Revisiting the Music of the 90's

The 90's was the era I grew up in. A great deal of my childhood memories involves listening to these songs play on the radio as a kid. Every single one brings me so much nostalgia and if you grew up in the 80's 90's era, maybe you can resonate too!

Here I will assign one 90's hit for each letter of the alphabet:

All That She Wants (1993)— Ace of Base

From the Swedish pop group , Ace of Base, this song from the 90’s era features dance and electronica music and has an entrancing steady upbeat tempo throughout.

This song was Ace of Base’s first hit reaching #2 in the U.S. and #1 in the U.K. It would later be dethroned by their other well known song, “The Sign” which reached and remained at #1 for 6 weeks in the U.S. and reached #2 in the U.K.

Blue (Da Ba Dee) (1999) — Eiffel 65

Easily one of my top favorite songs from the 90’s and the one that Italian pop group, Eiffel 65, is best known for. It’s such a fun and insanely catchy tune. Everything in this guy’s world is blue. Blue car. Blue house. He even has a blue girlfriend.

The lyrics prove to be creative and fun and yet the more I’ve listened to this song over time, I wonder … is this song actually referring to sadness? The sadness that hides sometimes deep within each of us cleverly disguised behind creatively fun and upbeat electronica dance music.

Blue are the words I say

And what I think

Blue are the feelings

That live inside me

— written by Gianfranco Randone, Massimo Gabutti, Maurizio Lobina, and Faouzia Ouihya

Blue Da Ba Dee was Eiffel 65’s most successful song reaching #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

California Love (1995) — 2Pac

Here we go! Let’s show California some love! Featuring a smooth steady tempo, this 90’s hip hop / rap song by the late Tupac Shakur is inspired by California and the culture of the U.S. west coast. “California Love” brings up images of exciting edgy summer days and nights in the city west coast style.

Don’t Let Go (1996) — En Vogue

En Vogue really nails it with such phenomenal and beautiful vocals that are harmonious and perfectly in sync.

The 90’s girl band reminds me in a way of the Supremes of the 90’s.

This song is about someone deeply wondering about the relationship they have with another and wondering if they could be more than friends. Full of emotion involving concealed feelings, “Don’t Let Go”, has its highs and lows throughout.

Enjoy the Silence (1990) — Depeche Mode

Ah! My favorite Depeche Mode song and the one they are likely most known for! With deep and thought provoking lyrics sung by the phenomenal lead singer, Dave Gahan, it is so easy to get lost in this song. To me, it is about finding that at times elusive moment of solitude and just enjoying the silence. If only for a moment.

Fields of Gold (1993) — Sting

This love song is more slower than the usual songs I listen to. Yet it is deeply emotional and reflective and is another song that I can just close my eyes, listen, and get lost in.

The intro immediately captures my attention, and the lyrics continue to hold it throughout the entirety of the song.

Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (1997) — Green Day

This late 90’s rock song has the perfect combination of mellow alternative rock riffs and emotion. This song is deeply nostalgic and emotional.

Lead singer, Billie Joe Armstrong wrote this song to show the tough wave of emotions he went through after his girlfriend moved on from the relationship to move to Ecuador in order to continue her education and be with family.

How Do You Like Me Now (1999)— Toby Keith

I thought I would shake the playlist up a bit by throwing in some 90’s country music. Country, if I’m honest, really isn’t my go to genre. There are a few exceptions, however, and this is definitely one of them.

Featuring the phenomenal vocals of country singer, Toby Keith, this song is full of energy and confidence and has a “take that!” attitude.

I Want You Back (1996) — ’N SYNC

When I was a kid, ‘N SYNC and the Backstreet Boys were all the rage. There was even the debate of which boy band was better. Honestly, I enjoyed listening to both and I still do!

Going to feature ‘N SYNC to take the designated spot for “I”.

This song has always been such a fun and energetic song to dance and sing along to! As a kid, I loved dancing to this song as I imagined my own chorography as I went along.

Jump (1992) — Kris Kross

If the 90’s had its own theme song, this would be it. This 90’s hip hop song by the American hip hop duo, Kriss Kross, is filled with creative free style spitting rap lyrics that are fun to rap along to.

“Jump was released between the late 80’s and early 90’s old school rap era.

Kiss From A Rose (1994) — Seal

I absolutely loved this song as a kid. While I didn’t understand the lyrics to this song as much as I do now, its beautiful romantic melody has always captured my attention

With a very memorable intro, the lyrics are beautifully creative and even more mysterious. I think that’s another reason why I love this song. It has room for a lot of lyrical interpretation allowing one’s imagination to take over.

“Kiss From a Rose” was featured on the soundtrack to Batman Forever.

Losing My Religion (1991) — R.E.M.

One of my favorite songs by R.E.M.

Despite the title, this song has nothing to do with anything religious. Rather it is about one losing faith in another such as a lover and questioning the relationship you have and their intentions.

“Losing My Religion” won the 1991 Grammy for Best Pop Performance performed by a duo / group with vocal.

