Pick Your Favorite 90s Songs And We'll Guess Your Sign
- by Marc Schmidt
- – on
- in Entertainment
Certain aspects of the 20th century have been romanticized and recounted with a lot of enthusiasm. One of the things that many people long for are the good ol' days of popular music from the last 50 years of the century. This can be seen all over the internet in the comments of a music video or in a blog that analyzes the great music of a particular decade. One sentiment that gets echoed often in the media is the legend of "the last great decade". This phrase is in reference to the 1990's. In a lot of cases, this is said in reference to popular music.
There are a lot of music fans of different generations who are longing for the way things used to be. They'd discover an innovative new music video on MTV or they'd discover a great new band on the radio. This was basically the only way a music fan of the 90's could discover the latest and the greatest the music industry had to offer. It was a shared experience that made a lot of songs and artists legendary in the long run.
In this quiz, we'll not only determine what 90's songs were the favorite of music fans who enjoy the sounds of this era, we'll also look at how this relates to what astrological sign a 90's music fan might have. Music and astrological signs tend to say a lot about whoa person is and what they stand for. If both of these items tend to be right, then it would make sense that these items could come together in order to determine a 90's music fan's astrological sign. So let's go ahead if a 90's music fan's song selections can generate the correct astrological sign!
Smells Like Teen Spirit
There are some 90’s music fans out there who would say that nobody made more of an impact on popular music in the 90’s than Nirvana. Although they weren’t a formulaic hit making machine, they did create a sound that revolutionized rock music. It all got started with the release of this song back in the early 90’s From there, tons of other bands from around the world got together and tried to emulate the sound and style of this Seattle grunge band. This groundbreaking hit is arguably their best known song. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Wannabe
The Spice Girls made a much different type of impact on popular music than many other acts of the 90’s. Wannabe was a groundbreaking hit when it was released in the mid 90’s. There was nothing particularly revolutionary about the song, but there was nothing like it on the radio at the time. Some 90’s music fans might argue that this song helped to bring a much more fun sound to the radio than what was popular at the time. From their spunky aliases and personalities to the fun dance/pop sound of their songs, this group helped to put pop music back on the map. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
End Of The Road
Between MTV and the radio there was no escaping this massive early 90’s R&B hit. To this day it is still one of the most successful singles in Billboard top 100 history. 90’s music fans probably know that this wasn’t the last time we heard from this group during the decade. They scored several other huge hits that stayed at the top of the charts almost as long as this one. They were so successful that it seemed like the end of the road would never come when it came to their incredible success. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Mambo Number 5
90’s music fans may not remember the name of the artist who sang this song, but they probably still remember all of the words. This one hit wonder by Lou Bega was all over the radio and MTV throughout 1999. This huge 90’s hit is probably even more memorable to those who heard their name referenced in the chorus. Some might consider this more of a novelty song while others may consider this more of a fun dance song. Either way, this is one of many songs that made 1999 a fantastic year for pop music. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Name
This mid 90’s hit from the Goo Goo Dolls was a big breakthrough for the band. Although this band released many other memorable hits during this era, Name is the song most 90’s music fans remember the best. This is one band that straddled the line between pop and alternative very effectively. This is why their brand of rock music received so much airplay during an era when these lines were often very blurred. This is one mega hit that music lovers of the 90’s couldn’t avoid when it was at its peak. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Ironic
A lot has been said about this iconic alternative smash hit from Alanis Morissette since it debuted in the mid 90’s. The video for this song, which showed Alanis dressed in several different outfits and spots in a car, is still one of the most memorable videos of the 90’s. The song is equally as memorable. Especially since it has spawned several debates about the meaning of the lyrics. Some 90’s music fans consider the lyrics more of a “bummer” than “Irony”. However, most agree that this is a really great song. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Always
Bon Jovi might have been one of the biggest hair metal rockers of the 80’s, but they certainly changed their tune during the 90’s. A mega popular song like Always only helped to solidify Bon Jovi’s place as 90’s pop ballad crooners. This isn’t a bad thing for them as many of their 90’s ballads hit the top of the charts. This song was arguably the peak of this era for the band. If nothing else, this song helped to keep the influence of the 80’s on MTV and the charts for just a little bit longer. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Baby One More Time
Most 90’s music fans could probably sense that a change in popular music trends was taking place by the time Britney Spears debuted on the charts. Thanks to massive airplay on MTV, this song became one of the most iconic of the late 90’s. It also paved the way for many other female pop artists like Britney to follow her and make an impact on the charts as well. The revival of traditional dance pop music was in full swing by the time 1999 came and went thanks to songs like Baby One More Time. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Waterfalls
