90's Nostalgia: Pearl Jam - 'Jeremy'

"At home

Drawing pictures
Of mountain tops
With him on top
Lemon yellow sun
Arms raised in a V
And the dead lay in pools of maroon below"

I don't think anyone really expected "Jeremy" to break through quite the way that it did. Released as the third single from Pearl Jam's landmark 1991 debut album Ten, the song wasn't initially treated like an obvious blockbuster. It never received a standard commercial single release in the United States, which meant it wasn't eligible to climb the Billboard Hot 100 in the traditional way at the time. Yet somehow, it became one of the defining songs of the entire grunge era.

The reason? MTV.

Back when music television still had the power to launch songs into another stratosphere, the video for "Jeremy" arrived like a punch to the gut. Even if you only saw it once, you remembered it. The striking imagery, rapid-fire editing, and emotionally charged performance by Eddie Vedder made it impossible to ignore. It wasn't just another rock video, it felt like a short film that demanded your attention.

Vedder wrote the lyrics after reading a newspaper story about a Texas high school student who died by suicide in front of his classmates. He blended that real-life tragedy with another difficult childhood memory, creating a song that explored isolation, bullying, neglect, and the devastating consequences that can follow when someone feels invisible. Those themes were unsettling then, and sadly, they remain just as relevant today.

What made "Jeremy" so powerful wasn't simply the subject matter. It was the way Pearl Jam refused to sugarcoat it. The band paired haunting lyrics with one of the most unforgettable music videos of the '90s. Rather than relying on shock value alone, the video created an atmosphere that stayed with you long after it ended. It sparked conversations at school, around the dinner table, and among music fans who suddenly realized that rock songs could tackle subjects this heavy.

By the time the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards rolled around, "Jeremy" had become a cultural phenomenon. The video earned four Moon Person awards, including Video of the Year, cementing Pearl Jam as one of the biggest bands in the world and proving just how influential MTV could be during that era.

Looking back, "Jeremy" wasn't just another hit from Ten. It became a defining moment for an entire generation of music fans. It's one of those rare songs where the music and the visuals became inseparable. Mention "Jeremy," and chances are people immediately picture the video.

More than 30 years later, it remains one of the most powerful,  haunting songs of the decade. Not because it was everywhere on the radio, but because it made people stop, watch, and think. That's a rare accomplishment, and it's a big reason why "Jeremy" still stands as one of Pearl Jam's greatest achievements.

90's Nostalgia: SWV - 'I'm So Into You'

"Boy, there you go 
You're telling me that you love me 
But boy you know 
That you belong to another girl who loves you 
You are so fine, (so fine, so fine) 
You blow my mind 
(Things you do) with the things you do to me 
(She sees) She's not blind, she's not blind 
Things you do for me, but I know 
[Chorus]
I'm so into you 
I don't know what I'm gonna do 
Boy, you got me so confused 
I don't know what I'm gonna do.

It's been a while since I've featured some classic '90s R&B, so I figured it was time to give SWV the spotlight.

Originally formed in the late 1980s as a gospel group, Sisters With Voices eventually shortened their name to SWV and embraced the exploding R&B scene of the early '90s. It turned out to be the perfect move. By 1992, smooth harmonies, slow jams, and heartfelt love songs were dominating both radio and MTV, and SWV quickly became one of the defining groups of the era.

It seemed like you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing "Weak," "Right Here," or "I'm So Into You." Flip over to MTV, and there they were again. Every couple of hours it felt like another SWV video was making its way into rotation. Along with groups like Jade, Xscape, En Vogue, and TLC, they helped define what R&B sounded like during one of the genre's strongest periods.

I'll admit something, though. Back then, I didn't always appreciate just how good we had it. I'd be watching MTV and think, "Ugh... there's SWV again." Funny how time changes your perspective.

Now? I'd love nothing more than to turn on MTV and have one of their videos randomly pop up. Those songs instantly transport me back to a simpler time when my biggest concern was getting through school, heading to work, or figuring out what music video was coming on next. Life moved a little slower, and somehow these songs became part of the soundtrack to all of it.

I think that's one of the reasons '90s R&B has aged so gracefully. The production still sounds smooth, the harmonies remain incredible, and the songs were built around melodies instead of trends. They're timeless in a way that so much modern music struggles to be.

I'm not even sure I can pick a favorite SWV song. "Weak" is a classic. "Right Here" is impossible not to sing along with. But today I'm going with "I'm So Into You." There's just something about its laid-back groove and effortless vocals that still sounds as fresh today as it did over 30 years ago.

If it's been a while since you've heard it, do yourself a favor. Press play, close your eyes, and let it take you back to the golden age of slow jams. I have a feeling you'll appreciate it even more now than you did back then.

