1997 - "Song 2" - Blur

For everlong I went around the world looking for a bittersweet symphony. Wait a min...woo-hoo! Two minutes of glorious mayhem.

It is ironic and hilarious that a parody a grunge by a Brit pop group ends up being the song Blur is most recognized for. 

"Song 2" is a blast of adrenaline and one fun tune. The bass guitar shreds while the "woo-hoo" vocal hook ensures a visceral rush and audience participation. This left me wanting more heavier offerings than pop from Blur.

The volume just doesn't go high enough. 

Other favourites from 1997: 

"Everlong" – Foo Fighters 

"Around The World" – Daft Punk

"Bittersweet Symphony" – The Verve 

"Get Busy Child" – The Crystal Method 

"Torn" - Natalie Imbruglia

1996 - "1979" - The Smashing Pumpkins

The 80s influences are obvious with the dreamy, spacey atmosphere. Corgan's hushed vocals and nostalgic lyrics evoke carefree and reckless emotions you felt while growing up.  

I massacred those high notes before getting pulled off the stage during karaoke, before even reaching the second chorus. 

A great year in music paying tribute to another great year. This one falls in the top 10 of all time.

Other favourites from 1996: 

"Midnight in A Perfect World" – DJ Shadow

"Where It’s At" – Beck 

"Virtual Insanity" – Jamiroquai 

"Everything You Do is a Balloon" – Boards of Canada

"Fast Love" – George Michael 

"Stupid Girl" - Garbage

"Ready to Go" - Republica

1995 - "Insomnia" - Faithless

Club music exploded in a decade best remembered by the sheer diversity of genres. House, techno and euro dance played incessantly in the clubs.  

"Insomnia" is two tracks for the price of one: the tense atmosphere and paranoia of the first half contrasts with the pulsing sensory rush of the second. Strobe lights flash and joyous exhilaration flood back when the iconic synth arpeggio kicks in at 2:16. 

This is the quintessential club anthem of a decade filled with them.

Other favourites from 1995: 

"Machinehead" – Bush

"Wonderwall" – Oasis 

"Missing" – Everything But The Girl 

"Hand In My Pocket" – Alanis Morissette

"Born Slippy" – Underworld 

1994 - "Interstate Love Song" - Stone Temple Pilots

Like in the 80s, the middle part of the decade held the most memorable tracks for me.  1994 has been the toughest year to pick just one, with classics from the Counting Crows, Toad the Wet Sprocket and Alice in Chains all vying for the top track.

This is such a powerful yet chill tune. Starting with the epic intro that gives way to that now iconic guitar riff. Add in the soulful chorus delivered with equal parts desperation and devil-may-care vibe and voila, one of the most memorable post-grunge anthems and essential driving tune. 

"Interstate Love Song" reminds me of Billy Idol's road trip bender "Eyes Without a Face" released ten years earlier. Except now in my-20s, I wasn't looking up to cartoon heroes; these artists were from my generation.

Other favourites from 1994: 

"Something's Always Wrong" – Toad the Wet Sprocket

"Which Way Does the River Run" – Lennie Gallant

"Round Here" – Counting Crows

"Mr. Jones" – Counting Crows

"No Excuses" – Alice in Chains

"Sly" - Massive Attack 

"Dark Train" - Underworld

1993 - "Regret" - New Order

It may lack the innovation of "Blue Monday", the groove of "Bizarre Love Triangle" or the lyrical depth of "True Faith", but "Regret" is arguably New Order's most complete song. 

Their best guitar-led track embodies the New Order sound: understated guitar, shimmering synths, Hooky's signature bass, lush arrangement and melancholic lyrics. A great vocal melody and surprisingly solid vocals from Bernard Sumner. 

"Regret" is also very personal. As the lead track of the Republic album which I bought in Ontario on way home from BC, I have fond memories of driving a rental to PEI en route to my Master's research, with two copies of this CD (what if one started to skip?!). The Habs were on their way to winning an unlikely cup thanks to 10 straight overtime wins. A spring of intense optimism. The Habs haven't won since.

Other favourites from 1993: 

"At the Hundredth Meridian" – Tragically Hip 

"Man On The Moon" – REM 

"World" – New Order