The 1990s: a decade where music exploded in every direction. Turn on the radio, and you were instantly hit with a vibrant mix of sounds, a real melting pot of rhythms. From the raw energy of grunge to the smooth rhymes of gangsta rap, the infectious beats of dancehall to the resurgence of disco, and the rebellious spirit of riot grrrl punk to the catchy tunes of TRL mall-pop – not to mention the countless subgenres of electronica and the prolific output of the Wu-Tang Clan’s solo artists. Whatever your musical taste, the Nineties offered an overwhelming abundance. Trying to capture the essence of such a rich decade in a single list is a challenge – you could easily compile hundreds of amazing tracks just from the summer of ’94. But these 50 essential songs aim to highlight the most unforgettable moments from the incredible Nineties music scene – the hits, the hidden gems, the cult favorites, the dance floor anthems, the guitar-shredding rock songs, and the karaoke classics. So, get ready to dive into a sonic time capsule. Here we are now. Let us entertain you with some of the Good Nineties Songs.
Fuzzy, “Flashlight” (1994)
Emerging seemingly from nowhere and then fading back into obscurity, Fuzzy, a band of quasi-grunge musicians from Boston, gifted us with one truly exceptional song: “Flashlight.” This track features a melancholic female vocalist singing almost indecipherable lyrics about a flashlight, symbolizing navigating through darkness and uncertainty. Largely missed by the mainstream, except for those lucky enough to catch it on MTV’s 120 Minutes during its late-night music video showcases, “Flashlight” remains a hidden treasure. It begs the question: how many more incredible quasi-grunge songs are buried on forgotten major-label albums from the post-Nirvana rush, waiting to be rediscovered? While few may reach this level of brilliance, the search is always worthwhile for fans of good nineties songs and forgotten gems. Happy digging!
Britney Spears, “Sometimes” (1999)
Britney Spears Sometimes official music video
Britney Spears’ “Sometimes” was more than just her second hit; it was her first statement of staying power. After the explosive debut of “…Baby One More Time,” some wondered if Britney was just a fleeting phenomenon. “Sometimes,” a Total Request Live favorite, quickly silenced those doubts, proving that Britney was not only here to stay but also a blueprint for a new kind of pop icon. This song, a sugary sweet ballad, became an anthem of late 90s pop and cemented her place in the pantheon of good nineties songs, paving the way for the pop dominance of the new millennium. Welcome to the next century, indeed.
The Offspring, “Self Esteem” (1994)
The Offspring, hailing from Orange County’s hardcore scene, unexpectedly achieved megaplatinum success with “Self Esteem,” a surprisingly catchy tune centered around the theme of masochism in relationships. The iconic line, “I may be dumb, but I’m not a dweeb,” still resonates today, perfectly capturing a certain kind of 90s slacker irony. Unless, of course, you are a “dumb dweeb,” in which case, you might just be the subject of this quintessential anthem of self-deprecation and one of the defining good nineties songs of the alternative rock explosion.
Selena, “Fotos y Recuerdos” (1994)
Selena Fotos y Recuerdos music video
Selena, the beloved Tejano music queen, showcased her versatility and cross-over appeal with “Fotos y Recuerdos.” This track ingeniously reimagines The Pretenders’ classic “Back on the Chain Gang,” translating it into Spanish while retaining its emotional core. Tragically, “Fotos y Recuerdos” reached the Top Five on the Billboard Latin charts the very week of Selena’s untimely death, becoming a poignant reminder of her immense talent and lasting legacy within the landscape of good nineties songs and Latin music history.
Silver Jews, “Random Rules” (1998)
Imagine a honky-tonk bar in hell, perpetually stuck at closing time. The Silver Jews’ “Random Rules” would be the eternally playing song on the jukebox. David Berman’s signature drawl delivers fractured, poetic, and darkly humorous barstool philosophy, making this track a unique and unforgettable entry in the realm of good nineties songs for those who appreciate lyrical depth and unconventional melodies.
