1996 was a year of contrasts, mirroring the bittersweet symphony of life itself. We mourned the loss of Tupac Shakur, navigated another Clinton election cycle, and witnessed the slow fade of grunge’s angst. Music consumption was evolving, with CD singles still reigning supreme, and blockbuster movies like “Twister” dominated the box office. For many, 1996 was synonymous with middle school dances and the soundtracks that defined them.
Reflecting on 1996, certain musical moments stand out. Dave Matthews Band’s “Crash” album was the ubiquitous sound of college dorms, a record that, despite its massive popularity, often went critically underappreciated. Ginuwine’s “Pony” emerged as a sonic innovator, its deep bass lines foreshadowing the dubstep era by years. Girl power anthems were in full swing, from the manufactured pop perfection of the Spice Girls to Alanis Morissette’s raw, poetic fury, and the undeniable vocal prowess of Mariah Carey. And then there were the Smashing Pumpkins, a band that, even after the seismic shift of Nirvana, continued to push alternative rock into fresh and ambitious territories, setting the stage for Radiohead’s groundbreaking “OK Computer” in 1997.
What follows is a countdown of the 50 best songs of 1996, a sonic time capsule from two decades past. For a complete listening experience, check out the full playlist on Spotify.
50. Nas ft. Lauryn Hill – ‘If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)’
Nas’s second album, while often overshadowed by the iconic “Illmatic,” still boasts moments of brilliance. “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That),” featuring Lauryn Hill, is a prime example. This track is an optimistic, aspirational anthem, a blue-sky closer that showcases both artists’ lyrical prowess and hopeful vision.
49. Foo Fighters – ‘Big Me’
“Big Me” revealed a softer side to the Foo Fighters, a band initially known for their harder rock sound. This surprisingly tender track signaled a shift away from the heavier grunge era, hinting at the more diverse and melodic rock landscape that was emerging in the late 90s.
48. The Prodigy – ‘Firestarter’
The Prodigy, alongside The Chemical Brothers, were pioneers of the UK big beat scene. “Firestarter,” with its raw energy and aggressive sound, was instrumental in paving the way for the global dominance of electronic music that would explode in the following decade.
47. OutKast – ‘Elevators (Me & You)’
Before their global hits “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson,” OutKast released “Elevators (Me & You).” This track from their album “ATLiens” showcased their unique, otherworldly sound and marked their ascent towards mainstream success, nearly breaking into the top 10 charts.
46. Tracy Chapman – ‘Give Me One Reason’
Tracy Chapman’s signature wry blues style is powerfully evident in “Give Me One Reason.” More than a request, this song is a firm demand, delivered with Chapman’s unmistakable vocal strength and poignant songwriting.
45. Blues Traveler – ‘Hook’
“Hook” by Blues Traveler is a clever pop song that playfully critiques the very nature of pop music. Despite its self-aware irony, the song’s infectious melody remains undeniably catchy and memorable.
44. Nada Surf – ‘Popular’
Nada Surf, initially known for the angsty hit “Popular,” has evolved into one of underground rock’s most consistently thoughtful and reliable bands. The initial success of this single laid the foundation for a long and respected career.
43. Marilyn Manson – ‘The Beautiful People’
Produced by Trent Reznor, Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” served as a potent prelude to the nu-metal explosion. Its horror-film visuals and marching band rhythm, combined with Manson’s provocative persona, made it a defining track of the era.
42. Ghost Town DJs – ‘My Boo’
The infectious melody of “My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs was already unforgettable when it was released in 1996. Its enduring appeal was further cemented when Ciara sampled it for her hit “Body Party” in 2013, showcasing the song’s timeless groove.
41. Dishwalla – ‘Counting Blue Cars (Tell Me Your Thoughts on God)’
Dishwalla’s “Counting Blue Cars (Tell Me Your Thoughts on God)” achieved an impressive feat in 1996 by making spiritual questioning a mainstream hit. The song’s underlying tension and introspective lyrics still resonate today.
40. Garbage – ‘Stupid Girl’
Garbage’s signature blend of industrial grit, pop melodies, and Shirley Manson’s captivating charisma made “Stupid Girl” a standout track. The song’s edgy sound remains as compelling now as it was in 1996.
39. Everclear – ‘Santa Monica’
While not always embraced by the local Portland scene, Everclear’s “Santa Monica” proved that the Pacific Northwest’s rock influence extended beyond Seattle. This hit song broadened the region’s musical footprint in the 90s.
38. R.E.M. – ‘Electrolite’
“Electrolite” by R.E.M. is as comforting as a favorite sweater. This gentle farewell to the 20th century remains a touching and moving lullaby, showcasing the band’s softer, introspective side.
37. Los Del Rio – ‘Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)’
Originally recorded in 1992, “Macarena” became a global phenomenon in 1996 thanks to the Bayside Boys Remix, which added English lyrics and amplified its dance craze appeal. Its Spanish hook contributed to its rare status as a foreign language song topping the Billboard Hot 100, and its choreography became a staple at social events.
