Music

Most iconic rock songs of the 90s

Discover the rock anthems that defined a decade. This selection explores grunge, alternative rock, and the massive hits that resonated throughout the 1990s. Relive the nostalgia of an unforgettable musical era with songs that left a lasting mark on a generation. Perfect for 90s music enthusiasts and classic rock lovers alike. Find your favourite tracks and rediscover hidden gems from this golden age.

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  1. 1

    Bittersweet Symphony (1997)

    184 Global Votes
    • Defining track of the Britpop era

      (+4)

    A Britpop anthem, The Verve's 'Bittersweet Symphony' became a global hit. It is remembered for its iconic music video, its distinctive orchestral melody with a sample from The Rolling Stones, and its melancholic lyrics.

  2. 2

    Zombie (1994)

    163 Global Votes
    • Powerful protest song against war

      (+4)

    This powerful protest song by The Cranberries, with Dolores O'Riordan's distinctive voice and a grunge/alternative sound, addresses the conflict in Northern Ireland. Its message and emotional intensity have made it an enduring classic.

  3. 3

    Bullet with Butterfly Wings (1995)

    108 Global Votes

    This alternative rock anthem by The Smashing Pumpkins, with its powerful sound and introspective lyrics, captured the angst of the decade. It won a Grammy and is representative of their masterpiece 'Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness'.

  4. 4

    Everlong (1997)

    101 Global Votes
    • One of the band's most beloved songs

      (+2)

    Considered one of Foo Fighters' best songs, 'Everlong' is a rock ballad with a catchy melody and growing emotional intensity. It's a staple at their concerts and one of the most beloved alternative rock songs of the late 90s.

  5. 5

    Semi-Charmed Life (1997)

    88 Global Votes
    • Cited as one of the best songs of the 1990s

      (+2)

    A massive hit from the late 90s, Third Eye Blind's 'Semi-Charmed Life' encapsulates the alternative rock sound of the era. Its fast pace and lyrics that contrast with the upbeat melody made it catchy and memorable.

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  7. 6

    Song 2 (1997)

    17 Global Votes
    • Peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart

      (+1)

    This short, energetic, and loud track by Blur, with its famous 'woo-hoo', is a Britpop anthem. It became an international hit, widely used in media and sporting events for its contagious energy and cultural impact.

  8. 7

    Smells Like Teen Spirit

    0 Global Votes
    • Ranked No. 1 song of the '90s by Rolling Stone

      (+4)

    This song is the definitive grunge anthem and a cultural turning point that brought alternative rock to the mainstream. Its iconic riff and raw energy cemented it as the voice of a generation.

  9. 8

    Black Hole Sun (1994)

    0 Global Votes
    • Soundgarden's biggest hit in 1994

      (+4)

    Written by Chris Cornell, this song is one of Soundgarden's most popular and a cornerstone of grunge. Its music video, widely aired on MTV, was almost as iconic as the song itself, solidifying its legacy.

  10. 9

    November Rain (1992)

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered an undisputed masterpiece

      (+4)

    This powerful Guns N' Roses ballad, with its sweeping orchestral arrangements and poignant lyrics, became a radio hit. It's one of the band's signature songs and a timeless classic about love and loss.

  11. 10

    Creep (1992)

    0 Global Votes
    • Debut single by Radiohead

      (+4)

    This Radiohead track, with its progressive rock undertones, connected with feelings of anguish and strangeness, cementing the band's status. It created beauty from complex emotions, becoming a generational anthem.

  12. 11

    Losing My Religion

    0 Global Votes
    • GRAMMY Award-winning song

      (+4)

    Famous for its mandolin riff and lyrics of unrequited love, this song is one of R.E.M.'s most recognized classics. It's a key example of how alternative music stormed the mainstream in the 90s.

  13. 12

    Wonderwall

    0 Global Votes
    • Became a generational anthem

      (+4)

    One of Britpop's anthems, Oasis' 'Wonderwall' combines classic pop melodies with guitars that evoke a working-class feel. Its glorious chorus and timeless appeal keep it one of the decade's most recognizable songs.

  14. 13

    Under the Bridge (1992)

    0 Global Votes
    • One of the 2nd best rock songs of 1992

      (+2)

    This introspective Red Hot Chili Peppers ballad contrasted with their usual aggressive funk, demonstrating the band's versatility. It became one of their biggest hits, bringing their sound to a wider audience.

  15. 14

    Killing in the Name (1992)

    0 Global Votes
    • Listed as a great guitar song

      (+3)

    With powerful guitar riffs and social and political protest lyrics, this Rage Against The Machine song is an alternative rock and rap metal anthem. It remains relevant for its anti-establishment message and raw energy.

  16. 15

    Basket Case

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered a perfect pop punk anthem

      (+4)

    A pillar of 90s punk rock, Green Day's 'Basket Case,' with its fast and catchy rhythm, addresses anxiety and paranoia. It was one of the band's biggest hits and helped define the sound of pop-punk for the decade.

  17. 16

    Enter Sandman

    0 Global Votes
    • Catapulted Metallica to global mainstream success

      (+3)

    With an iconic guitar riff and a dark, heavy atmosphere, 'Enter Sandman' is one of the most recognizable metal songs of the 90s. It marked a turning point in Metallica's sound and is a cornerstone of their live shows.

  18. 17

    Nothing Else Matters

    0 Global Votes
    • Power ballad

      (+4)

    This powerful Metallica ballad, with orchestral arrangements and introspective lyrics, demonstrated the band's versatility. It became one of their most popular songs, transcending the metal genre and reaching a wider audience.

  19. 18

    Give It Away (1991)

    0 Global Votes
    • Features a breakthrough music video

      (+4)

    This creative milestone by Red Hot Chili Peppers brought their fun, aggressive funk to a wider audience. Featuring John Frusciante's guitar and Flea's bass, it's a perfect example of the band's characteristic energy.

  20. 19

    Iris (1998)

    0 Global Votes
    • Enduring and beloved rock ballad of the era

      (+4)

    This Goo Goo Dolls rock ballad, with a memorable melody and emotional lyrics, became a massive hit. Its inclusion in the 'City of Angels' film soundtrack catapulted it to fame, making it one of the decade's most recognizable rock ballads.