Lil Kim With Lil Cease, “Crush on You (Remix)” (1997)
Lil Kim Crush on You Remix music video
“Crush on You (Remix)” by Lil Kim featuring Lil Cease is the quintessential Bad Boy Records hit, embodying the label’s signature sound and aesthetic. The song features a strangely melancholic yet infectious synth loop, Lil Cease stepping up in Biggie’s shadow, and the undeniable, “uncrushable” confidence of the Queen Bee herself, Lil Kim. Showcasing her iconic style with an array of wigs and furs, Lil Kim’s bold persona and lyrical prowess solidified this track as a definitive example of good nineties songs from the hip-hop and R&B scene. “Shall I proceed?” “Yes, indeed!”
Stereolab, “Cybele’s Reverie” (1996)
“Voulez vous coucher avec le revolution?” Stereolab, the European masters of vintage-keyboard aesthetics, consistently crafted albums filled with lush, intellectually stimulating, and politically charged trance-prog. “Cybele’s Reverie” stands as their magnum opus, a swirling, hypnotic track that perfectly encapsulates their unique sound and makes a strong case for inclusion in any list of good nineties songs that pushes genre boundaries.
Supergrass, “Alright” (1995)
Supergrass Alright music video
Choosing just one song from the Clueless soundtrack to represent good nineties songs is almost as challenging as finding depth in a Pauly Shore movie. However, Supergrass’ “Alright” perfectly embodies the youthful exuberance and carefree spirit of the era, making it an irresistible and iconic track. Its infectious energy and catchy chorus cemented its place as a feel-good anthem of the 90s.
Ace of Base, “The Sign” (1994)
Ace of Base, the world’s most unexpectedly successful Swedish reggae-pop band, achieved global fame with “The Sign.” This mystical hit, with its somewhat quirky English lyrics (“Life is demanding/Without understanding” – profoundly true in its own way), became a defining sound of the decade. “The Sign” is a testament to the global reach of pop music in the 90s and remains a nostalgic favorite among good nineties songs. It was indeed a very Swedish reggae kind of decade.
Sophie B. Hawkins, “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” (1992)
Sophie B Hawkins Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover music video
Sophie B. Hawkins, channeling a bohemian sex priestess vibe, poured raw emotion into “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover.” This powerful ballad of unrequited desire is punctuated by Hawkins’s passionate vocals and the impactful use of the word “damn,” which, in this context, truly conveys the depth of longing. A standout amongst good nineties songs that explore themes of love and longing with intensity.
Big Pun Feat. Joe, “Still Not a Player” (1998)
Representing Uptown, baby! The late, great Bronx MC, Big Pun, collaborated with R&B crooner Joe on “Still Not a Player,” a smooth track built upon a lovers-rock piano melody. This song is an ode to wooing “highly intelligent bachelorettes,” featuring a pan-cultural party chant (“boricua, morena“) and Big Pun’s signature blend of charm and suggestive lyrics. R.I.P., Pun – he may have claimed to be “not a player,” but he undoubtedly conquered the hearts of many with this track, a certified entry in the catalog of good nineties songs.
Sebadoh, “Brand New Love” (1992)
Sebadoh Brand New Love music video
Sebadoh, the punk wolf boys, took a significant step toward emotional maturity with “Brand New Love.” This track evolves from a folk-tinged ballad into a feedback-laden exploration of vulnerability. It captures the daunting yet exhilarating feeling of opening oneself up to new and potentially scary emotions, symbolized by smiling back at “that girl across the room.” A poignant and relatable addition to any collection of good nineties songs that delve into the complexities of human relationships.
Geto Boys, “Mind Playing Tricks on Me” (1991)
“Mind Playing Tricks on Me” by Geto Boys stands as perhaps the most chilling gangsta rap narrative ever recorded. This track paints a vivid picture of paranoia and fear, culminating in Willie D’s visceral expression of despair, pounding his bloody fists on concrete, all set against a backdrop of a cold jazz-fusion loop. A stark and powerful example of good nineties songs that tackle darker themes within the hip-hop genre.
