These are the 100 best songs of the 1990's. This is admittedly a list based on judgments of quality instead of sales figures or radio airplay. This list should be a great conversation starter.
100. Billy Joel - "River of Dreams"
99. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories - "Do You Sleep?"
98. John Mellencamp with Me'Shell NdegeOcello - "Wild Night"
97. Sugar Ray - "Every Morning"
96. Celine Dion - "My Heart Will Go On (Love Theme From 'Titanic')"
95. Heart - "All I Wanna Do Is Make Love to You"
94. LL Cool J - "Mama Said Knock You Out"
93. Presidents of the United States of America - "Lump"
92. Barenaked Ladies - "One Week"
91. Shaggy - "Boombastic"
90. Oasis - "Wonderwall"
89. Dishwalla - "Counting Blue Cars"
88. Eric Clapton - "Tears in Heaven"
87. Alanis Morissette - "Uninvited"
86. Spice Girls - "Wannabe"
85. Cranberries - "Linger"
84. R.E.M. - "Man on the Moon"
83. No Doubt - "Don't Speak"
82. Edwyn Collins - "A Girl Like You"
81. Marc Anthony - "I Need to Know"
80. Tag Team - "Whoomp! (There It Is)"
79. Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch - "Good Vibrations"
78. R. Kelly - "Bump 'n Grind"
77. Arrested Development - "Tennessee"
76. Elton John - "Candle in the Wind 1997"
75. Us3 - "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)"
74. Boyz II Men - "End of the Road"
73. Jesus Jones - "Right Here Right Now"
72. Will Smith - "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"
71. Madonna - "Secret"
70. Quad City DJ's - "C'mon 'n Ride It (The Train)"
69. Bell Biv Devoe - "Poison"
68. Faith No More - "Epic"
67. Martin Page - "In the House of Stone and Light"
66. Tracy Chapman - "Give Me One Reason"
65. Ben Folds Five - "Brick"
64. House of Pain - "Jump Around"
63. Digital Underground - "The Humpty Dance"
62. Michael Jackson - "Black or White"
61. DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince - "Summertime"
60. Sarah McLachlan - "Adia"
59. Backstreet Boys - "I Want It That Way"
58. Whitney Houston - "It's Not Right, But It's Okay"
57. Los Del Rio - "Macarena"
56. Janet Jackson - "Escapade"
55. Wreckz N Effect - "Rump Shaker"
54. Collective Soul - "The World I Know"
53. Melissa Etheridge - "Come To My Window"
52. TLC - "No Scrubs"
51. EMF - "Unbelievable"
50. Wallflowers - "One Headlight"
49. Stereo MC's - "Connected"
48. Amy Grant - "Baby Baby"
47. Various Artists - "ESPN Presents the Jock Jam"
46. TLC - "Waterfalls"
45. Beck - "Loser"
44. Blind Melon - "No Rain"
43. Deborah Cox - "Nobody's Supposed to Be Here"
42. Seal - "A Kiss From a Rose"
41. Counting Crows - "Mr. Jones"
40. Dr. Dre - "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang"
This single and the album it came from, Dr. Dre's "Chronic," took hip hop down an entirely new road that would eventually be called Gangsta Rap. "Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang" features Dre's protege Snoop Doggy Dogg who would soon become a star on his own. Fat, Parliament-style funky beats, laidback rap vocals, words reflecting the violence of life on the street, and pop hooks combined for a tremendously successful new sound.
39. Backstreet Boys - "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)"
With the backlash against boy bands, too few remember that some great pop songs were recorded by these all male vocal groups. This is a pop masterpiece that helped the Backstreet Boys conquer the hearts of millions.
38. C & C Music Factory - "Gonna Make You Sweat"
Inspired by the powerful beats of house, hit after hit crossed over from the dance chart to the pop top 10 in 1990, but it took producers Robert Clivilles and David Cole (aka C&C Music Factory) to climb all the way to #1. "Gonna Make You Sweat" featured the powerful diva vocals of Martha Wash and a rap from Freedom Williams along with state of the art house rhythms to make up one of the most exhilarating sounds of the year.
