This week In Male Balladeers 07/52

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Robbie Williams’ "Angels," co-written with Guy Chambers, blends sweeping production with karaoke-ready appeal, securing its place in late-'90s pop history despite chart peaks of No. 4 in the UK and No. 41 in the US. Its enduring cultural resonance includes a 2022 AI reboot featuring Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata." Similarly introspective, Myles Kennedy’s "Haunted by Design" shifts from Alter Bridge’s rock bombast to stripped-down blues, exploring grief through restrained acoustic textures.

Other highlights bring diverse tones: The Weeknd’s "Sidewalks," from "Starboy," pairs introspective lyrics with Kendrick Lamar’s sharp verses, while Jamie Cullum’s "Gran Torino," tied to Clint Eastwood’s film, opts for smoky jazz intimacy. Ed Sheeran’s "I’m a Mess," blending raw lyrics with pop accessibility, reflects a bittersweet confessional quality. Meanwhile, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins’ theatrical "Constipation Blues" thrives on eccentricity, showcasing absurdity with unmatched flair during a chaotic 1983 Serge Gainsbourg duet.

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This week In ’90s Throwback’ 07/52

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Jamiroquai’s "Cosmic Girl" blends disco-funk revival with '90s electronic flair, boasting syncopated rhythms and galactic-inspired lyrics, though its mechanical edge may feel rigid. Critics like Caroline Sullivan liken its harmonies to Earth, Wind & Fire, and David Morales' remixes add sleekness, though they lose some of the track’s quirky charm. Green Day’s "Longview" stands out as a slacker anthem, its iconic bassline wrapping themes of boredom and inertia in sharp humor, with Billie Joe Armstrong's delivery perfectly matching its restless energy.

Cher’s "Believe" marked a bold reinvention with its Auto-Tune effect, making it a defining pop track of the late '90s, earning Grammys and dominating charts globally. Nirvana’s "Lithium" encapsulates Cobain’s balance of spiritual tension and raw vulnerability, becoming a mainstay of "Nevermind" and a radio favorite. 2Pac’s "All About U" pairs a laid-back funk beat with biting commentary on fame, while Boyz II Men’s tearful "It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday" showcases a cappella brilliance, though it leans into emotional over-polish.? Take our 12-track quiz.

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‘Look Ma, No Mike!’ N°12 – Vintage 90s Music Videos

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Lilys' "A Nanny in Manhattan" packs retro ‘60s psychedelic vibes into a sharp, vibrant burst, blending intricate instrumentation with playful charm. Supergrass brings frenetic energy to Britpop with "Mansize Rooster," a swagger-filled track showing off loping basslines and Gaz Coombes’ elastic vocals. Meanwhile, Ride’s "Leave Them All Behind" cranks up hypnotic guitars and daring length, creating a noisy yet compelling shoegaze anthem.

Other highlights include The Cardigans’ reflective "Rise & Shine," a subtle precursor to their pop success, and Stereophonics’ heartfelt "Local Boy in the Photograph," weaving personal tragedy with Brit-rock melancholy. Wendy James’ Costello-penned "The Nameless One" leans on introspection, while Max Q’s "Sometimes" shows off Michael Hutchence’s evocative voice amid raw experimentation. The Wedding Present’s jangly "Brassneck" intros Bizarro with sharp emotion and Yorkshire wit.

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On French radio today, Jeff Buckley at ‘Top Live’ (1995)

On French radio today, Jeff Buckley at ‘Top Live’ (1995)
On French radio today, Jeff Buckley at ‘Top Live’ (1995)
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Happy Birthday Megan Thee Stallion

Happy Birthday Megan Thee Stallion
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Prince, Wendy, Lisa & Sheila E attend the Brit Awards (2006)

Prince, Wendy, Lisa & Sheila E attend the Brit Awards (2006)
Prince, Wendy, Lisa & Sheila E attend the Brit Awards (2006)

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The Carpenters attend the ‘Grand Gala du Disque’ in Amsterdam (1974)

The Carpenters attend the ‘Grand Gala du Disque’ in Amsterdam (1974)
The Carpenters attend the ‘Grand Gala du Disque’ in Amsterdam (1974)
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On Australian TV today, Crowded House at ‘Countdown Australia’ (1987)

On Australian TV today, Crowded House at ‘Countdown Australia’ (1987)
On Australian TV today, Crowded House at ‘Countdown Australia’ (1987)
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Dead & Company with John Mayer play on the beach (2018)

Dead & Company with John Mayer play on the beach (2018)
Dead & Company with John Mayer play on the beach (2018)
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On TV today, Celine Dion takes ‘No Chance’ on CBS (2008)

On TV today, Celine Dion takes ‘No Chance’ on CBS (2008)
On TV today, Celine Dion takes ‘No Chance’ on CBS (2008)
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Joe Jackson visits New Jersey (1980)

Joe Jackson visits New Jersey (1980)
Joe Jackson visits New Jersey (1980)
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Blind Boys of Alabama perform for Paste Magazine (2018)

Blind Boys of Alabama perform for Paste Magazine (2018)
Blind Boys of Alabama perform for Paste Magazine (2018)
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Tedeschi Trucks Band show ‘Signs’ in DC (2019)

Tedeschi Trucks Band show ‘Signs’ in DC (2019)
Tedeschi Trucks Band show ‘Signs’ in DC (2019)

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Frankie Beverly takes Raw Soul to San Francisco (1975)

Frankie Beverly takes Raw Soul to San Francisco (1975)
Frankie Beverly takes Raw Soul to San Francisco (1975)
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We remember Mike Bloomfield

We remember Mike Bloomfield
We remember Mike Bloomfield
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