How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Saint Etienne, Natalie Imbruglia, Robbie Williams, The Cure, Shawn Mullins, Paul Young, Annie Lennox, Simply Red, Kim Wilde, Spice Girls, The Seahorses, Boyzone
They are the performers of twelve vintage love songs that were ranked in various charts, this week (23/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.
For TWENTY FOUR more 'L'Amour Toujours' - Vintage 90s Music Videos - week 23/52 - click here and here
Tracklist
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1 . Saint Etienne - Hobart PavingThis song, directed by Ian Catt, showcases the soft voice of Sarah Cracknell. Ian Catt, known for his work with The Field Mice and Northern Picture Library, brings a touch of nostalgia and melancholy. The lyrics evoke urban landscapes and a certain nostalgia, and the video was filmed on the cobbled streets of Hobart in Australia. Writer(s) : Bob Stanley, Peter Stewart Wiggs Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Music Ltd Featured on the 1993 album "So Tough".
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2 . Natalie Imbruglia - Big MistakeWith the production of Ian Stanley, a former member of Tears for Fears and producer of A-ha, this song was co-written by Natalie Imbruglia and Mark Goldenberg, known for his work with Jackson Browne. The lyrics talk about personal mistakes and regrets. The video was filmed in one day on the bustling streets of Los Angeles, capturing the city's frenetic energy. The music video is directed by Alison Maclean. Writer(s) : Mark Goldenberg, Natalie Jane Imbruglia Publisher(s) : Windswept Pacific Songs, Bmg Music Publ Ltd Featured on the 1997 album "Left of the Middle".
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3 . Robbie Williams - AngelsCo-written by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers and produced by Steve Power, who also worked with Blur and McFly. Inspired by Williams' personal struggles, this track has become iconic. Williams has often mentioned that he was inspired by an imaginary guardian angel, and this anecdote is frequently shared during his concerts. The music video is directed by Vaughan Arnell. Writer(s) : Guy Antony Chambers, Robbie Williams Publisher(s) : Bella Figura Music Ltd, Farrell Music Limited Featured on the 1997 album "Life thru a Lens".
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4 . The Cure - Friday I'm In LoveThis song, under the production of Robert Smith and Dave Allen, is known for its catchy guitar riff and optimistic lyrics. Dave Allen, who also collaborated with Depeche Mode and The Sisters of Mercy, helped create the distinctive sound of the track. Robert Smith wrote this song in just ten minutes on a Friday morning, adding spontaneity to the classic. The music video is directed by Tim Pope. Writer(s) : Robert James Smith, Simon Johnathon Gallup, Perry Bamonte, Boris Williams, Porl Thompson Publisher(s) : Fiction Songs Ltd Featured on the 1992 album "Wish".
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5 . Shawn Mullins - LullabyThe production of this track was handled by Shawn Mullins and Matthew Spinks. The song is famous for its spoken narration and introspective lyrics, evoking Mullins' life experiences in Los Angeles. Written after a night of reflection on Hollywood Boulevard, it captures the essence of his thoughts on life in this iconic city. The music video is directed by Roger Pistole. Writer(s) : Shawn Eric Mullins Publisher(s) : Roadieodie Music Featured on the 1998 album "Soul's Core".
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6 . Paul Young - Softly Whispering I Love YouDon Was, who collaborated with The Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt, produced this cover of a song by The Congregation. Paul Young's powerful voice is highlighted in this track, which is a tribute to his favorite band of the 70s. The music video is directed by Neil Abramson. Writer(s) : Reginald Roger John Greenaway, Roger Frederick Cook Publisher(s) : Cookaway Music Ltd Featured on the 1990 album "Other Voices".
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7 . Annie Lennox - PreciousStephen Lipson, famous for his work with Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Grace Jones, produced this track by Annie Lennox. The lyrics, inspired by personal experiences, speak of the value of love and relationships. Lennox wrote this song during a meditation retreat in Scotland, where she found inner peace and creative inspiration. The music video is directed by Sophie Muller. Writer(s) : David Allan Stewart, Charlie Cai Wilson, Ann Lennox Publisher(s) : Eligible Music Ltd (Gb), C Dub Music Publishing Featured on the 1992 album "Diva".
