Top 30 in 1992 Reviewed: Week 52

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1992 with my verdict on each record:

30. Nirvana - In Bloom

This record marks the half way point of Nirvana's UK Top 40 career both in terms of number being the 4th of 7 and in time being around a year in with a year to go. Aside from a solitary posthumous release a decade later they were already finished with hits on the Billboard 100 with this failing to chart. The riff of this is very similar to "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago. Not a bad record.

Verdict - OK

29. Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away

When this came out I was yet to hear the original so this was the first version I heard. I loved this record at the time and I was was very pro modern music I probably would have still loved it had I heard the original. Because of these fond memories I still like it today.

Verdict - Good

28. East Side Beat - Alive And Kicking

This is a dance version of the Simple Minds record. East Side Beat had made their Top 40 debut a year prior with a dance version of "Ride Like the Wind" by Christopher Cross and did a pretty decent job of it. I can't say the same about this one though, they've basically taken the good bits out and replaced them with what sounds like pressing the demo button on a keyboard.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

When it comes to Boyz II Men I can't look past the comparison that's often made between them and Jodeci which is basically Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B whereas Boyz II Men were the clean cut group. Behind the scenes though Babyface was one of the writers and he has also written for K-Ci & Jojo of Jodeci. That doesn't mean this song is good though.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. SL2 - Way In My Brain / Drumbeats

"Way In My Brain" had been the debut Top 40 hit for SL2 just over a year prior to this as a double a-side with "DJs Take Control". This time it's been remixed and is a double a-side with "Drumbeats". It's a pretty solid remix and "Drumbeats" is one of many underrated classics.

Verdict - Good / Good

25. Dina Carroll - So Close

One thing I've always found somewhat baffling is that Christmas is supposed to be a happy occasion, yet many people feel the need to release depressing music to mark the occasion. This is what Dina Carroll did having had quite uplifting hits prior to this. Yet I find the chorus surprisingly listenable.

Verdict - OK

24. Arrested Development - People Everyday

In 1992 there were just 2 rap records which made the Top 10, "Jump" by Kris Kross and this record. It was the Top 40 debut for Arrested Development. It was the weird noises that I always liked about this record at the time.

Verdict - Good

23. Boyz II Men - Motownphilly (New)

The follow up to "End of the Road" which was still in the Top 40 when this charted. Both records left the Top 40 the same week, so clearly this didn't have as much impact. 

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Slipstreem - We Are Raving - The Anthem

There were more rave Top 40 hits in 1992 than any other year. The number of hits did notably dwindle towards the end of the year though and cheesy crap like this ensured it wouldn't come back. It's basically a take on "Sailing" by Sutherland Brothers with the word "we are sailing" replaced with "we are raving". It really is as bad as it sounds.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. 808 State And UB40 - One In Ten

I like both 808 State and UB40. I also like the original of "One In Ten". I don't know what exactly 808 State were trying to do here, but whatever it was it didn't work in my opinion. It just sounds a bit of a mess and doesn't do the original any justice.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. The Lemonheads - Mrs Robinson / Being Around

At this point in my life I'd moved on from Queen because it was old peoples music and was now very pro modern music. This cover of "Mrs Robinson" to me was a big fuck you to the older generation and here is the new generation doing the song much better. "Being Around" is basically Evan Dando on his own with a very short acoustic number which is pleasant enough.

Verdict - Good / Good

19. Michael Bolton - Drift Away (New)

Michael Bolton is a songwriter, yet he did so many covers including this record. I like the original of this, but this cover is rubbish. The lyrical content of getting lost in rock n roll sounds silly in what sounds like a typical Michael Bolton record.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Heaven 17 - Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)

This was the first time I'd heard Heaven 17 and I had no idea this was a remix of an 80s record. One stand out memory about this record is it being the first one they played at a school disco and everyone was singing along so loudly that I couldn't hear myself singing along. When I finally heard the original I found it a bit of a disappointed because I like this remix so much.

Verdict - Good

17. Stereo MC's - Step It Up

This was one of my favourites at the time. I quite liked that strange combination of music that sounded quite soulful with a singing who's only really half singing. 

Verdict - Good

16. Cliff Richard - I Still Believe In You

Yet another attempt by Cliff Richard at getting the Christmas number one. I have no recollection of this song but I haven't missed out on anything.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Simply Red - The Montreux EP

The lead song on this EP is "Lady Godiva's Room". Given their "Stars" album was the biggest selling album of both 1991 and 1992 I guess it didn't make sense to release any more singles from it given how many people would have owned the album. I find this record quite soothing.

Verdict - Good

14. The Prodigy - Out Of Space / Ruff In The Jungle Bizness

I would say "Out Of Space" is the record The Prodigy are best remembered for from this particular era. The beats in this tune are really something, which is easy to forget when you hear it so much. "Ruff In The Jungle Bizness" is one of those tunes that just goes to another level once the piano kicks in. 

Verdict - Good / Good

13. Freddie Mercury - In My Defence

My memory of this record coming out is people pointing it out to me and me saying I don't care, I'm a Guns N Roses fan now. That said I did find myself enjoying this record. It's definitely one of the better Freddie Mercury solo records.

Verdict - Good

12. Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together

This was already 4 years old by the time it came out having featured in the film "The Land Before Time". I do find that fact a little off putting as songs from animated films tend to be a bit crap. Oddly I think I took a liking to this before I realised it was from an animated film. The fact it's not a male/female duet probably helps too.

