Tag: Music

Top 25 Justin Timberlake Songs: Nos. 20-16

We move onto part 2 of my personal Top 25 Justin Timberlake Songs. If you missed part 1 covering numbers 25-21, you can find it here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/19/top-25-justin-timberlake-songs-nos-25-21/

Let’s get to it, shall we?

20. “Don’t Hold the Wall” from The 20/20 Experience (2013)

Another triumph of production from Timbaland, this seven minute jam is a highlight of the 20/20 Experience.

19. “Blue Ocean Floor” from The 20/20 Experience (2013)

The first 20/20 Experience ends on a somber note with this slow groove featuring fantastic vocals from JT.

18. “Sexy Ladies/Let Me Talk to You” from FutureSex/LoveSounds (2006)

This track from JT’s landmark sophomore album sounds like one of the greatest Prince songs that Prince never made.

17. “Amnesia” from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013)

This string heavy slow jam is a hypnotic highlight of 20/20 part 2.

16. “Summer Love/Set Mood” from FutureSex LoveSounds (2006)

This dance club anthem served as the final single from JT’s FutureSex project.

And that’s all for now! I’ll have part 3 with numbers 15-11 tomorrow.

Top 25 Justin Timberlake Songs: Nos. 25-21

Being that I’ll be watching Mr. Justin Timberlake in concert in a few days, it felt sensible to present you with my personal Top 25 tracks from the artist. He’s only put out four albums in 12 years and yet he’s arguably been the most influential and important figure in pop music during that period. Timberlake’s work with mega producer Timbaland is reminiscent of the magic that Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones achieved over three decades ago.

I’m an unapologetic pop music lover and JT has been the best at it for some time. So let’s get to it! This will be a five-part series posted everyday.

25. “Take Back the Night” from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013)

This horn heavy disco-ish groove served as the lead single from the second part of last year’s 20/20 Experience. It sounds like it could’ve been on Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall album.

24. “You Got It On” from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013)

One of the least talked about tracks from 20/20 part two, this slow jam features some of the most gorgeous strings in JT’s catalogue.

23. “Suit & Tie” from The 20/20 Experience (2013)

The first single from the first 20/20, it gave us a preview of the brilliance to come from the two part album. It’s also got a terrific David Fincher directed video and a rap verse from Jay-Z.

22. “Only When I Walk Away” from The 20/20 Experience – 2 of 2 (2013)

This seven minute tour de force features some of JT’s most memorable vocals and typical innovative production from Timbaland.

21. “Strawberry Bubblegum” from The 20/20 Experience (2013)

One of the most infectious grooves on the entire 20/20 Experience, its lyrics may be a little silly with its endless sexual innuendos – but the production is amazing.

And that’s all for today’s edition. I promise you’ll be seeing songs that weren’t on 20/20 as well! It just worked out that way for this list. Songs 20-16 coming tomorrow…

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 10-1

This evening we arrive at the crème de la crème of 90s R&B musical greatness and the final edition of my Top 90 R&B Songs of that decade. I’ve had a tremendous amount of fun going over all these terrific songs and now we’ve arrived at the Top Ten!

To read over numbers 90-11, click on the Music tab of the blog and you’ll find them all there.

Here we go!

10. “Creep” by TLC (1994)

The lead single from TLC’s CrazySexyCool album is a Dallas Austin produced classic.

9. “All My Life” by K-Ci&JoJo (1998)

The duo who originated from the influential group Jodeci made this slow jam which stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 35 weeks.

8. “Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson (1992)

The omnipresent Teddy Riley, who’s produced many tracks on the list, made his best MJ contribution with this one.

7. “Hold On” by En Vogue (1990)

The girl group produced many fabulous singles, but their first is still their best.

6. “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men (1992)

The ballad of the decade spent an at the time record of 13 weeks at #1.

5. “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige (1992)

Queen Mary had her best track among many with this second single from her landmark What’s the 411? album.

4. “Pony” by Ginuwine

Ginuwine’s debut single is a masterwork from producer Timbaland. The track is still highly relevant today and most recently was featured in the hit Magic Mike.

3. “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah

Timbaland strikes again and creates another classic with the late singer, which was featured on the Doctor Dolittle soundtrack.

2. “No Diggity” by Blackstreet (1996)

Teddy Riley once again as his group created this timeless classic featuring rap verses from hip hop genius Dr. Dre and Queen Pen.

