Every year, songs shoot to the top of the charts, either for just one week, or for multiple weeks in a row. In a series of posts, we’re going to rank Billboard’s “The Hot 100” number one singles for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1992.
Note: “Black or White” by Michael Jackson started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1991, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1991.
As always, these lists are subjective, we’re not claiming to be the definitive ranking here. We’re not that important, but you are, so we hope seeing the below songs conjures up a friendly memory or two.
But first, to get you in the mood for the year 1992…
- This was the last year that the summer and winter Olympics were held in the same year.
- Johnny Carson’s last Tonight Show aired on May 22nd, and Jay Leno took over May 25th.
- The Mall of America opened on August 11th in Bloomington, MN, making it the largest indoor shopping mall in the US at the time.
- Bill Clinton was elected President of the US on November 3rd, defeating incumbent George HW Bush and independent Ross Perot.
- The first text message was sent on December 3rd. It said: “Merry Christmas.”
- This was the last year that the summer and winter Olympics were held in the same year.
- Johnny Carson’s last Tonight Show aired on May 22nd, and Jay Leno took over May 25th.
- The Mall of America opened on August 11th in Bloomington, MN, making it the largest indoor shopping mall in the US at the time.
- Bill Clinton was elected President of the US on November 3rd, defeating incumbent George HW Bush and independent Ross Perot.
- The first text message was sent on December 3rd. It said: “Merry Christmas.”
12. Right Said Fred - I'm Too Sexy
Right Said Fred came up with the idea for this song while running a gym in London where there was a lot of narcissism and posing in front of mirrors.
11. George Michael & Elton John - Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me
Elton John first released this song in 1974 as part of his Caribou album, but this live cover duet with George Michael gained much bigger success on the Billboard charts.
10. Mariah Carey & Trey Lorenz - I'll Be There
A cover of Jackson 5’s hit from 1970, this song was originally recorded as part of MTV Unplugged in 1992 — they hadn’t originally planned to release the song as a single, but Columbia Records received so many requests for it, they decided to go ahead and release it.
9. Color Me Badd - All 4 Love
This song features samples from the 1966 R&B tune “Patch My Heart” by the Mad Lads, and is one of only two songs by Color Me Badd to make it to number one.
8. Kris Kross - Jump
Chris “Mac Daddy” Kelly and Chris “Daddy Mac” Smith were only twelve and thirteen years old when they recorded this song, which was the third best-selling song in the US in 1992 with 2 million copies sold.
7. Vanessa Williams - Save the Best For Last
The biggest success of Williams’ musical career, this soulful ballad was nominated for a Grammy for Song of the Year.
6. The Heights - How Do You Talk to an Angel
This single was the theme song from the TV show The Heights, which was canceled the week after the song left the number one spot.
5. Madonna - This Used to be My Playground
This ballad is from the film A League of Their Own and was recorded specifically for the film, which Madonna also starred in.
4. Sir Mix A Lot - Baby Got Back
When the music video for this song was originally released, it was briefly banned from MTV due to its outspoken and blatantly sexual nature. Nonetheless, it was the second best-selling single of the year.
3. Mr. Big - To Be With You
A soft rock ballad, the lyrics were inspired by a girl that lead singer Eric Martin knew growing up who always had boyfriends that treated her badly. He wanted to come in and be the knight in shining armor and be with her, but it never happened.
2. Boyz II Men - End of the Road
On the number one chart for 13 weeks, a record only broken by our number one song below, it was the best-selling single of the year.
1. Whitney Houston - I Will Always Love You
This cover from The Bodyguard soundtrack is more popular than the movie or the original Dolly Parton version, and for good reason — it’s awesome! This single would go on to be the best-selling song of 1993.
What was your favorite number one hit from 1992? Let us know in the comments!
