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It was a decade of grunge, pop, hip-hop, R&B, and everything in between. Join us as we count down our picks for the most memorable, iconic, and high-quality songs from every year of the 90s! Which tracks defined the decade for you? Let us know in the comments below!
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00:08Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most memorable, iconic,
00:14and or high-quality songs from each year between 1990 and 1999.
00:281999, number 5, All the Small Things, Blink-182.
00:34All the small things, true care, truth bring.
00:40Pop-punk at its most wacky, enjoyable, and catchy, Blink-182 made us sing Na Na Na into the new
00:48millennium and beyond.
00:49Say it ain't so, I will not go, turn the lights off, carry me on.
00:59Number 4, Man I Feel Like a Woman, Shania Twain.
01:06Let's go, girls.
01:08Blending country and pop, this crossover singer knows how to get our blood pumping.
01:12She could also write a sharp set of lyrics that satirizes and celebrates life.
01:26Number three, Say My Name, Destiny's Child.
01:37Few R&B groups could command your attention quite like Destiny's Child.
01:42Say My Name finds them in top form, demanding satisfaction from their partner.
01:49But it's heaven, tell me who, Say My Name, Say My Name, Destiny's Child.
01:55Number two, I Want It That Way, Backstreet Boys.
02:00You are my fire, the one desire.
02:09In a decade of boy band success, Backstreet Boys proved to be among the best with this heartfelt hit.
02:16The gents belted out one of their signature tracks in another iconic work.
02:26Number one, No Scrubs, TLC.
02:36Delivering a decisive blow to deadbeats everywhere, TLC lays down the law on No Scrubs.
02:42It's the kind of statement that makes you want to sing along and rethink your life.
02:571998.
02:59Number five, One Week, Barenaked Ladies.
03:07Finding the funny and relationship woes, Barenaked Ladies deliver an entertaining pop hit.
03:13It's also full of some surprisingly fun rap verses.
03:25Number four, Doo-Wop, That Thing, Lauren Hill.
03:29Bad thing, bad thing, bad thing, bad thing.
03:38When she went solo, Lauren Hill became an even more influential figure in R&B.
03:43This hit exemplifies the power of her Grammy-winning debut record.
03:48Girls, you know you better walk down.
03:53Some guys, some guys won't need all that.
03:57Number three, Iris, Goo Goo Dolls.
04:01And all I can taste is this moment.
04:05And all I can breathe is your life.
04:09Beautifully sentimental, this rock ballad finds poetry in a love story.
04:13It never fails to make us emotional whether or not we're watching City of Angels.
04:18And I don't want the world to see me
04:23Cause I don't think they'd understand.
04:27Number two, Believe, Share.
04:31No matter how hard I try
04:35You keep pushing me aside and I can't break through.
04:39Nothing can ever keep Share down.
04:42In her groundbreaking auto-tune song, she proves that she's stronger than ever.
04:47Do you believe in life that's love?
04:52Number one, Baby One More Time, Britney Spears.
04:58Oh baby, baby, how was I supposed to know?
05:04Ready for superstardom, Britney Spears took the world by storm with this pop hit.
05:09The production and memorable hook continued to grab us all these decades later.
05:14My loneliness is killing me
05:17And I, I must confess, I still believe
05:22I still believe
05:251997, number five, Semi-Charmed Life, Third Eye Blind.
