1. Proclaimers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"
Courtesy Chrysalis
This song became a hit at home in the UK and in Australia when first released in 1998 as a single from the album Sunshine On Leith. The song retained its popularity through use in movies and TV shows. When it appeared in the 1993 movie Benny and Joon, "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" became a top 3 smash in the US. In 2007 the song was re-recorded by the Proclaimers with comedians Peter Kay and Matt Lucas. It hit #1 on the UK pop charts as the Comic Relief charity single of the year.
2. 4 Non Blondes - "What's Up?"
Courtesy Interscope
Interestingly, "What's Up?" does not include that phrase in the lyrics. The phrase, "What's Goin' On?" is very prominent. The title, "What's Goin' On?" was not used in order to avoid confusion with the Marvin Gaye classic of the same name. 4 Non Blondes lead vocalist and songwriter Linda Perry launched what has been a highly successful career with this song.
3. Soul Asylum - "Runaway Train"
Courtesy Columbia
The music video for "Runaway Train" is a powerful one that had significant impact on many lives. It essentially depicts in many ways the epidemic of missing children. The clip helped reunite a number of families, but it also seems to have influenced some situations where people returned to negative situations. The song brought the group Soul Asylum massive acclaim and "Runaway Train" went to #5 on the pop singles chart.
4. Dr. Dre - "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang"
Courtesy Death Row
"Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" is a towering hip hop classic. It is considered one of the key landmarks in the development of gangsta rap, and it was the first single from Dr. Dre's The Chronic album which is considered to be one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time.
5. Blind Melon - "No Rain"
Courtesy Capitol
It is the dancing "bee girl" in the music video for "No Rain" that many remember most about the song. However, the upbeat sound of the song is fondly remembered as well. The song topped the mainstream and modern rock charts in the US then landed in the pop top 20. It helped Blind Melon's self-titled debut album shoot into the top 3 in advance of the tragic death of lead vocalist Shannon Hoon.
6. Stereo MC's - "Connected"
Courtesy Island
"Connected" turned into a one-hit wonder for Stereo MC's, but it is a powerfully funky classic. The song has been used extensively in film and TV productions since its initial release.
7. Us3 - "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)"
Courtesy Blue Note
UK group Us3 put together a unique fusion of hip hop and jazz. This single is built around a sample of Herbie Hancock's "Cantaloupe Island." "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)" was certified gold for sales in the US, landed in the top 10 on the pop chart, and Us3 never again reached the top 40.
8. Tag Team - "Whoomp! (There It Is)"
Courtesy Life Records
It is part novelty song and part a rap anthem. "Whoomp! (There It Is)" was also one of the key songs laying the groundwork for what would come to be known as jock anthems, pop and rap hits that became favorites to play during breaks at sports events. The prominent sample in the song comes from Kano's disco classic "I'm Ready."
9. R.E.M. - "Man On the Moon"
Courtesy Warner Bros.
R.E.M.'s song "Man On the Moon" frequently references the comedian Andy Kaufman and events in his life. It later gave its title to the movie Man On the Moon about Andy Kaufman's life.
10. Billy Joel - The River Of Dreams
Courtesy Columbia
Peaking at #3, thus far "The River Of Dreams" has been the last top 10 pop hit of Billy Joel's career. It received a Grammy Award nomination for Record of the Year.
