Top 20 Greatest 90s Songs You've Never Heard Of
#20: “The Power of Equality” (1991)
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Red Hot Chili Peppers
If you’re looking for a shot of musical adrenaline, look no further than “The Power of Equality.” The lead track off of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” has all the raw power of their best work. Combining John Frusciante’s wicked guitar with Flea’s signature bass, the music comes together with a furious energy. Anthony Kiedis’ engaging words glide over the top of an underrated groove from their prolific catalog. Even if it’s not one of their big hits, it deserves to be placed alongside the likes of “Under the Bridge” or “Give It Away.”
#19: “Mr. Wendal” (1992)
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Arrested Development
Whether you call it conscious hip-hop or just catchy, “Mr. Wendal” is a unique piece of 1990s rap history. It comes from Arrested Development’s acclaimed debut album “3 Years, 5 Months, and 2 Days in the Life Of…” Lead performer Speech describes the struggle of the homeless, but never sacrifices the song’s replayability. His heartfelt message comes with a fun groove that balances out the tune’s gritty reality. Unafraid to tackle serious subjects, the group charts a tale that’s timeless and important. There’s also the undeniable beat that makes this the best kind of earworm.
#18: “The Anthem” (1999)
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Sway & King Tech and DJ Revolution, feat. RZA, Tech N9ne, Eminem, Xzibit, Pharoahe Monch, Kool G Rap, Jayo Felony, Chino XL & KRS-One
Despite arguments to the contrary, you can never have too many rappers on one track. This is especially true on Sway & King Tech and DJ Revolution’s song “The Anthem” from their album “This or That.” These artists bring together a variety of talent that spans an entire decade of hip hop. You have veteran acts like KRS-One and Kool G Rap, while also introducing up and coming emcees such as Eminem. While the production could’ve been a disaster, it actually gives time for each rapper to shine in their own way. It’s hard to imagine that this wasn’t the biggest release of its kind given the talent on display.
#17: “Aftermath” (1994)
Tricky
After working with Massive Attack, Tricky decided to go solo and release the album “Maxinquaye.” The record and its lead single “Aftermath” blend together trip-hop and other experimental genres into one. In an atmospheric production, the performer takes cues from R&B, electronic, and hip-hop to craft a winning formula. Singer Martina Topley-Bird provides the lead vocals with a beautifully understated performance. Mixing cool beats with unexpected instrumentations, this laidback piece transports you to another world. The artist uses dynamic sounds to play with your perception of what is possible in music. Among the underrated musicians of the 1990s, Tricky deserves his spot amongst the most groundbreaking of the decade.
#16: “Helpless” (1992)
Sugar
Starting in the 1980s, Bob Mould left his own mark on music during his time in the seminal punk band Hüsker Dü. The next decade saw him venturing into more alternative rock and pop territory with the project Sugar. Tunes like “Helpless” show off his ability to take the energy from his younger days and funnel it into an accessible track. With addicting melodies and memorable guitar parts, this single has just the right amount of inviting elements for any rock fan. There’s also some compelling drum work that keeps the driving production going. This and the album “Copper Blue” represent another great entry in the 1990s alt scene.
#15: “After the Flood” (1991)
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Talk Talk
If you know the band Talk Talk, you probably remember them for singles like “It’s My Life.” They gradually became more artistic and experimental by the end of the 1980s, leaving behind more commercial ideas for a genre known as post-rock. Their final album “Laughing Stock” features an exemplary take on this musical direction known as “After the Flood.” The epic piece contains sonic landscapes, an unorthodox structure, and an unpredictable sound. Songwriters Mark Hollis and Tim Friese-Greene deserve praise for creating complex music that doesn’t conform to the mainstream. In one of their final statements as a band, Talk Talk offers up a satisfying experience for those willing to take the plunge.
