1992 Top 100 Hot Pop Songs & Music Hits
1992 Top 100 Hot Pop Songs & Music Hits
1. Baby Got Back – Sir Mixx-A-Lott
Sir Mixx-A-Lott got the idea for this song after watching a Budweiser Super Bowl ad and finding the models featured in the ad too skinny for his taste.
2. I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
The guitar riff featured in this song was snagged from a Jimi Hendrix deep cut called “Third Stone From The Sun”.
3. End Of The Road – Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men laid down the vocals to this heartfelt break-up songs in just three hours and it was written for the Eddie Murphy film “Boomerang”.
4. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
The true meaning of Bohemian Rhapsody has always been a mystery and vocalist Freddy Mercury and the rest of Queen have always been tight-lipped about it’s true meaning. Popular theories include it being about Mercury’s sexuality and upbringing deep in Zoroastrianism as the lyrics contain many Arabic words.
5. Take My Breath Away – Berlin
Prior to becoming the lead singer for Berlin, Terri Nunn once auditioned for a part in a little film known as “Star Wars” for the role of Princess Leia.
6. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
Sales of Teen Spirit deodorant shot up when this became a hit, even though it is never mentioned in the lyrics. Nirvana vocalist Kurt Cobain was trying to write the ultimate pop song with “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and claims he was trying to rip off The Pixies.
7. Save The Best For Last – Vanessa Williams
The message of the song is that life is full of unexpected events that often lead to what’s ultimately for the best. For Williams this meant recovering from the scandal of being stripped of her Miss America crown.
8. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
Song was originally written by Dolly Parton in 1974 and was written after the breakup of the musical partnership she had with Country singer Porter Wagoner. They were never romantically involved.
9. Come As You Are – Nirvana
Kurt Cobain described this song as being about people and how they are expected to behave. The chords in this song are a slowed down replica of Killing Joke’s 1985 song “Eighties.”
10. Jump Around – House Of Pain
Amy Winehouse borrowed the bass line from “Jump Around” for her 2007 single “You Know I’m No Good.”
11. Twilight Zone – 2 Unlimited
Song was actually not inspired by the “Twilight Zone” tv series, but rather the Robert Ludlum novel “The Bourne Identity” which would later turn into a popular film franchise.
12. Mysterious Ways – U2
Bono claims that he believes the “spirit” is a feminine entity. This song speaks a man living on little to no romance and how he deals with women.
13. Boot Scootin’ Boogie – Brooks & Dunn
Song is most well-known for it’s incredibly popular line dance. Song helped popularize country line dancing in bars across the country.
14. November Rain – Guns N Roses
The original version of “November Rain” was 25 minutes long, it was later edited to eight minutes and fifty-nine seconds. It also happens to contain the longest guitar solo featured in a Top 10 song thanks to the talents of Slash.
15. Give It Away – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Anthony Kiedis sings “Give It Away” 68 times in this song.
16. Lithium – Nirvana
Kurt Cobain collaborated with Screaming Trees singer Mark Lanegan in an informal blues band during 1990. One of the names they considered for the group was Lithium.
17. Rump Shaker – Wreckx-N-Effect
Surprisingly, there are 10 different writers credited on “Rump Shaker”. It was one of the very first songs worked on by Pharrell Williams.
18. Finally – CeCe Peniston
In the early 1990s, Peniston was one of the most successful dance club artists in the history of the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play, scoring five number one hits in the chart within three years. “Finally” was without a doubt her biggest and most well-known hit.
19. Caribbean Blue – Enya
Home for Enya is a large castle built in 1840 next door to Bono’s house in Ireland. She named it Manderly after the home in her favorite book “Rebecca”.
20. Remember The Time – Michael Jackson
The expensive video set in ancient Egypt was directed by John Singleton and starred Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, and the Somali fashion model Iman, who married David Bowie in 1992. The video also marks the first time that Jackson shared a kiss on-screen.
21. Friday I’m In Love – The Cure
The opening line “I don’t care if Monday’s blue” is a reference to the New Order hit “Blue Monday.” Robert Smith claims this song is for people who “aren’t actually fans of The Cure”.
22. Mr. Loverman – Shabba Ranks
Today, Ranks lives in New York City. Ranks made a partial comeback in 2007 when he appeared on a song called “Clear The Air” by Busta Rhymes, which also featured Akon. He is noted as being one of the most universally recognized dancehall artists.
23. One – U2
The Edge came up with the guitar track while working on “Mysterious Ways.” Once he came up with this guitar part, they quickly started writing “One.”
24. Move This – Technotronic
This song was featured in the 1996 movie, Space Jam, in a scene where Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes cast prepare for a basketball game against “The Monstars,” a group of transformed NBA players.
25. Tears In Heaven – Eric Clapton
Clapton wrote this about his four-year-old son Conor, who died when he fell out of a 53rd floor window in the apartment where his mother was staying in New York City. He has not performed the song live in concert since 2004.
