Top 200 Songs of the 1990s - #70 - 61

This edition of the countdown is pretty stacked my friends. We've got the Queen and Princess of Pop, two of the biggest bands to ever come out of the UK, arguably the biggest dance/electronic act of the 90s plus one of the most successful grunge songs of the decade. I believe you'll be able to work out who's who from the list below. I have faith in you.

#70 - Frozen (1998)

by Madonna

Why couldn't she keep making music like this? Why? 'Frozen' was the first single released from the super successful Ray of Light album that saw Madonna reinvent herself as a more alternative dance artist. Wikipedia (my favourite source of info), lists 'Frozen' as trip-hop. While acts like Faithless may disagree, you can't argue with Wikipedia. It's always right. Always.

#69 - Love Rollercoaster (1996)

by Red Hot Chili Peppers

This song is just too much fun. The fact that it was used to promote Beavis & Butthead Do America makes it even better. Now there's a movie you need to see, even if it's just to watch the 'Lesbian Seagull' scene.

#68 - Fly Away (1998)

by Lenny Kravitz

The return of the coolest female drummer of all-time! 'Fly Away' is Kravitz being cooler than ever and, unfortunately, it's also one of the last noteworthy releases of his career.

#67 - Black Hole Sun (1994)

by Soundgarden

Soundgarden's lead singer, Chris Cornell, remains an incredible singer/songwriter today. Just not when he's doing Bond themes or covering Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean.' 'Black Hole Sun' is the commercial peak for Soundgarden, a band that's recently regrouped and gotten back on the touring circuit. The song, much like the video, is a nice piece of trippy alternative rock that Cornell & Co somehow manage to make work.

#66 - Karma Police (1997)

by Radiohead

Thom Yorke puts his haunting vocal talents to good use on 'Karma Police.' His repeated line, "I lost myself," will stay with you long after the songs finished. And then you'll listen to it again... and probably again. Because it's just that good.

#65 - Zombie (1994)

by The Cranberries

Possibly the most important (and most commercially successful) protest song in the history of music. I probably shouldn't have used haunting to describe Thom Yorke's vocals, because Dolores O'Riordan could teach him a thing or two in that department.

#64 - Champagne Supernova (1996)

by Oasis

The Gallagher brothers seem like such massive wanks these days. Be that as it may, they used to be able to write some damn fine music. I present to you Exhibit B, 'Champagne Supernova.' Exhibit A was of course 'Don't Look Back In Anger,' which charted at #95 on the countdown.

#63 - Confide in Me (1994)

by Kylie Minogue

Madonna may have gone into the world of alternative dance and made it her own in the late 90s, but Kylie had been there and done that (and was pretty successful too) with 'Confide in Me.' Easily THE best song Ms Minogue has graced us with. It was so popular it even made the 1994 JJJ Hottest 100, placing at #30 on the countdown!

#62 - Hey Boy Hey Girl (1999)

by Chemical Brothers

Oh yeah, a damn fine slice of 90s dance. The music video used to amaze me. In the pre-YouTube days I had to tape songs off music shows like rage and Video Hits. The VHS got a good work out with me watching this one over and over and over again. Of course, I can't find a single video on YouTube that will let me embed it on here, so just go find it for yourselves, k?

#61 - Brick (1997)

by Ben Folds Five

A song you should listen to paying close attention to the lyrics. Folds' honest account of his high school girlfriend's abortion is one of the saddest tracks we've ever had the honour of listening to.

Top 200 Songs of the 1990s - #180 - 171

We're powering through this countdown boys and girls. We'll be into the Top 100 before you know it! Here's some more goodness from the 90s...

#180 - I Touch Myself (1991)

by The Divinyls

Subtlety was not Chrissy Amphlett's strongest point. When she thinks about you, she touches herself. That's all there is to it. Put this in the 'songs to get down with your bad self' category all you filthy boys and girls.

#179 - Even When I'm Sleeping (1996)

by Leonardo's Bride

Abby Dobson should be a much bigger star than she is now. Her solo work has pretty much been neglected by the (Australian) public over the past decade. Fortunately, she'll always be remembered as the amazing voice behind 'Even When I'm Sleeping.'

#178 - Sunny Came Home (1997)

by Shawn Colvin

Not many songs win both Song of the Year and Record of the Year at the Grammys. Shawn Colvin will always be able to say that 'Sunny Came Home' did. In 1997 I can't say I really appreciated how strong the lyrics are. The song tells the story of a woman, Sunny, preparing to burn down her house and escape her past. The line, "Sunny came home with a vengeance," was cool in '97 and it's still cool now.

#177 - California Love (1995)

by 2Pac

#176 - Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993)

by Lenny Kravitz

Kravitz's drummer is amazing. He's pretty cool too. But the drummer, she's just cooler than cool.

#175 - Beautiful Girl (1993)

by INXS

#174 - These Days (1999)

by Powderfinger

Only good songs top the JJJ Hottest 100 right? What topped the 1999 chart? Oh, that's right... 'These Days' did!

#173 - Where the Wild Roses Grow (1995)

by Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue

Who knew that a ballad between a murderer and his victim could be kind of... uh... beautiful. Released as the first single from Cave's stellar Murder Ballads, 'Where the Wild Roses Grow' remains Cave's most successful single release.

#172 - Girls Like That (Don't Go For Guys Like Us) (1998)

by Custard

Julio Iglesias is NOT scientific. This is a fact, and we have Custard to thank for this. This Brisbane group have enjoyed something of a cult status and remain favourites of old school JJJ listeners (note, I did not say OLD JJJ listeners).

#171 - Music Sounds Better With You (1998)

by Stardust

I always wanted that kid to trip while he was running after the plane. I've been wanting to say that for more than ten years. It's good to get it out.