How well do you know your music? Let’s find out with a quiz that accompanies this week playlist.
The subjects du jour are : Melanie B, Simply Red, 2 Unlimited, Betto Boo, Reel 2 Real, Ricky Martin, Mariah Carey, Cappella, Kim Wilde, Brothers In Rhythm, Utah Saints, Binary Finary
They are the performers of twelve vintage dance tunes that were ranked in various charts, this week (42/52) BUT … in the Nineties 90s.
1. Which distinctive visual element featured in the music video for Melanie B’s debut solo single?
- A A black-and-white film noir style
- B Gene Simmons-inspired makeup
- C Animated special effects
2. What genre does the Sly and Robbie cover of Gregory Isaacs’s “Night Nurse” belong to?
- A Pop rock
- B Soundtrack
- C Reggae
3. What notable achievement does 2 Unlimited’s debut single hold?
- A It topped the US Billboard Hot 100
- B It was nominated for a Grammy
- C It received a BMI Pop Award
4. Betto Boo’s “I’m On My Way” reflects which mid-90s music trend?
- A Grunge rock revival
- B Eurodance boom
- C Acoustic folk revival
5. What genre fusion is Reel 2 Real best known for in “Can You Feel It”?
- A Eurobeat and folk
- B Hip house
- C Jazz and swing
6. What lyrical theme is central to the Spanish-language hit recorded for the artist’s third studio album in 1995?
- A A love for the ocean
- B An alluring but risky woman
- C The quest for world peace
7. Which song by Mariah Carey involves a “Body Rock” loop and elements from “Hey DJ”?
- A Fantasy
- B Hero
- C Honey
8. Which track became one of the top-selling singles of 1993 in the UK, despite not reaching number one?
- A I Will Always Love You
- B Moving On Up
- C U Got 2 Know
9. How did Kim Wilde’s “Breakin’ Away” differ from her previous musical style?
- A It featured a country influence
- B It leaned towards a dance sound
- C It was completely instrumental
10. What unique sampling technique is employed in “Such a Good Feeling” by Brothers in Rhythm?
- A A capella samples only
- B Live band recordings
- C Samples from a 1976 cover
11. What was pioneering about Utah Saints’ 1991 single?
- A Use of autotune
- B Use of sampling technology
- C Use of modular synths
12. What is notable about the track “1999” by Binary Finary?
- A Its entirely acoustic performance
- B Its unique chord progression
- C Its acapella remix
For TWENTY FOUR more ‘Music For The Dancers’ – Vintage 90s Music Videos – week 42/52 – click here and here
Tracklist
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1 . Melanie B – I Want You Back (w/ Missy Elliott)Featured on the 1998 album “Why Do Fools Fall In Love”.
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2 . Simply Red – Night Nurse (w/ Sly and Robbie)
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3 . 2 Unlimited – Get Ready For ThisFeatured on the 1991 album “Get Ready!”.
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4 . Betto Boo – I’m On My WayFeatured on the 1992 album “Grrr!…It’s Betty Boo”.
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5 . Reel 2 Real – Can You Feel ItFeatured on the 1994 album “Move It!”.
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6 . Ricky Martin – MaríaFeatured on the 1995 album “A Medio Vivir”.
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7 . Mariah Carey – HoneyFeatured on the 1997 album “Butterfly“.
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8 . Cappella – U Got 2 Let The MusicFeatured on the 1993 album “U Got 2 Know”.
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9 . Kim Wilde – Breakin’ AwayFeatured on the 1995 album “Now & Forever”.
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10 . Brothers In Rhythm – Such a Good FeelingFeatured on the 1991 album “Such a Good Feeling EP”.
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11 . Utah Saints – What Can You Do For MeFeatured on the 1991 album “Utah Saints”. |
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12 . Binary Finary – 1999
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And the correct answers (in case you missed one or two) are:
1. Melanie B’s debut solo single music video is known for its Gene Simmons-inspired makeup. It was released during her Spice Girls touring period, adding a distinct visual flair.
2. The Sly and Robbie cover of “Night Nurse” is firmly rooted in the reggae genre. This collaboration with Simply Red marked a successful crossover into the UK charts.
3. The debut single by 2 Unlimited received a BMI Pop Award. It became an international sporting event staple, showcasing global appeal beyond initial chart performance.
4. Betto Boo’s “I’m On My Way” is characterized by the Eurodance style prevalent in the 90s. These upbeat, synth-driven tracks dominated continental Europe’s airwaves.
5. “Can You Feel It” by Reel 2 Real is a classic example of hip house, which combines house music’s beats with hip hop’s lyrical style. This fusion was crucial in 90s dance scenes.
6. The Spanish track written in 1995 centralizes around an alluring yet dangerous woman. Its fusion of flamenco, dance, and salsa adds to its seductive narrative.
7. Mariah Carey’s “Honey,” from her album *Butterfly*, incorporates a “Body Rock” loop and elements from “Hey DJ.” The track highlights her collaborative work with hip-hop producers.
8. Cappella’s “U Got 2 Know” was among the top sellers in 1993 UK but didn’t hit number one. The Eurodance track heavily samples Alphaville, showcasing 90s dance hit formula.
9. “Breakin’ Away” displayed a marked shift for Kim Wilde towards a dance-oriented sound. This was a fresh direction compared to her earlier rock and pop influences.
10. “Such a Good Feeling” by Brothers in Rhythm uniquely employs samples from Charvoni’s “Always There.” These samples originated as a cover, layered within their 1991 hit.
11. Utah Saints’ 1991 single was pioneering for its sampling technique. The clever manipulation of Eurythmics’ and Gwen Guthrie’s vocals defined its breakthrough success.
12. “1999” by Binary Finary is noted for its complex chord progression in trance music. This musical innovation distinguished it from other tracks in the genre and attracted wide acclaim.
For THE FULL ‘MUSIC FOR THE DANCERS’ COLLECTION click here
