The 1990s: a decade that redefined music. To capture the raw energy, groundbreaking sounds, and cultural impact of this era, we're diving deep into the sounds that shaped a generation. This isn't just a list; it's a journey through a sonic landscape where grunge roared alongside hip-hop's ascendance, where alternative rock exploded into the mainstream, and electronic music pushed boundaries. Think back to the anthems that defined your youth, the songs that still resonate today. We're revisiting those moments, celebrating the unforgettable melodies and lyrics that transcended time. From the rebellious spirit of one Seattle band's breakthrough hit to the melancholic beauty of a British group's orchestral masterpiece, this list encapsulates the decade's eclectic mix, revealing its enduring power.
This exploration aims to highlight not just the chart-toppers but the songs that continue to inspire and move us. Whether you were there the first time or are discovering this iconic music for the first time, prepare to be transported back to the era of oversized flannel shirts, iconic music videos, and unforgettable sounds. The diversity within this curated selection – from the poignant vulnerability of certain tracks to the unapologetic swagger of others – showcases the 90s' incredible musical range. This isn't just nostalgia; it's a testament to the enduring quality and influence of a decade that fundamentally changed the landscape of popular music. Prepare to rediscover, or discover for the first time, why these songs remain timeless classics.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana | Nevermind (Remastered) | 2B+ |
| 2. Bitter Sweet Symphony | The Verve | Urban Hymns (Remastered 2016) | 1B+ |
| 3. Juicy | The Notorious B.I.G. | Ready to Die (The Remaster) | 612M+ |
| 4. Enjoy the Silence | Depeche Mode | Speak and Spell (Deluxe) | 446M+ |
| 5. 1979 | The Smashing Pumpkins | Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (Deluxe Edition) | 238M+ |
| 6. Loser | Beck | Mellow Gold | 200M+ |
| 7. Say It Ain't So | Weezer | Weezer | 160M+ |
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana - 1991)
What makes "Smells Like Teen Spirit" such an enduring anthem? Released in 1991 as the lead single from Nirvana's Nevermind, the song's raw energy and iconic sound instantly resonated with a generation. Its unexpected success catapulted grunge into the mainstream, topping charts globally and cementing its place in music history. Written by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, the song's impact transcended its chart performance, becoming a cultural touchstone and earning accolades such as inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's "Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll." Even today, its powerful message and unforgettable riff continue to captivate listeners, demonstrating its timeless appeal.
2. Bitter Sweet Symphony - Urban Hymns (Remastered 2016)
The Verve's "Bitter Sweet Symphony" released in 1997, became a defining song of the Britpop era, achieving widespread acclaim and lasting popularity. Its melancholic melody and poignant lyrics, reflecting the bittersweet nature of life itself, resonated deeply with listeners, leading to significant chart success, including reaching number two in the UK and number twelve in the US. The song's enduring legacy is evidenced by its continued streaming and its placement on numerous "greatest songs" lists. Despite a complex legal battle over its sample, "Bitter Sweet Symphony" remains a timeless classic, evoking powerful memories and emotions for many, further solidifying its place in music history.
3. Juicy - Ready to Die (The Remaster)
"Juicy" by The Notorious B.I.G., is a cornerstone of 90s hip-hop, a genre-defining track that continues to resonate with listeners decades later. The song's infectious beat, coupled with Biggie's smooth flow and introspective lyrics detailing his rise from poverty, cemented its place in hip-hop history. While a precise Pitchfork score isn't readily available, the critical consensus aligns with a highly positive assessment, praising its lyrical depth and undeniable impact on the genre. Its masterful blend of boastful braggadocio and vulnerable storytelling, a rarity in the era's dominant gangster rap subgenre, showcases Biggie's unparalleled skill. "Juicy" perfectly encapsulates the era's blend of gritty realism and aspirational themes, reflecting the complex social and economic landscape of the 1990s. This combination of technical proficiency and cultural relevance likely contributes to its inclusion on any credible "best of the 90s" list.
4. Enjoy the Silence - Speak and Spell (Deluxe)
Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" released in 1990, transcends its synth-pop genre with a timeless quality that resonates deeply. While Pitchfork doesn't have a formal numerical score for the song, a hypothetical review would likely praise its masterful blend of melancholic melodies and driving electronic rhythms. The song's enduring appeal stems from its evocative lyrics about the search for inner peace, a theme universally relatable across generations. Its inclusion on any "best of the 90s" list reflects its impact on the decade's alternative electronic music scene, showcasing a sophisticated approach to synth-pop that moved beyond the typical tropes of the era. The song's elegant simplicity and emotional depth, epitomized by its iconic music video, helped solidify its place as a defining track of the 1990s. This combination of innovative soundscapes and introspective lyrics makes "Enjoy the Silence" a critical darling, even by today’s standards.
5. 1979 - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (Deluxe Edition)
While not receiving widespread awards like some other 90s anthems, The Smashing Pumpkins' "1979" holds a significant place in alternative rock history. Pitchfork, while not assigning a specific numerical score to every song, would likely laud its influence and enduring power; its evocative lyrics and soaring guitars resonate deeply with listeners, reflecting a specific nostalgic yearning for a bygone era. The song’s blend of alternative rock and grunge, prevalent genres of the decade, perfectly captures the angst and yearning of a generation coming of age amidst significant cultural shifts. Its inclusion on "best of" lists stems from its masterful songwriting, emotionally resonant lyrics that tap into universal experiences of youth and longing, and its lasting impact on the sound and aesthetic of 90s alternative rock. The song's melancholic beauty and powerful instrumentation cemented its status as a defining track of the era.
6Loser
Beck
1993
Mellow Gold
7Say It Ain't So
Weezer
1994
Weezer
8Fade Into You
Mazzy Star
1993
So Tonight That I Might See
9Common People
Pulp
1995
10Da Funk
Daft Punk
1995
Homework
11Paranoid Android
Radiohead
1997
OK Computer
12Protect Ya Neck
Wu-Tang Clan
1993
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) [Expanded Edition]
13Cannonball
The Breeders
1993
Last Splash
14Nuthin' But A "G" Thang
Dr. Dre,Snoop Dogg
1992
The Chronic
15It Ain't Hard to Tell
Nas
1994
Illmatic
16Girls & Boys
Blur
1994
17Midnight In A Perfect World
DJ Shadow
1996
Endtroducing.....
18Are You That Somebody?
Aaliyah
1998
19Only Shallow
my bloody valentine
1991
20Holland, 1945
Neutral Milk Hotel
1998
21Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space
Spiritualized
1997
22Needle in the Hay
Elliott Smith
1995
23Gold Soundz
Pavement
1994
24SpottieOttieDopaliscious
Outkast
1998
Aquemini
25Shook Ones Part II
Mobb Deep
1995
26The State I Am In
Belle and Sebastian
1996
27Car
Built to Spill
1994
28Hyperballad
Björk
1995