TLC is not only one of the most successful female pop groups of all time, they also have one of the most successful songs of the 90’s. This is one song 90’s music fans couldn’t avoid during its heyday in the mid 90’s. T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chilli always had a way of making an impact as individuals without compromising the identity they had as a group. This is exhibited very well in this song as they all have their own individual verses, but come together and showcase their amazing harmonies on the chorus. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Every Morning
This late 90’s pop/rock hit is one of those songs everybody knows the words to. This was either due to the massive airplay the song and video got or it was because they couldn’t get enough of the tune. Sugar Ray is one of many artists who “owned” 1999. The song’s shiny, story based music video did a lot to help establish this band as true artists, not one hit wonders as many forecasted a few years before. It really helped to sell a lot of copies of their album 14:59. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Kiss From A Rose
There is a good chance that many 90’s music lovers may not even realize that this song was made popular due to the mid 90’s box office smash Batman Forever. It’s been heard so often and stands on its own two feet so well that it is easy to forget how this became such an iconic song of the 90’s. Pop music history experts may also know that this song helped to revive Seal’s music after a slump that lasted for quite a few years after his early 90’s debut. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
My Heart Will Go On
Thanks to the movie Titanic this song will “go on” for many generations to come. Not only was Titanic one of the most successful and decorated movies of all time, it also included on of the most successful songs of all time as well. It’s hard to imagine any scene from Titanic without hearing Celine Dion’s voice somewhere in the background. Although some 90’s music loves may have heard this song one too many times, there are plenty who still can’t get enough. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Believe
1999 was a year that had a little bit of everything for music lovers. This included the reemergence of Cher. This is thanks to her autotuned smash hit Believe. This is a song could be heard on dance floors all across the world and then some thanks to its massive popularity. Just when everybody thought that Cher’s best days were behind her, this huge hit broke through and became arguably her biggest song ever. This helped Cher to close out the 20 the Century on top during one of the most memorable years for pop music. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Good Riddance
This song was viewed as a big departure from the traditional Green Day sound when it was released as a single in 1998. However, not only did this become one of their biggest hits, it also became one of the biggest songs of the 90’s. It was so big that it even made it into the retrospective that preceded the Seinfeld finale. Although Green Day has continued to find success since this song’s release, it still stands as one of their most iconic songs. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Semi-Charmed Life
This song came out of nowhere to become a hit during the late 90’s. It helped the band to start a run of hits that lasted into the beginning of the new millennium. Third Eye Blind is one of the most recognizable bands to enjoy a breakthrough during the late 90’s thanks to this massive hit about finding something new and exciting to get through life. Although this song has a darker meaning, it has a message that everybody can relate to on the surface. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
All Star
This Smash Mouth anthem was pretty much a hit right out of the gate. It’s a catchy pop song that everybody can relate to. 90’s music fans can’t help, but to get pumped up when they hear the uplifting tempo of this song matched with the inspiring lyrics. It’s a song that still lives on today through animated movies and regular airplay on retro radio stations. Although Smash Mouth produced a lot of iconic songs during this era, All Star is clearly the favorite among 90’s music fans. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Torn
Natalie Imbruglia’s Torn has all the makings of a one hit wonder. A very catchy song that repeats the chorus quite a bit. It more or less took on a life of its own during the late 90’s. 90’s music fans couldn’t go anywhere without hearing this catchy tune. The late 90’s wouldn’t have been the same without this massive hit. Although this is still the most well known song from Imbruglia, 90’s music fans may not know that she is still thriving as a musician today. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Can't Nobody Hold Me Down
Those who listened to music during the 90’s know that certain artists dominated certain years more than others. This can certainly be said of Puff Daddy. In 1997, his music was pretty much everywhere. Puff Daddy’s first solo album was his way of expressing himself after the untimely passing of his close friend Notorious BIG. Although some may argue that his song “I’ll Be Missing You” was the biggest song he released during this era, Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down was also all over MTV and the radio thanks to its catchy beat. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
My Lovin (You're Never Gonna Get It)
The early 90’s was a unique era filled with lots of changes in the sounds and images that were seen in popular music. En Vogue was one of those artists who were apart of that change from the 80’s to the 90’s. The incredible harmonies displayed on this mega hit made this group stand out ahead of the rest. The straightforward lyrics and energetic music video also helped to make this anthem an iconic part of popular music during the early 90’s. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Doo Wop (That Thing)