26. Even Better Than The Real Thing – U2
The song is a play on the famous Coca Cola slogan “It’s The Real Thing” and makes a statement about commercialism.
27. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
This song best represents the country music craze in the early ’90s. It spent 17 weeks at number one angering none other than Megadeth vocalist Dave Mustaine, who was kept in the number two spot.
28. Trashy Women – Confederate Railroad
Confederate Railroad used to be the backing band for outlaw country acts David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck.
29. Always Tomorrow – Gloria Estefan
Estefan is a keen sailor and has captained her own vessel. She’s taken three courses in seamanship, piloting, and navigation.
30. The Hitman – AB Logic
AB Logic is a European dance music duo made up of singer Marianne and rapper K-Swing.
31. I’ll Be There – Mariah Carey
Carey demands to be photographed only from the right side, which she considers her “good side.”
32. Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough – Patty Smyth & Don Henley
Many songs are about love, but this one takes a melancholy look at what happens when love isn’t enough to keep a couple together.
33. Life Is A Highway – Tom Cochrane
Cochrane devotes a great deal of his time to activism and causes, blending them together with his music, similar to artists such as Neil Young.
34. To Be With You – Mr. Big
his song has very spare instrumentation, mainly just a bass drum, acoustic guitar and hand claps. This is a key component of the song, as it accentuates the heart-rending lyrics. It is heavily influenced by John Lennon’s “Give Peace A Chance”.
35. Beauty and The Beast – Peabo Bryson & Celine Dion
In the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast, this is sung by Kathryn Flynn as Mrs. Potts the teapot.
36. Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good) – Rozalla
In 1992 Rozalla toured with Michael Jackson, opening all of his performances on the European leg of his Dangerous tour.
37. These Are Days – 10,000 Maniacs
The band gets its unusual name from the 1964 film Two Thousand Maniacs!, expanded to 10,000 because there were originally five of them. Two Thousand Maniacs! is a cheesy, gorefest, splatter film by noted schlock director H.G. Lewis.
38. Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg – TLC
Song was written by Dallas Austin, except for Left Eye’s rap which, like the majority of what she sang, she wrote herself. Like a lot of other TLC songs, “Ain’t 2 Proud To Beg” is also about sex.
39. Under The Bridge – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Lead singer Anthony Kiedis wrote this about his days as a heroin addict and the loneliness that went with it. Guitarist John Frusciante’s mother sang backup on this along with two of her friends from church.
40. How Do You Talk To An Angel – The Heights
Song was the theme for the TV series The Heights and performed by actor Jamie Walters. The series was cancelled exactly one week after the song fell from the number one spot on the US charts.
41. Sexy M.F. – Prince (& The New Power Generation)
Prince was a child prodigy – he learned to play over a dozen instruments before the age of 15. The first song he learned to play on the piano was the original Batman theme when he was 7 years old.
42. If I Ever Fall In Love – Shai
Shai returned in 1994 with “The Place Where You Belong,” from the Beverly Hills Cop III soundtrack. They haven’t really been heard from since!
43. Jump! – The Movement
Another top hit of the early 90’s dance hit revolution.
44. Baby Baby Baby – TLC
Throughout her life, TLC singer Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins has battled sickle-cell anemia.
45. All 4 Love – Color Me Badd
The group has been on TV shows, commercials, their songs have been in movies such as New Jack City, No Strings Attached and Glee. The group has not only had songs in movies but has starred as themselves on top TV shows in the 1990s such as Beverly Hills, 90210.
46. Masterpiece – Atlantic Starr
In April 1992, Atlantic Starr appeared as themselves on an episode of the daytime soap opera Another World. They sang at local nightspot Sassy’s during the episode.
47. Bang Bang – David Sanborn
Sanborn is often identified with radio-friendly smooth jazz. However, Sanborn has expressed a disinclination for both the genre itself and his association with it.
48. Make It Happen – Mariah Carey
The rider for Carey’s 2000 tour required Cristal champagne and bendy straws provided backstage at her concerts.
49. Humpin’ Around – Bobby Brown
In 1989, Brown had his own 900-number: 1-900-909-BOBB. Callers would be greeted (for a fee) by a different goofy message from Brown each day. At its peak, it got about 12,000 calls a day.
50. Jump – Kris Kross
Kris Kross were just 13 when they were discovered by 18-year-old Jermaine Dupri in an Atlanta mall. Kris Kross were noted for their fashion style, which consisted of wearing their pants backwards – what they called “totally krossed-out.”
51. Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong – The Spin Doctors
Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron wrote this song’s lyric about his stepmother, who he was happy to see leave the family.
52. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John & George Michael
As a child, John didn’t need glasses, but wore them anyway to look like Buddy Holly. They damaged his eyes so much that he was soon forced to wear them. At one point, John was responsible for 3% of all records sold on the planet.
