Top 30 90s Rock Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

Top 30 Nineties Rock Songs You Forgot Were Awesome


Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for those dark horse jams from the decade of indie, grunge and late-period arena rock: the ‘90s!

#30: “Pretend We’re Dead” (1992)

L7


It would perhaps be easy to label Los Angeles’ L7 as merely a product of the ‘90s, since “Pretend We’re Dead” was a hit for the group during this time. Yet, L7 was actually formed back in the mid-eighties, and continued rocking long after fickle fans folded their flannel. “Pretend We’re Dead” remains a hard-rocking tune with a cool main hook. The vocals are monotonous and snotty in the best possible way, while the fuzzed-out guitars embrace that ‘90s grunge aesthetic without forgetting L7’s predominantly punk past. The song has lived on in other media, most notably the “Grand Theft Auto” video game series.

#29: “Ready to Go” (1996)

Republica


Maybe it was something in the water over in the United Kingdom, or perhaps the ‘90s were just a welcoming decade for powerful, female-fronted rock. Whatever the case, England’s Republica struck gold at the poppier end of that alternative spectrum with 1996’s “Ready to Go”. The guitars here are processed to oblivion, yet retain a certain edge to them, while the electronic-sounding drums lend the tune a vibe that wouldn’t sound out of place in a dance club. Meanwhile, Saffron leads the charge with a lead vocal that’s soaring and melodic, “shouting out” that catchy AF chorus for all to hear.

#28: “Losin’ Your Mind” (1994)

Pride & Glory


Former Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Zakk Wylde wanted to try something different after departing the Oz Man’s band. Pride & Glory was that tentative first musical step before Wylde would lead a killer solo career and Black Label Society. “Losin’ Your Mind” is notably less modern-sounding than BLS, but no less heavy. The vibe here is much more classic and southern rock-influenced than anything Wylde performed with Ozzy. Yet, the song never forgets to leave plenty of room for Wylde to display his fiery fretboard gymnastics. Elsewhere, the rhythm section of former White Lion members James LoMenzo[a] and Greg D’Angelo holds down a solid and swampy groove throughout “Losin’ Your Mind.”

#27: “The Way” (1998)

Fastball


This ‘90s single by the band Fastball lyrically adapts the 1997 disappearance case of Lela and Raymond Howard[b]. The couple both possessed ailments that investigators felt contributed to them becoming disoriented, lost, and eventually found deceased miles away from their destination. “The Way” offers an alternative explanation of happiness and relief from their world’s worries, while the musical approach feels nostalgic for an older era. The guitar work jangles along, and the brief lead guitar breaks offer a satisfying musicality that was notably more involved than some of Fastball’s contemporaries. “The Way” is just a cool song with an interesting backstory, and that’s enough for us!

#26: “Sick of Myself” (1995)

Matthew Sweet


This case of Matthew Sweet is another where an artist’s peak creative period doesn’t necessarily represent the span of a career. Sweet cut his teeth back in the ‘80s prior to “Sick of Myself” rising up the Billboard charts in 1995. Yet his fifth album, “100 % Fun”, feels capital N “Nineties” from top to bottom. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, depending on your point of view, since “Sick of Myself” is undeniably catchy. Sweet’s guitar playing fills a power-pop void, while also containing the soul of a singer/songwriter. “Sick of Myself” also boasts a cool guitar solo from Sweet that helped remind fans that not everything released during the ‘90s was grungy and depressing.

#25: “Love Is On the Way” (1992)

Saigon Kick


It’s a common misconception that hair metal’s dominance solely resided in the 1980s. There was actually a wealth of popular acts from this era that achieved major chart success during the early ‘90s. Saigon Kick was unquestionably one of those groups, healing broken hearts across the world with their defining power-ballad, “Love Is On the Way”. The group actually earned critical acclaim for the variety of styles contained with their sophomore album, “The Lizard.” Yet, this hard-rocking affair is primarily remembered today for how “Love Is On the Way” shines with an impeccably produced acoustic approach, peppered with soaring vocal harmonies.

#24: “Santa Monica” (1994)

Everclear


On one hand, we get it: terrestrial rock radio fans are probably surprised to see this on our list. That’s because “Santa Monica” by Everclear continues to be something of a mainstay for once-cutting edge ‘90s rock stations that now find themselves becoming heritage radio. This isn’t really a slight, since the actual composition of “Santa Monica” is both economical and memorable. Everclear knew they had a good riff, and hammered it home with a chorus that was equally infectious and catchy. Fans at the time also seemed to agree that “Santa Monica” helped Everclear’s album “Sparkle and Fade” to achieve platinum status.

