Top 50 90s Rock Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

#50: “Start Choppin’” (1993)

Dinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr. was at its weird and wonderful best with the release of 1991’s “Start Choppin’.” The track was described as being‘as close to a radio hit’ as the band ever had, and it was, in many ways, helped by the accompanying music video. It’s a zany piece of alternative rock genius that contains all of the oddball guitar work you’d expect from J Mascis. It went on to become a hit, reaching the top-20 in the UK and number three on the US Alternative Airplay charts. Though this track won’t be the band's only appearance on our list, "Start Choppin'" is still played frequently to this day. In fact, it is one of the most-performed songs in their entire repertoire.

#49: “Outtasite (Outta Mind)” (1997)

Wilco

Power pop never sounded quite as proud as it did when Jeff Tweedy and Wilco brought us “Outtasite (Outta Mind), a single from their second album, “Being There.” The whole thing is delivered with an infectious level of passion and the band is in top instrumental form. It’s a breezy number with some excellent guitar work that pops through in the mix during the chorus. This was by no means the band’s biggest chart success, not by a long stretch actually, but it remains one of their most underrated releases.

#48: “Redundant” (1998)

Green Day

Green Day well and truly brought punk music into a new era with 1994’s “Dookie.” However, Billie Joe and co. were not content to rest on their laurels. Their follow-up album “Insomniac” was darker, heavier, and altogether more abrasive, but for most fans, it was their pivot into a much wider array of sounds. Green Day wasn’t looking to make a cohesive album with “Nimrod,” instead fleshing out their sound with a number of genres. The single “Redundant” showcases the band writing the type of lovelorn ballad that would be a constant presence in the next two decades. For our money, they’ve rarely sounded as sincere as they did here!

#47: “Sweetest Thing” (1998)

U2

U2 frontman Bono made the mistake of forgetting his wife’s birthday during the recording of the album “Joshua Tree.” Thankfully, this blunder resulted in him writing “Sweetest Thing” as an apology. Originally released as a B-side to “Where The Streets Have No Name” in 1987, the song was later re-recorded in 1998, becoming a huge chart success in several countries. It’s a song about love, plain and simple, and it just so happens to be one of U2’s catchiest songs of the 90s. The music video deserves a mention too for its depiction of Bono taking a carriage ride through the streets of Dublin on his way to apologize to his wife. The song is a perfectly succinct love letter in musical form.

#46: “New” (1999)

No Doubt

There’s nothing quite like seeing one of your favorite bands ending their hiatus in style. After four years without a studio album release, No Doubt returned with a bang in 1999. “New” showcased Gwen Stefani and the band in top form, capturing the sound that made them a hit earlier in the decade while also updating it for the turn of the century. It also came packed with one of the best musical videos of the year. Overall, “New” might take you a few listens to fully get it to stick in your ear, but when it does, it stands up to anything else they’ve done in their career!

#45: “Eye” (1997)

The Smashing Pumpkins

The truly great bands are not afraid to try new things, even when their formula is working well. Despite being lauded as alternative rock heroes following the hugely successful “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” Billy Corgan refused to stay still. Upon being asked to produce a song for the soundtrack to the David Lynch movie “Lost Highway” Corgan had his first submission rejected. However, “Eye,” its follow-up, stuck the landing. It was so successful, in fact, that it had a part in convincing Corgan to stick with this electronica-influenced direction on their next album, “Adore.”

#44: “Down” (1996)

311

You won’t hear a more apt snapshot of the '90s as a decade than the funky sounds of 311’s “Down.” You can hear elements of hip hop in here, nu metal, the influence of groups like Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Beastie Boys… and for its three-minute runtime, it never stops being fun. It’s a visceral track that never wanted to come packaged with a pretty bow on top. The song arrives with a bang and departs in the exact same fashion. Every lyric is delivered with attitude and even though it was a big hit, it was far from their only success on the charts.

#43: “The Great Beyond” (1999)

R.E.M.

