Top 30 in 1993 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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Lesley Garrett And Amanda Thompson - Ave Maria 

Lesley Garrett is a pretty well known soprano singer though this is her only Top 40 hit to date. Amanda Thompson was a child with a serious illness and this record was a charity single to raise money. I suspect most people bought it for the cause rather than the music though.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Hulk Hogan With Green Jelly - I'm The Leader Of The Gang (New)

The year started with WWF wrestlers having a couple of novelty hits and ends with a WWF wrestler team up with novelty rockers with this Gary Glitter cover. It's predictably crap, but that's the point. That said I'd rather listen to this than the crap his daughter was singing on "Hogan Knows Best".

Verdict - Rubbish

28. Cypress Hill - I Ain't Goin' Out Like That

I heard someone at this school rapping this record several times before I actually heard it. I remember where I was when I first heard it too, someone put the "Black Sunday" album on in his dads car in the car park of some woods near where I grew up whilst we were waiting for him. I've since purchased the "Black Sunday" album myself.

Verdict - Good

27. The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

This was a remix of a 20 year old record that never charted in the UK originally. I like the original of this but the question is does the remix do it justice? Well actually yes it does, it works well as a dance record and doesn't ruin the original.

Verdict - Good

26. Bad Boys Inc - Walking On Air

We're now half way through the Top 40 career of Bad Boys Inc with this being the 3rd of 6 Top 40 hits for them. As a reminder this was a boy band put together by Ian Levine which I refer to as the Virgin Cola of the early 90s boy band world. This one was penned by Ian Levine himself and it sounds like a cheap imitation of Motown.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Shabba Ranks ft Patra - Family Affair (New)

This was the penultimate Top 40 hit to date for Shabba Ranks which is a cover of the Sly & the Family Stone record. As mentioned several times I do like the reggae pop music of 1993 generally speaking, but I'm getting the feeling they were running out of ideas by the end of the year.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. U2 - Stay (Faraway, So Close) / Frank Sinatra With Bono - I've Got You Under My Skin

One thing I remember in 1993 was U2 appearing in peoples Top 10 bands early on in the year but tended not to appear in peoples Top 10s by the time this record came out. I don't ever recall U2 being in my Top 10 though, I thought they were decent but not that good. Ironically I considered "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" to be one of their best records at the time. The other side was Frank Sinatra's only hit of the 90s and the first time he actually charted with this song. Not my thing though.

Verdict - Good / Rubbish

23. EYC - Feelin' Alright (New)

I remember first coming across EYC at the Smash Hit Poll Winners Party which would have happened shortly before this single came out. They were another boy band, but this time an American one who'd failed to crack America. If East 17/Take That were the Coca Cola/Pepsi of the early 90s boy bands and Bad Boys Inc were the Virgin Cola, EYC were the Tesco Value Cola. There was one EYC fan at school which is actually one more than Bad Boys Inc so maybe I'm being harsh. It's a crap record though.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Haddaway - I Miss You (New)

I'm not a fan of the first two Haddaway hits but will concede they were fun records so could understand the appeal to others. I therefore found it baffling that his next hit would be this depressing number. It still managed to reach the Top 10 though. 

Verdict - Rubbish

21. Ice-T - That's How I'm Livin'

Ice-T had been around since the early 80s with his debut album coming out in 1987. By 1993 he was onto album number 5 of which this was taken. Yet surprisingly this was his first UK Top 40 hit. A solid effort.

Verdict - Good

20. Pet Shop Boys - I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing

Regular readers of this blog will know that it's highly unlikely I'd rate any Pet Shop Boys record anything other than good. This is no exception, a solid Pet Shop Boys record. This was playing on my car radio several years ago when I was driving past the site of where Dreamscape 20 was held so it's in good company.

Verdict - Good

19. Cliff Richard - Healing Love

Here's Cliff Richard once again releasing a single at Christmas time presumably aiming for another Christmas number one. The record buying public had fortunately had enough leaving this record long forgotten.

Verdict - Rubbish

18. Mariah Carey - Hero

After coming back with a surprisingly uplifting record a few months prior, Mariah Carey follows up with something extra dreary even by Mariah Carey standards. I try to listen to every song the whole way through even if it's something I've heard many times and know I hate, but I had to stop this one less than a minute in as I couldn't bear to hear any more.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Diana Ross - Your Love

I'm in 2 minds about this record to be honest. On one hand I'm thinking not another slow one from Diana Ross in the 90s and on the other I'm thinking this isn't bad. She had the Christmas number 2 with her comeback ballad "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" and was probably trying to do the same again but it didn't work this time.

Verdict - OK

16. Dina Carroll - Don't Be A Stranger

One of the things that's surprised me when doing these posts was how many Top 40 hits Dina Carroll had before "Don't Be A Stranger". This was her 8th of 14 Top 40 hits. It's no doubt her signature song, something she probably won't be happy about because it's one she didn't write. I wonder whether the success of this song dictated that she wouldn't write any of her remaining Top 40 hits after this. Anyway I couldn't stand this record at the time, too slow and boring. I can't say I've really changed my mind to be honest.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Janet Jackson - Again

I really don't want to like this song and on paper I shouldn't. I'm not really a fan of Janet Jackson and this is a slow ballad. I can't help but like it though and the most logical reason for that is it's inclusion in the film "Poetic Justice" which has Janet Jackson in it alongside 2Pac.

