Top 50 90's Pop Songs You Forgot Were AWESOME

#50: “Nightswimming” (1993)

R.E.M.

By the time the 90s had rolled around, R.E.M. had gone from college radio darlings to mainstream rock royalty. Although their sound had evolved with the times, they always knew how to keep things fresh and interesting to their fans. “Nightswimming” is one such example, a piece built around a beautiful piano performance which shows Michael Stipe in a reflective mood. Unlike some of the bigger anthems that came out of this era, this track is all about building an intimate sound. To this day, it remains an underrated gem within their catalogue.

#49: “I’m Afraid of Americans” (1997)

David Bowie

If ever there was an artist who excelled in reinvention, it was the great David Bowie. Right up until his final days, he was still looking for ways to push his sound to its limit. In the late 1990s, Bowie was already hopping onboard with the sounds of industrial music and techno. He enlisted the help of Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor and long-time collaborator Brian Eno to help him to craft “I’m Afraid of Americans”. The resulting track sounds incredibly modern, which is bizarre coming from an artist who got his start in the 1960s. It’s laced with paranoia and concerns over globalisation and cultural dominance, never letting its energy dip from its opening bars to its conclusion.

#48: “Together Again” (1997)

Janet Jackson

At the peak of her powers, there were very few artists in pop music who could craft a hit record quite like Janet Jackson. “Together Again” is still just as uplifting and immediate as it was when it came out in 1997. The pop formula is clear, but there are added elements of house music that really take it to another level, making it a favourite for DJs on the club circuit. The fact that it topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts for two weeks came as no surprise, and it eventually went on to sell six million copies worldwide.

#47: “Moon Dog” (1990)

Prefab Sprout

You could spend a long time listening to 1990s pop music without running into something that sounds quite like Prefab Sprout’s “Moon Dog”. This idiosyncratic slice of pop genius came out during an especially creative run of form for the band. While not as commercially dominant as some of its contemporaries, it developed a loyal following among listeners who appreciated its craftsmanship. To this day, “Moon Dog” still sounds unique and interesting, holding a very special place within the Prefab Sprout catalogue. Ask any music historian for examples of overlooked bands from the 1980s and 90s, and you’re bound to hear these guys get a mention.

#46: “Common People” (1995)

Pulp

The sharp wit and skilful social commentary of Jarvis Cocker are front and centre in Pulp’s seminal track, “Common People”. The band were always known for their ability to create extremely catchy and sophisticated pop music. There might not be a better example of the band’s prowess than this one. The song tells a tale of a wealthy young woman who calls on the song’s narrator to help her experience the life of a working class person. Cocker takes a scathing approach to the subject, criticising those who ascribe glamour to a life of poverty. It has since gone on to be regarded as one of the defining songs of the Britpop era, and it’s easy to see why.

#45: “Walking in My Shoes” (1993)

Depeche Mode

Despite the peaks of critical and commercial success they hit in the 1980s, Depeche Mode rose to an even greater height in the following decade. Albums like “Violator” and “Songs of Faith and Devotion” produced some of the biggest hits of their entire career. For our money, one of the most underrated of those hits is “Walking in My Shoes”. As is usual with Depeche Mode, the song is incredibly catchy while being laced with timelessly impactful synths. Although by no means their highest-selling single of the era, it still reached number-14 on the UK charts and topped the US Alternative charts.

#44: “I Can't Dance” (1991)

Genesis

Genesis spent large portions of their career pivoting wildly in their sound - especially during their early period with Peter Gabriel at the helm. By the time the 1990s rolled around, it would have been easy to dismiss them as past their prime commercially. However, Phil Collins proved in 1991 that they were still very much capable of delivering the goods. “I Can’t Dance” was a pretty tongue-in-cheek moment for the group, almost as if they were acknowledging that they were no longer hip. The song works, though, bolstered by a powerful vocal hook from Collins. It would stand as their last new song to reach the top-10 in both the UK and the US.

