The 90s were an interesting period that sat right between technology’s breakthrough and its epic takeover. I can imagine growing up in this decade would have been a blast. Here are four songs that feel like a 90s childhood.
“Waterfalls” by TLC
Although “Waterfalls” is groovy and carefree in nature, the song actually addresses a lot of societal issues. In fact, this chart-topper was the first the first No. 1 song to ever refer to AIDS, which it does in the second verse. Yeah, now you know what “Three letters took him to his final resting place” means. Regardless, it’s hard not to love this TLC hit, which has been used in We’re The Millers, Couples Retreat, and Captain Marvel, amongst other sync placements.
Videos by American Songwriter
“She’s So High” by Tal Bachman
“She’s So High” describes a girl from the point of view of a boy who is borderline infatuated with her. Apparently, Bachman wrote this song inspired by a real-life “she,” whom he was trying to set up with his brother.
“I’m really pleased that it did so well,” he told Shakedown News in 2017. “It was an awesome time for me. It’s a big thrill to jump into cars and go into grocery stores and your song is playing. People start singing along. And they don’t even know it’s you. I was really pleased.”
“Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve
This song is straight-up epic. I mean, even Chris Martin of Coldplay described “Bitter Sweet Symphony” as “probably the best song ever written,” and that’s definitely saying something. This one is all about how ironic life can be.
‘Cause it’s a bittersweet symphony, that’s life
Tryna make ends meet
You’re a slave to money then you die
I’ll take you down the only road I’ve ever been down
You know the one that takes you to the places
Where all the veins meet yeah.
“Wannabe” by The Spice Girls
This one is still loads of fun, even decades later. “Wannabe” is The Spice Girls’ signature hit and puts female friendship over love, which isn’t something you necessarily see a lot in pop music.
Photo by: Ray Burmiston/Avalon/Getty Images
More The List
-
Australian singer and actress Olivia Newton-John and American actor John Travolta as they appear in the Paramount film 'Grease', 1978. (Photo by Paramount Pictures/Fotos International/Getty Images) -
(L-R) Steve Harwell, Paul De Lisle, Greg Camp and Kevin Coleman of Smash Mouth on 8/30/97 in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage) -
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 28: Kelsea Ballerini seen in West Village on July 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Aeon/GC Images) -
British rock band, Badfinger, filming a performance of 'Day After Day' to be used as an insert for the 'Top Of The Pops', music show, BBC Television Centre, London, 26th January 1972. It is unclear whether the segment was ever broadcast. Left to right: Mike Gibbins (1949 – 2005), Pete Ham (1947 – 1975), Tom Evans (1947 – 1983) and Joey Molland. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images) -
Kyu Sakamoto. (1941-1985) Japanese singer, best known outside Japan for his international hit song "Ue o Muite Aruko" (known as "Sukiyaki" in English-speaking markets), which was sung in Japanese and sold over 13 million copies. It reached number one in the United States Billboard Hot 100 in June 1963, making Sakamoto the first Asian recording artist to have a number one song on the chart. (Photo by Sjöberg Bildbyrå/ullstein bild via Getty Images) -
Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImages -
CIRCA 1965: Country singer Eddy Arnold poses for a portrait sitting in a chair in circa 1965. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 09: Alan Jackson performs onstage at The 56th Annual CMA Awards at Bridgestone Arena on November 09, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/WireImage)