And I realized that I can't pick ten, so you're getting a top-eleven. It has the same ring to it.
11. A*Teens- Dancing Queens
I know it's sacrilegious, but my first introduction to ABBA songs was through the A*Teens. I didn't even "get it" for the longest time. But here is maybe one of the greatest music videos ever- the awkward football player with no teeth, the white cropped pants with white shoes, the breaking dancing in the library/cafeteria (so true!), cycling down the hallway. It's the ultimate rebel music video (after Breakfast Club, Van Wilder and other American classics). A*Teens did go on to make their own pop albums, including the song "Upside Down" better known as the theme song to the Triangle Club.
10. Chumbawamba- Tubthumping
I didn't own this CD but Emily and I would listen to it all the time. Why? Probably because we had NO idea what it was talking about. Now I realize that it's all about getting drunk. "Pissing the night away"? "He drinks a whiskey drink, he drinks a vodka drink, he drinks a lager drink, he drinks a cider drink"? Obviously, LOTS of drinking going on. I've never seen the music video though, so more questions arise. Who is the creepy lady with the glasses? And how did I not know when I was younger that they were British. It could not be clearer with that accent. And white polo shirt? Awesome wardrobe choice. Is that a man putting mascara on, wearing the bad wig? LOVING the megaphone. Don't cry for me next door neighbor? What the heck does that mean? Yeah, I clearly did not understand this song at the time but that didn't stop us from singing it (and "Drip, Drip, Drip Goes the Water", another one of their songs) all the time.
9. Five- Everybody Get Up
Five- the British answer to BSB, N'Sync, 98 Degrees and the like. I loved them. I pretty much could do this entire dance because it was on European MTV so often one summer when I was in Israel. J, Ab, Rich, Sean and Scott- I could sing and dance right along with you. And then proceeded to learn every single other word to their song. Call me sacrilegious but I may like them more an any of the American boy bands. Abs was my favorite (although I'm not sure if you're supposed to call him Abs like the muscle or A-B like they say in the song... I think his real name is Abraham.... or I may just be making this up.)
8. Ricky Martin- Livin' La Vida Loca
Yes, I was a Ricky Martin fan. His music was catchy and probably my first introduction to Latin music. And I liked him way more than Enrique. Enrique just kind of creeped me out for some reason. And you know what, sue me, but thanks to a really persuasive bit on NPR, I'm really considering buying his new CD. I may like gay dad Ricky Martin better than tight pants Latin Ricky Martin.
7. Celine Dion- It's All Coming Back To Me Now
Let's be real, if you don't like Celine, you're probably a liar. Who has not been driving alone in a car and belting out any Celine song. Who didn't snort with laughter when she whacked her chest (and the huge blue diamond) when she sang "My Heart Will Go On"? And if you don't like this song, arguably one of her most dramatic (um, are you watching this music video?), then you probably don't like America. Who care if she's Canadian.
6. Savage Garden- I Want You
I was NOT a fan of "Truly Madly Deeply" (they played it allll the time) but I loved this one. Mostly because I was determined to learn the entire thing and impress people. Well, I succeeded in the former but pretty sure I didn't in the latter. But I can still sing this (I tried a few days ago). Aren't Savage Garden Australian, by the way? I also assumed because they said "oooh I want you" kind of strangely (which, of course, I mimicked). And what does "deep sea diver who is swimming with a raincoat" mean? Is that some sort of euphemism I'm not supposed to understand at age 12?
5. BBMak- Back Here
Ooooooh these boys were luscious. And they were British. And they played guitar (well, two of them did at least- what's up with that, third guy?). At the time, I had no idea what was going on but now I realize they are on the London Eye, they are in the tube (but MAN is it clean) and have a lot of fans. And the girl likes all three of them- way to try and break up the band, Yoko. I also watched an episode of Cribs with one of them (the least cute one...) but still wanted to move in with him. Just so I could also live in London. The obsession started early, folks.
4. Hanson- MMBop
Judge me all you want, I don't care, this song was dang catchy and you all know it. Plus, they were one of the rare groups at this time that actually wrote their own music and played their own instruments. That's impressive. It really is. And if you can just look past the awkward long hair that they really needed to have a pair of scissors too, it's a pretty fun music video. It always makes me feel like going rollerblading. Even though I have horrible ankles.
3. Aqua- Dr. Jones
Barbie Girl was the popular one but there was something about Dr. Jones, calling Dr. Jones that was just so catchy to me. I was also impressed that they were Swedish but sang so well in English. I certainly can't sing like that in Swedish. Or where they Norgewian? I'm sorry, Scandinavia, I don't know. And can we please contemplate for a moment that the song was written by Anders Øland, Søren Rasted, Claus Norreen, Johnny Pederson and Karsten Delgado. The lead singer was gorgeous and I loved the awkward gruff voice of not-"Ken".
2. No Doubt- Spiderweb
No Doubt was the first CD I bought. I also later found out that one of the members went to my high school (can't remember which one). This was the first track on the CD and I loved it. I listened to it all the time. I probably ran through the lyric book. I also think this is where I decided I wanted to mostly hang out with boys. Gwen had the right idea. I love being the only girl in a group of all guys. Remember the days when Gwen rocked the braces? And the pink hair? She never stopped rocking.
1. Spice Girls- Wannabe
They were the second CD purchased. And I loved then. LOVED them. Although right now I think they're most famous for making babies. I think between them they've got like 15. Go girls. And don't you like a pre-David Beckham Victoria "Posh" Spice? And by the way, anyone ever really know what "zig-a-zig-ahhh" means? Yeah, me neither.
What were your top-ten in middle school? Probably not as cool as mine :)
