The 1990s weren’t just a decade; they were a musical movement. From cassette tapes to early MP3s, the ‘90s gave us the most popular tracks that became the soundtrack of millions of lives.

This era brought us artists who didn’t just top charts, they built careers that shaped future genres. And even today, the nostalgia for 90s music remains unmatched, inspiring remakes, reunions, and streaming spikes every time one of these songs plays.

Below is a carefully curated list of the 110 best songs from the 90s that continue to connect with hearts and playlists around the world.

1. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

Smells Like Teen Spirit became the anthem of a generation and ushered in the grunge era with its raw sound and angst-filled lyrics. The track turned Nirvana into global icons and made alternative rock a mainstream force.

Its music video, set in a chaotic high school gym, became iconic and MTV’s most requested video at the time.

2. My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion

This ballad became synonymous with the film Titanic and established Celine Dion as a powerhouse vocalist worldwide. Its emotional depth and sweeping orchestration earned it widespread acclaim.

It won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year.

3. Wannabe by Spice Girls

Wannabe exploded onto the scene with infectious energy and a message of friendship. The Spice Girls brought girl power to the global stage and changed the landscape of pop music.

It topped charts in 37 countries and became one of the best-selling singles by a female group.

4. Creep by Radiohead

Creep introduced Radiohead to the world with its haunting melody and self-deprecating lyrics. Though initially polarizing, it has since become a cult favorite and is considered a defining alternative rock song.

It helped their debut album gain traction and set the tone for the band’s experimental future.

5. Losing My Religion by R.E.M.

With its mandolin riff and introspective lyrics, Losing My Religion became R.E.M.’s biggest hit and a 90s classic. The song’s cryptic themes and iconic video contributed to its massive success.

It won two Grammy Awards and remains one of the most recognizable songs from the alternative rock era.

6. Enter Sandman by Metallica

Enter Sandman marked Metallica’s shift toward a more mainstream metal sound while keeping their signature intensity intact. The song’s ominous lyrics and unforgettable riff made it a staple on rock radio and MTV.

It helped the band reach a wider audience and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance.

7. Killing Me Softly With His Song by Fugees

Fugees’ rendition of Killing Me Softly With His Song breathed new life into the 70s classic. Lauryn Hill’s soulful vocals, combined with the group’s hip-hop twist, created a crossover hit that appealed to fans of all genres.

The song won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group and became one of the defining tracks of the 90s.

8. Vogue by Madonna

Vogue turned dance floors into fashion runways. With its house-influenced beat and iconic music video, Madonna celebrated the Harlem ballroom scene and introduced “voguing” to mainstream audiences.

The track topped charts worldwide and remains one of Madonna’s most celebrated and influential singles.

9. Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind

With its upbeat melody hiding darker lyrical themes, Semi-Charmed Life became a radio favorite in the late 90s. The song reflected a mix of alternative rock and pop-punk that resonated with a wide audience.

It helped Third Eye Blind’s debut album achieve multi-platinum status and remains one of their most recognized hits.

10. Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Under the Bridge offered a rare, vulnerable look into Anthony Kiedis’s personal struggles and loneliness. Its melodic structure and emotional depth broadened the band’s audience beyond funk-rock fans.

The song became a massive hit and helped their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik achieve mainstream success.

11. No Rain by Blind Melon

No Rain captured the free-spirited vibe of the early ’90s with its upbeat melody and deeply introspective lyrics. The accompanying music video featuring the iconic Bee Girl became a cultural touchstone.

Its success turned Blind Melon into a one-hit wonder, but the song’s charm and relatability have kept it alive on alternative playlists for decades.

12. Black Hole Sun by Soundgarden

With its surreal music video and haunting vocals, Black Hole Sun became an anthem of the grunge movement. Chris Cornell’s voice and the psychedelic tones set it apart from other rock tracks of the era.

The song earned a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance and remains one of Soundgarden’s most acclaimed works.

13. I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys

This power ballad became a pop culture phenomenon and helped define the boy band era. I Want It That Way showcased the group’s harmonies and earned critical and commercial success.

It received multiple award nominations and continues to be one of the most performed songs of the late 90s.

14. Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve

A sweeping orchestral intro and reflective lyrics gave “Bittersweet Symphony” its lasting emotional impact. The song became a global hit and defined Britpop’s more introspective side.

Despite its success, it was marred by legal issues over its sampling of a Rolling Stones orchestral recording.

15. Waterfalls by TLC

Waterfalls addressed heavy topics like drug addiction and HIV with a smooth R&B groove, making it both socially conscious and commercially successful. Its cinematic music video helped it become an MTV staple.

The song won multiple awards and is often listed among the greatest girl group hits of all time.

16. Virtual Insanity by Jamiroquai

Virtual Insanity stood out with its jazzy-funk sound and socially conscious lyrics about technology and environment. The music video, featuring a moving floor illusion, became iconic and helped boost the song’s global popularity.

The track won four MTV Video Music Awards and earned Jamiroquai a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

17. You Oughta Know by Alanis Morissette

You Oughta Know unleashed Alanis Morissette’s raw emotion and powerful voice onto the world. With brutally honest lyrics and a gritty alt-rock sound, the song redefined breakup anthems for a new generation.

It earned two Grammy Awards and catapulted her album Jagged Little Pill to massive success.

18. Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang by Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg

This West Coast hip-hop classic defined an era of smooth, laid-back beats and street-smart lyrics. Dr. Dre and a young Snoop Dogg created a timeless anthem with undeniable groove and flow.

The song was a commercial success and is considered a foundational track in the G-funk genre.

19. Don’t Speak by No Doubt

Don’t Speak showcased Gwen Stefani’s vocal range and vulnerability, telling the story of heartbreak in a hauntingly beautiful way. Its blend of ska, pop, and rock made it a standout hit of the decade.

It topped charts in multiple countries and helped solidify No Doubt’s place in 90s rock history.

20. 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins

1979 blends nostalgic lyrics with a dreamy alt-rock sound, reflecting on teenage years and fleeting moments. Its mellow tone and evocative video resonated deeply with fans.

The track was one of the band’s biggest hits and received a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year.

21. Torn by Natalie Imbruglia

Torn introduced Natalie Imbruglia to the world with a blend of emotional vulnerability and catchy pop-rock charm. The song struck a chord with listeners going through heartbreak and identity struggles.

It became a global hit and earned heavy radio rotation, cementing her place in 90s pop culture.

22. Macarena by Los del Río

The ultimate dance craze of the 90s, Macarena swept across the globe with its infectious beat and signature dance moves. Its fun, party vibe made it a staple at weddings and school dances.

Despite being sung in Spanish, it reached number one in the U.S. and stayed there for 14 weeks.

23. Wonderwall by Oasis

Wonderwall became the anthem of a generation and the most iconic song from Britpop’s golden age. Its acoustic vibe and cryptic lyrics made it endlessly quotable and beloved.

The track brought Oasis international fame and remains their signature hit.

24. No Diggity by Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre

Funky, smooth, and irresistibly cool, No Diggity blended hip-hop and R&B with slick production and laid-back vocals. It became an instant classic and a defining track of 90s R&B.

The song knocked Macarena off the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy.

25. Genie in a Bottle by Christina Aguilera

Genie in a Bottle launched Christina Aguilera’s career with a mix of pop allure and vocal talent. Its catchy hook and sleek production made it a summer anthem of 1999.

It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Christina a Grammy for Best New Artist.

26. Ironic by Alanis Morissette

Ironic took storytelling to a new level with its clever, relatable lyrics and Alanis Morissette’s expressive delivery. Though often debated for its definition of irony, the song resonated deeply with listeners everywhere.

It became one of the most successful singles from Jagged Little Pill, receiving multiple award nominations and cementing Morissette’s status in 90s music.

27. Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton

This emotional ballad showcases Toni Braxton’s powerhouse vocals and heartfelt delivery, telling the story of devastating heartbreak. Its dramatic arrangement and vocal intensity made it a 90s staple.

Un-Break My Heart topped the Billboard Hot 100 for 11 weeks and won a Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

28. Runaway Train by Soul Asylum

Runaway Train combined rock with a humanitarian message, highlighting the plight of missing children in its groundbreaking music video. Its emotional core and strong message helped it resonate far beyond typical radio play.

The song won the Grammy for Best Rock Song and became Soul Asylum’s most successful single.

