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One-Hit wonders we can’t get out of our heads

Not only did the ‘90s deliver some of the most iconic music during its time, but they also made popular some one-hit wonders that we still love today. A one-hit wonder is either a singer or group that experiences mainstream success with one hit song for a limited amount of time. They tend to be forgotten after a while, but they’re song does not go unforgotten or unnoticed. ‘90s one-hit wonders are timeless because although they’re famous for one specific song, their work still remains relevant to this day. The best thing about ‘90s one-hit wonders was that they varied in genres, but everyone still enjoyed them altogether even if a certain kind of song wasn’t their cup of tea. After I list some of the most iconic one-hit wonders from the ‘90s, I guarantee you will recognize most of the songs instantly after listening to them. 

Here are some ‘90s one-hit wonder songs that make us feel nostalgic even to this day: 

“Jump Around” by House of Pain 

Even if you don’t consider yourself a good dancer, this song will make you a hardcore dancer for 4 minutes straight. If you’re not out of your seat jumping up and down while jamming to this song, then what are you doing with your life? Standing still to this song will make you stand out for the wrong reasons. “Jump Around” makes someone want to let loose and forget about the world for a moment. 

“Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba 

You ever need a song to just lift you back up when someone does something that knocks you down in life? Then you have come to listen to the perfect song. This song definitely defines the 2020 year for everyone while we struggle to deal with everything going on and continue to lose a battle we were never to fight against. But, everyday we keep going and living day by day not letting things beat us down to the ground to the point where we can’t get back up. The coronavirus may have knocked us down, but we all get up again fighting it together.

“Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind

The hook of this song is something we all remember. Although the song speaks about having an addiction, it mentions that we all need something specific  to get us through a moment. Of course, the use of drugs is not the answer to our problems, but you can’t help but sing along to this catchy upbeat song. We all need something else to get us through the quarantine life that we are so over. This song was a hit in the summer of ‘97. 

“Here Comes the Hotstepper” by Ini Kamoze 

This iconic song is known for the classical beat which makes you just want to cruise in the club or during a car ride. It’s definitely a vibe song when you’re feeling cool and hip for 4 minutes. One of the iconic verses to this song is when Ini Kamoze sings, “I’m the lyrical gangster” claiming his song is nothing, but pure talent and meaningful words. 

“Return Of The Mack” by Mark Morrison

Let’s not forget about one of the songs that MADE the ‘90s. Even young fellows to this day will recognize this song because it’s one their parents always vibe to. This song has even been incorporated in a recent 2020 Google commercial ad recently on YouTube and television. Google reminded you that this song exists. “Return of the Mack” is so iconic because it talks about coming back stronger after someone does you wrong. The slow and hard ‘90s beat makes you want to dance in slow motion holding your drink up high in the air. This is the ultimate grand entrance song!

“Informer” by Snow 

What makes “Informer” so remarkable was that it was one of the hardest songs to sing along to. The biggest struggle was not knowing every single word of the song and only pronouncing it the way how it sounds. The lyrics almost sound like gibberish. This song inspired a generation for Caucasian hip hop artists such as Vanilla Ice and Eminem. This song joins both the mix of reggae and rap into one masterpiece.

“Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice 

Although, this song samples the beat of ‘80s artist group Queen’s “Under Pressure,” it regained recognition by the newly incorporated bass line. Not too many Queen fans were in favor of this song when it first came out because of how similar it sounds to Queen’s work. Many did not react well to Vanilla Ice’s hit, but he was one of the first artists to make an iconic song while sampling another’s work. Nowadays, everybody samples what they see in movies, music, and TV shows. 

“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer

If you’re looking to listen to that cheesy ‘90s romantic song when you’re feeling vulnerable with the one you love, this is the perfect song to help you out. Many people incorporate this song in their weddings and even in ‘90s chic flick films. I wish I was around to experience what young ‘90s love felt like when couples actually went out and did things together without the use of cellphones. You may have heard of this song in the iconic rom-com “She’s All that.” 

“Mambo No.5″ by Lou Bega 

Party songs were what made the ‘90s so fun and fresh. This was back when people weren’t so shy to dance however they wanted to. As long as you feel the beat and rhythm, you are unstoppable while dancing to this song. The combination of the choreography, Lou Bega’s voice, instruments, and upbeat hook will get you dancing out of your seat to feel that combination of jazz and R&B rhythm.

“Macarena” (Bayside Boys Remix) by Los Del Rio”

There is always that one song that is played at every prom, wedding, party, pep rally, and other social events. The “Macarena” was both the song and dance that took over the world which everyone knows. Although many people did not understand the Spanish lyrics, it didn’t mean they couldn’t dance to the rhythm and beat of the  “Macarena.” Whenever I would hear this song at school or at a party, I would instantly remember the dance moves and know what to do. Even though the song became popular in 1993, to this very day adolescents are familiar with the song as well and know the “Macarena” by heart.