#43: “Just Another Day” (1992)

Jon Secada

Blending pop with Latin influences, Jon Secada’s “Just Another Day” exemplifies the smooth, radio-friendly sound of early 90s adult contemporary music. It’s the vocal performance that truly sells it, though, with both his strength and vulnerability shining through in equal measure. The chorus explodes with the full-on intensity of a vocal choir, elevating the already-formidable Secada’s singing to another level. It peaked at number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, making it his highest selling single to date. He would use this success as a springboard to become one of the most successful Cuban singers of all-time.

#42: “Fade into You” (1993)

Mazzy Star

Those of you who feel nostalgia for the 90s will no doubt know exactly how poignant Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” remains to this day. The song’s vibe and mood perfectly sum up the dreamy and nostalgic tones that were prominent in alternative music during this decade. Hope Sandoval's vocal performance is one of the most heartwrenching in the genre. You could completely ignore the lyrics and still understand exactly what she’s trying to say. The track was a huge hit for Mazzy Star, and the song that they are remembered best for, earning them quite a lot of mainstream exposure.

#41: “Angel” (1998)

Sarah McLachlan

Few singers of the 1990s could craft a beautiful and impactful ballad quite like Sarah McLachlan. For our money, “Angel” might be the most touching and intimate of her entire repertoire. No overblown production is needed here, just McLachlan with a piano and her voice to carry the track. The stripped-down nature of this one allows it to retain a timeless quality, in other words, it’s not dated by its production. It was McLachlan’s second consecutive top-5 hit on the Billboard charts, while hitting the top spot on the adult contemporary charts.

#40: “Hedonism (Just Because You Feel Good)” (1997)

Skunk Anansie

Genre lines are crossed freely in Skunk Anansie’s music, making their discography a pretty eclectic listen. “Hedonism” remains one of the songs that has stood the test of time and its merging alt-rock with some pretty soulful elements. Singer Skin’s powerful delivery gives the track a pretty confrontational edge, while the dynamic arrangement builds from quiet introspection to cathartic release. Oh, and the music video really deserves to be watched in full, it’s a real trip! To this day, “Hedonism” remains one of their most popular songs and a fan favourite at their live shows.

#39: “Crazy” (1990)

Seal

The 90s were a real hotbed for the genre of pop soul, and few artists were as dominant in this era as Seal. Although he was a few years removed from the global smash hit “Kiss From a Rose”, Seal’s debut album was a huge success. Out of the hits that it spawned, its first release, “Crazy”, has a special place in his fans’ hearts. As always, the vocals of the British singer are what take this track to a different level. Seal’s voice is distinctive but very listenable, and as far as debut singles are concerned, this is undeniably a strong one. It peaked at number 2 on the UK charts and number 7 in the US, making it his second most successful single.

#38: “Trouble” (1994)

Shampoo

The irreverent attitude of Shampoo’s 1994 hit “Trouble” sounds as fresh today as it did back during the days of its original release. Although the mood of the track is clear, it never tries to take itself too seriously. You can hear the influence that a song like this had on some of the more defiant pop-tinged punk that would eventually follow. It stood out for its unapologetic fun, rejecting polish in favour of raw energy. These days, the group are seen as something of a one-hit wonder, but it almost sounds dismissive to call them that. “Trouble” remains a succinct piece of edgy pop music that holds up incredibly well.

#37: “You Get What You Give” (1998)

New Radicals

Longevity is a great thing for bands to aspire to, but in the case of the New Radicals, they came, saw, conquered, and promptly decided to call it a day. A song like “You Get What You Give” is truly one of the finest pop songs of its era, melding the alt-rock of the 90s with some inescapably catchy vocal hooks. Considering that the group only put out two singles before their singer and primary songwriter Gregg Alexander stepped out of the limelight, it’s one hell of a legacy to leave behind. The fact that this was such a successful hit for them should come as no surprise; it’s a song that always causes ears to prick up within a few bars.