Verdict - Good

11. Lisa Stansfield - Someday (I'm Coming Back)

One of the songs from "The Bodyguard" soundtrack which isn't by Whitney Houston. It's much better than Whitney's chart topper, but that's not saying much. It's uplifting, but there's no wow factor to it, just pretty average but pleasant enough. 

Verdict - OK

10. Madonna - Deeper And Deeper

This was the 29th Top 40 hit for Madonna but just the 3rd that failed to reach the Top 5. That doesn't mean this is any worse that most of her previous records, and it isn't. Then again there is a very small number of Madonna records I actually like and this isn't one of them.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Rod Stewart - Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)

I remember singing "Waltzing Matilda" at primary school. As a rule, any song I sang at school that translates into a pop song is never going to go down well. I found this Rod Stewart version terrible and remember thinking why is this old duffer still having hits.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Gloria Estefan - Miami Hit Mix

Gloria Estefan had 19 Top 40 hits in the 90s, many of which are long forgotten. The only one that managed to make the Top 10 though was a megamix of her 80s hits. Whilst I do prefer her 80s hits generally speaking I don't like them enough to like this megamix.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Boney M - Boney M Megamix

It had been over a decade since Boney M had last been in the Top 40. To be fair they had a pretty remarkable Top 40 run in their heyday so this was perhaps educating people like me what music was like in the 70s. I on the other hand only cared about modern music.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. WWF Superstars - Slam Jam

With most of the 80s Stock Aitken & Waterman acts now moved on, this was the new era for Stock and Waterman. This time it was getting wrestlers to make records. It's as dreadful as it should be.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. The Shamen - Phorever People

The Shamen could do no wrong in 1992 it would seem. I would say this is the best of their 1992 hits, possibly helped by the fact it hasn't fallen victim to anthem bashing. At the time I misheard the lyrics to the chorus as being "we are the burger people". 

Verdict - Good

4. Take That - Could It Be Magic

It was around the time this record came out that it was established that if you were a boy you weren't supposed to like Take That. At the same time, this was the first Take That record I actually liked. I wouldn't admit it at the time but I admit it now.

Verdict - Good

3. Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Literally everyone I knew at the time loved this record. Some even went as far as saying Charles & Eddie were their favourite band based on this record alone. I was no exception, I loved this record too. 

Verdict - Good

2. Michael Jackson - Heal The World

I did like this record at the time. So much so that when we voted for what charity to support at school I picked "Heal The World" on the basis of this song. These days though I can't tolerate songs like this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

You couldn't escape this record at the time, it was everywhere. I recall "The Bodyguard" film which this was taken from being massive as well. Let's just say the film was much better than the song.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 14.5/30, or 48%. For the first time since the 2nd week of 1991 we've gone below 50%.

Top 30 in 1992 Reviewed: Week 51

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1992 with my verdict on each record:

30. KWS ft The Trammps - Hold Back The Night (New)

After having 2 Top 40 hits in 1992 which were both covers of 70s records, here's KWS doing another but this time they feature the act who recorded it in the 70s. The result is something that doesn't really sound any different to the 70s version and as I like the 70s version I guess I like this one too.

Verdict - Good

29. SL2 - Way In My Brain / Drumbeats (New)

"Way In My Brain" had been the debut Top 40 hit for SL2 just over a year prior to this as a double a-side with "DJs Take Control". This time it's been remixed and is a double a-side with "Drumbeats". It's a pretty solid remix and "Drumbeats" is one of many underrated classics.

Verdict - Good / Good

28. Nirvana - In Bloom (New)

This record marks the half way point of Nirvana's UK Top 40 career both in terms of number being the 4th of 7 and in time being around a year in with a year to go. Aside from a solitary posthumous release a decade later they were already finished with hits on the Billboard 100 with this failing to chart. The riff of this is very similar to "25 or 6 to 4" by Chicago. Not a bad record.

Verdict - OK

27. Slipstreem - We Are Raving - The Anthem (New)

There were more rave Top 40 hits in 1992 than any other year. The number of hits did notably dwindle towards the end of the year though and cheesy crap like this ensured it wouldn't come back. It's basically a take on "Sailing" by Sutherland Brothers with the word "we are sailing" replaced with "we are raving". It really is as bad as it sounds.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. East Side Beat - Alive And Kicking (New)

This is a dance version of the Simple Minds record. East Side Beat had made their Top 40 debut a year prior with a dance version of "Ride Like the Wind" by Christopher Cross and did a pretty decent job of it. I can't say the same about this one though, they've basically taken the good bits out and replaced them with what sounds like pressing the demo button on a keyboard.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. The Wedding Present - No Christmas (New)

The final monthly Top 40 hit of 1992 for The Wedding Present which appropriately for the time of year is a Christmas record. It was the end of their Top 40 career though, that lasted until 2005 though they only managed 2 further Top 40 hits in that time. As for this record, pretty non-descript as usual.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away

When this came out I was yet to hear the original so this was the first version I heard. I loved this record at the time and I was was very pro modern music I probably would have still loved it had I heard the original. Because of these fond memories I still like it today.