Verdict - Good

14. M People - Don't Look Any Further 

M People turn down the tempo on this record which is a cover of the Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garret record. It features male singer Mark Bell, but the male/female parts have been switched around compared to the original. I remember hating this record at the time and then later on in life heard the original after looking up records that 2Pac sampled. I like the original and in a way that has made this record more tolerable listening to it again after many years, but still not a patch on the original,

Verdict - Rubbish

13. K7 - Come Baby Come (New)

I remember this being on my list of non-rock records I liked at the time. Its one of those records that has a great sing along chorus which pretty much makes the record. It's very much of its time too which is also a good thing given it was the 90s.

Verdict - Good

12. Peabo Bryson And Regina Belle - A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme)

Disney films are cartoons made for kids generally speaking. Cartoons are supposed to be fun for the children to watch. Therefore why does music from Disney films have to always be so depressing? The only positive thing I have to say about this record is at least it's not Peter Andre and Katie Price singing it.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Bryan Adams - Please Forgive Me

After what seemed an endless run of hits from his "Waking Up the Neighbours" album, here's Bryan Adams back with a brand new song. I do find it more memorable than some of his previous efforts despite it being a ballad, but not my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Frankie Goes To Hollywood - The Power Of Love

After the success they had with the re-issue of "Relax" a few months prior, here's Frankie Goes To Hollywood doing the same again by re-issuing "The Power Of Love". It's one of those records you always hear at Christmas without it actually being a Christmas record. This may be why I've never liked this record.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Elton John And Kiki Dee - True Love

After their collaboration in 1976 gave both artists their first number one, Elton John and Kiki Dee reunite 17 years later but fall short of topping the charts this time round. The world had moved on and I remember this sounding very dated at the time. Little did I know he'd still be charting with duets 3 decades later that would actually sound modern in a bad way.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell

With looking at the numbers I'm sure 1993 saw more re-issues than any other year and here's another. After Meat Loaf topped the charts with "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" I told the Meat Loaf fan at school that Meat Loaf is definitely not heavy metal. He conceded that particular record wasn't but I should check out his older stuff. This re-issue allowed me to do that and this still re-iterated my point he wasn't heavy metal. Again I'm not a fan of how ridiculously long and over the top Meat Loaf songs tend to be.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Dina Carroll - The Perfect Year

I guess 1993 was the perfect year from the perspective of Dina Carroll. This was when she had her biggest hit with "Don't Be A Stranger" which felt like it was around for the whole of 1993 and was still in the charts when this record entered. Not my cup of tea and this follow up isn't any better.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Meat Loaf had been in the wilderness for several years before this and his previous big hits were before my music memories so I wasn't familiar with his music at the time, I'd just heard the name. At the same time someone at school was a Meat Loaf fan and would say he was heavy metal. I was therefore excited to finally hear a Meat Loaf song, but heavy metal it's certainly not. That disappointment along with the fact it goes on forever and is just ridiculously over the top means I've never liked it. 

Verdict - Rubbish

5. East 17 - It's Alright

This was the 6th and final single from East 17's debut album "Walthamstow". It could be argued that being the final single from an album that was nearly a year old was what stopped it from getting the Christmas number one, but we all know they achieved that the following year. Like with most East 17 record, this one gets the thumbs up from me.

Verdict - Good

4. The Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Bee Gees are best known for their disco era, which I think is a shame because they made some really good music outside of this such as this record. In fact I would say this is the best record The Bee Gees have ever made. The moment where Robin starts singing the chorus is second to none.

Verdict - Good

3. Chaka Demus And Pliers ft Jack Radics And Taxi Gang - Twist And Shout

I liked a lot of the reggae pop music of 1993 and particularly liked the first two Chaka Demus and Pliers hits. I draw the line at this record though. I hated it at the time, I remember someone asking a question about this record to a group of people and my response was I don't care about shitty pop music with my answer being seconded by someone else. My opinion on this record hasn't really changed.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Take That - Babe

I guess we have Mr. Blobby to thank for the fact we don't hear this at Christmas every year after being denied the Christmas number one spot. It was the first Take That hit where Mark Owen takes the lead vocals, though really anyone could have sung it and it would have still been crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Mr Blobby - Mr Blobby

Mr Blobby started out as a pretend kids TV show on the Gotcha segment of Noels House Party. I remember hearing the theme music for that segment was being released as a single. That didn't sound like the worst thing in the world, but when I heard this record and the kids started singing it did sound like the worst thing it the world. I also recall a school disco at the time where they had a dancing competition and the winner won this single. Needless to say I didn't miss out on much by not taking part.

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 9.5/30, or 32%. Just 2 weeks ago we'd crept above 50%, now we have the worst week of the 90s so far.

