Heartbreaking tales of these fleeting stars
The 1990s wouldn't be complete without a boyband hit. And 'I Want It That Way' by the Backstreet Boys was the anthem that melted every teen girl's heart.
'Say My Name' is one of Destiny's Child's biggest hits. And fun fact: while the song features the vocals of Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, LeToya Luckett, and LaTavia Roberson, the music video sees Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin in place of Luckett and Roberson.
Daft Punk's 'Da Funk’ is considered one of the classics of 1990s house music, hugely impacting the genre.
One of Madonna's most iconic songs, 'Vogue' is a lavish and sleek club-ready jam that was inspired by New York vogue dancers. The song remains to this day one of her biggest international hits.
'The Boy Is Mine' is a 1998 duet by singers Brandy and Monica. The track gives it all: drama, a killer hook, and perfectly blended vocals. It won the 1999 Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
The 1992 debut single of British rock band Radiohead, 'Creep' put a spotlight on angst and insecurity. It became popular on American alternative rock radio and turned into an international hit.
From her self-titled debut studio album in 1999, 'Genie in a Bottle' was pure '90s bubblegum pop and far from Christina Aguilera's dirtier early 2000s tunes.
J.Lo knows how to make a smashing dance floor hit, and 'Waiting for Tonight' was no different. It became her first song to top the US Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.
Mariah Carey's '90s catalog is legendary, and 'Always Be My Baby' is one of her biggest hits. Acclaimed by music critics, it became her 11th chart topper on the US Billboard Hot 100.
You can't forget Pearl Jam when it comes to '90s grunge. Their hit song 'Alive' remains one of the greatest anthems of the era, largely thanks to the unforgettable voice of Eddie Vedder.
An original Prince song, Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor recorded a version of the tune that became a much bigger hit.
A proper heartbreak ballad, Gwen Stefani's voice has never sounded better than in this iconic '90s hit. The song was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1998 Grammy Awards.
Dr. Dre’s 1992 album 'The Chronic' is one of the decade’s most important. It featured this song, which introduced the world to Snoop Dogg.
The theme of 'Titanic' (1997), 'My Heart Will Go On' was just as popular as the box-office hit. It was no. 1 in more than 20 countries, and it still lives on today.
The iconic '…Baby One More Time' was Britney Spears' debut single in 1999. Considered by many as the Princess of Pop, she put her mark on the music industry beginning with this hit.
Nothing captures the heart of teen rebellion quite like 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.' The song became a worldwide success and helped propel grunge into the mainstream.
A cover of American rock band Ednaswap, 'Torn' is best known as Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia's 1997 debut single. Her version peaked at no. 1 on many singles charts worldwide.
Released in late 1996, 'Wannabe' helped kick off the decade's teen-pop boom. It became the most emblematic song of the group's 'girl power' philosophy, and a worldwide hit.
'California Love' became an absolute hit when it arrived in late 1995. It reached no. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100 and topped the R&B and rap charts.
'Doo Wop (That Thing)' was the debut solo single of Lauryn Hill, and became her first and only US no. 1 hit, topping the Hot 100 for two weeks.
Originally recorded by Linda Lyndell in 1968, Salt 'N' Pepa turned the song into a commercial success in 1993. It reached the top ten in Australia, the UK, and the US.
A Dolly Parton cover, 'I Will Always Love You' became even more powerful in the voice of Whitney Houston. Recorded for the 1992 film 'The Bodyguard,' this song never gets old.
Before the 2000s, hip-hop group Outkast stayed quite underground. Their 1997 hit ‘Rosa Parks’ turned them into household names and fan favorites.
Sources: (Rolling Stone) (Glamour) (Time Out)
See also: The biggest hits songs from the '80s
A true '90s icon, Alanis Morissette gave us everything we needed with this smash hit from 1996. The song is to this day a serious karaoke crowd-pleaser.
What's not to love about this 1999 hit? It's a proper female empowerment anthem that earned Shania Twain a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
Written and performed by the pop rock band Hanson, 'MMMBop' was their catchiest and most successful single ever.
A true heartbreak anthem, Toni Braxton's 'Un-Break My Heart' earned her the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and become one of the best-selling singles of all time.
One of the biggest hits of the decade, this 1999 jam earned the group Grammys for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocal and Best R&B Song.
Released in 1996 by alternative rock band Smashing Pumpkins, '1979’ is an enduring and bittersweet jam that incorporates the whole coming-of-age '90s vibe.
Even with a four-decade-long career, Cher still managed to top the charts and release a major hit with 'Believe.' An anthem to this day, the song earned her the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording.
Music wise, the 1990s was one of the most diverse decades, starting with the rising trends of grunge and hip hop, before moving into the new millennium with bubblegum pop. No matter what your jam was, '90s music gave us countless hits which are still popular to this day. From Nirvana to Britney Spears, the charts had something for everyone.
Want a glimpse back to the biggest hits from the '90s? Then check out this gallery!
The biggest hit songs from the ‘90s
From grunge to bubblegum pop, this decade had it all
MUSIC Tunes
Music wise, the 1990s was one of the most diverse decades, starting with the rising trends of grunge and hip hop, before moving into the new millennium with bubblegum pop. No matter what your jam was, '90s music gave us countless hits which are still popular to this day. From Nirvana to Britney Spears, the charts had something for everyone.
Want a glimpse back to the biggest hits from the '90s? Then check out this gallery!