#14: “Rid of Me” (1993)
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PJ Harvey
The lead track off of PJ Harvey’s second album of the same name tells you everything you need to know about her. First of all, she’s an accomplished songwriter who’s more than capable of attracting alternative music devotees. Harvey also has an ability to build suspense in an opening that’s quiet until a sudden change. With this shift, she reveals that she can also rock out like the best of them. “Rid of Me” features impressive guitar and drum work that stands as a perfect time capsule of the era. Fans of 1990s music might already know her, but this deep cut has enough magic to welcome casual listeners into her catalog.
#13: “Frou-frou Foxes in Midsummer Fires” (1990)
Cocteau Twins
On the final track from their release “Heaven or Las Vegas,” Cocteau Twins bring together some of their best musical impulses. The dream pop act crafts an epic song with an almost cinematic quality. Vocalist Elizabeth Fraser sings haunting verses that build with emotional intensity. By the time that she reaches the chorus, the singer lets the words flow out in a cathartic moment. The amazing music behind her provides an added power that takes you on a sonic journey. It’s a lengthy composition that works perfectly as its own piece, while also serving as a dramatic conclusion to a classic album.
#12: “Babies” (1992)
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Pulp
Pulp is best known for their track “Common People,” but they have an extensive catalog of worthy Britpop. This includes an eclectic group of singles like this one that feel as fresh as they did upon release. With that in mind, “Babies” comes with a fantastic groove and some awesome storytelling courtesy of Jarvis Cocker. The singer takes you into a complex story about young love and sisterhood that contains more than a few surprises. Using influences from the 1980s new wave, the group employs a compelling beat and synthesizers to round out this cool composition.
#11: “Me in Honey” (1991)
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R.E.M.
Only diehard R.E.M. fans will remember this deep track off of the hit album “Out of Time.” The bulk of the song revolves around one riff by guitarist Peter Buck. From this simple foundation, Michael Stipe builds out a tapestry of notable melodies. He also has the help of B-52’s singer Kate Pierson. Together, both vocalists create harmonies that stand alongside some of the best of the decade. Stipe’s signature voice leads listeners through a series of folk, pop, and rock influences. It’s ultimately a hypnotic number, holding you in its orbit and encouraging you to return for its finest moments.
#10: “Seven” (1994)
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Sunny Day Real Estate
Unless you’re a fan of 1990s emo, you might not know the greatness of Sunny Day Real Estate. Their first studio album “Diary” includes some awesome songs including “In Circles” and the timeless “Seven.” Throw all your preconceived notions about the genre out the window as you listen to a true masterpiece of rock. Taking inspiration from all kinds of punk and alternative bands, the group knows how to craft engaging riffs with heavy instrumentations. Jeremy Enigk powers through with a voice that pulls in audiences with his unique tone. Proving that there’s much more to the decade than grunge or Britpop, the band paves their own way with an influential single.
#9: “Summertime” (1997)
The Sundays
English band The Sundays bridges the gap between rock and pop with this effortless performance. The charisma of singer Harriet Wheeler on this song makes you feel like anything is possible. The overall vibe of the song gives listeners a blast of nostalgia for the 1990s, energized and ready for some fun sounds for the summer. It’s the kind of refreshing track that makes you want to go out and enjoy the simplicity of a sunny day. Wheeler’s words have a literary quality that separates her from the typical songwriter. Utilizing a great guitar riff, the band assembles for a lovely experience full of positivity.
#8: “Sleep” (1996)
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Slowdive
This unreleased track from Slowdive might be one of the best bootlegs of its kind. Taking a ballad into shoegaze territory, “Sleep” could have easily been another iconic single from the band. Rachel Goswell’s voice echoes through a densely-layered piece of ethereal effects. Her angelic vocals soar atop some intriguing melodies, taking listeners on a melancholic rollercoaster ride. The band once again makes the most of the production with dueling electronics and guitar work. While it might not have made it onto the likes of “Souvlaki” or other acclaimed records, it deserves to be held in the same regard as the group’s best work.
