Back when Walkman phones were all the rage, cassettes were more than a vintage piece of audio recording, and bellbottom jeans were in, there seemed to be a song to match every mood. Now, they’re iconic pop songs and bits of nostalgia tugging at your memory, reminding you of an old love, an innocent dream or a kick-ass dance party.
Here’s a 90s pop playlist that will have you aching for the old:
1. Wonderwall – Oasis
The duo brought ‘British guitar pop’ to headlines delivering American pop hits like Wonderwall. A song about a friend that will always be there to rescue you, it was a dreamy one as kids.
2. U Can’t Touch This – MC Hammer
Hammer’s signature single U Can’t Touch This peaked on all Billboard charts, setting a standard for future rap & hip-hop artists. He makes you feel invincible – Remember playing this in a bad mood?
3. Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
Deemed as Wannabe Madonna, Britney faced many rejections before she kickstarted her musical career. In 1999, with the launch of this iconic break-up pop track, she became a brand name.
4. Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It – Will Smith
Shiny disco balls, flashy outfits and upbeat lyrics, this is as 90s as it gets.
5. Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) – Backstreet Boys
In the dawn of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, several Pop devotees recreated the epic and spooky music video. The Backstreet Boys seemed to have delivered an almost successful rendition, in a comical fashion. This track marked their return with the second studio album with a platinum tag.
6. All That She Wants – Ace of Base
Still a popular song on midnight shows, All That She Wants continues to remain among radio jockeys’ favourites. With a reggae fusion, the song compels you to sing along. As the Swedish band’s second single, it got them recognized internationally.
7. Black Or White – Michael Jackson
Any pop playlist would be empty if didn’t feature an MJ track. Black or White, being one of the most successful yet controversial videos, features some future superstars like Macaulay Culkin and Tyra Banks. With strong hip-hop beats and R&B-inspired rhythm, this track is both a political statement and an elevation of genre fusion.
8. Boom, Boom, Boom – VengaBoys
The party anthem at KFC and Pizza Hut at all those birthday celebrations, you might know this song like the back of your hand. Let’s not forget We’re Going To Ibiza & We Like To Party.
9. Wannabe – Spice Girls
‘Tell me what you want – what you really, really want.’ You may not be ready to admit it now, but we know the lyrics to this song [guys and girls alike]. The reign of the Spice Girls in the 1990s, both fantastic and frightening.
10. The Call – BackstreetBoys
We’d have ended the list with a Kylie Minogue/NSync/Blue track, but the lack of romantic songs on here can only be compensated for by Backstreet Boys.
That was your 90s pop playlist – Happy Re-wind Day, 90s folks. Hope this inspired you to dig up some old favourites on YouTube and groove to those funky pop classics [I want it thatttt wayyy].
Have we forgotten some of your favourites? Tell us in the comments below.
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