R.E.M. was a band that went through several different eras, mastering multiple genres with ease and producing some of the finest music of the 1980s and 90s. One song that doesn’t get spoken about enough is 1999's “The Great Beyond.” The track was released for the soundtrack of the movie “Man on the Moon,” an Andy Kaufman biopic that actually got its name from R.E.M.’s 1992 single of the same name. It has all the hallmarks of an R.E.M. classic, a powerful vocal delivery from Michael Stipe and a measured but effective performance from the band. It’s no surprise that the band kept this song as a staple of their live set right up to their eventual split in 2011.

#42: “Glory Box” (1994)

Portishead

Portishead is deservedly regarded as one of the most underrated bands of their era, trip hop pioneers whose three albums to date have been highly acclaimed. Out of their entire catalogue, though, no single song has stood the test of time quite as much as “Glory Box.” Making use of a beautifully integrated Isaac Hayes sample, the band succeeded in bringing out the very best in their sound with this one. Everything from the guitar work to Beth Gibbons’ pained vocals weaves together perfectly to produce easily the most immediate-sounding track in Portishead’s discography.

#41: “Love Sick” (1998)

Bob Dylan

In his youth, Bob Dylan could do a lot with just an acoustic guitar in his hands, but as he aged, his instrumentation certainly grew a lot more atmospheric. With producer Daniel Lanois behind him for his 1997 “Time Out of Mind” album, Dylan came through with one of the punchiest songs he ever wrote on “Love Sick.” Lyrically, the best way to describe this one is as a ‘love song in a minor key.’ Dylan’s definitely in love, but he’s sick of it, utterly fed up. It’s an odd way to kick off an album, but looking back, this was easily one of his finest efforts of the decade in question.

#40: “Got You (Where I Want You)” (1998)

The Flys

Music found new ways to utilize angst in the 1990s, with genres like grunge, pop-punk, and alt-rock allowing artists to find new ways to make disillusionment feel beautiful. The Flys pretty much hit the nail on the head with the very frank and honest “Got You (Where I Want You).” The track begins with some pretty raw and vulnerable moments, not taking long to sink its hooks in. Then, just as you get comfortable, the chorus hits - and from the falsettos that kick it off, to the refrain that features the song’s title, it’s a slice of 90s rock-anthem gold.

#39: “Say It Ain’t So” (1995)

Weezer

Weezer tapped into something truly special when they burst onto the scene with their self-titled debut in 1994. Pretty much every song on the record is considered among the band’s very best, but there is certainly something special about “Say It Ain’t So.” It’s a song filled with angst and dread, as Rivers Cuomo describes his possibly misplaced suspicions that his mother’s new husband might have an alcohol use disorder. Cuomo revealed that he believed his parents’ initial marriage broke apart due to his father’s alcohol use disorder, and so the song takes on new meaning with that context. To this day, it’s considered one of Weezer’s definitive tracks and maybe the one that features their best guitar work.

#38: “Holland, 1945” (1998)

Neutral Milk Hotel

If you haven’t indulged your ears with a listen to Neutral Milk Hotel’s seminal album “In The Aeroplane Over The Sea,” don’t just take our word for it. The album has become a critical darling more and more with each passing year, one of the finest examples of underground indie music ever recorded. The band’s famously reclusive frontman, Jeff Mangum, has barely been seen in public in recent decades too, something that only adds to their mythical status. “Holland, 1945” is easily the most radio-ready track on there, a folk-punk masterpiece with lyrics that concern Anne Frank and the end of World War II. It’s pretty heavy stuff, in more ways than one.

#37: “Coffee & TV” (1999)

Blur

Blur guitarist Graham Coxon stepped in to finish the song “Coffee & TV” when Damon Albarn was struggling to do so. He ended up turning the track into the perfect conduit for his own experience with quitting drinking, eventually taking lead vocal duties as well. The song was released as the second single from their 1999 album, “13,” becoming a top-15 UK hit in the process. It’s a truly excellent piece of pop-rock songwriting too, with an instantly memorable chorus to top it all off. Oh, and we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention its music video, which actually got the band some considerable airplay in the U.S.

