[For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s
When it comes to the Western music scene of the 1990s, in the United States new movements like alternative rock and grunge upended rock’s values, while hip-hop and R&B made dramatic leaps forward, producing countless classic works.
Looking to the UK, Britpop erupted as something of a counter to America’s alt boom, giving rise to globally renowned bands like Oasis and Blur.
Of course, the major pop sphere churned out massive hits one after another, and the underground scene also thrived.
It’s impossible to cover all Western music from the 1990s, but this time, under the theme of “big-hit Western songs,” we’re bringing you a beginner-friendly selection of ’90s hits!
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1990s
- All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
- [Back to the '90s!] Dance Music from Western Hits of the 1990s
- [Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the ’90s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- 2000s Western pop hits you still hear in commercials, movies, and on the streets
- Cheering songs in Western music that were hits in the ’90s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Classic Melodic Punk (Melodic Hardcore) Songs
[For Beginners] A Compilation of Iconic 90s Western Music Hits and Popular Songs (1–10)
More Than WordsExtreme
Extreme’s US No.
1 hit, once described as “funk metal.” Much like Mr.
Big’s “To Be with You,” it was an ironic outcome in which an acoustic song by a hard rock band topped the US charts.
Kids all over the world have no doubt tried to imitate Nuno Bettencourt’s percussive acoustic guitar technique.
I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston
A heart-stirring ballad by Whitney Houston.
The American songstress’s overwhelming vocal prowess beautifully conveys the universal themes of love and farewell.
Released as the theme song for the 1992 film The Bodyguard, it became a massive hit, selling 24 million copies worldwide and spending 14 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The film’s soundtrack, which features this track along with other songs by Whitney, was also a huge success.
This song about eternal love is perfect for poignant parting scenes or when you want to express your feelings for someone special.
Incidentally, the original version is by Dolly Parton, released in 1974, where it became a hit as a country song.
JuicyThe Notorious B.I.G.
When it comes to hip-hop classics that define the 1990s, you can’t leave out the track released in 1994 by American rapper The Notorious B.
I.
G.
As the lead single from his debut album Ready to Die, it stands out for its autobiographical depiction of the journey from poverty to success.
The song is widely regarded as one of the most important in hip-hop history and has been highly praised by numerous media outlets and music critics.
The music video, directed by Sean Combs, is also highly memorable, and it’s unquestionably a must-listen masterpiece for anyone who wants to experience the essence of classic hip-hop.
[For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s (11–20)
Buddy HollyWeezer
With exhilarating, thunderous guitars and tear-jerking melodies that belt out raw, not-exactly-cool emotions, Weezer blew a hole in the alternative rock scene of the 1990s.
The band’s central figure, Rivers Cuomo, has never run dry as a songwriter, and Weezer remains a popular, active force well into the 2020s.
Hailing from Los Angeles, their tracks from the 1994 debut album “Weezer” cemented an indelible place in music history with catchy melodies and a nostalgic charm.
They reached No.
2 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart and picked up multiple MTV Video Music Awards.
Its catchy refrains and nods to icons of the past resonate powerfully with listeners, carrying a timeless appeal.
No ScrubTLC
A signature song released in 1999 by the American girl group TLC.
Included on the album FanMail, it became a worldwide hit.
The track blends R&B and hip-hop elements, featuring a distinctive Spanish guitar-style beat created with synthesizers.
Its lyrics, which criticize men who lack independence, sparked debate and were widely embraced as a message advocating women’s independence.
At the 2000 Grammy Awards, it won honors including Best R&B Song.
Not only is it one of the defining international hits of the ’90s, but it also profoundly influenced subsequent artists—an undeniably great track.
Fire StarterThe Prodigy
A signature track released in 1996 by the British electronic music group The Prodigy.
It’s characterized by an attention-grabbing guitar riff and an aggressive sound woven from provocative beats.
Keith Flint, formerly the band’s dancer, took on vocals for the first time, and his distinctive voice and incendiary lyrics became a hot topic.
The song topped the charts in the UK and many other countries, becoming a global hit.
It is included on the album The Fat of the Land, which itself reached No.
1 in 16 countries.
Brimming with a spirit of rebellion, this track is recommended for those who want to stay true to themselves.
Song2Blur
This track, released by Blur in 1997, who dominated the Britpop scene of the ’90s, became the catalyst for their major breakthrough in the United States.
Marked by Damon Albarn’s memorable “Woo-hoo” refrain and Graham Coxon’s noisy guitar sound, the song was originally made as a joke.
However, its brevity and catchiness worked in its favor, turning it into a global hit.
It reached No.
2 on the UK Singles Chart and No.
6 on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart.
The music video directed by Sophie Muller also drew attention and was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award.
With its perfect balance of energetic music and ironic lyrics, this song remains a beloved emblem of the ’90s music scene.