I’ve always aspired to be a true music snob.  But the part of me that wanted to be too cool for Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road” & Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker” in favor of Elliot Smith’s “Ballad of Big Nothing” & The Pixies’ “Velouria” was just a poser.

While I love a good acousitc melancholy track as much as the next faux-underground rocker, even back when I was just starting to perfect the art of making mix tapes (with my pink Casio double-decker tape player), I was torn over “outing” my love of En Vogue, SWV & wait for it - Color Me B.A.D.D or showing off how “Indie” I could be with choices like Rusted Root, Sonic Youth, the Cranberries.

More proof that I’m a flip-flopper?  I actually watch (and secretly like) the Grammy’s telecast.  Regardless of how commericalized, one-sided and completely not reflective of the best music of a given year it might be, I love the self-serving, “I’d like to thank Jesus Christ first & foremost” and unfortunate fashion choices it inevitably showcases.

So in honor of last night’s telecast (sidebar: Are Chris Brown & Rihanna the new Bobby & Whitney -get out now Ri-Ri!), I thought I’d take a look back at my favorite (for no particular reason) winners from the 1990s.

Enjoy!

1990: Best Pop Male Vocal, Michael Bolton “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” (I mean, it’s got Spanish subtitles, cause you know it was super-popular in Spain).

1991: Best Rock Performance Duo or Group, Aerosmith “Janie’s Got a Gun” (This video creeped me out, but I listened to the song on repeat.  What did Janie’s dad do?  Eww.)

1992: Best Rap Performance Duo or Group DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, “Summertime” (Remember when DJ Jazzy Jeff’s name came first?  Check out the sweet Nintendo sound effects at the beginning.  This song is timeless.  Well done Grammys!)

1993: Best Pop Male Vocal, Eric Clapton, “Tears in Heaven” (I’m sorry, but if this song & what he wrote it about doesn’t make you cry, there’s something wrong with you.  Look it up.)

1994: Best Rap Performance Duo or Group, Digable Planets “Rebirth of Slick -Cool Like That” (You know K.D. Lang, Peabo Bryson & Meatloaf we’re thinking “WHATEVER ONE-HIT WONDER”, which may have been true, but this song was pretty rad.)

1995: Best Female Pop Vocal, Sheryl Crow “All I Wanna Do” (Curious Grammy favorite, Sheryl Crow launched her career with this little gem. Never really one of my faves, but it definitely screams 90s.)

1996: Best Female Rock Vocal, Alanis Morissette “You Oughta No” (Man she was pissed at Uncle Joey.  Back then, of course, we had know idea (nor would we have ever dreamed) that this was who she was singing about.  Either way, it did become the anthem for all of us angsty high schoolers.)

1997: Best Rap Performance Duo or Group, Bone Thugs N Harmony “Tha Crossroads” (Best. Song. Ever.)

1998: Best Rap Performance Duo or Group, Puff Daddy/Faith Evans/112 “I’ll Be Missing You” (Great song.  Back when Puff wasn’t nearly as irritating and Kanye was barely a glint in his eye.  Love that Police hook. Biggie!)

1999: Best Female Pop Vocal, Celine Dion “My Heart Will Go On” (Otherwise known as the #1 guilty pleasure of 1999.  Leo, Kate, the blue diamond, “…there’s not enough boats!”, I mean, it’s a lot to love. Note: They won’t let you embed the real video, but whomever concocted this one is a slideshow genius).

Like This Post? Share It: