Things can only get better. That's what we thought back in the 1990s, in a decade of questionable alcopops, the rise of New Labour, Cool Britannia, Britpop, the Spice Girls and The Wedding Singer. But enough about my university years in Liverpool.
With talk of the next General Election either being another 1992 or 1997 moment (Sir Keir Starmer will be hoping for the latter, once he's brushed all the glitter out of his hair), I thought we would look back at the album that was number one on this week in history though the 1990s. As you'll see, it demonstrates in a snapshot of 12th October's LP chart toppers what a diverse decade the 90s was. As for whether politics is heading for a Kinnock victory rally or a D:Ream dance off, time will tell on that one, I guess. Enjoy the musical memories, and let me know which ones you bought!
1990 - In Concert : Carreras, Domingo, Pavarotti
This spent a month at the top of the album chart, knocking off George Michael's iconic Listen Without Prejudice in the process. It did include the 1990 World Cup anthem Nessum Dorma though, so all is forgiven. It was recorded at a concert the evening before the FIFA World Cup final in Rome, and has sold well in excess of 10 million copies.
1991 - Stars : Simply Red
An iconic album that has truly stood the test of time. It was shifting around 100,000 copies a week in the run-up to Christmas, and singles from it including Stars and Something Got Me Started are still played regularly on the radio now. One of my favourite albums of the 90s.
1992 - Automatic For The People : R.E.M.
The band's eighth album was a more mellow affair than their last one, Out Of Time, and includes the amazing Nightswimming and Man On The Moon. The album comes from the slogan of an Athens fast food restaurant, and Ridley Scott's son Jake directed the video for the tearjerker Everybody Hurts. I still have this one on cassette, although nothing to play it on!
1993 - Very : Pet Shop Boys
The orange Lego CD jewel box was the stuff of 90s legend, and this was their first number one album, amazingly. Singles included Liberation and I Wouldn't Normally Do This Kind Of Thing. I've always thought Neil and Chris are masters of quirky lyrics and understated pop brilliance. Might give this one a listen on Spotify later.
1994 - Monster : R.E.M.
Brash, loud, and very different from their last couple of albums. Crush With Eyeliner was a standout for me, and it fits in nicely with the emergence of bands like Green Day and Red Hot Chili Peppers, plus of course the start of Britpop's meteoric rise. Not my favourite of our selections here, but it certainly commanded an audience! What's The Frequency Kenneth got a lot of radio play at the time, I seem to remember.
1995 - Daydream : Mariah Carey
Denied a second week at the top two days later by a certain Oasis album, the pop diva's Fantasy really has stood the test of time, and it's hard to believe this album is almost 30 years old, with its melting pot of genres and styles. She was at the top of her glittering game in '95 for sure, until (What's The Story) Morning Glory nicked her number one crown two days later.
1996 - Natural : Peter Andre
Can you name another Andre chart topper, aside from the guilty pleasure Mysterious Girl? Thought not. The Bubbler Ranks collaboration stalled at number two in '96, only getting to the top eight years later! For the record, the other number ones are Flava and I Feel You. Pleased to say I don't recall either. Next!
1997 - Urban Hymns : Verve
Iconic. Class. Loved this album so much at the time, and I still do today! Inexplicably missed out to Gomez on winning the Mercury Music Prize, and had a hidden track at the end of the CD after six and a half minutes of silence (which still beat Peter Andre).
1998 - This Is My Truth : Manics
Still their biggest album, and full of cracking songs that have stood the test of time. I bought lots of their CD singles from Woolies in the 90s, along with foam bananas and pink shrimps.
1999 - Reload : Tom Jones
His 34th album, and some incredible collaborations, including work with the Stereophonics and Heather Small. I saw him do most of this album live in Sheffield, and he raised the roof! What a legend.
