Rizzo Music is back with a new article from the “Popular Music of the 90s” series. Last week I made a list of some of the best pop music of the decade and today I am going to share with you my list for the most popular rock music of the 90s. Out of all the lists and playlists I have created in the past, this was by far the hardest to come up with. There are so many great artists and songs that originated in the 90s and deciding on just 5 songs for every year was tough. I tried to get representation out of all the key rock artists and hopefully I didn’t forget anyone.
After much debate I was able to compile this list of 90s rock music. There are so many songs that I really enjoy that could not be included due restrictions on space but there are 50 great singles here for your enjoyment.
How it works:
For each genre of music I will rank the top 5 singles from each year in the 90s. I will provide a link for each song (either imeem or youtube, depending on availability) for your listening pleasure.
Disclaimer: These rankings are based on my personal preferences, not on actual popularity. I think of these lists as recommendations. Hopefully these songs will bring back some good memories, and if you have never heard them before, maybe create some new ones.
Interested in 90s Pop and Rap as well? Be sure to check out these lists as well.
90s Pop Music
90s Rock Music
Starting with the year 1999:
1. “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit
2. “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind
3. “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
4. “The Chemicals Between Us” by Bush
5. “Heavy” by Collective Soul
1998:
1. “Inside Out” by Eve 6
2. “The Way” by Fastball
3. “Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground
4. “Shimmer” by Fuel
5. “Closing Time” by Semisonic
1997:
1. “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
2. “Push” by Matchbox Twenty
3. “Everlong” by Foo Fighters
4. “The Freshman” by The Verve Pipe
5. “Everything to Everyone” by Everclear
1996:
1. “1979” by Smashing Pumpkins
2. “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers
3. “Counting Blue Cars” by Dishwalla
4. “What I Got” by Sublime
5. “In the Meantime” by Spacehog
1995:
1. “Lightning Crashes” by Live
2. “Wonderwall” by Oasis
3. “Glycerine” by Bush
4. “Name” by Goo Goo Dolls
5. “Good” by Better Than Ezra
1994:
1. “When I Come Around” by Green Day
2. “Shine” by Collective Soul
3. “I Alone” by Live
4. “Self Esteem” by The Offspring
5. “About a Girl” by Nirvana
1993:
1. “Rooster” by Alice in Chains
2. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
3. “Hey Jealousy” by Gin Blossoms
4. “No Rain” by Blind Melon
5. “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine
1992:
1. “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam
2. “In Bloom” by Nirvana
3. “Drive” by R.E.M.
4. “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica
5. “Creep” by Radiohead
1991:
1. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
2. “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains
3. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
4. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
5. “Right Here, Right Now” by Jesus Jones
1990:
1. “Hunger Strike” by Temple of the Dog
2. “Kool Thing” by Sonic Youth
3. “Head Like A Hole” by Nine Inch Nails
4. “Stop!” by Jane’s Addicton
5. “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
Well there you have it. The top 5 songs from each year of the 90s. Thanks for listening and enjoy.
Agree? Disagree? Feel free to share your opinion by making a comment below.
1994 should have Black Hole Sun
also, the about a girl version is probobly the unplugged version, which was released in 94
Well i have to say, this is possibly the most completely diverse list of songs, it really covered all the spectra of 90’s rock, good work
no move to the next generation of rock
Great list. Good job!
too many good songs came out during the 90’s.. restricting to 5 songs a year was not a good idea
I miss a song from blood sugar sex magic
this all leaves a very weird feeling in my belly. also it makes me want to wear an oversized ripped striped sweater. also I never realised before how so much 90’s music sounded like Alice in Chains up until it suddenly all sounded like Oasis.
also….tons of songs that I hated when I was a teen I’m totally sentimental for. Teen me would have argued to the death about loads of these songs.
So basically radio 92.9 boston’s full song library
Where is “Time of Your Life” by Green Day for 1998? It was only the senior class song for about 95% of the graduating classes for that year.
Time of Your Life is a good one that should be on the list! Apart from that .. loving the list.
I agree with david, black hole sun definitely needs to be on there!
third eye blind – semi charmed life is the best song of the 90’s period.
thank you for putting the way by fastball on here. i heard that song on the radio months ago and i couldnt find it anywhere. so happy i found it.
two princess by spin doctors, 90est song ever
This horrid list makes the 90s seem like the worst decade in musical history.
There needs to bee more Nirvana. Other than that this list is AWESOME, so don’t listen to people like Tom Little.
I realize it’s a pop list .. But not one tool song off the aenima album?
90’s songs are best songs, you will like it,
Tom little is wrong.
Yes! Yes! Yes! Great songs great memory’s…. Lots of smiles!!!
the 90s are great
The 90s had classics
1991, You left out anything by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Blood Sugar Sex Magik was a breakthrough album not only for them, but for the entire genre. WTF?
Where’s Toad the Wet Sprocket?
Dude… no incubus?
Someone dropped the ball, there…
Also, The Distance, by Cake should’ve taken fuel’s place.
But, that said – few would’ve included half of the gems you were able to.
So kudos.