90's Nostalgia: Jade - 'Don't Walk Away'

"I've got all this love, waiting just for you
I just gotta know that your love is true
Can't keep running boy in and out my life
Wanna be your girl, not 'cause the mood is right"

When people look back at the '90s, the conversation usually centers around grunge, alternative rock, and the Seattle explosion. And while I definitely appreciated some of that music, a huge part of my soundtrack during the decade came from somewhere completely different. For me, the '90s belonged just as much to R&B, New Jack Swing, freestyle, and those unforgettable slow jams that filled radio stations and dance clubs alike.

While alternative music was dominating MTV headlines, there was another world thriving alongside it. Artists like SWV, En Vogue, Jodeci, Boyz II Men, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and Jade were creating some of the smoothest, catchiest music of the decade. It was impossible to escape it if you listened to urban radio or spent your weekends at the clubs.

One of my absolute favorites from that era was Jade.

The trio- Tonya Kelly, Di Reed, and Joi Marshall- arrived on the scene in 1991, but it was 1992 that changed everything. Their breakout success helped launch their debut album, Jade to the Max, introducing audiences to a group that blended gorgeous harmonies with an undeniable pop appeal. They could deliver heartfelt ballads just as easily as upbeat club tracks, making them one of the more versatile female groups of the era.

The album's signature hit, "Don't Walk Away," quickly became their calling card.

Released as one of the album's lead singles, "Don't Walk Away" exploded throughout 1992 before becoming one of the hottest dance records of 1993. It climbed into the Billboard Top 10, crossed over onto multiple charts, and became a staple in dance clubs across the country. Even today, the opening beat instantly transports me back to that time.

What made the song so memorable was its perfect balance of polished production and emotion. The lyrics tell the story of someone desperately trying to save a relationship before it's too late, but instead of sounding melancholy, the song wraps that vulnerability inside an irresistible groove. It's emotional enough to sing along with while still making you want to get up and dance.

That combination was something early-'90s R&B seemed to do better than almost any other genre.

The production still holds up remarkably well. The crisp percussion, layered keyboards, and infectious hook capture everything that made New Jack Swing and contemporary R&B so exciting during that period. It sounds sophisticated without ever feeling overproduced, and Jade's harmonies elevate every chorus.

Following "Don't Walk Away," the group continued to find success with singles like "Looking for Mr. Do Right," "One Woman," and "Every Day of the Week." While they never quite reached the same commercial heights as some of their contemporaries, they carved out a loyal fanbase and left behind a catalog that's still worth revisiting today.

Like many groups from the era, Jade eventually went their separate ways by the late '90s as musical trends shifted. Thankfully, they've reunited on occasion over the years for reunion shows and special performances, giving longtime fans another chance to hear those incredible harmonies live.

For me, though, nothing tops "Don't Walk Away."

Every time I hear it, I'm reminded why I loved '90s R&B so much. It represents an era when dance music had soul, vocal groups ruled the charts, and radio playlists effortlessly mixed emotion with infectious grooves. It's one of those songs that instantly takes me back, and nearly three decades later, it still sounds just as fresh.

If you've forgotten about Jade or if you've somehow never heard them before, then do yourself a favor and revisit "Don't Walk Away." It's one of those songs that deserves far more recognition whenever we talk about the best R&B hits of the early '90s.

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Shai - 'If I Ever Fall In Love'

"The very first time
That I saw your brown eyes
Your lips said hello and I said hi
I knew right then you were the one
But I was caught up
In physical attraction
But to my satisfaction
Baby you were more than just a face"

Shai is one of those groups that I expected to go so much further than they actually did. The quartet first got together in the early 90's and by 1992 the title song, "If I Ever Fall In Love" , from their first album shot to number 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Their first three albums produced songs that at least charted and after 1996 they dropped off the radar. If you google the group now you'll see that they do still pop up and perform here and there, but it's none of the original members. 

It's strange how sometimes a group with so much potential just kind of fizzles out with no real explanation. The original Shai was super talented, hot and marketable. Check out their video for "If I Ever Fall In Love" below!

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Alice In Chains - 'Would?'

"Into the flood again
Same old trip it was back then
So I made a big mistake
Try to see it once my way
Drifting body it's sole desertion
Flying not yet quite the notion"

The early 90's were truly one of the most depressing eras in music history. Grunge replaced hair metal and suddenly everyone was not just introspective, but fairly depressive and that's probably why the sound didn't last for very long. The great thing about grunge was that artists had found their way back to writing real songs again. Between glam rock songs about partying and hot chicks, and dance songs about partying and having a good time, the end of the 80's songwriting lacked depth. It was kind of refreshing to hear artists saying things that mattered again.