#7: “From a Motel 6” (1994)
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Yo La Tengo
With the release of their sixth album in 1993, Yo La Tengo brought together one of their finest collections of music. This includes “From a Motel 6,” the production of which is impressive and dynamic. The low-key vocals provide a perfect counterpoint to the aggressive instruments, and the otherworldly guitars courtesy of Ira Kaplan include some fantastic effects. A guitar solo erupts in the middle of the song that defies the usual clichés. The indie act marches to the beat of their own drum, pulling together a sound that’s surely influenced many alternative groups. Audiences that love this track should definitely check out this prolific band’s prolific output.
#6: “Marigold” (1993)
Nirvana
Starting as a Dave Grohl solo song, “Marigold” later became a highlight of Nirvana’s final years. The band put out their own interpretation as a B-side for “Heart-Shaped Box.” With Grohl singing instead of Kurt Cobain, it’s also a rare recording for the group without their usual frontman. The quiet production stands in contrast to most of the act’s louder catalog. Showcasing the drummer’s songwriting talents before starting his own band, the delicate number features some fascinating imagery in its lyrics. The track lives on through other versions, but it’s this one that highlights the vocal strengths of the Foo Fighters frontman.
#5: “Bleed to Love Her” (1997)
Fleetwood Mac
Among their most underrated releases, “Bleed to Love Her” first appeared on Fleetwood Mac’s “The Dance” album. Lindsey Buckingham’s composition has all the best elements of his songwriting. The strong hook mixes with Buckingham’s soulful performance. The harmonies and pristine vocals of Christine McVie and Stevie Nicks makes the song soar even higher. The tune finally received a studio release in 2003, but once again flew under the radar, despite Buckingham’s precise guitar work. The song beautifully rivals his best compositions including “Never Going Back Again” and “Go Your Own Way.” The heartfelt lyrics show the real emotion behind an undying love that’s full of complications.
#4: “Lately” (1991)
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Massive Attack
In just a few seconds, “Lately” comes roaring to life on Massive Attack’s debut “Blue Lines.” Shara Nelson sings this trip-hop tune with a flawless vocal. Nelson gives this track something extra as she turns in one of several incredible performances on an album that includes “Unfinished Sympathy.” The deep cut has one of the funkiest grooves of its kind, standing out on a record with already stellar production values. Try listening to this without feeling instantly better and chilled out. The mix of R&B, funk, and electronic influences will have you under a spell in no time.
#3: “A Roller Skating Jam Named ‘Saturdays’” (1991)
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De La Soul
If you’re looking for a good time, look no further than this track from De La Soul. It’s a groovy hip-hop tune that owes a lot to the days of disco. A few guests also lend their talents, including Q-Tip and Vinia Mojica. The latter sings the electric hook, helping to sell the feel-good vibes of this anthem. This ultimately becomes a celebration of the little things in life, like an action-packed weekend. For anyone looking to have fun on a Saturday, put this record on and be prepared to dance the night away.
#2: “Life in Vain” (1994)
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Daniel Johnston
Daniel Johnston is regarded as one of the finest outsider artists of all time. His complicated life includes a history of mental health struggles and a series of sought after mixtapes and albums. These include the 1994 release “Fun” and the great track “Life in Vain.” Even though Johnston wasn’t a traditional musician, he possessed many qualities that virtuosos can only dream of having. These included a natural instinct for melody and lyrics. The song tells the tale of someone feeling inadequate, uncertain, and empty in their pursuits. Anyone that knows the struggles of day-to-day life can find something beautiful in the songwriter’s choice of words. It’s yet another example of why so many people love his work.
#1: “All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun” (1996)
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Jeff Buckley & Elizabeth Fraser
Coming together in a powerful duet, Jeff Buckley and Elizabeth Fraser are as good as they’ve ever been on this record. It was an unreleased track for many years even though people managed to get their hands on it. For those that don’t know it, “All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun” might become their new favorite song. It might not have all the added effects of a big production, but both performers bring a real presence and an honest emotional quality to this ballad. The haunting guitars create the foundation for poetic lyrics that rank high among either singer’s catalog. Buckley has since passed, but this record serves as a reminder of his musical abilities.
Did we forget another hidden or overlooked gem from the decade? Let us know in the comments below.
