Best music and songs of the 1990s, a selection of the most famous hits of this legendary period with author, title, release year and original videos on Youtube.
The 1990s was a decade of musical diversity and innovation, marking a major shift in popular culture. Here’s a look at some of the most influential genres and standout songs of the ’90s:
1. Grunge and Alternative Rock
Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991) brought grunge to the mainstream with songs like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” capturing the angst of a generation.
Pearl Jam’s Ten (1991) offered anthems like “Alive” and “Jeremy,” while Soundgarden and Alice in Chains cemented Seattle’s grunge scene.
Radiohead emerged as alternative rock icons with OK Computer (1997), known for “Karma Police” and “Paranoid Android,” blending rock with a futuristic, existential sound.
2. Hip-Hop’s Golden Era and Mainstream Success
Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. became cultural icons, with albums like All Eyez on Me (1996) and Ready to Die (1994) defining East Coast vs. West Coast rap.
Dr. Dre’s The Chronic (1992) popularized G-funk, and Snoop Dogg became a star with hits like “Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang.”
Wu-Tang Clan brought gritty, raw hip-hop with Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) (1993), while OutKast’s ATLiens (1996) showcased Southern rap.
3. Pop Revival
Britney Spears burst onto the scene with “…Baby One More Time” (1999), leading a pop renaissance.
Backstreet Boys and NSYNC became boy band superstars with catchy songs like “I Want It That Way” and “Bye Bye Bye.”
Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston dominated adult contemporary pop with powerful ballads like “I Will Always Love You” and “Hero.”
4. R&B Renaissance
TLC’s CrazySexyCool (1994) brought hits like “Waterfalls” and “Creep,” blending hip-hop and R&B.
Boyz II Men’s smooth harmonies made songs like “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You” instant classics.
Aaliyah, Toni Braxton, and Lauryn Hill (with The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998) contributed to a sophisticated, emotionally rich R&B landscape.
5. Electronic Dance and Rave Culture
The Prodigy and The Chemical Brothers led the breakbeat and big beat scenes, with energetic tracks like “Firestarter” and “Block Rockin’ Beats.”
Moby and Fatboy Slim crossed over into the mainstream with hits like “Praise You” and “Porcelain.”
Daft Punk rose from the French house scene with their debut album Homework (1997), paving the way for electronic music in pop.
6. Britpop and UK Rock Revival
Oasis and Blur led the Britpop movement, with albums like (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995) and singles like “Wonderwall” and “Parklife.”
Pulp and Suede also added to the Britpop sound, characterized by a mix of rock, glam, and ironic lyrics about British life.
The Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony” (1997) became iconic for its lush strings and reflective lyrics.
7. Country Crossover
Garth Brooks revolutionized country with albums like No Fences (1990), which made country music a stadium-filling genre.
Shania Twain and Faith Hill brought pop appeal to country music with hits like “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” and “This Kiss.”
Dixie Chicks (now The Chicks) blended bluegrass and mainstream appeal with Wide Open Spaces (1998).
8. Emo, Punk Revival, and Ska
Green Day’s Dookie (1994) and The Offspring’s Smash (1994) brought punk back with high-energy tracks like “Basket Case” and “Self Esteem.”
No Doubt popularized ska-punk with Tragic Kingdom (1995), featuring hits like “Just a Girl.”
Weezer’s Blue Album (1994) and Blink-182’s Enema of the State (1999) blended punk with pop, becoming staples of the decade.
9. Female Singer-Songwriters
Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill (1995) brought raw, confessional lyrics with songs like “You Oughta Know.”
Fiona Apple and Tori Amos infused alternative rock with emotional depth and introspective lyrics.
Sheryl Crow’s hits like “All I Wanna Do” blended rock, folk, and pop in a distinct way.
The 1990s redefined music, breaking down genre barriers and giving rise to new voices and styles that would continue to influence music for decades. From grunge to hip-hop, and from Britpop to electronic music, the decade remains a cornerstone in modern music history.
Best music and songs of the 1990s
Francesco Baccini e Ladri di biciclette – Sotto questo sole – 1990
Twenty 4 seven – I Can’t Stand It – 1990
Technotronic – Get Up (Before The Night Is Over) – 1990
Taco – Puttin’ On The Ritz – 1991
Luca Carboni – Mare mare – 1992
Ace of Base – Happy Nation – 1992
Whigfield – Saturday Night – 1992
Ace of Base – All That She Wants – 1992
Haddaway – What Is Love – 1993
4 Non Blondes – What’s Up – 1993
Corona – The Rhythm of the Night – 1993
Alex Britti – Solo una volta (o tutta la vita) – 1998
Lucio Dalla – Attenti al lupo – 1990
883 – Hanno ucciso l’Uomo Ragno – 1992
Fiorello – Spiagge – 1991
R.E.M. – Shiny Happy People – 1991
SNAP! – Rhythm Is A Dancer – 1992
Raf – Il battito animale – 1993
883 – Nord sud ovest est – 1993
Irene Grandi – Bum Bum – 1995
Zucchero – Per colpa di chi – 1995
M.C. Hammer – U Can’t Touch This – 1990
R.E.M. – Losing My Religion – 1991
The Cranberries – Linger – 1993
Spice Girls – Wannabe – 1996
Los Del Rio – Macarena – 1994
Corona – The summer is magic – 1994
Roxette – Sleeping In My Car – 1994
The Cranberries – Zombie – 1994
Marie Claire D’Ubaldo – The Rhythm Is Magic – 1994
Fools Garden – Lemon Tree – 1995
La Bouche – Be My Lover – 1995
Joan Osborne – One Of Us – 1995
Oasis – Wonderwall – 1995
Shaggy – Boombastic – 1995
Aqua – Barbie Girl – 1997
Alanis Morissette – Ironic – 1996
Mr.President – Coco Jamboo – 1996
Articolo 31 – Tranqi Funky – 1996
Natalie Imbruglia – Torn – 1997
Sixpence None the Richer – Kiss Me – 1997
Gala – Freed from desire – 1997
Anggun – Snow On The Sahara – 1997
Cher – Believe – 1998
Vengaboys – Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom! – 1998
Britney Spears – …Baby One More Time – 1998
Modern Talking – You’re My Heart, You’re My Soul – 1998
Dido – Thank You – 1998
Lou Bega – Mambo No. 5 – 1999
Ricky Martin – Livin’ la Vida Loca – 1999
Tonino Carotone – Me Cago En El Amor – 1999
Lùnapop – Vespa 50 Special – 1999
Blondie – Maria – 1999
DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime – 1991
If you love music and songs you can also visit:
Best music and songs of the 1960s
Best music and songs of the 1970s
Best music and songs of the 1980s
Best music and songs of the 1990s
