Top 10 '90s Mom Rock Anthems

#10: “Come to My Window” (1993)

Melissa Etheridge

With a self-assured voice, Melissa Etheridge seemed to take the music world by storm. Her gritty and powerful tone makes “Come to My Window” a classic. It became a hit song and a Grammy-winner, becoming one of the singer’s most recognizable works. You have to mention it when you’re considering her larger catalog. Even if you prefer more alternative rock from the 1990s, you can’t deny this single’s intense and emotional delivery. It’s one for moms everywhere to enjoy with its fierce and empowering effect. Taking you right back to the earlier part of the decade, this catchy chorus is one you still want to scream today.

#9: “Hold On” (1990)

Wilson Phillips

This is not just the song from the end of “Bridesmaids.” It’s also a fantastic snapshot of the early 1990s. For Generation X, this is a triumphant single that helped usher in a new decade. Wilson Phillips are firing on all cylinders with their complimentary vocals. Not only do the performances give you chills, but the lyrics also prove to be inspiring. Each line gets better and better until you want to change your life around. It’s both reflective and positive, giving audiences plenty to think about while fist-pumping. “Hold On” sounds like the best kind of pep talk from a great mom.

#8: “Torn” (1997)

Natalie Imbruglia

In this cover, the artist introduced herself to a massive audience. Natalie Imbruglia entered the late 1990s with a signature track to follow her forever. She grabs listeners right away with her energetic performance. With great production values, the song digs into a relationship with slick vocals. Imbruglia helps you work out all of the emotions surrounding a troubled romance. Both pop and rock moms can get behind this one, with its inviting sounds and deep lyrics. The hit single seems to endure through all these years. Even if you can’t name the performer, you can likely sing the chorus with your whole heart.

#7: “Who Will Save Your Soul” (1996)

Jewel

You can’t deny Jewel’s hold on the 1990s. She could deliver a multi-genre product with a mix of country and rock flair. Her hit “Who Will Save Your Soul” shows off her singular writing style, with more than just a good chorus. The singer also shows off her standout voice. With every word rolling together like a poem, the vocalist does what few other mainstream artists do. She uses the end of the song to push her vocals even further. It’s all sly, rebellious, and worthy of its success. Shockingly, the track managed to capture a pop audience and a rock sensibility all in one.

#6: “Cornflake Girl” (1994)

Tori Amos

If you’re talking about singer/songwriters from the 1990s, you need to mention Tori Amos. She’s part of a list of amazing and dynamic artists from the time period. “Cornflake Girl” finds her at the piano again, creating a riff that’s instantly memorable. Her lyrics here are far from cliches either. Amos makes you want to up your vocabulary, or at least reach for a dictionary. She likely won over some well-read audience members back in the day. Somewhat underrated in the 21st century, this talented vocalist deserves more than the approval of cool moms.

#5: “Linger” (1993)

The Cranberries

If you’re a sucker for a string arrangement, “Linger” might be one of your favorites. The Cranberries set the bar high on their very first album. Their single is a moody, atmospheric, and emotional piece of music. Dolores O’Riordan sings through a beautiful production, letting her accent highlight plenty of enthralling lyrics. The singer and her band make you feel like a high school kid in 1993. With its dreamy vocals and heartbreaking themes, the track likely transports former rockers to an alternative space. You don’t have to be nostalgic about a bygone decade to love it either. It’s such a sweet number, but the same band could rock out even more on classics like “Zombie.”

#4: “Stupid Girl” (1996)

Garbage

With a group of talented musicians, Garbage staked their own claim for alternative and electronic history. The result was complicated, successful, and all things rock. “Stupid Girl” might be the best encapsulation of their trippy sound. From Butch Vig’s drums to Shirley Manson’s vocals, this hit is anything but dumb. It’s just the kind of song to ignite a spark within any listener. Even if your mom opted for more basic pop, she’ll probably find herself lost in the sonic landscapes. The track feels like the perfect way to explore all your inner angst. Manson’s incredible work mixes with some inspiration from The Clash, giving fans a striking mashup.

#3: “Just a Girl” (1995)

No Doubt

By the title alone, you can’t leave this off any mom rock list. It’s one of No Doubt’s most famous and notable tracks. Gwen Stefani’s lyrics and vocal gymnastics are on full display, making for an energized rocker. “Just a Girl” is much more complex than you might remember. If you grew up with the song, you likely can’t deny its timeless strength. Stefani and her bandmates probably turned many listeners into unlikely ska fans. The riff, production, and overall attitude make for something special every time you hear the track. From start to finish, this anthemic tune still inspires audiences to embrace their punk side.

#2: “Everyday Is a Winding Road” (1996)

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow’s unique songwriting celebrates life, with this free-spirited hit shining bright. It’s such a positive vibe with some novelistic touches. With an ear for awesome hooks, Crow makes you want to sing and hum along. The chorus instantly improves your mood. It’s a song full of life lessons, fun stories, and detailed observations. The songwriter knows how to craft a single, giving you catchy sounds alongside compelling words. She brought that same energy to other tunes like “All I Wanna Do.” As the perfect soundtrack to a car ride, this one should inspire moms to roll the window down and hit the open road.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“Bitch” (1997), Meredith Brooks

She’s Completely Unafraid to Express Herself & Her Complicated Nature

“Stay (I Missed You)” (1994), Lisa Loeb

“Reality Bites” Fans Will Remember the Folk-Rock Hook & Heartfelt Execution

“Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” (1992), Sophie B. Hawkins

The Early 1990s Hook Hits You like a Mack Truck (In a Good Way)

“I Touch Myself” (1990), Divinyls

A Passionate & Explicit Plea That You Can’t Help but Love

“Kiss Me” (1998), Sixpence None the Richer

Among the Sweetest Anthems of Its Kind Representing a Universal Feeling

#1: “You Oughta Know” (1995)

Alanis Morissette

From the album “Jagged Little Pill,” this single is a great showcase for Alanis Morissette. The track makes for a takedown of every ex-boyfriend ever. Many Generation X women might have grown up with this hit, but they can still rock out to it at any age. It’s arguably become an anthem for multiple generations now. Speculation continues about the song’s targets, but that only adds to its enduring place in pop culture. It’s also among the most rocking hits of Morissette’s career. “You Oughta Know” is universal in its anger, but always able to get our blood pumping in the best way.

Did we forget another mom rocker from the 1990s? Let us know in the comments below.