New Radicals, “You Get What You Give” (1998)
New Radicals You Get What You Give music video
New Radicals epitomize the purest form of the one-hit wonder with “You Get What You Give.” This song is a gloriously over-the-top prom anthem, complete with a bucket-hat-wearing frontman in the music video, a mall-riot vibe, and cheeky disses directed at Beck, Hanson, Courtney Love, and Marilyn Manson. And then, as quickly as they arrived, they were gone. Despite their brief moment in the spotlight, “You Get What You Give” remains an instantly recognizable and beloved entry among good nineties songs, capturing a specific brand of 90s pop-rock energy. Ironically, the New Radicals frontman later received an Oscar nomination in 2015 for Begin Again, but sadly, he opted against rocking the bucket hat on the red carpet.
Portishead, “Glory Box” (1994)
Portishead’s “Glory Box” is the epitome of elegant trip-hop melancholy. Beth Gibbons’s haunting vocals express profound sorrow, perfectly complemented by the timeless, cheeba-zonked Isaac Hayes funk sample from the 70s. This sample was later reintroduced to a new generation in 2015 by Alessia Cara, who wasn’t even born when “Glory Box” first emerged. A sophisticated and atmospheric track, “Glory Box” is a must-have for any playlist of good nineties songs that explore the moodier side of the decade’s sound.
Sheryl Crow, “If It Makes You Happy” (1996)
Sheryl Crow If It Makes You Happy music video
Sheryl Crow captivated audiences with “If It Makes You Happy,” particularly with the unforgettable line about “scraping the mold off the bread.” This lyric perfectly encapsulates the quintessential Nineties vision of rock & roll stoner torpor. The song’s laid-back vibe and relatable lyrics cemented its status as a key track in the landscape of good nineties songs that defined the era’s alternative rock scene.
En Vogue, “Don’t Let Go (Love)” (1996)
En Vogue, the funky divas of the 90s, delivered their steamiest slow jam with “Don’t Let Go (Love).” This track is all about lovemaking, heartbreak, and soul-shaking emotion. The standout moment? When the vocals soar with “If I could wear your clothes… I’d pretend I was you… and looooose controoool!” A powerful and sensual ballad, “Don’t Let Go (Love)” is a prime example of good nineties songs from the decade’s golden age of R&B girl groups.
Helium, “XXX” (1994)
Helium XXX music video
Mary Timony, a guitar hero who would later form Wild Flag and Ex Hex, showcases her talent in Helium’s “XXX.” This track initially presents itself as a sweet, almost innocent ballad, but takes a darkly humorous turn. Timony croons about lethal consequences for street harassment – her guitar, she warns, will literally kill you. And then, in a delightfully deadpan manner, her guitar does just that, while she delivers the kiss-off lines: “My heart is a cab…your love is a fad…and you’re a draaag!” A uniquely quirky and darkly comedic gem amongst good nineties songs that defied genre conventions.
Foxy Brown With Jay Z, “I’ll Be” (1996)
Foxy Brown confidently declares, “I’m 2 live, nasty as I wanna be,” while Jay Z, newly arrived on the scene with Reasonable Doubt, playfully responds, “Don’t shake your sassy ass in front of me.” “I’ll Be,” a collaboration between Jay-Z and his then-teenage protégé Foxy Brown, was just one example of Jay-Z’s early mastery and influence. This track, a blend of hip-hop swagger and R&B sensuality, foreshadowed Jay-Z’s enduring reign at the top and solidified itself as one of the good nineties songs that launched careers and defined an era. Who could have guessed his decades-long dominance at that point?
Underworld, “Born Slippy .Nuxx” (1996)
Underworld Born Slippy .Nuxx music video
“Born Slippy .Nuxx” by Underworld is a sonic assault of techno sensory overload. Exploding into mainstream popularity after its iconic inclusion in Trainspotting, complete with the unforgettable “lager lager lager lager” chant, this track became synonymous with 90s rave culture. Given its intense energy, it’s safe to assume lager might have been one of the tamer substances not involved in the making of this quintessential example of good nineties songs from the electronic music realm.