Verdict - Good

23. Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

When it comes to Boyz II Men I can't look past the comparison that's often made between them and Jodeci which is basically Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B whereas Boyz II Men were the clean cut group. Behind the scenes though Babyface was one of the writers and he has also written for K-Ci & Jojo of Jodeci. That doesn't mean this song is good though.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Arrested Development - People Everyday

In 1992 there were just 2 rap records which made the Top 10, "Jump" by Kris Kross and this record. It was the Top 40 debut for Arrested Development. It was the weird noises that I always liked about this record at the time.

Verdict - Good

21. Dina Carroll - So Close

One thing I've always found somewhat baffling is that Christmas is supposed to be a happy occasion, yet many people feel the need to release depressing music to mark the occasion. This is what Dina Carroll did having had quite uplifting hits prior to this. Yet I find the chorus surprisingly listenable.

Verdict - OK

20. The Lemonheads - Mrs Robinson / Being Around

At this point in my life I'd moved on from Queen because it was old peoples music and was now very pro modern music. This cover of "Mrs Robinson" to me was a big fuck you to the older generation and here is the new generation doing the song much better. "Being Around" is basically Evan Dando on his own with a very short acoustic number which is pleasant enough.

Verdict - Good / Good

19. Lisa Stansfield - Someday (I'm Coming Back) (New)

One of the songs from "The Bodyguard" soundtrack which isn't by Whitney Houston. It's much better than Whitney's chart topper, but that's not saying much. It's uplifting, but there's no wow factor to it, just pretty average but pleasant enough. 

Verdict - OK

18. Simply Red - The Montreux EP

The lead song on this EP is "Lady Godiva's Room". Given their "Stars" album was the biggest selling album of both 1991 and 1992 I guess it didn't make sense to release any more singles from it given how many people would have owned the album. I find this record quite soothing.

Verdict - Good

17. 808 State And UB40 - One In Ten

I like both 808 State and UB40. I also like the original of "One In Ten". I don't know what exactly 808 State were trying to do here, but whatever it was it didn't work in my opinion. It just sounds a bit of a mess and doesn't do the original any justice.

Verdict - Rubbish

16. Gloria Estefan - Miami Hit Mix

Gloria Estefan had 19 Top 40 hits in the 90s, many of which are long forgotten. The only one that managed to make the Top 10 though was a megamix of her 80s hits. Whilst I do prefer her 80s hits generally speaking I don't like them enough to like this megamix.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Stereo MC's - Step It Up

This was one of my favourites at the time. I quite liked that strange combination of music that sounded quite soulful with a singing who's only really half singing. 

Verdict - Good

14. Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together

This was already 4 years old by the time it came out having featured in the film "The Land Before Time". I do find that fact a little off putting as songs from animated films tend to be a bit crap. Oddly I think I took a liking to this before I realised it was from an animated film. The fact it's not a male/female duet probably helps too.

Verdict - Good

13. Heaven 17 - Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)

This was the first time I'd heard Heaven 17 and I had no idea this was a remix of an 80s record. One stand out memory about this record is it being the first one they played at a school disco and everyone was singing along so loudly that I couldn't hear myself singing along. When I finally heard the original I found it a bit of a disappointed because I like this remix so much.

Verdict - Good

12. Cliff Richard - I Still Believe In You

Yet another attempt by Cliff Richard at getting the Christmas number one. I have no recollection of this song but I haven't missed out on anything.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. The Prodigy - Out Of Space / Ruff In The Jungle Bizness

I would say "Out Of Space" is the record The Prodigy are best remembered for from this particular era. The beats in this tune are really something, which is easy to forget when you hear it so much. "Ruff In The Jungle Bizness" is one of those tunes that just goes to another level once the piano kicks in. 

Verdict - Good / Good

10. Boney M - Boney M Megamix

It had been over a decade since Boney M had last been in the Top 40. To be fair they had a pretty remarkable Top 40 run in their heyday so this was perhaps educating people like me what music was like in the 70s. I on the other hand only cared about modern music.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Rod Stewart - Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)

I remember singing "Waltzing Matilda" at primary school. As a rule, any song I sang at school that translates into a pop song is never going to go down well. I found this Rod Stewart version terrible and remember thinking why is this old duffer still having hits.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Freddie Mercury - In My Defence

My memory of this record coming out is people pointing it out to me and me saying I don't care, I'm a Guns N Roses fan now. That said I did find myself enjoying this record. It's definitely one of the better Freddie Mercury solo records.

Verdict - Good

7. The Shamen - Phorever People (New)

The Shamen could do no wrong in 1992 it would seem. I would say this is the best of their 1992 hits, possibly helped by the fact it hasn't fallen victim to anthem bashing. At the time I misheard the lyrics to the chorus as being "we are the burger people". 

Verdict - Good

6. Madonna - Deeper And Deeper

This was the 29th Top 40 hit for Madonna but just the 3rd that failed to reach the Top 5. That doesn't mean this is any worse that most of her previous records, and it isn't. Then again there is a very small number of Madonna records I actually like and this isn't one of them.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Take That - Could It Be Magic

It was around the time this record came out that it was established that if you were a boy you weren't supposed to like Take That. At the same time, this was the first Take That record I actually liked. I wouldn't admit it at the time but I admit it now.

