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Last updated on Jan 1,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . Leo Sayer - When I Need You"When I Need You" is a romantic song by Leo Sayer, released in 1977. It expresses the longing felt during a separation due to distance. Richard Perry, producer of Sayer's album "Endless Flight," brought together renowned session musicians to record this track, which became Sayer's biggest hit, reaching the top of the pop and adult contemporary charts. Among them, Bobby Keys, the famous saxophonist of the Rolling Stones, plays the saxophone solo that adds an inimitable touch to this emotional ballad. Some claim that the melody of the chorus is remarkably similar to a part of Leonard Cohen's "Famous Blue Raincoat." I'll let you judge. Writer(s) : Carole Bayer Sager, Albert Louis Hammond Publisher(s) : Albert Hammond Music Featured on the 1976 album Endless Flight
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 2 . Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?Created for the film "Don Juan DeMarco" starring Marlon Brando, Johnny Depp, and Faye Dunaway (1995), this song is penned by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. It features a recurring melody throughout the movie. Recorded in Jamaica, it includes a guitar performance by Paco de Lucía. The song topped the charts in the US and Canada. "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?" was even nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song but lost to "Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas. The corresponding music video was shot by Anton Corbijn in a bar in Marbella, Spain. The music video is directed by Anton Corbijn. Writer(s) : Bryan Adams, Robert John Lange, Michael Arnold Kamen, Rudy Perez Publisher(s) : Out Of Pocket Publishing Co, Badams Music Limited, New Line Music Corp, Rubet Music, K Man Corp
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 3 . Paul McCartney - Hope Of Deliverance"Hope of Deliverance" by Paul McCartney arrived in late 1992, carrying a melodic optimism that marked the opening act of his "Off the Ground" album era. Written and produced alongside Julian Mendelsohn, the song aims for the universal, with its feel-good chords and sing-along refrain dripping with earnest hopefulness. Charting better in Europe than in his native UK or the US, it found a warm reception in places like Germany, where it reached No. 3, making McCartney's global pull evident even as his commercial clout waned in certain markets. The accompanying music video, directed by Andy Morahan, goes all-in on its evocative jungle-inspired visuals, with McCartney and his band performing in what feels like a fever dream of tribal motifs, underscoring themes of cultural unity. Not without its quirks, the single also served as a vehicle for releasing B-sides like "Big Boys Bickering," which offered a more pointed view of McCartney’s worlds, far removed from "hope." While it wasn’t the anthem of its day, its spot on live setlists during his "New World Tour" and a 2001 compilation nod confirmed its quiet resilience in McCartney’s sprawling catalog. Featured on the 1993 album Off the Ground
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 4 . Bonnie Raitt - Nick Of TimeWritten in 1989, "Nick Of Time" by Bonnie Raitt was produced by Don Was, known for his work with The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. Recorded at Ocean Way Recording in Los Angeles, it featured on the eponymous album that won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 1990. The song, which addresses themes of aging and redemption, was widely acclaimed upon release. The music video is directed by Tamra Davis. Writer(s) : Bonnie Raitt Publisher(s) : Kokomo Music Featured on the 1989 album Nick of Time
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 5 . Bryan Adams - Back To YouBryan Adams’ "Back to You" emerges as a standout track from his *MTV Unplugged* album, recorded live in 1997 at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. This acoustic piece manages to sidestep the pitfalls of overproduction, instead leaning on Adams’ raspy vocals and a stripped-back arrangement that feels refreshingly intimate. The live rendition is bolstered by the inclusion of Irish violinist Máire Breatnach and longtime collaborators Keith Scott and Mickey Curry, whose synergy infuses the performance with a tangible warmth. Instead of the bombast typical of live albums, this track thrives on nuance, from the subtle interplay of guitar and strings to the restrained yet evocative rhythm section. It’s the kind of collaboration that highlights Adams’ knack for marrying pop sensibilities with rock authenticity. Released as a single in late 1997, "Back to You" secured respectable chart positions across Canada, the UK, and Europe. In Canada, it held the top spot on the RPM Top Singles chart across three nonconsecutive weeks—a testament to its staying power. Elsewhere, its presence wasn’t seismic but remained noticeable, peaking