Top 20 Best Pop Songs from the 90s

Did you know that this version of “Waiting for Tonight” actually isn’t the first? Indeed, girl group 3rd Party released the song a few years before Lopez gave us her own take on the material in 1999. Still, J.Lo’s cover is hard to match. The dance-pop hit has enough energy to get pretty much anyone listening moving, and as you can imagine, it made a splash at the end of the decade. You could even say it’s perfect, it's passion, and listening to it is setting us free. There’s a reason it remains one of Lopez’s best-known and most acclaimed songs.

We know, we know – the original "Mambo No. 5" is from 1950. But in the ‘90s, Lou Bega took that track and breathed new, different life into it. Bega’s version is different, sampling its predecessor and proceeding to build on it with things like new lyrics. The result is a latin-pop banger that still gets us. The rhythm is infectious, the trumpet adds a little something special, and we definitely don’t need to tell you that the chorus just doesn’t quit! As long as we have a little bit of this hit in our lives, we’re happy.

Come on Barbie, let’s go party! We don’t think it’s a stretch to say that an entire generation of us grew up blasting the eurodance sensation that is Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.” It’s a little eccentric and out there, to be sure, but always in the most positive, bubbly way. This is the kind of tune that we walked around singing over and over again – considering how catchy it is, can you blame us? But don’t just take our word for it! “Barbie Girl” has the chart numbers to prove it was a success, too. The bosses at Mattel may not have been huge fans of this one, but we definitely were in 1997 – and still are.

You’re already hearing it in your head, aren’t you? Hey, we get it. It’s as if the words “U Can’t Touch This” set off an automatic play button in our minds, too. The song is also basically synonymous with MC Hammer, and serves as a top-notch example of how pop and hip hop music can come together to create something fresh and unforgettable. That, and the fact that it won multiple Grammy awards, tells you what you need to know. Plus, there’s just no denying how good the track itself is, with lyrics and music that demand we pay attention. One could even say you can’t touch the impact it had.

You know those songs that totally hook you from the first note? Their rhythms and storytelling ability fuse together, and it’s very difficult to do anything but groove along as a result. If you ask us, "Livin' la Vida Loca" is one of those songs. Indeed, each instrument, note, and sultry lyric feels intentional and perfectly placed, and the way it builds to its magnetic chorus never gets old. Because of this, our feet start moving as soon as it starts, and we’ve been guilty of hitting repeat on more than a few occasions over the decades.

When you talk of genre-defining pop stars of the 1990s and 2000s, it’s practically impossible not to mention Christina Aguilera. The star has had quite an illustrious career, and as the lead single off her debut studio album, “Genie in a Bottle” played a big part in getting everyone to see just how brilliant she is. It’s mesmerizing in every sense of the word, with a teen-pop energy that feels both youthful and sophisticated. That’s saying nothing of Xtina’s striking vocals, which take the tune to a whole new level. Needless to say, “Genie in a Bottle” has been making our wishes come true since 1999.

The musical phenomenon known as Britpop was a defining trend of the mid-‘90s, and Oasis was one of the biggest bands associated with it. “Wonderwall,” then, might be one of the most recognizable Britpop tunes around. The opening guitar alone creates an atmospheric listening experience that’s indescribable. And once the singing starts? Well, then we’re in for a melodious ride that always ends too soon. The proof is that we’ve been getting on it since 1995. There’s just something so inherently comforting yet powerful about the song that envelops us fully. We simply don’t believe that anybody could feel differently about it!

One of Destiny’s Child’s most iconic releases, “Say My Name” is a bop in the purest sense of the word. The blend of pop and R&B is sensational, and there’s not a dull moment throughout the entirety of the song. It’s bold, lyrically packed, and relatively fast-paced, but it’s never overpowering or trying to do too much. Instead, it wraps the story of someone who believes their partner is being unfaithful in some of the most captivating musical packaging we’ve ever heard. It certainly didn’t top the Billboard Hot 100 and earn two Grammys by mistake, so we’ll keep saying its name!

In a lot of ways, “The Sign” is deep, introspective, and filled with meaning. After all, it’s essentially about realizing your romantic partner isn’t right for you and breaking things off. But that doesn’t mean it’s gloomy – far from it! The perky, synth-heavy beat ensures we sway happily while singing about opening up our eyes and doing what’s best for us, infusing the piece with a triumphant feel. It was, as you’ve probably guessed, a chart success, which is a testament to the way it resonated with folks. So take this as the sign you didn’t know you needed to go revisit the amazing europop tune.

The year was 1995, and Alanis Morissette gave us the masterpiece that is “You Oughta Know.” It didn’t take long before we realized she had tapped into something real, and we’re forever grateful that she did. The single from her “Jagged Little Pill” album makes room for rage and the unfiltered sensations that come with heartbreak in a way that’s nothing short of cathartic. Each biting, unapologetic word out of Morissette’s mouth cuts through the noise, metaphorical and literal alike. Pair that with the spirited production, and you get a two-time Grammy-winning song that commands any space it plays in.

