20 Songs You Need on Your 90s Playlist and Why

If you follow me on Instagram, you are probably really sick of me talking about going to see the Jagged Little Pill musical this weekend in Boston. You may not be able to go see this incredible tribute to the queen of angst, but as a celebration of the best decade for music, I’m going to share 20 forgotten songs you need for your 90s playlist and why I love them.

1. Right Through You, Alanis Morissette

I had to include at least one JLP track! This song has perhaps one of my favorite lyrics of all time: “you took a long hard look at my ass and then played golf for a while.” I mean, as a 10 year old, I didn’t really get it – thanks, mom, for gifting me this wildly inappropriate CD 21 years ago. Now, maybe this line just hits a bit too close to home …

2. Always Be My Baby, Mariah Carey

Does a better karaoke song for the drunk millennial female exist? I don’t think so.

3. Lovefool, The Cardigans

Who remembers watching Claire Danes and Leo reprise Romeo + Juliet at every. single. slumber party of 1997?

4. Who Will Save Your Soul, Jewel

I can’t imagine how sick our parents were of hearing us belt “who will saaaaaa-eeee-aaaaaaave your soul.”

5. Mutt, blink-182

We all loved What’s My Age Again and All The Small Things, but I would argue that Mutt is the winning Enema Of The State track. Now that I’m over 17, I’m actively trying not to listen to the surely disgusting lyrics.

6. Gangsta’s Paradise, Coolio

Here’s another one that I appreciated far more as a teen / young adult than I did when it was released in 1995 and I was 8.

7. I Try, Macy Gray

Don’t they have a TV show where people sing ridiculously wrong song lyrics? Well, fun fact, I thought Macy Gray was singing “I blow bubbles when you are not here” pretty much all of middle school.

8. Strawberry Wine, Deana Carter

Enter, my early love of country music. Even though I didn’t have a grandpa, let alone one with a farm, I fully expected to find my first love on a picnic blanket in the country.

9. Bitter Sweet Symphony, The Verve

Cruel Intentions somehow made this the quintessential song of revenge and driving in a convertible, all at the same time.

10. One Headlight, The Wallflowers

We’ll take a break from chick music and soundtracks for this plain old awesome song from 1996. According to Wikipedia, it’s listed as one of the “100 Greatest Pop Songs of All Time.”

11. Say You’ll Be There, Spice Girls

You can’t blame me. You knew this list wouldn’t be complete without some spice. And, yes, Wannabe is simply the best. But if you need a new song for your 90s playlist rotation, this would be my pick.

12. Blue Clear Sky, George Straight

Ah, another country classic. “Here she comes, a walkin-talkin true love” giving us all more unrealistic romantic notions.

13. No Rain, Blind Melon

Great song. Hands down. But if you need a reminder of how weird music videos from the early 90s were, I highly recommend watching this one. 

14. As I Lay Me Down, Sophie B. Hawkins

Don’t ever get me started on how much I love the movie Now and Then. Maybe there’s a whole blog post in that alone. Anyway, this song is in that movie as one of the few non-oldie songs and I just love it.

15. Shine, Collective Soul

So, I didn’t really get into grunge rock until late college, at which point I went on a huge Nirvana kick. But come one, we all know Smells Like Teen Spirit is the best. I love Shine for the song you forgot was great!

16. Hook, Blues Traveler

A few years back, I went to a Blues Traveler concert having no idea what I was getting myself into. I of course knew this song and Run-Around, but I think I was a little too young for a jam band when these came out. Sad!

17. My Name Is, Eminem

Y’all. I have a confession. I LOVE Eminem. I know, he’s awful, but whatever. Next time you’re with me after a couple glasses of champagne turn on The Real Slim Shady and watch me rap every word. Well in 1999 we got a little introduction to Eminem via My Name Is.

18. Hypnotize, The Notorious B.I.G.

I almost didn’t include this one because did anyone really ever forget it? I sure didn’t. But, after Kat’s table dance in 10 Things I Hate About You, this song solidified its spot on every 90s playlist for years to come.

19. Let Her Cry, Hootie & The Blowfish

I go back and forth all the time if I like Darius Rucker or Hootie & The Blowfish better. This song may push Hootie over the edge for me.

20. All That She Wants, Ace of Base

No way was this list wrapping up without some Ace of Base. Also – after looking up the lyrics just now, I’ll never listen to this song the same way. Why was it so wrong to think someone in the 90s might be singing about infertility?!

 

Okay, so there you have it. The 20 forgotten songs that belong on your 90s playlist. What other songs would you add?