Waterfalls

TLC’s 1995 hit “Waterfalls” blends a smooth R&B groove with a cautionary social message about the dangers of chasing illusions (be it drugs, crime, or risky relationships). With Chilli and T-Boz’s silky vocals on the verses and Left Eye’s poignant rap addressing the AIDS crisis, the song was both infectious and profound. Its music video — featuring the group as flowing water spirits and cinematic storylines of people facing hard consequences — was an MTV milestone, earning big awards. “Waterfalls” spent seven weeks at #1 in the US, becoming TLC’s signature song. More than just a slow jam, it bravely brought real-life issues to the forefront of ’90s pop. Even today, when TLC urges “don’t go chasing waterfalls,” it’s a reminder to stick to the rivers and lakes of reality, delivered in one of the decade’s most timeless tunes.