I think one of the best examples to come out of the 90's is Alice in Chains' "Would". Sure it embodied the heavy sound that everyone was creating but it also touched on death, addiction and not passing judgment. Jerry Cantrell had been thinking of Andrew Wood (who had died of a heroin overdose a few years earlier) and all of the issues that his untimely death had caused, so he put it to music and people got it. 

The song itself holds up better than most other early 90's tracks. Grunge has a way of sounding dated now and only a handful of tracks seem to have held up as well as "Would?". Check out the video below.

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia- Laissez Faire- 'In Paradise'

You are the sun, I am the sky
Together we'll live in paradise
Our hopes and dreams will come alive
In paradise

Do you remember Laissez Faire?  Gina, Marlo and Jennifer first got together in 1989 and eventually put out an album under Metropolitan Records. While Hands Off didn't do as well on the charts as they may have wanted, the ladies did develop a strong fan base within the freestyle community. "In Paradise" the groups' first single did do quite well on the dance charts and brought Laissez Faire enough clout to open for the then-huge Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch.

This song is Laissez Faire's signature jam and they are still performing it. The ladies recently reunited for the first time in 15 years and pop up occasionally to perform at live events.

90's Nostalgia: Tori Amos- 'Crucify'

"I've been looking for a savior in these dirty streets

Looking for a savior beneath these dirty sheets

I've been raising up my hands, drive another nail in

Got enough guilt to start my own religion

Why do we crucify ourselves?

Every day I crucify myself

And nothing I do is good enough for you

Crucify myself"

Tori Amos has always been the kind of woman that leaves a lasting impression. Her song "Crucify" was the breakout song from Tori's Little Earthquakes album back in 1992 and it also served as a bit of a calling card. In a sea of grunge bands and flannel, this redhead armed with a unique voice and piano really stood out. She became the alternative to what we already had established as, alternative music. Over the years Amos has always remained true to the style that brought her to our attention in the first place. 

I remember "Crucify" being played like crazy on college radio and wondering if everyone would ever catch on to how great of an artist Tori was. Then one Saturday morning after an episode of Dance Party USA a teen interview show featured a whole segment on her. I don't remember details of the interview but it made me like her even more. Check out the video that kicked off Tori's career below!

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Saigon Kick- 'Love is on the Way'

"Time of season
Wipes the tears
No rhyme or reason
No more fears
All the dreamin'
Is far behind
You are here now
Everything's alright"

Is Saigon Kick one of the most underrated bands around? Their fans like to think so. After forming back in 1988 the band finally made a huge breakthrough with their 1992 hit ballad, "Love is on the Way". It made it to number 12 on Billboard's Hot 100 but more importantly, the song got tons of airplay across the country.

Technically, "Love is on the Way" is considered a one-hit-wonder but the band is still around, thirty years after the fact. I realized that I had never listened to a full album of Saigon Kick's and so I gave The Lizard a shot. You should too,  it's definitely worth a spin. In the meantime, here's "Love is on the Way".

Are you like me? Do you recognize this song a few seconds in, whenever you do hear it?

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Queensryche- 'The Killing Words' Live

90's Nostalgia: Tori Amos- 'Crucify'

"I've been looking for a savior in these dirty streets

Looking for a savior beneath these dirty sheets

I've been raising up my hands, drive another nail in

Got enough guilt to start my own religion

Why do we crucify ourselves?

Every day I crucify myself

And nothing I do is good enough for you

Crucify myself"

Tori Amos has always been the kind of woman that leaves a lasting impression. Her song "Crucify" was the breakout song from Tori's Little Earthquakes album back in 1992 and it also served as a bit of a calling card. In a sea of grunge bands and flannel, this redhead armed with a unique voice and piano really stood out. She became the alternative to what we already had established as, alternative music. Over the years Amos has always remained true to the style that brought her to our attention in the first place. 

I remember "Crucify" being played like crazy on college radio and wondering if everyone would ever catch on to how great of an artist Tori was. Then one Saturday morning after an episode of Dance Party USA a teen interview show featured a whole segment on her. I don't remember details of the interview but it made me like her even more. Check out the video that kicked off Tori's career below!

Daily Boom Lost Hit: SWV - 'Right Here'

Soundtrack Sunday: Singles

Singles, and its soundtrack, will turn 30 in a few months. Thirty! Where has the time gone? Easily one of the most popular soundtracks of modern day pop culture. Singles hit when grunge and alternative music were the biggest thing around and the soundtrack is loaded with tracks from everyone who was anyone back then. Check it out below!

