Best music and songs of the 1990s | The World of English

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
Depeche Mode – Enjoy the Silence – 1990
Lucio Dalla – Attenti al lupo – 1990
Twenty 4 seven – I Can’t Stand It – 1990
Technotronic – Get Up (Before The Night Is Over) – 1990
Black Box – Ride on Time – 1990
M.C. Hammer – U Can’t Touch This – 1990
R.E.M. – Losing My Religion – 1991
Michael Bolton – When A Man Loves A Woman – 1991
Fiorello – Spiagge – 1991
R.E.M. – Shiny Happy People – 1991
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
Leila K – Open Sesame – 1992
883 – Hanno ucciso l’Uomo Ragno – 1992
SNAP! – Rhythm Is A Dancer – 1992
Culture Beat – Mr. Vain – 1993
Haddaway – What Is Love – 1993
The Cranberries – Linger – 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
Raf – Il battito animale – 1993
883 – Nord sud ovest est – 1993
The Beloved – Sweet Harmony – 1993
Los Del Rio – Macarena – 1994