#36: “Deadweight” (1997)

Beck

Beck truly found a niche of his own in the 1990s, crafting an image as a slacker-rock superstar with albums like “Mellow Gold” and “Odelay.” Whether Beck actually wanted to be regarded as the loser he sang about so memorably became irrelevant. He found a sound that millions of people could relate to, and he carried that run of form through the decade. One of his best moments came with the track “Deadweight,” which was released as part of the soundtrack to 1997’s “A Life Less Ordinary.” Beck played the majority of the instruments on the recording himself, further proving just how musically on-point he was, long after “Loser” initially hit the airwaves.

#35: “Bodyrock” (1999)

Moby

When Moby released “Play” in 1999, it stood as a major watershed moment for the electronica genre. His ingenious use of old soul samples gave the record a truly fresh sound that retains its quality to this day. However, for as much as some of the other singles released from the album lean into Moby’s ambient and downtempo tendencies, “Bodyrock” certainly does not. The track announces its intentions in the opening bars and as the title suggests, it is most certainly a rock song, albeit with an electronic overcoat. In fact, we’d go as far as to say there are some genuine ‘big beat’ vibes off of this one.

#34: “Follow You Down” (1996)

Gin Blossoms

When the band Gin Blossoms is brought up nowadays, many immediately think of the tragic story of its songwriter, Doug Hopkins. However, the group did manage to sustain their success after his tragic death at the age of 32. “Follow You Down” is a prime example of the band finding its footing with a new songwriting direction. It ended up becoming their best charting single, maintaining a spot in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for a staggering 46 weeks. It also reached number 1 in Canada. Gin Blossoms certainly could write breezy, easy-listening music like few others!

#33: “All I Want” (1992)

Toad the Wet Sprocket

Everything about Toad the West Sprocket’s “All I Want” is going to bring you right back to the 1990s… and if you weren’t alive during that time, the song is like a three-minute window into another era. Anthemic alt-rock truly had its best years during this decade and “All I Want” combines powerful vocals, jangly guitar riffs, and instantly memorable lyrics to produce a radio hit with very little fat on it. It’s a perfectly compact piece of 90s atmosphere and the nostalgia is apparent as soon as those opening bars begin.

#32: “F!#*in’ Up” (1990)

Neil Young

Neil Young was widely considered to have had a relatively tough time critically and commercially for most of the 1980s. Thankfully, that all changed with 1989’s “Freedom” album - starting a run of form that would carry Neil right back into the public eye. During that period, one of his most underrated singles was “F!#*in’ Up,” a moody, grungy, and undeniably catchy number that sees Young reminding the world why they call him the ‘Godfather of Grunge.’ The title itself isn’t merely for shock value either; the whole thing is a very cohesive piece of no-frills rock and roll, released during a particularly uncertain period for the genre.

#31: “Brick” (1997)

Ben Folds Five

Heartwrenching pop-rock rarely came as well-packaged as this classic single from Ben Folds Five. “Brick” is just about as tender and honest a single as you will ever hear in the genre, a truly harrowing display of lyricism that gets more poignant the more you read into it. Of course, if it wasn’t also melodically strong, it would all be for nothing, and the band certainly succeeds in that department. It went on to be by far and away their biggest single, and for a certain generation, it’s a song that no doubt carries some real significance.

#30: "Pretend We're Dead" (1992)

L7

It would perhaps be easy to label Los Angeles’ L7 as merely a product of the ‘90s, since “Pretend We’re Dead” was a hit for the group during this time. Yet, L7 was actually formed back in the mid-eighties, and continued rocking long after fickle fans folded their flannel. “Pretend We’re Dead” remains a hard-rocking tune with a cool main hook. The vocals are monotonous and snotty in the best possible way, while the fuzzed-out guitars embrace that ‘90s grunge aesthetic without forgetting L7’s predominantly punk past. The song has lived on in other media, most notably the “Grand Theft Auto” video game series.

#29: "Ready to Go" (1996)

Republica

Maybe it was something in the water over in the United Kingdom, or perhaps the ‘90s were just a welcoming decade for powerful, female-fronted rock. Whatever the case, England’s Republica struck gold at the poppier end of that alternative spectrum with 1996’s “Ready to Go.” The guitars here are processed to oblivion, yet retain a certain edge to them, while the electronic-sounding drums lend the tune a vibe that wouldn’t sound out of place in a dance club. Meanwhile, Saffron leads the charge with a lead vocal that’s soaring and melodic, “shouting out” that catchy AF chorus for all to hear.

