By Ajah Hales
The COVID-19 coronavirus has reached the United States, and people are starting to panic. Large gatherings have been canceled faster than Sabrina Claudio’s R&B career, and companies that were ‘unable’ to make accommodations for disabled employees are suddenly bending over backwards to help as many people as possible work from home. But for the 53 million Americans struggling to make ends meet with a low wage job, staying home is not an option.
Fortunately, the CDC assures us that the best way to defend ourselves against COVID-19 is to stay inside and try not to get sick in the first place. The virus is passed when little droplets from sick people’s coughs and sneezes are ingested or inhaled by healthy persons. Quarantines and social distancing slow the spread of the virus. Simple, practical things like covering your cough and washing your hands go a long way towards keeping you and your family safe.
The CDC recommends that you scrub your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to kill germs and rinse with warm water. Consumers, brands and the media have been turning this advice into a chance for light hearted humor, and to ensure individuals are properly washing their hands for the recommended time period, by suggesting the best songs to sing while lathering up.
Inspired by the tweet of AdWeek’s Agy Spy, we’ve compiled an awesome playlist of multicultural 90s hits that are perfect for washing your hands to.
1990
- I’m Your Baby Tonight Whitney Houston
The title track of Whitney’s third studio album is still a banger. The music video is so totally 90s it will transport you back in time, and the chorus is exactly 20 seconds long.
1991
- Come and Talk to Me Jodeci
Few groups exemplified 90s new jack swing like Jodeci. The soulful R&B quartet consists of Devante Swing, Mr. Dalvin, K-Ci and Jojo and was managed by industry giant Al. B. Sure. “Come and Talk to Me” was a breakout single from their debut album Forever My Lady with a 20-second chorus perfect for handwashing.
1992
- Murder, She Wrote Chaka Demus & Pliers
The Jamaican reggae duo DJ Chaka Demus and singer Pliers took Miami by storm in 1991. Singing the 20-second chorus to their hit dancehall single is guaranteed to make you want to wine your hips in the mirror.
- No Ordinary Love Sade
Nigerian born songbird Helen Folasade Adu, lead singer of the soulful smooth jazz band Sade, has been cool since 1982. Her timeless sound and age-defying good looks have captivated audiences for almost four decades. “No Ordinary Love” is a single off of her fourth solo album, Love Deluxe with a 20-second chorus that is perfectly timed for washing your hands.
- Sweet Thing Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige’s cover of Chaka Khan’s timeless 1975 hit proves that while history doesn’t repeat itself, it sure does rhyme. While “Sweet Thing” may not have been the number one hit on her 1992 What’s The 411? album, it is certainly a top hit for washing hands.
1993
What would the 90s have been without Monica? This timeless R&B banger is off of the Miss Thang album. Its 22-second chorus is perfect for hand washing. Your only problem will be exhibiting the self control to not sing the entire song!
1994
- Bidi Bidi Bom Bom Selena
Few ’90s Chicano artists are more beloved than Selena Quintanilla. “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” is one of the many memorable hits from her fourth studio album, Amor Prohibido. Sing the 10-second chorus twice to ensure you’ve scrubbed all the germs away.
1995
- Piel Morena Thalia
Thalia has been described by many as the most beautiful woman in the world. Her 1995 live performance of “Piel Morena” on Heraldo Mexico may have been the start of this rumor. The song’s 22-second chorus is the perfect length for getting your brown skin clean!
- Shy Guy Diana King
Afro Jamaican artist Diana King captured our hearts in the ’90s with her breakout single, “Shy Guy.” Although you still probably don’t know a word of the actual lyrics, everyone can remember the catchy 20-second chorus, because who doesn’t want a shy guy, the kind of guy that will always be mine?
1996
- Your Secret Love Luther Vandross
Luther Vandross gave us smooth, soulful R&B hits for over four decades. In his long and impressive career, Luther continued to reinvent himself again and again. “Your Secret Love” topped charts as a non-traditional country crossover. The 25-second chorus of this song is just right for hand washing.
1997
- Hypnotize Biggie Smalls
The ’90s would not be the ’90s without Biggie Smalls. A rap legend who needs no introduction, The Notorious B. I. G. released “Hypnotize” shortly before his assassination. The hypnotic beat and 20-second chorus of this chart-topping hit is a bop that is perfect for hip bumping and hand washing.
1998
- Are You That Somebody? Aaliyah
Aaliyah’s smooth sound dominated the ’90s. This hit was originally recorded for the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack. “Are You That Somebody?” has a 26-second chorus, but who cares about a little extra scrub time when you’re singing Aaliyah?
- La Vida Es Un Carnaval Celia Cruz
Celia Cruz is another artist whose impressive career spanned decades. “La Vida es Un Carnival” has a 40 second chorus–singing it just halfway through is long enough to fight coronavirus.
1999
- Jumpin’ Jumpin’ Destiny’s Child
Most people remember Destiny’s Child as THE girl group of the early 2000s, but their rise to stardom actually began in the ’90s. In 1999, The four members released “Jumpin’ Jumpin’,” a hit single with a 20 -econd chorus that will have you ready to turn up on your way out of the bathroom.
These 14 classic ’90s hits will transport you back down memory lane while you scrub away the germs – so now you have no excuse not to wash your hands properly. Just pick a hit and hum along–we promise not to tell anyone!