1. “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe (1990)

Yes, it was #1 on VH1’s own list of 90s R&B grooves. They got it right. The spinoff group from New Edition created one of the catchiest and undeniable grooves in a track… ever. It still manages to turn the dance floor into a party.

And with that – my list, friends! I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I had writing it. At the least, I hope I gave you some songs for your iTunes collection. Signing off in the immortal words of BBD: “Never trust a big butt and a smile.” Until next time!

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 20-11

We have reached the Top 20 of my personal Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s, with the Top Ten coming tomorrow! For those wishing to peruse my previous entries, scroll through the homepage of the blog or click the Music tab to easily find them.

Let’s get it going!

20. “Back & Forth” by Aaliyah (1994)

The debut single from the late singer’s first album was written and produced by R. Kelly and remains one of her classics, staying at #1 for three weeks.

19. “Bump n’ Grind” by R. Kelly (1994)

This is the sultry track that turned Mr. Kelly into a superstar and it spent 12 weeks atop the R&B charts.

18. “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey (1996)

From her Daydream album, this Jermaine Dupri produced track marks Mariah’s highest hit on my list.

17. “Humpin’ Around” by Bobby Brown (1992)

Bobby’s lead single off his Bobby album is a New Jack Swing classic from mega producers L.A.&Babyface.

16. “Only You” by 112 (1996)

This absolute banger includes rap verses from the great Notorious B.I.G. and Mase.

15. “If Your Girl Only Knew” by Aaliyah (1996)

The first single of her One in a Million album, this was the first time we heard the magic of Timbaland’s production with her voice.

14. “Right Here (Human Nature)” by SWV (1992)

Teddy Riley produced this fantastic track that incorporates Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” with the girl group’s vocals. A masterpiece.

13. “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” by Maxwell

The soulful classic was the debut single from Maxwell’s acclaimed Urban Hang Suite album.

12. “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan (1995)

This one still kills if it comes on the club and Montell’s signature tune spent seven weeks at #1.

11. “That’s the Way Loves Goes” by Janet Jackson (1993)

Ms. Jackson’s first single off her janet album is her most memorable track of the 1990s, where she put out many terrific hits.

Alright folks! Tomorrow: the Top Ten!

 

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 30-21

We are a week into my Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s and that means part seven and numbers 30-21!

Please click the Music category of the blog to review previous entries. Let’s get to it:

30. “Doo Wop” (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill (1998)

Hill left the Fugees to start a solo career and hit it big with her first album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill and this great first single that marks her only #1 solo hit.

29. “You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher (1997)

The lead single from Usher’s My Way album is among his finest tracks with production from Jermaine Dupri.

28. “I’m So Into You” by SWV (1992)

The female trio had their first top ten hit with this terrific uptempo groove.

27. “Don’t Walk Away” by Jade (1993)

The New Jack swing club anthem gave this girl group their signature hit.

26. “Cream” by Prince (1991)

The Purple One has joked that he wrote this song in the mirror. At least I think he was joking.

**Blogger’s Note: Prince doesn’t allow his videos on YouTube

25. “Not Gon Cry” by Mary J. Blige (1996)

Ms. Mary’s ballad from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack is among her top career highlights.

24. “Rub You the Right Way” by Johnny Gill (1990)

The New Edition singer had the biggest hit of his solo career with this banger from producers Jam and Lewis.

23. “Too Close” by Next (1997)

The male trio had a monster hit on their hands with its infectious beat and highly suggestive lyrical content.

22. “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd (1991)

The group’s biggest hit came from the New Jack City soundtrack and has certainly stood the test of time.

21. “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey (1995)

Carey’s lead single from her Daydream album is a classic among her staple of #1 hits. It also has an awesome Puff Daddy remix featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Tomorrow – we’ll get into the Top 20!

 

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 40-31

We’re at day six of my personal Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s. For those who wish to read my previous entries, just click on the Music category of this here blog and they’ll magically show up. Today brings us to numbers 40-31 and let’s go to it:

40. “Killing Me Softly” by The Fugees (1996)

This hip hop trio was tremendously influential in their too brief time together. This Roberta Flack cover is their one smash hit that can safely be classified as R&B with Lauryn Hill’s beautiful vocals.

39. “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men (1990)

The hit single that started it all for this trio. They may be best known for their slow jams, but this deserves its spot on the list.

38. “I Get Lonely” by Janet Jackson (1998)

Ms. Jackson’s single on her acclaimed Velvet Rope album also featured a remix with Blackstreet.

