The Songs That Ruled The Charts In A New Decade
The 1990s got off to a fascinating start. Hair metal was still hanging around, new jack swing was taking over radio, dance-pop was booming, and a new generation of stars was beginning to emerge. According to Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 chart, these were the 25 biggest songs of 1990. Together, they offer a snapshot of a year caught between the excess of the 80s and the major musical changes that were just around the corner.
“Hold On” – Wilson Phillips
Wilson Phillips couldn't have asked for a bigger breakthrough. The trio's debut single combined flawless harmonies with an uplifting message about perseverance, helping it become the biggest Billboard hit of 1990. Built around an unforgettable chorus, "Hold On" spent weeks near the top of the charts and became one of the defining pop songs of its era. More than three decades later, it still feels optimistic and instantly recognizable.
“It Must Have Been Love” – Roxette
Originally written as a Christmas song in Sweden, "It Must Have Been Love" found new life when it was featured in the film Pretty Woman. The power ballad showcased Marie Fredriksson's emotional vocals and helped Roxette continue their remarkable run of international hits. Few songs captured heartbreak quite so effectively, and its connection to one of the decade's biggest romantic comedies only increased its staying power.
“Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinéad O'Connor
Written by Prince but transformed by Sinéad O'Connor, "Nothing Compares 2 U" became one of the most emotionally devastating ballads ever recorded. The song's stripped-down arrangement allowed O'Connor's voice to take center stage, while the famous music video focused almost entirely on her face. The result was unforgettable, turning a relatively obscure Prince composition into a worldwide phenomenon.
“Poison” – Bell Biv DeVoe
Bell Biv DeVoe helped redefine R&B with "Poison." Formed by members of New Edition, the group blended hip-hop beats, streetwise attitude, and infectious hooks into a sound that helped popularize new jack swing. The song's punchy production and memorable chorus made it one of the year's biggest crossover hits and a staple of dance floors for decades afterward.
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“Vogue” – Madonna
Madonna had already conquered pop music by 1990, but "Vogue" proved she still knew how to reinvent herself. Inspired by New York's ballroom culture, the song combined house music with spoken-word references to classic Hollywood icons. Its stylish black-and-white video became almost as iconic as the song itself, helping cement Madonna's reputation as pop's ultimate trendsetter.
“Vision Of Love” – Mariah Carey
Every so often, a debut single completely changes expectations. "Vision of Love" introduced Mariah Carey to the world and immediately showcased a vocal range that few artists could match. Her use of melisma would influence countless singers who followed. The song not only topped the charts but also announced the arrival of one of the biggest vocal talents of the modern era.
“Another Day In Paradise” – Phil Collins
Phil Collins tackled homelessness and social inequality on "Another Day in Paradise," giving the song a message that stood out among many of the year's lighter pop hits. While some critics debated its perspective, audiences responded strongly to its combination of social commentary and polished production. It became one of Collins' biggest solo successes and earned multiple Grammy Awards.
“Hold On” – En Vogue
En Vogue's "Hold On" showcased the group's remarkable vocal chemistry and retro influences. Built around a sample from The Charmels' "As Long As I've Got You," the song blended classic soul with contemporary R&B. It helped establish En Vogue as one of the most important female vocal groups of the decade and remains a cornerstone of early-90s R&B.
“Cradle Of Love” – Billy Idol
Billy Idol's "Cradle of Love" became a major hit despite a serious injury that prevented him from appearing fully in its music video. The clever workaround produced one of MTV's most memorable clips, while the song itself delivered exactly what fans wanted: catchy hooks, swagger, and Idol's unmistakable vocal style. It became one of the last major hits of his commercial peak.
“Blaze Of Glory” – Jon Bon Jovi
Written for the film Young Guns II, "Blaze of Glory" gave Jon Bon Jovi an opportunity to step outside his band's shadow. The song embraced a cinematic Western atmosphere while retaining the anthemic qualities that made Bon Jovi famous. Audiences loved it, sending it to the top of the charts and earning both Grammy and Academy Award nominations.
“Do Me!” – Bell Biv DeVoe
Bell Biv DeVoe scored twice in the year's biggest hits list thanks to "Do Me!" The track doubled down on the group's formula of sharp beats, playful lyrics, and irresistible hooks. While "Poison" may get more attention today, "Do Me!" confirmed that the group was more than a one-hit wonder and solidified their place in early-90s pop culture.
