No one can deny that this group was one of the greatest R&B acts of the 90s, and they certainly debuted with a bang. The next entry to the top 20 countdown of songs turning 30 years old this year is an upbeat song introducing us to this group of guys with an amazing ability to harmonize. At #15 it’s Motownphilly by Boyz II Men.
Our next song officially was released in 1991 and 30 years later, it’s still got punch. Blurring the lines between rock, funk and rap, along with a great lip-busting choral hook, this song helped make this band one of the biggest alternative bands in the country. Coming in at #16 is Give it Away by Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Arriving next in this countdown is a song that was a crossover smash by someone who classified herself as a Christian artist. The album Heart in Motion had many great tunes, all of which were considered for this list, but this song was the biggest track, earning a Grammy nod for Song of the Year. Our #17 song of this 30 year old countdown is Baby Baby by Amy Grant.
Sometimes a song makes it onto this countdown even though it’s really just a dance tune. In this case, it’s a song that has found its way onto every playlist for every kind of sporting event or pep rally you can think of, and it still sounds fresh today. When you hear that undeniable riff, you know it immediately, and that’s worthy of at least getting at #18 – Get Ready by 2 Unlimited.
My wife calls this next song in the 1991 countdown the ultimate road trip song, at least when she grew up with her sisters. It’s been covered by Rascal Flatts but their version only shows how great the original song is. Coming in at #19 is Life is a Highway by Tom Cochrane.
Kicking off the countdown of the Top 20 30-Year-Old Songs today is a song that’s the title of a classic Disney movie, both of which my kids love. The version here is not the one with Celine Dion & Peabo Bryson, but the original, made all the more legendary when you hear how this artist, despite jet lag and arriving late, recorded this in one take – done! Starting at #20 is Beauty and the Beast by Angela Lansbury.