The ’90 brought about an explosion in rock and roll, taking what was once for hardcore fans only and turning it into a range of sub-styles that had it all. From legendary riffs to catchy alternative rock choruses that you can’t forget – rock from this period of history holds endless gems. Here’s a look at a few one-hit wonders from the 90s that you’ll love and remember to this day.
“Sister” by The Nixons
With a voice that could easily be confused for Eddie Vedder, The Nixons picked up traction becoming a grunge rock favorite thanks to the release of this track from their album ‘Foma.’
“Silent Lucidity” by Queensryche
If you are an alternative or grunge fan and haven’t heard the hauntingly surreal lyrics directly discussing lucid dreaming, then what are you waiting for? Play this track.
“Flood” by Jars of Clay
As one of the fewer Christian grunge groups to become popular during a period of dark songs, hard metal, and alternative music that always seemed to lean towards the macabre, Jars of Clay were well received by mainstream rock fans.
“Popular” by Nada Surf
With a run that left “Popular” peaking at number eleven on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and placement on the Top 200 as well, this indie-rock hit lived up to its name.
“Bound for the Floor” by Local H
https://youtu.be/3tOq25vBkso
Fueled by anger spurred from a lack of confidence, this song’s lyrics were highly relatable while the post-grunge hit continues to gain fans to this day. Pop culture has turned to this hit many times over the years, with “Bound for the Floor” appearing in both the video game “Saints Row” and multiple feature films.
“Pepper” by Butthole Surfers
Gibby Haynes and Paul Leary are together the Butthole surfers whose pinnacle of commercial success came from this hardcore noise rock punk hit.
“Cumbersome” by Seven Mary Three
Post-grunge received one of its most memorable songs ever when the Virginia rockers released “Cumbersome” as the lead single to their ’96 album “Churn.”
“Far Behind” by Candlebox
Written as a tribute to the late Andrew Wood, Kevin Martin wrote this track after losing two friends to a heroin overdose.
“Possum Kingdom” by Toadies
Alternative rockers Toadie tell us a tale originating in North Texas folklore, continuing a story that began in the song “I Burn.” His track speaks of what happens to the immolated cult members who assemble at Possum Kingdom Lake, a real place near Fort Worth, trying to find others to join them in their suicide.
“The Freshmen” by The Verve Pipe
Brian Vander Ark is believed to have written this song due to the extreme guilt that he felt after his ex-girlfriend’s suicide, although other accounts tell of guilt inspired by a pregnant girlfriend’s abortion. Van Ark simply says that for the most part his stories are made up.
“Counting Blue Cars” by Dishwalla
The alternative rock classic which became the most played song on the radio in the US during 1997, is the only true hit that DIshwalla has ever made.
“In the Meantime” by Spacehog
As one of the UK’s favorite alternative rock tracks of the 90s, “In the Meantime” defined glam rock with its release, while carrying a beautiful metaphor that tells you that you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do – anxiety is not worth it.
“You Get What You Give” by New Radicals
New Radicals have been praised for this track carrying a sound that reminds many fans of Wham ! It’s one of the songs that The Edge from U2 says he is most jealous of.
“Pretend We’re Dead” by L7
Even though L7 carried a sound that was clearly more appealing to punk and hardcore rock fans, the band still got grouped into grunge thanks to dark, mid-tempo tracks like this. It’s still brilliant music.
“Closing Time” by Semisonic
The literal meaning of this song lead to its widespread popularity at closing time in bars all around the world.
“Flagpole Sitta” by Harvey Danger
Society can drive you bonkers, leading to all sorts of chaos as this hit from Harvey Danger covers among other controversial subjects like masturbation.
“Sex and Candy” by Marcy Playground
Wozniak was inspired to write this chart-topper after being jokingly told by his older girlfriend’s dorm mate ‘Oh, it smells like sex and candy it here.’ After never being able to shake the memory, the rest is history.
“The Impression That I Get” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
This is a track that ended up so popular that mainstream pop culture just couldn’t let go. It featured in the movies “Step Brothers” “Digimon: The Movie” “Krippendorf’s Tribe” and “Chasing Amy,” in addition to also becoming a playable song in the hit video game “Rock Band.”
“Cannonball” by The Breeders
Alternative rock hit with a clear noise-pop infusion “Cannonball” arrived in August of ’93, containing a drum and bass hook that many consider to be well before its time.
“No Rain” by Blind Melon
If you don’t know this song by name, then you probably know the infamous little girl being ridiculed in a bee costume that featured endless times on MTV thanks to this hit’s epically addictive video.
