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Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Leo Sayer - When I Need You"When I Need You" is a romantic song by Leo Sayer, released in 1977. It expresses the longing felt during a separation due to distance. Richard Perry, producer of Sayer's album "Endless Flight," brought together renowned session musicians to record this track, which became Sayer's biggest hit, reaching the top of the pop and adult contemporary charts. Among them, Bobby Keys, the famous saxophonist of the Rolling Stones, plays the saxophone solo that adds an inimitable touch to this emotional ballad. Some claim that the melody of the chorus is remarkably similar to a part of Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat." I'll let you judge. Writer(s) : Carole Bayer Sager, Albert Louis Hammond Publisher(s) : Albert Hammond Music Featured on the 1976 album Endless Flight
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 2 . Paul McCartney - Hope Of Deliverance"Hope of Deliverance" by Paul McCartney, an optimistic and hopeful song, was released in 1992. McCartney recorded it on his Scottish farm, aiming for a sound that was both modern and timeless with the help of producer Julian Mendelsohn, known for his work with Elton John. For more information, refer to McCartney's book "The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present," published in 2021, where "Hope of Deliverance" is among the 154 commented tracks. The music video is directed by Andy Morahan. Writer(s) : Paul James McCartney Publisher(s) : Mpl Communications Inc Featured on the 1993 album Off the Ground
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 3 . Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?Created for the film "Don Juan DeMarco" starring Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway (1995), this song is penned by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. It features a recurring melody throughout the movie. Recorded in Jamaica, it includes a guitar performance by Paco de Lucía. The song topped the charts in the US and Canada. "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song but lost to "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas. The corresponding music video was shot by Anton Corbijn in a bar in Marbella, Spain. The music video is directed by Anton Corbijn. Writer(s) : Bryan Adams, Robert John Lange, Michael Arnold Kamen, Rudy Perez Publisher(s) : Out Of Pocket Publishing Co, Badams Music Limited, New Line Music Corp, Rubet Music, K Man Corp
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 4 . Bryan Adams - Back To YouRecorded in 1997 for the "MTV Unplugged" album with students from Juilliard School under Michael Kamen's direction, "Back To You" was produced by Adams and Patrick Leonard. The live acoustic performance gave a new dimension to the song. Patrick Leonard is known for his work with Madonna and Pink Floyd. "Back To You" was well-received by critics and audiences, reaching the top 20 in Canada and Europe. The music video is directed by Steve Barron. Writer(s) : Bryan Adams, Eliot Kennedy Publisher(s) : Badams Music Limited, Sony Music Publishing
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 5 . Bonnie Raitt - Nick Of TimeWritten in 1989, "Nick Of Time" by Bonnie Raitt was produced by Don Was, known for his work with The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, it featured on the eponymous album that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1990. The song, which addresses themes of aging and redemption, was widely acclaimed upon release. The music video is directed by Tamra Davis. Writer(s) : Bonnie Raitt Publisher(s) : Kokomo Music Featured on the 1989 album Nick of Time
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 6 . Bob Seger - Hollywood NightsReleased in 1978, "Hollywood Nights" was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami. Produced by Seger and Punch Andrews, it captures the raw energy of Los Angeles nightlife. The song reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ
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 7 . Bob Seger - Night MovesWritten in 1976, "Night Moves" captures the nostalgia of adolescence. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, this song marked a turning point in Seger's career, becoming a major hit in the US. Produced by Jack Richardson, who had worked with The Guess Who, it features renowned musicians from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. The official video, released in 1994, features Matt LeBlanc (yes, Joey from Friends) and Daphne Zuniga (yes, Jo from Melrose Place) in a '60s drive-in. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ Featured on the 1976 album Night Moves
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 8 . Pretenders - KidProduced by Nick Lowe, "Kid" is a 1979 single by The Pretenders, written by lead singer and guitarist Chrissie Hynde. The track is characterized by its blend of punk rock and new wave. With lyrics filled with emotion and vulnerability, addressing themes of relationships and personal growth, "Kid" was well received by critics and remains a fan favorite. Writer(s) : Chrissie Hynde Publisher(s) : Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited Featured on the 1979 album Pretenders
