In the 1990s, music approached a new sonic and visual era. With the death of hair metal came the rise of grunge and riot grrrl, and pop music continued to strengthen and evolve. The '90s allowed for more rebellion and experimentation in mainstream music, with many household names using their artistic platform to call out harmful systemic rules or speak out on mental health struggles.
Also, the '90s not only represented the end of the previous decade, but it symbolized the approach of a new century. Technological advancements and the rise of the Internet changed the music industry in such an unprecedented way, and the music itself was undoubtedly impacted by the rapidly changing world around it.
Essentially, the decade represented a major turning point for music, and the result is some of the most visionary bodies of work in recent history. When you think of the '90s, there are crucial tracks that one thinks of almost instantly.
Ultimate 1990s tracks that you should still be listening to
"Lithium" - Nirvana
In regards to the "grunge" movement of '90s rock music, Nirvana was one of the greatest pioneers of the genre. Through frontman Kurt Cobain's painfully vulnerable vocal prowess and the band's abrasively poetic musicality, Nirvana maintains a legacy for their timeless music and artistry.
With the release of their sophomore LP, Nevermind, in 1991, Nirvana went from an underground punk band to rock 'n' roll icons seemingly overnight -- all while ending 1980s glam metal for good in the process. Nevermind became one of the highest-selling albums of all time, powered by hits such as "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Come As You Are," and "In Bloom."
"Lithium" was an additional single from Nevermind that helped to establish the "Seattle Sound," which had the early '90s in a chokehold. Its opening bass line soon builds into something ferocious and cathartic once joined by heavy guitars, drums, and the song's haunting and anthemic energy truly defines the raw power of '90s rock.
"Jennifer's Body" - Hole
The '90s rock scene saw more female artists at the forefront, and this was largely fueled by the decade's powerful Riot Grrrl movement. While Hole did not initially start the Riot Grrrl scene (credit that to Bikini Kill and Bratmobile), both Hole and their frontwoman, Courtney Love, played a major role in changing rock music's landscape through their powerful balance of feminine energy and grit.
Following their 1991 debut album Pretty On The Inside, Hole released their sophomore LP Live Through This in 1994, which established the group as a household name. "Jennifer's Body" is a definitive track from one of the decade's most iconic albums, balancing a soft femininity with brutal rage and destruction.
"Zombie" - The Cranberries
Irish rock group the Cranberries made a massive impact with the release of their hit single "Zombie." Written as a protest song against the Warrington Bombings, the song defined The Cranberries as a deeply profound act. Throughout the decade, the band rose to become one of the most widely successful alternative groups of the era.
Through its soft electric guitars and lead vocalist Dolores O'Riordan's powerfully emotive vocals, "Zombie" captures a distinct attitude, sadness, and sound of an era long gone. In the decades following the song's release, it has been frequently used as a protest anthem and praised for its healing expression of aggression.
"Vogue" - Madonna
After becoming a superstar in the 1980s, the Queen of Pop continued to evolve with the changing times and released her hit single "Vogue" in 1990. Initially featured on her soundtrack album I'm Breathless: Music from and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy, "Vogue" is a house-influenced track inspired by "vogueing," a dance move popularized within the Harlem ballroom scene.
Now considered one of her most successful singles of all time, "Vogue" is a true anthem of empowerment and culture. As she name-drops several Old Hollywood icons, it's so evident that Madonna herself belongs forever in the same class of pop culture royalty.
"Wherever I May Roam" - Metallica
After a string of highly successful albums throughout the '80s, Metallica joined producer Bob Rock to create what is now considered their best-selling and most successful album of all time. Despite being a self-titled album, Metallica's 1991 LP is widely referred to as "The Black Album," launching the band into massive mainstream stardom through hits like "Enter Sandman," "Sad But True," and "Unforgiven."
Metallica showed the group writing a number of more radio-friendly hits that still remained true to the band's signature ferocious sonic identity. However, the album also had Metallica exploring their softer side with ballads like "Nothing Else Matters" and "Unforgiven."
"Wherever I May Roam," a dark and hypnotic track, dances along the edge of brutal and vulnerable, standing out as one of the album's most cinematic pieces of songwriting.
"Bulls On Parade" - Rage Against The Machine
Four years after the release of the band's groundbreaking self-titled debut, Rage Against The Machine were still carrying on their identity as a politically charged rock group with the 1996 release of their second album, Evil Empire. "Bulls On Parade," the lead single off the album, calls out the U.S. military and their harmful tactics.
Not only did the single stay true to Rage Against The Machine's poetic and brutal artistry, but it is equally renowned for guitarist Tom Morello's contributions. Such guitar playing methods were previously unheard in rock music, and "Bulls On Parade" continues to inspire and ignite audiences to this day.
"...Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears
When it comes to artists who defined the '90s, as well as the turn into the 21st century, teen pop icon Britney Spears cannot be ignored, and while Madonna is the Queen of Pop, Spears holds the title as Princess. One of the highest-selling pop artists in history, Spears now maintains a legacy as revitalizing the teen pop genre in the late '90s and inspiring a new wave of pop singers.
"...Baby One More Time" is the debut single from Spears, later featured on her debut LP of the same name. While Spears has gone on to pursue a massive, widely successful career, her debut single alone is regarded as one of the most groundbreaking musical efforts in modern music history.
And even if you gravitate more towards the heavier contributions to this list, you can't deny how catchy "...Baby One More Time" truly is.
"Dreaming Of You" - Selena
Responsible for bringing Tejano music to the forefront of popular music, Selena was -- and is -- one of the most highly influential Mexican-American musicians of all time. Iconic for her contributions to both music and fashion (they didn't call her "the Tejano Madonna" for nothing), Selena is referred to as the Queen of Tejano Music.
Although her career was tragically cut short when she was murdered by her friend and former Selena Etc. boutiques manager Yolanda SaldÃvar, in 1995, Selena's impact on popular music is everlasting. That year, her final album, Dreaming Of You, was released posthumously and quickly became one of the highest-charting albums both for a female vocalist and in the Spanish language.
The album contained its hit title track, which was widely successful due to its heartfelt lyrics and ballad-like composition. It was believed that the album's title song played a huge role in the record's overall success, and many regard "Dreaming Of You" as one of the finest love songs ever written.
"Hypnotize" - The Notorious B.I.G.
"Hypnotize" is featured on Life After Death, the second and final studio album by East Coast hip-hop legend the Notorious B.I.G. Released only five days before he was murdered, "Hypnotize" is one of five singles to top the Billboard Hot 100 by an artist posthumously.
The Notorious B.I.G.'s career ended far too soon, but "Hypnotize" -- as well as the other songs featured on Life After Death-- had a massive impact on hip-hop artists in the decades that followed.
Fueled by an insanely catchy beat and backing vocals courtesy of Pamela Long, "Hypnotize" popularized a more sample-focused approach in the gangsta rap genre and further credited Biggie Smalls as the greatest rapper of all time.