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8 . Simply Red - Say You Love MeAndy Wright, who has worked with Simple Minds and Jeff Beck, produced this Simply Red song. Known for Mick Hucknall's soulful voice, the lyrics talk about unconditional love. Hucknall wrote the song after reuniting with his childhood love, a meeting that deeply touched him. The music video is directed by Marcus Nispel. Writer(s) : Rhett Lawrence Publisher(s) : Rhettski Music Featured on the 1998 album "Blue".
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9 . Kim Wilde - Love Is HolyRick Nowels, famous for his collaborations with Madonna and Stevie Nicks, produced and co-wrote this song with Kim Wilde. The lyrics, which talk about love and spirituality, were inspired by Wilde's visit to a Buddhist temple. The music video is directed by Zanna. Writer(s) : Richard W Jr Nowels, Ellen Shipley Publisher(s) : Bmg Bumblebee, Spirit Catalogue Holdings S A R L Featured on the 1992 album "Love Is".
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10 . Spice Girls - 2 Become 1Matt Rowe and Richard Stannard, known for their work with Kylie Minogue and All Saints, produced this Spice Girls song. Talking about love and connection, it was written during an all-night session, capturing the group's intense creative energy at that time. The music video is directed by Big TV!. Writer(s) : Guy Antony Chambers, Jewel Biff, Melanie Brown, Victoria Adams, Matthew Rowbottom, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, Melanie Chisholm Publisher(s) : Wiggly Tooth Music, Bella Figura Music Ltd, Emi April Music Inc Featured on the 1996 album "Spice".
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11 . The Seahorses - Love Is The LawTony Visconti, legendary for his work with David Bowie and T. Rex, produced this track by The Seahorses. John Squire's guitar work is highlighted in this song with lyrics about freedom and love. Squire wrote it after leaving The Stone Roses to form The Seahorses, exploring new musical horizons. The music video is directed by Nick Egan. Writer(s) : John Squire Publisher(s) : Polygram Music Publishing Ltd (Gb) Featured on the 1997 album "Do It Yourself". |
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12 . Boyzone - All That I NeedJim Steinman, who wrote songs for Bonnie Tyler and Meat Loaf, including Bat Out of Hell, produced this song. Known for its catchy melody and vocal harmonies, it was recorded in a single take, capturing raw and sincere emotion, and became one of Boyzone's biggest hits. The music video is directed by Cameron Casey. Writer(s) : Carl Allen Sturken, Evan A Rogers Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation, Bayjun Beat Music Featured on the 1998 album "Where We Belong".
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Singer Sarah Cracknell said that "You're in a Bad Way" includes lines she dreamt and later incorporated into the song, adding a dreamy touch to its creation. Saint Etienne blended electronic influences with pop, defining their 1990s sound.
2. Natalie Imbruglia's video for her 1998 single was filmed in Barcelona. Director Alison Maclean captured the scenic streets, adding an aesthetic layer to the pop rock narrative.
3. "Angels" was Robbie Williams’ fourth single from "Life thru a Lens," bolstering his solo career with its ballad tone. It was well-received in the UK and abroad, pushing the album's success.
4. The Cure's song from "Wish" was supposed to be in D major, but an engaged vari-speed during mixing shifted it a quarter-tone up. Fans got a unique sound due to this accidental choice.
5. Shawn Mullins' song did not appear on an 8-track, that nostalgic format. This successful single soared through charts in multiple countries, making Mullins a known name worldwide.
6. Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway wrote "Softly Whispering I Love You" in 1967, way before Paul Young's version topped charts. It naturally fit into the pattern of notable covers that populated the music scene.
7. "Step by Step" was the B-side of Annie Lennox’s single. Whitney Houston later breathed new life into the track with her rendition for "The Preacher's Wife" soundtrack.
8. Simply Red’s song "Say You Love Me All Around the World" features Mick Hucknall's signature vocals against global love themes, illustrating the band’s far-reaching poetic style.
9. Kim Wilde released a song that was notably not penned by her or her family, showcasing the songwriting talents of Rick Nowels and Ellen Shipley instead. This marked a departure in her usual musical process.
10. "2 Become 1" by the Spice Girls was their first UK Christmas number-one single. This marked a festive milestone in their career, showcasing global pop power.
11. John Squire's own painting was featured on The Seahorses' debut single cover. The guitarist's artistic flair extends beyond music, leaving a visual imprint on their material.
12. Boyzone's "All That I Need" repeatedly uses "the words that I read," underscoring the song’s lyrical devotion. The track served as a pop ballad on true love’s features.
For THE FULL 'L'AMOUR TOUJOURS' COLLECTION click here
