BY : IRLAN C. SARAJAN
THE 1993 MUSICAL TRIUMPH!
End of the Year in Pop Music is always seen as a momentous event for us music and chart-conscious aficionados. Truly, the feelings are more intense as we await for the final countdown of our favorite hits from the various music stations in the Metropolis. We are also thrilled to be aware of the music newsmakers and events unfolded within a period of twelve months.
In line with this special edition, THE IMOC NOOK unveils this year’s crowning glories …
1993 is another breakthrough year in Pop Music history. Music talents overflowed contributing smash hits which solidify their bids for the year-end recognition. Instantly appealing mellow songs with lasting impact in the local airwave, continue to soar year after year. Songwriters are still inspired with musical pieces that evoke matters of the heart. Apparently, textured rock ballads and songs layered with acoustic strumming reign supreme with this year’s derby of chart-topping singles.
As testimony to its staying power, “BED OF ROSES” by BON JOVI is the third rock ballad in a row to rule the year-end Chart Supremacy. Megahits “More than Words” by Extreme and “Sometime Love Just Ain’t Enough” by Patty Smyth/Don Henley, shared similar feats in 1991 & 1992 respectively.
Keeping energy level up, fast songs with dancey & tribal drumbeats also scorched up the local charts. Disco habitués would absolutely be delighted to hear and gyrate with powered dancetracks such as “ DYING INSIDE” by Timmy Thomas, “TWO PRINCES” by Spin Doctors & “REGRET” by New Order over the dance floors.
Black music proponents tried to spearhead a whole change for the image of rap music by blending reggae and hip hop beats. It peaked once more and spawned a host of realities. It reflects frustration and observations of the people over social issues and the significance it holds in the local community as exemplified by Arrested Development’s “ MR. WENDAL” .
Most acclaimed Pop Female Superstars Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Madonna & Janet Jackson dominated the U.S. Countdown. Setting the record straight, Carey landed her 9th consecutive #1 hit entitled “Dream lover” – the longest running #1 smash (9 weeks) todate. Surprisingly, prominent pop figures heated the big screen as well. Houston for “ Bodyguard”, Madonna for “Body of Evidence” & Jackson for “Poetic Justice”.
Impressing the locals with unique mixtures of Pop and R&B, Sisters With Voices (SWV), Brian McKnight, Vanessa Williams, Shai & En Vogue laudably rendered their own romantic brand of soul. Expose’s three-part harmony reached the local music pedestal as Wilson Phillips failed to crack a major hit. Music from TV series “The Heights” and “ Beverly Hills 90210” produced a string of easy listening and upbeat tunes while TV heartthrobs The Heights, Joey Lawrence & Jeremy Jordan infiltrated the music spectrum with a bang.
Venerable returning artists Duranduran, Air Supply, Rod Stewart, Tears For Fears, Bryan Adams, U2, Expose & Tiffany proved they are worth to be heard again. Alternative rock to pop crossover groups Spin Doctors, Soul Asylum, 4 Non blondes, The Proclaimers, Blind Melon took us all by surprise with their astonishing hits. Reggae music strikes back initiated by prolific reggae group UB40 followed by notable new acts like Snow, Shaggy & Innercircle.
Headbanging is definitely “in” as heavy metal coregroup finally fitted into the programming slots of local radio. Successful line up includes Bon Jovi, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Aerosmith, White Lion, Metallica, Ugly Kid Joe, Mr. Big, Faith No More, Firehouse, Poison, red Hot Chili Peppers, Damn Yankees, Def Leppard and a whole lot more.
Taking musical cues from a variety of sources, local artists’ efforts finally paid off as music buffs recognized their stuff. Ex-Kundirana, Rannie Raymundo tops the list and hailed as one of the finest male solo to emerge this year. Ravishing beauty, Toni Daya pursued musical career and undoubtedly convinced music enthusiasts she’s got vocal qualities to boost. Another soulful chanteuse, Ella May Saison topples all other local female acts with her sinewy interpretation of “Til My Heartaches End”. Groups like True Faith, Artstart and Eraserheads successfully landed a place in the alternative pop’s cutting edge.