#36: “Save Tonight” (1997)

Eagle-Eye Cherry

Few songs of this era carry the level of timelessness that Eagle-Eye Cherry’s “Save Tonight” did. Its simple structure and extremely relatable lyrics made this the type of song that anyone could get behind, and when it came to sales, the people clearly did. It’s equal parts acoustic folk-pop and alt-rock, and its anthemic quality has led to countless covers, right up to the present day. It was by far Eagle-Eye Cherry’s most successful release, and went on to become a top-ten hit in numerous countries. Overall, it’s not hard to see why.

#35: “Dreams” (1998)

The Corrs

Irish folksters The Corrs took on this Fleetwood Mac classic and gave it a real Celtic feel. Built around the band’s signature sound, they managed to infuse the song with some additional warmth and accessibility. It takes a far more clean-cut and polished approach to the original, which ended up introducing it to a far wider audience. This version became beloved for bridging classic songwriting with contemporary sensibilities, proving that a good song will stand up in any genre. It ended up hitting the top-ten in several countries around the world, marking one of their biggest global successes.

#34: “Glory Box” (1994)

Portishead

The trip-hop boom of the 1990s was spearheaded by a select few artists. Right at the core of it was Beth Gibbons and Portishead. Their legendary debut album single “Glory Box” is, without question, one of the best songs they have ever recorded. Built around an Isaac Hayes sample, this song is lush, smooth, and incredibly psychedelic all at once. Gibbons’ vocals truly send it to another level. Although the band seemed to know they had a hit on their hands, they didn’t initially want to put “Glory Box” out as a single, deeming it to be too commercial-sounding. All we can say is that we’re glad they did.

#33: “Sunny Came Home” (1997)

Shawn Colvin

The breathy vocals and creative chord progression that make up the core of Shawn Colvin’s hit single “Sunny Came Home” are only half the story. It’s the lyrics that really sell it! Colvin might not have had another hit record during her career, but this one was strong enough to truly stand the test of time. It’s a track that ticks many boxes - it’s catchy, lyrically dense, and cryptic enough that it warrants repeated listens. It peaked at number-7 on the US charts, her only song to reach the Billboard Hot 100.

#32: “All My Life” (1998)

K-Ci & Jo-Jo

If there’s a better slow-jam to come out of the early 90s, we haven’t heard it. K-Ci and Jo-Jo’s “All My Life” perfects all of the elements that would dominate the charts later in the decade, standing as a truly prescient piece of pop mastery. Its gospel-influenced delivery gives the song a tone that resonated widely, making it a favourite at weddings and romantic milestones. In an era that was saturated with R&B ballads, “All My Life” stands out just for the simple fact that it was incredibly genuine and sincere. That’s a quality that makes it retain its status as one of the most beloved songs in the genre.

#31: “Kiss Me” (1998)

Sixpence None the Richer

When it comes to 90s alt-pop nostalgia, Sixpence None the Richer really nailed something special with their landmark hit “Kiss Me”. Although it was a hit upon its release, it became a mainstay in rom-coms and teen dramas in the years that followed. It has a level of staying power that, in many ways, comes down to the vocal performance of singer Leigh Nash. In a time where hip-hop and grunge were becoming dominant, “Kiss Me” stripped things back. It’s a song that, while simple on the surface, is just about as emotionally resonant as they come.

#30: “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” (1992)

Sophie B. Hawkins

Way back in the early 1990s, this artist stood out with her raw look at love, attraction, and relationships. “Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover” was a top-ten hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Sophie B. Hawkins doesn’t hold back here, letting listeners know how she feels about her target. She’s open about what she wants and how she wants to do right by someone else. With her exciting vocals, Hawkins delivers some underrated lyrics about passion. It’s a compelling listen that features some amazing energy. While alluding to darker themes behind this song, the artist brings out the rock for this entertaining single.

#29: “Roll to Me” (1995)

Del Amitri

It’s a bright, jangly song that doesn’t quit. This Scottish band doesn’t beat around the bush, getting right to the point and never wavering. “Roll to Me” is likely the signature hit for the band and for good reason. Del Amitri knows how to use a great guitar track, with a peppy melody to add to it. It’s the kind of light and breezy track you need on a tough day. The pop rock tune includes some vocal surprises near the end, bringing out the group’s varied talents. From their fourth album “Twisted,” the rockers make you want to sing along.

