Widely Popular Songs of the ‘90s
There are numerous one-hit wonders of the ‘90s, and we’re willing to bet that some of your favorite songs back then were some of them.
Let the nostalgia take you back with 25 of these undeniable hits.
“Macarena” (1993)
Macarena is often referred to as the dance craze of the decade. In fact, even kids today are learning the macarena.
In fact, even today, it remains “the number one one-hit wonder of all time.”
“All For You” (1997)
Sister Hazel was a big deal to anyone who grew up in the South in the ‘90s and ‘00s, but their biggest hit, All For You, is considered a one-hit wonder to the general public.
“Send Me On My Way” (1996)
You may not know Rusted Root, but you likely know this song from both Matilda and Ice Age.
“Walking in Memphis” (1991)
Marc Cohn’s Walking in Memphis reached number 13 in 1991 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is his only Top 40 hit.
“Crush” (1998)
Jennifer Paige is best known for her international number one pop hit, Crush, which became a popular song for sneaking onto teenage mix-tapes.
"Here Comes The Hotstepper" (1994)
If you don’t know it by name, you will definitely know it the moment it starts playing. This song remains Jamaican dancehall artist, Ini Kamoze’s biggest hit to date.
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" (1993)
Even kids today know this song. Although it was first released in 1988, but it wasn’t released in North America until 1993, when it then reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S.
"Nothing Compares 2 U" (1990)
Sinead O'Connor is an artist that is often thought of as a one hit wonder thanks to cover of an obscure Prince song, 'Nothing Compares 2 U.
“Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)” (1999)
Also known as “The Sunscreen Song”, by Baz Luhrmann, features a spoken-word track set over a mellow backing track.
If you don’t know it, you’re not alone. But apparently, this song comes up a lot in 90’s bar trivia.
Fairfax Media Archives, Getty Images
"Sunny Came Home" (1996)
"Sunny Came Home" was a commercial success, reaching number seven on the US Billboard Hot 100 to become Colvin's first entry and first top-10 single on the chart.
The song was also a critical success, winning both Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year and was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Korye Logan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Torn” (1997)
Ahhh, the moody pop song ever self-respecting ‘90s teen knew. Natalie Imbruglia’s hit has been streamed more than 230 million times on Spotify to date.
“Breakfast at Tiffany’s” (1995)
This romantic pop song was released into the world by Deep Blue Something in 1995—and then we never heard from the band again.
But there isn’t a ‘90s soul who doesn’t know this song.
“Mambo No. 5” (1999)
Lou Bega’s Mambo No. 5 is one of the most iconic songs of the ‘90s. It became a worldwide hit after it was released, topping almost every chart in Europe and making its way onto every party playlist on the planet.
picture alliance, Getty Images
“Steal My Sunshine” (1999)
"Steal My Sunshine" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its sample usage and considered the song a quintessential summer hit.
The song peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100, giving Len their first and only entry on the chart.
"Barbie Girl" (1997)
We couldn’t skip this one. Barbie Girl is Aqua’s most popular work as it topped the charts worldwide. It remained number-one in the UK for four weeks straight.
There wasn’t a tween girl in the ‘90s who didn’t know this song.
BulsaraAndDeacon, Wikimedia Commons
"Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" (1990)
This song is both an excellent pump-up song and a dance hit all tied into one. Even today, this song is considered a banger, and probably always will be.
"Possum Kingdom" (1994)
This one has been noted for its deeply concerning lyrics, and even weirder title. The American alternative rock band, Toadies, weren’t known to many, but this song was favored by enough people to be used in tv shows and video games.
Danazar, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
"Kiss Me" (1997)
This chart-topper by Sixpence None the Richer was actually the first song Taylor Swift learned on the guitar—when she was 12.
prassprasetio, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
"Black Velvet" (1990)
Canadian, Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” became a number-one hit for two weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1990, and received numerous awards.
The song is a paean for Elvis Presley, whose portrait was often painted on black velvet, and who used a hair dye named Black Velvet.
"One Headlight" (1997)
Jakob Dylan, the son of superstar folk singer, Bob Dyaln, led The Wallflowers until they broke up in 2005. Together, they made “One Headlight” a huge hit.
Shannon Kringen, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
"We Like To Party" (1999)
Another ‘90s crazy catchy hit was “We Like to Party,” by the Vengaboys—who were once known as "the most successful Dutch pop group of all time."
Marco Maas, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
"More Than Words" (1990)
“More Than Words” was an unusually mellow hit (a slow, simple acoustic ballad) from the hard rock band Extreme—and it did surprisingly well.
"Return of the Mack" (1996)
R&B singer Mark Morrison’s “Return of the Mack” topped the UK Singles Chart for an entire month after its release, and then moved on to becoming a European and Australian hit.
It reached number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and went platinum.
"Connected" (1992)
"Connected" is a song by British hip hop/electronic music group Stereo MC's. It’s about the way everyone tries to categorize everything. The way every race is trying to separate from each other.
It topped charts all over the world shortly after its release.
Amire80, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
“Sex and Candy” (1997)
“Sex and Candy” is a post-grunge song with psychedelic elements. The song's abstract lyrics refer to the disco era and include hippie lingo.
The song’s writer, John Wozniak, said the song is an “unorthodox love song” that he doesn’t actually know what it means.
Even so, it also topped charts all around the globe, including hitting number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100—and staying there for a then-record-setting 15 weeks.
.jpg){kind=link}
