A Look Back at the 1990 BRIT Awards
The BRITs stumbled into a new decade, hosted by Cathy McGowan at London’s Dominion Theatre. Yes, that Cathy McGowan—1960s Mod royalty turned TV presenter. It was less of a polished awards show and more of a slightly chaotic pub quiz night. Glorious in its own messy way.
Let’s talk winners.
Best British Group – Fine Young Cannibals
Fine Young Cannibals capped off their The Raw and the Cooked era with this win. Funky pop meets new wave brilliance. She Drives Me Crazy was practically the soundtrack to shoulder pads and questionable perms. 1980s hangover in full swing.
Best British Album – Fine Young Cannibals The Raw and the Cooked
Another one for FYC. They owned 1990, plain and simple. Good Thing and I’m Not the Man I Used to Be gave us genre-bending tracks that still hold up. Danceable and clever—a rare combination.
Best British Female Solo Artist – Annie Lennox
By this point, Annie Lennox was untouchable. Post-Eurythmics, her solo career was soaring. That voice, sharp enough to cut through glass, and a style that made everyone else look underdressed.
Best British Male Solo Artist – Phil Collins
Phil Collins. You either loved him or rolled your eyes. But there’s no denying his knack for radio-ready hits. Another Day in Paradise was his way of making social commentary while still dominating the charts. Soft rock with staying power.
Best British Video – The Cure Lullaby
Goths with a sense of humour—who knew? Robert Smith’s spider-filled fever dream of a video was eerie, surreal, and oddly beautiful. Lullaby proved that goths could do mainstream while keeping it weird.
Best British Single – Phil Collins Another Day in Paradise
Another win for Phil. The BRITs clearly couldn’t get enough of his heartfelt, easy-to-digest commentary on homelessness. Predictable? Maybe. Catchy? Absolutely.
Best British Newcomer – Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield’s All Around the World was inescapable. A Northern soul anthem with a velvety voice to match. Proof that sometimes, simplicity wins.
Outstanding Contribution to Music – Queen
Well, obviously. By 1990, Queen didn’t need awards—they were already a cultural institution. Freddie Mercury and Brian May had shaped a legacy that went beyond rock. This just made it official.
Best International Female Artist – Neneh Cherry
Neneh Cherry’s Raw Like Sushi was a genre-defying triumph. Rap, pop, funk—it had everything. She was fearless, stylish, and impossible to pin down. Critics didn’t know what to do with her, which was exactly the point.
Best International Group – U2
Pre-Achtung Baby U2 still had a bit of grit. Fresh off the success of The Joshua Tree, they were on the brink of superstardom. 1990 just confirmed what was coming.
Best Soundtrack/Cast Recording – Batman
Yes, the Batman soundtrack won. Stop laughing. Prince turned it into a cultural moment. If you haven’t seen Batdance, now’s the time—just don’t say I didn’t warn you.
Recommended Listening – Fine Young Cannibals
If any act defined the night, it was Fine Young Cannibals. The Raw and the Cooked struck the perfect balance between pop hooks and substance. Start with She Drives Me Crazy and Good Thing. Nostalgia guaranteed.
