Top 10 Greatest Songs From 1995

#10: Gangstas Paradise (1995)

Coolio feat. L.V.

With so much great hip-hop during the 1990s, you need to at least mention the work of Coolio. Gangstas Paradise is the rappers signature track and the best showcase of his talents. From biblical references to haunting backing tracks, the hit builds up to an iconic chorus. L.V.s hook is another incredible detail in this enjoyable experience. Using his particular flow, the artist gets his point across in a poetic achievement. His song was featured on the album of the same name and the Michelle Pfeiffer movie Dangerous Minds. Its also heavily inspired by a Stevie Wonder song, giving it another musical spark to remember it by.

#9: Kiss from a Rose (1995)

Seal

Originally released in 1994, the power of this song and a superhero film demanded a re-release. Seal later ended up on the Batman Forever soundtrack the following year. With that additional endorsement, Kiss from a Rose continued to rise in pop culture. The singer gives one of his finest performances with a soaring vocal. Winning several Grammys, this famous ballad speaks for itself. It may or may not be one of the more beautiful lyrics of its kind. Even if its a little sentimental, the tune still carries a wonderful melody and music that makes you believe in love.

#8: Runaway (1995)

Janet Jackson

For her Design of a Decade: 1986-1996 album, Janet Jackson brought out this single to go along with some of her greatest hits. Runaway proved that the singer was more than ready to keep going and expand her sound. Its pure pop from start to finish, with a bright message about wanting to spend time with someone special. The track makes you want to explore the world with the person you love. Jacksons pitch-perfect vocals dont disappoint either, sending you right back to 1995. The bouncy production has a breezy, fun quality that makes you want to play it on a loop.

#7: Give Me One Reason (1995)

Tracy Chapman

With the guitar hook, Give Me One Reason is yet another reason Tracy Chapman deserves praise. The song comes from her New Beginning album. Writing pointed lyrics, Chapman outlines her demands in a compelling work. The single has all the bluesy elements of a vintage hit with the updated sounds of the 1990s. As a singer and songwriter, she once again shows off her ability to do a lot with a little. Theres a lot of complexity layered underneath a great hook. Years after her impressive debut, this artist showed that she was only getting started. She reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and even won a Grammy for her effort.

#6: Tonight, Tonight (1995)

The Smashing Pumpkins

Taking an orchestral detour, this Smashing Pumpkins song is completely different from their heavier guitar music. Tonight, Tonight works as a moving ballad with a beautiful string arrangement. Its much more than an alternative rock song, combining other genre elements into an epic piece. Billy Corgan and the band perform one of their finest works, with an expanded sound palette. Theres also the amazing drum parts of one Jimmy Chamberlin, filling out the enormity of this cinematic number. Its one of the major highlights of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness along with the nostalgic 1979.

#5: Fantasy (1995)

Mariah Carey

By the year 1995, Mariah Carey had already shown everybody her vocal powers. Fantasy could be considered both a victory lap and another step up. Its an endlessly upbeat track, filled with happiness in each verse. Carey is operating at her usual best over a fantastic production. Sampling Genius of Love, the music builds out from a catchy foundation. The mix of 1980s and 1990s sounds blends especially well here. With the vocalists endless energy, the single turns the feelings of the lyrics into a song. She also brought the same pristine work to hits like One Sweet Day with Boyz II Men.

#4: Waterfalls (1995)

TLC

As a single off of their CrazySexyCool album, Waterfalls finds TLC in top form. The catchy R&B track features a hook thats lived on for decades. In one of their biggest hits, the trio combines for an engaging song about real issues. The lyrics tackle everything from drugs to relationships in fascinating stories. As one of the great R&B acts of their era, these women stop at nothing to deliver important words with spectacular music. You also get to hear an awesome rap verse from Lisa Left Eye Lopes. To this day, many listeners might think of this track first when they consider the band.

#3: You Oughta Know (1995)

Alanis Morissette

With her third album Jagged Little Pill, Alanis Morissette exploded into the mainstream with a classic. She tore up 1995 with her hit record and big singles like You Oughta Know. Its a rock tune thats full of anger, filled with a raw takedown of a failed relationship. Morissette was a young artist when this dropped, but she gives the vocals worthy of a veteran rockstar. Her songwriting collaboration with Glen Ballard is in full force here. It even won the Grammy for Best Rock Song, wowing both academy voting members and audiences around the world.

#2: California Love (1995)

2Pac feat. Dr. Dre

In the mid-1990s, Tupac Shakur was on top of the world with everything from diss tracks to rap ballads like Dear Mama. He teamed up with Dr. Dre to unleash one of the better 90s hip-hop anthems. In an ode to the Golden State, the rappers bring out a song fit for a party. Its an all-around good time with some memorable verses from Shakur. He reminds you of why hes one of the best to ever do it. With Dres production, the exciting horns and vocals from Roger Troutman add to the overall experience. It hit the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming a highlight of some amazing careers.

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

Hyperballad (1995), Björk

A Heartfelt Track with Difficult & Emotional Vocals from the Icelandic Singer

Brown Sugar (1995), DAngelo

His Neo-Soul Single Gives Listeners a Glimpse into the Future of an Underrated Star

Drop (1995), The Pharcyde

The Alternative Hip-Hop Crew Assemble for a Trippy Mix of Jazz & Rap

Alright (1995), Supergrass

A Notable Piano Part Powers a Britpop Staple with Positive Lyrics

Shy Guy (1995), Diana King

This 1995 Hit Blends Reggae Fusion & an Average White Boy Sample

#1: Wonderwall (1995)

Oasis

Is this song the ultimate Britpop single? Whether or not it is, it remains one of the most famous rock tunes of its era. Oasis goes acoustic in this laidback arrangement with a string accompaniment. Liam Gallagher sings one of his best vocals, bringing his brother Noels lyrics to life. Wonderwall almost sounds like a hardened man finally opening up to someone he cares about. With some basic guitar work, the songwriting reminds audiences that you dont need to be complex to get your point across. The track also feels like one of the greatest singalongs of the 1990s.

Did we forget another defining song of 1995? Let us know in the comments below.