05:30I'm packed and I'm holding
05:32I'm smiling, she's living, she's golden
05:34She lives for me
05:35Said she lives for me
05:36Don't count out the mystery of these lyrics
05:39Or the wonder of its hook
05:41Semi-Charmed Life tackles taboo subjects with loads of attitude
05:53Number four, Torn, Natalie Imbruglia
05:58I thought I saw a man born to lie
06:04He was warm, he came around
06:06Like he was dignified
06:08The singer covers the song in a strong debut
06:11Delivering the definitive cover of an Edna Swap track
06:14Imbruglia will be forever remembered for this late 90s pop hit
06:18Illusion never changed
06:21Into something real
06:24Wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is tall
06:28Number three, Around the World
06:31Daft Punk
06:40Even in their early years
06:42Daft Punk started to redefine electronic music
06:45Around the World shows off their innovative and funky styles from the Homework album
06:50Around the world, around the world
06:54Around the world, around the world
06:57Number two, Bittersweet Symphony
07:00The Verve
07:01Cause it's a bittersweet symphony that's live
07:10With a Rolling Stones sample, the Verve dish out a profound production
07:14The strings only make the lyrics all the more compelling
07:18You know I can't change, I can't change, I can't change
07:22I can't change, but I'm here in my home
07:26Number one, My Heart Will Go On, Celine Dion
07:30Every night in my dreams
07:35I see you
07:37I feel you
07:40Never underestimate the power of a French-Canadian icon
07:44Dion's key change always hits the spot
07:47Forever defining the biggest cinematic romance of the 90s
07:51You're here
07:55There's nothing I fear
08:011996
08:02Number five
08:04Unbreak My Heart
08:05Tony Braxton
08:06Come back and bring back my smile
08:10Come and take these tears away
08:14This Grammy-winning track finds the arts in heartbreak
08:18Braxton's towering vocals are unforgettable
08:21With engrossing words by Diane Warren
08:24Unbreak my heart
08:28Say you'll love me again
08:32Number four, No Diggity
08:35Black Street featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Penn
08:41Yo Dre dropped the verse
08:44With a Bill Withers sample and help from Dr. Dre
08:48Black Street released one of the coolest tracks of 1996
08:51Few songs have as much swagger from the first few seconds alone
08:56I like the way you work, no diggity
08:59I thought to bag it up
09:01Bag it up
09:02Number three, Killing Me Softly
09:04Fugees
09:06I heard he sang a good song
09:11I heard he had a style
09:15Channeling the magic of Roberta Flack
09:18Fugees made an indelible mark on 90s music
09:21Their mix of R&B, hip-hop, and soul was incomplete without Lauryn Hill's amazing voice
09:28I was strumming my pain with his fingers
09:31One time
09:32One time
09:33Singing my life with his words
09:37One time
09:38Number two, Don't Speak, No Doubt
09:41You and me
09:45We used to be together
09:48This ballad finds, no doubt, in a more somber mood
09:52Showing they could do more than ska punk
09:54It also showcases the versatility of Gwen Stefani's pop star persona
09:59Don't speak, nobs what you said
10:04So please stop explaining
10:06Number one, Wannabe, Spice Girls
10:10Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want
10:13So tell me what you want, what you really, really want
10:15This pop collective blasted out a cannon with this anthemic statement
10:19Asserting their girl power
10:21The Spice Girls were never better than on Wannabe
10:24If you wanna be my lover
10:26You have got to give
10:28You've got to take it
10:30It's too easy
10:31But that's the way it is
10:341995
10:35Number five, You Ought to Know
10:38Alanis Morissette
10:40I want you to know
10:44That I'm happy for you
10:49Jagged Little Pill helped make her a star
10:51With this single showing her ferocious side
10:54You Ought to Know
10:55Still feels scandalous
10:56All these years later
10:58Well, I'm here
11:00To remind you
11:02Of the mess you left
11:05When you went away
11:07Number four, California Love
11:09Tupac featuring Dr. Dre
11:11And Roger Troutman
11:21At the height of his powers
11:23Tupac teamed up with Dr. Dre
11:25For a West Coast classic
11:26It's a testament to the work of both artists
11:29And a tribute to the Golden State
11:31Say what you say
11:32Well, give me that born beat from Dre
11:34Let me serenade the streets of L.A.
11:36Number three, Wonderwall
11:38Oasis
11:39Today is gonna be the day
11:42That they're gonna throw it back to you
11:44This Britpop staple is all feels
11:48And one of the band's most famous hits
11:50With its simple acoustic guitar part
11:53Wonderwall shows that you can captivate an audience
11:56Without any frills
11:58I said baby
12:03You're gonna be the one that saves me
12:08Number two, Gangsta's Paradise
12:11Coolio featuring L.V.
12:13As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
12:16I take a look at my life
12:18And realize it's not steps
12:19This rapper's best work utilizes an amazing sample
12:23And an underrated vocal from L.V.