#23: “All She Wrote” (1991)

FireHouse


The tragically unexpected death of FireHouse frontman C.J. Snare[c] in 2024 helped remind older fans of just how good this North Carolina metal band was back in their day. “All She Wrote” was one of many hits FireHouse attained during their career as a certified hair metal banger. The song's unapologetically poppy arrangement feels more than a bit indebted to “Round and Round” by Ratt, but who cares? The harmonized lead guitar breaks rip, the chorus is to die for, and Snare’s melodic voice brings it all home. FireHouse would venture down musical avenues that were both heavier and more subdued, yet it was the success of “All She Wrote” that earned FireHouse the love of their fans.

#22: “Cigarettes & Alcohol” (1992)

Oasis


The 2024 announcement of Oasis’ reunion and forthcoming tour schedule sent a lot of ‘90s rock fans into overdrive, breaking out their CDs and cassettes. Nostalgia is a seductive beast, after all. And we’re betting that “Cigarettes & Alcohol” got added to a number of retro playlists. This tune was taken from Oasis’ debut album, “Definitely Maybe”, and presented a hard rocking edge that instantly had radio listeners sitting up to take notice. Soon, Oasis would dominate charts both at home in the UK and on an international level. But it was songs like “Cigarettes & Alcohol” that helped pave the way.

#21: “I Stand Alone” (1992)

Jackyl[d]


The lineup of Woodstock ‘94 may have been dominated by the alternative rock and hip-hop of the day, but fans of a certain age just might remember how a little band called Jackyl arguably stole the show. Included in their set was “I Stand Alone”, a rip-roaring tune taken from Jackyl’s self-titled debut from 1992. The group notably combined a glam metal style with tons of southern rock swagger. “I Stand Alone” possesses an absolutely KILLER main riff, alongside a preening and polished production style that successfully straddles ‘80s excess and ‘90s attitude. This can also be seen within the accompanying video, which shows Jackyl performing the tune before a crowd, protesting K-Mart’s banning of their album.

#20: “My Sister” (1993)

Juliana Hatfield Three
Juliana Hatfield was part of multiple notable alternative rock bands, including Blake Babies and The Lemonheads. However, arguably her most-recognized work was with her own band, The Juliana Hatfield Three. Lyrically, Hatfield’s most successful single is about loving one's female sibling, even with her flaws. However, Hatfield isn't exactly singing from personal experience, as she doesn't actually have any biological sisters. But that doesn’t diminish how much raw emotion Hatfield and the rest of the band put into this song. You might not want to sing it at your own sister’s wedding. But you can’t deny the feelings it conjures.

#19: “Down” (1999)

Stone Temple Pilots


Stone Temple Pilots are rightfully recognized as one of the best bands of their era. But their late 90s work deserves as much appreciation as their early 90s material. Case in point: “Down.” Released at the end of the decade, this Grammy-nominated single defied the notion that grunge was a flash-in-the-pan sound. Built on thundering riffs and beats that should appeal to most any metalhead, “Down” is Stone Temple Pilots getting down and dirty, with great results. Scott Weiland's shift between a seductive whisper and a raging bellow lends plenty of atmosphere to a track already full of it. And we can’t forget Dean DeLeo’s scorching guitar solo either. If you’re looking for an incredible blast of pure 90s rock energy, turn up “Down.”

#18: “Free to Decide” (1996)

The Cranberries


Iconic tracks like "Linger" and "Zombie" made The Cranberries a beloved band. And their accomplishments didn't stop there. Like many popular bands, The Cranberries had to deal with their share of scrutiny and negative attention. But they didn’t take it lying down. "Free to Decide” finds the band fighting back and fighting hard. Dolores O'Riordan addresses her critics head on, letting them know that she’s going to do what she wants to do, not what anyone else thinks she should. While she’s not the first artist to address this topic, few have done it with the same level of passion and beauty. Anyone seeking to assert their independence and embrace personal freedom should listen to this song.

#17: “Feel the Pain” (1994)

Dinosaur Jr.


Though the classic Dinosaur Jr. lineup reunited in the 2000s, they went through some drama in the early years. "Without a Sound" was the first Dino Jr. album to only feature one original member: singer and guitar wizard J. Mascis. On this song, he showed how much he could do, even without his old bandmates around. “Feel the Pain” is short on specifics but heavy on resonance. Mascis sings about absorbing others' anguish and the resulting emptiness with undramatic frankness. If that sounds like too much of a downer, he also makes sure to bring in some marvelous guitar and drum work. It might not get you out of a negative mood entirely. But it’ll hopefully help you feel a little less alone.