Sir Mix-A-Lot, “Baby Got Back” (1992)
“Baby Got Back,” by Sir Mix-A-Lot, is, butt of course, an essential inclusion on any list of good nineties songs. This unapologetically pro-butt anthem permeated global culture, with nearly everyone in the English-speaking world able to quote at least a few of its memorable lines. It’s a humorous and culturally significant track that celebrated body positivity in a uniquely 90s way.
Fiona Apple, “Paper Bag” (1999)
Fiona Apple Paper Bag music video
Fiona Apple’s “Paper Bag” encapsulates a specific kind of late-90s heartbreak with raw honesty and poetic vulnerability. The poignant line, “He thought he was a man, but he was just a little boy,” speaks volumes about disillusionment in relationships. Apple’s unique vocal delivery and the song’s melancholic beauty make it a standout track among good nineties songs that explored complex emotions with depth and artistry.
Weezer, “Pink Triangle” (1996)
Years before “overshare” became a common term (perhaps popularized by the Kirsten Dunst movie Bring It On), Rivers Cuomo of Weezer took the concept to a new level with “Pink Triangle.” This love song, delivered with a dose of straight-dude “dumbitude,” is both endearing and cringeworthy in its over-the-top honesty. Cuomo’s self-deprecating humor and the song’s catchy melody make it a memorable, if slightly awkward, addition to the collection of good nineties songs. He may have considered himself on par with Nirvana, but as the song suggests, “Nirvana in his mind’s no good.”
Daft Punk, “Around the World” (1997)
Daft Punk Around the World music video
Daft Punk, the enigmatic French techno robots, took the iconic Chic “Good Times” bass line and launched it into the stratosphere with “Around the World.” This track, driven by its infectious groove and the signature filter-house sound that would inspire countless imitators, became a global phenomenon. “Around the World” is a testament to the power of minimalist techno and a cornerstone of good nineties songs within the electronic music genre.
Natalie Imbruglia, “Torn” (1998)
There’s karaoke, and then there’s “Torn” karaoke. And when it comes to karaoke anthems, the summer of 1998 remains a high point. Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” is still an undeniably effective tear-jerker, a ballad of heartbreak that resonates with its raw emotion. However, considering Imbruglia’s real-life celebrity romances, one might realize she probably doesn’t actually need your shoulder to cry on. Regardless, “Torn” remains a karaoke staple and a beloved example of good nineties songs from the late decade pop scene.
Harvey Danger, “Flagpole Sitta” (1998)
Harvey Danger Flagpole Sitta music video
Similar to “Torn,” there’s karaoke, and then there’s “Flagpole Sitta” karaoke. Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta” captured a specific slice of 90s slacker culture with its witty and self-aware lyrics. Lines like “I wanna publish zines and rage against machines” perfectly sum up an era, while “I don’t even own a TV” became the kind of statement hipsters stopped making as soon as the 90s concluded. A clever and catchy track, “Flagpole Sitta” is a quintessential example of good nineties songs that defined the alternative rock and ironic spirit of the decade.
Aaliyah, “Are You That Somebody” (1998)
“Are You That Somebody” by Aaliyah is a testament to the groundbreaking production of Timbaland. This track is one of Timbaland’s most avant-garde and experimental statements, yet Aaliyah’s effortlessly cool and smooth vocals transform it into bona fide pop magic. The song’s innovative sound and Aaliyah’s undeniable charisma make it a standout among good nineties songs that pushed the boundaries of R&B and pop music.
Oasis, “Wonderwall” (1995)
Oasis Wonderwall music video
Noel Gallagher himself later admitted he had absolutely no clue what a “wonderwall” actually was. And truth be told, neither did anyone else. But it didn’t matter then, and it certainly doesn’t matter now. Oasis’s “Wonderwall” possesses a universal appeal that transcends lyrical meaning. This song has the power to transform any space into a raucous, slightly out-of-tune pub singalong. A defining anthem of Britpop and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, “Wonderwall” is an essential inclusion in any collection of good nineties songs.