12:25Gangsta's Paradise is a cultural touchstone
12:28Proving Coolio's namesake
12:35Number one, Say It Ain't So
12:38Weezer
12:39Somebody's honey
12:42It's drowning my icebox
12:45This alternative rock song sneaks up on you
12:48Before unleashing its hidden fury
12:50Rivers and the band are on their best behavior
12:53Showing listeners the wonders of the Blue Album
12:59Say it ain't so
13:091994
13:10Number five, Cream, Wu-Tang Clan
13:19On their debut album, the hip-hop collective dished out their unique sound and flow
13:25Cream sets up the incredible dynamics of a high-flying group
13:29Keep it up to me while I be living proof
13:31To kick the truth to the young black youth
13:34Number four, Kiss from a Rose
13:37Seal
13:38There used to be a graying tower alone on the sea
13:43And you became
13:46You can't deny the voice or the high notes
13:49Later released on the Batman Forever soundtrack
13:52Seal's awesome ballad endures as a timeless classic
13:56Baby, rockin' fish to a kiss from a rose on the green
14:02Number three, Sabotage, Beastie Boys
14:06I can't stand it
14:09I know you're winning
14:10I'ma sit and shake this water
14:12Combining their punk roots and rap success together
14:16The trio roars to life with this electrifying track
14:20Sabotage is full of furious bass, drum beats, and ad-rock's awesome screams
14:25What could it be? It's overrun
14:28You're scheming on a thing to sabotage
14:34Number two, Basket Case, Green Day
14:37Do you have the time to listen to me whine?
14:42On their album, Dookie, Green Day established themselves as the saviors of pop punk
14:48Basket Case captures them as irreverent and entertaining as ever
14:53They are much as paranoid
14:55Like the sound
14:58Number one, Juicy
15:01Notorious B.I.G.
15:03It was all a dream
15:04I used to read Word Up magazine
15:06Salt and pepper and heavy tea up in the limousine
15:09With this early single
15:11Biggie Smalls introduced himself as one of the reigning champs of 90s hip-hop
15:16Juicy contains some of his best lyrics and slickest rhymes
15:20Four till about two G's flat
15:23No need to worry, my accountant handles that
15:261993
15:28Number five, What is Love?
15:30Hathaway
15:32Baby, don't hurt me
15:34Don't hurt me
15:36No more
15:39We can't think of another way to celebrate a night out
15:42Nodding your head to Hathaway
15:44You're guaranteed to have fun with this throwback
15:47What is Love?
15:49Baby, don't hurt me
15:51Don't hurt me
15:53No more
15:54Number four, Rebel Girl
15:57Bikini Kill
15:59That girl thinks she's the queen of the neighborhood
16:03She got the hottest track in town
16:06One of the definitive Riot Grrrl statements
16:10Rebel Girl and Bikini Kill likely inspired a generation of women to embrace punk activism
16:16Rebel Girl
16:18Rebel Girl
16:19I think I wanna take you home
16:22I wanna try on your foot
16:23Number three, Nothing But a G-Thang
16:27Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Doggy Dog
16:29One, two, three, into the phone
16:32Snoop Doggy Dog and Dr. Dre is at the door
16:35Ready to make an entrance
16:36So back on the
16:37Going solo and elevating G-Funk
16:40Dr. Dre helped to introduce Snoop Dogg to the world
16:43This classic from The Chronic is the essence of laid-back hip-hop
16:47Try to get close and you're bound to get smacked
16:49My little homie Snoop Doggy Dogg has got my back
16:52Number two, Linger, The Cranberries
16:55So why were you holding your head?
17:00Is that the way we stand?
17:03We're lying all the time
17:04The Irish band serenades audiences on its most romantic ballad
17:09Led by Dolores O'Riordan's beautiful vocals
17:12Linger carries you away into a dreamlike state
17:17You got me wrapped around your finger
17:22Do you have to let it linger?