53. Can’t Let Go – Mariah Carey
Mariah sings in a 5-octave range and she masters the whistle register. She made the Guinness Book of World records for the highest whistle register in history.
54. Right Now – Van Halen
The song is a message about living in the moment. It came at a time of worldwide political change, especially in Eastern Europe and The Soviet Union. It was also used in commercials for the ill-fated Crystal Pepsi and many accused Van Halen of selling out.
55. Please Don’t Go – K.W.S
The band’s name is an acronym of the members’ surnames, King/Williams/St. Joseph.
56. Scenerio – A Tribe Called Quest
Nicki Minaj quotes Busta’s line “Rawr, rawr, like a dungeon dragon” in her 2010 song “Roman’s Revenge.”
57. Constant Craving – k.d. lang
Song is all about samsara. Samsara, as defined within Buddhism, is the continual cycle of birth and death while one moves within the six realms of existence.
58. My Lovin (You’re Never Gonna Get It) – En Vogue
En Vogue once had an endorsement deal with shoe manufacturer Converse and toured Europe opening for Luther Vandross. The tour did not go so well and Vandross claims he would never work with the group again in the future.
59. Hazard – Richard Marx
Hazard, Nebraska is a real place and Marx once paid a visit for about 30 minutes where he had his picture taken at the post office and by a road sign. Hazard only had about 78 residents at the time and very few of them had any knowledge of Marx.
60 Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover – Sophie B. Hawkins
Hawkins list her sexual preference as “Omnisexual”. Most listeners fail to realize this song is actually about a same-sex relationship.
61. Am I The Same Girl – Swing Out Sister
Swing Out Sister singer Corinne Drewery was previously a fashion designer. The U.S. may have fallen out of love with Swing Out Sister, however they still have a massive fan base in Japan.
62. Layla (Unplugged) – Eric Clapton
“Layla” about George Harrison’s wife, Pattie. She and Clapton began living together in 1974 and married in 1979. Clapton and Harrison remained good friends, with George playing at their wedding along with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr.
63. This Used To Be My Playground – Madonna
Despite being the theme song for the film “A League Of Their Own”, “This Used To Be My Playground” was not included on the film’s soundtrack due to licensing issues. Madonna also had a role in the film opposite Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Rosie O’Donnell about an all-women’s baseball team during World War II.
64. I Love Your Smile – Shanice
Shanice, like Fergie, was also a cast member on the children’s TV program “Kids Incorporated”. Shanice did a rap in this song that was edited out for the Pop radio version.
65. Free Your Mind – En Vogue
“Free Your Mind” opens with the lines, “Prejudice, want a song about it? Here you go,” which comes from the TV series In Living Color, spoken by David Alan Grier’s character Calhoun Tubbs. “Free Your Mind” was released by En Vouge as a response to the Los Angeles Rodney King riots.
66. Just Another Day – Jon Secada
Jon Secada was a former back-up singer for Gloria Estefan before launching his successful solo career with “Just Another Day”.
67. Symphony of Destruction – Megadeth
“Symphony Of Destruction” is about political leaders who essentially puppets for the powerful organizations that control them. It relates to military dictatorships, but also to democratically elected leaders.
68. I Wanna Rock – Luke
Song truly pushed the limits, however we assume most women in the early 90’s secretly wanted to be one of Luke’s dancers. Song certainly gets any party going and local girls were doing almost anything to get near Luke. Popularized the catchphrase “Don’t Stop, get it, get it”.
69. The One – Elton John
Elton doesn’t write lyrics, his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin takes care of that.
70. 57 Channels (and nothin’ on) – Bruce Springsteen
Springsteen mentions Elvis in the the lyrics for “57 Channels (and nothin’ on) because when he was on tour near Memphis he decided to pay a visit to Graceland. After spotting a light on at the property, Springsteen decided to jump the fence and make a run for the front door, however was promptly caught by security who did not believe he was Bruce Springsteen.
71. Keep It Comin’ (Dance Till You Can’t Dance No More) – C+C Music Factory
“Keep It Comin’ (Dance Till You Can’t Dance No More) was featured in the film, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and its accompanying soundtrack.
72. Juice (know the ledge) – Eric B. & Rakim
“Juice” is the theme song for the film by the same name. The song features a distinctive sample from Nat Adderley’s 1968 hit “Rise, Sally, Rise”.
73. Tennessee – Arrested Development
The music video for “Tennessee” was actually shot in Georgia at a house found by the group that was reminiscent of frontman Speech’s grandmother’s home.
74. Take A Chance On Me – Erasure
Erasure’s Andy Bell was one of the first openly gay pop stars.
75. Good Enough – Bobby Brown
Brown was only 12 years old when he formed the group New Edition with his childhood friends. He was also the first to leave the group and begin a solo career.