37. Bruce Springsteen - "Streets of Philadelphia"
Jonathan Demme's film Philadelphia was the first big budget, mainstream motion picture to deal directly with the AIDS epidemic. Bruce Springsteen's "Streets Of Philadelphia" is the perfect theme for the film. Springsteen creates an atmosphere of darkness and loneliness that still manages to maintain a sense of dignity as well. The song won a much deserved Academy Award for Best Song from a Motion Picture.
36. Dave Matthews Band - "Crash Into Me"
Although the lyrics invite ambiguous interpretation, for many this is one of the most unabashedly erotic songs of the decade. Listen and enjoy Matthews' intimate vocals over intricately arranged bluegrass-tinged pop.
35. Fugees - "Killing Me Softly"
On their second album The Score, the Fugees proved that hip hop could be about much more than gangstas. Lauryn Hill's stunning voice was at the heart of this major hit remake of Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly With His Song."
34. MC Hammer - "U Can't Touch This"
The importance of M.C. Hammer to pop music history is that he proved without a doubt that rap could be as effortlessly entertaining as any other musical genre. "U Can't Touch This" is little more than Hammer's simple rap in place of Rick James' "Super Freak" vocals, but the image of Hammer working the crowd in his oversized parachute pants is one of the most memorable entertainment images of 1990.
33. Ini Kamoze - "Here Comes the Hotstepper"
Selected to play a key role on the soundtrack for Robert Altman's exploration of the fashion world in the movie Pret-a-Porter, "Here Comes the Hotstepper" brought dancehall, a sug-genre of reggae, into the mainstream. It remains one of the most catchy songs of the mid-90s. "Hotstepper" is a Jamaican term for a man on the run from the law.
32. Lauryn Hill - "Doo Wop (That Thing)"
After the far too early breakup of the Fugees, the music world waited impatiently for Lauryn Hill's first solo effort. The wait was worth it. The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill is one of the top albums of the decade and "Doo Wop (That Thing)" is a brilliantly tuneful dissection of sexual politics from the point of view of both genders.
31. Ricky Martin - "Livin' La Vida Loca"
Among Latin audiences, Ricky Martin was a household name by 1999 having begun his career many years before as a lead singer with the legendary teen group Menudo. With "Livin' La Vida Loca" the English-speaking world found out what they had been missing. It's irresistibly sexy and nearly impossible to listen to without moving the body.
30. Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112 - "I'll Be Missing You"
Rap star the Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) was tragically gunned down in March of 1997. His recording partner Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy) put together this moving memorial with Smalls' widow Faith Evans and the vocal group 112. It memorably samples the Police classic "Every Breath You Take" and became a favored memorial track of the late 90s.
29. Gloria Estefan - "Coming Out of the Dark"
In March 1990 Gloria Estefan, her husband, and her son were all injured when a truck struck their tour bus. Gloria suffered a fractured vertebra and was unable to tour for a year. The accident and long recovery inspired this gorgeous hit ballad. "Coming Out Of the Dark" swiftly became one of the top inspirational pop hits of all time.
28. Mariah Carey - "Vision of Love"
Although 17 #1 hits have followed in its wake, this was the world's first introduction to the voice of Mariah Carey. Echoes of the influence of Whitney Houston are evident, but the sheer power and swooping highs are Mariah's own. This debut still ranks as one of her very best recordings.
27. Shawn Colvin - "Sunny Came Home"
Sunny, the protagonist of this folkie story song, comes home with some matters to settle. Parts of this song can send chills up your spine while Colvin's voice gently lulls you back into the story.
26. Smashing Pumpkins - "1979"
In Melon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, an expansive double album dedicated to down emotion, "1979" is almost perky. However, it's gentle sense of nostalgic reverie works well with the year's mood of inward contemplation.
25. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Under the Bridge"
It's ironic that a gentle ballad became the breakthrough hit for a band best known for blending classic uptempo funk with alternative rock. The song emerged out of lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis' struggles to overcome heroin addiction. After the addiction destroyed a number of his personal relationships, Kiedis' reflected on his relationship with the city of Los Angeles itself. "Under the Bridge" made it all the way to #2 on the pop singles chart."