Building the biggest momentum in the local music scenario, Introvoys overwhelmingly conquered the top with string of hits from this year’s #1 local album, “Breaking New Grounds” and knocked off all other local artists with OPM Artist of the Year” credit. Judging from the group’s success, The Universal Motion Dancers (UMD), became an unstoppable force in the energetic dance community. Not to be left behind, Gary Valenciano returns with a tremendous dance album “Hataw Na” which accelerates his bid for musical immortality.
Worthy of praises and adoration, Leah Salonga is the lone artist to make it big in the international market. From broadway hits Miss Saigon & Les Miserables to Alladin Theme, “A Whole New World” and spellbinding vocal performance in the Oscars Awards Night plus the release of her international debut album under Atlantic Records are some of the musical highlights she earned this year. Diminutive Dessa revs up victoriously at Voice Of Asia Contest in Kadzhiktan, Russia while scintillating Viktoria continues to receive favorable feedback from MTV Asia. With all the musical triumphs by our own homegrown talents, we may conclude OPM acts are definitely competitive in this field of endeavor.
Finally, here’s the 1993 Musical recognition
*** MERITORIOUS ACTS & SINGLES OF THE YEAR ***
IMOC HALL OF FAMER - BON JOVI
Album of the Year – Keep The Faith
Hot Single of the Year – “Bed Of
Roses”
Female Artist – Whitney Houston
Cover Version: “I Will Always Love You”
Male Artist – Brian McKnight
OPM Artist – Introvoys
OPM Single – “Will I Survive”
OPM Album – Breaking New Grounds
5. Metal Group – White Lion
Metal ballad – “You’re All I Need”
Alternative Rock Group – Spin Doctors
4 Non Blondes
New Act – Rannie Raymundo
Dance Artist – Universal Motion
Dance Track – “Dying Inside” by Timmy Thomas
Rap Artist – Arrested Development
Rap Single – “Mr. Wendal”
Inspirational Singles:
“You Were There” by Southern
Sons
“ What’s Up” by 4Non Blondes
Best Videos:
“Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
“Runaway Train” by Soul
Asylum
Most Recognized Returning Act -
Duranduran
Concert of the Year – Bryan Adams’
Live in Manila
Music Trend – Unplugged
RADIO MONITOR ‘93
Countless hits emerged this year coupled with controversial and sold out concerts and hit videos. Uptempo rockers to soaring ballads and electrifying Pop Acts took the airwaves by storm. This is what we got! The power of music, our lifeforce and absolutely IMOC Nook is the place to keep abreast of the music world.
So what’s Radio Monitor ‘93? Well, it’s a glimpse from the past in the Pop Music scenario. An in-depth analysis of each song that topped the local radio playlists . Without further ado, let’s line them up now …
BED OF ROSES by Bon Jovi – a stark ballad where Jon Bon Jovi reiterates that short-term happiness is not enough compared with someone who’s truly sincere and whom you can be contented to live with the whole life through.
YOU WERE THERE by Southern Sons – unveils a dreamlike storyline which only a book of love could restrain the passage of time. It creates a sense of oneness and serenity that goes with the melody.
WHAT’S UP by 4 Non Blondes-an endearing song that understands one’s innermost thoughts. A message filled song dedicated to fallen souls.
YOU’RE ALL I NEED by White Lion-interpreted with intense emotion that unleashes the significance of loving faithfully and brings to reality what an inspiration can do.
DYING INSIDE by Timmy Thomas-Meeting the first time & eventually fell in love is undeniably a great feeling & experience in anyone’s collective memories.
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU by Whitney Houston.-An awesome song with emphasis on love longevity despite of inevitable twist leaving one behind.
SOMETHING TO SAY by Harem Scarem-Dredged up from the past, it depicts the need to talk wholeheartedly before leaving separately.
WILL I SURVIVE by Introvoys – relates holding back one’s feeling yet aims to win someone else’s heart
PLEASE FORGIVE ME by Bryan Adams- A heartfilled song emphasizing humility in asking forgiveness. The source of strength comes from everyone’s heart.
ONE LAST CRY by Brian McKnight-melodramatic song reflecting tale of lost love, extreme disappointment over relationship.
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