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1995 Music Hits
1995 was the midway of the decade and the proving ground of who would dominate the 90s was about to game change. However, certain trends continued regarding the top ten hits and just like the previous five years in a row, a movie soundtrack took home top place.
Hip Hop artist Coolio's “Gangsta's Paradise” ruled the top ten and is credited with sending far more people to the box office to see the critically acclaimed movie “Dangerous Minds” starring Michelle Pfeifer. Coolio cemented himself as a game changer and proved that Hip Hop and Gangsta Rap could be not only crossover but artistically recognized and commercially successful. With one song, Coolio proved the naysayers wrong, opened doors to new avenues of Hip Hop and legitimized two genres in one. The song was more ballad than rap and was accompanied by orchestration and outstanding vocals that grabbed more attention than most people had expected. The #2 song was Shaggy with “Bombastic”, then #3 had Take That debuting their chart topper, “Back For Good” followed by the King of Pop who came in at #4 with “You Are Not Alone”. Finally global sensation U2 copped the fifth spot with “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me”.
The new groups caused an upheaval against the established giants and Coolio surprised them all. As a matter of fact Hip Hop and Rap was able to incorporate more traditional music and themes and after some successful crossovers with Rock back in the 80s, Hip Hop and Rap reached into every pocket of culture available with higher production values yet keeping with the legitimacy of the dangerous world of urban life.
However, not everything was street life drama in music during 1995, other songs that became hits were “Ants Marching” by the Dave Matthews Band that continued to grow and become quite a popular group with very loyal fans. Shania Twain's “Any Man of Mine” garnered her more recognition, “Believe” by Elton John, “Big Poppa” from Notorious B.I.G., Weezer brought a very popular tune called “Buddy Holly” that introduced a more up tone song reminiscent of the 1950's and pop songs of the early '70s. Van Halen was in there with their song “Can't Stop Lovin' You”, Pearl Jam continued their success with “Better Man”, Garth Brooks came out with “It's Midnight Cinderella”, Seal broke out with a melodic song “Kiss From A Rose” that accompanied Tim Burton's movie “Batman Returns”. Montell Jordan's “This Is How We Do It” was heard from one dance hall to another. Bon Jovi, Madonna, Annie Lennox were all in there competing with the new musicians but when Hootie & The Blowfish appeared with their song “Only Wanna Be With You” it turned the tables bringing another big spotlight to folk based music, real lyrics and a real down to Earth band.
Also kicking their way to to the song charts were favorites Michael Jackson with “You Are Not Alone” and Alanis Morissette with her “You Oughta Know”.
The big awards were the 37th Grammy Awards for 1995 saw none other than Sheryl Crow winning Record of the Year for “All I Wanna Do”. Album of the Year went to legendary singer Tony Bennett for MTV: Unplugged. A real milestone for Bennett and MTV. It proved that master craftsmanship, which Bennett is a living example of could dominate the high tech age by doing what comes naturally to him, performing. No special effects, just the real deal Tony Bennett who stood on his own and beat everyone else hands down. The Song of the Year went to Bruce Springsteen for “Streets of Philadelphia” which had won a previous Grammy as well as an Academy Award. Of course Best New Artist went to Sheryl Crow who had won Record of the Year. This was the first year into the 90s that a major movie soundtrack didn't dominate the awards save for Springsteen's song.