#28: “Hold on My Heart” (1992)

Genesis

On Phil Collins’ final album with Genesis, he brought out some underrated performances and songwriting. “Hold on My Heart” finds the group in pure ballad territory. It’s something that Collins was no stranger to in his solo career, making this an easy pill to swallow for his fans. The hit is also a sentimental look at love and its potential. With the singer’s pristine delivery, the emotional track includes some notable production elements. Don’t sleep on the other bandmates and their meaningful contributions either. Through every instrument, the song builds out as a stunning ode to working through your feelings.

#27: “Looking for Atlantis” (1990)

Prefab Sprout

While they received critical acclaim, Prefab Sprout didn’t quite become a household name. The talented group entered the 1990s with the album “Jordan: The Comeback.” It features multiple hits like “Looking for Atlantis,” showing that the band had not lost the charm or spark from their 1980s output. This particular song includes all the signatures of a great Paddy McAloon track. Elevating pop at every level, the layered work also comes courtesy of producer Thomas Dolby. These artists come together to create an upbeat tune that’s bound to leave you happier. Using clever lyrics and an awesome melody, this one should be enjoyed by younger generations too.

#26: “All That She Wants” (1992)

Ace of Base

When you think of Swedish pop, you probably consider ABBA first. That doesn’t make Ace of Base any less awesome. The 90s quartet are known for “The Sign” and this other fun hit. “All That She Wants” has a story to follow, with the lyrics hinting at more scandal underneath it all. You can call it toxic or just an excuse to have a good time. Either way, this group has all the right ingredients for the Europop sound. There’s even a dash of reggae to change things up even more. Listeners around the world came to appreciate the track, but some audiences might need a refresher.

#25: “When You’re Gone” (1996)

The Cranberries

This underrated work feels like an eclectic mix of grief, love, and emotions. “When You’re Gone” can be open to interpretation, but it’s always an effective experience. Dolores O’Riordan gives an underrated performance for this single. Her lilting voice is full of power and resonance, guiding you along an almost-spiritual journey. It deserves to be in the conversation alongside their other hits like “Zombie” and “Linger.” The chorus only hammers home O’Riordan’s abilities, with the singer’s unique vocal qualities shining through. Some soothing lyrics help you work through your own feelings. During one of the band’s peaks, they crafted a ballad that might make you cry.

#24: “Unbelievable” (1990)

EMF

It’s dance, rock, and maybe a little pop as well. EMF’s big hit seems to defy easy explanation in the best way. “Unbelievable” is hugely catchy from start to finish, but it’s also full of surprises. You might’ve not known that this track samples the comedian Andrew Dice Clay. Along with the vocal cameo, the tune also has this punchy energy and some explosive sounds. There’s a combination of guitar and electronic elements to keep you invested all the way. While the band might not have maintained their success, they certainly made a splash with this single.

#23: “Ready to Go” (1996)

Republica

With the opening guitar part, you might be thinking this song is going one way. The drop only makes it more intense. Republica delivers a high-octane thrill ride, making you want to get up and dance. It feels like the perfect way to energize your day. With Saffron on vocals, this track knows how to get your blood pumping. “Ready to Go” is aptly named and sounds exactly how you hope it will. By the time you hear the chorus, you might be completely sold on this single. It also feels like a blast back to the best kind of 90s party.

#22: “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” (1991)

P.M. Dawn

You might not remember this group, but the song is full of musical nostalgia. It has a laidback hip-hop sound that combines R&B elements with 80s pop. Underneath some smooth verses, the tune samples songs like “True” by Spandau Ballet. Those familiar guitar licks fill out a beautiful production. It deserves to be heard by rap fans and detractors alike, with the potential to bring together a diverse audience of music fans. P.M. Dawn knows how to ride the line between genres while pushing sonic boundaries. In one of their very best works, the artists create an easygoing number.