Top 30 in 1993 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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Lesley Garrett And Amanda Thompson - Ave Maria 

Lesley Garrett is a pretty well known soprano singer though this is her only Top 40 hit to date. Amanda Thompson was a child with a serious illness and this record was a charity single to raise money. I suspect most people bought it for the cause rather than the music though.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Diana Ross - Your Love (New)

I'm in 2 minds about this record to be honest. On one hand I'm thinking not another slow one from Diana Ross in the 90s and on the other I'm thinking this isn't bad. She had the Christmas number 2 with her comeback ballad "When You Tell Me That You Love Me" and was probably trying to do the same again but it didn't work this time.

Verdict - OK

28. Bad Boys Inc - Walking On Air

We're now half way through the Top 40 career of Bad Boys Inc with this being the 3rd of 6 Top 40 hits for them. As a reminder this was a boy band put together by Ian Levine which I refer to as the Virgin Cola of the early 90s boy band world. This one was penned by Ian Levine himself and it sounds like a cheap imitation of Motown.

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Cliff Richard - Healing Love (New)

Here's Cliff Richard once again releasing a single at Christmas time presumably aiming for another Christmas number one. The record buying public had fortunately had enough leaving this record long forgotten.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Peabo Bryson And Regina Belle - A Whole New World (Aladdin's Theme) (New)

Disney films are cartoons made for kids generally speaking. Cartoons are supposed to be fun for the children to watch. Therefore why does music from Disney films have to always be so depressing? The only positive thing I have to say about this record is at least it's not Peter Andre and Katie Price singing it.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. The Village People - YMCA 

There were lots of old records re-entering the charts in 1993 and here's another one. I don't know why it was re-released, I do recall seeing this on The Chart Show and question why it was there. One of those records I've never liked and have heard too many times in my life.

Verdict - Rubbish

24. Ice-T - That's How I'm Livin' (New)

Ice-T had been around since the early 80s with his debut album coming out in 1987. By 1993 he was onto album number 5 of which this was taken. Yet surprisingly this was his first UK Top 40 hit. A solid effort.

Verdict - Good

23. Bjork - Big Time Sensuality

The 4th Top 40 hit for Bjork and 3rd to reach the Top 30. So far we've had one I liked and one I didn't like, so what about this one? Well I actually like this one, helped by the dance beat it has. That's 2 out of 3 for Bjork so far which is something I never expected. I can pretty much guarantee that by the end of the decade there will be more Bjork records I don't like than like.

Verdict - Good

22. New Order - Spooky (New)

This was the final Top 40 hit from the "Republic" album. The singles so far had been a mixed bag, but what about this one? Again I would say it's a mixed bag. It's almost a natural progression to what New Order should sound like in the 90s, but lacks the wow factor for me to truly like it.

Verdict - OK

21. Cypress Hill - I Ain't Goin' Out Like That

I heard someone at this school rapping this record several times before I actually heard it. I remember where I was when I first heard it too, someone put the "Black Sunday" album on in his dads car in the car park of some woods near where I grew up whilst we were waiting for him. I've since purchased the "Black Sunday" album myself.

Verdict - Good

20. The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

This was a remix of a 20 year old record that never charted in the UK originally. I like the original of this but the question is does the remix do it justice? Well actually yes it does, it works well as a dance record and doesn't ruin the original.

Verdict - Good

19. Blind Melon - No Rain

The Top 40 debut for Blind Melon, though singer Shannon Hoon previously appeared as backing vocalist on "Don't Cry" by Guns N Roses. This is the best known Blind Melon record and perhaps the only Blind Melon record many know. I guess it gives the meaning to the word alternative in alternative rock, it's a pretty unique sound that's hard to place into anything too specific.

Verdict - Good

18. Mariah Carey - Hero

After coming back with a surprisingly uplifting record a few months prior, Mariah Carey follows up with something extra dreary even by Mariah Carey standards. I try to listen to every song the whole way through even if it's something I've heard many times and know I hate, but I had to stop this one less than a minute in as I couldn't bear to hear any more.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Prince - Controversy

This was the final Prince single before he became a symbol. It was a 22 year old song at the time though charting for the first time. In 1981 when this was first made Prince was yet to have a UK Top 40 hit but he was already on his 4th album.

Verdict - Good

16. Janet Jackson - Again

I really don't want to like this song and on paper I shouldn't. I'm not really a fan of Janet Jackson and this is a slow ballad. I can't help but like it though and the most logical reason for that is it's inclusion in the film "Poetic Justice" which has Janet Jackson in it alongside 2Pac.

Verdict - Good

15. Frankie Goes To Hollywood - The Power Of Love (New)

After the success they had with the re-issue of "Relax" a few months prior, here's Frankie Goes To Hollywood doing the same again by re-issuing "The Power Of Love". It's one of those records you always hear at Christmas without it actually being a Christmas record. This may be why I've never liked this record.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. U2 - Stay (Faraway, So Close) / Frank Sinatra With Bono - I've Got You Under My Skin

One thing I remember in 1993 was U2 appearing in peoples Top 10 bands early on in the year but tended not to appear in peoples Top 10s by the time this record came out. I don't ever recall U2 being in my Top 10 though, I thought they were decent but not that good. Ironically I considered "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" to be one of their best records at the time. The other side was Frank Sinatra's only hit of the 90s and the first time he actually charted with this song. Not my thing though.

