Widely Popular Songs of the ‘90s
The ’90s churned out a glorious parade of one-hit wonders—songs that took over the airwaves, lived rent-free in our heads, and then disappeared almost overnight. Odds are a few of your old favorites are waiting here. Get ready to turn the nostalgia dial all the way up with 25 unforgettable blasts from the past.
Photograph by Mike F. Campbell, Wikimedia Commons
“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 remembered for her smash hit Crush—the international chart-topper that quickly became a must-have track on countless 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 first came out in 1988, it wasn't released in North America until 1993, when it climbed to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
"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”, Baz Luhrmann’s track is basically a spoken-word monologue laid over a mellow beat. If it doesn’t ring a bell, you’re not alone—but fun fact: it pops up all the time in ‘90s 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.
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“Steal My Sunshine” (1999)
"Steal My Sunshine" was hailed by critics for its clever use of samples and instantly cemented itself as a quintessential summer anthem. It climbed to number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100—Len’s first and only hit to make the chart.
"Barbie Girl" (1997)
We couldn’t leave this bubblegum classic off the list. Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” became the group’s biggest hit, topping charts around the world and spending four straight weeks at No. 1 in the UK.
Good luck finding a tween girl in the ’90s who didn’t know every word.
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)
Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet” became a breakout success in 1990, holding the number-one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and racking up multiple awards. The song serves as a heartfelt tribute to Elvis Presley—its title referencing both the black velvet paintings of the King and the hair dye he famously used.
"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 ridiculously catchy ’90s anthem was “We Like to Party” by the Vengaboys. At the height of their popularity, the group was even described as one of the most successful Dutch pop acts of all time—and one listen makes it easy to see why.
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," by British hip hop/electronic group Stereo MC’s, explores how people are constantly trying to categorize everything—and how different races often push for separation. Shortly after its release, the track shot up the charts worldwide, becoming one of the group’s defining hits.
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.
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