We have finally come to the #1 songs, and what song could possibly supersede the all-time Billboard chart classic?  This one.  Given the subject matter, it’s incredibly hooky chorus, and the fact it has remained a staple of the hip-hop/R&B music scene for decades, it’s hard not to put this song as the top song released in 1995.  The #1 song turning 30 years old this year is – Waterfalls by TLC.

For more than two decades, this song held the record for being the longest reigning number 1 song in Billboard chart history.  The fact it took that long for its record to be displaced speaks volumes.  This band (who has made numerous appearances in prior countdowns) and this artist were collectively, arguably, the biggest R&B stars of the time, and this song is a high marker, but just not #1.  At #2 it’s One Sweet Day by Boyz II Men & Mariah Carey.

As soon as the vocals hit, you know what song it is and you’re ready to start dancing.  One of the biggest hip-hop/R&B songs of the 90s, it has never lost its luster and continues to be heard from TV commericials, to sports arenas and backyard parties.  Coming in at #3 is This Is How We Do It by Montell Jordan.

Despite the controversy this group carried throughout their existence, it is hard not to consider them one of the most iconic pop/rock groups of the 90s, and this song remains one of their most celebrated tracks.  Even when you think they are faded, playing this track reignites their flame and notifies us they have been great songwriters.  At #4 it’s Wonderwall by Oasis.

We now approach the top 5, and the first 1995 entry does something amazing – make a blues-based song become a huge hit.  Any one-hit-wonder concerns for this artist went out the window when this song came out, and it’s still a popular staple of contemporary radio today.  At #5 of the top 20 songs turning 30 years old this year, it’s Give Me One Reason by Tracy Chapman.

This next 1995 song is this arguably this band’s biggest hit, and also carries a weight of controversy.  The band quoted the title of a song by an artist they idolized in the song, and that artist’s management demanded money from them when it became a hit.  That weirdness shouldn’t alter how big and popular this song continues to be.  At #6 it’s Only Wanna Be With You by Hootie And The Blowfish.