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 1995.
Note: “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1994, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1994.
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 1995…
- Early on in the year, Mars Inc. held a contest to replace tan M&Ms with a new color – blue won with 54% of the vote, and replaced tan later that year.
- Selena was shot and killed on March 31st by her friend and former manager of Selena Etc. boutiques.
- The Oklahoma City bombing happened on April 19th, killing 168 people and injuring more than 680 others.
- The OJ Simpson murder trial ended in October with the jury finding him not guilty, though he was subsequently found guilty in a civil case.
- Toy Story, the first fully computer animated film, was released on November 22nd.
- Early on in the year, Mars Inc. held a contest to replace tan M&Ms with a new color – blue won with 54% of the vote, and replaced tan later that year.
- Selena was shot and killed on March 31st by her friend and former manager of Selena Etc. boutiques.
- The Oklahoma City bombing happened on April 19th, killing 168 people and injuring more than 680 others.
- The OJ Simpson murder trial ended in October with the jury finding him not guilty, though he was subsequently found guilty in a civil case.
- Toy Story, the first fully computer animated film, was released on November 22nd.
8. Bryan Adams - Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?
A memorable song recorded for a forgettable movie (Don Juan Demarco), Adams included it on his own follow up album as well.
4. Mariah Carey - Fantasy
This was the first single by a female to debut at number one on the Hot 100 chart, and the music video served as her directorial debut.
3. Seal - Kiss From a Rose
Seal didn’t like the song when he wrote it in 1987, but eventually presented it to his producer. It really gained popularity as part of the Batman Forever soundtrack.
2. TLC - Waterfalls
Often considered the group’s signature song, the subject matter is quite serious (it references the illegal drug trade, promiscuity, and HIV/AIDS), but the chorus helped give it serious radio play, and its music video was in high rotation on MTV.
1. Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men - One Sweet Day
What was your favorite number one hit from 1995? Let us know in the comments!