Verdict - Good

4. WWF Superstars - Slam Jam

With most of the 80s Stock Aitken & Waterman acts now moved on, this was the new era for Stock and Waterman. This time it was getting wrestlers to make records. It's as dreadful as it should be.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Literally everyone I knew at the time loved this record. Some even went as far as saying Charles & Eddie were their favourite band based on this record alone. I was no exception, I loved this record too. 

Verdict - Good

2. Michael Jackson - Heal The World

I did like this record at the time. So much so that when we voted for what charity to support at school I picked "Heal The World" on the basis of this song. These days though I can't tolerate songs like this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

You couldn't escape this record at the time, it was everywhere. I recall "The Bodyguard" film which this was taken from being massive as well. Let's just say the film was much better than the song.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 15.5/30, or 52%. The almost inevitable end of year slump is happening but the score is just about staying above 50%.

Top 30 in 1992 Reviewed: Week 50

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1992 with my verdict on each record:

30. The Shamen - Boss Drum

I mentioned in the "Ebeneezer Goode" review the the person who gave me a lift to school would always turn off the radio when that tune came on. When this one appeared on the radio that person said they actually liked this record. So did I.

Verdict - Good

29. Kylie Minogue - Celebration

We've now reached the end of the Stock Aitken & Waterman era of Kylie Minogue's career, though this particular record wasn't produced by them and it was a cover but was on PWL records. It's just as poor as your typical Stock Aitken & Waterman output though.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. REM - Man On The Moon

This one takes me back to the end of term at school when it was a day of just pissing about listening to music. Unfortunately for me I was made to do my homework that I'd failed to do, but as I was doing it I could hear my classmates singing along to this and I was thinking lucky them.

Verdict - Good

27. Prince And The New Power Generation - 7 (New)

This was the final UK Top 40 hit credited to Prince And The New Power Generation, though there would be hits for both separately to come. After a promising start I find myself switching off somewhat as the song goes on. Maybe it peaked too soon with the intro being the best bit.

Verdict - OK

26. Wreckx-N-Effect - Rump Shaker

This is one of those records which showcases to me why the 90s was a better time. I was mostly listening to this in the early 00s though when I acquired a Pure Swing compilation this was on. The fact I was listening to an early 90s compilation in the early 00s though kind of proves my point.

Verdict - Good

25. Gloria Estefan - Miami Hit Mix (New)

Gloria Estefan had 19 Top 40 hits in the 90s, many of which are long forgotten. The only one that managed to make the Top 10 though was a megamix of her 80s hits. Whilst I do prefer her 80s hits generally speaking I don't like them enough to like this megamix.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. Guns N' Roses - Yesterdays

This was the 6th single to be released from the "Use Your Illusion" albums which had been out for over a year by this point. I'm pretty sure Guns N' Roses were my favourite band by this point so I liked pretty much everything they did. 

Verdict - Good

23. Deacon Blue - Your Town

Although Deacon Blue are known as an 80s band they actually had more Top 40 hits in the 90s. This particular record has a 90s sound to it as well and has more of a rock sounds that their previous efforts. It's good though.

Verdict - Good

22. The Lemonheads - Mrs Robinson / Being Around

At this point in my life I'd moved on from Queen because it was old peoples music and was now very pro modern music. This cover of "Mrs Robinson" to me was a big fuck you to the older generation and here is the new generation doing the song much better. "Being Around" is basically Evan Dando on his own with a very short acoustic number which is pleasant enough.

Verdict - Good / Good

21. 808 State And UB40 - One In Ten (New)

I like both 808 State and UB40. I also like the original of "One In Ten". I don't know what exactly 808 State were trying to do here, but whatever it was it didn't work in my opinion. It just sounds a bit of a mess and doesn't do the original any justice.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Dina Carroll - So Close

One thing I've always found somewhat baffling is that Christmas is supposed to be a happy occasion, yet many people feel the need to release depressing music to mark the occasion. This is what Dina Carroll did having had quite uplifting hits prior to this. Yet I find the chorus surprisingly listenable.

Verdict - OK

19. Arrested Development - People Everyday

In 1992 there were just 2 rap records which made the Top 10, "Jump" by Kris Kross and this record. It was the Top 40 debut for Arrested Development. It was the weird noises that I always liked about this record at the time.

Verdict - Good

18. Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

When it comes to Boyz II Men I can't look past the comparison that's often made between them and Jodeci which is basically Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B whereas Boyz II Men were the clean cut group. Behind the scenes though Babyface was one of the writers and he has also written for K-Ci & Jojo of Jodeci. That doesn't mean this song is good though.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away

When this came out I was yet to hear the original so this was the first version I heard. I loved this record at the time and I was was very pro modern music I probably would have still loved it had I heard the original. Because of these fond memories I still like it today.

Verdict - Good

16. Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together

This was already 4 years old by the time it came out having featured in the film "The Land Before Time". I do find that fact a little off putting as songs from animated films tend to be a bit crap. Oddly I think I took a liking to this before I realised it was from an animated film. The fact it's not a male/female duet probably helps too.

Verdict - Good

15. U2 - Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses

I don't think I've heard this record since 1992. I guess U2 have had that many hits that some will inevitably be long forgotten now. I very much remember this record and I remember liking it too. Listening to it now though I'm finding it pretty average.

Verdict - OK

14. Simply Red - The Montreux EP

The lead song on this EP is "Lady Godiva's Room". Given their "Stars" album was the biggest selling album of both 1991 and 1992 I guess it didn't make sense to release any more singles from it given how many people would have owned the album. I find this record quite soothing.