Mobb Deep, “Shook Ones Pt. II” (1995)
Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones Pt. II” is often hailed as a hip-hop “Gimme Shelter.” The Queensbridge duo, Prodigy and Havoc, deliver stark and unflinching reportage from an urban combat zone, where vulnerability, even a flicker of fear, can be fatal. “There ain’t no such thing as halfway crooks,” they declared, solidifying their reputation as the hardest of all the mid-Nineties East Coast hip-hop crews. “Shook Ones Pt. II,” their definitive hit, remains as chilling and impactful today as it was upon release, a dark masterpiece among good nineties songs in hip-hop.
Smashing Pumpkins, “1979” (1995)
Smashing Pumpkins 1979 music video
Billy Corgan’s “1979” is an evocative ode to the bittersweet pangs of a generic suburban Midwestern adolescent summer. Built around James Iha’s shimmering guitar hook, the song possessed a universal appeal that even staunch Corgan-phobes couldn’t deny. It was so good, in fact, that Pavement famously covered it. “1979” captures a feeling of youthful yearning and fleeting moments, making it a standout amongst good nineties songs that explored themes of nostalgia and coming-of-age. “Faster than the speed of sound, faster than we thought we’d go.”
Beck, “Loser” (1993)
Beck emerged as a defining poet of his generation – and the Nineties were overflowing with poets of all stripes. (The poet-per-generation ratio reached an unprecedented density during that decade.) “Loser” showcased Beck’s eclectic and genre-bending style, blending a blues lick, a beatbox, a leaf blower, and a music video that playfully infringed upon George Lucas’s copyrights. A slacker anthem with surprising depth, “Loser” became an instant classic and an essential inclusion when discussing good nineties songs that defined alternative culture. Praise the gods and pass the Cheez Whiz.
Whitney Houston Feat. Faith Evans and Kelly Price, “Heartbreak Hotel” (1998)
Whitney Houston Heartbreak Hotel music video
Whitney Houston, joined by Faith Evans and Kelly Price, delivered a powerful kiss-off to a trifling “man-type person” in “Heartbreak Hotel.” Whitney’s voice builds from restrained whispers to soaring high notes, a vocal performance that embodies sweet revenge. At the time, it felt like the dawn of a new and exciting chapter for Whitney. Sadly, in retrospect, “Heartbreak Hotel” marked a turning point, becoming an unintended epitaph for a career that would face future struggles. Nevertheless, it remains a vocal tour-de-force and one of the good nineties songs that showcased Whitney’s unparalleled talent.
Garbage, “Queer” (1995)
Garbage, fronted by Shirley Manson’s haunting vocals, and produced by alt-rock super-producer Butch Vig, created a unique sonic landscape with “Queer.” Manson’s eerie, torch-song delivery, combined with Vig’s signature studio effects, creates an unsettling yet captivating atmosphere. Whispering the provocative lines, “You can touch me if you want/But you can’t stop,” Manson’s voice gets under your skin and stays there. “Queer” is a darkly alluring and undeniably memorable track among good nineties songs that explored the edgier side of alternative rock. Scary indeed.
Beastie Boys, “Sure Shot” (1994)
Beastie Boys Sure Shot music video
The Beastie Boys, ever the innovators, flexed their intellectual and musical prowess with “Sure Shot.” Adam Yauch’s shout-out, “to all the mothers and the sisters and the wives and friends,” stands as a testament to their inclusive and conscious approach to hip-hop. “Sure Shot,” with its infectious beat and lyrical dexterity, is a reminder that “you can’t, you won’t and you don’t stop” when it comes to the Beastie Boys and their contribution to good nineties songs.
Sleater-Kinney, “Get Up” (1999)
Sleater-Kinney, the goddesses of Portland punk, perfectly captured the feeling of being lost and isolated yet refusing to surrender in “Get Up.” The song’s guitars sound like “a bucket of stars dumped into the universe,” a chaotic yet beautiful sonic representation of defiance. “Get Up” is a powerful anthem of resilience and a vital track in the riot grrrl and indie rock movements, securing its place within the realm of good nineties songs that carried a potent message.
