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Top 10 Most Iconic Songs of the 1990s

Top 10 Most Iconic Songs of the 1990s
VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
From grunge anthems to pop perfection, the 90s gave us musical moments that defined a generation! Join us as we count down the tracks that shaped the decade and still get us singing today. Our list celebrates the unforgettable hooks, groundbreaking artists, and cultural phenomena that made the 90s a revolutionary era for music across all genres. We're featuring Nirvana's rebellious anthem, Britney's pop debut, Oasis' acoustic classic, TLC's empowering message, Radiohead's breakthrough hit, Biggie's storytelling masterpiece, Tupac and Dr. Dre's West Coast tribute, AC/DC's timeless rock, Backstreet Boys' harmonious ballad, and the Fugees' unforgettable cover! Which 90s hit still gets stuck in your head? Let us know in the comments!

#10: Killing Me Softly (1996)

Fugees


Well allow you a moment to pick your jaw up off the floor once you realize that the Fugees breakout hit is actually a cover of a cover. Originally written and recorded by the relatively obscure Lori Lieberman, Killing Me Softly became a smash hit for R&B performer Roberta Flack in 1973. Over two decades later, the trio of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras Michel put a distinctly 90s spin on Flacks reinterpretation. It probably goes without saying that the Fugees version was an unqualified success. Certified triple-platinum in the U.S., the Fugees also brought home the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for Killing Me Softly.


#9: I Want It That Way (1999)

Backstreet Boys


Lets not kid ourselves: the lyrics to this enduring singalong are, for the most part, completely indecipherable. Thats been largely attributed to Swedish producer Max Martins then-limited grasp of the English language. However, to get hung up on what exactly this romantic ballad is about is to completely miss the point. A sublime slice of impeccably crafted 90s pop, I Want It That Way benefits from Martins deft, razor-precise ear for what makes a hit. Ultimately, though, I Want It That Way wouldnt be the hit it is without the Boys trademark, sugary-sweet harmonies. Their earnest sincerity is what truly sells the song despite its elusive meaning.


#8: Thunderstruck (1990)

AC/DC


A quote commonly attributed to Angus Young tightly explains a common criticism against this Australian institution of rock. The quote details Youngs frustration with accusations that weve made 11 albums that sound exactly the same, In fact, weve made 12 albums that sound exactly the same. Sure, the line itself may be apocryphal, but the fact remains that AC/DC have hardly ever needed to reinvent the wheel to please their legions of fans worldwide. Thunderstruck, released nearly 20 years into the bands career, demonstrated that their timeless sound was just that timeless.


#7: California Love (1995)

2Pac feat.Dr. Dre


Released just months before Tupac Shakurs untimely 1996 death, California Love became one of the highly revered rappers biggest hits. The floor-filling party anthem, produced by featured guest Dr. Dre, is a loving, unmistakably 90s tribute to both Dre and Shakurs home state of well, you know. Boosted by stellar, swaggering verses from the two rappers, California Love was elevated to all-timer status by its unshakable talk box hook, provided by Zapp founder and legend of funk Roger Troutman. Receiving a posthumous nomination for the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, California Love still feels like a fitting time capsule for the era of West Coast hip hop it represents.


#6: Juicy (1994)

The Notorious B.I.G.


Look, we knew that we couldnt not include a Biggie song on a list of the 1990s most iconic tunes. The question was, though which one? Big Poppa? Hypnotize? Mo Money, Mo Problems? After much consideration, we decided that we had to go with Juicy, the first single from the late rappers debut Ready to Die. While you could, of course, make a case for any of the songs we just listed (and then some), Juicy just feels quintessentially Biggie. From his powerful gift for storytelling, to his unmatched lyricism, Biggies Juicy has a bit of something for everyone, and serves as not only one of the best rap songs of the 90s, but ever.


#5: Creep (1992)

Radiohead


When the members of the little-known band Radiohead broke into their song Creep during rehearsal, they referred to it as their Scott Walker song, a reference to the eccentric American-British musician. Dismayed, producer Paul Q. Kolderie reportedly shared with co-producer Sean Slade that it was Too bad their best song's a cover. After confirming that Creep was, indeed, an original song, Radiohead went ahead and released it as their debut single. The rest is history, and Creep became a massive (if discomfiting) hit, announcing the band in a big way, and launching one of the most revered, most productive catalogues in rock music.


#4: No Scrubs (1999)

TLC


You may be surprised that the slang term scrub, while not invented by TLC, was widely popularized following the smash success of this undying hit. Wrapped up in an infectiously catchy package, No Scrubs was controversial upon its debut. While some took issue with its perceived chastising of low-income men, others described it as a reaction to an epidemic of misogyny and male entitlement in hip hop music. Through that lens, No Scrubs becomes a radical rally cry to women, a reminder that no one should sacrifice their self-worth for a partner that doesnt value them. No Scrubs is totally 90s, but its also eternal.


#3: Wonderwall (1995)

Oasis


Anyway, hereswell, do we even need to say it? If youve been within earshot of an acoustic guitar in the last 20 years, you already know. Wonderwall was Oasis biggest hit in the United States, and their only track to crack the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100. In the years since its release, Noel Gallagher has waffled on its meaning, initially saying it was about his then-girlfriend Meg Matthews, only to later claim it was about an imaginary friend who's gonna come and save you from yourself. Well, whatever its about, Wonderwall is the worlds song, an ever-relatable love letter to those who are there for us, no matter what.


#2: ...Baby One More Time (1998)

Britney Spears


From those dynamic opening piano jabs, listeners knew that they were in for something special. Spears debut single, ...Baby One More Time marked one of the most successful first releases by any artist in history. In fact, having sold over 10 million copies, One More Time is among the biggest smash hits ever. The song boldly declared that, just in time for the new millennium, a fresh, new, groundbreaking voice was coming to shake the worlds youth loose. An expert synthesis of pop, hip hop, and R&B, courtesy of the aforementioned Max Martin, ...Baby One More Time didnt show us where music had already been it showed us where the art form was going.


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


Enter Sandman (1991)

Metallica


Basket Case (1994)

Green Day


You Oughta Know (1995)

Alanis Morrisette


Gangstas Paradise (1995)

Coolio featuring L.V.


Semi-Charmed Life (1997)

Third Eye Blind


#1: Smells Like Teen Spirit (1991)

Nirvana


Featuring perhaps the most instantly recognizable guitar riff of all time, Kurt Cobains magnum opus is commonly regarded as one of the great rock songs. Smells Like Teen Spirit never lets up for a second, consisting of five straight minutes of defiant, wall-to-wall moshing. Despite its now-iconic status, Cobain himself initially referred to its timeless riff as clichéd, to which bassist Krist Novoselic agreed. Novoselic likely regretted speaking his mind, as Cobain then forced him and drummer Dave Grohl to play it repeatedly for 90 minutes. Luckily, unlike Krist, were not being punished; no, were choosing to strum Teen Spirit for hours on end much like the Generation X teens who felt all too seen by Cobains powerful songwriting.


Which song on our list defined the 90s for you? Are there any decade-defining anthems we missed? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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