#28: "Losin' Your Mind" (1994)

Pride & Glory

Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde wanted to try something different after departing the Oz Man’s band. Pride & Glory was that tentative first musical step before Wylde would lead a killer solo career and Black Label Society. “Losin’ Your Mind” is notably less modern-sounding than BLS, but no less heavy. The vibe here is much more classic and southern rock-influenced than anything Wylde performed with Ozzy. Yet, the song never forgets to leave plenty of room for Wylde to display his fiery fretboard gymnastics. Elsewhere, the rhythm section of former White Lion members James LoMenzo and Greg D’Angelo holds down a solid and swampy groove throughout “Losin’ Your Mind.”

#27: "The Way" (1998)

Fastball

This ‘90s single by the band Fastball lyrically adapts the 1997 disappearance case of Lela and Raymond Howard. The couple both possessed ailments that investigators felt contributed to them becoming disoriented, lost, and eventually found deceased miles away from their destination. “The Way” offers an alternative explanation of happiness and relief from their world’s worries, while the musical approach feels nostalgic for an older era. The guitar work jangles along, and the brief lead guitar breaks offer a satisfying musicality that was notably more involved than some of Fastball’s contemporaries. “The Way” is just a cool song with an interesting backstory, and that’s enough for us!

#26: "Sick of Myself" (1995)

Matthew Sweet

This case of Matthew Sweet is another where an artist’s peak creative period doesn’t necessarily represent the span of a career. Sweet cut his teeth back in the ‘80s prior to “Sick of Myself” rising up the Billboard charts in 1995. Yet his fifth album, “100 % Fun,” feels capital N “Nineties” from top to bottom. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, depending on your point of view, since “Sick of Myself” is undeniably catchy. Sweet’s guitar playing fills a power-pop void, while also containing the soul of a singer/songwriter. “Sick of Myself” also boasts a cool guitar solo from Sweet that helped remind fans that not everything released during the ‘90s was grungy and depressing.

#25: "Love Is on the Way" (1992)

Saigon Kick

It’s a common misconception that hair metal’s dominance solely resided in the 1980s. There was actually a wealth of popular acts from this era that achieved major chart success during the early ‘90s. Saigon Kick was unquestionably one of those groups, healing broken hearts across the world with their defining power-ballad, “Love Is On the Way.” The group actually earned critical acclaim for the variety of styles contained with their sophomore album, “The Lizard.” Yet, this hard-rocking affair is primarily remembered today for how “Love Is On the Way” shines with an impeccably produced acoustic approach, peppered with soaring vocal harmonies.

#24: "Santa Monica" (1994)

Everclear

On one hand, we get it: terrestrial rock radio fans are probably surprised to see this on our list. That’s because “Santa Monica” by Everclear continues to be something of a mainstay for once-cutting edge ‘90s rock stations that now find themselves becoming heritage radio. This isn’t really a slight, since the actual composition of “Santa Monica” is both economical and memorable. Everclear knew they had a good riff, and hammered it home with a chorus that was equally infectious and catchy. Fans at the time also seemed to agree that “Santa Monica” helped Everclear’s album “Sparkle and Fade” to achieve platinum status.

#23: "All She Wrote" (1991)

FireHouse

The tragically unexpected death of FireHouse frontman C.J. Snare in 2024 helped remind older fans of just how good this North Carolina metal band was back in their day. “All She Wrote” was one of many hits FireHouse attained during their career as a certified hair metal banger. The song's unapologetically poppy arrangement feels more than a bit indebted to “Round and Round” by Ratt, but who cares? The harmonized lead guitar breaks rip, the chorus is to die for, and Snare’s melodic voice brings it all home. FireHouse would venture down musical avenues that were both heavier and more subdued, yet it was the success of “All She Wrote” that earned FireHouse the love of their fans.

