Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
The Western rock scene of the 1990s burned hot, hit hard, and yet gently kept stirring our hearts.
Queen’s majestic choral work, Metallica’s heavy sound, and Bon Jovi’s soul-stirring melodies.
Timeless masterpieces that never fade with the years are still deeply engraved in many people’s hearts today.
Powerful vocals, striking guitar riffs, and a universal world of lyrics.
We bring you the full allure of ’90s Western rock.
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Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the 90s (1–10)
Song 2Blur
The devastatingly powerful guitar sound unleashed by Blur, emblematic of British Britpop, sent shockwaves through the 1997 music scene.
Upending their previously English pop sensibilities, the band delivered an experimental piece that fused a raw, US indie rock–inspired sound with spontaneous, meaning-free lyrics—and, ironically, it became their biggest hit.
Born from the album “Blur,” the track’s impulsive creation—reportedly completed in just a few dozen minutes—helped open up a new frontier for the band.
Widely featured in films and video games, its explosive energy also electrifies crowds at sporting events.
It’s truly the perfect song for moments when you want to unleash your energy and get your heart racing.
Cryin’Aerosmith
A song released in June 1993 by the American hard rock band Aerosmith.
Issued as a single from the album Get a Grip, it became a major hit, reaching No.
12 on the Billboard charts.
It’s a love song about the pain of heartbreak and the strength to overcome it, featuring Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.
The music video starred a 19-year-old Alicia Silverstone at the time, which drew a lot of attention.
This work can be called a classic with a universal theme that anyone who has experienced the pain of love can relate to.
IrisGoo Goo Dolls
A heart-stirring rock ballad born from the story of the film City of Angels.
Released by America’s Goo Goo Dolls in April 1998, this song richly conveys the aching feelings of an angel who has fallen in love with a human.
Its beautiful melody weaves together a gentle gaze toward people striving to live and the protagonist’s resolve to seek love, even at the cost of eternal life.
Included on the band’s album Dizzy Up the Girl, the track became a massive hit, spending 18 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart.
It’s a recommended listen for those who want to reflect deeply on the determination to change oneself for a loved one, as well as the doubt and resolve that come at life’s crossroads.
Great Western Rock Classics and Hit Songs of the 90s (11–20)
1979The Smashing Pumpkins
A quintessential American alternative rock band, The Smashing Pumpkins deliver a nostalgic song that gently wraps memories of youth.
Featured on their January 1996 album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, this track became a major hit, reaching No.
12 on the Billboard charts.
Drawing on frontman Billy Corgan’s experiences at age 12, it deftly expresses the purity and free spirit of youth, along with a vague anxiety about the future.
Its catchy melody and distinctive synthesizer sound also led to its use in the endings of the film Clerks II and the game Gran Turismo 5.
It’s a perfect song to play when you want to reminisce with friends or revisit cherished memories.
Enter SandmanMetallica
A song by Metallica, a globally successful four-piece metal band.
Released as a single in 1991, it became one of Metallica’s signature tracks, marking their first entry into the UK Singles Chart top 10.
Beginning with an acoustic guitar in the opening and building into a heavy riff, the song’s structure delivers the powerful impact that only a true metal tune can.
It’s a timeless number that shocked metal fans of the era and continues to be loved across generations.
AlwaysBon Jovi
A song by Bon Jovi, known as a hallmark American hard rock band that achieved worldwide success, including in Japan.
Featured on the best-of album “Cross Road: The Best of Bon Jovi,” which has sold over 15 million copies globally, the track expresses deep lingering feelings and passion for a lost love.
From the intro up to just before the chorus, a minor-key mood pervades, and then the chorus opens up the scenery all at once—a song structure so well-crafted it’s worthy of a band that defined an era.
It’s a memorable track with a characteristically Bon Jovi catchy melody that blends pop sensibility with a touch of melancholy.
Kiss MeSixpence None The Richer
A song by the American pop rock band Sixpence None the Richer.
Released in 1999, it became a worldwide hit and was even nominated for a Grammy.
Featured in the film “She’s All That,” the track has also been used in numerous commercials in Japan, making it something you’ve likely heard in various settings.
With Leigh Nash’s gentle vocals and a light acoustic guitar sound, it’s a song that symbolizes young love and innocent romance.