1993 - "Regret" - New Order

It may lack the innovation of "Blue Monday", the groove of "Bizarre Love Triangle" or the lyrical depth of "True Faith", but "Regret" is arguably New Order's most complete song. 

Their best guitar-led track embodies the New Order sound: understated guitar, shimmering synths, Hooky's signature bass, lush arrangement and melancholic lyrics. A great vocal melody and surprisingly solid vocals from Bernard Sumner. 

"Regret" is also very personal. As the lead track of the Republic album which I bought in Ontario on way home from BC, I have fond memories of driving a rental to PEI en route to my Master's research, with two copies of this CD (what if one started to skip?!). The Habs were on their way to winning an unlikely cup thanks to 10 straight overtime wins. A spring of intense optimism. The Habs haven't won since.

Other favourites from 1993: 

"At the Hundredth Meridian" – Tragically Hip 

"Man On The Moon" – REM 

"World" – New Order 

1992 - "Halcyon On and On" - Orbital

The top track for 1992, the year I moved to Vancouver, was ultimately going to be an electronic one. "Halcyon On and On" by Orbital is classified by the internet as dream trance. This mid-tempo club classic fits somewhere between techno rave and chill-out. You may vaguely recall it from the Hackers film.

A longtime favourite running track that I equally enjoy on headphones while writing. The mind blowing melody guarantees a shot of dopamine. 

Other favourites from 1992: 

"Something Good" - Utah Saints

"Ebeneezer Goode" - The Shamen

"Disappointed" – Electronic

"Baker Street" – Undercover

"Underwhelmed" – Sloan

"Sweet Harmony" - The Beloved

1991 - "Soon" - My Bloody Valentine

REM's "Losing My Religion" would have been the top track back in the day. I also wore out the Nirvana album like everyone else. But years later I stumbled on this almost indescribable song. It's the sound of flying through cartoon cumulus clouds and the soundtrack to driving by scenic landscapes. While North America was embracing grunge, Britain created shoegaze.

A wall of reverb guitar and violin glide in and out creating dizzying layers of melody. An addictive dance beat sends it into an extra dimension. It doesn't matter that the lyrics are hard to follow without looking them up, the euphoric vocals jive perfectly with the music. A favourite song for zoning out on flights and runs.

Other favourites from 1991: 

"I Wanna Be Adored" – The Stone Roses 

"Losing My Religion" – REM 

"Get the Message" – Electronic 

"Smells Like Teen Spirit" – Nirvana

1990 - "Crazy" - Seal

Released in early 1990, I remember this tune sounding so futuristic.

Adapting 80s production and polishing it up a notch, it's hard to believe this track is 30 years old. Seal's strong vocals and existential musings add up to one spiritual groove.

I think "Crazy" could be released today and still sound fresh. I expected to hear more of this soulful synth vibe throughout the decade. I was wrong. 

Other favourites from 1990: 

"Been Caught Stealing" - Jane's Addiction

"Sadeness" - Enigma

"Fools Gold" - Stone Roses

1989 - "Personal Jesus" - Depeche Mode

I'll always remember 1989 as when the holy trinity of alternative rock, The Cure, New Order and Depeche Mode, released amazing albums.

Think back to the early 80s for minute. Hands up if you thought back these guys would be sporting cowboy hats and playing guitars at the end of the decade?

The evolution of Depeche Mode from a quirky synth-pop act to filling stadiums in North America was impressive. Like U2 with the The Joshua Tree, Depeche Mode stormed North America with an amped up, somewhat industrial form of dance music typifying the Violator album in 1989.

"Personal Jesus" is a club classic with an unstoppable beat, atmospheric guitars and menacing vocals. The badass video is a bonus. Well done boys, you've come a long way.

Other favourites from 1989: 

"Fascination Street" - The Cure

"Monkey Gone to Heaven" – Pixies

"Bust A Move" - Young MC

"Round and Round" - New Order