within reasonable distance of the top chart tiers in regions like Australia and Hungary. While lyrically centered on themes of nostalgia and love, the track avoids syrupy sentimentality, opting instead for a more grounded take on longing and connection. Its chorus is effortlessly singable without feeling overly engineered for mainstream appeal, a fine line that Adams walks with skill. Critics from publications such as *Billboard* praised its acoustic charm and breezy yet emotive delivery, acknowledging its crossover potential among pop and rock audiences. The track later found its way onto Bryan Adams’ 1999 compilation album *The Best of Me* and was re-recorded for 2022’s *Classic Pt. II*. Both iterations reaffirmed its enduring appeal, but neither could quite recapture the raw immediacy of the original unplugged performance. That night in New York remains the song’s definitive moment, framed by an arrangement that amplifies its charm without overshadowing its simplicity. A footnote to the night of the recording includes two B-side gems, "Hey Elvis" and a medley featuring "Can’t Stop This Thing We Started / It Ain’t a Party…If You Can’t Come ‘Round," the latter exclusively available on the *MTV Unplugged* DVD. All these elements combined convey a sense of cohesion, showcasing Adams’ ability to adapt his work to an unplugged setting without losing its core appeal. In hindsight, "Back to You" feels like one of those rare moments where commercial ambition and artistic integrity coexist peacefully. It didn’t reinvent Adams’ career or redefine acoustic performances, yet it carved its own space, earning a level of admiration that has stood the test of time. It’s a track less concerned with being iconic and more invested in doing justice to its emotional underpinnings. For an artist often tied to the grandiosity of arena anthems, this song thrives in its relative quietude—a fleeting but memorable instance of Bryan Adams going back to basics.
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 6 . Bob Seger - Hollywood NightsReleased in 1978, "Hollywood Nights" was recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami. Produced by Seger and Punch Andrews, it captures the raw energy of Los Angeles nightlife. The song reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ
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 7 . Bob Seger - Night MovesWritten in 1976, "Night Moves" captures the nostalgia of adolescence. Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Alabama, this song marked a turning point in Seger's career, becoming a major hit in the US. Produced by Jack Richardson, who had worked with The Guess Who, it features renowned musicians from the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. The official video, released in 1994, features Matt LeBlanc (yes, Joey from Friends) and Daphne Zuniga (yes, Jo from Melrose Place) in a '60s drive-in. The music video is directed by Wayne Isham. Writer(s) : Robert Clark Seger Publisher(s) : Gear Publ Featured on the 1976 album Night Moves
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 8 . Pretenders - KidProduced by Nick Lowe, "Kid" is a 1979 single by The Pretenders, written by lead singer and guitarist Chrissie Hynde. The track is characterized by its blend of punk rock and new wave. With lyrics filled with emotion and vulnerability, addressing themes of relationships and personal growth, "Kid" was well received by critics and remains a fan favorite. Writer(s) : Chrissie Hynde Publisher(s) : Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited Featured on the 1979 album Pretenders
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 9 . Eric Clapton - Wonderful TonightDedicated to Pattie Boyd, then his girlfriend, "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton, released in 1977, is a romantic ballad written after an evening where Clapton waited for Boyd to get ready to go out. Producer Glyn Johns, known for his work with the Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, helped create an intimate and authentic sound for a song that captures the simplicity and beauty of everyday love. Writer(s) : Eric Clapton Publisher(s) : Throat Music Ltd Featured on the 1977 album Slowhand
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 10 . Bee Gees - For Whom The Bell TollsInspired by Ernest Hemingway's novel of the same name, which itself takes its title from a poem by John Donne, "For Whom the Bell Tolls" by the Bee Gees, released in 1993, explores themes of loss and mourning. Maurice Gibb described the song as a reflection on the end of an era and the melancholy that follows. In 1994, the song won a Brit Award for Best British Video, highlighting its visual and emotional impact. The song was also included in the soundtrack of the film "My Girl 2," directed by Howard Zieff, starring Anna Chlumsky and Dan Aykroyd. The music video is directed by Gregg Masuak. Writer(s) : Maurice Ernest Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb, Barry Alan Gibb Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Crompton Songs Featured on the 1993 album Size Isn't Everything