24. Hanson - "MMMMBop"
The Hanson brothers brought back bubblegum pop in all of its glory. "MMMBop" is catchy, sugary sweet, and irresistible. Just try to avoid singing along.
23. Blackstreet - "No Diggity"
This is the peak of work created by producer, songwriter, performer Teddy Riley, leader of the group Blackstreet. He is one of the top R&B masters of the 1990s and a key architect of new jack swing. "No Diggity" is new jack swing fully refined.
22. U2 - "Mysterious Ways"
After their dramatic success with The Joshua Tree and an epic concert tour of the U.S., U2 completely reinvented their musical style on the album Achtung Baby. Glorious pretensions gave way to some of the sexiest funky rock of the decade. "Mysterious Ways" features sinuous guitar work from The Edge and gospel-influenced vocals from Bono that drive home one of U2's most uninhibited pop-rock songs on record.
21. Soul Asylum - "Runaway Train"
Soul Asylum shot to the top of the ranks of alt-rock bands with this folkish classic. The video for "Runaway Train" was accompanied by advertisements about missing children serving a powerful public service. Many alt-rock fans abandoned Soul Asylum as having sold out to the mainstream, but pop fans pushed "Runaway Train" to #5 on the chart, and it became a well-deserved classic.
20. Whitney Houston - "I Will Always Love You"
The original version of this song was written and recorded in stunning fashion by Dolly Parton. Whitney Houston's version was included on the soundtrack to her film The Bodyguard with Kevin Costner. This recording of "I Will Always Love You" became the biggest pop hit of all time. One of pop music's most beautiful voices met one of the most stunning ballads ever written, and it made history.
19. Deee-Lite - "Groove Is In the Heart"
In a dance-happy pop environment, this trio swept in with a classic that still sounds half-retro, half-contemporary and completely groovy. "Groove Is In the Heart" effortlessly glides across genres from hip-hop to house and funk. Guest musicians including Bootsy Collins, Fred Wesley, Maceo Parker, and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip boost the party atmosphere. This was THE song of summer 1990.
18. 4 Non Blondes - "What's Up?"
"What's Up?" seemingly appeared out of nowhere becoming a neo-folkie, hippie hit first on modern rock radio stations and then crossing over to pop. Although it only reached #11 on the pop chart, it has been a fixture on pop radio stations ever since. The group 4 Non Blondes never duplicated the success of this hit, but lead vocalist Linda Perry has become a successful songwriter and producer.
17. Madonna - "Vogue"
It was not really part of any album project. It was added on to the I'm Breathless album of Dick Tracy - related material. "Vogue" was also significantly late in spotlighting the underground world of "voguing" (Malcolm McClaren made it there earlier), but this song is possibly the most perfect dance song Madonna, the most successful dance artist of all time, has ever recorded. The acclaimed David Fincher video wraps up a stunning pop-dance package.
16. Mariah Carey - "Fantasy"
Using Tom Tom Club's instrumental track from "Genius Of Love" as backdrop to Mariah Carey's effortlessly soaring vocals was a stroke of genius. This romantic gem remains the best single recording of Carey's phenomenal career.
15. Cher - "Believe"
No one really doubted Cher would eventually make another comeback, but this time it was with the biggest hit of her entire career. "Believe" is a perfect piece of dance-pop, and it took the entire world by storm. More dance hits followed in its wake and a farewell concert tour that lasted more than 3 years. Cher is certainly someone who believes in "life after love."
14. Proclaimers - "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)"
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" was originally released in 1988, but upon its inclusion in the Benny and Joon movie soundtrack, the energetic pop-rock tune became a hit and is now a classic. The Proclaimers are the Scottish duo of Craig and Charlie Reid. Their music is an energetic, infectious brand of pop-rock with influences from their Scottish background.
13. Boyz II Men - "Motownphilly"
This remains one of the best ever autobiographical songs by a pop recording artist. "Motownphilly" details the group's discovery by Michael Bivins, of New Edition and Bell Biv Devoe fame, and their first taste of stardom. The a capella break is simply gorgeous.