#22: "Cigarettes & Alcohol" (1992)

Oasis

The 2024 announcement of Oasis’ reunion and forthcoming tour schedule sent a lot of ‘90s rock fans into overdrive, breaking out their CDs and cassettes. Nostalgia is a seductive beast, after all. And we’re betting that “Cigarettes & Alcohol” got added to a number of retro playlists. This tune was taken from Oasis’ debut album “Definitely Maybe” and presented a hard rocking edge that instantly had radio listeners sitting up to take notice. Soon Oasis would dominate charts both at home in the UK and on an international level. But it was songs like “Cigarettes & Alcohol” that helped pave the way.

#21: "I Stand Alone" (1992)

Jackyl

The lineup of Woodstock ‘94 may have been dominated by the alternative rock and hip-hop of the day, but fans of a certain age just might remember how a little band called Jackyl arguably stole the show. Included in their set was “I Stand Alone,” a rip-roaring tune taken from Jackyl’s self-titled debut from 1992. The group notably combined a glam metal style with tons of southern rock swagger. “I Stand Alone” possesses an absolutely KILLER main riff, alongside a preening and polished production style that successfully straddles ‘80s excess and ‘90s attitude. This can also be seen within the accompanying video, which shows Jackyl performing the tune before a crowd, protesting K-Mart’s banning of their album.

#20: "My Sister" (1993)

Juliana Hatfield Three

Juliana Hatfield was part of multiple notable alternative rock bands, including Blake Babies and The Lemonheads. However, arguably her most-recognized work was with her own band, The Juliana Hatfield Three. Lyrically, Hatfield’s most successful single is about loving one's female sibling, even with her flaws. However, Hatfield isn't exactly singing from personal experience, as she doesn't actually have any biological sisters. But that doesn’t diminish how much raw emotion Hatfield and the rest of the band put into this song. You might not want to sing it at your own sister’s wedding. But you can’t deny the feelings it conjures.

#19: "Down" (1999)

Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots are rightfully recognized as one of the best bands of their era. But their late 90s work deserves as much appreciation as their early 90s material. Case in point: “Down.” Released at the end of the decade, this Grammy-nominated single defied the notion that grunge was a flash-in-the-pan sound. Built on thundering riffs and beats that should appeal to most any metalhead, “Down” is Stone Temple Pilots getting down and dirty, with great results. Scott Weiland's shift between a seductive whisper and a raging bellow lends plenty of atmosphere to a track already full of it. And we can’t forget Dean DeLeo’s scorching guitar solo either. If you’re looking for an incredible blast of pure 90s rock energy, turn up “Down.”

#18: "Free to Decide" (1996)

The Cranberries

Iconic tracks like "Linger" and "Zombie" made The Cranberries a beloved band. And their accomplishments didn't stop there. Like many popular bands, The Cranberries had to deal with their share of scrutiny and negative attention. But they didn’t take it lying down. "Free to Decide” finds the band fighting back and fighting hard. Dolores O'Riordan addresses her critics head on, letting them know that she’s going to do what she wants to do, not what anyone else thinks she should. While she’s not the first artist to address this topic, few have done it with the same level of passion and beauty. Anyone seeking to assert their independence and embrace personal freedom should listen to this song.

#17: "Feel the Pain" (1994)

Dinosaur Jr.

Though the classic Dinosaur Jr. lineup reunited in the 2000s, they went through some drama in the early years. "Without a Sound" was the first Dino Jr. album to only feature one original member: singer and guitar wizard J. Mascis. On this song, he showed how much he could do, even without his old bandmates around. “Feel the Pain” is short on specifics but heavy on resonance. Mascis sings about absorbing others' anguish and the resulting emptiness with undramatic frankness. If that sounds like too much of a downer, he also makes sure to bring in some marvelous guitar and drum work. It might not get you out of a negative mood entirely. But it’ll hopefully help you feel a little less alone.

#16: "Seether" (1994)

Veruca Salt

Though grunge and bubblegum pop might seem like they're genres inherently at odds with each other, skilled artists know how to fuse them together. Case in point: Veruca Salt, who showed that they could be catchy without being sanitized on this song. “Seether” is truly a song for when you're seething. Addressing the needlessly taboo topic of female anger, "Seether" turns rage into a living being that can't be vanquished or ignored. Anger is a natural emotion that should be dealt with in a constructive manner. And this song is a prime example of those feelings being processed through pure creative energy.