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 11 . Bee Gees - Alone"Alone" is a song by the Bee Gees released in 1997. It's one of the group's last great ballads, highlighting Barry Gibb's distinctive voice. With its poignant melody, the song explores themes of loneliness and the search for comfort. The track reached the top 10 in several countries, including the UK and Germany. "Alone" was also performed during their reunion concerts, solidifying its status among the group's fans. The music video is directed by Nick Egan. Writer(s) : Maurice Ernest Gibb, Robin Hugh Gibb Publisher(s) : Crompton Songs, Redbreast Publishing Ltd, Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd Featured on the 1997 album Still Waters
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 12 . Bryan Adams - [Everything I Do] I Do It For YouCreated for the film "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" in 1991, "[Everything I Do] I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams was written by Bryan Adams, Michael Kamen, and Robert John "Mutt" Lange. Recorded in London, it achieved phenomenal international success, topping the charts in at least 19 countries, including the US and UK, and selling over 15 million copies worldwide. The music video is directed by Julien Temple. Writer(s) : Michael Arnold Kamen, Michael Arnold Kamen Publisher(s) : Out Of Pocket Publishing Co, Zachary Creek Music Inc, Miracle Creek Music Inc, 2855 Music, Almo Music Corporation Featured on the 1991 album Waking Up the Neighbours
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 13 . Status Quo - Fun Fun FunReleased in 1996, "Fun Fun Fun" is an energetic collaboration between Status Quo and The Beach Boys. This cover of the classic 1964 Beach Boys song brings a unique mix of British rock and American surf rock. The idea for this collaboration came about during Status Quo's "Don't Stop" tour, celebrating their passion for rock classics. "Fun Fun Fun" tells the story of a teenager having fun with her father's Ford Thunderbird until he takes away the keys. Undeterred, her free and rebellious spirit finds other ways to have fun. Don't ask me how! Writer(s) : Mike E Love, Brian Douglas Wilson, Fernand Bonifay Featured on the 1996 album Don't Stop
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 14 . Mike + The Mechanics - Over My ShoulderWith Paul Carrack's raw emotion, "Over My Shoulder" by Mike + The Mechanics, released in 1995, is a song about broken relationships and regrets. The music video shows a couple frolicking in a cemetery while the band strums on guitars. Let's admit that the metaphor completely escapes us. The song became a hit in Europe, reaching the Top 20 in several countries. Mike Rutherford, also a founding member of Genesis, used this song to explore more personal and introspective themes. Writer(s) : Paul Melvyn Carrack, Michael Rutherford Publisher(s) : Michael Rutherford Publishing Ltd, Plangent Visions Music Ltd Featured on the 1995 album Beggar on a Beach of Gold
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 15 . Patty Smyth - Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough (w/ Don Henley)A major commercial success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a hit on Adult Contemporary radio, "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" is a duet by Patty Smyth and Don Henley, released in 1992. Produced by Danny Kortchmar, known for his work with James Taylor and Carly Simon, the song was recorded during a pivotal time in both Smyth's and Henley's solo careers. Two years later, Patty Smyth co-wrote "Look What Love Has Done," a Grammy and Oscar-nominated song for the "Junior" soundtrack, and five years later, she married former tennis player John McEnroe. The music video is directed by Scott Kalvert. Writer(s) : Joleen L Belle, Ronald James Finn Publisher(s) : Bok Music Featured on the 1992 album Patty Smyth
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 16 . Rod Stewart - Downtown Train"Downtown Train" is a cover of Tom Waits' 1985 song by Rod Stewart, released in 1989. Producer Trevor Horn, who also worked with artists like Frankie Goes to Hollywood, helped Stewart turn this song into a mainstream hit. It reached the third spot on the Billboard Hot 100. The song speaks of longing and hope of reuniting with a lost love while the video tells the journey of a young woman on the subway while Rod sings his heart out on the platform. The music video is directed by Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Writer(s) : Kathleen Brennan, Thomas Alan Waits Publisher(s) : Jalma Music Featured on the 1991 album Vagabond Heart
