This is probably the only track in this 1994 countdown that could make people ask why it belongs here. While it’s understandable, this track reestablished this 80s band and gave them maybe one of their biggest songs ever. It’s still used in commercials and other avenues enough for it be considered a top track for this year. Coming in at #15 is I’ll Stand By You by The Pretenders.
The next hip-hop entry to the top 20 songs turning 30 years old countdown is slightly controversial, in that some would argue this track samples too much of a song that hit a previous countdown. I would argue the song has enough originality, thanks to Warren G’s hypnotic vocal, to earn a place in this list. Add to the fact this song gave renewed vigor to Michael McDonald’s track that gets sampled, and you have a strong entry at #16 – It’s Regulate by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg.
When I started playing music professionally, frat/beer acoustic rock was still a big deal and a lot of it was thanks to this next group coming into the top 20 1994 songs countdown. They had an even bigger hit but that was released the following year. Yet, this track still managed to make its way in here and it introduced us to a band whose singer would go on to do great success years later. Our #17 song turning 30 years old this year is Hold my Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish.
Hip-hop reigned supreme in last year’s 30-year old countdown, so it only makes sense for it to start trickling into this one. The first of a few such songs we’ll see in this list to enter the countdown is a classic by one of the most well-known hip-hop artists of the 1990s. The title is a phrase we hear often, and the track is still wide-spread played today. Coming in at #18 for the 1994 countdown is Gin and Juice by Snoop Dogg.
We continue the 1994 countdown with a song that came in at the last minute. I had forgotten this was actually released in this year, probably because it was a live album it was on, but as soon as I found out, I gave it a listen and, yeah, I realized it had to make this list. I loved it when it came out and I still love it now. At #19 it is Love Will Keep Us Alive by The Eagles.
We begin the top 20 songs turning 30 years old countdown with a song that back then was considered taboo but today is a classic track from a very talented singer/songwriter. This is arguably her most famous if not her most enduring song of her career, and is a go-to track for anyone feeling like they are someone the rest of the world does not understand and need that other person who does. Starting out at #20 is Come To My Window by Melissa Ethridge.