KROQ Top 106.7 Songs of 1990

Additional Notes on Songs

• Rank 1: Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U - I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990)
  A haunting ballad from I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, its emotional intensity made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 2: Depeche Mode - Enjoy the Silence - Violator (1990)
  A hypnotic synth-pop masterpiece from Violator, its dark allure dominated KROQ airwaves.
• Rank 3: Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing - Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)
  A funky alt-rock hit from Ritual de lo Habitual, its playful energy was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 4: The Cure - Pictures of You - Disintegration (1989)
  A dreamy, melancholic track from Disintegration, its emotional depth kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 5: The Stone Roses - Fools Gold - Non-album Single (1989)
  A funky, hypnotic track, later on The Stone Roses reissues, its groove resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 6: Faith No More - Epic - The Real Thing (1989)
  A genre-blending rock hit from The Real Thing, its epic energy made it a KROQ staple.
• Rank 7: Trashcan Sinatras - Only Tongue Can Tell - Cake (1990)
  Trashcan Sinatras, a Scottish indie band, crafted this jangly, melodic track with a bittersweet tone, from their debut album Cake. It captures the early 90s indie sound with its delicate guitars. KROQ aired it for its understated charm.
• Rank 8: Social Distortion - Ball and Chain - Social Distortion (1990)
  A raw punk anthem from their self-titled album, its gritty storytelling fit KROQ’s SoCal vibe.
• Rank 9: Chris Isaak - Wicked Game - Heart Shaped World (1989)
  A sultry, haunting track from Heart Shaped World, its moody atmosphere was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 10: Midnight Oil - Blue Sky Mine - Blue Sky Mining (1990)
  An anthemic protest song from Blue Sky Mining, its political message resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 11: Iggy Pop - Candy - Brick by Brick (1990)
  A melodic rock duet with Kate Pierson from Brick by Brick, its nostalgic vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 12: Depeche Mode - World in My Eyes - Violator (1990)
  A seductive synth track from Violator, its dark energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 13: Depeche Mode - Policy of Truth - Violator (1990)
  A sleek electronic track from Violator, its introspective lyrics were a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 14: The Charlatans - The Only One I Know - Some Friendly (1990)
  A jangly indie rock hit from Some Friendly, its Madchester vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 15: Concrete Blonde - Joey - Bloodletting (1990)
  A heartfelt alt-rock ballad from Bloodletting, its emotional intensity made it a KROQ staple.
• Rank 16: INXS - Suicide Blonde - X (1990)
  A sultry rock track from X, its seductive rhythm was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 17: The Lightning Seeds - Pure - Cloudcuckooland (1990)
  A dreamy pop track from Cloudcuckooland, its bright melody continued to shine on KROQ.
• Rank 18: Nine Inch Nails - Head Like a Hole - Pretty Hate Machine (1989)
  A fierce industrial track from Pretty Hate Machine, its raw energy fit KROQ’s evolving sound.
• Rank 19: Billy Idol - Cradle of Love - Charmed Life (1990)
  A high-energy rock track from Charmed Life, its rebellious vibe was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 20: The Sundays - Here's Where the Story Ends - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic (1990)
  A dreamy indie pop track from Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, its delicate charm resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 21: The Jesus and Mary Chain - Head On - Automatic (1989)
  A noisy alt-rock track from Automatic, its raw energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 22: UB40 - The Way You Do the Things You Do - Labour of Love II (1989)
  A smooth reggae cover from Labour of Love II, its laid-back groove was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 23: Peter Murphy - Cuts You Up - Deep (1990)
  A haunting gothic track from Deep, its atmospheric sound continued to captivate KROQ listeners.
• Rank 24: The Soup Dragons - I'm Free [The Soup Dragons feat. Junior Reid] - Lovegod (1990)
  An upbeat dance-rock cover from Lovegod, its infectious energy made it a KROQ staple.
• Rank 25: Gene Loves Jezebel - Jealous - Kiss of Life (1990)
  A dramatic gothic rock track from Kiss of Life, its dark allure fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 26: Primal Scream - Loaded - Screamadelica (1990)
  A dance-rock anthem from Screamadelica (released 1991, single 1990), its groovy beat was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 27: Sinead O'Connor - The Emperor's New Clothes - I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got (1990)
  An introspective rock track from I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, its raw emotion resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 28: The Cure - Never Enough - Non-album Single (1990)
  A punchy alt-rock single, later on Mixed Up, its driving beat was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 29: U2 - Night and Day - Non-album Single (1990)
  A cover of the Cole Porter classic, later on the Red Hot + Blue compilation, its moody vibe fit KROQ.