Verdict - Good

13. Boney M - Boney M Megamix

It had been over a decade since Boney M had last been in the Top 40. To be fair they had a pretty remarkable Top 40 run in their heyday so this was perhaps educating people like me what music was like in the 70s. I on the other hand only cared about modern music.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. Stereo MC's - Step It Up

This was one of my favourites at the time. I quite liked that strange combination of music that sounded quite soulful with a singing who's only really half singing. 

Verdict - Good

11. Freddie Mercury - In My Defence (New)

My memory of this record coming out is people pointing it out to me and me saying I don't care, I'm a Guns N Roses fan now. That said I did find myself enjoying this record. It's definitely one of the better Freddie Mercury solo records.

Verdict - Good

10. Madonna - Deeper And Deeper (New)

This was the 29th Top 40 hit for Madonna but just the 3rd that failed to reach the Top 5. That doesn't mean this is any worse that most of her previous records, and it isn't. Then again there is a very small number of Madonna records I actually like and this isn't one of them.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Take That - Could It Be Magic (New)

It was around the time this record came out that it was established that if you were a boy you weren't supposed to like Take That. At the same time, this was the first Take That record I actually liked. I wouldn't admit it at the time but I admit it now.

Verdict - Good

8. The Prodigy - Out Of Space / Ruff In The Jungle Bizness

I would say "Out Of Space" is the record The Prodigy are best remembered for from this particular era. The beats in this tune are really something, which is easy to forget when you hear it so much. "Ruff In The Jungle Bizness" is one of those tunes that just goes to another level once the piano kicks in. 

Verdict - Good / Good

7. Cliff Richard - I Still Believe In You

Yet another attempt by Cliff Richard at getting the Christmas number one. I have no recollection of this song but I haven't missed out on anything.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Rod Stewart - Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda)

I remember singing "Waltzing Matilda" at primary school. As a rule, any song I sang at school that translates into a pop song is never going to go down well. I found this Rod Stewart version terrible and remember thinking why is this old duffer still having hits.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. Heaven 17 - Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)

This was the first time I'd heard Heaven 17 and I had no idea this was a remix of an 80s record. One stand out memory about this record is it being the first one they played at a school disco and everyone was singing along so loudly that I couldn't hear myself singing along. When I finally heard the original I found it a bit of a disappointed because I like this remix so much.

Verdict - Good

4. WWF Superstars - Slam Jam (New)

With most of the 80s Stock Aitken & Waterman acts now moved on, this was the new era for Stock and Waterman. This time it was getting wrestlers to make records. It's as dreadful as it should be.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Literally everyone I knew at the time loved this record. Some even went as far as saying Charles & Eddie were their favourite band based on this record alone. I was no exception, I loved this record too. 

Verdict - Good

2. Michael Jackson - Heal The World

I did like this record at the time. So much so that when we voted for what charity to support at school I picked "Heal The World" on the basis of this song. These days though I can't tolerate songs like this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

You couldn't escape this record at the time, it was everywhere. I recall "The Bodyguard" film which this was taken from being massive as well. Let's just say the film was much better than the song.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 17.5/30, or 58%. Very good score considering the rubbish that entered the charts this week.

Top 30 in 1992 Reviewed: Week 49

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1992 with my verdict on each record:

30. En Vogue - Free Your Mind / Giving Him Something He Can Feel

I'm surprised this record only got to number 16. It's hard to pin point one record as being the one En Vogue are best know for but "Free Your Mind" is definitely a candidate. Both tunes are from the "Funky Divas" album and influenced my decision to buy that album.

Verdict - Good / Good

29. Richard Marx - Chains Around My Heart (New)

I remember this one having a bigger chorus than it does. On that basis it's a bit of a let down. Overall though I think I need to be in the right mood for this one. As I've got older and more bitter I've become less receptive to a soft rock ballad.

Verdict - OK

28. The Lemonheads - Mrs Robinson / Being Around (New)

At this point in my life I'd moved on from Queen because it was old peoples music and was now very pro modern music. This cover of "Mrs Robinson" to me was a big fuck you to the older generation and here is the new generation doing the song much better. "Being Around" is basically Evan Dando on his own with a very short acoustic number which is pleasant enough.

Verdict - Good / Good

27. Phillip Schofield - Close Every Door (New)

Just when we'd got over Jason Donovan doing all that Joseph crap here's Phil Schofield doing the same thing. Fortunately his music career never went any further than this. Or maybe its unfortunate because he's been on the TV every day since.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Genesis - Invisible Touch (Live)

When this record was first released in 1986 it reached number 15. This live version 6 years later reached number 7. It was the penultimate Top 40 hit to date of the Phil Collins era of Genesis with their final one only making number 40. If you asked me to name one Genesis record then this one would probably be it. Quite appropriately for a record with Phil Collins on it, the best thing about this record is the drumming.

Verdict - Good

25. Rage - Run To You

When I first heard people talking about Rage Against the Machine in 1993 I thought surely they can't be talking about the group who had a hit with "Run to You" not so long ago. They weren't as this group were simply called Rage. It's a eurodance cover of the Bryan Adams record which on paper should be dreadful. It's actually not bad though.

