[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 Collection of Iconic Western Hits from the 90s: Popular Songs (21–30)
FantasyMariah Carey
A smash hit by American songstress Mariah Carey, released in 1995.
Issued as the lead single from the album Daydream, it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.
It’s a love song that captures the sweetness and ache of longing, marked by a catchy melody and Mariah’s powerhouse vocals.
Sampling 1981’s Genius of Love, the track blends R&B with dance-pop for a distinctive sound.
The lyrics express the pure feelings of a woman in love, evoking the bittersweet emotions that many have experienced at least once.
It’s a recommended track for anyone wrestling with love or feeling nostalgic for their youth.
Goody GoodyLisette Melendez
American solo singer Lisette Melendez, who grew up in the tough environment of East Harlem, New York, discovered her passion for singing at 12.
Centering her sound on freestyle and Latin pop, she carved out her musical path on her own.
This track is an irresistibly bright dance-pop number that perfectly captures the spirit of a 90s summer.
It playfully expresses the carefree feeling of soaking up the sun and enjoying yourself without letting anyone say, “Don’t try to act like a goody-goody!” A heady rush of basking in love under the sun pours out from the entire sound.
This feel-good track was released in November 1993 as the lead single from her second album, True to Life, and reached No.
53 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The music video, directed by actress Rosie Perez, also drew attention.
Put it on for a summer drive or beach party and your spirits are guaranteed to soar—an essential slice of 90s brilliance.
Better Off AloneAlice DeeJay
Alice Deejay is a Eurodance project from the Netherlands.
Their hallmark track from the ’90s is a killer tune that blends summertime euphoria with a bittersweet edge.
Said to be inspired by the producer’s breakup, the theme is heartbreak.
Yet, carried by a memorable synth riff and a driving beat, its message—almost asking, “Are you really okay being alone?”—gives listeners a curious sense of courage.
Released in 1999, the song peaked at No.
2 on the UK Singles Chart and sold over 1.
2 million copies.
It’s also included on the album Who Needs Guitars Anyway?.
Put it on for a summer drive to beat the heat or when you’re feeling a bit low, and it’s sure to give you a boost.
I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys
It’s no exaggeration to call the Backstreet Boys the biggest boy band of the ’90s, and this song is both a massive hit and arguably their masterpiece.
They captivated young women around the world regardless of nationality.
They’re a group known not only for their looks but also for their vocal talent.
Around The WorldRed Hot Chili Peppers
One of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ signature masterpieces, this song remains relatively fresh in memory, partly because it was used as the theme for the film “BECK.” With a complex bass line, delicate guitar tones, hefty drum sounds, and powerful vocals, it’s a playful track woven from all these elements.
Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz
A hit song by the wild and sensual artist Lenny Kravitz, known as “LeniKura.” Still used today in Wilkinson Tansan commercials, this long‑loved track showcases Kravitz’s exhilarating wildness in full force.
CreepRadiohead
A band from Oxfordshire, England, with a smash hit that served as the UK’s answer to America’s Kurt Cobain.
The vocalist, Thom Yorke, partly due to his background, enjoyed tremendous support from sensitive and vulnerable young people.