Yahoo Lifestyle 21 Songs From the 1990s That Feel Like They Came Out Yesterday
Who could forget the most iconic 1990s songs? It was a decade packed with musical genius, cultural shifts, and groundbreaking innovations.
Hip-hop was just rising as a dominant force in mainstream music. Grunge exploded, and alternative music represented Gen X’s moody vibe. Pioneers and top talents like Notorious BIG, Tupac, Aaliyah, Nate Dogg, and TLC’s Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes were all still alive and cranking out hits. Colorful costumes, endless radio play, and big-money music videos supported the top tunes throughout the '90s.
In short, it was a time of musical triumph — and some of the decade’s biggest hits still sound as fresh as ever. Click through for a journey across genres — and be prepared to get a few favorites stuck in your head in the best way.
"Stay (I Missed You)" by Lisa Loeb (1994)
As the lead single from the soundtrack of the iconic Gen X movie Reality Bites, this song helped define an entire generation.
"No Scrubs" by TLC (1999)
This song fits into the category of ladies telling the guys how to act — and we're still so here for it.
"That's the Way Love Goes" by Janet Jackson (1993)
Janet Jackson was one of the reigning queens of the '90s — and this song has such a sultry vibe that still sets a whole mood.
"Vogue" by Madonna (1990)
Just sneaking into the beginning of the decade, this song still makes us want to strike a pose any time we hear the beat.
"End of the Road" by Boyz II Men (1992)
Now more than 30 years old, this song remains a classic soundtrack for breakups, graduations, and any type of poignant life transition.
"Baby One More Time" by Britney Spears (1998)
This was Britney's decade, and this classic earworm will live rent-free forever in our brains.
"My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion (1997)
The runaway hit from Titanic — one of the decade's biggest movies — this song remains the most successful single in Celine Dion's towering career.
"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia (1997)
Natalie Imbruglia's moody heartbreak ballad stays fresh and singalong-worthy all these years later.
"Regulate" by Warren G and Nate Dogg (1994)
This smooth, storytelling song from Warren G and Nate Dogg epitomizes the 1990s G-funk sound that emerged from West Coast artists — especially from Los Angeles and Long Beach.
"Zombie" by The Cranberries (1992)
This haunting alternative-rock anthem evokes the traumas of violence and conflict, particularly the Troubles in Northern Ireland, where the band is from.
"Two Princes" by Spin Doctors (1992)
We're pretty sure we've had this catchy song knocking around our heads for the last 30-some years. Sing it with us: "If you want to call me baby, just go ahead now..."
"That Don't Impress Me Much" by Shania Twain (1997)
One of Shania Twain's early songs from her third studio album, this tune remains one of her biggest hits of all time.
"This Is How We Do It" by Montell Jordan (1995)
The deeply catchy — and totally iconic — hook of this 1995 song still shows up everywhere, from social media posts to commercials.
"No Diggity" by Blackstreet (1996)
It's Blackstreet's biggest song — and one of the catchiest hits of the '90s. Do we still know all the words? No diggity... no doubt.
"Brown Sugar" by D'angelo (1995)
From D'Angelo's debut studio album, this sultry track mixes soul, funk, and R&B — creating a whole new genre category for neo-soul — and it makes for a totally distinctive sound that holds up great to this day.
"Fantasy" by Mariah Carey (1995)
Mariah Carey, still as relevant as ever, became the first female artist to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart with this hit.
"Do Wop" (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill (1996)
The Fugees made some of the decade's most powerful and groundbreaking music; this 1996 hit comes from Lauryn Hill's debut as a solo artist.
"This Kiss" by Faith Hill (1998)
Faith Hill's joyful, upbeat song about giddy love still gives us butterflies — even if "centrifugal motion" doesn't mean what those famous lyrics intend them to. (Hey, let's not let science ruin a great love song!)
"Juicy" by Notorious BIG (1994)
Name a more enduring and widely referenced first line to any hip-hop song than "It was all a dream..." (We'll wait.)
"California Love" by Tupac and Dr. Dre (1995)
This rap anthem from two of the genre's historic heavyweights is still one of the greatest musical tributes of all time dedicated to the state of California.
"Creep" by Radiohead 1992
This song about feeling like an outsider and a "weirdo" stays salient — and has been used in many movies and shows since it came out more than three decades ago.
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