Verdict - Good / Rubbish

13. Pet Shop Boys - I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing

Regular readers of this blog will know that it's highly unlikely I'd rate any Pet Shop Boys record anything other than good. This is no exception, a solid Pet Shop Boys record. This was playing on my car radio several years ago when I was driving past the site of where Dreamscape 20 was held so it's in good company.

Verdict - Good

12. M People - Don't Look Any Further 

M People turn down the tempo on this record which is a cover of the Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garret record. It features male singer Mark Bell, but the male/female parts have been switched around compared to the original. I remember hating this record at the time and then later on in life heard the original after looking up records that 2Pac sampled. I like the original and in a way that has made this record more tolerable listening to it again after many years, but still not a patch on the original,

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Meat Loaf - Bat Out Of Hell (New)

With looking at the numbers I'm sure 1993 saw more re-issues than any other year and here's another. After Meat Loaf topped the charts with "I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)" I told the Meat Loaf fan at school that Meat Loaf is definitely not heavy metal. He conceded that particular record wasn't but I should check out his older stuff. This re-issue allowed me to do that and this still re-iterated my point he wasn't heavy metal. Again I'm not a fan of how ridiculously long and over the top Meat Loaf songs tend to be.

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Dina Carroll - The Perfect Year

I guess 1993 was the perfect year from the perspective of Dina Carroll. This was when she had her biggest hit with "Don't Be A Stranger" which felt like it was around for the whole of 1993 and was still in the charts when this record entered. Not my cup of tea and this follow up isn't any better.

Verdict - Rubbish

9. Bryan Adams - Please Forgive Me

After what seemed an endless run of hits from his "Waking Up the Neighbours" album, here's Bryan Adams back with a brand new song. I do find it more memorable than some of his previous efforts despite it being a ballad, but not my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Dina Carroll - Don't Be A Stranger

One of the things that's surprised me when doing these posts was how many Top 40 hits Dina Carroll had before "Don't Be A Stranger". This was her 8th of 14 Top 40 hits. It's no doubt her signature song, something she probably won't be happy about because it's one she didn't write. I wonder whether the success of this song dictated that she wouldn't write any of her remaining Top 40 hits after this. Anyway I couldn't stand this record at the time, too slow and boring. I can't say I've really changed my mind to be honest.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. East 17 - It's Alright

This was the 6th and final single from East 17's debut album "Walthamstow". It could be argued that being the final single from an album that was nearly a year old was what stopped it from getting the Christmas number one, but we all know they achieved that the following year. Like with most East 17 record, this one gets the thumbs up from me.

Verdict - Good

6. Elton John And Kiki Dee - True Love

After their collaboration in 1976 gave both artists their first number one, Elton John and Kiki Dee reunite 17 years later but fall short of topping the charts this time round. The world had moved on and I remember this sounding very dated at the time. Little did I know he'd still be charting with duets 3 decades later that would actually sound modern in a bad way.

Verdict - Rubbish

5. The Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Bee Gees are best known for their disco era, which I think is a shame because they made some really good music outside of this such as this record. In fact I would say this is the best record The Bee Gees have ever made. The moment where Robin starts singing the chorus is second to none.

Verdict - Good

4. Chaka Demus And Pliers ft Jack Radics And Taxi Gang - Twist And Shout (New)

I liked a lot of the reggae pop music of 1993 and particularly liked the first two Chaka Demus and Pliers hits. I draw the line at this record though. I hated it at the time, I remember someone asking a question about this record to a group of people and my response was I don't care about shitty pop music with my answer being seconded by someone else. My opinion on this record hasn't really changed.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Meat Loaf had been in the wilderness for several years before this and his previous big hits were before my music memories so I wasn't familiar with his music at the time, I'd just heard the name. At the same time someone at school was a Meat Loaf fan and would say he was heavy metal. I was therefore excited to finally hear a Meat Loaf song, but heavy metal it's certainly not. That disappointment along with the fact it goes on forever and is just ridiculously over the top means I've never liked it. 

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Mr Blobby - Mr Blobby

Mr Blobby started out as a pretend kids TV show on the Gotcha segment of Noels House Party. I remember hearing the theme music for that segment was being released as a single. That didn't sound like the worst thing in the world, but when I heard this record and the kids started singing it did sound like the worst thing it the world. I also recall a school disco at the time where they had a dancing competition and the winner won this single. Needless to say I didn't miss out on much by not taking part.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Take That - Babe (New)

I guess we have Mr. Blobby to thank for the fact we don't hear this at Christmas every year after being denied the Christmas number one spot. It was the first Take That hit where Mark Owen takes the lead vocals, though really anyone could have sung it and it would have still been crap.

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 12/30, or 40%. The Christmas crap has finally arrived.

Top 30 in 1993 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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Terence Trent D'Arby - Let Her Down Easy

Terence Trent D'Arby went down the rock music route in the 90s and my memory of this is it being rock sounding too. It isn't though, it's a piano ballad. The singing is exactly how I remember it though. Amazing how much I can misremember things. I kind of wish it was more rock sounding though as this is pretty dull.