29. MMMBop by Hanson

MMMBop brought youthful energy and infectious hooks to the pop world. The Hanson brothers’ upbeat vibe and harmonies captured hearts across the globe.

The track was a chart-topping sensation and earned the band Grammy nominations.

30. Sunny Came Home by Shawn Colvin

Sunny Came Home is a haunting folk-pop song that weaves a story of escape and renewal with vivid, poetic imagery. Shawn Colvin’s emotive voice and lyrical storytelling helped this track stand out in a decade full of pop ballads.

The song won two Grammy Awards in 1998, including Record of the Year and Song of the Year, cementing Colvin’s legacy in 90s music.

Other 90s Songs That Shaped Pop Culture

31. Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
32. Believe – Cher
33. 2 Become 1 – Spice Girls
34. All That She Wants – Ace of Base
35. Barbie Girl – Aqua
36. I’m Too Sexy – Right Said Fred
37. Mambo No. 5 – Lou Bega
38. Bailando – Paradisio
39. Rhythm Is a Dancer – Snap!
40. What Is Love – Haddaway
41. Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Eiffel 65
42. Another Night – Real McCoy
43. Be My Lover – La Bouche
44. Return of the Mack – Mark Morrison
45. The Sign – Ace of Base
46. Show Me Love – Robyn
47. Finally – CeCe Peniston
48. Missing – Everything But The Girl
49. Good Vibrations – Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch
50. Basket Case – Green Day
51. Song 2 – Blur
52. Zombie – The Cranberries
53. Everlong – Foo Fighters
54. Buddy Holly – Weezer
55. Loser – Beck
56. Lightning Crashes – Live
57. Today – The Smashing Pumpkins
58. Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
59. Breakfast at Tiffany’s – Deep Blue Something
60. All Star – Smash Mouth
61. Flagpole Sitta – Harvey Danger
62. Santa Monica – Everclear
63. Lump – The Presidents of the United States of America
64. One – U2
65. The Distance – Cake
66. Closing Time – Semisonic
67. Sex and Candy – Marcy Playground
68. Run-Around – Blues Traveler
69. Steal My Sunshine – Len
70. Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G. ft. Puff Daddy, Mase
71. California Love – 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre
72. Hypnotize – The Notorious B.I.G.
73. Regulate – Warren G & Nate Dogg
74. Shoop – Salt-N-Pepa
75. This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
76. Jump – Kris Kross
77. U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
78. Ice Ice Baby – Vanilla Ice
79. Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio ft. L.V.
80. Fantasy – Mariah Carey
81. Vision of Love – Mariah Carey
82. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
83. My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It) – En Vogue
84. C.R.E.A.M. – Wu-Tang Clan
85. No Scrubs – TLC
86. Pony – Ginuwine
87. If I Ever Fall in Love – Shai
88. I Swear – All-4-One
89. Common People – Pulp
90. Girls & Boys – Blur
91. Bitter Sweet Me – R.E.M.
92. Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
93. Just a Girl – No Doubt
94. You Get What You Give – New Radicals
95. Save Tonight – Eagle-Eye Cherry
96. She’s So High – Tal Bachman
97. You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
98. Achy Breaky Heart – Billy Ray Cyrus
99. Man! I Feel Like a Woman! – Shania Twain
100. Kiss from a Rose – Seal
101. Unbelievable – EMF
102. Groove Is in the Heart – Deee-Lite
103. Virtual Insanity – Jamiroquai
104. Bitch – Meredith Brooks
105. Stay (I Missed You) – Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories
106. Foolish Games – Jewel
107. Lovefool – The Cardigans
108. Santeria – Sublime
109. Criminal – Fiona Apple
110. Fool’s Gold – The Stone Roses

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Country Music Play a Big Role in the 90s?

Yes, artists like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain brought country music into the mainstream, breaking sales records and reaching wider audiences.

Are there Any Iconic Hip-Hop Songs from the 90s?

Absolutely—tracks like Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang by Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg, California Love by 2Pac, and Scenario by A Tribe Called Quest are still celebrated today.

How Did Electronic Music Inspire the ’90s Sound?

Electronic acts like Moby, The Prodigy, and Massive Attack introduced new sounds and rhythms, helping shape dance music and pop throughout the decade.