The 1990s were a seismic decade for music, an era where the airwaves vibrated with an exhilarating clash of sounds. Tune into any radio station, and you’d be bombarded by a thrilling mix – grunge’s raw angst colliding with gangsta rap’s gritty narratives, dancehall rhythms intertwining with disco’s shimmering beats, riot grrrl’s punk rebellion echoing against the sugary melodies of TRL mall-pop. Electronica splintered into countless subgenres, and the Wu-Tang Clan’s individual members seemed to drop solo albums at every turn. Whatever your sonic preference, the Nineties offered an overwhelming abundance. No single list could ever truly encapsulate such a musically fertile decade – you could easily compile hundreds of incredible tracks from just the summer of ’94 alone. However, these 50 pivotal songs capture the essence of the Nineties music explosion, spotlighting hits, hidden gems, cult favorites, dance floor fillers, guitar anthems, and karaoke staples. So, let’s dive in. Here we are now, let us entertain you with some of the most Popular 90s Songs.
Fuzzy – “Flashlight” (1994)
Emerging seemingly from nowhere and vanishing almost as quickly, Fuzzy, a band of Boston-based quasi-grunge musicians, gifted us with one song of pure perfection. “Flashlight” features a melancholic female vocalist singing almost indecipherable lyrics about navigating the darkness with a flashlight. Largely missed by the mainstream, it was a treasure for those tuned into MTV’s 120 Minutes during its late-night music dumps. This raises a question: How many more quasi-grunge masterpieces lie buried on forgotten major-label albums from the post-Nirvana gold rush, just waiting to be rediscovered? While few may reach the heights of “Flashlight,” the thrill of the hunt remains.
Britney Spears – “Sometimes” (1999)
Britney’s second single, and arguably her first comeback moment. Few anticipated the “…Baby One More Time” sensation would maintain her momentum into the spring of 1999. However, “Sometimes” became the Total Request Live anthem that solidified Britney’s staying power and established her as a blueprint for a new generation of pop icons. “Sometimes” signaled the dawn of a new century of pop dominance.
Britney Spears in the music video for "Sometimes", showcasing 90s pop fashion and youthful energy.
The Offspring – “Self Esteem” (1994)
Hailing from Orange County’s hardcore scene, The Offspring achieved mega-platinum success with “Self Esteem,” a catchy tune exploring themes of masochism and relationship dynamics. The line, “I may be dumb, but I’m not a dweeb,” remains surprisingly relatable, unless, of course, you happen to be a “dumb dweeb,” in which case you might just be the subject of this iconic 90s song.
Selena – “Fotos y Recuerdos” (1994)
The Queen of Tejano music, Selena, masterfully reimagined The Pretenders’ classic “Back on the Chain Gang” with “Fotos y Recuerdos.” Translated into Spanish, the song soared into the Top Five on the Billboard Latin charts the very week of her tragic passing, cementing its place among popular 90s songs and showcasing Selena’s enduring legacy.
Selena performing live in the 1990s, embodying Tejano music's vibrant style and passionate performance.
Silver Jews – “Random Rules” (1998)
Imagine a honky-tonk lounge in the depths of hell. “Random Rules” by Silver Jews is the song playing on the jukebox as the night winds down, featuring David Berman’s distinctive drawl delivering his fragmented, barstool- философию. It’s a unique entry in the landscape of popular 90s songs, showcasing the decade’s embrace of indie sensibilities.
Lil Kim With Lil Cease – “Crush on You (Remix)” (1997)
“Crush on You (Remix)” is the quintessential Bad Boy Records anthem. It’s built around a strangely haunting synth loop, with Lil Cease stepping up to fill Biggie’s shoes and the indomitable Queen Bee, Lil’ Kim, flaunting her signature bravado and extravagant collection of wigs and furs. Her iconic question, “Shall I proceed?” answered with a resounding, “Yes, indeed!” perfectly encapsulates the song’s confident and stylish vibe, making it a standout among popular 90s songs.
Lil' Kim in the "Crush on You" music video, showcasing her iconic 90s hip-hop style and confident persona.
Stereolab – “Cybele’s Reverie” (1996)
“Voulez vous coucher avec le revolution?” Stereolab, the European masters of vintage-keyboard aesthetics, crafted album after album of lush, politically charged trance-prog. “Cybele’s Reverie” stands as their magnum opus, a testament to their unique sound and a highlight among popular 90s songs for alternative music fans.
