The 90s. A decade remembered for its weird fashion trends, iconic sitcoms, and of course, its music. The music of the 90s is both unique and diverse. Bands of the 90s set the tone for rock music being produced in the early 2000s, all the way through today. Some of the best songs you will ever hear on the radio were a product of the 90s. In no particular order, these 10 songs are what I would consider to be the best of that decade. However, there is no shortage of 90s playlists on Spotify if you would like to decide for yourself.
1. "Santeria" - Sublime
This infectious hit was released on January 7, 1997. It's considered the band, Sublime's, signature song. The blend of ska punk and alternative rock combined with the abstract lyrics make for a song that is truly unique.
2. "Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind
Also released in 1997, "Semi-Charmed Life" reached number 4 on the charts in the U.S. It uses rapid-fire lyrics and a bouncy melody to mask the dark content of the song-- drug addiction.
3. "Black Hole Sun" - Soundgarden
Released in 1994 on Soungarden's fourth studio album, "Black Hole Sun" is the group's signature song. The lead singer, the recently deceased Chris Cornell, wrote the entire piece in under 15 minutes.
4. "One Headlight" - The Wallflowers
Composed by the Wallflowers' lead singer, Jakob Dylan, son of Bob Dylan, the folk rock legend, "One Headlight" was released in November of 1996. It was the first song to reach number 1 on all three of Billboard's rock airplay charts: Alternative Songs, Mainstream Rock Songs, and Adult Alternative Songs.
5. "Desperately Wanting" - Better Than Ezra
Released in late 1996, "Desperately Wanting" is the second single from the alternative rock band, Better Than Ezra's album Friction, Baby.
6. "Iris" - The Goo Goo Dolls
One of the most recognizable songs of the decade, "Iris", remains the Goo Goo Dolls' biggest hit. The song later achieved being ranked number one on Billboard's "Top 100 Pop Songs 1992–2012" chart.
7. "Mr. Jones" - Counting Crows
In 1993, "Mr. Jones" served as Counting Crow's first radio hit. Written by lead singer, Adam Duritz, about the bassist in his previous band, Marty Jones, this famed song charted in the 90s and still gets played on the radio today.
8. "Inside Out" - Eve 6
This 1998 hit by the alternative rock band, Eve 6, topped the Modern Rock Tracks chart three times.
9. "Jeremy" - Pearl Jam
Released in 1992, "Jeremy" is one of the biggest hits of the iconic grunge band, Pearl Jam. The song is known for its music video, which won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video of the Year in 1993.
10. "Criminal" - Fiona Apple
Written and performed by Fiona Apple, Criminal was released in 1997 when she was only 19. The song received a Grammy Award for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
