[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 hit in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (11–20)
Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)The Offspring
As a killer tune perfect for the hot summer season, I’d like to recommend this track by The Offspring.
Released as a single from their September 1998 album Americana, it topped charts around the world.
The song satirizes white youths who imitate hip-hop and rap culture, showcasing a sharp, irony-laden sense of humor.
It’s a must-check for anyone interested in American pop culture or who loves ’90s punk rock.
I recommend listening to it in an air-conditioned room on a hot summer day.
Doo-Wop (That Thing)Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill is an artist who made a major impact in the neo-soul genre.
Her emergence helped bring widespread recognition to the very existence of female rappers.
Her distinctive flow also had a huge influence on the hip-hop scene that followed.
Lauryn Hill’s debut single was “Doo-Wop (That Thing).” Although a CD release wasn’t planned at first, the song gained word-of-mouth traction after being played on the radio, which led to its official release.
Its hip-hop-tinged, cool neo-soul sound is refreshing just to listen to.
Be sure to check it out!
You Get What You GiveNew Radicals
When it comes to the New Radicals’ hit songs, this is the one.
Released in the late ’90s as their debut single, it’s included on the album “Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too.” The track centers on youth, taking on challenges, and the strength to overcome adversity, serving as an anthem for young people facing tough circumstances.
It climbed high on charts around the world and was so popular that VH1 named it one of the “Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the ’90s.” It also drew attention when it was performed at Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration in January 2021.
It’s the perfect song for when the summer heat is getting to you or you need a boost of energy.
Be sure to give it a listen.
Freedom! ’90George Michael
This track bursts with a refreshing energy that blows away the summer heat of the 1990s.
George Michael’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression.
The lyrics, which express a yearning for freedom, resonated with many people.
It’s included on the album Listen Without Prejudice Vol.
1 and was released in October 1990.
The music video, featuring supermodels who were at the height of their popularity at the time, became a hot topic.
It’s the kind of song you’ll want to blast with the windows wide open on a hot summer day—perfect as background music for a drive, too.
California Love2Pac
Tupac is a key figure you can’t avoid when talking about West Coast hip-hop.
I think any head in Japan knows him.
He had both the quintessential West Coast rapper side and a highly lyrical, sensitive side.
The latter is best known for Dear Mama.
California Love falls into the former category, a top-tier track that distills the best parts of the mid-school era.
It’s a classic that lets you feel the heat of a California summer.
The Bad TouchBloodhound Gang
A song by the American satirical band Bloodhound Gang.
It features catchy melodies rooted in pop rock and inventive lyrics.
The content satirically depicts human sexual urges and animal courtship behavior, marked by distinctive humor and shocking expressions.
Released in September 1999, it became a major hit, reaching number one in countries such as Germany and Austria.
Issued as a single from the album “Hooray for Boobies,” it also drew attention on MTV.
Popular in dance clubs, it hit number one on Billboard’s Dance Club chart.
With playful lyrics and an upbeat groove, it’s perfect for party scenes—a recommended track for those intrigued by bold lyrics.
[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (21–30)
The Rhythm of the NightCorona
Corona is a Eurodance project that spread its wings from Italy to the world.
Originally released in Italy in November 1993, this track became a global smash the following year and is still cherished as a quintessential ’90s dance anthem.
Its energetic synthesizer riffs and euphoric beats seem to whisk listeners straight onto the dance floor.
In Italy, it topped the charts for eight consecutive weeks and, together with the album The Rhythm of the Night on which it appears, took the world by storm.
It’s also used in a memorable scene in the film Beau Travail.
Perfect for cranking up the mood during summer drives or parties.