Verdict - OK

24. Wreckx-N-Effect - Rump Shaker (New)

This is one of those records which showcases to me why the 90s was a better time. I was mostly listening to this in the early 00s though when I acquired a Pure Swing compilation this was on. The fact I was listening to an early 90s compilation in the early 00s though kind of proves my point.

Verdict - Good

23. Boney M - Boney M Megamix (New)

It had been over a decade since Boney M had last been in the Top 40. To be fair they had a pretty remarkable Top 40 run in their heyday so this was perhaps educating people like me what music was like in the 70s. I on the other hand only cared about modern music.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Dina Carroll - So Close (New)

One thing I've always found somewhat baffling is that Christmas is supposed to be a happy occasion, yet many people feel the need to release depressing music to mark the occasion. This is what Dina Carroll did having had quite uplifting hits prior to this. Yet I find the chorus surprisingly listenable.

Verdict - OK

21. Shabba Ranks ft Johnny Gill - Slow And Sexy

I remember Shabba Ranks being around and having more hits than "Mr. Loverman" without remembering specifically what they were. This must have been one of those records but it's not ringing any bells. It could grow on me, but hasn't had an instant impact.

Verdict - OK

20. Kylie Minogue - Celebration

We've now reached the end of the Stock Aitken & Waterman era of Kylie Minogue's career, though this particular record wasn't produced by them and it was a cover but was on PWL records. It's just as poor as your typical Stock Aitken & Waterman output though.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together

This was already 4 years old by the time it came out having featured in the film "The Land Before Time". I do find that fact a little off putting as songs from animated films tend to be a bit crap. Oddly I think I took a liking to this before I realised it was from an animated film. The fact it's not a male/female duet probably helps too.

Verdict - Good

18. REM - Man On The Moon (New)

This one takes me back to the end of term at school when it was a day of just pissing about listening to music. Unfortunately for me I was made to do my homework that I'd failed to do, but as I was doing it I could hear my classmates singing along to this and I was thinking lucky them.

Verdict - Good

17. Vanessa Paradis - Be My Baby

I'd pretty much forgot about this record until I watched a Classic Chart Show episode which this appeared on. I don't know if I ever know who did it at the time, but when I saw it was Vanessa Paradis I was quite surprised. I was also surprised to learn this was written by Lenny Kravitz. It certain has that 90s nostalgia to it.

Verdict - Good

16. Stereo MC's - Step It Up (New)

This was one of my favourites at the time. I quite liked that strange combination of music that sounded quite soulful with a singing who's only really half singing. 

Verdict - Good

15. Deacon Blue - Your Town

Although Deacon Blue are known as an 80s band they actually had more Top 40 hits in the 90s. This particular record has a 90s sound to it as well and has more of a rock sounds that their previous efforts. It's good though.

Verdict - Good

14. U2 - Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses (New)

I don't think I've heard this record since 1992. I guess U2 have had that many hits that some will inevitably be long forgotten now. I very much remember this record and I remember liking it too. Listening to it now though I'm finding it pretty average.

Verdict - OK

13. The Shamen - Boss Drum

I mentioned in the "Ebeneezer Goode" review the the person who gave me a lift to school would always turn off the radio when that tune came on. When this one appeared on the radio that person said they actually liked this record. So did I.

Verdict - Good

12. Guns N' Roses - Yesterdays

This was the 6th single to be released from the "Use Your Illusion" albums which had been out for over a year by this point. I'm pretty sure Guns N' Roses were my favourite band by this point so I liked pretty much everything they did. 

Verdict - Good

11. Simply Red - The Montreux EP

The lead song on this EP is "Lady Godiva's Room". Given their "Stars" album was the biggest selling album of both 1991 and 1992 I guess it didn't make sense to release any more singles from it given how many people would have owned the album. I find this record quite soothing.

Verdict - Good

10. Arrested Development - People Everyday

In 1992 there were just 2 rap records which made the Top 10, "Jump" by Kris Kross and this record. It was the Top 40 debut for Arrested Development. It was the weird noises that I always liked about this record at the time.

Verdict - Good

9. Cliff Richard - I Still Believe In You (New)

Yet another attempt by Cliff Richard at getting the Christmas number one. I have no recollection of this song but I haven't missed out on anything.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Rod Stewart - Tom Traubert's Blues (Waltzing Matilda) (New)

I remember singing "Waltzing Matilda" at primary school. As a rule, any song I sang at school that translates into a pop song is never going to go down well. I found this Rod Stewart version terrible and remember thinking why is this old duffer still having hits.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away

When this came out I was yet to hear the original so this was the first version I heard. I loved this record at the time and I was was very pro modern music I probably would have still loved it had I heard the original. Because of these fond memories I still like it today.

Verdict - Good

6. Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

When it comes to Boyz II Men I can't look past the comparison that's often made between them and Jodeci which is basically Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B whereas Boyz II Men were the clean cut group. Behind the scenes though Babyface was one of the writers and he has also written for K-Ci & Jojo of Jodeci. That doesn't mean this song is good though.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. The Prodigy - Out Of Space / Ruff In The Jungle Bizness

I would say "Out Of Space" is the record The Prodigy are best remembered for from this particular era. The beats in this tune are really something, which is easy to forget when you hear it so much. "Ruff In The Jungle Bizness" is one of those tunes that just goes to another level once the piano kicks in. 