• Rank 30: Midnight Oil - King of the Mountain - Blue Sky Mining (1990)
  An energetic rock track from Blue Sky Mining, its anthemic feel earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 31: Michael Penn - This & That - March (1989)
  A melodic pop-rock track from March, its introspective lyrics kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 32: The House of Love - I Don't Know Why I Love You - The House of Love (1990)
  A shimmering indie rock track from their self-titled album, its dreamy vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 33: Soho - Hippychick - Non-album Single (1990)
  A dance-pop track with a sampled beat, its funky groove made it a KROQ hit.
• Rank 34: Living Colour - Type - Time’s Up (1990)
  A funky rock track from Time’s Up, its social commentary fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 35: They Might Be Giants - Birdhouse in Your Soul - Flood (1990)
  A quirky pop track from Flood, its whimsical lyrics earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 36: Boom Crash Opera - Onion Skin - These Here Are Crazy Times (1989)
  Boom Crash Opera, an Australian rock band, delivered this upbeat, melodic track with a driving beat, from These Here Are Crazy Times. It blends pop-rock with an anthemic feel. KROQ played it for its Aussie import charm.
• Rank 37: Erasure - Star - Wild! (1989)
  A vibrant synth-pop track from Wild!, its infectious energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 38: Jane's Addiction - Stop! - Ritual de lo Habitual (1990)
  A fiery alt-rock track from Ritual de lo Habitual, its raw intensity was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 39: The B-52s - Roam - Cosmic Thing (1989)
  An adventurous pop track from Cosmic Thing, its playful vibe continued to dominate KROQ.
• Rank 40: Social Distortion - Story of My Life - Social Distortion (1990)
  A heartfelt punk track from their self-titled album, its storytelling resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 41: Morrissey - Ouija Board, Ouija Board - Non-album Single (1989)
  A quirky, dramatic single, later on Bona Drag (1990), its Smiths-like charm fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 42: The Darling Buds - Crystal Clear - Crawdaddy (1990)
  The Darling Buds, a Welsh indie band, created this jangly, upbeat track with a sunny pop vibe, from Crawdaddy. It reflects the early 90s alternative scene with its lighthearted energy. KROQ aired it for its fresh, indie appeal.
• Rank 43: Billy Idol - Prodigal Blues - Charmed Life (1990)
  A reflective rock track from Charmed Life, its emotional depth earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 44: Adam Ant - Room at the Top - Manners & Physique (1990)
  A dance-pop track from Manners & Physique, its catchy beat fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 45: Concrete Blonde - Tomorrow, Wendy - Bloodletting (1990)
  A haunting alt-rock track from Bloodletting, its emotional intensity resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 46: The Psychedelic Furs - House - Book of Days (1989)
  A moody alt-rock track from Book of Days, its atmospheric sound kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 47: UB40 - Here I Am (Come and Take Me) - Labour of Love II (1989)
  A soulful reggae cover from Labour of Love II, its smooth groove was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 48: Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner - Non-album Single (1990)
  An a cappella folk track, later on Tom’s Album (1991), its minimalist charm fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 49: Oingo Boingo - Skin - Dark at the End of the Tunnel (1990)
  A theatrical new wave track from Dark at the End of the Tunnel, its quirky energy was a KROQ staple.
• Rank 50: The Cure - Hello I Love You - Non-album Single (1990)
  A cover of The Doors’ classic, later on the Rubaiyat compilation, its moody vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 51: Inspiral Carpets - This Is How It Feels - Life (1990)
  A melancholic indie rock track from Life, its Madchester sound earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 52: The Smithereens - Yesterday Girl - 11 (1989)
  A power-pop track from 11, its nostalgic tone kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 53: The Lightning Seeds - All I Want - Cloudcuckooland (1990)
  A bright indie pop track from Cloudcuckooland, its upbeat melody fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 54: Midnight Oil - Forgotten Years - Blue Sky Mining (1990)
  A powerful rock track from Blue Sky Mining, its historical message resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 55: The Sundays - Can't Be Sure - Reading, Writing and Arithmetic (1990)
  A jangly indie pop track from Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, its delicate charm was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 56: The Sisters of Mercy - More - Vision Thing (1990)
  A dramatic gothic rock track from Vision Thing, its epic sound fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 57: The Ocean Blue - Drifting, Falling - The Ocean Blue (1989)
  A dreamy alt-pop track from their self-titled debut, its lush sound kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 58: Happy Mondays - Step On - Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches (1990)
  An upbeat Madchester track from Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, its danceable beat was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 59: Michael Penn - Brave New World - March (1989)
  A melodic pop-rock track from March, its introspective lyrics continued to resonate on KROQ.
