Top 10 90s Rock Songs You Forgot Were Awesome

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.

Alanis Morissette
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!

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.

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.

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.

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 tracks driving rhythm, made “Inside Out” one of the 90’s most addictive songs.

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.

Marcy Playground
The second single off of their eponymous 1997 debut album, “Sex and Candy” proved to be the bands 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.

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.

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

"Pardon Me" (1999)
Incubus

"Supernova" (1994)
Liz Phair

"Midlife Crisis" (1992)
Faith No More

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 its the earnest lyrics and smile-inducing melody that make “Jumper” a 90s classic, not awards or commercial recognition.