Best 90s Songs for Some Great Nostalgia

Last Updated on December 22, 2022

Ah, the ’90s! Such great times. A huge part of that was the songs the ‘90s had to offer. I can guarantee you will get that sweet comforting nostalgic feeling while going through this list. If this won’t take you back to the 90s I’m not sure what will. Here are the best 90s songs!

Hope you enjoy!

1. “Nothin’ But a ‘G’ Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

This was Dr. Dre’s hit single on his debut solo album. It reached platinum status after it hit number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy in 1994.

Singer(s): Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
Songwriter(s): Tracy Curry, Calvin Broadus, Otha Haywood

Released: November 19, 1992
Album: The Chronic
Genre: Hip Hop/Rap

2. “Candle in the wind” by Elton John

This song quickly became Elton Johns’s biggest-selling single worldwide in the summer of 1997. The song was rewritten as a tribute to the late Princess Diana after her tragic death.

Singer(s): Elton John
Songwriter(s): Elton John, Bernie Taupin
Released: September 13, 1997

Album: Something about the way you look tonight
Genre: Pop Rock

3. “Whoomp! (There it is)” by Tag Team

This song was one of the most popular party singles in the early 90s. It was written and produced by the Atlanta duo of Cecil Glenn and Steve Gibson.

Singer(s): Stephan Gibson and Cecil Glenn

Songwriter(s): Stephan Gibson and Cecil Glenn
Released: May 7, 1993
Album: Whoomp!

Genre: Miami Bass

4. “No Scrubs” by TLC

This was the lead single from their third album. Topping the charts it was a huge success in 1999. It was the number-one song for 28 weeks. The song earned them a Grammy for “Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal”.

Singer(s): Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes Rozonda “Chili” Thomas
Songwriter(s): Kevin Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Tameka Cottle, Lisa Lopes

Released: February 2, 1999
Album: Fanmail
Genre: R&B / Hip Hop

5. Gangsta’s Paradise” by Coolio

The song was the number one biggest-selling single of 1995 on U.S. Billboard. The song was released on Coolio’s second album as well as the soundtrack for the 1995 film Dangerous Minds. It samples the chorus and instrumentation, and includes some of the lyrics of Stevie Wonder’s 1976 song “Pastime Paradise”.

Singer(s): Coolio featuring L.V.
SongwriterAugust 8, 1995
Album: Gangstas Paradise

Genre: Hip Hop / Gangsta Rap / G-Funk

6. “My heart will go on” by Celine Dion

The song was recorded for the “Titanic” soundtrack. It was one of the most-played ballads of the ’90s. The song represents the tragic notion of having to keep the love alive in their heart and memories.

Singer(s): Celine Dion
Songwriter(s): Will Jennings

Released: November 24, 1997
Album: Let’s Talk About Love
Genre: Pop

7. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys

In 1999 it became one of the Backstreet Boys’ biggest hits. The song was the lead single from their third album. It was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Song and Record of the Year.

Singer(s): Nick Carter, Brian Littrell, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Howie Dorough
Songwriter(s): Andreas Carlsson, Max Martin
Released: April 12, 1998

Album: Millenium
Genre: Pop

8. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana

A viral song amongst teens in the 90s. The song was an unexpected success and rose to the top of the charts in early 1992. It was the hit single of the band’s second album. It was often stated that this song was the start of grunge music becoming mainstream.

Singer(s): Nirvana, Joan Jett

Songwriter(s): Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl
Released: September 10, 1991
Album: Nirvana

Genre: Grunge, Alternative Rock

9. “No Diggity” by Blackstreet feat Dr. Dre

The song won a Grammy Award in 1998 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. At the beginning of development, no one believed in the track it almost didn’t happen. After some magical production and a huge cosign from Dr. Dre everyone got on board and ended up being the biggest hit of the group’s career.

Singer(s): Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg
Songwriter(s): Chauncey Hannibal, Teddy Riley, William Stewart, Lynise Walters, Dr Dre

Released: July 29, 1996
Album: Another Level
Genre: R&B / Hip Hop

10. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston

One of music’s most beautiful voices, combined with the lyrics to this song, made history becoming the biggest pop hit of all time. The song was originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton. Whitney Houston’s version was used on the Soundtrack to the film “The Bodyguard” in which she also starred with Kevin Costner.

Singer(s): Whitney Houston
Songwriter(s): Dolly Parton
Released: November 3, 1992

Album: The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album
Genre: Pop, Soul, R&B

11. “Livin La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

12. “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey

13. “I Want You Back” by Nsync

14. “Cannonball” The Breeders

15. “Gold Soundz” by Pavement

16. “Sure Shot” by Beastie Boys

17. “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot

18. “Around The World” by Daft Punk

19. “Wonderwall” by Oasis

20. “Are You That Somebody” Aaliyah

21. “Loser” by Beck

22. “Pink Triangle” by Weezer

23. “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia

These are the songs that brought me back the most. Hope it did for you too!

Abie W.

Hi, my name is Abie W. and I love music! I've been into music since I was little. I spend a lot of my time learning, playing, and listening to music. My goal is to share my knowledge and love for music with you guys.