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 9 . Status Quo - Fun Fun FunReleased in 1996, "Fun Fun Fun" is an energetic collaboration between Status Quo and The Beach Boys. This cover of the classic 1964 Beach Boys song brings a unique mix of British rock and American surf rock. The idea for this collaboration came about during Status Quo's "Don't Stop" tour, celebrating their passion for rock classics. "Fun Fun Fun" tells the story of a teenager having fun with her father's Ford Thunderbird until he takes away the keys. Undeterred, her free and rebellious spirit finds other ways to have fun. Don't ask me how! Writer(s) : Mike E Love, Brian Douglas Wilson, Fernand Bonifay Featured on the 1996 album Don't Stop
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 10 . Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell TollsInspired by Ernest Hemingway's novel of the same name, which itself takes its title from a poem by John Donne, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by the Bee Gees, released in 1993, explores themes of loss and mourning. Maurice Gibb described the song as a reflection on the end of an era and the melancholy that follows. In 1994, the song won a Brit Award for Best British Video, highlighting its visual and emotional impact. The song was also included in the soundtrack of the film "My Girl 2," directed by Howard Zieff, starring Anna Chlumsky and Dan Aykroyd. The music video is directed by Gregg Masuak. Writer(s) : Maurice Ernest Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb, Barry Alan Gibb Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Crompton Songs Featured on the 1993 album Size Isn't Everything
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 11 . Eric Clapton - Wonderful TonightDedicated to Pattie Boyd, then his girlfriend, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, released in 1977, is a romantic ballad written after an evening where Clapton waited for Boyd to get ready to go out. Producer Glyn Johns, known for his work with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, helped create an intimate and authentic sound for a song that captures the simplicity and beauty of everyday love. Writer(s) : Eric Clapton Publisher(s) : Throat Music Ltd Featured on the 1977 album Slowhand
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 12 . Bryan Adams - [Everything I Do] I Do It For YouCreated for the film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" in 1991, "[Everything I Do] I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams was written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Recorded in London, it achieved phenomenal international success, topping the charts in at least 19 countries, including the US and UK, and selling over 15 million copies worldwide. The music video is directed by Julien Temple. Writer(s) : Michael Arnold Kamen, Michael Arnold Kamen Publisher(s) : Out Of Pocket Publishing Co, Zachary Creek Music Inc, Miracle Creek Music Inc, 2855 Music, Almo Music Corporation Featured on the 1991 album Waking Up the Neighbours
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 13 . Rod Stewart - Downtown Train"Downtown Train" is a cover of Tom Waits' 1985 song by Rod Stewart, released in 1989. Producer Trevor Horn, who also worked with artists like Frankie Goes to Hollywood, helped Stewart turn this song into a mainstream hit. It reached the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song speaks of longing and hope of reuniting with a lost love while the video tells the journey of a young woman on the subway while Rod sings his heart out on the platform. The music video is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Writer(s) : Kathleen Brennan, Thomas Alan Waits Publisher(s) : Jalma Music Featured on the 1991 album Vagabond Heart
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 14 . Tom Petty - You Wreck MeProduced by Rick Rubin, known for his work with artists like Johnny Cash and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty's "You Wreck Me," released in 1994, talks about the intensity and destructiveness of love. "You Wreck Me" became a staple in Tom Petty's concerts, showcasing his distinctive guitar style and stage energy. The song was also used in the 1996 film "She's the One," directed by Edward Burns. The music video is directed by Martyn Atkins. Writer(s) : Mike R Campbell, Tom Petty Publisher(s) : Adria K Music, Wild Gator Music, Notoriousjbpsongs Featured on the 1994 album Wildflowers
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 15 . Mike + The Mechanics - Another Cup Of Coffee"Another Cup of Coffee" by Mike + The Mechanics tells the poignant story of emotional distance between two people, the end of a relationship, evoking themes of loneliness, regrets, and reflection on the past. The cup of coffee is what a woman pours herself while contemplating a stain on the wall. Imagine a better symbol of monotony and melancholy. Paul Carrack, the lead singer, was also a member of famous bands like Squeeze and Ace. "Another Cup of Coffee" is often praised for its production quality, characteristic of Mike Rutherford's style, who is also a founding member of Genesis. The music video is directed by Gregg Masuak. Featured on the 1995 album Beggar on a Beach of Gold