#21: “Another Night” (1993)

Real McCoy

You might not remember Real McCoy, but 90s fans will remember this Eurodance hit. The German artist has the sounds of the early decade down pat. Call it Hi-NRG or not, but this song gets you moving as well as anything from that era. The mix of vocal styles keeps this dynamic production moving. You’re probably not here for the lyrics, but the chorus features a few poetic lines of its own. “Another Night” has a melancholic streak hidden underneath all of the pulsating rhythms. With its surprising depth and fun verses, this single is exactly how you want to start off a great evening.

#20: “Lovefool” (1996)

The Cardigans

Swedish alternative rock outfit the Cardigans briefly made the crossover to international pop stardom with “Lovefool,” the lead single from the band’s third album. A bouncy disco-pop tune about pleading for a partner’s affection, “Lovefool” is a song for lonely nights of crying and dancing your romantic anguish away. Lead singer Nina Persson nails the desperation of trying to keep a fading relationship alive. And the mix of clean and noisy production elements makes it feel like the pop and alternative scenes are coming together in the best way possible. We will always say that we love this song, and we’d be fools not to.

#19: “Walking on Broken Glass” (1992)

Annie Lennox

After ruling the 80s as one half of Eurythmics, Annie Lennox seamlessly made her way into the subsequent decade as a solo star. “Walking on Broken Glass,” from Lennox’s solo debut, is a strikingly majestic piece of pop perfection. With its sweeping strings and playful, Caribbean-inspired piano, it might take a second to register the heartbreak at its core. But soon enough, Lennox’s powerful vocals, both raw and pristine, make the words hit you right where they need to. And she never lets up. Actually walking on broken glass? Painful. Listening to this song? Wonderful.

#18: “Mouth” (1994)

Merril Bainbridge

The 90s were a great time for pop songs about kissing, with classic odes to locking lips from the likes of Sixpence None the Richer and Faith Hill. However, you might have forgotten about this one, the debut single from Australian singer-songwriter, Merril Bainbridge. Featuring a unique composition of Bainbridge's voice, guitar, and a beatbox loop for percussion, "Mouth" feels both ahead of its time and timeless. Though Bainbridge’s lyrics don’t go past kissing, the passion with which she describes the act feels truly sensual. “Mouth” is one 90s hit that should continue to stay on your lips.

#17: “I Want You” (1996)

Savage Garden

Think synth-pop wasn’t a thing in the 90s? Think again! While it’s true the subgenre didn’t dominate like it did the previous decade, it still managed to produce some classics, like this debut single from Aussie duo Savage Garden. Powered by a driving groove and breathlessly delivered vocals, "I Want You" is urgent and emotional. You might not catch every word, but the universal feeling of undying desire rings crystal clear. And the chorus still makes us swoon. Savage Garden only recorded two albums before splitting up in 2001. But this song makes us wish current artists would take more cues from them.

#16: “That's the Way Love Goes” (1993)

Janet Jackson

This lush hit from musical icon Janet Jackson spent an astonishing eight straight weeks at number one, a record for her famous family. And if there's any song that deserves to stay at the top for that long, it's this one. Kicking off an unanticipated pivot into more intimate territory, “That's The Way Love Goes” still has some of the new jack swing flair of Jackson’s previous work. And, as with so many of her songs, it’s brought to new heights by her stunning delivery, which makes you feel like she’s singing right to you. Hot and heavy, yet also breezy and light, “That's the Way Love Goes” is just one of many examples of why Jackson is held in such high regard.

#15: “I Swear” (1994)

All-4-One

Hit cover songs aren’t that unusual. But typically, there’s at least a decade of space between the original and the new rendition. In November 1993, country star John Michael Montgomery released the ballad “I Swear”. Then, four months later, R&B group All-4-One dropped their cover, and found themselves topping the charts for an incredible 11 straight weeks. With flawless harmonizing, the quartet truly do become one. And the production is cheesy goodness in the best way possible, complete with sax solo. Though Montgomery’s version has its own twangy charm, we swear by All-4-One’s rendition now and forever.

