[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
The 1990s were a time when alternative rock upended the dominance of the hit charts that had lasted through the ’80s, indie artists brimming with talent thrived without relying on major labels, and one young talent after another emerged in hip-hop and R&B.
Of course, the mainstream pop scene also produced countless big hits.
Among the countless hit songs and classics born from these diverse scenes, this time we’re picking out “summer songs” perfect for the season.
From definitive anthems that sing directly about summer to killer tunes made for hot days, we’re bringing you a richly varied lineup!
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[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (111–120)
Black Hole SunSoundgarden
Soundgarden is a U.
S.
rock band that was active from the 1980s through the 1990s.
In the 1980s, they established themselves as one of the pioneers of alternative metal, and in the 1990s they helped create the grunge movement.
Among their works, a summer song I particularly recommend is Black Hole Sun.
The combination of heavy, low-end-driven drums and bass with ethereal guitar evokes Nina Hagen’s Naturträne.
FlySugar Ray
A song released in 1997 by Sugar Ray, a rock band formed in Orange County, California.
Two versions were recorded, one featuring the Jamaican DJ Super Cat.
Characterized by a reggae-fusion sound, the track spent four consecutive weeks at No.
1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Airplay chart.
Mo Money Mo ProblemsThe Notorious B.I.G.
A song that addresses the problems brought by money and success.
It features female vocals by renowned session singer Kelly Price.
The track samples the groove from Diana Ross’s 1980 hit “I’m Coming Out.”
Semi-Charmed LifeThird Eye Blind
A song depicting a drug user’s descent into addiction.
It’s about always searching for something, never satisfied, and slipping back to what’s been lost or can never be gained.
It was Third Eye Blind’s debut single, released in 1997.
RegulateWarren G ft. Nate Dogg
Released in the summer of 1994, this song is the breakout single by West Coast rapper Warren G and singer Nate Dogg.
It samples Michael McDonald’s 1982 hit “I Keep Forgettin’.”
1979The Smashing Pumpkins
Hailing from Chicago, The Smashing Pumpkins rose to prominence in the ’90s grunge–alternative rock scene and went on to score explosive hits worldwide.
Despite various twists and turns, they remain highly active in the 2020s, and one of their signature songs, “1979,” is a track in which main composer Billy Corgan sings about memories from the year 1979, as the title suggests.
While the lyrics don’t explicitly include words that signify summer, the song—together with its highly acclaimed music video—carries a certain nostalgic atmosphere that evokes the feeling of a teenage summer.
In fact, it’s often cited abroad as a classic summer tune.
Be sure to play this song in your car and revisit your own youthful summer memories!
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, the Western music scene of the 1990s was a time when a wide variety of styles emerged and hits were born from many different fields.
With that in mind, looking over the songs selected for this article, we can see that, in terms of summer hits, R&B and pop were especially prominent.
Our site features many other articles with fun themes like this, so be sure to check them out!