29 Unforgettable 90s Hits: The Best Songs of the Decade

The 90s. Grunge, boy bands, and unforgettable melodies that still echo in our minds today. If you're craving a nostalgic trip back to that era of iconic sounds, then you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the decade's defining tracks, bringing you the definitive ranking of the best songs of the 99s. From chart-topping pop anthems to groundbreaking hip-hop and alternative rock hits, we’ve curated a collection that transcends genre and reignites the feelings of a bygone era. Whether you’re reliving your youth or discovering the music that shaped a generation, get ready to rediscover the energy, the emotion, and the sheer brilliance of the best music the 90s had to offer. Prepare for a serious dose of 90s nostalgia – and maybe even a dance party or two!

1. I Want It That Way (Millennium)

Sound: "I Want It That Way" boasts a signature, instantly recognizable blend of smooth R&B and pop, perfectly capturing the sonic landscape of late 90s boy bands.

Vocals: The harmonies are tight and emotive, showcasing the Backstreet Boys' vocal prowess and contributing to the song's enduring appeal.

Emotional Impact: Its relatable lyrics about yearning for a lost love resonated deeply with listeners in the 90s and continue to evoke nostalgia.

2. Baby One More Time

Sound: The instantly recognizable, heavily synthesized intro and driving beat perfectly captured the era's pop sound, setting a template for countless future hits.

Vocals: Britney's breathy yet powerful vocals, still surprisingly fresh and captivating, deliver a memorable performance that conveys both teen angst and playful confidence.

Pop Culture Impact: Its iconic music video, featuring Spears's now-legendary schoolgirl outfit, cemented its place in pop culture history and continues to be referenced and reinterpreted today.

3. Livin' la Vida Loca (1999)

Infectious Rhythm: Livin' la Vida Loca's irresistible beat and instantly memorable melody perfectly encapsulate the vibrant energy of the late 90s.

Ricky Martin's Vocals: Martin's passionate delivery and charismatic vocals are undeniable, adding to the song's infectious appeal and making it a true standout hit of the era.

Cultural Impact: This song transcended language barriers and became a global phenomenon, solidifying its place as a defining track of the decade's pop landscape.

4. All Star (Astro Lounge - 1999)

Anthemic Quality: "All Star" possesses an undeniably catchy and uplifting quality, perfectly encapsulating the optimistic spirit of the late 90s.

Nostalgic Sound: Its distinctive blend of power pop and ska influences evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the era, making it a timeless classic.

Enduring Popularity: The song's infectious rhythm and memorable lyrics cemented its place in pop culture history, remaining a recognizable and beloved tune even today.

5. No Scrubs (Fanmail - 1999)

Sound: "No Scrubs" boasts a quintessential 90s R&B sound, with a crisp, funky beat and memorable synth riff that remains instantly recognizable.

Vocals: TLC's harmonies are flawless, showcasing their incredible vocal talent and creating a powerful, assertive female vocal dynamic that defined the era.

Cultural Impact: The song's sharp lyrics about rejecting unworthy romantic partners resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its status as a defining anthem of female empowerment in the late 90s.

6. Smooth (1999)

Smooth Vocals: Rob Thomas's effortlessly cool vocals perfectly complement Santana's iconic guitar work, creating a captivating blend of rock and pop sensibilities that defined the smooth sounds of the late 90s.

Unforgettable Melody: The instantly recognizable melody and infectious rhythm are undeniably catchy, making "Smooth" a radio staple and a song that continues to resonate with listeners even today.

Cultural Impact: Its massive success cemented its place in 90s pop culture, representing a successful fusion of genres and a defining sound of the era.

7. Believe (1998)

Sound: Believe's soaring, anthemic sound, built on a powerful synth riff and driving beat, perfectly captured the hopeful spirit of the late 90s.

Vocals: Cher's emotive vocals deliver a performance that is both vulnerable and empowering, making the song's message of perseverance deeply resonant.

Emotional Impact: Its uplifting message of self-belief and resilience, combined with its unforgettable melody, cemented "Believe" as a defining power ballad of the era.

8. Genie In a Bottle (Christina Aguilera)

Sound: A masterful blend of R&B and pop, "Genie In a Bottle" features a instantly recognizable, infectious beat that perfectly captures the vibe of the late 90s.

Vocals: Christina Aguilera's powerful vocals are showcased beautifully, demonstrating impressive control and range even at the start of her career.

Pop Culture Impact: The song's playful lyrics and suggestive music video cemented its place as a defining track of the era, becoming a staple of radio airwaves and a cultural touchstone.

9. If You Had My Love (On The 6 - 1999)

Sound: "If You Had My Love" boasts a crisp, iconic R&B-infused pop production, perfectly capturing the late 90s sound.

Vocals: Jennifer Lopez's confident and sultry vocals are unforgettable, showcasing her vocal range and star power at the dawn of her music career.

Pop Culture Impact: The song's music video, featuring Lopez's signature style and memorable dance moves, cemented its place in 90s pop culture history, significantly impacting the visual style of the era.

10. Angel of Mine (Monica)

Vocal Performance: Monica's powerhouse vocals are simply breathtaking in "Angel of Mine" showcasing her incredible range and emotional control, a hallmark of 90s R&B.

Emotional Resonance: The song's poignant lyrics about love and loss resonate deeply, tapping into a universal experience that continues to touch listeners even today.

Production Quality: The smooth, soulful production perfectly complements Monica's voice, creating an undeniably classic 90s R&B soundscape that remains timeless.

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  11

  What It's Like

  Everlast

  1998

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  12

  Save Tonight

  Eagle-Eye Cherry

  1997

  Desireless

• 

  13

  Fly Away

  Lenny Kravitz

  1998

  5

• 

  14

  Bailamos

  Enrique Iglesias

  1999

• 

  15

  Bills, Bills, Bills

  Destiny's Child

  1999

  The Writing's On The Wall

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  16

  Nobody's Supposed to Be Here

  Deborah Cox

  1999

• 

  17

  Kiss Me

  Sixpence None The Richer

  1998

  Sixpence None the Richer

• 

  18

  Have You Ever?

  Brandy

  1999

• 

  19

  All I Have to Give

  Backstreet Boys

  1998

  Backstreet Boys

• 

  20

  Unpretty

  TLC

  1999

• 

  21

  Heartbreak Hotel

  Whitney Houston

  1998

• 

  22

  Slide

  Goo Goo Dolls

  1999

• 

  23

  Angel

  Sarah McLachlan

  1997

• 

  24

  Every Morning

  Sugar Ray

  1998

  14:59

• 

  25

  What's It Gonna Be?!

  Janet Jackson,Busta Rhymes

  1999

  Extinction Level Event: The Final World Front

• 

  26

  Fortunate

  Maxwell

  1999

  BLACKsummers'night (2009)

• 

  27

  Last Kiss

  Pearl Jam

  1999

  Ten

• 

  28

  Where My Girls At?

  702

  1999

• 

  29

  I'm Your Angel

  R. Kelly,Celine Dion

  1999