Lauryn Hill was an award winning sensation during the late 90’s thanks to this song. Although her debut solo album was iconic, it was this particular song that got the most attention. Lauryn Hill might be remembered well for her contribution to the very successful hip hop group The Fugees, but it is the raw, introspective hip hop she produced as a solo artist that won her the most acclaim. Much like a lot of other songs in this quiz, it wasn’t uncommon to see this video on MTV and VH1 often during this era. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Gettin Jiggy With It
This is one song that took on a life of its own during the late 90’s. This was not only a big hit for Will Smith, it was also a catchphrase that got implemented into everything from water cooler conversations to sitcoms and everything else in between. It’s a phrase that doesn’t really have much of a meaning, but usually referred to the way in which somebody danced. Almost as if they weren’t going through the motions and were actually having fun with it. In hindsight, it might not be his best remembered song, but at the time it was a phenomenon. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Hold On
One of the most inspirational pop songs of all time came out during the early 90’s. This trio not only had terrific harmonies, they also had a good story to go with the great music they were releasing. All three members were the children of a member of 60’s groups the Beach Boys and The Mamas and the Papas. Both of these bands specialized in creating breathtaking harmonies. This is something that Wilson Philips successfully incorporated into songs like Hold On. This iconic 90’s song can still be heard in movies and commercials being made today. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Don't Speak
The story of No Doubt is one of the most famous soap operas in rock history. Knowledgeable 90’s music fans know that this song and the video that accompanied it centered around friction going on between lead singer Gwen Stefani, guitarist Tony Kanal, and the rest of the band. It was one of many hit songs that came from their hugely successful album Tragic Kingdom. Although the band continued on and experienced a lot of success in the future, it is this song that still stands out as their most iconic. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
MmmBop
This band seems to fall under one of two categories for most 90’s music fans: those who only remember their hugely successful hit MmmBop and those who have remained loyal to this band throughout their music making lives. Although most popular music fans can’t claim to know what an MmmBop actually is, it doesn’t stop them from humming along to this song when it comes on the radio. Although Hanson hasn’t enjoyed a lot of commercial success since this song was released they did make a very big impact on 90’s music thanks to this hit. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Wonderwall
This huge alternative rock hit by Oasis is considered one of the most iconic songs of the 90’s. Although there was always some level of friction within the band they did hang in there long enough to produce chart topping hits like this one. To this day it is one of the first songs many 90’s music fans think of when they think about songs that defined the decade. This song is also unique because of the fact that it was such a big hit with alternative fans and pop fans alike. Although this happened a lot during the 90’s, this was clearly one of the biggest of them all. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)
Although some 90’s music fans may remember this song from How I Met Your Mother, it does in fact stand out as a 90’s classic in its own right. The Proclaimers may be regarded as a one hit wonder by many popular music fans, but they have actually been a consistent music making machine for the past several decades. Some may even be surprised to learn that the men behind The Proclaimers are actually brothers. Those who have seen the video for this song have probably questioned this fact. What many 90’s music fans do know is that this song is one of the most iconic of the 90’s. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Genie In A Bottle
Christina Aguilera has come a long way since her debut in the late 90’s. From Moulin Rouge to The Voice, Christina Aguilera has managed to stay in the limelight throughout the past few decades. However, this iconic synth hit from the late 90’s is where it all began for her. Although she got compared to Britney Spears a lot early on, it is safe to say that Christina Aguilera has established herself beyond comparisons and her iconic pop debut. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
One Headlight
The Wallflowers aren’t the first artist in this quiz to represent the “second generation” of a music making family, but they arguably drew the most generational comparisons. It’s one thing to follow in the footsteps of somebody who was very good, but it’s another to follow in the footsteps of a legend like Bob Dylan. However, considering all of the pressure this might have brought, The Wallflowers did a good job of standing on their own accord thanks to mega hits like this one. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
No Rain
There may not be another song in this quiz that is more gloomy than this early 90’s alternative smash hit by Blind Melon. Not only that, but they also have what is arguably the most iconic music video of the 90’s thanks to the “bee girl” who appears throughout. These are sounds and images that 90’s music fans heard and saw on numerous occasions on MTV during this era. Although this song and video have a very melancholy tone, it still stands out as one of the most iconic and most played songs of the 90’s. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
I Want It That Way