Verdict - Rubbish

29. Bad Boys Inc - Walking On Air (New)

We're now half way through the Top 40 career of Bad Boys Inc with this being the 3rd of 6 Top 40 hits for them. As a reminder this was a boy band put together by Ian Levine which I refer to as the Virgin Cola of the early 90s boy band world. This one was penned by Ian Levine himself and it sounds like a cheap imitation of Motown.

Verdict - Rubbish

28. Culture Beat - Got To Get It

The follow up to chart topper "Mr. Vain" which came at the same time Culture Beat member Torsten Fenslau sadly died in a car crash. It's very predictable, the typical eurodance style backing track with rapped verses and a sung chorus. Very tedious. 

Verdict - Rubbish

27. Sagat - Funk Dat

This is one of those records where the lyrics make me want to listen to it rather than the music. I particularly like the line "Question, why is it that every time I turn on the radio I hear the same 5 songs, 15 times a day for 3 months, man funk dat......get a new DJ". The only difference these days you hear the same songs on the radio indefinitely rather than for 3 month. Unfortunately it's not very good musically so I can't give it full marks.

Verdict - OK

26. Gabrielle - I Wish (New)

The 3rd Top 40 hit for Gabrielle which follows a familiar pattern of hugely successful debut, a moderately successful follow up and then a 3rd single that few people noticed. In this case it's reflected in the music itself, I could easily recite her first 2 hits but this sounds very much album filler.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Urban Cookie Collective - Feels Like Heaven

The follow up to "The Key The Secret". Like it's predecessor, it treads that fine line between proper dance music and cheesy commercial nonsense and they managed to pull it off again. I've not heard this in a long time, whilst I very much remember it I wasn't sure how good it would sound after all these years. Once the main hook kicked in I thought yes still sounds good.

Verdict - Good

24. UB40 - Bring Me Your Cup (New)

The 1993 charts for UB40 followed a similar pattern to Gabrielle, a chart topper followed by a Top 10 followed by a record that gets no higher than the lower reaches. You know what you're getting with UB40 though, a pleasant bit of pop reggae.

Verdict - Good

23. Lesley Garrett And Amanda Thompson - Ave Maria 

Lesley Garrett is a pretty well known soprano singer though this is her only Top 40 hit to date. Amanda Thompson was a child with a serious illness and this record was a charity single to raise money. I suspect most people bought it for the cause rather than the music though.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Snoop Doggy Dogg - What's My Name

The Top 40 debut for Snoop Doggy Dogg. It's the only single from his debut album "Doggystyle" that made the Top 30 therefore my only opportunity to say how great that album is, one of my all time favourites. 

Verdict - Good

21. Bjork - Big Time Sensuality

The 4th Top 40 hit for Bjork and 3rd to reach the Top 30. So far we've had one I liked and one I didn't like, so what about this one? Well I actually like this one, helped by the dance beat it has. That's 2 out of 3 for Bjork so far which is something I never expected. I can pretty much guarantee that by the end of the decade there will be more Bjork records I don't like than like.

Verdict - Good

20. K-Klass - Let Me Show You

If you asked someone to name a K-Klass record that isn't "Rhythm Is A Mystery" than this would be the most likely record they'd name. It's also their 2nd biggest hit. Even though it had been 2 years since their debut, all their Top 40 hits appeared on the same album which was yet to be released at this point. This does feel more 1991 than 1993, but these reviews show how much better the charts were in 1991.

Verdict - Good

19. Soul Asylum - Runaway Train

It was 2nd time lucky for this record after charting in the lower reaches of the Top 40 a few months prior. It was the debut hit and biggest hit for Soul Asylum, a band who weren't grunge as such but benefited from the rise of grunge. I prefer their lesser hits, but this is still decent.

Verdict - Good

18. Mariah Carey - Hero

After coming back with a surprisingly uplifting record a few months prior, Mariah Carey follows up with something extra dreary even by Mariah Carey standards. I try to listen to every song the whole way through even if it's something I've heard many times and know I hate, but I had to stop this one less than a minute in as I couldn't bear to hear any more.

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Blind Melon - No Rain (New)

The Top 40 debut for Blind Melon, though singer Shannon Hoon previously appeared as backing vocalist on "Don't Cry" by Guns N Roses. This is the best known Blind Melon record and perhaps the only Blind Melon record many know. I guess it gives the meaning to the word alternative in alternative rock, it's a pretty unique sound that's hard to place into anything too specific.

Verdict - Good

16. Pet Shop Boys - I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing (New)

Regular readers of this blog will know that it's highly unlikely I'd rate any Pet Shop Boys record anything other than good. This is no exception, a solid Pet Shop Boys record. This was playing on my car radio several years ago when I was driving past the site of where Dreamscape 20 was held so it's in good company.

Verdict - Good

15. Cypress Hill - I Ain't Goin' Out Like That (New)

I heard someone at this school rapping this record several times before I actually heard it. I remember where I was when I first heard it too, someone put the "Black Sunday" album on in his dads car in the car park of some woods near where I grew up whilst we were waiting for him. I've since purchased the "Black Sunday" album myself.

