100 Best Songs of the 90’s
I have long been an aficionado of 90’s music, and have compiled what I believe to be the greatest 90s playlist of all time. It features over 1,500 songs from all types of music. I have narrowed my playlist down to my 100 favorite songs from the decade. Keep in mind, this is my list. I tried to be mostly impartial, but there are some major hits that I think are just bad songs, and there are some lesser known deep cuts that might make you scratch your head. With that being said, here we go.
1 - No Rain (1992)
Blind Melon
This was never in doubt. There are so many iconic songs from the decade, but this was always going to be my #1. Somehow, this song is sad and happy. Upbeat and somber. You could play this song at a funeral, or to start a party. It is the most versatile song of all time and is my clear choice for best song of the 90s.
2 - Everlong (1997)
Foo Fighters
I have a theory that Cobain was a time traveler and knew that if he was alive, Grohl and the Foo Fighters would never come to be. He took his own life to deliver the far superior Foo Fighters music to the world at the expense of the overrated Nirvana. Thank you for your sacrifice, Kurt.
3 - Linger (1993)
the Cranberries
This may be the most beautiful song ever made. From the amazing intro to Dolores’ perfect vocals, when this song comes on, nothing else matters. RIP Dolores.
4 - Untitled (How Does It Feel) - 1999
D’Angelo
My top picks are marred by death and tragedy. Shannon Hoon, Dolores O’Riordan and now D’Angelo. If you made absolute bangers in the 90’s you had a short life span. This song is much like Linger, where it just captivates you from the first note. Don’t even get me started on the music video…..absolute stud.
5 - Carnival (1995)
Natalie Merchant
Finally, somebody alive and well. This song is hard to quantify why it is so amazing, but it just has a great vibe to it. As somebody who primarily listens to heavier and more intense music, I am surprised at how this list is turning out. Natalie Merchant just crushes in this song and it is a prefect example of great 90s music.
6 - Vision of Love (1990)
Mariah Carey
Mariah absolutely dominated the 90s. She is by far the most represented artist on my playlist with 21 songs. Vision of Love was her first single off her debut album and she pretty much hit a grand slam with her first at bat. This song is an absolute powerhouse and if you haven’t heard it in a while, do so now.
7 - Wonderwall (1995)
Oasis
Is this pick influenced by the fact that I sang this song to both my girls when they were babies, and they both love and sing this song all the time? Absolutely. Does it still deserve to be at #7? Absolutely. This song is simple but iconic and far from perfect, but its imperfections actually make it better and more memorable.
8 - Tomorrow (1994)
Silverchair
This could sort of be considered a homer pick. I absolutely love Silverchair and this song is amazing, and maybe I have it higher than most would. Having said that, this song is still one of the best and most memorable alternative hits of the 90s and should make anybody’s list of best 90s jams.
9 - End of the Road (1993)
Boyz to Men
Boyz to Men could have a dozen songs on this list and many of them in the top 50. Narrowing down their best song took a little bit of thought, but End of the Road came out on top. It’s amazing all the way through, but going acapella at the end is the cherry on top and puts it into the top 10.
10 - Be Quiet and Drive (1997)
Deftones
Homer pick alert! Deftones is my favorite band of all time and Be Quiet and Drive is my favorite song of all time. You may think that by that logic, this should be my #1 pick, but I tried to show restraint. Despite my love for the song and it coming out in 97, I never truly think of the Deftones as a 90’s band like the others on this list.
11 - One Sweet Day (1995)
Mariah Carey & Boyz to Men
Mariah Carey and Boyz to Men have both already been featured in the top 10, and this powerhouse collaboration almost made the cut as well. She is probably the most iconic vocalist of the 90s and Boyz to Men are absolutely no slouches either. On paper, this match seems perfect and in reality it was even better.
12 - Blackhole Sun (1994)
Soundgarden
I initially thought I would have a different song as my top Soundgarden selection, but Blackhole Sun is like Thanos. Just inevitable. This song absolutely crushes and is so frigging good. Soundgarden will appear again, but most of Superunkown could have ended up on this list.
13 - Carry the Zero (1999)
Built to Spill
This is far and away the best hidden gem and most underrated song of the 90s. I am not a massive Built to Spill fan and only know of one other song of theirs. However, Carry the Zero is a masterpiece and deserves so much more recognition as one of the best songs of the decade.
14 - Waterfalls (1994)
TLC
This song was a smash hit in 1994 and deservedly so. TLC had a bunch of other great songs and big hits, but Waterfalls stands far above the rest of their collection. It is a truly unique song and highlights all three of the members perfectly. The music video was also fire.
15 - Enjoy the Silence (1990)
Depeche Mode
I’m not a big Depeche Mode fan, and this song probably fits better with the 80s sound more so than the 90s, but it is just too good to ignore. One of my favorite choruses of the decade puts this song in the top 15.
16 - Plush (1992)
Stone Temple Pilots
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17 - Down Rodeo (1996)
Rage Against the Machine
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18 - Jailhouse (1996)
Sublime
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19 - Last Goodbye (1994)
Jeff Buckley
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20 - I Have Nothing (1992)
Whitney Houston
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