The ‘90s gave us unforgettable rock hits — some from bands that shined only once. 🎶🔥 In this countdown, we revisit 10 incredible one hit wonders that defined an era and still bring back the nostalgia. From catchy hooks to iconic guitar riffs, these songs prove that one hit can last a lifetime.
📌 For entertainment and educational purposes only 🎧 No copyright music included — only commentary and fair use clips.
00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 90s rock
00:13one-hit wonders you forgot were awesome.
00:15Look around your world, pretty baby, is it everything you hoped it'd be?
00:2310. Pepper, Butthole Surfers
00:27Known previously as an underground punk act, Butthole Surfers finally received mainstream
00:33attention with Pepper.
00:40The surreal lyrics and spoken word performance from Gibby Haynes makes this one unforgettable
00:46ride. Along with the psychedelic guitar part, the track has avant-garde elements that make
00:52it one of the stranger hits of the decade.
00:57Some will die in hot pursuit while sifting through my ashes.
01:00Haynes' delivery encapsulates a particular kind of 90s aesthetic that embraced the best
01:06of being weird. The song did well on several charts, including the Billboard Modern Rock
01:12charts, while also rewriting the playbook on the genre.
01:14It also invited more casual fans into the world of truly alternative music.
01:259. Flagpole Sitta
01:34Harvey Danger
01:36Harvey Danger's fiery track, Flagpole Sitta, mixes influences in achieving its angsty sound.
01:42From power pop to alternative rock, the song features a plethora of signature ingredients.
01:47singer Shawn Nelson sings every verse like his life depends on it, offering up a subversive
01:58list of 90s phrases. Many of those words are best when screamed or shouted along with Nelson.
02:04You told them all I was crazy
02:07Appearing in different film and television shows, the tune has developed a cult following
02:11over the years. Its deeper meaning is a furious statement fit for a decade of innovative rock
02:17music.
02:18Although Harvey Danger didn't return with another substantial single, this hit still has its
02:28fair share of fans.
02:338. Not A Surf
02:40From their album High Low, Not A Surf's track, Popular, uses spoken word to deal with the
02:46throes of young love.
02:55The band was inspired by a teenage self-help book and decided to subvert the original message.
03:00In a tongue-and-shake performance, the group lets a subtle guitar riff gradually ratchet
03:05up the tension.
03:10This all spills over into a rocking chorus that is every bit as distorted and loud as
03:16the best of 90s alternative rock.
03:18Lead singer Matthew Cause does justice to the material with the verses and the hook coming
03:23together for an impressive final product.
03:267. Three Little Pigs
03:34Green Jelly
03:35The fairy tale, Three Little Pigs, gets a metal facelift in this song from Green Jelly.
03:40They spin a yarn about the famous characters, but give the lyrics a few extensive reworkings
03:52at the same time. This isn't your ordinary retelling and the group makes sure that you
03:57won't soon forget.
04:06You'd think the surprises would end there, but the single even features some additional
04:10work from an all-star lineup of artists. Diverse voices like Tool's Maynard James
04:15Keenan and even Pauly Shore grace the track with their talents.
04:25Along the way, a few hard rock instrumentations give the piece another memorable addition.
04:376. Love Is On The Way
04:40Saigon Kick
04:42Even as the music world was shifting towards grunge, bands like Saigon Kick continued to fly
04:48the flag of the 80s glam metal scene. This prompted a single off of their album The Lizard called Love Is On The Way. It begins with a delicate acoustic guitar pattern that follows in the footsteps of many great ballads of the time.
05:08By the time they reach the chorus, the band members come together for some powerful harmonies.
05:20Let's give it one more try tonight, baby.
05:27The song itself was a top-20 hit in the early 90s and introduced the group to a wider audience.
05:33Saigon Kick continued to work through the decade, but they weren't able to find a success to equal this compelling power ballad.
05:405. Wake Up Boo
05:53Anyone in need of a pick-me-up should play this track for instant results.
06:06British band The Boo Radleys crafted a tune that you can't help but love, with its sunshine tone and positive lyrics. The song starts up with a burst of sounds that don't waste any time in delivering happiness to listeners.
06:16By the time the band reaches the chorus, the Britpop production wins over everyone with its life-affirming and succinct message.
06:28Other members of the 90s subgenre might have taken over the mainstream, but this group still warms our heart with this cheery performance.
06:354. Send Me On My Way
06:45Rusted Roots
06:46This acoustic guitar riff at the center of Send Me On My Way is arguably as famous as any other from the mid-90s. It is just one key part of the song's enduring appeal.
06:575. Well pick me up with golden hand
07:02In terms of its lyrics, the piece gives off feel-good vibes with its eternal optimism. The track was released in two versions, with the more well-known being on their album When I Woke.
07:136. I would like to reach out my heart
07:17It has taken on a life of its own with various appearances in media in the years since.
07:23Some people count it out for being a one-hit wonder, but it actually carries a beautiful message behind it that's worth revisiting.
07:343. All For You
07:38In the late 90s, Sister Hazel offered up a popular jangly rock single. Their hit All For You offers one of the more underrated hooks of the decade.
07:48The song brings an almost folk influence to the alternative music world, with a tune that's right for a sing-along. It's an amazing debut that hasn't lost its luster after many changing trends.
08:053. A powerful vocal performance sells the song as something more than a one-off release.
08:153. Rain comes pouring down
08:183. Fire from blue skies
08:223. Sister Hazel appeared on rock charts in several different countries for their fantastic work.
08:27Whenever it pops up on the radio or a streaming playlist, All For You reminds listeners of its indisputable catchiness.
08:342. Roll To Me
08:47Delamitri
08:49Delamitri left their mark on the mid-90s with this pop-rock opus.
08:52The Scottish band left the biggest impact of their career with Roll To Me, which made people stop and take notice with its elliptical guitar sounds. Few people cite the track for its vocal melodies, which are simply enthralling.
09:123. And I don't think I have ever seen a soul song in despair
09:18The single, and its accompanying album Twisted, earned the band some of their best reviews in the process.
09:25Despite some people thinking Roll To Me gets overplayed, it still earns its status as one of the best earworms of the 90s rock scene.
09:324. A right time to roll to me
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09:521. In the meantime, Space Hog
09:58In the meantime, expertly mines the depths of glam rock for a new era.
10:03singer Royston Langdon pushes his talents to the limit in a career-defining performance.
10:15His impressive vocals are complemented by a slew of compelling work from the rest of the band, backing him with a layered sound.
10:22As both a piece of music and a set of lyrics, the effort never backs down with its proud explorations of alternative songwriting.
10:35It also has a timeless quality that any rock fan can come to appreciate.
10:46Even if Space Hog doesn't have the same recognition today, this work still deserves its place in the pantheon of 90s classics.
10:58Did we forget your favorite rock one-hit wonder from the 90s? Let us know in the comments below.
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