Oh the 90s. Such a simpler time to be alive. Most of us were young children, completely unaware of the musical impact this era would have. Luckily, the songs released during this time period would play throughout our childhoods attaching memories to the tunes. Now, as college students, we can listen to these nostalgia-evoking melodies and smile while driving along the beach or completing homework in a coffee shop. Now let me tell you, choosing only nine songs for this was nearly impossible. While there could be 90, these were the ones which I still listen to today and will never get tired of.
9. "3 a.m." - Matchbox Twenty
A classic feel-good song. Released in 1997, this alt-rock hit reached the top of the Canadian RPM record charts less than a year later. People will instantly recognize this song once they hear “She says baby, it’s 3 a.m. I must be lonely.”
8. "This Is How We Do It" - Montell Jordan
It’s practically impossible to remain still once the iconic “this is how we do it” begins to play. Whether you are at a football game or a frat party, this song pumps everyone up. It has been 21 years since the release, and it is still as popular as before.
7. "You Get What You Give" - New Radicals
Gotta love the one-hit wonders. Maybe you recognize this song from Scooby Doo 2: Monster’s Released, or maybe you were just born with good music taste. Either way, this song can be found playing on the radio today because society isn’t sick of it just yet.
6. "Say My Name" - Destiny’s Child
Ladies, don’t lie. At some point in your life, you have belted this song with your best friends without a care in the world for how you may sound. Before Beyoncé went solo, she was known for the classic line, “You actin’ kinda shady, ain’t callin’ me baby, why the sudden change?”
5. "All Star" - Smash Mouth
One word. Shrek. Even as an elementary school kid, you without a doubt knew every single word. Now, as a college student, you still know all of the words and may even impress people at parties with this ability when they DJ decides to start a throwback session. The lyric, “Your brain gets smart but your head gets dumb,” accurately depicts the college experience.
4. "Closing Time" - Semisonic
“Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.” This lyric is the reason for the song being overplayed during graduations: high school or college. However, it never seems to get old for it still evokes some sort of feelings in me. There is something magical about new beginnings. There are no restrictions and possibilities are endless.
3. "Semi-Charmed Life" - Third Eye Blind
It is a rare occasion when someone hands me the aux chord and I don’t play this song. The beat and chorus are incredibly catchy and possibly relatable to USD students. Let’s face it, many Toreros live privileged lives; however, they may want something else to get them through this semi-charmed kinda life. The venture to the beach quite often so they probably believe in the sand beneath their toes as well. (By the way, these are all references to the lyrics which you should actually truly listen to because they are quite funny).
2. "Wannabe" - The Spice Girls
Zigazig haaa! This song preaches the truth, “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends.” No one wants a boyfriend who doesn’t get along with their besties. Play this song in any group setting, and every single person will break into song. I can guarantee it.
1. "All the Small Things" - blink-182
First of all, it was extremely hard to pick only one Blink-182 song. Their songs are such classics, for they are a very talented rock band. While most people nowadays listen to the rap genre, they can’t forget about songs like these. It has a positive vibe to it, and can bring strangers together simply through the power of good music. You can catch them screaming, “Na na na na…”