Supergrass – “Alright” (1995)
Choosing just one song from the Clueless soundtrack is an almost impossible task, much like trying to find profound meaning in a Pauly Shore film. However, Supergrass’ “Alright” perfectly captures the youthful exuberance and carefree spirit of the 90s, making it a quintessential track from one of the decade’s most defining teen movies and a truly popular 90s song.
Supergrass in their "Alright" music video, embodying the youthful energy and Britpop style of the mid-90s.
Ace of Base – “The Sign” (1994)
The world’s most successful Swedish reggae band, Ace of Base, delved into mysticism with “The Sign,” a massive hit that seems to defy the involvement of a native English speaker with lyrics like, “Life is demanding/Without understanding” – a statement undeniably true in its own unique way. It was, after all, a very Swedish reggae kind of decade, and “The Sign” remains one of the most undeniably popular 90s songs.
Sophie B. Hawkins – “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” (1992)
Sophie B. Hawkins, a self-proclaimed “boho sex priestess,” poured her heart out in “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover,” a raw and emotional ballad about unrequited desire. In this song, the word “damn” carries a weight of longing and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners and establishing itself as a distinctive entry in the roster of popular 90s songs.
Sophie B. Hawkins performing in the 90s, showcasing her bohemian style and passionate stage presence.
Big Pun Feat. Joe – “Still Not a Player” (1998)
Representing Uptown, baby! The late, great Bronx MC, Big Pun, joined forces with R&B crooner Joe on “Still Not a Player.” Set against a smooth lovers-rock piano melody, the track is an ode to wooing “highly intelligent bachelorettes” with a pan-cultural party vibe (“boricua, morena“) and a dash of playful, suggestive lyrics. R.I.P., Pun – he may have claimed to be “not a player,” but he certainly “crushed a lot” in the world of hip-hop and popular 90s songs.
Sebadoh – “Brand New Love” (1992)
Sebadoh, the punk wolf boys, took a significant step towards “humanhood” with “Brand New Love,” a folk-infused ballad that builds into feedback-drenched catharsis. The song chronicles the journey of opening up a guarded heart to new, potentially frightening emotions and daring to smile back at someone across the room. It’s a raw and honest portrayal of vulnerability, earning its place among popular 90s songs for those who appreciate authentic emotion.
Sebadoh performing live in the 90s, capturing their lo-fi indie rock aesthetic and raw energy.
Geto Boys – “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” (1991)
“Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by the Geto Boys is arguably the most chilling gangsta rap narrative ever recorded. The song culminates with Willie D’s bloodied fists pounding on the concrete, all set to a haunting, cold jazz-fusion loop. Its dark and unsettling atmosphere cemented its status as a landmark track and a standout amongst popular 90s songs that explored the darker side of life.
New Radicals – “You Get What You Give” (1998)
The definition of a one-hit wonder, New Radicals gifted the world with “You Get What You Give,” a gloriously over-the-top prom anthem. Complete with a bucket hat-wearing frontman, a mall-riot-themed video, and cheeky insults directed at Beck, Hanson, Courtney Love, and Marilyn Manson, the song was a moment of pure, unadulterated 90s energy. And then, just as quickly as they arrived, they were gone. Years later, the New Radicals frontman received an Oscar nomination in 2015 for Begin Again, but sadly, he did not reprise the iconic bucket hat on the red carpet – a missed opportunity for 90s nostalgia and another boost to the legacy of this popular 90s song.
New Radicals performing "You Get What You Give", showcasing their 90s alternative style and energetic performance.
Portishead – “Glory Box” (1994)
“Glory Box” by Portishead is the epitome of elegant trip-hop melancholy. Beth Gibbons’s haunting vocals lament heartbreak over a timeless Seventies sample of Isaac Hayes’s cheeba-infused funk. This very sample was resurrected on the radio in 2015 by Alessia Cara, who wasn’t even born when “Glory Box” first graced the airwaves, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this atmospheric and emotionally resonant track amongst popular 90s songs.
Sheryl Crow – “If It Makes You Happy” (1996)
Sheryl Crow had us all hooked from the line about “scraping the mold off the bread” in “If It Makes You Happy.” It’s the quintessential Nineties vision of rock & roll stoner torpor, delivered with Crow’s signature blend of laid-back cool and sharp lyrical wit, solidifying its place as a relatable and enduringly popular 90s song.
Sheryl Crow performing "If It Makes You Happy" live, capturing her 90s rock style and engaging stage presence.
