness (Pt.1)’ in 1992. Sung by Angel X (Andreas Harde), an Amis chant is heard through the song. The track topped the Swedish singles chart, peaking at No.4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No.3 in the UK.

1. Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Sting – All For Love

Stewart and Sting also provided vocals. The track was covered by Swedish pop trio EMD in 2007, repeating the feat of topping our national singles tally.

 

Cher Re-Unites with Diane Warren in Burlesque Flick

Scheduled for premiere on Nov.24, Cher and Christina Aguilera headlines the upcoming movie Burlesque. Cher plays the proprietor of a burlesque lounge, where Christina Aguilera is hired as a cocktail waitress. Expect a lot of music in this flick, last week saw the release of Aguilera’s “Express” single to US radio.  “Express” is written and produced by Claude Kelly and Tricky Stewart. The track was promoted to US radio last week. This is the first track to promote Aguilera since “You Lost Me,” this July.  The single was the third and final release off the Bionic set.

The upcoming soundtrack also features the power ballad “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me.” It is written by Diane Warren – one of the most prolific writers in history. Cher has recorded classic Warren tracks such as “If I Could Turn Back Time” and “Save Up All Your Tears.” Cher hasn’t issued a single since 2003 when she recorded a duet with Rod Stewart called “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered.”  The song was included on Stewart’s As Time Goes By album and peaked at No.17 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart.

  • Listen to “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” via SoundCloud.

Rod Stewart, Susan Boyle and Mariah Carey Join Forces on New No.1

As expected, charity constellation Helping Haiti easily grabs the UK No.1 position this week with the rendition of R.E.M.’s “Everybody Hurts.” The track entered the Swedish singles chart at No.36. As previously reported, Simon Cowell has assembled Leona Lewis, Rod Stewart, Kylie Minogue, Susan Boyle and Miley Cyrus among others to re-record the track to benefit the Haitian victims. Expect “We Are the World” to appear on European charts in due course.

This means that Owl City falls 1-2 with “Fireflies,” while Timbaland and Katy Perry remains at No.3 with “If We Ever Meet Again.” This is better than the No.6 peak of the previous hit “Morning After Dark.” The Drake collaboration “Say Something” hasn’t been released in the UK, while the Justin Timberlake duet “Carry Out” has reached No.33 on the UK r’n’b singles chart.

Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind (Part II)” moves 5-4 in its ninth week, switching places with the Glee Cast’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The stars of the highly succesful TV-series enters the chart at No.9 with the double-sided single  “Halo” and “Walking on Sunshine” and at No.14 with “It’s My Life” coupled with “Confessions Part II.” Add that “Somebody to Love” falls seven places to No.33.

Rihanna rises 20-10 with “Rude Boy,” while Jedward’s novelty hit “Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)” falls 2-12. Sade is the highest new entry on the album chart at No.4. Soldier of Love was, however, unable to challenge Alicia Keys, André Rieu and Paolo Nutini who remains in the top three. Massive Attack’s new album Heligoland is new at No.6 and it’s interesting to note that pop act Peter Andre manages to climb 9-7 with Unconditional Love Songs, a romantic cover collection.

Dion, P!nk, Kanye Sing “We Are the World” 2010

Only a week after Simon Cowell’s feat to assemble Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart and Leona Lewis in the same room, comes the anniversary of “We Are the World.” Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie had already plans on making a re-record the track to commemorate the 25th anniversary in benefit for Haiti. Swedish producer RedOne has produced the track alongside Wyclef Jean and legendary Quincy Jones.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXUk__bhkmY&feature=player_embedded]
The new version was recorded on Feb.1 this year and luckily many of the artists were already in L.A. to attend the Grammy awards.  More than 75 musicians participated and the song was recorded at the same place as in 1985. The 2010 line-up is a walk of fame. Barbra Streisand and Celine Dion sing alongside Vince Vaughn and Jeff Bridges. Newcomers Jonas Brothers and Justin Bieber contributes as well as the hip-hop stars Kanye West, Akon, Drake and Cudie.

The new video premiered during NBC’s coverage of the Opening Cermony of the WinterOlympics last night and the video has been directed by Paul Haggis of Crash and Million Dollar Baby fame.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Glny4jSciVI&feature=player_embedded]

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