Outkast, “Rosa Parks” (1998)
Outkast Rosa Parks music video
Outkast’s “Rosa Parks” is more than just a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon. This Dirty South booty chant became the funky-bus jam of the decade, and surprisingly, also featured the harmonica solo of the decade (apologies to Blues Traveler!). “Rosa Parks” introduced much of the country to the innovative sounds that Big Boi and André 3000 were brewing in the “dirty-dirty” ATLien nation. It was also the track that popularized the word “crunk.” And even today, “Rosa Parks” sounds utterly insane and groundbreaking, a testament to Outkast’s visionary approach to good nineties songs and hip-hop.
R.E.M. “Nightswimming” (1992)
Back on New Year’s Eve 1989, predicting R.E.M.’s trajectory would have been impossible. Yet, they were poised to release four stone-cold classic albums in a row. “Nightswimming,” from Automatic for the People, is a bittersweet piano reverie, evoking memories of skinny-dipping in the Georgia pines. Michael Stipe’s vocals are filled with a poignant sense of nostalgia, attempting to hold onto fleeting memories before they fade away, replaced by the mundane of everyday life. “Nightswimming” is a melancholically beautiful and timeless entry amongst good nineties songs that explored deeper emotional landscapes.
Ol’ Dirty Bastard, “Brooklyn Zoo” (1995)
Ol’ Dirty Bastard Brooklyn Zoo music video
The Wu-Tang Clan’s universe was built for complex, album-length explorations of “true mathematics,” but Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Brooklyn Zoo” was their most successful and humorous foray into radio-friendly territory. ODB, a.k.a. Big Baby Jesus, unleashes his signature chaotic energy all over RZA’s deliberately “broken” piano keys. “Brooklyn Zoo” is proof that Wu-Tang, in all their eccentricity, truly is “for the children,” and a wildly entertaining addition to any list of good nineties songs.
The Breeders, “Cannonball” (1993)
Kim Deal, emerging from the ashes of alt-rock pioneers the Pixies, formed The Breeders with her twin sister, Kelley, on guitar. “Cannonball,” a freewheeling, shaggy-headed, and bighearted song, was the result. This track became one of the most wonderfully weird radio hits of the Nineties – and arguably, any decade before it. “Cannonball” is a testament to the power of unconventionality and a beloved anomaly amongst good nineties songs that broke through to the mainstream.
Hole, “Doll Parts” (1994)
Hole Doll Parts music video
“Doll Parts” is arguably Courtney Love’s finest moment as a songwriter. The song’s raw vulnerability and emotional intensity are palpable. As the original article 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 deeply resonant and powerful ballad, a cornerstone of good nineties songs that explored female angst and vulnerability with unflinching honesty.
TLC, “No Scrubs” (1999)
Oh yes, son, TLC is talking directly to you with “No Scrubs.” The crazy-sexy-cool Atlanta trio closed out the decade they dominated with this hilarious and pointed rant aimed at “scrubs” – those undesirable men who are all talk and no substance. “No Scrubs” tackles street harassment and male inadequacy with humor and sass, becoming a defining anthem of female empowerment and a classic example of good nineties songs from the late 90s R&B scene. Burn on, Left Eye, burn on.
Liz Phair, “Fuck and Run” (1993)
Liz Phair Fuck and Run music video
Believe it or not, we actually thought we had problems back in 1993. Liz Phair, with her unflinchingly honest and plainspoken style, testifies about disposable men in “Fuck and Run.” Her voice goes straight to the heart, delivering a narrative that sadly remains perpetually relevant. “Same old story: Boys only want love if it’s torture.” “Fuck and Run” is a brutally honest and relatable track, a vital inclusion in any collection of good nineties songs that explored female sexuality and relationships with candor.