En Vogue – “Don’t Let Go (Love)” (1996)
En Vogue, the funky divas, delivered their steamiest slow jam with “Don’t Let Go (Love),” exploring the complexities of lovemaking, heartbreak, and soul-shaking emotions. The song’s highlight is undoubtedly the passionate plea: “If I could wear your clothes… I’d pretend I was you… and looooose controoool!” This powerful vocal performance and relatable theme cemented its status as a popular 90s song and a classic R&B ballad.
Helium – “XXX” (1994)
Guitar hero Mary Timony, later of Wild Flag and Ex Hex fame, delivers a deceptively sweet ballad in Helium’s “XXX.” The lyrics take a dark turn, warning potential street harassers that they will “pay with your life, because her guitar will kill you.” In a darkly humorous twist, her guitar seemingly does just that, as Timony sings her hilariously deadpan kiss-off lines: “My heart is a cab…your love is a fad…and you’re a draaag!” This blend of sweetness and menace made “XXX” a unique and memorable entry among popular 90s songs.
Mary Timony of Helium performing live, showcasing her guitar skills and indie rock presence in the 90s.
Foxy Brown With Jay Z – “I’ll Be” (1996)
Foxy Brown boldly declares, “I’m 2 live, nasty as I wanna be” in “I’ll Be,” while Jay-Z, newly arrived on the scene with Reasonable Doubt, counters with “Don’t shake your sassy ass in front of me.” This collaboration with his teenage protégé was just one of the ways Jay-Z demonstrated his burgeoning mastery of the rap game. Few could have predicted his decades-long reign at the top, but “I’ll Be” was an early indicator of his talent and Foxy Brown’s star power, contributing to the landscape of popular 90s songs.
Underworld – “Born Slippy .Nuxx” (1996)
“Born Slippy .Nuxx” by Underworld is a full-on assault of techno sensory overload. Its explosion into mainstream popularity was fueled by its inclusion in the film Trainspotting, complete with the unforgettable “lager lager lager lager” chant. Judging by the track’s frenetic energy, lager might be one of the milder substances not involved in its creation. Regardless, its impact on dance music and popular culture is undeniable, securing its place among popular 90s songs.
Underworld performing live in the 90s, capturing their energetic electronic music performance style.
Sir Mix-A-Lot – “Baby Got Back” (1992)
“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot is, butt of course, on this list. Virtually everyone in the English-speaking world can quote at least a few lines from this unapologetically pro-butt anthem. Its cultural impact is immense, sparking conversations about body image and becoming a defining and undeniably popular 90s song.
Fiona Apple – “Paper Bag” (1999)
With “Paper Bag,” Fiona Apple delivers a poignant and relatable lyric: “He thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy.” The song encapsulates the disillusionment of realizing a romantic interest isn’t as mature or capable as initially perceived. Apple’s raw honesty and emotional depth resonated with audiences, making “Paper Bag” a standout among popular 90s songs that explored complex emotions.
Fiona Apple in the "Paper Bag" music video, showcasing her 90s alternative style and introspective persona.
Weezer – “Pink Triangle” (1996)
Years before “overshare” became a common term (popularized by the Kirsten Dunst film Bring It On), Rivers Cuomo of Weezer took the concept to a new level with “Pink Triangle.” This love song, dripping with straight-dude cluelessness, is the very definition of “oversharing.” Cuomo’s self-deprecating humor and catchy melody made “Pink Triangle” a unique and memorable entry among popular 90s songs. He may have considered himself “as good as Nirvana in his mind,” but as the song suggests, “Nirvana in his mind’s no good.”
Daft Punk – “Around the World” (1997)
Daft Punk, the enigmatic French techno robots, took the bassline from Chic’s “Good Times” on a futuristic monorail journey to the cosmos with “Around the World.” The track’s distinctive filter-house sound launched countless imitators and became a defining sound of late 90s electronic music, making it an essential and popular 90s song.
Daft Punk performing "Around the World", showcasing their iconic robot helmets and electronic music performance style in the 90s.
Natalie Imbruglia – “Torn” (1998)
There’s karaoke, and then there’s “Torn” karaoke. For karaoke enthusiasts, 1998 remains the golden summer, largely thanks to Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.” The song remains an epic tear-jerker, even though knowing about Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia’s celebrity romances might make you realize she probably “definitely doesn’t need your shoulder to cry on.” Regardless, its karaoke ubiquity and emotional resonance solidify its place among popular 90s songs.