36. The Cardigans – ‘Lovefool’
As grunge waned, pure pop started to resurface, and The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” perfectly captured this shift. This infectious disco-tinged earworm, hailing from Sweden, became a global hit, showcasing the resurgence of unadulterated pop music in 1996.
35. Natalie Merchant – ‘Jealousy’
Natalie Merchant’s “Jealousy” is both vindictive and self-aware. This mid-tempo rock track simmers with restrained emotion, showcasing Merchant’s nuanced songwriting and vocal delivery.
34. Red House Painters – ‘Have You Forgotten’
“Have You Forgotten” by Red House Painters is a beautifully delicate and self-care-affirming folk song. Featured on one of their most robust collections, it highlights the band’s understated brilliance.
33. Oasis – ‘Champagne Supernova’
“Champagne Supernova,” or “Supernover” as Noel Gallagher famously sings it, is a sprawling seven-minute rock anthem. With its rhetorical question, “Where were you while we were getting high?”, it captures a sense of grandiosity and charm that defined Oasis’s appeal.
32. Alanis Morissette – ‘Head Over Feet’
Choosing a standout track from Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill,” with its impressive six singles, is a challenge. However, “Head Over Feet” arguably boasts her sweetest and most memorable chorus, showcasing a different facet of her songwriting.
31. Goo Goo Dolls – ‘Name’
Goo Goo Dolls solidified their place in 90s music with “Name.” Drawing a comparison to The Replacements, they emerged as significant heirs to that raw and emotionally resonant rock sound, a viewpoint that sparks debate but holds merit.
30. Celine Dion – ‘Because You Loved Me’
“Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion might be cooler than you remember. The song features lush synthesizers and showcases Dion’s powerful vocals. In 1996, alongside Mariah Carey, Dion was one of the defining vocalists dominating the charts.
29. Everything But the Girl – ‘Missing’
“Missing” by Everything But the Girl was a slow-burning hit, charting for an impressive 55 weeks. Its memorable simile, “And I miss you, like the deserts miss the rain,” contributed to its lasting appeal and emotional resonance.
28. Guided By Voices – ‘Don’t Stop Now’
Guided By Voices’ “Don’t Stop Now” is a lo-fi anthem that often gets overlooked, even within indie circles. Their 1996 album, “Under the Bushes, Under the Stars,” is considered by many to be on par with their more canonical works, and this track is a standout anthem from that era.
27. Spice Girls – ‘Wannabe’
It’s difficult to imagine the bubblegum pop explosion of Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys without the groundwork laid by the Spice Girls. “Wannabe” launched their global phenomenon, and arguably, they had even stronger songs in their catalog.
26. The Wallflowers – ‘One Headlight’
The mid-to-late 90s saw a wave of rock bands channeling influences from Van Morrison and Bob Dylan. The Wallflowers, fronted by Bob Dylan’s son Jakob Dylan, were prominent among them, and “One Headlight” became their signature song.
25. Brandy – ‘Sittin’ Up In My Room’
Babyface, the mastermind behind the entire “Waiting to Exhale” soundtrack, could do no wrong in the 90s. Brandy’s “Sittin’ Up In My Room,” from the soundtrack, was only kept from the top of the charts by the mega-hit “One Sweet Day.” The Hype Williams-directed video also featured a young Donald Faison, fresh from his “Clueless” fame, adding to its 90s pop culture significance.
24. Sneaker Pimps – ‘6 Underground’
“6 Underground” by Sneaker Pimps is a quintessential trip-hop track. Merging haunting keyboards with shimmering acoustic guitars, it evokes the atmosphere of a late-night subway ride, capturing a distinct mood of the era.
23. Jewel – ‘You Were Meant For Me’
Alaskan songwriter Jewel’s breakthrough hit, “You Were Meant For Me,” resonated with lovelorn youth. It captured teenage feelings with a blend of grace and poetic sensibility, even if tinged with a touch of freshman creative writing class.
22. Oasis – ‘Don’t Look Back In Anger’
From its intro that subtly borrows from “Imagine,” Oasis’s “Don’t Look Back In Anger” is pure Beatles worship. It represented a 90s revival of British rock legacy, with Oasis leading the charge as its champions.
21. Heatmiser – ‘See You Later’
Before Elliott Smith became an Oscar-nominated artist, he recorded three albums with Heatmiser. Their album “Mic City Sons,” released in 1996, is a lost alternative rock classic, and “See You Later” is a track that should have topped the rock charts.
20. Beck – ‘Where It’s At’
Beck, in his burgeoning experimental genius phase, crafted “Where It’s At.” This track stands as one of the few genuinely plausible arguments for the rap-rock genre that emerged in the 90s.
19. Donna Lewis – ‘I Love You Always Forever’
Imagine a contemporary cover of “I Love You Always Forever” by artists like Beach House or Carly Rae Jepsen. Donna Lewis’s hit is equal parts Cyndi Lauper’s sweetness and Kate Bush’s atmospheric sound, a wondrous single from an album deserving of rediscovery.