TLC did so much for us in the ‘90s. We’ll never tire of the many, many fantastic songs the girl group changed our lives with, from "Unpretty" to "Waterfalls" and much more. But how could we talk about anything other than the phenomenon that is “No Scrubs”? Fun, full of flair, and pretty darn decisive, it’s hip-pop at its finest. We also can’t say enough good things about the work Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas does on lead vocals throughout, or about the thrill we get singing along with her. TLC may not want any scrubs, but we will always want more of “No Scrubs.”

Can we interest you in one of the best duets the 1990s had to offer? “The Boy Is Mine” isn’t super loud or in your face, but it doesn’t need to be. Every single element just works on a visceral level, in a way no words can adequately describe. Brandy and Monica’s voices, for instance, are remarkable. And that harp line that kicks things off? We’re still not over it. This fictional boy probably wasn’t good enough for Brandy or Monica – but this song is more than good enough for us. And yes, we’ll have a sing-off with anyone who tries to take it away from us!

There’s no doubt that Mariah Carey is one of the most impressive vocalists around, with a range that leaves us breathless. “Always Be My Baby” is far from being her only impressive release, but we have to spotlight it for how it showcases her abilities. Indeed, the production is on the calmer, more understated side, which leaves space for Carey’s skill to really shine through as she embodies lyrics that lovingly speak to an ex. Naturally, she makes the most challenging notes seem effortless, and thus, the heartfelt ballad reaches stratospheric heights. It goes without saying, but this one will always be a part of us.

Picture it: the year is 1990, you’re pumped about the new decade. Suddenly, Madonna’s “Vogue” is released for the world to hear, and it gives you a little extra boost to tackle whatever comes your way. The track encourages us to forget life’s unpleasantness, and just dance the night away. Perhaps most importantly, it honors the ballroom community it draws inspiration from. It went on to be one of Madonna’s most successful singles both critically and commercially speaking. Considering all we just said, it’s not hard to see why. So come on, vogue, and let your body move to the music!

No matter the distance, we want this song to know that deep down inside of us, it is our fire. See what we did there? The moving pop ballad, which came out in 1999 and became one of the band’s most popular releases, gives us permission to sing like nobody’s watching. It doesn’t get much more satisfying than that. There’s something boy bands like Backstreet Boys are able to capture in their music that strikes a chord and never stops being special. “I Want It That Way” is the epitome of that, which is why there is no more heartache in sight for us if it’s playing.

“Wannabe” isn’t just a song – it’s a lifestyle. For one thing, it’s basically “girl power” in very riveting musical form. For another, the chorus is practically destined to get stuck in our heads at every turn – and we’re not even upset about it, because the poppy hit is just that excellent! It has the ability to instantly put us in a better mood, reminding us how important our friendships are and allowing us to find strength in them. It also reminds us to dance a lot! The chart-topper has stood the test of time, zigazig-ah-ing its way into our hearts forever.

Toni Braxton healed our hearts with this one. The Grammy-winning power ballad, which was produced by David Foster and penned by Diane Warren, is jam-packed with unbridled feeling. The whole number is fiercely vulnerable, strong, beautiful, and raw. Naturally, Braxton goes all out with her impassioned delivery to really make us experience each word and feeling, and it’s priceless. We’re clearly not the only ones who think so, because “Un-Break My Heart” nabbed a spot as one of the best-selling singles out there! If you’re anything like us, you may find yourself sobbing by the end of the song, but in the best, most cleansing way.

We couldn’t possibly talk about the ‘90s without talking about the “Titanic” song, now could we?! This is another poignant ballad that took the world by storm, as evidenced by its impressive sales record and many prestigious awards. To this day, we’re in awe of the way Dion takes us on a journey that gets us weeping, smiling, and falling in love all at the same time. She’s in full control as the piece builds in intensity, guiding us through the tale of a romance that persists across the distance in gentle yet powerful fashion. Near, far, wherever we are, we believe that “My Heart Will Go On” is everlasting.

Debut singles don’t get much more iconic than this. Britney Spears is a pop force to be reckoned with, and while her career started before “..Baby One More Time,” the exhilarating, danceable bop certainly showed everyone she was here to stay. It has everything you could possibly want, from relatable lyrics to dynamic production to a star at the center who knows precisely what to do with the material. Of course, it sold many, many millions of copies. Soon, it cemented itself not only as one of the most commercially successful singles around, but also as one of the most enduring.

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

"Believe" (1998), Cher
We’ll Always Believe in the Power of This Song

"I'll Be There for You" (1994), The Rembrandts
The “Friends” Theme Is So Special to Us

"Kiss Me" (1997), Sixpence None the Richer
Romantic, Swoonworthy, & Utterly Unforgettable

"End of the Road" (1992), Boyz II Men
We Belong with This Ballad

"MMMBop" (1997), Hanson
It’s an MmmBop!

The late Whitney Houston was a visionary and powerhouse. “I Will Always Love You” is one of her signature songs, having won Grammys, topped charts worldwide, and been deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the Library of Congress. That’s no accident, as the richly layered number puts her talent on display for folks around the globe to admire. Houston’s voice is absolutely transcendent, soaring to convey numerous layers of bittersweet emotion and taking our breaths away in the process. It’s hard to believe her version is a cover, because it feels as though the power ballad was penned specifically for her. We will always love that.