#14: “Bitch” (1997)

Meredith Brooks

Reclamation can be a powerful thing. On this angsty anthem, singer Meredith Brooks takes a nasty pejorative for a woman and turns it into something to proudly identify as. Of course, as the chorus so famously states, she’s so much more than just that. Unsurprisingly, this piece of unapologetically feminine, guitar-driven alt-rock drew comparisons to Alanis Morissette. But Brooks manages to get her voice across, while also sounding like she’s singing for the countless women who’ve felt unappreciated for so long. You might have understandable gripes with the word in question. However, Brooks' conviction makes this a song about so much more than just a contentious word.

#13: “Are You That Somebody?” (1997)

Aaliyah

In her tragically short life, Aaliyah made a name for herself through heart-stopping, forward-thinking R&B unlike anything else on the charts at the time. “Are You That Somebody?” originally recorded for the “Dr. Dolittle” soundtrack, is one of many songs Aaliyah made in collaboration with Timbaland, and his off-kilter yet addictive production is the perfect complement to her cool yet expressive vocals. Caught up between her affection for a potential partner and her celebrity status, Aaliyah shows just how complicated fame can be. The song title might be a question of uncertainty. But there’s no doubt as to the brilliance of the late, great Aaliyah.

#12: “Legend of a Cowgirl” (1997)

Imani Coppola

A year after Paula Cole rhetorically asked where all the cowboys had gone, Imani Coppola offered up the legend of a cowgirl. Fantasizing about life as a western heroine as a metaphor for sexual liberation, Coppola takes country tropes and fuses them with absolute rhythmic pop goodness. Alternating between singing and rapping, she sounds absolutely confident with every single syllable. And considering how catchy and creative this song is, can you blame her? Speaking of creativity, the music video, with its numerous iconic looks, is yet another reminder of why we miss the 90s so much.

#11: “I Love You Always Forever” (1996)

Donna Lewis

While there’s no clear answer as to what 90s song has the biggest earworm chorus, “I Love You Always Forever” certainly belongs in the conversation. Welsh singer Donna Lewis’ debut single has the kind of hook that feels like it's been part of our existence forever. But is there more to this song than a memorable refrain? Absolutely. Lewis’ tender voice is soothing without sounding anonymous. And the dreamy production makes us feel as though we’re escaping to a more peaceful - and romantic - realm while listening. To put it simply, we love this song, always forever.

#10: “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)

Brandy & Monica

There’s nothing better than a powerhouse duet. Towards the end of the millennium, singers Brandy & Monica released this sassy bop and took the world by storm. With a classic R&B vibe, it is the perfect combination of petty and effortless cool. The unique concept of having both singers in a rivalry against one another was entirely new, and the masterful lyricism enhanced the narrative. It certainly did help that there was a rumored real-life beef between the two artists. Brandy and Monica added their own details to the melody and rhythm of the hit, showing off their distinctive styles. Despite their alleged animosity, there’s no doubt that their voices blend perfectly– making us wish that they collaborated more often.

#9: “Steal My Sunshine” (1999)

Len

While the first part of the ‘90s was dominated by darker music, the latter half saw a return of lighthearted yet meaningful pop. One track that perfectly encapsulates this moment in time is “Steal My Sunshine.” The bubbly instrumentation and surprisingly deep lines helped create the perfect blend of levity and hard-hitting emotion. The song defines the sound of the entire decade; and when listening to it, it’s hard not to be transported back to the past. Even the video strikes the perfect nostalgic sweet spot; reminding everyone of simpler moments in their lives. While the band’s subsequent singles didn’t have the same impact on the charts, there’s no doubt that they bottled the essence of that era into one immaculate bop.

#8: “Be My Lover” (1995)

La Bouche

The 90s saw the rise of techno music, leading to the creation of some of the most foundational numbers in the scene. Nothing fits that description more than “Be My Lover”, a tune dripping in pure energy. Its flawless production was the perfect vehicle for the powerful vocals, with both elements taking center stage without overpowering one another. Upon its release, the song dominated the club scene, and for good reason– it’s the perfect bop for a fun night out, and has the ability to leave everyone in high spirits. Over time, “Be My Lover” has solidified its place as a quintessential hit of both its genre and the era it was released in.

