Backwards Bullets: This Week In Charts 1991
This week in 1991, Roxette ruled the Billboard Hot 100, Color Me Badd soared toward the top 10 and Paula Abdul "Rush"-ed into the top 40.
ROX-Y MUSIC: On the Billboard Hot 100 dated May 11, 1991, Roxette earned its fourth No. 1, as “Joyride” motored 2-1. The Swedish pop duo had previously led with “The Look” and “Listen to Your Heart” in 1989 and “It Must Have Been Love” in 1990.
While Roxette hasn’t recorded a new album since 2001 – the pair went on hiatus after Marie Fredriksson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2002 – the twosome reunited last year on-stage on Per Gessle’s European tour. Warmly received, Roxette is now planning a series of live dates.
“Both Marie and myself want a total live situation these days, no click tracks, no sequencers or computers on stage,” says Gessle. “This is by far the best power pop combo we know. Lots of ad lib, great harmonies and silly jokes in the dressing rooms.
“Not long ago I was totally convinced there wouldn’t be any more Roxette-shows ever, but Marie proved me wrong. I’m very grateful for that.”
The Roxette revival extends to the studio, as a new album is due next year.
“Marie’s vocals are terrific; I’m writing the poetry,” says Gessle.
“We’re looking at recording 16 tracks of pure elegance.”
BADD BOYS: 19 years ago this week, Billboard’s “New on the Charts” column shined the spotlight on a quartet of then-21-year-olds, Color Me Badd.
As the group jumped 20-12 on the Hot 100 with its debut hit, “I Wanna Sex You Up,” from the “New Jack City” soundtrack,” then-Giant Records head of urban A&R told Billboard of the label’s new hip-hop signing, “There’s a chemistry here. Add to that a great song, producer and act, and you have all the elements of perfect timing. That’s the part of this business that no one can plan.”
“I Wanna Sex You Up” would go on to peak at No. 2 on the Hot 100. The group would then score two No. 1s: “I Adore Mi Amor” in September 1991 and “All 4 Love” in 1992. It collected nine top 40 hits in all through 1996.
Color Me Badd split in 2000, with Sam Watters since maintaining the highest profile of the foursome. Not only has he produced tracks by such “American Idol” graduates as Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia and Blake Lewis, he also married one: first season finalist Tamyra Gray, in 2006. The couple is expecting its first child this July. “I’m just trying to take care of myself,” a joyous Gray said recently. “This is way harder than ‘Idol’.”
‘TOUCH’-Y SUBJECT: While Roxette reigned on the Hot 100 this week in 1991, two similar (yet opposite) songs placed back-to-back in the top 10: Cathy Dennis’ “Touch Me (All Night Long)” and Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself.”
The same week, two then-future No. 1s entered the top 40: EMF’s “Unbelievable” (43-32) and Paula Abdul‘s “Rush Rush,” the chart’s Hot Shot Debut at No. 36. Also new to the top 40 on the May 11, 1991, Hot 100 were two tracks that remain modern R&B classics: Luther Vandross‘ “Power of Love/Love Power” (42-33) and LL Cool J’s “Mama Said Knock You Out” (46-39).
Here is the top 10 on the Hot 100 19 years ago this week:
Position, Title, Artist(s)
No. 1, “Joyride,” Roxette
No. 2, “Baby Baby,” Amy Grant
No. 3, “I Like the Way (the Kissing Game),” Hi-Five
No. 4, “Here We Go,” C&C Music Factory featuring Freedom Williams & Zelma Davis
No. 5, “Touch Me (All Night Long),” Cathy Dennis
No. 6, “I Touch Myself,” Divinyls
No. 7, “Rhythm of My Heart,” Rod Stewart
No. 8, “I Don’t Wanna Cry,” Mariah Carey
No. 9, “More Than Words,” Extreme
No. 10, “Cry for Help,” Rick Astley
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