#15: "Plowed" (1994)

Sponge

While they might not be the most famous musicians out of Detroit, these rockers still made an impression on the charts. Their biggest hit, "Plowed" feels like it’s driving itself into your mind from beginning to end. Once the momentum starts, it doesn't let up, with raspy frontman Vinnie Dombroski and the rest of the band giving it their all on verses and chorus alike. Although the lyrics aren’t exactly cheerful, they aren’t totally despondent either. "Plowed" is a song for taking what life throws at you and plowing on ahead.

#14: "Midlife Crisis" (1992)

Faith No More

Faith No More got to number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart with a song reportedly inspired by another chart-topper. Originally, this song was known as "Madonna." And while it doesn't name-check or even allude to the Queen of Pop, it does show Faith No More’s ability to take inspiration from various sources to create something truly unique. With its blend of metal, hip hop, and prog, "Midlife Crisis" seems like it should be an unholy mess. But there's a method behind this madness, particularly in frontman Mike Patton's full-bodied vocal performance. If only real midlife crises could be as invigorating as this song.

#13: "I'm Afraid of Americans" (1997)

David Bowie

Speaking of midlife crisis, some might think a veteran artist delving into trendy sounds like industrial and drum and bass is a cry for help. But David Bowie was not just any artist. Known for his chameleonic shifts between genres and personas, Bowie proved he was as vital in the 90s as he was in the 70s and 80s with “I'm Afraid of Americans.” A collaboration with long-time creative partner Brian Eno, this song finds Bowie doing what he does best while also trying new things. The result is something that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, much like all his best work. Bowie might have been afraid of Americans. But we’re afraid of a world without this song.

#12: "Supernova" (1994)

Liz Phair

There’s no champagne in this “Supernova,” but it’s still plenty special. On this irresistible cut from her second album, Liz Phair sings about falling in love. But this isn't just any love song. "Supernova" has Phair talking about the object of her affection with unabashed enthusiasm. Though there's talk of things like physical attributes and bedroom skills, the song manages to avoid vulgarity. Instead, it manages to be both effortlessly cool while also heartwarming in its enthusiasm and energy. If you've ever been madly in love, you probably know exactly what Phair is talking about here.

#11: "Pardon Me" (1999)

Incubus

Though Incubus had been around for much of the 90s, it was the end of the decade where things really started to pick up for them. Their first charting single, "Pardon Me" was written at a particularly tumultuous time for Brandon Boyd. And learning about the disturbing concept of spontaneous human combustion helped him to bring this song to life. Its title might sound polite and unassuming, but “Pardon Me” is anything but. Instead, it’s a striking study of early 20s alienation and confusion, one that’s moody, unhinged, and brilliant in equal measure. And even if you’ve made it through a tough period of your life, it should still strike a chord.

#10: "Black Balloon" (1999)

Goo Goo Dolls

When people think of the Goo Goo Dolls their minds inevitably drift to “Iris,” the band’s record-breaking power ballad from 1999. However, that was far from their only 90s era hit, as proven by the brilliance that is “Black Balloon.” The song, which tells the story of a desperate man’s attempts to get his lover off heroin, peaked at number 16 on Billboard Hot 100 charts but never quite matched the hype of “Iris”. Which isn’t exactly a surprise, as “Black Balloon” is modest in its approach, telling a very different kind of story.

#9: "Uninvited" (1998)

Alanis Morissette

Released in 1998, “Uninvited” sold more than 7 million copies, peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 40 and earned Morissette three Grammy nominations. She won two of them, as well as picking up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song. You’re probably wondering how anyone could forget how awesome this alt-rock classic is; and to that we have three words: “Jagged Little Pill.” The Canadian singer’s breakthrough album produced a slew of iconic tracks, and more often than not they’re the ones that make it onto the web’s Best Songs of the 90s lists. But we’ve never forgotten this subtle and mysterious tune and continue to play it whenever we can!

