Top 10 90s Rock One Hit Wonders You Forgot Were Awesome
#10: “Pepper” (1996)
Butthole Surfers Known previously as an underground punk act, Butthole Surfers finally received mainstream attention with “Pepper.” The surreal lyrics and spoken word performance from Gibby Haynes makes this one unforgettable ride. Along with a psychedelic guitar part, the track has avant-garde elements that make it one of the stranger hits of the decade. Haynes’ delivery encapsulates a particular kind of 90s aesthetic that embraced the best of being weird. The song did well on several charts, including the Billboard Modern Rock Charts, while also rewriting the playbook on the genre. It also invited more casual fans into the world of truly alternative music.
#9: “Flagpole Sitta” (1997)
Harvey Danger Harvey Danger’s fiery track “Flagpole Sitta” mixes influences in achieving its angsty sound. From power pop to alternative rock, the song features a plethora of signature ingredients. Singer Sean Nelson sings every verse like his life depends on it, offering up a subversive list of 90s phrases. Many of those words are best when screamed or shouted along with Nelson. Appearing in different film and television shows, the tune has developed a cult following over the years. Its deeper meaning is a furious statement fit for a decade of innovative rock music. Although Harvey Danger didn’t return with another substantial single, this hit still has its fair share of fans.
#8: “Popular” (1996)
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Nada Surf From their album “High/Low,” Nada Surf’s track “Popular” uses spoken-word to deal with the throes of young love. The band was inspired by a teenage self-help book and decided to subvert the original message. In a tongue-in-cheek performance, the group lets a subtle guitar riff gradually ratchet up the tension. This all spills over into a rocking chorus that is every bit as distorted and loud as the best of 90s alternative rock. Lead singer Matthew Caws does justice to the material with the verses and the hook coming together for an impressive final product.
#7: “Three Little Pigs” (1993)
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Green Jellÿ The fairy tale “Three Little Pigs” gets a metal facelift in this song from Green Jellÿ. They spin a yarn about the famous characters, but give the lyrics a few extensive reworkings at the same time. This isn’t your ordinary retelling and the group makes sure that you won’t soon forget it. You’d think the surprises would end there, but the single even features some additional work from an all-star lineup of artists. Diverse voices like Tool’s Maynard James Keenan and even Pauly Shore grace the track with their talents. Along the way, a few hard rock instrumentations give the piece another memorable addition.
#6: “Love Is On the Way” (1992)
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Saigon Kick Even as the music world was shifting towards grunge, bands like Saigon Kick continued to fly the flag of the 80s glam metal scene. This prompted a single off of their album “The Lizard” called “Love Is on the Way.” It begins with a delicate acoustic guitar pattern that follows in the footsteps of many great ballads of the time. By the time they reach the chorus, the band members come together for some powerful harmonies. The song itself was a top-twenty hit in the early 90s and introduced the group to a wider audience. Saigon Kick continued to work through the decade, but they weren’t able to find a success to equal this compelling power ballad.
#5: “Wake Up Boo!” (1995)
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The Boo Radleys Anyone in need of a pick-me-up should play this track for instant results. British band The Boo Radleys crafted a tune that you can’t help but love, with its sunshine tone and positive lyrics. The song starts up with a burst of sounds that don’t waste any time in delivering happiness to listeners. By the time the band reaches the chorus, the Britpop production wins over everyone with its life-affirming and succinct message. Other members of the 90s subgenre might have taken over the mainstream, but this group still warms our hearts with this cheery performance.
#4: “Send Me on My Way” (1994)
Rusted Root The acoustic guitar riff at the center of “Send Me on My Way” is arguably as famous as any other from the mid-90s. It is just one key part of the song’s enduring appeal. In terms of its lyrics, the piece gives off feel-good vibes with its eternal optimism. The track was released in two versions, with the more well-known being on their album “When I Woke.” It has taken on a life of its own with various appearances in media in the years since. Some people count it out for being a one-hit wonder, but it actually carries a beautiful message behind it that’s worth revisiting.
#3: “All for You” (1997)
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Sister Hazel In the late 90s, Sister Hazel offered up a popular jangly rock single. Their hit “All for You” offers one of the more underrated hooks of the decade. The song brings an almost-folk influence to the alternative music world, with a tune that’s ripe for a singalong. It's an amazing debut that hasn’t lost its luster after many changing trends. A powerful vocal performance sells the song as something more than a one-off release. Sister Hazel appeared on rock charts in several different countries for their fantastic work. Whenever it pops up on the radio or a streaming playlist, “All for You” reminds listeners of its indisputable catchiness.
#2: “Roll to Me” (1995)
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Del Amitri Del Amitri left their mark on the mid-90s with this pop-rock opus. The Scottish band left the biggest impact of their career with “Roll to Me,” which made people stop and take notice with its elliptical guitar sounds. Few people cite the track for its vocal melodies, which are simply enthralling. The single and its accompanying album “Twisted” earned the band some of their best reviews in the process. Despite some people thinking “Roll to Me” gets overplayed, it still earns its status as one of the best earworms of the 90s rock scene.
#1: “In the Meantime” (1996)
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Spacehog “In the Meantime” expertly mines the depths of glam rock for a new era. Singer Royston Langdon pushes his talents to the limit in a career-defining performance. His impressive vocals are complimented by a slew of compelling work from the rest of the band, backing him with a layered sound. As both a piece of music and a set of lyrics, the effort never backs down with its proud explorations of alternative songwriting. It also has a timeless quality that any rock fan can come to appreciate. Even if Spacehog doesn’t have the same recognition today, this work still deserves its place in the pantheon of 90s classics.
