Party Like It’s 1995
Three decades ago, the airwaves were dominated by grunge hangovers, hip-hop explosions, Britpop anthems, and divas at the peak of their powers. 1995 was a wild year for music—one that gave us ballads, bangers, and everything in between. Now in 2025, these hits are officially 30 years old, making millennials feel ancient and Gen Z suspicious that time travel is real. Let’s look back at 21 songs from ’95 that still define the era.
Gangsta’s Paradise–Coolio
Few songs scream 1995 like this one. Coolio, borrowing Stevie Wonder’s haunting “Pastime Paradise” sample, created a hip-hop anthem that dominated charts and became immortalized in the soundtrack to Dangerous Minds. It wasn’t just a hit—it was a cultural moment, one that fused rap, pop, and social commentary into something unforgettable.
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise (feat. L.V.) [Official Music Video], Tommy Boy
Wonderwall–Oasis
Even if you’ve never willingly put this on, you’ve definitely sung along to it at some point. Liam Gallagher’s nasal swagger and Noel Gallagher’s songwriting created one of Britpop’s most enduring anthems. “Wonderwall” is both mocked and adored, but love it or roll your eyes at it, the song remains a generational marker.
Oasis - Wonderwall [4K Remastered], elcoronelGOD
California Love–2Pac (feat. Dr. Dre)
This wasn’t just a song—it was a declaration of West Coast dominance. With Dre’s futuristic production and 2Pac’s magnetic charisma, “California Love” became the ultimate hip-hop party anthem. The song’s legacy is undeniable, blasting from radios, clubs, and car stereos long after its release.
2Pac ft. Dr. Dre - California Love (Official Video) [Full Length Version], UPROXX
You Oughta Know–Alanis Morissette
Before Taylor Swift was writing scorched-earth breakup songs, Alanis was teaching us all how it was done. With biting lyrics and raw emotion, “You Oughta Know” turned bitterness into empowerment. It gave voice to the angry and heartbroken, and it made Alanis the queen of cathartic rage.
Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know (Official 4K Music Video), Alanis Morissette
1979–Smashing Pumpkins
Billy Corgan somehow made teenage boredom sound poetic. With its dreamy guitar layers and wistful tone, “1979” feels like a hazy summer evening bottled into four minutes. It’s nostalgic, moody, and one of those tracks that can still make listeners close their eyes and drift away.
The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979 (Official Music Video), Smashing Pumpkins
Ironic–Alanis Morissette
No, it’s not actually filled with examples of irony, but that didn’t stop the song from becoming iconic. Alanis’s sarcastic delivery and knack for making misfortune sound catchy turned “Ironic” into one of the most memorable pop-rock hits of the decade. Even today, the debate over whether the song is really ironic is part of its charm.
Alanis Morissette - Ironic (Official 4K Music Video), Alanis Morissette
Don’t Speak–No Doubt
This wasn’t just a ballad—it was Gwen Stefani’s heartache laid bare. Written about her breakup with bandmate Tony Kanal, “Don’t Speak” transformed personal pain into a worldwide hit. The song’s mix of ska roots and pop polish ensured it would dominate both charts and karaoke bars for decades.
No Doubt - Don't Speak (Official 4K Music Video), No Doubt
Dear Mama–2Pac
At a time when rap was often associated with aggression and bravado, 2Pac dropped this tender love letter to his mother. It was emotional, vulnerable, and highlighted the complexity of one of hip-hop’s greatest icons. “Dear Mama” proved that rap could be as heartfelt as any ballad.
Tha Crossroads–Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
This wasn’t just a song—it was a grieving ritual. Bone Thugs dedicated it to their mentor Eazy-E after his passing, and listeners everywhere connected with its themes of loss and faith. Its rapid-fire delivery and mournful harmonies created something both spiritual and unforgettable.
Bone Thugs N Harmony - Crossroads (HD), Hip-Hop Albums
Fake Plastic Trees–Radiohead
Before Radiohead went full-on experimental, they were still a band capable of making you cry into your flannel shirt. “Fake Plastic Trees” drips with melancholy and longing, a track that perfectly captured ’90s disillusionment. It also hinted at the ambitious direction the band would soon take.
Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees, Radiohead
Champagne Supernova–Oasis
Few songs are as sprawling and indulgent as this Britpop epic. With vague lyrics and soaring guitars, “Champagne Supernova” became a singalong favorite for stadiums full of fans. Oasis leaned into excess here, and that’s exactly what made it iconic.
Oasis - Champagne Supernova (Official Video), Oasis
One of Us–Joan Osborne
“What if God was one of us?” That question launched Joan Osborne into stardom. The song was catchy, provocative, and a little weird, but that’s exactly why it stuck in the cultural memory of the ’90s.
Joan Osborne - One Of Us, Joan Osborne
Fantasy–Mariah Carey
Mariah was already a star, but “Fantasy” was her moment of pure pop brilliance. Sampling Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love,” she delivered a track that was joyful, playful, and addictive. It became one of her signature songs and a reminder of just how fun pop could be.
Mariah Carey - Fantasy (Official 4K Video), Mariah Carey
Name–Goo Goo Dolls
Before “Iris” became their biggest hit, the Goo Goo Dolls made their mark with “Name.” The acoustic ballad showcased a softer side of alt-rock and earned the band mainstream success. It also set the stage for their eventual rise to soundtrack kings of the late ’90s.
Goo Goo Dolls - Name [Official Music Video] (HD Remaster), Goo Goo Dolls
Common People–Pulp
Jarvis Cocker’s cutting wit and sharp social commentary made this Britpop gem stand out. It wasn’t just a song—it was a takedown of class tourism and privilege, wrapped in an infectious melody. Decades later, it’s still one of the smartest pop songs ever written.
Stupid Girl–Garbage
Shirley Manson’s cool detachment made “Stupid Girl” an anthem for cynics. The dark, grungy production gave the track an edge that fit perfectly into the mid-’90s alt-rock scene. It wasn’t just music—it was attitude, and Garbage wore it well.
Garbage - "Stupid Girl" (Official Music Video), Pop Rock
Just a Girl–No Doubt
Before Gwen Stefani became a fashion icon and solo star, she gave us this feminist punk-pop anthem. “Just a Girl” turned sarcasm into empowerment, calling out the absurd limitations placed on women. It remains one of No Doubt’s most powerful and enduring tracks.
No Doubt - Just A Girl, No Doubt
Born Slippy (NUXX)–Underworld
If you’ve seen Trainspotting, you know this one hits hard. The pounding beats and hypnotic rhythm turned it into an electronic classic. Even without the movie, “Born Slippy” defined rave culture and introduced a whole generation to the darker side of dance music.
Underworld - Born Slippy (Nuxx), Underworld
I’ll Be There for You/You’re All I Need to Get By–Method Man & Mary J. Blige
Who knew gritty hip-hop and soulful R&B could sound this perfect together? Method Man and Mary J created a Grammy-winning hit that balanced streetwise swagger with genuine tenderness. It remains one of the most unique love songs of the ’90s.
Method Man - All I Need (Razor Sharp Remix) ft. Mary J. Blige, Method Man
Breakfast at Tiffany’s–Deep Blue Something
It might be cheesy, but sometimes cheese is timeless. This one-hit wonder became a radio staple, with its easygoing melody and singalong chorus. Even if you rolled your eyes, you probably sang it in the car at least once.
Deep Blue Something - Breakfast At Tiffany's (Official Music Video), Deep Blue Something
Give Me One Reason–Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman already had a reputation for heartfelt songwriting, and this bluesy track only solidified it. With its steady groove and soulful vocals, “Give Me One Reason” became one of her biggest hits. It’s a song that sounds just as fresh 30 years later.
Tracy Chapman - Give Me One Reason (Official Music Video), Tracy Chapman
You May Also Like:
The Most Iconic Soundtrack Songs of the 80s
Hot Facts About Denise Richards, The Real Girl Next Door
The Most Iconic MTV Music Videos
Source: 1