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 17 . Pretenders - 2000 Miles"2000 Miles" by The Pretenders is a bittersweet reflection veiled in a holiday setting, tapping into themes of love and loss with subtle poignancy. Written by Chrissie Hynde, its origins are often linked to the memory of their former guitarist James Honeyman-Scott, whose passing left a mark on the band’s trajectory. Musically, the song leans on swelling guitars and Hynde’s plaintive vocals, echoing the style of '60s ballads while painting a wintry scene that lingers in quiet introspection. Released as part of the 1983 album *Learning to Crawl*, the track reached No. 15 on the UK Singles Chart, demonstrating its commercial and emotional resonance. A music video filled with picturesque snowfall complemented its tone, but the track stands apart for avoiding stereotypical festive cheer in favor of understated melancholy. Over the decades, its adaptability has been proven through covers by artists like Coldplay, who’ve added their own textures without diluting its essence. With every listen, the yearning embedded in the song feels timeless, securing its place on wintertime playlists that crave something more than surface seasonal joy. Featured on the 1983 album Learning to Crawl
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 18 . Mike + The Mechanics - Another Cup Of Coffee"Another Cup of Coffee" by Mike + The Mechanics tells the poignant story of emotional distance between two people, the end of a relationship, evoking themes of loneliness, regrets, and reflection on the past. The cup of coffee is what a woman pours herself while contemplating a stain on the wall. Imagine a better symbol of monotony and melancholy. Paul Carrack, the lead singer, was also a member of famous bands like Squeeze and Ace. "Another Cup of Coffee" is often praised for its production quality, characteristic of Mike Rutherford's style, who is also a founding member of Genesis. The music video is directed by Gregg Masuak. Featured on the 1995 album Beggar on a Beach of Gold
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 19 . Tom Petty - You Wreck MeProduced by Rick Rubin, known for his work with artists like Johnny Cash and Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tom Petty's "You Wreck Me," released in 1994, talks about the intensity and destructiveness of love. "You Wreck Me" became a staple in Tom Petty's concerts, showcasing his distinctive guitar style and stage energy. The song was also used in the 1996 film "She's the One," directed by Edward Burns. The music video is directed by Martyn Atkins. Writer(s) : Mike R Campbell, Tom Petty Publisher(s) : Adria K Music, Wild Gator Music, Notoriousjbpsongs Featured on the 1994 album Wildflowers
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 20 . Carly Simon - You're So VainKnown for its mysterious lyrics seemingly aimed at a narcissistic lover, "You're So Vain" by Carly Simon was released in 1972. Mick Jagger, who provided uncredited backing vocals, along with orchestral string arrangements by Paul Buckmaster, adds extra depth to this iconic track. The song reached number one on the Billboard charts, becoming one of Simon's biggest hits. For decades after its release, the identity of the man described in the song remained a subject of intense speculation and debate until Simon revealed in 2015 that the second verse was about actor Warren Beatty, with whom she had a relationship in the 1970s. The music video is directed by Sam Griffith. Writer(s) : Carly E Simon Publisher(s) : Cest Music, Universal Music Corporation Featured on the 1972 album No Secrets
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ABOUT 90s MELLOW GOLDWhat is Mellow Gold ?The term “Mellow Gold” combines “mellow,” meaning soft and pleasant, and “gold,” suggesting timeless value and quality. It emerges in the 1970s, a time when people seek comfort and relaxation. FM radio stations, with their soft music formats, play a crucial role in popularizing this musical style. As a distinct style, “Mellow Gold” fuses influences from folk and soft rock music. Artists like Carpenters, Bread, and America are among the pioneers. They set the standards for the genre, with songs that blend memorable melodies with evocative lyrics. Evolution of Mellow Gold in the 80s and 90sIn the 80s and 90s, the “Mellow Gold” style evolves by adapting to new musical trends. While the 70s are marked by acoustic sounds and gentle melodies, the following decades see more elaborate productions and the integration of new technologies—synthesizers, drum machines—and diverse musical styles. Over the years, “Mellow Gold” artists incorporate elements of pop, R&B, and even rap or electronic music to stay relevant. This ability to evolve while maintaining key characteristics allows “Mellow Gold” music to remain popular with new generations of listeners. Influence of Mellow Gold on Other Genres“Mellow Gold” has a significant impact on several other musical genres. Its focus on melody and harmonious arrangements leaves a lasting mark on contemporary pop and soft rock. Many pop and rock artists from the 90s and beyond draw from “Mellow Gold” to create accessible and emotionally resonant tracks. Genres like “adult contemporary” and “smooth jazz” also feel its influence. |
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