20 iconic '90s songs you forgot how much you loved

In 1996, Jamiroquai released their third album Traveling Without Moving, which featured the hit single “Virtual Insanity.” On the track, the band highlights how the world is constantly changing due to viewpoints, governments, and technology. As they sing on the first verse, “And nothin's going to change the way we live / 'Cause we can always take, but never give / And now that things are changing for the worse, see / Woah, it's a crazy world we're livin' in.”

In 1995, hip-hop group Luniz highlighted their need for community on their single “I Got 5 On It.” On the track, they described joining a group of people to put their money together for purchasing marijuana. 

On Meredith Brooks’ 1997 hit single “B!tch,” she highlights the many dynamic facets of being a woman. She sings of how women aren’t always the softest beings, and how sometimes they have to show different sides. As she sings on the hook, “I'm a b!tch, I'm a lover / I'm a child, I'm a mother / I'm a sinner, I'm a saint / I do not feel ashamed.”

Lou Bega released one of the biggest records of the ‘90s with his hit single “Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of...)” Using a sample of Perez Prado’s 1949 single of the same name, Bega takes the track to another level as he describes his flirtatious ways. As he sings on the hook, “A little bit of Monica in my life / A little bit of Erica by my side / A little bit of Rita's all I need / A little bit of Tina's what I see.”

Jennifer Paige took over the Billboard charts in 1998 with her debut single “Crush.” On the track, she highlights the infatuation she has with a potential partner, but she’s not sure how much she actually likes him. 

Jordan Knight worked with Robin Thicke, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis on his debut solo single “Give It To You.” On the track, he describes how a partner is yearning to be loved and how he’s aiming to please them until they’re satisfied. 

In 1999, Sugar Ray released their third album 14:59, which featured their hit single “Someday.” On the track, lead singer Mark McGrath gives the perspective of someone reflecting on a previous relationship. As he sings on the first verse, “Someday, when my life has passed me by / I'll lay around and wonder why you were always there for me.”

British girl group Cleopatra came onto the scene in 1998 with their debut album Comin’ Atcha! The album’s lead single “Cleopatra’s Theme” finds the group introducing themselves to the world as artists who are aiming to make it big in the music industry. As they sing on the track, “Get a pen and paper, write down our name / You will realize our aim is the same / We all have that dream to make it to the top / When we do, we know we're never gonna stop.”

For music fans who need a little pick-me-up song, Jennifer Lopez “Feelin’ So Good” should be in the rotation. J-Lo teamed up with Big Bun and Fat Joe as they describe the type of day in which nothing can bring their spirits down. As Lopez sings, “When I opened up my eyes today / Felt the sun shining on my face / It became so clear to me that everything is going my way.”

In 1999, British pop group S Club released their debut album S Club, featuring the second single “S Club Party.” The group uses the track to describe a fun-filled weekend of partying with their crew. As they sing on the first verse, “Finally Friday night / Feelin' kinda good, lookin' alright / Gotta get movin', can't be late / Gotta get groovin', just can't wait.”

Pop rock band Hanson, made up of the three Hanson brothers (Isaac, Taylor, and Zac), came onto the scene loud and clear on their debut single “MMMBop.” The track finds the band highlighting the importance of holding onto genuine people in life, and it helps that the melody is super catchy. 

In 1999, pop singer Mandy Moore released her debut album So Real, led by the hit single “Candy.” On the track, Moore uses different metaphors to describe the feelings she has for a partner. As she sings on the hook, “Sweet to me / Like sugar to my heart / I'm craving for you / I'm missing you like candy.” 

In 1997, Bronx-based hip-hop duo Camp Lo released their debut album Uptown Saturday Night, which featured their biggest single “Luchini AKA This Is It.” Camp Lo uses the track to describe their riches and success. 

In 1998, alt-rock band New Radicals released their only studio album Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, led by the hit single “You Get What You Give.” On the track, the band highlights the importance of initiative, faith, and perseverance when things come your way in life. As they sing on the hook, “Don't let go, you've got the music in you / One dance left, this world is gonna pull through / Don't give up, you've got a reason to live.”

Hip-hop trio Salt-n-Pepa show off their braggadocio side on their single “R U Ready.” On the track, they describe their riches and success, as well as dealing with haters. As they say on the track, “But you've been giving shade 'cause I stay paid / Sippin' lemonade, don't be mad 'cause I got it made / Diva-hatin', waitin' snake in the grass.”

In 1997, rapper Queen Pen released her debut album My Melody, which featured the anthem “Party Ain’t a Party.”  On the track, Pen describes how a party doesn’t truly get jumping until she and the crew pull up to the scene. 

The Spice Girls debuted in 1996 with their album Spice and quickly became a worldwide phenomenon. One of their standout singles is the disco-inspired dance track “Who Do You Think You Are,” which highlights how people can sometimes get caught up in the world of fame. 

Jade was a short-lived R&B group in the ‘90s, but the group members had the type of voices and harmonies that listeners loved. One of their standout tracks was “5-4-3-2 (Yo! Time Is Up),” a song that tells the perspective of a woman who feels like she’s given her partner ample chances to get their act together, but it’s finally time to call it quits. 

In 1997, R&B girl group Shades came onto the scene with their hit single “Tell Me (I’ll Be Around).” On the track, they’re asking certain questions to a potential partner to see if they’re worth their time. As they sing on the hook, “Tell me your name ('Cause I wanna know) / What car do you drive? (And tell me where can we go) / How much money do you make (How can I be down?) / As long as you have (I'll be around).”

Smash Mouth introduced their ska punk and psychedelic sound on their debut album Fush Yu Mang, led by the hit single “Walkin’ on the Sun.” On the track, the band describes the trials the people constantly face, and how people need to get a grip on life to help make the world a better place.