#8: "Popular" (1996)

Nada Surf

“Popular” was extremely popular when it first hit the airwaves back in 1996. The track not only served as the obligatory party anthem for teenagers everywhere but also helped to drive Nada Surf’s debut album to number 63 on the Billboard charts. While the band has gone on to release nine additional albums, none of their songs was able to capture the hearts of music lovers quite like “Popular.” Peaking early has been the curse of many bands throughout the years and Nada Surf appears to have suffered a similar fate. As such, we doubt many of you had this track in mind when our video began.

#7: "My Own Worst Enemy" (1999)

Lit

Featuring a driving guitar riff that would blow people’s hair back in any decade, “My Own Worst Enemy” is as awesome today as it was when it was released in 1999. How people forget about this track is a bit of a mystery, as it’s pretty much got it all; relatable lyrics, a memorable hook, and a pop punk sound that while dated, has never lost its flavor. Nevertheless, it’s a throwback that often seems to be overlooked. “My Own Worst Enemy” remains one of the band’s most successful tracks and for good reason.

#6: "Take a Picture" (1999)

Filter

The second single released off of their sophomore album “Title of Record,” “Take a Picture” dominated the airwaves soon after its release in the fall of 1999. The dreamy lyrics were inspired by lead singer Richard Patrick’s own experiences of not being able to remember his drunken escapades and asking his girlfriend at the time to “take my picture, ‘cuz I won’t remember.” We’re going to go ahead and attribute the fact that people forget all about this song to Filter’s lack of a follow up hit in the ensuing years. With that being said, “Take a Picture” is still a blast to listen to thanks to its ubiquitous sound and catchy chorus.

#5: "Inside Out" (1998)

Eve 6

Winning Grammys and breaking records is all well and good, but what’s most important is having good lyrics and a catchy melody. Thankfully for Eve 6, their 1998 alt-rock song “Inside Out” had both in spades. We mean come on, how can you not absolutely love a line like “want to put my tender/ Heart in a blender /Watch it spin round to a beautiful oblivion.” The heartfelt delivery of Max Collins’ eclectic lyrics, combined with the track's driving rhythm, made “Inside Out” one of the 90’s most addictive songs.

#4: "What It's Like" (1998)

Everlast

Six years after dropping one of the most iconic party tracks of all time with “Jump Around”, House of Pain co-founder Everlast decided to branch out on his own. As a solo artist he took his sound in an entirely new direction and the result was songs like “What It’s Like.” A fusion of rock, blues and hip-hop, the song introduces listeners to three different characters all of whom are suffering in one way or another. This melancholy track surprised the music world by being one of the most successful crossover songs of the year.

#3: "Sex and Candy" (1997)

Marcy Playground

The second single off of their eponymous 1997 debut album, “Sex and Candy” proved to be the band’s only major hit; but what a hit it was! The atmospheric track about…well we don’t really know what it’s about…propelled the band to the top of the Modern Rock Tracks chart, a spot they held for a then record 15 weeks. The song features a slow backbeat and some seriously cryptic lyrics, but that just makes the case for “Sex and Candy’s” effortless coolness even stronger. You may still hear it on the radio from time to time, a testament to its staying power.

#2: "Only Happy When It Rains" (1995)

Garbage

If you lived through the 90s then you’ll definitely remember this iconic alt-rock track. “Only Happy When It Rains” was a hit with fans and critics alike, with one going so far as to quip, “if you’re not playing this, you don’t have a pulse.” The highlight of the track is unquestionably Shirley Manson’s vocal performance, which seemingly affirms the grunge music scene of the era. But once you dig a little deeper you’ll find a song that is mocking grunge, alt-rock and even Garbage themselves. The song was a sign of things to come for a band that would ultimately be nominated for seven Grammys.

#1: "Jumper" (1997)

Third Eye Blind

Coming in at number one is a song whose brilliance should never be forgotten. “Jumper” has a message that’s as relevant today as it was in 1998. It’s dark, uplifting, sentimental and catchy all at the same time; a song that’s equally at home being played loudly in the car or on an acoustic guitar around a campfire. The song remains one of Third Eye Blind’s most successful, having peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It's the earnest lyrics and smile-inducing melody that make “Jumper” a 90s classic, not awards or commercial recognition.

But what awesome 90s song do you think should have made the cut? Let us know in the comments below.