12. Coolio - "Gangsta's Paradise"
Prior to 1995, Coolio was mostly known for lighter, more humorous rap that provided an alternative to West Coast gangsta rap. The rivetingly atmospheric "Gangsta's Paradise" was such a shift in focus that Coolio's record label decided to leave it off his own solo album and instead put it on the soundtrack to the film Dangerous Minds. When released as a single, "Gangsta's Paradise" became one of the biggest hits of the year spreading its social commentary on ghetto life from coast to coast.
11. Sheryl Crow - "All I Wanna Do"
With the words "This ain't no disco. It ain't no country club either. This is L.A.," the world was introduced to the neo-folkie, irresistible pop of Sheryl Crow. "All I Wanna Do" unfolds lyrically like a mini-movie. Thanks to Crow's artful word paintings, the listener receives a luminous picture of the adventures of Sheryl and "Billy" "until the sun comes up over Santa Monica Boulevard."
10. Santana featuring Rob Thomas - "Smooth"
"Smooth" genuinely appeared out of left field. Who would have thought legendary Latin guitarist Carlos Santana would record one of the biggest pop hit singles of all time? Add to that - who would have thought the vocalist would be the lead singer for post-grunge band Matchbox 20? It did happen and "Smooth" deserved the sales and acclaim. In 2005 Rob Thomas, the lead vocalist with Matchbox 20, proved his performance on "Smooth" was no fluke with a stellar solo album ...Something To Be.
9. R.E.M. - "Losing My Religion"
With the grunge revolution lurking just over the horizon, R.E.M., pioneers of alt rock, burst into the mainstream. Sparking dozens of conversations about its meaning, "Losing My Religion" is, in its most basic sense, a gorgeous folk-influenced pop tune about the feeling of going crazy. It is understated and unforgettable.
8. Sinead O'Connor - "Nothing Compares to You"
It's difficult to remember now the image of Sinead O'Connor prior to the controversial television appearances that nearly brought down her career, but few pop performers have put together more powerful heart-stopping performances than this. The song itself, written by Prince, is outstanding, but Sinead's emotional, gutsy performance made it a classic. Painful loss meets stunning vocal beauty with a perfectly understated instrumental arrangement.
7. Jay-Z - "Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)"
Jay-Z consolidated his status as the best of East Coast rappers with this brilliant single that weaves a showstopping number from the Broadway musical Annie into a stunning hip hop opus. Pop audiences were made aware that the range of experimentation in hip hop were limitless.
6. Alanis Morissette - "You Oughta Know"
Alanis Morissette's debut sent shock waves through the music industry. No pop singer had ever laid bare the anger and pain of a relationship gone bad quite so explicitly. "You Oughta Know" clearly touched a nerve and led audiences into the complex, intricate songcraft of the phenomenally successful Jagged Little Pill album.
5. Madonna - "Ray of Light"
With her first completely new studio album in 4 years, Madonna brought electronica to the top of the pop charts. Working with collaborator William Orbit, the music sounded fresh, new, and invigorating.
4. Smash Mouth - "Walkin' On the Sun"
The ska-punk bound Smash Mouth burst into the spotlight with this catchy slab of 60s-ish psychedelic soul. Unfortunately, the band never quite returned to the glory of this single, but it is one of the greatest tracks of the decade.
3. Everything But the Girl - "Missing"
"Like the deserts miss the rain..." Remixed in countless ways over the years, there has never been a more powerful expression of emotional and sexual longing in pop music than that at the core of "Missing." In a year marked by wistfulness and longing in pop songs, this is the peak.
2. Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
The emergence of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" as a top 10 pop hit remains one of the most dramatic events in pop music of the 1990s. Kurt Cobain's sardonic view of teenagers set amongst a pop melody pounded out by drums and guitars bathed in fuzzed up distortion rattled the pop music establishment. It was all accompanied by a music video that presented a memorable and unrelentingly dark view of the classic school pep rally. Grunge had arrived.
1. Britney Spears - "...Baby One More Time"
She first gained national notice as a member of The New Mickey Mouse Club on Disney's cable network, but it was as a pop singer that Britney Spears became the most watched celebrity in the world. Her first single "...Baby One More Time" is a brilliant piece of pop music. It's catchy, sexy, and it sports a mildly controversial video certain to keep people talking.