Verdict - Good

14. Dina Carroll - The Perfect Year (New)

I guess 1993 was the perfect year from the perspective of Dina Carroll. This was when she had her biggest hit with "Don't Be A Stranger" which felt like it was around for the whole of 1993 and was still in the charts when this record entered. Not my cup of tea and this follow up isn't any better.

Verdict - Rubbish

13. The Village People - YMCA 

There were lots of old records re-entering the charts in 1993 and here's another one. I don't know why it was re-released, I do recall seeing this on The Chart Show and question why it was there. One of those records I've never liked and have heard too many times in my life.

Verdict - Rubbish

12. The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

This was a remix of a 20 year old record that never charted in the UK originally. I like the original of this but the question is does the remix do it justice? Well actually yes it does, it works well as a dance record and doesn't ruin the original.

Verdict - Good

11. M People - Don't Look Any Further 

M People turn down the tempo on this record which is a cover of the Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garret record. It features male singer Mark Bell, but the male/female parts have been switched around compared to the original. I remember hating this record at the time and then later on in life heard the original after looking up records that 2Pac sampled. I like the original and in a way that has made this record more tolerable listening to it again after many years, but still not a patch on the original,

Verdict - Rubbish

10. Janet Jackson - Again

I really don't want to like this song and on paper I shouldn't. I'm not really a fan of Janet Jackson and this is a slow ballad. I can't help but like it though and the most logical reason for that is it's inclusion in the film "Poetic Justice" which has Janet Jackson in it alongside 2Pac.

Verdict - Good

9. East 17 - It's Alright

This was the 6th and final single from East 17's debut album "Walthamstow". It could be argued that being the final single from an album that was nearly a year old was what stopped it from getting the Christmas number one, but we all know they achieved that the following year. Like with most East 17 record, this one gets the thumbs up from me.

Verdict - Good

8. Dina Carroll - Don't Be A Stranger

One of the things that's surprised me when doing these posts was how many Top 40 hits Dina Carroll had before "Don't Be A Stranger". This was her 8th of 14 Top 40 hits. It's no doubt her signature song, something she probably won't be happy about because it's one she didn't write. I wonder whether the success of this song dictated that she wouldn't write any of her remaining Top 40 hits after this. Anyway I couldn't stand this record at the time, too slow and boring. I can't say I've really changed my mind to be honest.

Verdict - Rubbish

7. Bryan Adams - Please Forgive Me

After what seemed an endless run of hits from his "Waking Up the Neighbours" album, here's Bryan Adams back with a brand new song. I do find it more memorable than some of his previous efforts despite it being a ballad, but not my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

6. The Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell Tolls

The Bee Gees are best known for their disco era, which I think is a shame because they made some really good music outside of this such as this record. In fact I would say this is the best record The Bee Gees have ever made. The moment where Robin starts singing the chorus is second to none.

Verdict - Good

5. Prince - Controversy (New)

This was the final Prince single before he became a symbol. It was a 22 year old song at the time though charting for the first time. In 1981 when this was first made Prince was yet to have a UK Top 40 hit but he was already on his 4th album.

Verdict - Good

4. U2 - Stay (Faraway, So Close) / Frank Sinatra With Bono - I've Got You Under My Skin (New)

One thing I remember in 1993 was U2 appearing in peoples Top 10 bands early on in the year but tended not to appear in peoples Top 10s by the time this record came out. I don't ever recall U2 being in my Top 10 though, I thought they were decent but not that good. Ironically I considered "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" to be one of their best records at the time. The other side was Frank Sinatra's only hit of the 90s and the first time he actually charted with this song. Not my thing though.

Verdict - Good / Rubbish

3. Elton John And Kiki Dee - True Love

After their collaboration in 1976 gave both artists their first number one, Elton John and Kiki Dee reunite 17 years later but fall short of topping the charts this time round. The world had moved on and I remember this sounding very dated at the time. Little did I know he'd still be charting with duets 3 decades later that would actually sound modern in a bad way.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Meat Loaf had been in the wilderness for several years before this and his previous big hits were before my music memories so I wasn't familiar with his music at the time, I'd just heard the name. At the same time someone at school was a Meat Loaf fan and would say he was heavy metal. I was therefore excited to finally hear a Meat Loaf song, but heavy metal it's certainly not. That disappointment along with the fact it goes on forever and is just ridiculously over the top means I've never liked it. 

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Mr Blobby - Mr Blobby

Mr Blobby started out as a pretend kids TV show on the Gotcha segment of Noels House Party. I remember hearing the theme music for that segment was being released as a single. That didn't sound like the worst thing in the world, but when I heard this record and the kids started singing it did sound like the worst thing it the world. I also recall a school disco at the time where they had a dancing competition and the winner won this single. Needless to say I didn't miss out on much by not taking part.

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%. Now over 50%, not expected this time of year.

Top 30 in 1993 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 1993 with my verdict on each record:

30. Naughty By Nature - Hip Hop Hooray

The 2nd Top 40 hit for Naughty By Nature, who's debut "OPP" is their best known record but only made number 35. Like it's predecessor it has a catchy sing along chorus. Take that out of the equation though and you still have a decent hip hop record.

