These'll rock to these 90s pop songs even today. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at the best popular tracks released between 1990-1999.
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00:00 "Tell me baby, 'cause I need to know now, what we got."
00:06 Welcome to Ms. Mojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 20 pop songs from the 90s.
00:13 "Don't go wasting my precious time. Get your act together, we could be just fine."
00:20 For this list, we'll be looking at the best popular tracks released between 1990 and 1999.
00:27 We're keeping our definition of pop wide-reaching, also including tunes that mix or cross genres.
00:33 Which of these songs is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
00:37 Number 20. Waiting for Tonight. Jennifer Lopez. Did you know that this version of Waiting for
00:45 Tonight actually isn't the first? Indeed, girl group Third Party released the song a few years
00:52 before Lopez gave us her own take on the material in 1999. Still, J.Lo's cover is hard to match.
00:59 The dance-pop hit has enough energy to get pretty much anyone listening moving,
01:11 and as you can imagine, it made a splash at the end of the decade.
01:15 "Waiting for tonight, oh, when you would be here in my arms."
01:22 You could even say it's perfect, it's passion, and listening to it is setting us free.
01:27 There's a reason it remains one of Lopez's best known and most acclaimed songs.
01:32 Number 19. Mambo No. 5. A Little Bit Of. Lubega. We know, we know, the original Mambo No. 5 is
01:40 from 1950. But in the 90s, Lubega took that track and breathed new, different life into it.
01:47 Bega's version is different, sampling its predecessor and proceeding to build on it
01:57 with things like new lyrics. The result is a Latin pop banger that still gets us.
02:03 The rhythm is infectious, the trumpet adds a little something special,
02:07 and we definitely don't need to tell you that the chorus just doesn't quit.
02:11 As long as we have a little bit of this hit in our lives, we're happy.
02:21 Number 18. Barbie Girl. Aqua. Come on Barbie, let's go party. We don't think that it's a
02:28 stretch to say that an entire generation of us grew up blasting the Eurodance sensation
02:33 that is Aqua's Barbie Girl. It's a little eccentric and out there, to be sure, but always
02:45 in the most positive, bubbly way. This is the kind of tune that we walked around singing over
02:51 and over again. Considering how catchy it is, can you blame us? But don't just take our word for it.
02:57 Barbie Girl has the chart numbers to prove it was a success. The bosses at Mattel may not have
03:09 been huge fans of this one, but we definitely were in 1997, and still are. Number 17. You
03:17 Can't Touch This. MC Hammer. You're already hearing it in your head, aren't you? Hey, we get it. It's
03:24 as if the words "you can't touch this" set off an automatic play button in our minds too.
03:28 The song is also basically synonymous with MC Hammer, and serves as a top-notch example of
03:40 how pop and hip-hop music can come together to create something fresh and unforgettable.
03:46 That, and the fact that it won multiple Grammy awards, tells you what you need to know.
03:51 Plus, there's just no denying how good the track itself is, with lyrics and music that demand we
04:04 pay attention. One could even say you can't touch the impact it had. Number 16. Live In La Vida
04:11 Loca. Ricky Martin. You know those songs that totally hook you from the first note? Their
04:17 rhythms and storytelling ability fuse together, and it's very difficult to do anything but groove
04:22 along as a result. If you ask us, Live In La Vida Loca is one of those songs. Indeed, each instrument,
04:35 note, and sultry lyric feels intentional and perfectly placed, and the way it builds to its
04:41 magnetic chorus never gets old. Because of this, our feet start moving as soon as it starts,
04:52 and we've been guilty of hitting repeat on more than a few occasions over the decades.
04:56 Number 15. Genie In A Bottle. Christina Aguilera. When you talk of genre-defining
05:03 pop stars of the 1990s and 2000s, it's practically impossible not to mention Christina Aguilera.
05:10 The star has had quite an illustrious career, and as a lead single off her debut studio album,
05:16 Genie In A Bottle played a big part in getting everyone to see just how brilliant she is.
05:20 It's mesmerizing in every sense of the word, with a teen pop energy that feels both youthful
05:32 and sophisticated. That's seeing nothing of Xtina's striking vocals, which take the tune
05:38 to a whole new level. Needless to say, Genie In A Bottle has been making our wishes come true
05:43 since 1999. Number 14. Wonderwall. Oasis. The musical phenomenon known as Britpop was a defining
05:59 trend of the mid-90s, and Oasis was one of the biggest bands associated with it.
06:04 Wonderwall, then, might be one of the most recognizable Britpop tunes around.
06:14 The opening guitar alone creates an atmospheric listening experience that's indescribable. And
06:21 once the singing starts, well, then we're in for a melodious ride that always ends too soon.
06:27 "Today's gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you."
06:31 The proof is that we've been getting on it since 1995. There's just something so inherently
06:37 comforting yet powerful about the song that envelops us fully. "You're my wonderwall."
06:45 We simply don't believe that anybody could feel differently about it.
06:48 Number 13. Say My Name. Destiny's Child. One of Destiny's Child's most iconic releases,
06:56 Say My Name is a bop in the purest sense of the word. The blend of pop and R&B is sensational,
07:02 and there's not a dull moment throughout the entirety of the song.