• Rank 60: Public Image Ltd. - Don't Ask Me - The Greatest Hits, So Far (1990)
  A post-punk track from The Greatest Hits, So Far, its sharp energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 61: Pretenders - Never Do That - Packed! (1990)
  A melodic rock track from Packed!, its heartfelt vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 62: Pixies - Dig for Fire - Bossanova (1990)
  An angular alt-rock track from Bossanova, its quirky energy fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 63: Electronic - Getting Away With It - Non-album Single (1989)
  A smooth electronic track, later on Electronic (1991), its polished sound kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 64: INXS - Bitter Tears - X (1990)
  A soulful rock track from X, its emotional depth resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 65: Lenny Kravitz - I Build This Garden For Us - Let Love Rule (1989)
  A funky rock track from Let Love Rule, its retro vibe continued to shine on KROQ.
• Rank 66: The Beloved - Hello - Happiness (1990)
  An upbeat electronic track from Happiness, its playful energy was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 67: U2 - Unchained Melody - Non-album Single (1990)
  A cover of the Righteous Brothers’ classic, a B-side to "All I Want Is You," its soulful vibe fit KROQ.
• Rank 68: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Show Me Your Soul - Non-album Single (1990)
  A funky rock track from the Pretty Woman soundtrack, its high energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 69: The Church - Metropolis - Gold Afternoon Fix (1990)
  A shimmering alt-rock track from Gold Afternoon Fix, its dreamy vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 70: Aztec Camera - Good Morning Britain - Stray (1990)
  A melodic pop-rock track from Stray, its political message fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 71: Candy Flip - Strawberry Fields Forever - Madstock… (1990)
  A psychedelic dance cover of The Beatles’ classic from Madstock…, its trippy vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 72: Trashcan Sinatras - Obscurity Knocks - Cake (1990)
  Trashcan Sinatras delivered this melancholic, jangly track with a poetic edge, from their debut album Cake. It’s a gem of early 90s indie with its delicate instrumentation. KROQ played it for its heartfelt, underground appeal.
• Rank 73: The Cure - Harold and Joe - Non-album Single (1990)
  A B-side to "Never Enough," this quirky track’s playful vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 74: Faith No More - Falling to Pieces - The Real Thing (1989)
  A dynamic rock track from The Real Thing, its eclectic energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 75: Duran Duran - Serious - Liberty (1990)
  A smooth pop-rock track from Liberty, its polished sound fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 76: Jesus Jones - Move Mountains - Doubt (1990)
  An upbeat alt-rock track from Doubt (released 1991, single 1990), its energetic vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 77: The Mission - Butterfly on a Wheel - Carved in Sand (1990)
  A dramatic gothic rock track from Carved in Sand, its anthemic feel resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 78: Morrissey - November Spawned a Monster - Non-album Single (1990)
  A theatrical single, later on Bona Drag, its dark humor fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 79: Concrete Blonde - Everybody Knows - Non-album Single (1990)
  A cover of Leonard Cohen’s classic from the Pump Up the Volume soundtrack, its raw energy was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 80: Too Much Joy - That's a Lie (remix) - Son of Sam I Am (1988)
  Too Much Joy, an American indie rock band, released this witty, upbeat remix with a punk-pop edge, from Son of Sam I Am. It blends humor with a catchy melody, typical of their quirky style. KROQ aired it for its offbeat charm.