Verdict - Good

29. Messiah - Thunderdome (New)

The 3rd and final Top 40 hit to date for Messiah. It samples "Automatic Lover" by Dee D Jackson which was a record made to sound futuristic in 1978. 15 years into the future it sounds like Messiah were trying to do the same thing. It's a shame that the future turned out to be nothing like this.

Verdict - Good

28. Pauline Henry - Feel Like Making Love

I feel like I used to hear this song a lot retrospectively but haven't heard it in a long time. As I started listening to it was was thinking it wasn't as good as I remember it, but once the guitars come in to it in the chorus I'm thinking actually yes it is as good as I remember.

Verdict - Good

27. Belinda Carlisle - Lay Down Your Arms (New)

This was the follow up to the excellent "Big Scary Animal". Both records have 2 songwriters in common in Charlotte Caffey and Ralph Schuckett, but this ones actually a cover of a song by The Graces which was the band Belinda's ex Go-Go's band mate Charlotte Caffey formed after the Go-Go's broke up. It sounds too country for my liking, not my cup of tea at all.

Verdict - Rubbish

26. Heart - Will You Be There (In The Morning)

This is the 2nd Top 40 hit of the 90s for Heart and their final Top 40 hit to date. Their first "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love To You" is a record written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange that Heart hate themselves. It seems they never learned though as this too was written by Robert John "Mutt" Lange. He was also writing for Bryan Adams and Michael Bolton around this time and I see the similarities with this.

Verdict - Rubbish

25. Sagat - Funk Dat (New)

This is one of those records where the lyrics make me want to listen to it rather than the music. I particularly like the line "Question, why is it that every time I turn on the radio I hear the same 5 songs, 15 times a day for 3 months, man funk dat......get a new DJ". The only difference these days you hear the same songs on the radio indefinitely rather than for 3 month. Unfortunately it's not very good musically so I can't give it full marks.

Verdict - OK

24. Cappella - U Got 2 Let The Music

I absolutely hated this record at the time. Along with "Mr. Vain" by Culturebeat I had it down as the ultimate shit record. I've heard worse, but it's exactly the sort of eurodance music that I consider to be a bit crap.

Verdict - Rubbish

23. 2 Unlimited - Maximum Overdrive

Another record that was released at a different time to what I remember. I associate this record with being in the year below the year I would have been in at school at the time. The lyrics to this contradict the tune in a way, not much overdrive at all and they sing "speed up the music" but this seems slower than their previous efforts.

Verdict - Rubbish

22. Goodmen - Give It Up

This was the only Top 40 hit for Goodmen, but they would return to the charts as Chocolate Puma, Rhythm Killaz and Riva. It's not very tuneful, but that's all part of it's appeal. 

Verdict - Good

21. Terence Trent D'Arby - Let Her Down Easy

Terence Trent D'Arby went down the rock music route in the 90s and my memory of this is it being rock sounding too. It isn't though, it's a piano ballad. The singing is exactly how I remember it though. Amazing how much I can misremember things. I kind of wish it was more rock sounding though as this is pretty dull.

Verdict - Rubbish

20. Snoop Doggy Dogg - What's My Name (New)

The Top 40 debut for Snoop Doggy Dogg. It's the only single from his debut album "Doggystyle" that made the Top 30 therefore my only opportunity to say how great that album is, one of my all time favourites. 

Verdict - Good

19. East 17 - It's Alright (New)

This was the 6th and final single from East 17's debut album "Walthamstow". It could be argued that being the final single from an album that was nearly a year old was what stopped it from getting the Christmas number one, but we all know they achieved that the following year. Like with most East 17 record, this one gets the thumbs up from me.

Verdict - Good

18. Culture Beat - Got To Get It

The follow up to chart topper "Mr. Vain" which came at the same time Culture Beat member Torsten Fenslau sadly died in a car crash. It's very predictable, the typical eurodance style backing track with rapped verses and a sung chorus. Very tedious. 

Verdict - Rubbish

17. Bjork - Big Time Sensuality  (New)

The 4th Top 40 hit for Bjork and 3rd to reach the Top 30. So far we've had one I liked and one I didn't like, so what about this one? Well I actually like this one, helped by the dance beat it has. That's 2 out of 3 for Bjork so far which is something I never expected. I can pretty much guarantee that by the end of the decade there will be more Bjork records I don't like than like.

Verdict - Good

16. Lesley Garrett And Amanda Thompson - Ave Maria 

Lesley Garrett is a pretty well known soprano singer though this is her only Top 40 hit to date. Amanda Thompson was a child with a serious illness and this record was a charity single to raise money. I suspect most people bought it for the cause rather than the music though.

Verdict - Rubbish

15. Mariah Carey - Hero

After coming back with a surprisingly uplifting record a few months prior, Mariah Carey follows up with something extra dreary even by Mariah Carey standards. I try to listen to every song the whole way through even if it's something I've heard many times and know I hate, but I had to stop this one less than a minute in as I couldn't bear to hear any more.

Verdict - Rubbish

14. K-Klass - Let Me Show You

If you asked someone to name a K-Klass record that isn't "Rhythm Is A Mystery" than this would be the most likely record they'd name. It's also their 2nd biggest hit. Even though it had been 2 years since their debut, all their Top 40 hits appeared on the same album which was yet to be released at this point. This does feel more 1991 than 1993, but these reviews show how much better the charts were in 1991.