Harvey Danger – “Flagpole Sitta” (1998)
Just like “Torn,” “Flagpole Sitta” by Harvey Danger also holds a special place in the karaoke canon. The lyrics “I wanna publish zines and rage against machines” perfectly encapsulate a certain 90s ethos. However, the line “I don’t even own a TV” became the kind of hipster declaration that quickly faded into irony as the Nineties drew to a close. “Flagpole Sitta” remains a witty and culturally relevant snapshot of the era and a popular 90s song.
Harvey Danger performing "Flagpole Sitta", capturing their 90s alternative rock style and energetic stage presence.
Aaliyah – “Are You That Somebody” (1998)
“Are You That Somebody” is one of Timbaland’s most boldly avant-garde productions. Yet, Aaliyah’s effortlessly cool vocals transform it into a bonafide pop hit. Her icy delivery perfectly complements Timbaland’s innovative beat, creating a track that’s both experimental and undeniably catchy, making it a standout and popular 90s song.
Oasis – “Wonderwall” (1995)
Noel Gallagher himself later admitted he had no idea what a “wonderwall” actually was. Truthfully, neither did anyone else. But it didn’t matter then, and it doesn’t matter now. “Wonderwall” by Oasis possesses an anthemic quality that can turn any space into a boisterous, slightly out-of-tune pub singalong. Its universal appeal and singalong nature cement its place as one of the most undeniably popular 90s songs.
Oasis performing "Wonderwall" live, showcasing their Britpop style and anthemic performance energy in the 90s.
Mobb Deep – “Shook Ones Pt. II” (1995)
“Shook Ones Pt. II” by Mobb Deep is often considered the hip-hop equivalent of “Gimme Shelter.” The Queensbridge duo, Prodigy and Havoc, deliver a stark report from an urban combat zone where vulnerability, even a fleeting moment of fear, can be fatal. Their chilling declaration, “there ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks,” perfectly encapsulates the song’s hardcore realism. Mobb Deep were arguably the most hardcore of all the mid-Nineties East Coast hip-hop crews, and their signature hit remains as unsettling and impactful today as it was then, solidifying its place as a crucial and popular 90s song.
Smashing Pumpkins – “1979” (1995)
Billy Corgan’s “1979” is an ode to the bittersweet pangs of a generic suburban Midwestern adolescent summer. Built around James Iha’s shimmering guitar hook, the song transcended even Corgan-skeptics’ criticisms. It’s so good, in fact, that even Pavement covered it. The lyrics, “Faster than the speed of sound, faster than we thought we’d go,” perfectly capture the fleeting, nostalgic feeling of youth and the 90s, making it a widely loved and popular 90s song.
Smashing Pumpkins performing "1979" live, showcasing their 90s alternative rock style and dynamic stage presence.
Beck – “Loser” (1993)
Beck emerged as a poet for his generation – a generation the Nineties seemed to have in abundance. (The poet-per-generation ratio reached unprecedented levels in the 90s.) “Loser” arrived with a bluesy guitar lick, a beatbox rhythm, a leaf blower sound effect, and a music video that playfully violated George Lucas’s copyright. “Loser” became an ironic anthem for a generation and a defining, popular 90s song. “Praise the gods and pass the Cheez Whiz.”
Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans and Kelly Price – “Heartbreak Hotel” (1998)
In “Heartbreak Hotel,” Whitney Houston dismisses a trifling romantic partner with a vocal performance that builds from casual whispers to soaring, vengeful high notes. At the time, it sounded like the dawn of a new era for Whitney. Sadly, it turned out to be closer to the end of her story. Nevertheless, “Heartbreak Hotel” remains a powerful vocal showcase and a memorable, if poignant, entry among popular 90s songs.
Whitney Houston performing "Heartbreak Hotel", showcasing her powerful vocals and glamorous 90s style.
Garbage – “Queer” (1995)
Shirley Manson’s haunting vocals meet alt-rock super-producer Butch Vig’s signature studio wizardry in Garbage’s “Queer.” She whispers the provocative lines, “You can touch me if you want/But you can’t stop,” creating a sense of both allure and unease. Manson’s voice gets under your skin and stays there, making “Queer” a captivating and slightly unsettling addition to the list of popular 90s songs. Scary, indeed.