#7: “Groove Is in the Heart” (1990)

Deee-Lite

This not only helped usher in a brand new decade, it also served as a loving homage to the one that had just ended. Everything about this song is unapologetically whimsical, from the constant slide whistle to the Dr. Seuss references. It managed to include different aspects of several genres without sounding too cluttered, and the various samples used throughout served as Easter eggs for fans of the original numbers. It was a musical and technical feat; and helped open the decade with a bang. The campy presentation of its accompanying video only added to the fun. Even today, the track still hits hard, capable of getting people across generations grooving to its infectious beat.

#6: “Free Your Mind” (1992)

En Vogue

Some of the greatest songs are those that aim to convey a broader message about the state of society. “Free Your Mind” manages to do so in the most iconic way possible. It’s empowering from the moment it begins, and advocates for various causes like interracial marriage and ending harmful stereotypes. It urged people to free themselves of the negative misconceptions they might hold about people different from them. The group’s jaw dropping voices and powerful presences only make the presentation more invigorating. The classic rock-inspired instrumentals add potency to the piece, and help command attention to the points being made. It’s quality activism and superb musicality all wrapped up into one four-minute package.

#5: “Do You Know (What it Takes)” (1995)

Robyn

Music fans know that Sweden is spoiled for pop talent, with Robyn being one of the country’s biggest icons. The singer made a huge splash when she was just a teenager with the release of her single “Do You Know (What it Takes).” Bringing R&B and dance-pop vibes together, Robyn proved Sweden could groove just as well as anyone else. As she sings to someone she's considering a relationship with, she asserts her need to be treated right. And her voice fits beautifully over the song's funky production. With this work, Robyn showed she knows what it takes to create something great.

#4: “Missing (Todd Terry Remix)” (1995)

Everything but the Girl

Maybe you’ve heard the original version of this song, which was released by English indie duo Everything but the Girl in 1994. But chances are you’re more familiar with house DJ Todd Terry’s remix. Terry’s booming beats are an unexpected but great accompaniment to Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt’s heartbroken lyrics. If there was ever a song that could make you dance and cry, it’s this one. According to Thorn, the track was always meant to be a dancey one. With this remix, Terry brought the party out without betraying the number’s inherent emotion. If you’ve missed this song “like the deserts miss the rain,” now’s the perfect time to revisit it.

#3: “Stay (I Missed You)” (1994)

Lisa Loeb

If you treasured your glasses as style accessories in ‘90s, it was probably because of Lisa Loeb. On her biggest hit, the singer-songwriter addresses a partner she’s on the outs with. But she knows it won’t be easy to leave for good. Inspired by Loeb’s own relationship difficulties, this song was first meant for Daryl Hall. However, Loeb held onto it, and with some help from actor Ethan Hawke, the song ended up on the soundtrack for the iconic Gen-X dramedy, “Reality Bites.” It even topped the Billboard Hot 100. Oh, and did we mention she wasn’t working with a label at this point? There’s power in independence.

#2: “How Bizarre” (1995)

OMC

Roughly eleven months before Lorde was even born, New Zealand made a splash on the international music charts. This was thanks to “How Bizarre,” a hit from Auckland trio OMC. And true to its title, this song stands out against many others of the time. ​​With its mix of relaxing guitar airs, groovy beats, trumpets, and singing and rapping from vocalist Pauly Fuemana, it feels like a never-ending array of ideas. But somehow, each element works together seamlessly, and the result is a song bursting with both creativity and heart. The way we can’t get enough of this number is making us crazy.

#1: “Crush” (1998)

Jennifer Paige

Is there any topic better suited for a pop song than a crush? On this catchy hit, singer Jennifer Paige tapped into everything we think of when it comes to infatuation. From a racing heart, to overthinking, to fantasizing about the future, “Crush” addresses all the steps of falling for someone with true poise. Paige’s sultry vocals are so enchanting, we developed a crush of our own. It’s been labeled as “teen pop,” but the song is a lot more mature than you’d expect. It’s safe to say that we’ll always have a thing for “Crush.”

But what’s your own personal favourite song from the 1990s? Let us know in the comments below.