#16: “Seether” (1994)

Veruca Salt


Though grunge and bubblegum pop might seem like they're genres inherently at odds with each other, skilled artists know how to fuse them together. Case in point: Veruca Salt, who showed that they could be catchy without being sanitized on this song. “Seether” is truly a song for when you're seething. Addressing the needlessly taboo topic of female anger, "Seether" turns rage into a living being that can't be vanquished or ignored. Anger is a natural emotion that should be dealt with in a constructive manner. And this song is a prime example of those feelings being processed through pure creative energy.

#15: “Plowed” (1994)

Sponge


While they might not be the most famous musicians out of Detroit, these rockers still made an impression on the charts. Their biggest hit, "Plowed" feels like it’s driving itself into your mind from beginning to end. Once the momentum starts, it doesn't let up, with raspy frontman Vinnie Dombroski and the rest of the band giving it their all on verses and chorus alike. Although the lyrics aren’t exactly cheerful, they aren’t totally despondent either. "Plowed" is a song for taking what life throws at you and plowing on ahead.

#14: “Midlife Crisis” (1992)

Faith No More


Faith No More got to number one Modern Rock Tracks chart with a song reportedly inspired by another chart-topper. Originally, this song was known as "Madonna." And while it doesn't name-check or even allude to the Queen of Pop, it does show Faith No More’s ability to take inspiration from various sources to create something truly unique. With its blend of metal, hip hop, and prog, "Midlife Crisis" seems like it should be an unholy mess. But there's a method behind this madness, particularly in frontman Mike Patton's full-bodied vocal performance. If only real midlife crises could be as invigorating as this song.

#13: “I’m Afraid of Americans” (1997)

David Bowie


Speaking of midlife crisis, some might think a veteran artist delving into trendy sounds like industrial and drum and bass is a cry for help. But David Bowie was not just any artist. Known for his chameleonic shifts between genres and personas, Bowie proved he was as vital in the 90s as he was in the 70s and 80s with “I'm Afraid of Americans.” A collaboration with long-time creative partner Brian Eno, this song finds Bowie doing what he does best while also trying new things. The result is something that feels both timeless and forward-thinking, much like all his best work. Bowie might have been afraid of Americans. But we’re afraid of a world without this song.

#12: “Supernova” (1994)

Liz Phair


There’s no champagne in this “Supernova,” but it’s still plenty special. On this irresistible cut from her second album, Liz Phair sings about falling in love. But this isn't just any love song. "Supernova" has Phair talking about the object of her affection with unabashed enthusiasm. Though there's talk of things like physical attributes and bedroom skills, the song manages to avoid vulgarity. Instead, it manages to be both effortlessly cool while also heartwarming in its enthusiasm and energy. If you've ever been madly in love, you probably know exactly what Phair is talking about here.

#11: “Pardon Me” (1999)

Incubus


Though Incubus had been around for much of the 90s, it was the end of the decade where things really started to pick up for them. Their first charting single, "Pardon Me" was written at a particularly tumultuous time for Brandon Boyd. And learning about the disturbing concept of spontaneous human combustion helped him to bring this song to life. Its title might sound polite and unassuming, but “Pardon Me” is anything but. Instead, it’s a striking study of early 20s alienation and confusion, one that’s moody, unhinged, and brilliant in equal measure. And even if you’ve made it through a tough period of your life, it should still strike a chord.

#10: “Black Balloon” (1999)

Goo Goo Dolls


When people think of the Goo Goo Dolls their minds inevitably drift to “Iris”, the band’s record-breaking power ballad from 1999. However, that was far from their only 90s era hit, as proven by the brilliance that is “Black Balloon”. The song, which tells the story of a desperate man’s attempts to get his lover off heroin, peaked at number 16 on Billboard Hot 100 charts but never quite matched the hype of “Iris”. Which isn’t exactly a surprise, as “Black Balloon” is modest in its approach, telling a very different kind of story.

#9: “Uninvited” (1998)

Alanis Morrisette


Released in 1998, “Uninvited” sold more than 7 million copies, peaked at number one on the Billboard Top 40 and earned Morissette three Grammy nominations. She won two of them, as well as picking up a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song. You’re probably wondering how anyone could forget how awesome this alt-rock classic is; and to that we have three words: “Jagged Little Pill”. The Canadian singer’s breakthrough album produced a slew of iconic tracks, and more often than not they’re the ones that make it onto the web’s Best Songs of the 90s lists. But we’ve never forgotten this subtle and mysterious tune and continue to play it whenever we can!

#8: “Popular” (1996)

Nada Surf


“Popular” was extremely popular when it first hit the airwaves back in 1996. The track not only served as the obligatory party anthem for teenagers everywhere but also helped to drive Nada Surf’s debut album to number 63 on the Billboard charts. While the band went on to release eight additional albums, none of their songs were able to capture the hearts of music lovers quite like “Popular”. Peaking early has been the curse of many bands throughout the years and Nada Surf appears to have suffered a similar fate. As such, we doubt many of you had this track in mind when our video began.

