Relive the Britpop boom, the rise of dance anthems, and the soulful ballads that defined a generation! This isn't just a list; it's a trip back in time to the soundscape of the 90s UK. For anyone who lived through the decade or simply appreciates killer tunes, exploring the best songs of 90s UK is a must. From stadium-filling anthems to hidden gems that deserve a rediscovery, this definitive list dives deep into the era’s most iconic tracks. Whether you're a nostalgic Britpop fanatic yearning for the sounds of Blur and Oasis, or a dance music aficionado craving the energy of Prodigy and Chemical Brothers, you'll find something to love in our carefully curated selection of the ultimate 90s UK hits. Prepare for a wave of nostalgia and the rediscovery of songs that shaped a decade's sound.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Smells Like Teen Spirit | Nirvana | Nevermind (Remastered) | 2B+ |
| 2. I Will Always Love You | Whitney Houston | The Bodyguard - Original Soundtrack Album | 2B+ |
| 3. U Can't Touch This | MC Hammer | Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em | 860M+ |
| 4. It Must Have Been Love | Roxette | (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition) | 800M+ |
| 5. Enter Sandman | Metallica | Metallica (Remastered) | 668M+ |
| 6. Wannabe | Spice Girls | Spice | 655M+ |
| 7. I Do It For You | Bryan Adams | Waking Up The Neighbours | 645M+ |
1. Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana - 1991)
Grunge Anthem: While technically an American song, Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" had a massive impact on the UK 90s music scene, defining a generation's angst and shaping the alternative rock landscape.
Unforgettable Hook: The iconic, distorted guitar riff and Kurt Cobain's raw vocal delivery are instantly recognizable, ensuring its place in musical history, even beyond its decade of origin.
Cultural Impact: Its music video further cemented its status, becoming a visual touchstone of the era and influencing countless artists.
2. I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)
Powerhouse Vocals: Whitney Houston's iconic performance on "I Will Always Love You" is a masterclass in vocal control and emotional delivery, perfectly showcasing her range and power.
90s UK Chart Domination: While a US release, its impact on the UK charts in the 90s was undeniable, solidifying its status as a global phenomenon and a defining song of the decade's romantic ballads.
Enduring Legacy: The song's timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, securing its place as a karaoke staple and a reminder of Houston's unparalleled talent.
3. U Can't Touch This (Please Hammer Don't Hurt 'Em - 1990)
Unforgettable Groove: MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" brought a unique blend of hip-hop and pop to the UK airwaves in the 90s, its infectious rhythm instantly recognizable.
Sampling Genius: The song's iconic sample of Rick James' "Super Freak" cemented its place in music history, showcasing innovative production techniques prevalent in the era.
Enduring Legacy: Despite its American origins, "U Can't Touch This" resonated deeply with UK audiences, showcasing the transnational appeal of 90s pop and its lasting impact on dance floors.
4. It Must Have Been Love - (What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
Power Ballad Perfection: Roxette's "It Must Have Been Love" delivers a soaring, emotionally resonant performance that perfectly captures the melancholic yet hopeful spirit of 90s pop.
Unforgettable Vocals: Marie Fredriksson's vocals are simply stunning, conveying vulnerability and strength in equal measure, making this a truly iconic 90s track.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless melody and relatable lyrics ensure that "It Must Have Been Love" remains a cherished classic, transcending its 90s origins to connect with listeners across generations.
5. Enter Sandman - Metallica (Remastered)
Unlikely 90s UK Hit: While primarily a US release, Metallica's "Enter Sandman" permeated the UK airwaves in the 90s, showcasing the global reach of metal even within a distinctly British musical landscape.
Heavy Metal's Lullaby: The song's deceptively gentle opening, juxtaposed with its aggressive power chords, created a unique and memorable soundscape that transcended genre boundaries.
Enduring Legacy: "Enter Sandman" remains a powerful testament to Metallica's songwriting prowess and continues to resonate with listeners today, proving its lasting impact beyond its initial 90s popularity.
6. Wannabe (Spice Girls - 1996)
Anthemic Girl Power: "Wannabe" perfectly captures the defiant spirit of 90s British girl power, setting a benchmark for female empowerment in pop music.
Unforgettable Hook: The instantly recognizable melody and addictive chorus solidified its place as a defining track of the decade, remaining a singalong staple today.
Enduring Legacy: Its impact extends beyond a catchy tune; "Wannabe" influenced a generation, impacting fashion, attitudes, and the landscape of pop music itself.
7. I Do It For You (Bryan Adams - 1991)
Power Ballad Perfection: Bryan Adams' "I Do It For You" delivers a quintessential 90s power ballad experience, showcasing Adams' signature soaring vocals and emotional depth.
Unforgettable Hook: The song's instantly catchy melody and memorable chorus cemented its place in the hearts of many, making it a staple of the era.
Enduring Appeal: Its timeless quality and emotional resonance ensured its continued popularity, proving its worth as a standout track in the best songs of the 90s UK music scene.
8. Ice Ice Baby (Vanilla Ice)
90s UK Hip-Hop Influence: While an American hit, "Ice Ice Baby" undeniably impacted the UK's burgeoning hip-hop scene in the early 90s, showcasing a blend of accessible rap and pop elements that resonated widely.
Sampling Prowess: Vanilla Ice's skillful sampling of Queen's "Under Pressure" remains a defining feature, highlighting the innovative use of samples in popularizing hip-hop across international borders and generations.
Enduring Popularity: Despite its simplicity, the song's infectious hook and memorable bassline cemented its place in 90s popular culture, making it a quintessential track of the era, even across geographical boundaries.
9. Nothing Compares 2 U (I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got)
Heart-wrenching Vocals: Sinéad O'Connor's raw, emotive delivery is the song's undeniable centerpiece, making it a standout track of the 90s UK music scene.
Timeless Ballad: Its haunting melody and poignant lyrics transcend fleeting trends, ensuring its enduring appeal even decades later.
Cultural Impact: "Nothing Compares 2 U" became more than just a hit; it solidified O'Connor's place in music history and remains a powerful example of emotional vulnerability in 90s pop.
10. Wonderwall (Oasis)
Anthemic Britpop Sound: Wonderwall's iconic guitar riff and soaring vocals perfectly capture the energy of 90s UK rock, solidifying its place in music history.
Nostalgic 90s Vibe: The song evokes a potent sense of nostalgia for the decade, resonating with listeners who experienced its release and captivating new generations with its timeless quality.
Enduring Popularity: Its simple yet powerful lyrics and unforgettable melody explain why Wonderwall remains a staple of 90s UK music and a beloved classic across the globe.
11Believe
Cher
1998
Believe
12Don't Look Back in Anger
Oasis
1995
(What's The Story) Morning Glory? (Deluxe Remastered Edition)
13Angels
Robbie Williams
1997
Life Thru A Lens
14Firestarter
The Prodigy
1996
15Vogue
Madonna
1990
Like a Virgin
16Jump
Kris Kross
1992
Totally Krossed Out
17Rhythm Is A Dancer
SNAP!
1993
The Madman's Return
18Alive
Pearl Jam
1991
Ten
19Groove Is in the Heart
Deee-Lite
1990
20Love Shack
The B-52s
1990
21The Power
SNAP!
1990
22Right Here, Right Now
Fatboy Slim
1998
23Common People
Pulp
1995
24Stay
Shakespears Sister
1992
25Parklife
Blur
1994
26Bittersweet Symphony
The Verve
1997
27Killer
Seal,Adamski
1990
28Candle in the Wind 1997
Elton John
1998
29Unchained Melody
Robson , Jerome
1995