50 of the Best ‘90s Songs for the Ultimate Throwback Playlist

The song of a generation. The Halloween costume inspiration of a lifetime. It’s kinda hard to believe this was Britney Spears’ debut single, especially since it basically helped define late ’90s music (and gave every person who watched it the compulsive desire to wear a pink crop top and white pants. Just me? Cool.). Actually, the school concept (and “schoolgirl but make it sexy”) was also Britney’s idea!

Ofc, it’s Kurt Cobain with arguably the *most* ’90s song (and, according to lots of ppl, one of the best songs of all time). This title can also be used as a line to describe the stench of an Axe-filled boys’ locker room, but I digress. With Dave Grohl writing and on drums, and the lyrics contradictory and confusing—and fascinating—you could probably listen to it a thousand times without getting bored. Trust me bc I’m pretty sure I have.

Guys! We don’t want no scrubs! Literally none! No time! Seriously, though, of the amazing TLC songs—yes, “Waterfalls” is incredible, we don’t have to fight about it—this lead single has the coolest music video style of all time (along with some terrrrrible CGI). Some ppl (probably scrubs) were irritated about the new word to describe an unambitious, broke male, and it inspired several not as good answer songs.

The Queen of Pop has to be on here, right? And even though many of her biggest hits were from the ’80s (before she came roaring back in ’98 with “Frozen” and “Nothing Really Matters”), “Vogue” snuck into the decade with a 1990 release. Fun fact: her inspo for the video came from the Harlem “House Ball” community, and she helped take it mainstream (and also, this song and its moves have been incredibly influential on music in general). Also, go watch her live performance of the song at the VMAs.

…anyway, here’s Wonderwall. Another candidate for “best song ever” that also makes singer Liam Gallagher want to “gag,” lol, the song is apparently about an imaginary friend who’ll do the hard work of saving you from yourself. A dream! The song went sextuple platinum, which is something I didn’t know was even a thing.

Fans of Gilmore Girls may recognize this timeless ’90s favorite from an episode early on in the WB series when Rory and Dean attend a dance together. And if you take one listen, you’ll understand why this lovestruck ballad really is the ultimate soundtrack for a high school slow dance. Soon enough, all those angsty teenage feels will come flooding right back. Sigh.

Further proof Gwen Stefani is a Vampiress who does not age. Like, are you kidding me?? Also, the fact that, after a long evolution, the song ended up being about a breakup between two of the actual band members (Gwen and Tony Kanal) has me absolutely dying inside. Like, do you think they thought of their relationship every time they sang it?? I have to know!! Also, this part: “I know you’re good / I know you’re good / I know you’re real good.” (Dies)

Back when the Bey Hive was a mere honeycomb. Also, the color blocking in this video! Fashion repeats itself, ppl! Both Queen Bey and Kelly Rowland were co-writers on this. Also, can we appreciate that the album, The Writing’s on the Wall, also had the insta-classic “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Bug A Boo,” and “Jumpin, Jumpin” on it?? But, ofc, this was the most successful single, because it absolutely rocks.

The Night at the Roxbury one (neck brace not included). The actual music video is a lot artsier—with vampires!—and the song was deservedly a worldwide hit. This is another one of those “but what do the lyrics even mean?” songs, and singer Nestor Alexander Haddaway says it’s open to interpretation. Just put it on after “Torn” for your breakup playlist.

Sweet, innocent X-tina! This was also a “battle” between the girl pop stars, both of whom starred in The New Mickey Mouse Club (with Mandy Moore, among others, hopping into the “who is the best ’90s female artist” debate later) but I say there’s enough room on the stage for both ladies. This video might not have had the wild cultural impact of Britney’s, but it established Christina as a legit artist with the *most* impressive pipes.

To clarify: No. I do not want my lover to get with my friends. I understand how the girls mean it (like, a BFF can spot a red flag a mile away, so they’d better like you), but I also think about the other meaning every time I listen. The Spice Girls’ debut single basically helped define their whole “girl power” vibe, and brought the word “zigazig ah” to the world (yes, it is a euphemism for sex).

Fiona was that b*tch in the ‘90s. This song was introduced to a new audience thanks to the ~sultriest~ J. Lo scene in Hustlers, but you and I both remember it from the first time ’round. Fiona was underrated, both because she pushed the boundaries of “acceptable” behavior (see also: her cradling a guy’s feet in a bathtub) and also because this song is actually about the complexities of using your sexuality to get something from someone (mind blown).

Before she was officially known as J.Lo or Mrs. Affleck, Jennifer Lopez was a movie star trying to cross over into the weekly Top 40 list. Back in ’99, “If You Had My Love” was her debut single, and it’s sorta been stuck in my head ever since. From the catchy chorus to the driving beat, this tune is an eternal viiiiiibe—not to mention, the music video delivers serious Y2K style inspo.

‘nuf said. Before “Run the World (Girls),” there was this absolute gem. A men’s shirt and short skirt is now my going-out uniform, so thanks, Shania!! Seriously, though, the song about female empowerment (which honors the “Addicted to Love” video) was so popular because of how much it ignores the “going out to meet someone” trope and focuses on how good you feel. 10/10, no notes.

NGL, whenever this song comes on the radio (yes, I still listen to the radio), I immediately begin belting it out. From the passionate lyrics to the heart-tugging instrumentation, how can you not? Though, fair warning: Lenny Kravitz crooning about refusing to give up on love miiiiiight make you consider calling your ex. And honestly, I can’t even blame you—it’s just one of those songs that has that kind of power.

Let’s set the scene, shall we? It’s a weekend morning, the sun is shining, the weather is vibing, the coffee is piping hot, and you’ve got no set plans. Where will the day take you? Who knows, but what I do know is listening to this song will set you on just the right path. This sensual Sade classic is essentially a musical mantra, perfect for getting into a grateful, openhearted mood.

OK, speaking of musical mantras, when life is getting you down, press play on this ’90s hit immediately. Within a few seconds of listening to Des’ree’s comforting voice and inspiring lyrics—”You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser,” come on!—you’ll be ready to tackle anything, bb. Or, y’know, you can just cry on the couch—that’s totally cool too.

If you didn’t want to bop around inside blooming flowers or swing on peaches, did you really live through the ’90s? Faith Hill was a true country pop queen, which is on full display in “This Kiss,” aka one of her biggest songs of the decade. From the moment those upbeat drums kick off the intro, it’s a full-fledged feel-good party.

Smooth as buttah vocals. And a music video themed around the Jerry Springer show (and inspired by “The Girl Is Mine” by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson!). *chef’s kiss* It also features a young Mekhi Phifer as the two-timing guy in question, which, fair, because he is wonderful-looking. This won a Grammy for best R&B song by a duo—as it should have.

*Roll the Charlie’s Angels’ Cameron Diaz club scene* See that? That is all of us. It’s hard to overstate how important this objectively hilarious song was at the time. It’s literally now just a song DJs play during a dance-heavy wedding, but at the time showing literal lady butts and singing about how amazing they are was surprisingly ~controversial~. And also made for a rlly hilarrible dance scene amongst 13-year-olds, not that I would know. Also, fun fact, the song lyrics are: “So Cosmo says you’re fat, well I ain’t down with that!” (I promise, we don’t think that and we also aren’t down with that.)