Pulp, “Common People” (1995)
Jarvis Cocker, the charismatic frontman of Pulp, possesses more soul and swagger simply exhaling a puff of smoke than most singers manage to convey in their entire careers. “Common People” is a Britpop masterpiece, overflowing with sex, sarcasm, and a touch of despair – but mostly, undeniably, sex. A witty and insightful social commentary wrapped in a catchy and danceable package, “Common People” is a cornerstone of good nineties songs from the Britpop explosion.
Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott, ”The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997)
Missy Misdemeanor Elliott The Rain Supa Dupa Fly music video
“The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” marked the groundbreaking arrival of Missy Elliott and Timbaland, the duo who would arguably go on to define the sound of late 90s and early 2000s R&B and hip-hop. Together, they warped a 70s R&B sample into a long, humid Southern night, complete with chirping crickets and approaching storm clouds. “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” is a sonically innovative and visually striking track, a pivotal moment in the evolution of good nineties songs and contemporary music as a whole. “Oh, Missy, try to maintain.”
Pavement, “Gold Soundz” (1994)
Pavement’s “Gold Soundz” manages to pack all the boyish heart-on-sleeve urgency of The Beach Boys’ 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 emotional surge. It almost sounds like they actually care, or something. “Gold Soundz” is a lo-fi indie rock masterpiece and a beloved track amongst aficionados of good nineties songs within the alternative scene.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” (1992)
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang music video
Dr. Dre, already a legend from N.W.A., returned even stronger with “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang,” with significant help from the fresh-faced Snoop Dogg. This track’s iconic G-funk groove makes any car bounce, with a bass line as undeniably “real” as “Real Deal” Holyfield himself. “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” launched Snoop Dogg into superstardom and solidified Dr. Dre’s status as a production genius, becoming a defining example of good nineties songs from the West Coast hip-hop scene.
Bikini Kill, “Rebel Girl” (1993)
Bikini Kill, featuring the ferocious Kathleen Hanna, along with fellow riot grrrls and their token “boy guitar player,” went into a recording studio with Joan Jett and emerged with “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 revolution in her hips. Rock & roll with genuine political and emotional muscle? How truly bizarrely refreshing. “Rebel Girl” is an essential riot grrrl anthem and a crucial inclusion in any list of good nineties songs that championed female empowerment and punk rock rebellion.
Notorious B.I.G. With Mase and Puff Daddy, “Mo Money Mo Problems” (1997)
Notorious BIG Mo Money Mo Problems music video
The late, great Notorious B.I.G. possessed more soul and charisma just clearing his throat before a verse than many rappers have in their entire discographies. “Mo Money Mo Problems,” featuring Mase and Puff Daddy, became an accidental epitaph, reaching Number One shortly after Biggie’s tragic death, yet paradoxically making him sound impossibly alive. This track, with its infectious groove and Biggie’s masterful flow, is a bittersweet classic and a must-have for any collection of good nineties songs from the hip-hop genre. Burning question: Did Mase ever get to see his name on a blimp?
Blackstreet, “No Diggity” (1996)
Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” is a utopian celebration of everything rump-shaking and wonderful about American music. Teddy Riley, the beatmaster from Virginia via Harlem, masterfully blended doo-wop, Dr. Dre’s G-funk, old-school R&B harmonies, a rolling piano line, and a sample of acoustic blues guitar from Bill Withers. We are all currently living in the future this song envisioned, and we are all the luckier for it. “No Diggity” is a genre-bending masterpiece and a euphoric example of good nineties songs that continue to resonate today.
Nirvana, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
Nirvana Smells Like Teen Spirit music video
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – the song that irrevocably altered the musical landscape. The song that defied all established rules of music creation and demonstrated just how much raw emotion could be crammed into four simple chords and a deliberately “crummy” guitar solo. The song that kicked the future directly in the teeth. The song that shattered complacency and challenged the acceptance of the status quo. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was Kurt Cobain’s direct challenge to the audience – and after all these years, that challenge still stands. This is the quintessential grunge anthem, the ultimate example of good nineties songs that defined a generation and changed the course of music history.