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“How Am I Supposed To Live Without You” – Michael Bolton
Michael Bolton's powerhouse vocals were perfectly suited to this dramatic ballad. Originally written years earlier, the song became a massive hit when Bolton recorded his version in 1989. Its emotional delivery and soaring chorus made it a radio favorite, helping define the adult contemporary sound that dominated a significant portion of the charts during the period.
“Pump Up The Jam” – Technotronic
"Pump Up the Jam" helped bring European dance music into the American mainstream. Its pulsing beat, infectious groove, and club-ready energy made it impossible to ignore. The song became a landmark hit for electronic dance music at a time when the genre was still fighting for broader acceptance on pop radio.
“Opposites Attract” – Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul closed out her blockbuster debut album with another number-one hit. "Opposites Attract" became especially famous for its music video, which featured Abdul dancing with the animated character MC Skat Kat. The playful concept helped the song stand out, while its catchy melody ensured it became one of the year's most memorable singles.
“Escapade” – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson entered the new decade at full speed with "Escapade." The upbeat track captured the joyful energy that made Rhythm Nation 1814 such a massive success. Its bright production and infectious rhythm offered a lighter counterpart to some of the album's more socially conscious material, demonstrating Jackson's versatility as a performer.
“All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You” – Heart
Heart took a surprising turn with this dramatic storytelling ballad. The song's controversial narrative sparked debate among listeners, but it also helped it stand out from the pack. Ann Wilson's powerful vocal performance elevated the material, turning what could have been a simple power ballad into one of the band's biggest late-career hits.
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“Close To You” – Maxi Priest
Maxi Priest became one of the first reggae artists to top the Billboard Hot 100 with "Close to You." Blending reggae influences with polished pop production, the song had broad crossover appeal. Its success helped expose mainstream audiences to a smoother, radio-friendly version of reggae that would influence later crossover hits.
“Black Velvet” – Alannah Myles
Inspired by Elvis Presley, "Black Velvet" combined blues, rock, and sultry vocals into a distinctive package. Alannah Myles' performance gave the song a smoky atmosphere that helped separate it from other radio hits of the time. The track became her signature song and earned significant recognition on both sides of the border.
“Release Me” – Wilson Phillips
Wilson Phillips followed up "Hold On" with another massive hit. "Release Me" showcased the trio's harmonies while leaning into a more emotional and reflective tone. The song proved that the group's success wasn't a fluke and helped establish them as one of the most successful pop acts of the year's first half.
“Don't Know Much” – Linda Ronstadt Featuring Aaron Neville
Sometimes simplicity works best. "Don't Know Much" paired Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville in one of the era's most memorable vocal duets. Their contrasting voices complemented each other beautifully, turning the song into a major crossover success. It also introduced a new generation of listeners to two artists who had already built impressive careers.
“All Around The World” – Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield brought a sophisticated blend of soul, dance, and pop to "All Around the World." Her rich voice and understated delivery helped the song stand apart from many of the decade's bigger, louder productions. The track became an international hit and remains one of the signature songs of the late-80s and early-90s dance-pop movement.
“I Wanna Be Rich” – Calloway
Few songs captured aspirational pop quite like "I Wanna Be Rich." The track's upbeat production and playful lyrics turned financial ambition into an infectious hook. While it may not have had the cultural impact of some songs on this list, it perfectly reflected the optimistic, success-driven spirit that still lingered from the 1980s.
“Rub You The Right Way” – Johnny Gill
Johnny Gill's solo breakthrough arrived with "Rub You the Right Way," a slick new jack swing hit produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The song balanced romance and groove while showcasing Gill's powerful vocals. Its success helped establish him as a solo star beyond his work with New Edition.
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“She Ain't Worth It” – Glenn Medeiros Featuring Bobby Brown
Glenn Medeiros and Bobby Brown formed an unlikely but successful partnership on "She Ain't Worth It." Brown's popularity helped boost the track, while its polished production fit perfectly with the radio landscape of the time. The song became Medeiros' only number-one hit in the United States, giving him a memorable place in pop history.
“If Wishes Came True” – Sweet Sensation
Sweet Sensation scored their biggest success with "If Wishes Came True." The ballad stood out from the group's earlier dance-oriented material and revealed a softer side of their sound. Its emotional lyrics and polished production connected with audiences, helping it become the final number-one hit on this list of 1990's biggest songs.
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