Shine by Collective Soul topped the US Mainstream Rock chart in 1993, starting as a self-released Georgia recording before Atlantic Records picked it up and turned it into a nationwide alternative rock hit.
Shine (1993): Collective Soul’s Alt-Rock Breakthrough Read Post »
Smooth by Santana featuring Rob Thomas spent twelve weeks at US number one in 1999 and won three Grammy Awards including Record of the Year, marking one of the most successful artist comebacks in rock history.
Smooth (1999): Santana and Rob Thomas’ Grammy-Winning Hit Read Post »
Everything I Do (I Do It for You) by Bryan Adams spent sixteen consecutive weeks at UK number one in 1991, a chart record at the time, written for the Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves soundtrack and produced by Mutt Lange.
Bryan Adams’ Everything I Do: 1991’s Record-Breaking Hit Read Post »
1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins reached number twelve in the UK in 1995, built on a drum machine pulse and Billy Corgan’s most restrained vocal, capturing the nostalgic haze of late adolescence on Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.
1979 (1995): Smashing Pumpkins’ Dream-Pop Classic Read Post »
Losing My Religion by R.E.M. reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991 and won two Grammy Awards, lifting the band from college radio to global commercial success with a mandolin-driven track about unrequited love.
Losing My Religion (1991): R.E.M.’s Breakthrough Anthem Read Post »
Man in the Box by Alice in Chains topped the US Mainstream Rock chart in 1991, built on Jerry Cantrell’s wah-heavy guitar riff and Layne Staley’s layered vocals, becoming one of the defining songs of the grunge era.
Man in the Box (1991): Alice in Chains’ Grunge Breakthrough Read Post »
Wonderwall by Oasis reached number two on the UK chart in 1995 and became the defining song of the Britpop era, remaining one of the most covered and recognized British rock songs ever recorded.
Wonderwall (1995): Oasis and the Song That Defined a Generation Read Post »
Right Now by Van Halen won the 1992 MTV Video of the Year award, built on Eddie Van Halen’s piano composition from 1983 and Sammy Hagar’s lyrics about seizing the present moment.
Right Now (1991): Van Halen’s Anthem of Action and Urgency Read Post »
Are You Gonna Go My Way by Lenny Kravitz topped the US Mainstream Rock chart in 1993 and became one of the most recognizable hard rock anthems of the decade, captured in a single recording take.
Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993): Lenny Kravitz at His Best Read Post »
Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994, written for Jonathan Demme’s film about the AIDS crisis at its height.
Streets of Philadelphia: Bruce Springsteen’s Oscar-Winning Hit Read Post »
Thunderstruck by AC/DC topped the US Mainstream Rock chart in 1990 as the opening track from The Razors Edge, featuring Angus Young’s iconic tapped guitar intro and helping the album sell over twelve million copies worldwide.
Thunderstruck (1990): AC/DC’s Razors Edge Comeback Hit Read Post »
Love Is Strong by the Rolling Stones opened the Voodoo Lounge album in 1994 and won three MTV Video Music Awards, including Best Cinematography for David Fincher’s iconic giant-Stones-in-New-York video.
Love Is Strong: Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge Classic 1994 Read Post »
