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!