20 Years ago.
I was seven years old in 1991. It was a pivotal year in my life. My family had been exposed to cable television for the first time, which played on our massive 13” television. It was the greatest thing to ever happen to a seven-year-old, only child.
Believe it or not, MTV (Music Television) at this time was playing music…on the television. (Crazy concept, I know.) During the summer break I was glued to the TV for at least a few hours throughout the day. Watching music videos and helping to form a base for what great music was, in addition to the classics that my parents had brought me up with. Fortunately for me, that year was a turning point for musical greatness….well, kindof. It was the beginning of great alternative music.
Top 5 music videos of 1991:
Nirvana- Smells Like Teen SpiritÂ
Nirvana’s “Nevermind” brought the grunge movement to the masses and became the soundtrack to a generation. It may have not been their intention, however it became a landmark in the music world, and changed the face of what “good” music was. When I first saw this video, I couldn’t look away. The coloring, camera work, and theme all had a very gritty feel; from the tattooed cheerleaders dressed in black, down to the focus on the janitor. Not to mention the song drove you to head bang, and was an introduction to a classic album. It may have not been until several years later that my dad copied the cd from my uncle onto cassette for us, but it was an album that influenced my musical preferences greatly.
Red Hot Chili Peppers-Under the BridgeÂ
Under the Bridge was a powerful song in terms of how it was a personal song, for everyone. I’m sure at some point; anyone has felt as if they “don’t have a partner” and this video really brought the point home.
Pearl Jam- JeremyÂ
“Jeremy” is such a powerful video that speaks on the power of bullying and what it can do to people. It really tells a story and is a track to one of the best albums…ever.
Temple of the Dog- Hunger Strike
The video might not be that amazing, but the song is one of the best of the 90’s.
Michael Jackson- Black or White
I shat bricks when I first saw this video. The morphing effect was mind-blowing…for a seven year old.
and my personal favorite: Guns N’ Roses-November Rain
Best video/song of the time. Period.
If you were to concentrate the music into the best of the 90’s, you would have a very good mix. In my opinion, you can only consider 25% of the music then as being good. I feel like it has greatly influenced some of the best artists now, and we are the beneficiaries from the groundwork that was laid in the 90’s.