It’s difficult to pick out a song that truly defined 1999. So many iconic hits came out of this particular year. However, 90’s boy band fans would argue that this song by the Backstreet Boys stands at the top of the list. Even punk bank Blink 182 parodied this video by dressing like them during their own video for All The Small Things. That in itself shows how iconic this song and video were. Whether they liked the song or not, it is likely that 90’s music fans still know all of the words to this pop music masterpiece. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
The Sign
There was a time when Sweden barely made an impact on popular music. Besides for ABBA and Roxette, not many acts had enjoyed any significant success outside of their home country. This changed when Ace of Base released some irresistible dance pop hits in the mid 90’s. Although they enjoyed a lot of success with other songs, it was The Sign that made the biggest impact. It’s not uncommon for the mere mention of this song to influence 90’s music fans to start singing the incredibly catchy chorus to this massive 90’s hit. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Breathe Again
The early 90’s is known as an era when music went through a big change. Although alternative rock and hip hop are usually remembered as the key game changers, it should also be noted that R&B made a huge impact during this era too. Songs like Toni Braxton’s Breathe Again were one of many that were a part of the new wave of R&B acts. In hindsight, this song may not be quite as popular as some of her later work, but 90’s music fans still have a place in their heart for the gut wrenching music video that accompanied this fantastic ballad. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
You're Still The One
Shania Twain is without a doubt one of the most iconic artists of the 90’s. This is not only due to her style, but also due to her incredible country and crossover success. Although she had incredible success with many other songs, You’re Still The One will always be considered her signature song. Unfortunately it gets filed under “should have been a number one hit” due to how many weeks it stalled at number 2 due to the immensely popular Brandy and Monica duet “The Boy Is Mine”. This still stands out as one of the biggest songs of the 90’s despite not reaching number one. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
All My Life
90’s artists produced many memorable R&B songs, but this one by KC & JoJo is among the best. Between the emotion evoked by this duo, beautiful arrangement, and the lyrics it is truly an irresistible masterpiece. There probably weren’t many weddings or school dances that didn’t include this song during the late 90’s. Although this duo is remembered for their work with 2Pac as well as other chart topping hits, this amazing ballad is probably their most well known hit. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Always Be My Baby
By the mid 90’s there was already nobody bigger in the music industry than Mariah Carey. The number of hits she produced by that point was already pretty long. This song stands out as one of her best due to how upbeat this song sounds. Although the song itself is a little bittersweet, it is hard to resist a song that sounds so inspiring. This song also stands out as one of the few upbeat songs she’s sang on that doesn’t contain any type of sampling on it. These are all elements that make Always Be My Baby one of the top hits in Mariah’s catalogue. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
No Diggity
Blackstreet had a lot of help with this iconic mid 90’s hit. Dr Dre not only appears on the track itself, he also helped produce the group as well. There was nothing funkier than this song during the peak of the R&B/Hip Hop movement of the mid 90’s. Although this group continued on with chart success after this massive hit, No Diggity will always be remembered as their biggest song. 90’s fans who truly know their pop culture will remember the “very 90’s” cameo by none other than “Lil Penny”. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Livin' La Vida Loca
There are moments in pop culture when a new phenomenon comes along and impacts people out of nowhere. In 1999, Ricky Martin and his massive hit Livin La Vida Loca was a perfect example of this. Nobody was expecting somebody like him to come along, but his music really took off when he did. He was the perfect artist to come along during that point in time. For many 90’s music fans this song really helped to define a year that was filled with fun music. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Under The Bridge
The opening guitar solo in this song is probably one of the most recognizable of the 90’s. It’s a song that has helped many 90’s music fans feel a little less lonely thanks to its straightforward lyrics about loneliness. Although the Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their high energy brand of alternative music, it is this song that still stands out as their signature hit. It also allowed the band to expand on making heartfelt ballads once in awhile as well. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
I Will Always Love You
The Bodyguard soundtrack produced a number of hit songs by Whitney Houston, but I Will Always Love You was clearly the favorite. This song is arguably one of the most overplayed songs of the decade due to its massive popularity. Whitney’s performance is so good that most people probably don’t even realize this song is a cover. Whitney Houston truly had everything going for her during this period. Not only was this one of the biggest songs of the decade, she also starred in the movie this song came from as well. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Hold My Hand
Hold My Hand is the hit that started it all for Hootie and the Blowfish. For those who watched VH1 and MTV loyally, they got introduced to this band a little sooner than most. The constant airplay of their iconic video helped take their rootsy style of rock n’ roll to the next level. After this song ran its course, several others came out that helped solidify their 90’s success story. There probably aren’t many 90’s music fans who don’t have a copy of their Cracked Rear View album laying around somewhere. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
