Written by the incomparable Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U” took flight in 1990 as a cover by Sinead O’Conner. The Irish singer-songwriter’s version was a huge international hit and #1 in over a dozen countries. A simple song of love lost, O’Conner’s poignant performance has placed this version on countless all-time-best lists.

            “Losing My Religion” is a 1991 release from the American alternative rock band R.E.M. that refuses to go away. Winner of two Grammys, the song features Peter Buck’s mandolin, an acoustic guitar, orchestral strings, and lyricist Michael Stipe’s mournful but arresting vocal. Stipe has said that it’s a song that has nothing to do with religion and everything to do with unrequited love.

            From late 1991 through 1992, nobody was bigger in the music industry than Washington state grunge band Nirvana, and no song more fully captured the zeitgeist than “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Alternating between melodic, softer verses and an aggressive, high decibel chorus screamed by the now mythic Kurt Cobain, the lyrics are a bit obscure but seem to hint at passivity and apathy. The RIAA, Rolling Stone, NME, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and MTV are just a few of the institutions that have honored the song.

            In 1974 and again in 1982, Dolly Parton had a #1 country hit with her self-penned “I Will Always Love You, ” but it took Whitney Houston’s cover from her movie The Bodyguard to turn Dolly’s classic into a true immortal. Showcasing her amazing vocal ability, Whitney’s version is among the best-selling singles of all-time and ranks among her very finest performances.

            Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, a 1973 release, is arguablyElton John’s most celebrated LP; a centerpiece of that album is his ode to the late film star Marilyn Monroe, “Candle in the Wind.” When John’s friend, Diana, the Princess of Whales, died in a car crash in 1997, he rerecorded the song with new lyrics by songwriting partner Bernie Taupin, calling it “Candle in the Wind 1997” to honor his late friend. Sometimes known as “Goodbye England’s Rose”, Elton sang the song at Diana’s funeral. The newly recorded studio single topped British and American charts, won a Grammy, and is said to be the second best-selling single of all-time.

            –Steve Williams (10/26/23) Greatest Recording Artists Blog Post #57