Top 10 '90s Pop Songs That Will Always Make You Smile

Janet Jackson

“Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814” was released in 1989, but this single wasn’t released till early 1990 - and it helped the artist start the 1990s on a high note. The catchy melody provides the perfect vehicle for the vocalist to transport you on a musical getaway. Janet Jackson has the ability to take a song to new heights, injecting “Escapade” with an especially bubbly performance. This artist sings about finding someone and spending the weekend with them. It’s already happy material to consider, but the sound itself makes you feel like it’s Friday night. You couldn’t ask for a better way to celebrate that feeling through music.

Hanson

When these three brothers came together to record a pop tune, they exceeded everyone’s expectations. “MMMBop” shows that you can write a great song at any age. You also don’t have to have normal lyrics, as demonstrated by this gibberish which is included in the chorus - and which helps make it distinctive. The brothers’ voices come together to create a perfect singalong which will bring to mind imagine sunshine and rainbows for many. Hanson might not have conquered the charts in the same way again, but they still put a smile on faces everywhere. It’s a song that never seems to get old or lose its flair.

Ricky Martin

Even if you don’t love it, this pop single has undeniable power. “Livin’ la Vida Loca” is one reason the artist broke through to English audiences. Ricky Martin and this latin pop number have a bright spark and are unafraid to run wild. The horns, rhythms, and vocals blend into a mix that’ll have you dancing in no time. From the exciting production to the quotable lyrics, this track encapsulates the highs of a fun night out. Martin’s career-defining performance absolutely transports you to the late 1990s. Some people might think of it as a guilty pleasure, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good time.

Spice Girls

This track reminds everyone that girl power is timeless. “Wannabe” is a celebration of all things friendship, presenting a feel good message in immaculate pop trimmings. Ginger, Scary, and company bring their A-game to this beloved single, which is the kind of song that makes you stop everything and dance. The group’s positivity can’t be understated, with this tune being nothing short of inspirational. You don’t need to have grown up with “Wannabe” to enjoy it either. It’s exactly the kind of track that makes you appreciate the people that make you smile.

Backstreet Boys

“Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” is everything you could want from the boy band. This single from their “Backstreet’s Back” album highlights their voices and high production values. Everytime you listen, you feel like they’ve made their triumphant return once again. It’s a crowd-pleasing track that exemplifies the best pop has to offer. The lyrics don’t even matter at a certain point, with this candy-coated tune giving you a few reasons to move your feet. It wasn’t their last great work either, with “Larger than Life” and “I Want It That Way” getting the job done as well.

Madonna

It’s not just a stylish song, it also served as a calling card that brought a movement to the forefront of culture. Madonna kickstarted the 1990s with a brand new take on pop. She encourages you to “let your body move to the music,” and the sound will make sure that you follow her direction. The choreography and music video might excite even the most casual listener. Converting non-believers, the artist found a way to salute ballroom culture and let all kinds of people strike the pose. The positive, enjoyable, and anthemic song arguably took her career to another level.

Cher

If you believe in life after love, you probably can’t live without this song. Cher figures out a way to make a breakup song sound triumphant. She uses Auto-Tune to push her voice even further than usual, giving audiences a groundbreaking performance. “Believe” also has plenty of moments that will have you jumping for joy. The artist doesn’t show her age either, bringing a sensational energy to this iconic single and giving listeners another hit decades after starting her career. In one of her best entries of the 1990s, the vocalist inspires anybody to try again.

Britney Spears

In one song, this pop star went from a singer to an icon. Amazingly, the early hit wasn’t the only noteworthy track off Spears’ debut album, which also contained songs like “(You Drive Me) Crazy.” Britney Spears takes command of “Baby” with a self-assured attitude and the song is energized from start to finish, building up to the big chorus. If you remember this from your childhood, you might find yourself going back in time when you hear it again. The pure pop performance hits you right in the soul. With its opening piano and its catchy hook, this 1990s classic turns any setting into a party.

Mariah Carey

With this mid-1990s hit, Mariah Carey continued her pop domination which would shortly include other favorites like “Always Be My Baby.” “Fantasy” talks about falling in love and embracing that feeling with reckless abandon. As one of the best singers ever, Carey makes it all sound easy in a cheery production. There’s also a sample of the Tom Tom Club song “Genius of Love” which helps this single roar to life with a joyful sound. It’s an awesome cocktail of vibrant rhythms and upbeat lyrics. The vocalist makes it sound easy, throwing around high notes in the ultimate feel-good anthem.


Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

This Stylish Track Makes You Want to Sing the Chorus at the Top of Your Lungs

A Latin Dance Hit That Became a 1990s Sensation

The Lovable “Friends” Theme Reminds You to Support Your Loved Ones

Before His Acting Breakthrough, Mark Wahlberg Led This Crew to Pop Rap Glory

This Catchy Hip-Hop Track Became a Crossover Pop Touchstone

Shania Twain

In the late 1990s, Shania Twain was one of the singers bridging the gap between country and pop. Her singles like this one and “That Don’t Impress Me Much” represent the era’s big and brash sound. In “Man! I feel Like a Woman,” Twain finds a way to spin a turn of phrase into unforgettable lyrics. The opening notes alone send listeners to a better place, inviting audiences on an adventure. It’s ultimately a celebration about going out and letting loose. The track encourages you to embrace your wild side, focusing on fun rather than the drab parts of life.

Did we forget another fun-loving song from the 1990s? Let us know in the comments below.