The year 1990 was a vibrant chapter in music history, delivering a diverse mix of genres that resonated across the UK and beyond. From soulful ballads to energetic dance anthems, the top songs of 1990 showcased the dynamic musical landscape as the world transitioned into a new decade. Let’s delve into the hits that topped the charts and became the soundtrack of the year, based on the official UK charts.
Sinead O’Connor’s emotionally charged rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” claimed the second spot in the UK’s best-selling singles of 1990. Penned by Prince, this powerful ballad dominated the charts for four weeks in February, becoming a global sensation and selling 671,000 copies in the UK alone that year. Its poignant lyrics and O’Connor’s compelling vocals cemented its place as an unforgettable hit of the era.
Image alt text: Sinead O’Connor’s iconic stare on the single cover for “Nothing Compares 2 U”, a top song of 1990.
Elton John secured the third position with his double A-side single “Sacrifice/Healing Hands” (649k). This release marked a significant milestone in his career, becoming his first solo UK Number 1. Originally released in 1989 without significant chart success, the reissued single gained momentum through increased airplay, eventually reaching the top spot for five weeks and raising funds for AIDS charities.
Image alt text: Elton John’s “Sacrifice/Healing Hands” single artwork, representing his first solo UK Number 1 hit from the top songs of 1990.
The top five of 1990 also featured the groundbreaking sounds of Vanilla Ice with his debut single “Ice Ice Baby” (586k) and Adamski’s acid house track “Killer” featuring Seal’s vocals (537k). Vanilla Ice brought a fresh hip-hop flavor to the mainstream, while Adamski, with Seal, pushed the boundaries of dance music, demonstrating the eclectic tastes of music fans during the year.
Image alt text: Vanilla Ice striking a pose on the single cover of “Ice Ice Baby,” a defining hip-hop track among the top songs of 1990.
Madonna’s global hit “Vogue” made its mark at Number 8 (436k), showcasing her enduring influence on pop culture. Further down the top 10, England’s 1990 World Cup anthem, New Order’s “World In Motion” landed at Number 9 (429k), capturing the national spirit during a major sporting event.
Image alt text: Madonna in a vogue pose on the single cover for “Vogue”, a global smash hit and top song of 1990.
Soundtracks also played a significant role in the top songs of 1990. Maria McKee’s “Show Me Heaven” from Days Of Thunder, Partners In Kryme’s “Turtle Power” from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Kylie Minogue’s “Tears On My Pillow” from The Deliquents all reached Number 1, highlighting the powerful connection between film and music charts.
The burgeoning house music scene of 1990 was represented by massive hits such as Snap!’s “The Power” and “Ooops Up”, Technotronic’s “Get Up”, and DNA featuring Suzanne Vega’s remix of “Tom’s Diner”. These tracks brought the energy of the dance floor to the mainstream charts, reflecting the growing popularity of electronic music.
Image alt text: Snap!’s powerful logo on “The Power” single cover, a key house music track in the top songs of 1990.
Concluding the year, Cliff Richard’s “Saviour’s Day” claimed the Christmas Number 1 spot and landed at Number 21 in the year-end chart. Following his 1988 Christmas success with “Mistletoe And Wine”, this track became his 13th UK Number 1, solidifying his status as a consistent chart-topper.
The top songs of 1990 reflect a diverse and exciting year in music, blending genres and showcasing both established artists and emerging talents. From ballads to dance tracks, the year’s biggest hits continue to resonate with audiences today, embodying the spirit of a decade that shaped popular music.