17:26Number one, Loser, Beck
17:29In the time of chimpanzees I was a monkey
17:32Butane in my veins and I'm out to cut the chuggy
17:35Creating an unofficial anthem for Slackers and Generation X
17:39Beck burst onto the scene with this genre-defying single
17:43The singer finds a way to jam-pack so many eclectic sounds
17:47Into one fantastic track
18:011992
18:01Number five, Killing in the Name
18:05Rage Against the Machine
18:14Mixing rap and hard rock, Rage Against the Machine shows that you can have a point and create a catalog
18:20of incredible music
18:22The musicians and activists don't mince words on their fiery single, Killing in the Name
18:27Some of those that work forces
18:30Draw the scene that burn crosses
18:34Number four, Under the Bridge
18:37Red Hot Chili Peppers
18:39Sometimes I feel like I don't have a partner
18:45Sometimes I feel like my only friend
18:50Shifting from their funk and rap rock style
18:53Red Hot Chili Peppers slowed it down with this somber rock single
18:57Anthony Kiedis dug deep for a personal song about his troubled past
19:12Number three, Creep, Radiohead
19:26This angsty song made superstars out of Radiohead with its pent-up emotions
19:31After over 30 years, it perfectly captures the spirit of 90s alternative rock
19:37But I'm a crazy
19:42I'm a weirdo
19:45Number two, Ordinary World
19:48Duran Duran
19:50Killing from a rainy Thursday on the avenue
19:56Thought I heard you talking softly
20:00After their stellar work in the 80s
20:03Duran Duran bounced back with one of their finest songs
20:07Ordinary World
20:08Ordinary World is an evergreen ballad featuring some of Simon LeBond's greatest vocals
20:13And then I try to make my way
20:17To the ordinary world
20:20Number one, I will always love you
20:24Whitney Houston
20:25And I will always love you
20:37Redefining Dally Parton's song for the 90s
20:39This singer gives a triumphant performance
20:42Whitney Houston's thrilling voice masters the medium with
20:46I will always love you
20:48And I will always love you
20:591991
21:00Number five, everything I do, I do it for you
21:05Brian Adams
21:16You might remember this from the Robin Hood Prince of Thieves soundtrack
21:20But it's gone on to be so much more than that
21:23The Canadian singer helped to make it one of the most successful ballads of the early 90s
21:28Can you tell me
21:30It's not worth trying for
21:33I can't help it
21:37There's nothing I won't want
21:41Number four, Unfinished Sympathy
21:43Massive Attack
21:52A trip-hop masterpiece powered by strong vocals and orchestral sounds
21:57Massive Attack produced a track full of genius production elements
22:01While also being way ahead of their time
22:09Number three, enter Sandman
22:12Metallica
22:17While diehard fans prefer something else
22:20Metallica gives casual fans a sick riff and some spooky lyrics
22:25The band's radio-friendly track arguably brought them an even larger audience
22:30Sleep with one eye on them
22:34Pipping your pillow tight
22:37Excellent life
22:40Number two, Losing My Religion
22:43R.E.M.
22:45Oh, life is bigger
22:50It's bigger than you
22:53Along with a hugely successful album
22:56R.E.M. reached one of their popular peaks with this folksy rock hit
23:00Losing My Religion continues to provoke and excite listeners with its undeniable hook
23:05I thought that I heard you laughing
23:08I thought that I heard you sing
23:13Number one, Smells Like Teen Spirit
23:17Nirvana
23:18She's so low-born
23:20Self-assured
23:26Helping to turn grunge mainstream
23:29Smells Like Teen Spirit rings out like a shot and doesn't let up
23:33Kurt Cobain and his bandmates changed alternative rock with their intense performances
23:39Life's now
23:40It's a dangerous
23:42And we are now
23:45It's a dangerous
23:471990
23:48Number five, Thunderstruck
23:51ACDC
23:59It's the riff that never stops
24:02Thunderstruck pumps you up and reminds you of the power of this Australian music outfit
24:07You've been Thunderstruck
24:13Thunderstruck
24:36Thunderstruck
24:43Number three, Freedom 90, George Michael
24:48I won't let you down
24:51I will not give you up
24:56Whether you're watching the stylish video or not, Freedom 90 is one of George Michael's most glorious songs
25:03His assertive and self-reflective lyrics power a captivating single
25:08Freedom
25:09I won't let you down
25:11Freedom
25:11I will not give you up
25:13Freedom
25:14I will not give you up
25:15You're not forgetful what you say
25:17Number two, Nothing Compares to You
25:21Sinead O'Connor
25:34In her most famous musical moment, Sinead O'Connor did justice to Prince's songwriting
25:40Her emotional vocals tore through the charts and into our hearts
25:44Nothing compares
25:50Nothing compares
25:52To you
25:53Number one, Vogue, Madonna
25:57Strike a pony
26:01Ready for another successful decade, Madonna commanded the pop world once more with Vogue
26:07Her tribute to ballroom culture comes out with some memorable dance moves
26:13Vogue
26:14Let your body move to the music
26:18Hey, hey, hey
26:19Did we forget another 90s track that defined the decade?
26:23Let us know in the comments below
26:25Let us know in the comments below
26:25Let us know in the comments below
26:29questions below
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