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#10: “One Week” (1998)
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Barenaked Ladies
Ironically, this song only topped the Billboard charts for…one week. While its time at #1 in 1998 was short-lived, it wouldn’t be the last we heard of the Barenaked Ladies’ biggest hit. What can we say? The number’s energy is too fun to leave behind. “One Week”’s now relatively dated rapid-fire pop culture references made it prime meme material in the 2010s. It was featured in several comedic mashups on Neil Cicierega’s (sis-ur-REE-gah / sisser-REE-ga) 2017 album “Mouth Moods,” as well as a Reddit conspiracy theory alleging the song is about a gruesome crime. Lead singer Ed Robertson debunked that theory in 2018, calling it “hilarious but inaccurate.” At least we’ll always have “Chickity China, the Chinese chicken.”
#9: “Baby Got Back” (1992)
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Sir Mix-a-Lot
“Who understands those rap guys?” Sir Mix-a-Lot’s raunchy hit is arguably objectifying to women, but in some ways “Baby Got Back” was ahead of its time. With lyrics praising thicker body types instead of the preferred thin look of the ‘90s, it was perfectly primed to make a comeback amid changing beauty standards. Nicki Minaj was the first to jump on board, sampling the song from a female perspective in her 2014 hit “Anaconda.” Much like the original, it sparked many a debate on whether the message was empowering or degrading. For what it’s worth, Sir Mix-a-Lot was a fan of Minaj’s rendition. And regardless of which side you fall on, we all know the words.
#8: “No Diggity” (1996)
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Blackstreet feat. Dr. Dre & Queen Pen
With its killer piano hook and a guest verse from a hip-hop legend, Blackstreet’s biggest hit couldn’t stay buried. It notably made a comeback in 2012 after appearing in an unlikely place – “Pitch Perfect.” During a “riff-off” with rival acapella group the Treblemakers, the Barden Bellas whip out their cover of “No Diggity.” And it ends up being their greatest weapon. Although Anna Kendrick’s take on the opening rap is a little awkward, she quickly finds her footing once the singing starts. Emily Blunt also took a stab at the track on “Lip Sync Battle,” and Ed Sheeran often covers it live. Even among people who don’t normally listen to rap, “No Diggity” seems to be one of those songs they just can’t resist.
#7: “All I Want for Christmas Is You” (1994)
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Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s ‘90s classic never really left for long, coming and going like clockwork each holiday season. Still, it took until 2019, 25 years post-release, for “All I Want for Christmas Is You” to snag the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. And its power grows stronger every year. It’s received endless covers, with Michael Bublé, Fifth Harmony, and many others putting their spin on it. There’s even an animated movie of the same name. While other Christmas songs have faded, its vintage Motown vibe and message of love over material things have made it a modern holiday staple. Despite having a slew of other non-seasonal number one hits, “All I Want for Christmas Is You” is easily Mariah Carey’s crowning achievement.
#6: “Butterfly” (1998)
Smile.dk (smile dee kay)
With a Japanese-influenced melody and lyrics about samurais, you might not realize this dance hit actually came from Europe. While “Butterfly” was popular in Smile.dk’s native Sweden, it wasn’t until its inclusion in “Dance Dance Revolution” that the rest of the world took note. Today, it’s known as one of the game’s most recognizable tracks, with remixes included in many editions throughout the franchise’s history. In 2021, it even received a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo in “WandaVision,” as Billy and Tommy played the iconic game. There’s also apparently a strange phenomenon of “Butterfly” being used in toy cell phones made in China. Nobody can explain it, and we might never know how it started…but we’re happy to sing along.
#5: “Sandstorm” (1999)
Darude (duh-ROOD)
If you’ve ever asked for the name of a song on YouTube or Twitch, there’s a good chance you’ve been redirected to this trance staple instead. Darude’s “Sandstorm” has been the Internet troll’s song of choice since the 2000s, keeping thousands if not millions from discovering the song they actually wanted to hear. The number’s renewed popularity eventually made its way onto the big screen, allowing Rowan Atkinson to show off his dance skills once more in 2018’s “Johnny English Strikes Again.” In 2019, the Auckland Symphony Orchestra performed it in concert, creating one of the few raves to have a conductor. Even though most people didn’t begin listening to “Sandstorm” voluntarily, it’s built up quite the cult following.
#4: “Return of the Mack” (1996)
Mark Morrison
Mark Morrison’s ‘90s R&B hit is about regaining confidence after heartbreak. But with lyrics like “you know that I’ll be back,” it could have easily been teasing its revival. Dripping with swagger and style, it’s nearly impossible not to get an extra pep in your step from “Return of the Mack.” The likes of G-Eazy, Fetty Wap, and Post Malone have all sampled and covered it. Plus, certain countries’ McDonald’s used it in commercials to promote the reopening of their stores amid the pandemic. Mark Morrison himself later joined in on the fun, recording a snack-themed parody for Frito-Lay in 2022. He clearly has no hard feelings about it being his biggest hit, and what a hit to have.
#3: “Smooth” (1999)
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Santana feat. Rob Thomas
Man, it’s a hot one. Santana’s “Smooth” was the last big hit of the ‘90s, but it’s one of the first that comes to most people’s minds. With vocals courtesy of Matchbox Twenty’s Rob Thomas, the Latin smash about a sweltering summer romance re-entered the spotlight for some pretty humorous reasons. In 2016, people began making fun of “Smooth” for its unintentionally hilarious lyrics, really making the most of its now infamous opening line. Rob Thomas told Rolling Stone he still gets teased about the song, but that he takes it all in stride. Whether you love it or just love to make memes out of it, there’s no doubt that “Smooth” remains instantly recognizable all these years later.
#2: “What Is Love” (1993)
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Haddaway
It’s a question as old as time. Haddaway’s Eurodance classic never actually answers its title quandary, leaving it up to the listener’s interpretation. With just the right amount of cheese, “What Is Love” became meme fodder in later years while still being considered a good song. It also appeared in 2018’s “Black Panther,” thanks to Andy Serkis’s character Klaue (claw) singing it during an interrogation. It also made its way into “Saints Row IV.” Who knew Haddaway’s number was so versatile?! Even when people are poking fun at it, there’s no denying the staying power of “What is Love?” Its distinctive beat makes it ripe for sampling, and there’s no doubt we’ll hear it again in a future hit.
#1: “All Star” (1999)
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Smash Mouth
The years start coming and they don’t stop coming, but this song will never die. It’s impossible to discuss “All Star”’s legacy without mentioning “Shrek,” which famously used it in the opening credits. The song’s underdog message made it a perfect match for the title ogre’s swamp life, to the point that it’s now synonymous with the film. Smash Mouth seemingly embraced their new status as the Shrek band. Indeed, it’s them you hear singing a cover of the Monkees’ “I’m a Believer” at the end. Shockingly, “Shrek” is now almost as old as “All Star.” But the film’s continued relevance and popularity has cemented the song as one of the most timeless works of the ‘90s.