Beastie Boys – “Sure Shot” (1994)
The Beastie Boys, with their signature irreverence and musical innovation, flex their “checked heads” in “Sure Shot.” Adam Yauch delivers a shout-out “to all the mothers and the sisters and the wives and friends,” showcasing their inclusive and socially conscious side. “Sure Shot” is a testament to the Beastie Boys’ enduring appeal and their ability to blend humor, social commentary, and infectious beats, solidifying its place as a popular 90s song. “Because you can’t, you won’t and you don’t stop.”
Beastie Boys performing live in the 90s, showcasing their energetic hip-hop style and dynamic stage presence.
Sleater-Kinney – “Get Up” (1999)
Sleater-Kinney, the Portland punk goddesses, perfectly capture the feeling of being lost and isolated in “Get Up.” Yet, they refuse to succumb quietly, expressing their defiance with guitars that sound “like a bucket of stars dumped into the universe.” “Get Up” is a powerful anthem of resilience and a standout track from the riot grrrl movement and the broader landscape of popular 90s songs.
Outkast – “Rosa Parks” (1998)
“Rosa Parks” by Outkast is the definitive Dirty South booty-shaking anthem of the decade. It also features what might be the harmonica solo of the decade (apologies to Blues Traveler!). This track introduced much of the country to the innovative sounds Big Boi and André 3000 were brewing in Atlanta’s “dirty-dirty ATLien nation.” It also marked the mainstream introduction of the word “crunk.” “Rosa Parks” remains sonically innovative and undeniably infectious, a testament to Outkast’s groundbreaking artistry and a crucial popular 90s song. And it still sounds insane.
Outkast performing live in the 90s, showcasing their unique hip-hop style and energetic stage presence.
R.E.M. – “Nightswimming” (1992)
Back in 1989, predicting that R.E.M.’s best work was still ahead of them would have been a long shot. Yet, the 90s saw R.E.M. deliver an incredible run of albums, including “Nightswimming.” This bittersweet piano reverie evokes memories of skinny-dipping in the Georgia pines, with Michael Stipe yearning to hold onto these precious moments before they fade into the mundane of everyday life. “Nightswimming” is a poignant and beautiful example of R.E.M.’s enduring artistry and a beloved popular 90s song.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard – “Brooklyn Zoo” (1995)
The Wu-Tang Clan universe was designed for album-length explorations of “true mathematics,” but “Brooklyn Zoo” by Ol’ Dirty Bastard was their most successful and humorous attempt at radio airplay. ODB, aka Big Baby Jesus, unleashes his chaotic energy all over RZA’s fractured piano keys. “Brooklyn Zoo” is proof that Wu-Tang is, indeed, “for the children” and a wildly entertaining and popular 90s song.
Ol' Dirty Bastard performing live, showcasing his unique and energetic stage presence in the 90s.
The Breeders – “Cannonball” (1993)
Kim Deal, emerging from the ashes of alt-rock icons the Pixies, formed The Breeders with her twin sister, Kelley, on guitar. “Cannonball” is a gloriously messy, big-hearted, and shaggy-headed song. It became one of the most wonderfully bizarre radio hits of the Nineties – and perhaps any decade before it – proving that weirdness can be wildly popular 90s songs.
Hole – “Doll Parts” (1994)
“Doll Parts” is arguably Courtney Love’s finest musical moment. The song evokes a raw vulnerability and emotional pain. As the original description suggests, “You know how some nights your mom puts on this song, then goes out to the driveway to cry alone in the car? Someday you will ache like she aches.” “Doll Parts” is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that captures the raw nerve of 90s alternative rock and a significant popular 90s song.
Courtney Love of Hole performing live in the 90s, showcasing her raw energy and grunge rock style.
TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999)
“Oh, yes, son, she’s talking to you.” TLC, the crazy-sexy-cool Atlanta trio, closed out the decade they dominated with “No Scrubs,” a hilarious and sharp-tongued rant that takes aim at street harassment and much more. “Burn on, Left Eye,” indeed. “No Scrubs” is a defining anthem of female empowerment and a hugely popular 90s song.
Liz Phair – “Fuck and Run” (1993)
“Believe it or not, we thought we had problems in 1993.” Liz Phair’s “Fuck and Run” offers a starkly honest testimony about disposable relationships, delivered in a plainspoken voice that cuts straight to the heart. The unfortunately timeless plot, “Boys only want love if it’s torture,” resonates across generations and makes “Fuck and Run” a brutally honest and popular 90s song.
Liz Phair performing live in the 90s, showcasing her indie rock style and raw, honest performance.