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 16 . Mike + The Mechanics - Over My ShoulderWith Paul Carrack's raw emotion, "Over My Shoulder" by Mike + The Mechanics, released in 1995, is a song about broken relationships and regrets. The music video shows a couple frolicking in a cemetery while the band strums on guitars. Let's admit that the metaphor completely escapes us. The song became a hit in Europe, reaching the Top 20 in several countries. Mike Rutherford, also a founding member of Genesis, used this song to explore more personal and introspective themes. Writer(s) : Paul Melvyn Carrack, Michael Rutherford Publisher(s) : Michael Rutherford Publishing Ltd, Plangent Visions Music Ltd Featured on the 1995 album Beggar on a Beach of Gold
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 17 . Patty Smyth - Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough (w/ Don Henley)A major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a hit on Adult Contemporary radio, "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" is a duet by Patty Smyth and Don Henley, released in 1992. Produced by Danny Kortchmar, known for his work with James Taylor and Carly Simon, the song was recorded during a pivotal time in both Smyth's and Henley's solo careers. Two years later, Patty Smyth co-wrote "Look What Love Has Done," a Grammy and Oscar-nominated song for the "Junior" soundtrack, and five years later, she married former tennis player John McEnroe. The music video is directed by Scott Kalvert. Writer(s) : Joleen L Belle, Ronald James Finn Publisher(s) : Bok Music Featured on the 1992 album Patty Smyth
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 18 . Van Morrison - Days Like ThisInspired by the teachings of his mother, "Days Like This" by Van Morrison, released in 1995, is a song filled with optimism and serenity, celebrating those days when everything seems to go right, a reminder to appreciate moments of happiness and simplicity. "Days Like This" became an unofficial anthem of the peace movement in Northern Ireland and was used in a TV ad to promote the ceasefire. Morrison performed this song during Bill Clinton's visit to Belfast in 1995, in front of a crowd of 60,000 to 80,000 people. "Days Like This" is also featured on the soundtracks of the films "As Good as It Gets" (1997) and "Because I Said So" (2007) Writer(s) : Van Morrison Publisher(s) : Barrule Uk Ltd Featured on the 1995 album Days Like This
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 19 . Bruce Springsteen - Lucky TownReleased in 1992, "Lucky Town" was recorded between September 1991 and January 1992 at Thrill Hill Recording and A&M Studios. Produced by Springsteen, Jon Landau, and Chuck Plotkin, the song reflects a period of change and renewal in Springsteen's life. It was well-received, reaching number three on the Billboard 200 in the US and number two in the UK. Writer(s) : Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen Publisher(s) : Eldridge Publishing Co., Sony/Atv Pop Music Publishing Featured on the 1992 album Lucky Town
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 20 . Rod Stewart - The Motown Song (w/ The Temptations)"The Motown Song," a collaboration between Rod Stewart and the legendary group The Temptations, released in 1991, offers a refreshing mix of rock and soul. Produced by Bernard Edwards of Chic, the song is a joyful tribute to the Motown era. The music video features animations by Aardman Animations, known for "Wallace and Gromit." The music video is directed by Derek W. Hayes. Writer(s) : Larry John McNally Featured on the 1991 album Vagabond Heart
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ABOUT 90s MELLOW GOLDWhat is Mellow Gold ?The term “Mellow Gold” combines “mellow,” meaning soft and pleasant, and “gold,” suggesting timeless value and quality. It emerges in the 1970s, a time when people seek comfort and relaxation. FM radio stations, with their soft music formats, play a crucial role in popularizing this musical style. As a distinct style, “Mellow Gold” fuses influences from folk and soft rock music. Artists like Carpenters, Bread, and America are among the pioneers. They set the standards for the genre, with songs that blend memorable melodies with evocative lyrics. Evolution of Mellow Gold in the 80s and 90sIn the 80s and 90s, the “Mellow Gold” style evolves by adapting to new musical trends. While the 70s are marked by acoustic sounds and gentle melodies, the following decades see more elaborate productions and the integration of new technologies—synthesizers, drum machines—and diverse musical styles. Over the years, “Mellow Gold” artists incorporate elements of pop, R&B, and even rap or electronic music to stay relevant. This ability to evolve while maintaining key characteristics allows “Mellow Gold” music to remain popular with new generations of listeners. Influence of Mellow Gold on Other Genres“Mellow Gold” has a significant impact on several other musical genres. Its focus on melody and harmonious arrangements leaves a lasting mark on contemporary pop and soft rock. Many pop and rock artists from the 90s and beyond draw from “Mellow Gold” to create accessible and emotionally resonant tracks. Genres like “adult contemporary” and “smooth jazz” also feel its influence. |
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