Motownphilly (1991) — Boyz II Men

Another iconic and influential song from the 90’s hip hop era! This song tells the backstory behind the band, Boyz II Men and how they came to be. Filled with vocals containing smooth completely in sync harmony, Motownphilly is incredibly moving and musically inspiring.

No Scrubs (1999) — TLC

This catchy smooth sounding R&B pop song is about women who are annoyed with guys who have nothing going for them (scrubs) who nonetheless “hit on” or try to attract their attention.

This is a very fitting song to listen to just cruising down the highway on a summer day.

Only Wanna Be With You (1994) — Hootie & the Blowfish

Easily my favorite Hootie & the Blowfish song. It’s hard not to smile listening to this song. At least for me. While it is a love song, it actually has a sports related theme to it. The music video even includes the Miami Dolphin’s former quarterback Dan Marino.

I’m such a baby ’cause the Dolphins make me cry

— Written by Darius Rucker, Dean Felber, Jim Sonefeld, and Mark Bryan

Poison (1990) — Bel Biv DeVoe

Claimed as one of my favorite hip hop songs of the 90’s era, this song focuses on the troubles of falling for a dangerous and notorious woman. From the moment it begins to its end, this song has smooth easy listening and entrancing beats and vocals that are easy to get into.

If I were you, I’d take precaution

— Written by Elliott Straite

Quit Playing Games With My Heart (1996)— Backstreet Boys

Referring to the friendly debate of who did it better, Backstreet Boys or N’Sync, here is another song that I really enjoy which gives 10 points to the Backstreet Boys!

Rhythm Divine (1999) — Enrique Iglesias

I admit. I used to have a fangirl crush on Latin singer Enrique Iglesias and well … Ha! Guess I still do! 😍

I’ve nearly forgotten about this enchanting song of his. Bailamos is probably and quite easily his most well known song. (It was actually one of the runner ups for designated song for letter B before I finally settled on Eiffel 65’s one hit wonder Blue (Da Ba Dee).

Rhythm Divine is such an entrancing song that is so easy to “fall in love” with. After all, it’s all about getting lost in the rhythm.

Seminole Wind (1992) John Anderson

Seminole Wind focuses on the Seminole Indian tribe and the destruction of their homeland. The song also has an environmental aspect to it as well as it mentions the Seminole tribe losing valuable natural resources at the mercy of human greed.

The lyrics are so easy to get lost in. I can easily declare this one of my favorite country songs.

The Distance (1996) — Cake

Ever hear a song and you just can’t place the name of it or who sings it? You just know you’ve heard it before at some point in your life. Even just bits and pieces. That’s me with this song.

Well, I’ve finally found it! 😄

While everything about this song has killer vibes, its the beat of the song that is the most memorable to me.

This is a very powerful and motivational song about persevering and “going the distance”. I can also see it as being sports related or about athletic endurance.

Until I Fall Away (1992) — Gin Blossoms

The Gin Blossoms were one such band that I loved listening to and as new music interests emerged, they kind of fell to the wayside. Now, I’ve rediscovered them and I enjoy their music just as I always have. Many of their songs contain lyrics that are so easy to relate to and get lost in and this chosen song for letter U is no exception.

Vogue (1990) — Madonna

Madonna had some amazing killer beat songs from the 80’s era and she has successfully brought over that talent to the 90’s era.

Hitting number one on the U.S. charts, Vogue refers to the at times over the top posing positions that dominated clubs. Known as “vogueing”, dancers would stop and pose in the most interesting positions.

This song seriously makes me want to hit the runway! Maybe I could be a cover model for one of those high class fashion magazines.😉

Walking on the Sun (1997) - Smash Mouth

Here’s another great summertime hit! With a super fun and instantly catchy tempo, this alternative rock song brings me images of college kids just fresh and ready for spring break.

The X-Files Theme (1996)— Mark Snow

X is always by far the most elusive letter of the alphabet! There really aren’t a whole lot of well known songs that start with “X”. As I was digging deep to find some “X” songs, a thought suddenly occurred to me and maybe I'm cheating here a little.

Hey! Wait a minute! The X-Files was a successful TV show from the 90’s. And that made finding a designated song so much easier.

Somewhat hypnotic, The X-Files theme has an otherworldly (most appropriate!) and futuristic vibe to it. It fits the overall plot of the TV series very well.

The X-Files is easily one of my top favorite TV shows.

As a matter of fact, I’m watching the sci-fi drama series now. I’m on season 2.

You Get What You Give (1998) — New Radicals

Another motivational song to add to this list, You Get What You Give is about “the dreamer’s disease” of the music industry. To me, its about staying true to yourself as a music artist in the midst of expectations of following trends.

Zombie (1994) — The Cranberries

This song, quite surprisingly, has more of a political / war theme to it. It is about the IRA (Irish Republican Army) bombing that occurred on March 20, 1993 in Chesire, England and Ireland’s fighting desire for independence.

It makes me think of this song in a whole new light.

And that concludes my list featuring one 90's hit for each letter of the alphabet. Hopefully some of these songs brought back memories as they did me.