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'All Apologies' - Nirvana -

Kurt Cobain dedicated this song to wife Courtney Love and their daughter, Frances Bean Cobain. Sadly, four months after its release, Cobain was gone. The song, however, lives on.

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'Hero' - Mariah Carey -

Regarded as one of Mariah Carey's signature ballads, 'Hero' became a timeless anthem for anyone who has ever struggled with self-doubt or adversity.

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'Creep'- Radiohead -

Radiohead's 'Creep' called out to the self-loathers and outcasts. And while they first seemed like a one-hit wonder, they quickly became one of the most acclaimed and innovative bands of their generation.

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'Loser' - Beck -

'Loser' is a classic alternative rock song that features a blend of hip-hop, folk, and rock elements. With a slacker vibe, it perfectly captures the angst and apathy of the early '90s youth.

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'Are You Gonna Go My Way?' - Lenny Kravitz -

Yes, this high-energy rock anthem came out 30 years ago! With its catchy chorus, we still can't get enough.

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'That’s the Way Love Goes' - Janet Jackson -

This sultry and seductive R&B jam was one of the longest-reigning hits of 1993, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks.

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'Cryin'' - Aerosmith -

It's hard to fathom this song being 30. The video for this power ballad introduced us to Alicia Silverstone, who appeared in three of the band's music videos around the time.

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'Insane in the Brain' - Cypress Hill -

This '93 hip-hop tune provided the epic line: "Insane in the membrane? Insane in the brain!"

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'All I Wanna Do' - Sheryl Crow -

Released 30 years ago, this catchy pop-rock song became a beloved anthem for anyone who wants to let loose and have a good time.

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'No Rain' - Blind Melon -

The second single from the band's debut album, 'Blind Melon,' the video for 'No Rain' became an iconic image of the '90s. This was all thanks to 10-year-old Heather DeLoach, who danced around in a bee costume.

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'Shoop' - Salt-N-Pepa -

One of the group's more successful singles, 'Shoop' became an instant hit and has since become a beloved hip-hop classic.

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'Macarena' - Los Del Río -

The international hit, by Spanish duo Los Del Río, inspired a dance craze that lives on 30 years later.

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'The Sign' - Ace of Base -

With its catchy hooks and upbeat lyrics, 'The Sign' is a total '90s jam, mixing techno-reggae and Europop.

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'I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)' - Meat Loaf -

This Meat Loaf power ballad was a commercial success, reaching no. 1 in 28 countries. The song also earned him a Grammy Award for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo.

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'Mr. Jones' - Counting Crows -

'Mr. Jones' by Counting Crows is a melodic rock track that touches on themes of identity and alienation, just in line with the youth of the time.

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'Breathe Again' - Toni Braxton -

A soulful ballad that showcases Toni Braxton's powerful and emotive voice, 'Breathe Again' expresses the heartache of a failed relationship and the longing for a second chance. The song peaked at no. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and no. 4 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles.

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'What’s Up?' - 4 Non Blondes -

It doesn't seem that long ago since Linda Perry, with her big hat and steampunk goggles, wailed "Hey yeah yeah eh-eh!"

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'Streets of Philadelphia' - Bruce Springsteen -

Part of the soundtrack of 'Philadelphia' (1993), starring Tom Hanks, this song went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song, plus four Grammy Awards!

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'Whoomp (There It Is)' - Tag Team -

The debut single by '90s rap duo Tag Team, 'Whoomp (There It Is)' reached no. 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B chart and no. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart 30 years ago.

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'Who Am I? (What’s My Name?)' - Snoop Dog -

Those who hadn’t heard of Snoop from Dr. Dre’s 1992 album 'The Chronic' certainly came to know him when he dropped this funky solo debut.

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'Venus as a Boy' - Björk -

This dreamy, ethereal track by Björk has become a fan favorite thanks to its haunting melodies and evocative imagery.

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'Soul to Squeeze' - Red Hot Chili Peppers -

Originally recorded in 1991, 'Soul to Squeeze' was only released two years later as a single, becoming an instant success for these rock giants.

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'Keep Ya Head Up' - Tupac -

An uplifting hip-hop anthem that showcased the rapper's social consciousness, 'Keep Ya Head Up' continues to inspire listeners today.

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'It Was a Good Day' - Ice Cube -

When Ice Cube released this '93 hit, it showed that even the most hardcore gangsta rappers could look on the bright side of life.

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'Today' - Smashing Pumpkins -

One of the defining songs of the '90s, 'Today' is a moody alternative rock song that touches on themes of depression and alienation. However, its chorus sends a message of hope and resilience.

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'The River of Dreams' - Billy Joel -

Peaking at no. 3 on the US and UK charts, the soulful 'The River of Dreams' became Billy Joel's best-charting single of the '90s.

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'Runaway ' - Soul Asylum -

Released in June 1993, this power ballad became a worldwide success, reaching no. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

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'Plush' - Temple Pilots -

This grunge hit became the band's first single to top the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart.

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'For Tomorrow' - Blur -

A Britpop anthem, 'For Tomorrow' embodies the optimism and disillusionment of the '90s. Its social commentary resonated with a generation that was coming of age in a rapidly changing world.

Sources: (Rolling Stone) (Singersroom)

See also: Iconic movies turning 30 in 2023

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