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Return of the ‘90s Fashion Trends

Although, I am obsessed with fashion and altering my everyday outfits, I have never been able to pull of those trendy looks that I am inspired by from the ‘90s.  ‘90s fashion trends have always been unique and expressive to demonstrate a sense of belonging and coolness. Fashion nowadays consists of buying ripped shirts from expensive clothing lines and wearing oversized sweaters in 80° weather. I don’t believe in the whole “clothes make a statement” kind of mindset, but I do agree that clothes demonstrate how someone carries themselves. I find it ridiculous at times that people are willing to spend a lot of money on clothes that look homely just to feel comfortable and laid back. Fashion was also cheaper in which many low-class income families could afford. Although fashion has changed drastically since the ‘90s, some of the trends are starting to make a comeback among millennials. In fact, my favorite thing to wear on a scorching hot day while I am outside doing yardwork is rocking some overalls.

Some fashion trends that have repeated themselves since the ‘90s include:

- High-Waisted Jeans (mom jeans)

- Bomber jackets

- Crop Tops

- Door Knocker Earrings

These are just a few of many fashion trends that are fresh and appealing which inspire my everyday outfits. High-waisted stonewashed jeans, crop tops, and door knocker earrings were commonly seen on young girls circa 1992. The ‘90s was a decade of exaggerated makeup and loud colors and were made popular by hip-hop artists and celebrities well know in both the east and west coast.

High-waisted jeans were made popular by a ‘90s hit show called “Saved by the Bell”, that aired for most of the decade. The jeans are often showcased by actor, Mario Lopez which fired up the popularity. Since the ‘90s, high-waisted jeans have made a comeback within the last three years among young teen girls however, were giving the name of “mom jeans” and somehow thought to be cute for casual wear. 

The bomber jackets were spotted in numerous MTV videos, but one in particular boosted their popularity when worn by female rap trio titled, “Salt-N-Pepa” in their “Push it” music video. Again, this fashion trend was also highlighted in the hit TV show, Saved By the Bell among both the male and female characters. Like all fashion trends, this one hit the streets just as fast. In today’s fashion, we see a repeat of this style worn by famous celebrities such as Kanye West, The Weeknd, and many more artists which have inspired millennial customers in the clothing market. The jackets can be easily found in stores near us such as Forever 21, H&M, and Hollister. 

Crop tops were popular on shows like “Saved by the Bell” and “Friends.” They became even more well known after celebrities such as “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” actor, Will Smith and female artist, Aaliyah would wear them in their music videos and TV show. Today, it’s relatively easy to spot a young teen girl in a crop top wherever you go. Although crop tops were mostly worn by petite sized girls, they are now made for women of any shape or size. Crop tops have become a universal fashion trend in which girls can feel confident about their body. 

Accompanying the bomber jacket, were the door knocker earrings. These pieces of jewelry were the ultimate telling of social status. They were made popular by once again female rap trio, Salt-N-Pepa. Female artists today such as Beyoncé tend to wear them while performing to demonstrate glamour and status. In the ‘90s, the gold earrings that resemble a knocking handle on a front door were popularly made of 14 karat gold. Today, it is socially acceptable to wear faux gold. Earrings are my favorite accessory to wear with any outfit, so best believe I love to rock these earrings with a confident outfit. With our world now showing diversity, the ‘90s fashion trends that have resurfaced on millennials actually reaches more consumers than ever before. Can’t wait to see mix match sneakers make a comeback!

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TV shows that defined the ‘90s

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is a ‘90s sitcom about an African-American teenager (played by Will Smith) who is associated with street violence in West Philadelphia. His mother forces him to live with their wealthy relatives in Bel-Air, California to escape the dangerous neighborhood they live in. Will is taken in by his Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian along with his three cousins, Ashley, Carlton, and Hilary. The family also has a personal butler named Geoffrey who considers himself very formal and professional. Will struggles adjusting to the middle-class life in a humorous way given that he comes from a working class family. However, he too struggles with  personal issues such as the absence of a father figure in his life to set a good example of how a man figure should act. 

This was a show that everybody could enjoy together as a family. After every episode, you can expect to either be rolling on the floor from laughter or tearing up from emotional scenes. Apart from the iconic ‘90s fashion worn by the characters, I always admired how family was a large subject matter in the show. Although it’s comedic show, it touches upon many social issues that people could relate to. Some social issues that are continuous throughout the seasons include race, sex, fatherhood, friendship, and middle-class people. In each episode, there is a conflict that the family overcomes together with the support of one another.

