Top 10 Revenge Songs of the '90s

Destiny’s Child
In one of their best songs, Destiny’s Child lays out a good argument against dating a scrub. The singers talk about a man that’s asking for too many favors. Instead of being equals, the toxic union breaks down as the partner takes advantage of his girlfriend’s wallet. The band members take their frustrations out on him by asking for some help in return. Detailing the horrors of a one-sided relationship, “Bills, Bills, Bills” is an anthem for women considering an exit. The number-one hit feels like sweet revenge to all those boyfriends that might have slighted you.

Sublime
If you never listened to the words, you might think this is a more chill song, as the reggae influence creates a fun vibe. Tune into the aggressive lyrics, though, you’ll find a murder plot inside this 1990s classic. The singer contemplates what he’d do if he found the guy that took his girl. It blossoms into a dark fantasy, mixing in some references to religion and violence. The vocalist sounds like he’s having a good time despite mentioning a potential murder weapon, which makes it more disturbing. Sublime’s laidback style lulls you into this narrative, taking you down a rabbit hole of twisted detours.

Ice Cube
This song elevated Ice Cube’s solo career and revealed his feelings about NWA. The rapper left his group for independence, but he had a few words to say about their direction and musical choices. He name-checks members like Dr. Dre and Eazy-E along with referencing his old manager Jerry Heller. Cube doesn’t leave anyone out, using explicit language to get his point across. He also wants revenge for songs which aimed at him, such as “100 Miles and Runnin,’” fighting back in an entertaining performance. You could argue that he ended the feud right there. With the title alone, this intense production raised the bar for diss tracks.

Cher
On her hit album “Believe,” Cher proves her musical strength once again. She also knows how to tell off an unfaithful partner. “Strong Enough” details how she really feels about a bad boyfriend, standing up for herself in bold fashion. The singer doesn’t want to be taken for granted or shared with someone else. Putting her foot down, the artist makes it clear you shouldn’t mess with her. It’s yet another exciting record from the vocalist’s 1990s resurgence. Combining her forceful lyrics and her legendary talents, she shows that she’s a multi-generational icon with a youthful energy.

Whitney Houston
Who would be fool enough to cheat on Whitney Houston? This song considers the impossible as the singer discovers the truth. Her vocals convey the emotion and underlying heartbreak accompanying her lover’s betrayal. But rather than living with sadness, the artist moves on with a positive attitude. It’s an inspirational message along with being a showcase for Houston’s greatness. Using her powerful range, she charts a course for freedom. The awesome tune takes the high road as the vocalist takes a brave stand. By the time it reaches the chorus, she makes people see the bright side of breaking up.

Kelis
Sometimes being direct can be poetic. “Caught Out There” captures Kelis at the start of her career, showing that she’s a force of nature. The lyrics detail her response to someone being unfaithful. She runs down a list of her good deeds, demonstrating that she really cared about him. The evidence piles up against him until the angry chorus erupts. With all of her might, Kelis unleashes a firestorm against a cheater. It’s exactly the kind of thing you want to say to somebody if they’ve hurt you. Backed by a catchy beat, this singer raises the bar for lyrical vengeance.

TLC
There are a number of different ways a person might respond to a cheater. Some people might leave, but others might want to get even. This gives “Creep” by TLC an edginess that other songs don’t have. The song proposes a controversial route, causing a rift among the R&B trio. Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes[a] didn’t agree with the lyrics and objected to cheating as a response. Considering this back story, the song is even more interesting to revisit. The excellent beat and production values are practically hypnotic. Whether you agree with the words or not, the killer groove makes you want to sing and dance along.

Nirvana
For their third studio album, these grunge titans created some great deep tracks. This one in particular showcases Kurt Cobain’s knack for melodies and engaging lyrics. Referencing the movie actress, “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle” might also be one of the band’s best titles. The lead singer mixes complex thoughts about fame, the media, and mental health with Farmer’s story. Cobain doesn’t hold back here either, making audiences consider the “comfort in being sad.” It likely inspired listeners to read up on the horrors of the subject’s life. With his gritty voice, the vocalist brought all of his emotions to every performance.

2Pac feat. Outlawz
Nothing gets past 2Pac. When he wanted to ramp up the East and West Coast rivalry, he didn’t do it lightly. “Hit ‘Em Up” goes after Bad Boy Records and people like the artist formerly known as Puff Daddy. From the start, Tupac Shakur lays into his musical enemies. He doesn’t mince words or leave you hanging about how he feels in what might even be the most aggressive diss track of the 1990s. If there’s one lesson to take away from the song, it’s that few people could compete with Shakur’s artistry. This intensely visceral attack hasn’t aged a day.

Alanis Morissette
For one of her most famous tracks, Alanis Morissette leaves nothing to the imagination. This hit from “Jagged Little Pill” might be the ultimate revenge piece from recent rock history. Starting with the explicit opening verse, the singer gets under your skin with her pointed words. It’s penned with raw intensity and the fury in her voice captures that intensity perfectly. Over the years, audiences theorized that the target might’ve been Dave Coulier from “Full House.” This potential detail adds a layer, but even without it, the track makes an indelible impression. Regardless of who it’s about, “You Oughta Know” is an artist at her most angry.

What’s your personal choice for the greatest revenge anthem? Let us know in the comments below.




[a]lopez / LOH-pezz https://youtu.be/U0p2j8L3uU0?si=oXHJ6ey7leVsYYx5&t=253