Pulp – “Common People” (1995)
Jarvis Cocker of Pulp possesses more soul and swagger in a single exhale of cigarette smoke than many singers manage in their entire careers. “Common People” is a Britpop masterpiece brimming with sex, sarcasm, and a touch of despair. But mostly, it’s about sex. It’s a witty, observational, and undeniably popular 90s song that captures the essence of Britpop cool.
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott – ”The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997)
“Introducing Missy and Timbaland, the duo who stole the decade.” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” marked the arrival of Missy Elliott and Timbaland as a groundbreaking force in music. Together, they warped a Seventies R&B sample into a steamy, atmospheric Southern night, complete with crickets chirping and storm clouds gathering. “Oh, Missy, try to maintain.” “The Rain” is a sonic masterpiece and a truly popular 90s song that redefined the sound of hip-hop and R&B.
Missy Elliott in the "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)" music video, showcasing her innovative 90s hip-hop style and creative vision.
Pavement – “Gold Soundz” (1994)
“Gold Soundz” by Pavement packs all the boyish heart-on-sleeve urgency of Pet Sounds into a concise three minutes. Stephen Malkmus and his “slack-ass crew” waste not a single second of this song. Every guitar twang, every breathy mumble contributes to a note-perfect surge of emotion. “Almost like they care or something.” “Gold Soundz” is a quintessential indie rock anthem and a beloved popular 90s song.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg – “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” (1992)
Dr. Dre, already a legend from his N.W.A. days, returned mightier than ever with “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” with significant help from the rising star Snoop Dogg. This groove makes any car bounce, with a bassline “realer than ‘Real Deal’ Holyfield.” “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” redefined West Coast hip-hop and became a cultural phenomenon, solidifying its place as an iconic and popular 90s song.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg performing "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang", showcasing their iconic 90s West Coast hip-hop style.
Bikini Kill – “Rebel Girl” (1993)
Bikini Kill, featuring the ferocious Kathleen Hanna, along with their “token boy guitar player,” teamed up with Joan Jett in the studio to create “Rebel Girl.” This seven-inch single delivered on every radical promise punk rock ever made. “Rebel Girl” is an anthem for the “neighborhood girl with the revolution in her hips.” Rock & roll with genuine political and emotional muscle? “How bizarre.” “Rebel Girl” is a defining track of the riot grrrl movement and a powerful, popular 90s song.
Notorious B.I.G. With Mase and Puff Daddy – “Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)
The late, great Notorious B.I.G. has more soul and swagger just clearing his throat before his verse on “Mo Money Mo Problems” than most rappers possess in their entire catalogs. This classic track became a poignant, accidental epitaph, reaching Number One shortly after his tragic death, yet making him sound impossibly alive. Burning question: “Did Mase ever get to see his name on a blimp?” “Mo Money Mo Problems” remains a hip-hop classic and a bittersweetly popular 90s song.
Notorious B.I.G. performing "Mo Money Mo Problems", showcasing his iconic 90s hip-hop style and charismatic stage presence.
Blackstreet – “No Diggity” (1996)
“No Diggity” by Blackstreet is a utopian celebration of all that is rump-shakingly great about American music. Teddy Riley, the beatmaster from Virginia via Harlem, masterfully blended doo-wop, Dr. Dre-inspired beats, classic R&B harmonies, a rumbling piano, and a sample of acoustic blues guitar from Bill Withers. “We’re all living in the future this song envisioned, and all the luckier for it.” “No Diggity” is a timeless and undeniably popular 90s song that continues to resonate today.
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is the song that truly blew up the world. It defied all conventional rules about music and demonstrated just how much raw emotion could be crammed into four simple chords and a deliberately messy guitar solo. It was the song that “kicked the future in the teeth.” It shattered complacency and challenged listeners to reject the “politics of the inevitable.” “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was Kurt Cobain’s challenge to the audience – and after all these years, the challenge still stands. It remains the ultimate anthem of 90s angst and the most impactful of all popular 90s songs.
Nirvana performing "Smells Like Teen Spirit", showcasing their raw energy and grunge rock style that defined the 90s.
The 90s music scene was a vibrant and diverse landscape, and these popular 90s songs represent just a glimpse into the decade’s incredible musical output. From grunge and hip-hop to pop and electronica, the 90s provided a soundtrack for a generation, and these anthems continue to resonate with listeners today, evoking nostalgia and reminding us of the decade’s unique and lasting impact on music history.