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: SWV - 'I'm So Into You'

"Boy, there you go 
You're telling me that you love me 
But boy you know 
That you belong to another girl who loves you 
You are so fine, (so fine, so fine) 
You blow my mind 
(Things you do) with the things you do to me 
(She sees) She's not blind, she's not blind 
Things you do for me, but I know 

[Chorus]
I'm so into you 
I don't know what I'm gonna do 
Boy, you got me so confused 
I don't know what I'm gonna do "

It has been awhile since I featured some classic 90's R&B so I figured maybe SWV would be a great group to feature. Sisters With Voices first got together as a gospel group in the late 80's but by 1992 they had shortened their name to SWV and since R&B and slow jams were hot, transitioning to that style was a natural progression for the ladies. Songs like "Weak" and "I'm So Into You" got tons of radio play and they were constantly popping up on MTV every few hours like clockwork.

I was definitely feeling the soul and slow jam vibe when it was hot but I'll admit that now, 2 decades later I think I appreciate it even more. Back then I'd flip on MTV and think, "Ugh, there's SWV again". Now I wish I was seeing them pop up constantly because that era of my life was a whole lot easier than being a busy adult is now!

I'm not sure what SWV song I like best but I'm going to leave you with "I'm So Into You". Check it out below! 

Daily Boom's 90's Nostalgia: Sade - 'No Ordinary Love'

"I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give
I gave you love
I gave you all that I have inside
And you took my love
You took my love"

So a mermaid walks into a bar...

Nope. That's not the start of a joke, but it is exactly what happens in Sade's video for "No Ordinary Love". This was the lead single off of her 1992 Love Deluxe release and it became a signature song for Sade. While she first burst on the scene in the early 80's with songs like "Smooth Operator" and "The Sweetest Taboo", Sade really hit her stride with this album. While lots of singers in the 90's were soulful, very few set a mood quite like Sade.

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Kris Kross - 'Jump'

"Don't try to compare us to another bad little fad
I'm the Mac and I'm bad givin' ya something that you never had
I'll make ya rump rump wiggle and shake your rump
'Cause I'll be kicking the flavor that makes you wanna Jump
How high? Real high
Cause I'm just so fly
A young loveable, huggable type of guy
And everything is to the back with a little slack"

The early '90s seemed to have a handful of hi[p hop groups or duo's that amounted to being a flash in the pan. The music market was so flooded with them that they almost canceled each other out which was kind of sad because there was some real talent there. Kris Kross was one of the few exceptions to that situation. Chris Kelly and Chris Smith got together before they were barely teenagers and by the time 1992 rolled around they were sitting on top of Billboard's Hot 100 for 8 weeks.

"Jump" was and still is an anthem. It gets people up and moving with every spin. Not only did Kelly and Smith have mad skills but they were produced by Jermaine Dupri, which basically ensured their success. They were also unique, known for wearing their clothes backwards and when 90's kids followed their lead they became fashion trailblazers of a sort.

Kris Kross ultimately released 3 albums together and kept making moves in the music industry, often behind the scenes. Chris Kelly's struggle with drugs was pretty well known and in May of 2013 he lost that battle. Chris Smith continues to make music and produce.

Check out the video for "Jump" below. I don't remember wearing my clothes backwards but my hat was definitely tipped to the back.

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Wreckx-N-Effect- 'Rumpshaker'

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Debbie Gibson- 'Losin' Myself'

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Jade - 'Don't Walk Away'

"I've got all this love, waiting just for you
I just gotta know that your love is true
Can't keep running boy in and out my life
Wanna be your girl, not 'cause the mood is right"

A good part of the 90's were about soul, New Jack Swing and slowjamz for me. In between the Indie alternative music domination you had its' polar opposite- R&B. Many groups came and went and one of my favorites was Jade. They arrived on the scene in 1991, had a break out hit in 1992 which paved the way for their debut album, Jade To The Max.

"Don't Walk Away" was one of the leading singles from it and it also went on to be one of the hottest dance songs of 1993. What followed was a string of singles over the next few years that did well on Billboard's charts. The group eventually disbanded by the late 90's but reunited in recent years to play a gig here and there. "Don't Walk Away" will always be my favorite, check it out below!

Daily Boom Lost Hit: Sophie B. Hawkins - 'Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover'

Daily Boom 90's Nostalgia: Saigon Kick- 'Love is on the Way'

"Time of season
Wipes the tears
No rhyme or reason
No more fears
All the dreamin'
Is far behind
You are here now
Everything's alright"

Is Saigon Kick one of the most underrated bands around? Their fans like to think so. After forming back in 1988 the band finally made a huge breakthrough with their 1992 hit ballad, "Love is on the Way". It made it to number 12 on Billboard's Hot 100 but more importantly, the song got tons of airplay across the country.

Technically, "Love is on the Way" is considered a one-hit-wonder but the band is still around, thirty years after the fact. I realized that I had never listened to a full album of Saigon Kick's and so I gave The Lizard a shot. You should too,  it's definitely worth a spin. In the meantime, here's "Love is on the Way".

Are you like me? Do you recognize this song a few seconds in, whenever you do hear it?