Verdict - Good / Good

4. Heaven 17 - Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)

This was the first time I'd heard Heaven 17 and I had no idea this was a remix of an 80s record. One stand out memory about this record is it being the first one they played at a school disco and everyone was singing along so loudly that I couldn't hear myself singing along. When I finally heard the original I found it a bit of a disappointed because I like this remix so much.

Verdict - Good

3. Michael Jackson - Heal The World (New)

I did like this record at the time. So much so that when we voted for what charity to support at school I picked "Heal The World" on the basis of this song. These days though I can't tolerate songs like this. 

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Literally everyone I knew at the time loved this record. Some even went as far as saying Charles & Eddie were their favourite band based on this record alone. I was no exception, I loved this record too. 

Verdict - Good

1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

You couldn't escape this record at the time, it was everywhere. I recall "The Bodyguard" film which this was taken from being massive as well. Let's just say the film was much better than the song.

Verdict - Rubbish

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 19.5/30, or 65%. Some rubbish entering the charts as we head towards Christmas but the score is still decent.

Top 30 in 1992 Reviewed: Week 48

Here's my weekly look at the Top 30 from 30 years ago. The plan is for these posts to go out at 17:30 on a Sunday.

Here is the Top 40 in full.

Obviously some of the records will be the same as last week so therefore the review will be the same for these. I've indicated which ones are new so you can skip the others if you read last weeks post.

Once again my opinions are inevitably going to differ from other people, but I'm not trying to convince anyone something is good or rubbish, I'm simply giving my opinion.

So this is the top 30 from this week in 1992 with my verdict on each record:

30. Tasmin Archer - Sleeping Satellite

I recall a few years ago watching a "Forgotten Gems of the 90s" show on one of the music channels. It was a welcome change to the usual anthem bashing you get on retro channels. If memory serves me correctly this was number one. My initial thought was is this really forgotten, but then I guess I've not heard it much since the 90s. That may be a reason why I still like it.

Verdict - Good

29. Manic Street Preachers - Little Baby Nothing (New)

I find this record a bit frustrating. It sounds promising but doesn't really go anywhere. I quite enjoy the verses so on that basis I'll give it half marks

Verdict - OK

28. Faith No More - Everything's Ruined (New)

This record has a bit of everything in it and I suppose it proves that it's the same person singing on all the Faith No More hits. It's difficult to pick a favourite Faith No More record but this one is definitely up there. I particularly like the 2nd half of the chorus, but the rest of it is a great build up to it.

Verdict - Good

27. Diana Ross - If We Hold On Together (New)

This was already 4 years old by the time it came out having featured in the film "The Land Before Time". I do find that fact a little off putting as songs from animated films tend to be a bit crap. Oddly I think I took a liking to this before I realised it was from an animated film. The fact it's not a male/female duet probably helps too.

Verdict - Good

26. Jason Donovan - As Time Goes By (New)

We've finally reached the end of Jason Donovan's Top 40 career with this forgettable cover being his last Top 40 hit to date. The next thing I heard about his music career following this was that he was doing a gig at a pub in Luton.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Bizarre Inc ft Angie Brown - I'm Gonna Get You

This is a tune which reminds me of the beginning of a school year. I loved this tune at the time and still do. It was the 3rd Top 40 hit for Bizarre Inc but it was a change in direction compared to it's predecessors. The story is that the record label wanted them to make more of a pop record and this was the result. 

Verdict - Good

24. Cathy Dennis - Irresistible

Cathy Dennis has some great pop songs early on in her career and wrote some crap ones for other people later on. By the time of this record her best days as a pop singer were behind her and I find this effort pretty poor. It almost sounds like she's trying to do her own version of "Baby Baby" by Amy Grant and it doesn't really work.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. EMF - It's You (New)

The way he sings the chorus here is like he's sneezing. I'm sure that was intentional. It doesn't really have enough about it for me to truly like it though. 

Verdict - OK

22. The Pasadenas - Let's Stay Together

This is the final Top 40 hit to date for The Pasadenas. 1992 was the year they basically became a covers group. I loved "I'm Doing Fine Now" because that was the first version I'd heard. I don't recall hearing this one at the time though and I'm familiar with the Al Green record and I'm afraid this just sounds like a karaoke version.

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine - The Impossible Dream (New)

Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine were at the peak of their popularity in 1992 and this was their attempt at a Christmas number one. It was never really a contender though and it was said to be the record that killed their career. They weren't finished with the Top 40 yet though. This is a pretty poor effort.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Kylie Minogue - Celebration (New)

We've now reached the end of the Stock Aitken & Waterman era of Kylie Minogue's career, though this particular record wasn't produced by them and it was a cover but was on PWL records. It's just as poor as your typical Stock Aitken & Waterman output though.

Verdict - Rubbish

19. Brian May - Back To The Light (New)

I owned the album of the same name at the time. At the same time my music tastes quickly moved on so I never really got into it. As it's long forgotten I've not heard this for 30 years but do remember how it goes. I'm finding it a bit cringeworthy to be honest, it's a bit like those American 80s soft rock songs that only really work in America.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Ambassadors Of Funk ft MC Mario - Supermarioland

Simon Harris was one of the first DJs to bring Hip House to the charts in the late 80s. It was more or less dead as a genre in the charts by 1992 and instead Simon Harris was doing this. Why you would turns computer game music into an actual tune I don't know, in the days when I played computer games I'd often turn the sound off because the music irritated me so much.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Shabba Ranks ft Johnny Gill - Slow And Sexy (New)

I remember Shabba Ranks being around and having more hits than "Mr. Loverman" without remembering specifically what they were. This must have been one of those records but it's not ringing any bells. It could grow on me, but hasn't had an instant impact.