Also, come on, who doesn’t love Will Smith in his early days of acting? He played such a funny guy and overdramatic character, but my favorite character has to be Carlton. He is the person I can relate to most because he is so quirky and struggles to break away from needing approval from people. Carlton is the kind of person you could depend on to lift up your spirits whenever you are feeling at your lowest. Also, we can’t forget about the most iconic moments of the show whenever he would dance, “The Carlton.” I aspire to be that hyped about life everyday where I can just be myself while no one is watching.

“Full House”

Let’s take it back to the early years of the ‘90s while living in San Francisco, California. Everybody remembers the joy and laughter “Full House” brought us. Whether it was coming home from school and watching the show with your friends or even binge-watching it with family, this show guaranteed a smile on your face. Every character played a significant role in the show who encounter making difficult decisions even if it means sacrificing time together. This show accurately highlights the coming of age years for a toddler, adolescent, and teenager. 

“Full House” is a family sitcom about a talk-show host, Danny Tanner, who is struggling to raise his three daughters on his own after his wife passed away in a car accident. His daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle are also raised by their father’s two best friends, Joey and Jesse who agree to move in with them to support the family.  

Uncle Jesse (played by John Stamos) was a ‘90s heartthrob back in the day. There was never a girl who wasn’t obsessed with him as I am too. This show defined the ‘90s because it taught a lot of life lessons such as moving on with new stages in your life while taking on other responsibilities as an adult. The show lasted for 8 years and you feel as if you’re also growing up with characters. I could binge-watch “Full House” all day because I enjoy how every character reflects someone in my family. If you need a show to watch that will make you feel warm and reminiscent, “You got it dude” (in Michelle’s voice). It will show you how life keeps going and moves on even after hardships. As the theme song of the show says best, “everywhere you look, everywhere you go, there’s a heart.” That right there, demonstrates that you are never alone and sometimes family is all we have to lean on. 

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5 R&B songs from 1991 that will put you in a good mood

Have you ever met someone who could narrow their music taste down to just one genre? Yeah, me neither. There are too many iconic songs and styles of music in the world to pick just one favorite. However, one genre that seems to be a constant on everyone’s radar is R&B. “R&B” is a music genre that stands for “rhythm and blues.” These songs include elements of pop and soul that are associated with smooth vocals and funky beats. It rose to the charts in 1991 with the introduction of some of the most popular artists of the decade including Color Me Badd, Boyz II Men, Keith Sweat, Ralph Tresvant, Tony Toni Tone, and many other artists that take us back. These popular songs from 1991 will transport you to a time when love and happiness seemed to come easy.

Here are some songs that will set the vibe for a great day:

1. “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men

While R&B is centered around soul, there is still room for upbeat bops. “Motownphilly” proves that very point. This song is a “must play” at weddings and parties to get the crowd up from their seats and dance all night long. 

2. “Pretty Brown Eyes” by Mint Condition

If you’re looking for an “in your feels” type of song that makes you want to confess your love to your crush, Mint Condition takes care of that. This song will boost a girl’s confidence and romanticize her dark, beautiful eyes, while also helping her embrace self-love.

3. “Just Me and You” by Tony! Toni! Toné!

Take time to disconnect from the world by putting down your cell phone and staying off social media while listening to “Just Me and You.” This song talks about the importance of getting to know people face-to-face like back in the day. Start your morning by listening to this song on a sunny, Saturday morning and let it set the tone for a great day. 

4. “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark feat. The Funky Bunch

If you’re looking for a song that gets you pumped up and energized, listening to Marky Mark while working out is the way to go. Sometimes all you need is a push of motivation and that background music with a hardcore beat that makes your positive vibes invincible. 

5. ”I Like the Way” (The Kissing Game) by Hi-Five

This is the perfect summer song to jam to with friends while having that summer crush that you can’t get over. If you need a song that vibe with your hangouts like roller skating or eating with friends, “I Like the Way” is the song that makes you feel like a teenager in a coming of age movie.

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Let’s take it back to the good old days!

Hello to my fellow old school lovers! Thank you so much for checking out my blog. I’m hoping that each of my posts will be able to bring you back to what seemed like such simpler times. My blog will focus on trends from the ‘90s such as music, movies, TV shows, dances, and so much more. Although I missed the ‘90s by a decade, my mother made sure to get me up to speed on the golden age as I was growing up. She is from from Compton, California, so she is very familiar with the iconic trends we know and love today. My obsession with the ‘90s comes from being part of such a chaotic generation. In fact, ‘90s music has always been my go-to coping mechanism to deal with the stress the 21st century has brought me. 

Although my heart lies in the ‘90s, my taste in music has always been beyond its years. I also enjoy watching classic and quirky movies from that decade because they just don’t compare to today’s entertainment industry. I have always been curious about what life was like back then when everything was sentimental and simple. Needless to say, I was born to be a ‘90s kid, but since I missed the chance to be in it, I’ll bring it to this one! I hope you enjoy my blog which will touch upon some of the trends that were booming before technology and social media officially took over.