• Rank 81: Lloyd Cole - Downtown - Lloyd Cole (1990)
  A melancholic pop-rock track from his self-titled album, its introspective vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 82: Happy Mondays - Kinky Afro - Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches (1990)
  A funky Madchester track from Pills ‘n’ Thrills and Bellyaches, its danceable groove was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 83: Eddy Grant - Gimme Hope Jo'Anna - File Under Rock (1988)
  An upbeat reggae-pop track from File Under Rock, its political message kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 84: David J - I'll Be Your Chauffeur - Songs from Another Season (1990)
  David J, bassist of Bauhaus, created this moody, atmospheric track with a gothic folk vibe, from his solo album Songs from Another Season. It features his signature introspective style. KROQ played it for its underground appeal.
• Rank 85: 808 State - Cubik - Non-album Single (1990)
  An instrumental techno track, its pulsating beat fit KROQ’s eclectic playlist.
• Rank 86: The Railway Children - Every Beat of the Heart - Native Place (1990)
  The Railway Children, a British indie band, delivered this melodic, jangly track with a heartfelt tone, from Native Place. It captures the early 90s alternative scene with its dreamy guitars. KROQ aired it for its indie charm.
• Rank 87: The House of Love - Beatles and the Stones - The House of Love (1990)
  A nostalgic indie rock track from their self-titled album, its reflective vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 88: World Party - Way Down Now - Goodbye Jumbo (1990)
  A melodic rock track from Goodbye Jumbo, its Beatles-esque charm earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 89: The Human League - Heart Like a Wheel - Romantic? (1990)
  A synth-pop track from Romantic?, its polished sound fit KROQ’s playlist.
• Rank 90: The Stone Roses - One Love - Non-album Single (1990)
  A groovy alt-rock track, its Madchester vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 91: Depeche Mode - Halo - Violator (1990)
  A brooding synth track from Violator, its dark atmosphere resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 92: The Posies - Golden Blunders - Dear 23 (1990)
  A melodic power-pop track from Dear 23, its harmonious vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 93: The Creatures - Fury Eyes - Boomerang (1989)
  A percussive gothic track from Boomerang, its Siouxsie Sioux-led energy kept it in KROQ rotation.
• Rank 94: EMF - Unbelievable - Schubert Dip (1990)
  An infectious dance-rock track from Schubert Dip, its catchy hook made it a KROQ anthem.
• Rank 95: Pet Shop Boys - So Hard - Behaviour (1990)
  A sleek synth-pop track from Behaviour, its dramatic flair fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 96: Hunters & Collectors - When the River Runs Dry - Ghost Nation (1989)
  An anthemic rock track from Ghost Nation, its Aussie energy resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 97: The Charlatans - Then - Some Friendly (1990)
  A jangly indie rock track from Some Friendly, its Madchester sound was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 98: Duran Duran - Violence of Summer (Love's Taking Over) - Liberty (1990)
  An upbeat pop-rock track from Liberty, its energetic vibe earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 99: INXS - Disappear - X (1990)
  A soaring rock track from X, its emotional intensity made it a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 100: The Heart Throbs - Dreamtime - Cleopatra Grip (1990)
  The Heart Throbs, a British alternative band, created this ethereal, shoegaze-inspired track with dreamy vocals, from Cleopatra Grip. It captures the early 90s indie scene with its atmospheric sound. KROQ aired it for its haunting, underground appeal.
• Rank 101: New Order - World in Motion... - Non-album Single (1990)
  An upbeat dance track, its soccer anthem vibe was a KROQ hit.
• Rank 102: Sonic Youth - Kool Thing - Goo (1990)
  A noisy alt-rock track from Goo, its rebellious energy fit KROQ’s evolving sound.
• Rank 103: Real Life - God Tonight - Non-album Single (1990)
  A synth-pop track, its driving beat earned KROQ spins.
• Rank 104: Ultra Vivid Scene - Special One - Joy 1967–1990 (1990)
  A dreamy shoegaze track from Joy 1967–1990, its ethereal vibe resonated on KROQ.
• Rank 105: The Replacements - Someone Take the Wheel - All Shook Down (1990)
  A heartfelt alt-rock track from All Shook Down, its raw emotion was a KROQ favorite.
• Rank 106: Cocteau Twins - Iceblink Luck - Heaven or Las Vegas (1990)
  An ethereal dream-pop track from Heaven or Las Vegas, its haunting beauty fit KROQ’s vibe.
• Rank 106.7: Lewisidal Tendencies - Silent Night - Non-album Single (1990)
  A playful, likely satirical take on the holiday classic, its quirky nature made it a fitting end to KROQ’s countdown.