37. “My Love Is Your Love” by Whitney Houston (1999)

“I Will Always Love You” may be her signature tune from the decade (it made #50 on here), but this Wylcef Jean produced track is my personal Whitney favorite of hers from the 90s.

36. “Any Time, Any Place” by Janet Jackson (1994)

Janet’s sultry and unforgettable single from her 1993 janet album earns her yet another entry.

35. “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey (1990)

The great ballad that started it all for Mariah and was her first #1 single of many more to come.

34. “No, No, No Part 2” by Destiny’s Child (1997)

Most of their biggest singles came the following decade, but Beyoncé and company got off to their storied career with this gem from Wyclef Jean yet again.

33. “Scream” by Michael and Janet Jackson (1995)

The brother and sister finally got together for “Scream” and a fantastic song and video were the result.

32. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men (1994)

Coming off a successful first album, the Boyz became a phenomenon with this first single from their second album… an unforgettable concoction from producer Babyface.

31. “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days” by Monica (1995)

This Dallas Austin production gave Monica her first of many hits. For Monica, her debut single is still her best.

And that’s tonight’s edition! We’ll get into the top third of the list tomorrow with numbers 30-21.

 

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 50-41

We have arrived at part five of my personal Top 90 R&B songs of the 1990s and that means numbers 50-41 coming at you this evening! If you’d like to see what else has made the list, read my previous entries here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/03/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-90-81/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/04/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-80-71/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/05/top-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-70-61/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/06/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-60-51/

Let’s keep on moving…

50. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (1992)

You didn’t think I’d leave Ms. Whitney’s signature tune off here, did you? Her smash hit from The Bodyguard soundtrack is prime crank it up when you’re by yourself in the car bliss. And Dolly Parton wrote it!

49. “Lately” by Jodeci (1993)

Not many artists could pull off covering Stevie Wonder, but Jodeci managed excellently with their beautiful version of this classic.

48. “Hey Mr. D.J.” by Zhane (1993)

The group’s biggest hit is a club anthem.

47. “Jerk Out” by The Time (1990)

Prince brought this group to prominence in the 1980s, but this first single off their album Pandemonium has been a personal favorite for quite some time.

***SO, Prince doesn’t let any music he owns on YouTube. Sorry folks!

46. “At Your Best” by Aaliyah (1994)

Aaliyah’s slow jam from her debut album. Get used to seeing her on the remainder of this list.

45. “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison (1997)

Mr. Morrison might not have had other stateside hits, but this banger cements his place in history.

44. “My Way” by Usher (1998)

Usher makes his debut on the list with the title track to his fabulous 1997 album.

43. “Weak” by SWV (1993)

This #1 smash was the R&B ballad of summer 1993. This girl group isn’t done yet on the list either.

42. “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJ’s (1996)

This track would still fill up on a dance floor. If you don’t know this one, you need to.

41. “Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Tone! (1990)

This influential group peaks here with their greatest single.

And that’s our 90s R&B edition for tonight, folks! We’ll get to the Top 40 tomorrow evening!

 

 

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 60-51

It’s day four of my personal Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s and that means numbers 60-51 coming your way. If you missed my three previous installments, you can peruse them here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/03/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-90-81/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/04/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-80-71/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/05/top-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-70-61/

Onto the next ones!

60. “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” by En Vogue (1992)

The first single from En Vogue’s second album hit #1 on the charts and is probably the last song a guy would want to hear a girl sing to them at the club.

59. “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” by Mint Condition (1991)

This group only put out a couple of hits, but this groove managed to stay on the chart for 34 weeks.

58. “All Around the World” by Lisa Stansfield (1990)

Stansfield’s biggest worldwide hit peaked at #3 in the United States.

57. “You Are Not Alone” by Michael Jackson (1995)

What happens when you pair MJ with R. Kelly’s production? You get this beautiful second single from his History album which gave the singer yet another #1.

56. “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Boyz II Men (1991)

The boy group is on the list once again with this cover of a 1975 ballad.

55. “Baby Baby Baby” by TLC (1992)

The group’s second single from their debut album is yet another production from the hit making L.A.&Babyface duo.

54. “My Love is the Shhh!” by Somethin’ for the People (1997)

If you don’t know this one, you need more 90s R&B knowledge! This California based group had their largest hit with this track tailor made for the clubs.

53. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly (1996)

Don’t pretend like you don’t crank this if you’re alone in the car. Kelly’s monster hit from the Space Jam soundtrack is the prolific artist’s largest hit of his career.

52. “Can’t You See” by Total featuring The Notorious B.I.G. (1994)

The Puff Daddy backed female group hit it big with this track from the New Jersey Drive soundtrack featuring a killer opening verse from the Notorious B.I.G.

51. “If I Ever Fall in Love” by Shai (1992)

This fantastic a cappella groove spent eight weeks at #2 on the charts, being held from the top spot by Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”.

And that’s today’s edition, folks! Numbers 50-41 will be arriving tomorrow!

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 70-61

It’s day three of my personal Top 90 R&B singles from the 1990s and today we’ll cover numbers 70-61. In case you missed the first two installments, you can find them here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/03/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-90-81/

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/04/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-80-71/

Let’s get to it, shall we?

70. “Someone to Love” by Jon B. and Babyface (1995)

This duet was featured on the Bad Boys soundtrack and marked the biggest hit for Mr. B.

69. “Make It Hot” by Nicole (1998)

Written by Missy Elliot and produced by Timbaland, this marks one of the mega-producer’s most memorable beats.

68. “Another Sad Love Song” by Toni Braxton (1993)

The first official single from her debut album, this L.A.&Babyface produced ballad hit the top ten in the summer of ’93.

67. “Touch Me, Tease Me” by Case featuring Foxy Brown (1996)

A highlight from the The Nutty Professor soundtrack, this groove also introduced us to Ms. Foxy Brown.

66. “All 4 Love” by Color Me Badd (1991)

It may not be their biggest hit (wait until later on this list), but it’s a personal favorite of mine.

65. “Red Light Special” by TLC (1995)

Once again, Babyface is behind this one that marked the second single from TLC’s landmark album CrazySexyCool.

64. “Hit Me Off” by New Edition (1996)

The mega-group from the 1980s reunited in 1996 and it produced this terrific first single from their comeback album.

63. “Freak Me” by Silk (1993)

It’s got some of the most gloriously raunchy lyrics of any song to hit #1 and it marked a career highlight for this group.

62. “Waterfalls” by TLC (1995)

The summer jam of 1995, this TLC joint was most recently memorably featured in We’re the Millers.

61. “In the Closet” by Michael Jackson (1992)

The first appearance by Mr. Jackson is a Teddy Riley produced banger with a great video featuring Naomi Campbell.

And that’s today’s edition, folks! I’ll be back tomorrow with numbers 60-51.

Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s: Nos. 80-71

We have arrived at Day 2 of my list of personal Top 90 R&B Songs of the 1990s and this means numbers 80-71 coming your way. In case you missed Part 1, you can find it right here:

https://toddmthatcher.com/2014/07/03/top-90-rb-songs-of-the-1990s-nos-90-81/

Let’s go right to it:

80. “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by PM Dawn (1991)

The soul duo had their largest hit with this jam.

79. “I’m Going Down” by Mary J. Blige (1994)

Ms. Blige had a soulful hit with this cover of the Rose Royce 1970s song.

78. “Water Runs Dry” by Boyz II Men (1995)

The Boyz make their first appearance on the list with Babyface produced slow track.

77. “100% Pure Love” by Crystal Waters (1994)

Crystal Waters techno/R&B blend hit #1 on the dance chart.

76. “Keep On Walkin” by CeCe Peniston (1992)

CeCe has a number of hits and her signature song is considered “Finally”, but this one has always been my persona favorite.

75. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston (1993)

Ms. Whitney makes her first list appearance with this David Foster produced ballad from The Bodyguard.

74. “Candy Rain” by Soul for Real (1994)

The boy band hit #1 on the R&B singles chart with this track produced by Poke&Tone and Heavy D.

73. “Tell Me” by Groove Theory (1995)

This male/female duo had their biggest hit with this jam.

72. “One In a Million” by Aaliyah (1996)

The late great singer makes her debut on here with the title track from her critically acclaimed second album which featured the beginning of her groundbreaking collaborations with Timbaland.

71. “The Best Things In Life are Free” by Luther Vandross and Janet Jackson

Featured on the soundtrack to the Damon Wayans comedy Mo’ Money, the Jam&Lewis produced track also features a rap cameo from Bell Biv Devoe.

And that’s all for today, my friends! Back again tomorrow with numbers 70-61!