One consequence of British rule was that the educated elite were familiar with the English language and the English way of life. Therefore, English songs were enjoyed and appreciated by many people even when foreign media channels and entertainment companies were not allowed to operate in India.
However, the liberalization of the economy in the early 1990s resulted in a rapid expansion of the entertainment industry in India. Large sections of the population began to enjoy access to songs in English on their televisions. The following songs became very popular among young people who experienced English songs for the first time on channels like MTV and Channel V.
Larger Than Life by Backstreet Boys
This song by the band conveyed their gratitude to their fans describing them as “larger than life”. The fast dance floor staged in a futuristic spaceship in the year 3000 became very popular among fans of English songs in India. The band also enjoyed a healthy following in the country.
Baby one more time by Britney Spears
The song that firmly established Britney Spears as a worldwide singing sensation was also a hit in India. If teenage girls swooned over the Backstreet Boys, teens enjoyed the singing talent and beauty of this popular entertainer.
My heart will go on by Celine Dion
Titanic became the highest grossing film among English language film releases in India. This contributed to the popularity of the title track and also its artist. The song was well received even by those who found it difficult to understand the English lyrics. His raspy voice and soulful music ensured that the song was very popular for a long time.
Ricky Martin’s Cup of Life
The official song of the 1998 Soccer World Cup, this song was a huge hit with soccer fans in India. The fact that the song included some lines from Ricky Martin’s other hit, Un Dos Tres, further contributed to its popularity.
We like to party by The Vengaboys
The Vengaboys were very popular at all dance parties in India with songs like We Like To Party and Ibiza. Caribbean rhythms, loud vocals and hot music videos made their albums very popular across the country.
Aqua Barbie Girl
The video for this song featured the lead singers playing Barbie and Ken. This increased the curiosity of English song lovers in India. The singers’ bold lyrics and high, graceful voices matched the music well and contributed to the overall popularity of the song and album.
Mambo No. 5 by Lou Bega
Lou Bega combined mambo and jive rhythms with retro style and attire to pack a killer punch with his smash hit song, Mambo No. 5. The song was a dance track and its simple lyrics delivered in a rap-like beat. immensely popular among the youth of the country.
Simply log on to websites that allow you to listen to old and new English songs online to enjoy these old popular hits alongside the latest English releases from today’s biggest artists.