Verdict - Good

13. The Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell Tolls  (New)

The Bee Gees are best known for their disco era, which I think is a shame because they made some really good music outside of this such as this record. In fact I would say this is the best record The Bee Gees have ever made. The moment where Robin starts singing the chorus is second to none.

Verdict - Good

12. The Village People - YMCA  (New)

There were lots of old records re-entering the charts in 1993 and here's another one. I don't know why it was re-released, I do recall seeing this on The Chart Show and question why it was there. One of those records I've never liked and have heard too many times in my life.

Verdict - Rubbish

11. Urban Cookie Collective - Feels Like Heaven

The follow up to "The Key The Secret". Like it's predecessor, it treads that fine line between proper dance music and cheesy commercial nonsense and they managed to pull it off again. I've not heard this in a long time, whilst I very much remember it I wasn't sure how good it would sound after all these years. Once the main hook kicked in I thought yes still sounds good.

Verdict - Good

10. Soul Asylum - Runaway Train

It was 2nd time lucky for this record after charting in the lower reaches of the Top 40 a few months prior. It was the debut hit and biggest hit for Soul Asylum, a band who weren't grunge as such but benefited from the rise of grunge. I prefer their lesser hits, but this is still decent.

Verdict - Good

9. M People - Don't Look Any Further  (New)

M People turn down the tempo on this record which is a cover of the Dennis Edwards and Siedah Garret record. It features male singer Mark Bell, but the male/female parts have been switched around compared to the original. I remember hating this record at the time and then later on in life heard the original after looking up records that 2Pac sampled. I like the original and in a way that has made this record more tolerable listening to it again after many years, but still not a patch on the original,

Verdict - Rubbish

8. Janet Jackson - Again

I really don't want to like this song and on paper I shouldn't. I'm not really a fan of Janet Jackson and this is a slow ballad. I can't help but like it though and the most logical reason for that is it's inclusion in the film "Poetic Justice" which has Janet Jackson in it alongside 2Pac.

Verdict - Good

7. The Doobie Brothers - Long Train Runnin'

This was a remix of a 20 year old record that never charted in the UK originally. I like the original of this but the question is does the remix do it justice? Well actually yes it does, it works well as a dance record and doesn't ruin the original.

Verdict - Good

6. U2 - Stay (Faraway, So Close) / Frank Sinatra With Bono - I've Got You Under My Skin  (New)

One thing I remember in 1993 was U2 appearing in peoples Top 10 bands early on in the year but tended not to appear in peoples Top 10s by the time this record came out. I don't ever recall U2 being in my Top 10 though, I thought they were decent but not that good. Ironically I considered "Stay (Faraway, So Close)" to be one of their best records at the time. The other side was Frank Sinatra's only hit of the 90s and the first time he actually charted with this song. Not my thing though.

Verdict - Good / Rubbish

5. Dina Carroll - Don't Be A Stranger

One of the things that's surprised me when doing these posts was how many Top 40 hits Dina Carroll had before "Don't Be A Stranger". This was her 8th of 14 Top 40 hits. It's no doubt her signature song, something she probably won't be happy about because it's one she didn't write. I wonder whether the success of this song dictated that she wouldn't write any of her remaining Top 40 hits after this. Anyway I couldn't stand this record at the time, too slow and boring. I can't say I've really changed my mind to be honest.

Verdict - Rubbish

4. Bryan Adams - Please Forgive Me

After what seemed an endless run of hits from his "Waking Up the Neighbours" album, here's Bryan Adams back with a brand new song. I do find it more memorable than some of his previous efforts despite it being a ballad, but not my cup of tea.

Verdict - Rubbish

3. Mr Blobby - Mr Blobby  (New)

Mr Blobby started out as a pretend kids TV show on the Gotcha segment of Noels House Party. I remember hearing the theme music for that segment was being released as a single. That didn't sound like the worst thing in the world, but when I heard this record and the kids started singing it did sound like the worst thing it the world. I also recall a school disco at the time where they had a dancing competition and the winner won this single. Needless to say I didn't miss out on much by not taking part.

Verdict - Rubbish

2. Elton John And Kiki Dee - True Love

After their collaboration in 1976 gave both artists their first number one, Elton John and Kiki Dee reunite 17 years later but fall short of topping the charts this time round. The world had moved on and I remember this sounding very dated at the time. Little did I know he'd still be charting with duets 3 decades later that would actually sound modern in a bad way.

Verdict - Rubbish

1. Meat Loaf - I'd Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)

Meat Loaf had been in the wilderness for several years before this and his previous big hits were before my music memories so I wasn't familiar with his music at the time, I'd just heard the name. At the same time someone at school was a Meat Loaf fan and would say he was heavy metal. I was therefore excited to finally hear a Meat Loaf song, but heavy metal it's certainly not. That disappointment along with the fact it goes on forever and is just ridiculously over the top means I've never liked it. 

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%. Getting close to 50%, which seems strange as we head towards the end of the year.