#7: “My Own Worst Enemy” (1999)

Lit


Featuring a driving guitar riff that would blow people’s hair back in any decade, “My Own Worst Enemy” is as awesome today as it was when it was released in 1999. How people forget about this track is a bit of a mystery, as it’s pretty much got it all; relatable lyrics, a memorable hook, and a pop punk sound that while dated, has never lost its flavor. Nevertheless, it’s a throwback that often seems to be overlooked. “My Own Worst Enemy” remains one of the band’s most successful tracks and for good reason.

#6: “Take a Picture” (1999)

Filter


The second single released off of their sophomore album “Title of Record”, “Take a Picture” dominated the airwaves soon after its release in the fall of 1999. The dreamy lyrics were inspired by lead singer Richard Patrick’s own experiences of not being able to remember his drunken escapades and asking his girlfriend at the time to “take my picture, ‘cuz I won’t remember.” We’re going to go ahead and attribute the fact that people forget all about this song to Filter’s lack of a follow up hit in the ensuing years. With that being said, “Take a Picture” is still a blast to listen to thanks to its ubiquitous sound and catchy chorus.

#5: “Inside Out” (1998)

Eve 6


Winning Grammys and breaking records is all well and good, but what’s most important is having good lyrics and a catchy melody. Thankfully for Eve 6, their 1998 alt-rock song “Inside Out” had both in spades. We mean come on, how can you not absolutely love a line like “want to put my tender/ Heart in a blender /Watch it spin round to a beautiful oblivion.” The heartfelt delivery of Max Collins’ eclectic lyrics, combined with the track's driving rhythm, made “Inside Out” one of the 90’s most addictive songs.

#4: “What It’s Like” (1998)

Everlast


Six years after dropping one of the most iconic party tracks of all time with “Jump Around”, House of Pain co-founder Everlast decided to branch out on his own. As a solo artist he took his sound in an entirely new direction and the result was songs like “What It’s Like”. A fusion of rock, blues and hip-hop, the song introduces listeners to three different characters all of whom are suffering in one way or another. This melancholy track surprised the music world by being one of the most successful crossover songs of the year.

#3: “Sex and Candy” (1997)

Marcy Playground


The second single off of their eponymous 1997 debut album, “Sex and Candy” proved to be the band’s only major hit; but what a hit it was! The atmospheric track about…well we don’t really know what it’s about…propelled the band to the top of the Modern Rock Tracks chart, a spot they held for a then record 15 weeks. The song features a slow backbeat and some seriously cryptic lyrics, but that just makes the case for “Sex and Candy’s” effortless coolness even stronger. You may still hear it on the radio from time to time, a testament to its staying power.

#2: “Only Happy When It Rains” (1995)

Garbage


If you lived through the 90s then you’ll definitely remember this iconic alt-rock track. “Only Happy When It Rains” was a hit with fans and critics alike, with one going so far as to quip, “if you’re not playing this, you don’t have a pulse.” The highlight of the track is unquestionably Shirley Manson’s vocal performance, which seemingly affirms the grunge music scene of the era. But once you dig a little deeper you’ll find a song that is mocking grunge, alt-rock and even Garbage themselves. The song was a sign of things to come for a band that would ultimately be nominated for seven Grammys.

#1: “Jumper” (1997)

Third Eye Blind


Coming in at number one is a song whose brilliance should never be forgotten. “Jumper” has a message that’s as relevant today as it was in 1998. It’s dark, uplifting, sentimental and catchy all at the same time; a song that’s equally at home being played loudly in the car or on an acoustic guitar around a campfire. The song remains one of Third Eye Blind’s most successful, having peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100. With that being said it's the earnest lyrics and smile-inducing melody that make “Jumper” a 90s classic, not awards or commercial recognition.

Were you a grunge defender or an ‘80s metal apologist? Sound off in the comments!

[a]luh-MEN-zoh https://youtu.be/Yil3E-TLtzo?si=wvArAQgnKrpG7ej2

dee-angelo https://youtu.be/x7ueSQajbJU?si=oyJKOPO63ZP74Byt&t=1862
[b]https://youtu.be/SJjhzyV7Wak?si=sEeezHBD5EPUbacg&t=55
[c]https://youtu.be/GYRxdyXZSoI?si=qmEJekZ0TrbP_UVp&t=2
[d]https://youtu.be/Hgy427kEKg0?si=_s8Clvc2dYjKdDno&t=2