Top 10 '90s Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

Top 10 90s Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

 
You may not have heard these songs in a while, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t awesome. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’ll be counting down our picks for the top 10 songs from the 90’s you forgot were awesome.
 
For this list, we’ll be taking a look at songs from the 90s that may no longer get the credit they deserve, but have aged so, so well.
  
 

#10: “How Bizarre” (1995)

OMC
 
You may have forgotten all about this New Zealand band, but you’re sure to recognize this hit as soon as that familiar guitar riff starts. Propelling OMC from relative obscurity to international success, “How Bizarre” charted in multiple countries around the world. With its catchy, laid back beat, the song spread like wildfire. However, the band, like many of the others you’ll see on this list, proved to be a one hit wonder, never replicated their initial success, and sadly in time both band and song became largely overlooked.
 
 

#9: “In the Meantime” (1996)

Spacehog
 
Despite being an awesome 90s song, this glam rock jam harkened back to the 70s and 80s stylings of Queen and David Bowie. It dominated the charts, and appeared in a number of mediums from its release until the end of the nineties. However, Spacehog was not meant to last into the new millennium, they broke up in 2002, and their popularity slowly faded away. Nevertheless, Spacehog completed a successful reunion in 2008, and has released two more albums since then; giving us a bit more of their awesome sound.
 
 

#8: “Bound for the Floor” (1996)

Local H
 
We could hardly be forgiven if we did a list of awesome 90s music and didn’t include at least one post-grunge song. Arguably one of the most popular songs of the then new genre was this hit from the group of high school friends turned rock stars. While both the song and the subgenre as a whole have received much less airtime over the years, the post-grunge movement, which was kicked off with songs like “Bound on the Floor,” was a crucial part of alternative rock’s rise. The song is emblematic of post-grunge combining grunge attitudes and sounds with influences a variety of other genres.
 
 

#7: “Ready to Go” (1997)

Republica
 
The nineties brought with it a plethora of excellent punk rock acts with commanding female lead vocals, and this gem was one of the best. Lead singer Saffron’s slick vocals certainly helped the song stand out, and added to the overall fast paced and energetic feel of the track. While the song grew in popularity after being featured in a number of commercials and TV shows, it faded somewhat from the forefront after the 90s due perhaps to Republica’s long hiatus from 2001 to 2008.
 
 

#6: “Crush” (1998)
Jennifer Paige

 
It’s not difficult to see why this relatable and catchy song became one of the most popular songs of the year, reaching #3 on Billboard’s Top 100. Describing an infatuation that she says is just a passing crush, Paige seems to hint at a bit of denial in her lyrics. Perhaps her feelings may actually go deeper than she is willing to admit. While she continued to release a number of successful songs, Paige never again reached the popularity of “Crush.”
 
 

#5: “My Own Worst Enemy” (1999)
Lit

 
After struggling to find an audience and land a major label for their first album, Lit was able to sign with RCA due to the strength of their sophomore effort, “A Place in the Sun.” With the release of “My Own Worst Enemy,” the band became an overnight success. The pop punk sound and introspective lyrics of the track made it one of the biggest songs of the year, and a number of successful singles from the album followed. The band’s next album signaled a bit of a change of direction, which while praised by critics as being more mature, was not as popular with fans.
 
 

#4: “7 Seconds” (1994)
Youssou N'Dour ft. Neneh Cherry

 
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a collaboration from one of Africa’s most prolific musicians, Youssou N'Dour, and popular Swedish singer Neneh Cherry was a huge international hit. Further adding to its worldwide appeal was that a combination of English, French, and Wolof (a West African language) were employed to deliver its message addressing prejudice. While N’Dour remains popular, especially in his native Senegal, he never again had an international hit on the level of “7 Seconds.”
 
 

#3: “Laid” (1993)
James

 
Although the band formed in the early eighties, James only hit their stride after retooling their lineup at the decades’ end. Riding a number of hits, including “Come Down” and “She’s a Star”, the band became popular on both sides of the Atlantic in the 90s, and it didn’t take long for “Laid” to become a hit on college radio station in the US. However, the risqué lyrics and subject matter caused it to be censored in the US, and has not received much play outside of alternative rock stations. Other James songs have had more staying power, with their hit “Sit Down” featured in a promo for the seventh season of “Game of Thrones.”
 
 
 

#2: “Inside Out” (1998)
Eve 6

 
Hailing from Southern California, Eve 6 arrived on the scene at the tail end of the 90s. For the last few years of the decade their songs, most notably, “Inside Out”, dominated the airwaves. Playing on a number of late night talk shows, and with the video frequently featured on MTV, the band’s fame exploded. Unfortunately, this would prove to be their undoing, as stress from their rapid success caused psychological problems and strife between members, causing the band to break up, halting their rapid rise.
 
 
Before we reveal our top pick here are a few honorable mentions;
 
 
 
 
“Mistake” (1999)
Serial Joe
 
 
“Brick” (1997)
Ben Folds Five
 
 “Drinking in LA” (1997)
Bran Van 3000
 
 
 

#1: “The Way” (1998)
Fastball

 
“The Way” is one of the finest alternative rock tracks of the 90s, as well as one of the most emblematic. Different from many of the outright dreary alt rock compositions offered throughout the decade, The Way features a distinct sound. Although the story told over the course of the song seems tragic, it is offset nicely by the upbeat nature of the chorus. This and songs like it paved the way for an explosion of alternative rock in the next few years. Sadly, that same genre would also eclipse the popularity of Fastball’s hit. Though “The Way” song lost airtime, it never seemed to fade in popularity. When this track comes across the radio, God help anyone who tries to change the station.