Verdict - OK

16. En Vogue - Free Your Mind / Giving Him Something He Can Feel

I'm surprised this record only got to number 16. It's hard to pin point one record as being the one En Vogue are best know for but "Free Your Mind" is definitely a candidate. Both tunes are from the "Funky Divas" album and influenced my decision to buy that album.

Verdict - Good / Good

15. Erma Franklin - (Take A Little) Piece Of My Heart

A record from 1967 which was given a new lease of life in 1992 when it featured on the Levi's advert. Erma Franklin was the sister of Aretha and had more or less retired from the music business long before this. It's the only record of hers I've ever heard so my impression of her as a singer is a positive one.

Verdict - Good

14. Deacon Blue - Your Town (New)

Although Deacon Blue are known as an 80s band they actually had more Top 40 hits in the 90s. This particular record has a 90s sound to it as well and has more of a rock sounds that their previous efforts. It's good though.

Verdict - Good

13. Rage - Run To You

When I first heard people talking about Rage Against the Machine in 1993 I thought surely they can't be talking about the group who had a hit with "Run to You" not so long ago. They weren't as this group were simply called Rage. It's a eurodance cover of the Bryan Adams record which on paper should be dreadful. It's actually not bad though.

Verdict - OK

12. Vanessa Paradis - Be My Baby

I'd pretty much forgot about this record until I watched a Classic Chart Show episode which this appeared on. I don't know if I ever know who did it at the time, but when I saw it was Vanessa Paradis I was quite surprised. I was also surprised to learn this was written by Lenny Kravitz. It certain has that 90s nostalgia to it.

Verdict - Good

11. Simply Red - The Montreux EP

The lead song on this EP is "Lady Godiva's Room". Given their "Stars" album was the biggest selling album of both 1991 and 1992 I guess it didn't make sense to release any more singles from it given how many people would have owned the album. I find this record quite soothing.

Verdict - Good

10. Genesis - Invisible Touch (Live)

When this record was first released in 1986 it reached number 15. This live version 6 years later reached number 7. It was the penultimate Top 40 hit to date of the Phil Collins era of Genesis with their final one only making number 40. If you asked me to name one Genesis record then this one would probably be it. Quite appropriately for a record with Phil Collins on it, the best thing about this record is the drumming.

Verdict - Good

9. The Shamen - Boss Drum

I mentioned in the "Ebeneezer Goode" review the the person who gave me a lift to school would always turn off the radio when that tune came on. When this one appeared on the radio that person said they actually liked this record. So did I.

Verdict - Good

8. Guns N' Roses - Yesterdays

This was the 6th single to be released from the "Use Your Illusion" albums which had been out for over a year by this point. I'm pretty sure Guns N' Roses were my favourite band by this point so I liked pretty much everything they did. 

Verdict - Good

7. Arrested Development - People Everyday

In 1992 there were just 2 rap records which made the Top 10, "Jump" by Kris Kross and this record. It was the Top 40 debut for Arrested Development. It was the weird noises that I always liked about this record at the time.

Verdict - Good

6. The Prodigy - Out Of Space / Ruff In The Jungle Bizness

I would say "Out Of Space" is the record The Prodigy are best remembered for from this particular era. The beats in this tune are really something, which is easy to forget when you hear it so much. "Ruff In The Jungle Bizness" is one of those tunes that just goes to another level once the piano kicks in. 

Verdict - Good / Good

5. Undercover - Never Let Her Slip Away

When this came out I was yet to hear the original so this was the first version I heard. I loved this record at the time and I was was very pro modern music I probably would have still loved it had I heard the original. Because of these fond memories I still like it today.

Verdict - Good

4. Heaven 17 - Temptation (Brothers In Rhythm Remix)

This was the first time I'd heard Heaven 17 and I had no idea this was a remix of an 80s record. One stand out memory about this record is it being the first one they played at a school disco and everyone was singing along so loudly that I couldn't hear myself singing along. When I finally heard the original I found it a bit of a disappointed because I like this remix so much.

Verdict - Good

3. Boyz II Men - End Of The Road

When it comes to Boyz II Men I can't look past the comparison that's often made between them and Jodeci which is basically Jodeci were the bad boys of R&B whereas Boyz II Men were the clean cut group. Behind the scenes though Babyface was one of the writers and he has also written for K-Ci & Jojo of Jodeci. That doesn't mean this song is good though.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You

You couldn't escape this record at the time, it was everywhere. I recall "The Bodyguard" film which this was taken from being massive as well. Let's just say the film was much better than the song.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Charles And Eddie - Would I Lie To You?

Literally everyone I knew at the time loved this record. Some even went as far as saying Charles & Eddie were their favourite band based on this record alone. I was no exception, I loved this record too. 

Verdict - Good

If we give the records which were good 1 point each and those which were OK half a point, the final score is 19/30, or 63%. Unusually it's the ones at the top end keeping the score up.