76. Too Funky – George Michael
The opening lines that are spoken before the “Too Funky” begins: “Would you like me to seduce you? Is that what you’re trying to tell me?” is Anne Bancroft’s dialogue in the movie The Graduate, where she plays an older woman who does indeed seduce the young Dustin Hoffman.
77. Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
“Nothing Else Matters” is one of the few Metallica songs where James Hetfield played the guitar solo rather than Kirk Hammett.
78. If You Asked Me To – Celine Dion
Celine Dion first met her future husband when she was 12 and he was 38. Rene Angelil was, at that time, her manager.
79. Real Love – Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige cut her demo in a karaoke booth at a mall in White Plains, New York. Her former job was a directory assistant inspiring the name of her debut album “What’s the 411?”.
80. Warm It Up – Kris Kross
Chris Kelly, one half of Kris Kross, was found unresponsive in his Atlanta home on May 12, 2013. He was taken to an area hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. He was just 34 years-old.
81. Diamonds and Pearls – Prince and the New Power Generation
Prince shunned collaborations. He turned down an offer to duet with Michael Jackson in the ’80s, and also refused to perform on “We Are The World.”
82. To Love Somebody – Michael Bolton
Bolton’s original records are all hard rockers. After struggling for quite some time as a rock singer he sang radio and Tv jingles for Dr. Pepper, Budwieser and the Army quote “Be All You Can Be”.
83. Galileo – Indigo Girls
“Galileo” tackles the subject of reincarnation and Italian astronomer Galileo’s great truths on the subject.
84. Vibeology – Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul began her career as a cheerleader for the Los Angeles Lakers.
85. I’d Die Without You – PM Dawn
Like De La Soul, P.M. Dawn specialized in slow, somewhat psychedelic raps that stood out from the aggressive gangsta rap that was popular at the time.
86. All I Want – Toad The Wet Sprocket
“All I Want”marks a step on the journey through Glen Phillips’ battle with depression. Many of his song titles and lyrics are things he writes on Post-It notes as affirmations and reminders.
87. Stay – Shakespeare’s Sister
“Stay” is about a woman realizing her lover is about to die and fighting with the angel of death over him.
88. Walking On Broken Glass- Annie Lennox
The video was based on the 1988 movie Dangerous Liaisons, with elaborate costumes inspired by film, which was set in France during the 1700s. John Malkovich, who starred in the movie, also appeared in the video, as does Hugh Laurie, who went on to star in the TV show House.
89. Do It To Me – Lionel Richie
According to a 2006 article by ABC News Nightline reporter John Berman, Lionel Richie is shockingly popular among the people of Iraq. Richie admits this is true and still has absolutely no idea why.
90. (I Hate) Everything About You – Ugly Kid Joe
The opening line, “I hate the rain and sunny weather,” was inspired by the song’s muse, Farrell T. Smith, who seemed to dislike every weather condition.
91. Love Is On The Way – Saigon Kick
“Love Is One The Way” wasn’t released as a single until radio stations in Florida started playing it and the requests poured in. It secured Saigon Kick’s place in the power ballad hall of fame.
92. Oochie Coochie – MC Brains
MC Brians was discovered by Michael Bivins of New Edition. “Oochie Coochie” was his only hit single.
93. Live and Let Die – Guns N’ Roses
The lead singer’s name “Axl Rose” is an anagram of “Oral Sex.”
94. Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses – U2
Bono wrote “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” for Edge, who was going through a horrible divorce at the time. The line “Who’s gonna taste your salt water kisses?” is a reference to oral sex.
95. Steady Mobbin’ – Ice Cube
Ice Cube is the answer to this trivia question: What musician has been in movies with Elizabeth Hurley, George Clooney, Jennifer Connelly and Jennifer Lopez?
96. James Brown Is Dead – L.A. Style
“James Brown Is Dead” is considered a “rave” classic.In the wake of “James Brown Is Dead” the song “James Brown Is Still Alive” was released that same year by Holy Noise, a techno group also from the Netherlands. The name James Brown is often swapped out with other celebrities in remakes of this classic tune.
97. No One Else On Earth – Wynonna
On January 27, 1992, Wynonna performed solo on television for the first time at the American Music Awards without her mother in The Judds.
98. Could’ve Been Me – Billy Ray Cyrus
For years, Cyrus starred in the PAX TV show Doc, which enjoyed the highest ratings on the cable network.
99. Don’t Talk – Just Kiss – Right Said Fred
Fred Fairbass says that “Don’t Talk-Just Kiss” was inspired by a fight with his girlfriend at the time who stopped mid-argument and said “Don’t talk, just kiss”.
100. Poor Georgie – MC Lyte
MC Lyte is considered one of hip-hop’s pioneer feminists. She was also the first solo female rapper to release a full length album.