18. The Smashing Pumpkins – ‘Tonight, Tonight’
It’s quite likely that My Chemical Romance drew significant inspiration from The Smashing Pumpkins’ “Tonight, Tonight.” The song’s epic scope is matched by its music video, which features one of the most memorable top hats of the decade.
17. Fugees – ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’
The Fugees’ cover of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” originally popularized by Roberta Flack, earned them a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It also solidified Lauryn Hill’s status as a major voice in hip-hop, two years before her acclaimed “Miseducation” album.
16. The Wonders – ‘That Thing You Do!’
From Tom Hanks’s directorial debut “That Thing You Do!”, the title track is a candy-colored homage to 60s rock. “That Thing You Do!” stands as the best faux early Beatles song of 1996, a different approach to Beatles-esque music compared to Oasis’s later-era Beatles influence.
15. Fiona Apple – ‘Never is a Promise’
1996 was a remarkable year for emotionally raw heartbreak songs, and Fiona Apple, who penned “Never is a Promise” as a teenager, set a high bar for lyrical depth and vulnerability.
14. Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre and Queen Pen – ‘No Diggity’
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet, featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen, is built on a simple yet irresistible groove. The confident affirmation, “I like the way you work it,” ensures its place on party playlists for decades to come.
13. Sheryl Crow – ‘If It Makes You Happy’
Sheryl Crow’s entire singles catalog is worthy of celebration, but “If It Makes You Happy” stands out for its raw emotionality, especially evident in its powerful chorus.
12. Belle & Sebastian – ‘Like Dylan in the Movies’
“Like Dylan in the Movies” is arguably the best track from Belle & Sebastian’s indie-pop classic. This Glaswegian band influenced a generation of introspective, library-loving musicians. It also participates in a curious mid-90s trend of Dylan references in popular music, alongside songs like Hootie and the Blowfish’s “Only Wanna Be With You” and Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones.”
11. Dave Matthews Band – ‘Crash Into Me’
While there might be technically “better” Dave Matthews Band songs, “Crash Into Me” is the one that every college guy in the 90s seemed to know how to play on guitar. It became an anthem of that era.
10. Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men – ‘One Sweet Day’
This superstar collaboration between Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men topped the Billboard Hot 100 for an astounding 16 weeks. “One Sweet Day” captured two of the biggest vocal acts of the time, delivering a powerful ballad of love and loss. Inspirational slow jams were a defining sound of 1996, and this track was the pinnacle of the trend.
9. Gin Blossoms – ‘Follow You Down’
No, “Follow You Down” by Gin Blossoms is not the theme song from “Friends,” despite some sonic similarities. However, it’s just as catchy and arguably just as good, capturing the breezy alternative rock sound of the era.
8. Jamiroquai – ‘Virtual Insanity’
“Virtual Insanity” by Jamiroquai is defined by its funkiness and its iconic, visually stunning music video. Both the song and the video were highlights of 1996’s music scene.
7. Alanis Morissette – ‘Ironic’
“Ironic” by Alanis Morissette is peak 90s, even with its famously inaccurate portrayal of irony. This lyrical misstep inadvertently paved the way for a generation of hipsters to ironically embrace trucker hats in the early 2000s. Regardless, the chorus remains undeniably catchy and powerful, like most of Morissette’s songwriting.
6. No Doubt – ‘Don’t Speak’
“Don’t Speak” showcased the sensitive side of No Doubt, a band initially known for their ska-infused energy. Complete with tender classical guitar and drawing from the band’s internal romantic drama reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac, “Don’t Speak” has proven to be remarkably enduring. Its millions of YouTube views suggest it might be the most timeless song on this entire list.
5. 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman – ‘California Love’
If California were to choose a new state song today, “California Love” by 2Pac, featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman, would be a strong contender. It’s an anthem that encapsulates the spirit and energy of the Golden State in the 90s.
4. Counting Crows – ‘A Long December’
“A Long December” by Counting Crows serves as a Generation X counterpart to “Hey Jude.” This melancholic track delivers its “na-na-na” chorus with a distinct slacker angst that resonates. It’s a song that seems to improve with each passing winter.
3. Ginuwine – ‘Pony’
The film “Magic Mike” cemented “Pony” by Ginuwine in cinematic history, but even before that, this track was club perfection. Its bass-heavy, grinding rhythm made it a defining song for late-night dance floors.
2. Mariah Carey – ‘Always Be My Baby’
From its bouncy “do do do” hook to the comforting assurance of its harmonized chorus, “Always Be My Baby” showcases Mariah Carey at her absolute peak. Singer, songwriter, and peerless diva, Carey delivered a defining track of 1996 with this song.
1. The Smashing Pumpkins – ‘1979’
Enough time has passed to feel nostalgia for the 90s, the same way Billy Corgan was nostalgic for his childhood when writing “1979.” This track by The Smashing Pumpkins has aged into timeless rock. The dynamic guitar riffs are so compelling that drummer Jimmy Chamberlin famously goes the entire four minutes without a single drum fill, a testament to the song’s rhythmic power and melodic strength. “1979” is definitively the best song of 1996.
