[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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- Golden age of Western music! Recommended summer songs that were hits in the 80s
- Classic Western hip-hop songs recommended for summer
- [2025 Updated Edition] Western songs to listen to in summer: recommended summer tracks
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (21–30)
Walkin’ On The SunSmash Mouth
Formed in 1994, Smash Mouth is a charismatic rock band that still enjoys a passionate following.
Their debut single is Walkin’ On The Sun.
While it’s rock, it also has strong reggae elements, making it the kind of track that makes you want to gently sway as you listen.
Even after 2000, Smash Mouth continued producing songs with a retro flair.
Their nostalgic vibe is perfect for summer evenings, so be sure to check them out.
Say You’ll Be ThereSpice Girls
A song by the Spice Girls recorded at producer Eliot Kennedy’s home studio.
It was released in 1996.
The music video, in which the members play fictional characters, was filmed in the Mojave Desert and won Best Video at the 1997 Brit Awards.
[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (31–40)
JumpKriss Kross
A song by the hip-hop duo Kris Kross, who were 13-year-old teenagers at the time.
It samples the bassline from The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” It was their most successful song and became a hit in the United States as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
I’ll Be Missing YouPuff Daddy ft. Faith Evans & 112
A tribute to the rapper The Notorious B.
I.
G.
, who died at age 24 on March 9, 1997.
It samples The Police’s song “Every Breath You Take.” It features vocals by The Notorious B.
I.
G.
’s wife, Faith Evans, and the R&B group 112.
All I Wanna DoSheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow is an American female singer who gained popularity in the 1990s with a music style centered on country and western.
She’s known for mixing various genres, and in “All I Wanna Do,” you’ll find verses that approach hip-hop and chord progressions reminiscent of jazz, all woven into a very unique melody.
Overall, the track has a western finish, making it a perfect piece for a summer evening.
Cruel Summer (Bananarama Cover)Ace of Base
Ace of Base is a music group from Sweden.
With a sound centered on adult contemporary, Europop, and techno, they gained popularity in the 1990s.
They were also popular in Japan, where Eurobeat enjoys unusually high popularity.
Among their works, a summer song I especially recommend is Cruel Summer (Bananarama Cover).
Since it’s a cover of a song by the English girl group Bananarama, be sure to compare it with the original.
CreepTLC
TLC, the three-member girls’ group that became a social phenomenon in the ’90s.
These days, when we hear “girls’ group,” we tend to imagine idol groups singing cute songs.
But back in the ’90s, groups like TLC, who centered their music on hip-hop, were in the spotlight.
By the way, TLC is recognized as the best-selling girls’ group in the world.
One of their signature tracks is Creep.
Its boldly provocative lyrics and old-school beat create an unexpectedly breezy vibe.
If you’re looking to cool off with some music in the summer heat, definitely give it a listen.