I Don't Want To Miss A Thing
This was one song that was hard to miss during the late 90’s. After several decades of incredible success Aerosmith finally scored their first Billboard number 1 hit with this song from the movie Armageddon. It was a long overdue honor for a band that has recorded songs that are probably much more iconic than this one. This is one of those artists who probably have more than one song that is considered their “signature” hit. However, with this one being their only number 1 hit, it is hard to not put this one in the argument as well. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
This Kiss
Although Faith Hill had established herself as a country music artist, it wasn’t until this sweet song came out in 1998 that she established herself as a significant pop artist. Although some would say this is a country song, it clearly has crossover appeal. The fact that it did so well on the Billboard chart also proves this. Faith Hill is yet another artist who proved that obtaining success beyond one particular niche genre is possible. Airplay on VH1 and MTV also helped this song become a huge success as well. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Real World
The late 90’s saw the emergence of many post-grunge rock bands. Through this invasion of power chord influenced bands was Matchbox 20. They stood out among the plethora of post grunge bands 90’s music fans had to choose from. Although songs like Push and 3am did a lot to establish this band as one of the biggest in rock, it was Real World that contained an extra personal touch that helped to win fans over. Much like their aforementioned hits, this song was hard to avoid on MTV and the radio. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Waiting For Tonight
One theme in this quiz is the 1999. It was a big year for music that was filled with a little bit of something for everybody. One genre that made a big impact during this era was Latin influenced music. Although Jennifer Lopez’s Waiting For Tonight is more of a dance/pop hit, it still stands out as a song that helped impact the Latin genre. It was also the perfect high energy dance song for a year like 1999. It also marked the beginning of Jennifer Lopez’s incredible music journey. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
I Don't Want To Wait
If there is one song that 90’s music fans are still hearing in their head 20 years later it is this ballad by Paula Cole. 90’s music fans who watched Dawson’s Creek were treated to this song every week they watched the show. It was largely responsible for the immense airplay it received on the radio during this era. Although Paula Cole did score a few other significant hits during the 90’s, it is this song that stands out as her signature hit. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
That's The Way Love Goes
Janet Jackson is one of those artists who has a very long list of hit songs from the past several decades. Naming one song as a “signature” song is pretty subjective and could depend on which era a 90’s music fan followed the most. However, this song stands out as one of her most iconic as it marked a transition to a more mature sound and persona. For those who remember seeing this video in rotation on MTV, it was a moment that marked a positive transition of growth in Janet Jackson’s musical journey. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Runaway Train
Runaway Train still stands out as one of the most powerful statements in 90’s music. This is not only due to the fact that the song itself addresses a very serious topic, it’s also due to the message that was sent in the band’s music video. By listing several missing people in their video along with lyrics that tackled the topic of homelessness and runaways, this song said something very powerful. It became a huge hit during the early 90’s and also made a huge cultural impact in the process. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Fantastic Voyage
Even if some 90’s music fans weren’t a big fan of Coolio it is likely that they remember the music video for this song. The images of going on a “Fantastic Voyage” in Coolio’s car has been etched in the memory of many MTV Generation music fans regardless of which genres they preferred. If nothing else, 90’s music fans who caught the very end of this video will remember the hilarious phone dialogue where Coolio yells “quit calling me!” Those who were fans of Coolio enjoyed a retro beat and fantastic rapping throughout this very colorful music video. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Buddy Holly
An unlikely musician from the past made a comeback during the 90’s. It wasn’t necessarily due to his music, but it was due to this song. Weezer broke through and became one of the biggest stars in alternative rock thanks to this song. The mere mention of comparing themselves to Buddy Holly while capturing the heart of a girl who looks like Mary Tyler Moore was a message that resonated with many 90’s music fans. On top of that, the band cleverly inserted themselves in an episode of Happy Days. This music video backdrop still stands out as one of the most unique in music video history. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
Tearin' Up My Heart
Before N’Sync’s big breakthrough in the early 2000’s, this song came out and put the group on the pop music map. The idea of a pop music comeback wasn’t something that everybody was on board with at the time this song came out, but it did do a lot to get MTV and radio moving in that direction. Little did anybody know that group member Justin Timberlake would become the huge solo star he has been during this century so far. For many 90’s fans this is a good song to reflect on when they are feeling particularly nostalgic. {Billboard.com} {Apple}