07:06 It's bold, lyrically packed, and relatively fast-paced, but it's never overpowering or
07:19 trying to do too much. Instead, it wraps the story of someone who believes their partner is being
07:24 unfaithful in some of the most captivating musical packaging we've ever heard. It certainly didn't top
07:37 the Billboard Hot 100 and earn two Grammys by mistake, so we'll keep saying its name.
07:42 Number 12. The Sign. Ace of Bass. In a lot of ways, The Sign is deep, introspective,
07:50 and filled with meaning. After all, it's essentially about realizing your romantic
07:55 partner isn't right for you and breaking things off. But that doesn't mean it's gloomy. Far from
08:06 it. The perky, synth-heavy beat ensures we sway happily while singing about opening up our eyes
08:11 and doing what's best for us, infusing the piece with a triumphant feel. It was, as you've probably
08:23 guessed, a chart success, which is a testament to the way it resonated with folks. So take this as
08:29 the sign you didn't know you needed to go revisit the amazing Europop tune. Number 11. You Oughta
08:36 Know. Alanis Morissette. The year was 1995, and Alanis Morissette gave us the masterpiece that is
08:43 You Oughta Know. It didn't take long before we realized she had tapped into something real,
08:48 and we're forever grateful that she did. The single from her Jagged Little Pill album makes
08:59 room for rage and the unfiltered sensations that come with heartbreak in a way that's nothing short
09:05 of cathartic. Each biting, unapologetic word out of Morissette's mouth cuts through the noise,
09:11 metaphorical and literal alike. Pair that with the spirited production, and you get a two-time
09:24 Grammy-winning song that commands any space it plays in. Number 10. No Scrubs. TLC. TLC did
09:33 so much for us in the 90s. We'll never tire of the many, many fantastic songs the girl group
09:39 changed our lives with, from Unpretty to Waterfalls and much more. But how could we
09:48 talk about anything other than the phenomenon that is No Scrubs? Fun, full of flair, and pretty darn
09:55 decisive, it's hip-hop at its finest. We also can't say enough good things about the work Rhizonda
10:08 "Chili" Thomas does on lead vocals throughout, or about the thrill we get singing along with her.
10:14 TLC may not want any scrubs, but we will always want more of No Scrubs.
10:19 "No, I don't want no scrubs. Scrubs is a bad game. Ain't no love for me."
10:25 Number 9. The Boy Is Mine. Brandy and Monica. Can we interest you in one of the best duets the
10:31 1990s had to offer? The Boy Is Mine isn't super loud or in-your-face, but it doesn't need to be.
10:38 "I think it's time we got this straight. This ain't a tough place to be."
10:43 Every single element just works on a visceral level, in a way no words can adequately describe.
10:49 Brandy and Monica's voices, for instance, are remarkable.
10:53 And that harp line that kicks things off? We're still not over it.
10:57 This fictional boy probably wasn't good enough for Brandy or Monica, but this song is more than
11:09 good enough for us. And yes, we'll have a sing-off with anyone who tries to take it away from us.
11:15 Number 8. Always Be My Baby. Mariah Carey. There's no doubt that Mariah Carey is one of
11:21 the most impressive vocalists around, with a range that leaves us breathless.
11:26 Always Be My Baby is far from being her only impressive release,
11:31 but we have to spotlight it for how it showcases her abilities.
11:34 "We was one babe, for a moment in time."
11:39 Indeed, the production is on the calmer, more understated side, which leaves space for Carey's
11:45 skill to really shine through as she embodies lyrics that lovingly speak to an ex. Naturally,
11:51 she makes the most challenging notes seem effortless, and thus, the heartfelt ballad
11:56 reaches stratospheric heights. "Oh, don't you know you can't escape."
12:00 "Yeah, 'cause you'll always be my baby." It goes without saying, but this one will
12:07 always be a part of us. Number 7. Vogue. Madonna. Picture it. The year is 1990. You're pumped about
12:16 the new decade. Suddenly, Madonna's Vogue is released for the world to hear, and it gives
12:20 you a little extra boost to tackle whatever comes your way. "All you need is your own imagination,
12:27 so use it, that's what it's for." The track encourages us to forget life's unpleasantness
12:33 and just dance the night away. Perhaps most importantly, it honors the ballroom community
12:39 it draws inspiration from. It went on to be one of Madonna's most successful singles,
12:44 both critically and commercially speaking. "Let your body move to the music." Considering all
12:53 we said, it's not hard to see why. So come on, Vogue, and let your body move to the music.
12:58 Number 6. I Want It That Way. Backstreet Boys. No matter the distance, we want this song to know
13:06 that deep down inside of us, it is our fire. See what we did there? The moving pop ballad,
13:12 which came out in 1999 and became one of the band's most popular releases,
13:17 gives us permission to sing like nobody's watching. "When I say, I want it that way."
13:26 It doesn't get much more satisfying than that. There's something boy bands like Backstreet Boys
13:31 are able to capture in their music that strikes a chord and never stops being special. "I Want It
13:37 That Way" is the epitome of that, which is why there is no more heartache in sight for us if
13:42 it's playing. "Tell me why." "Ain't nothing but a lie."
13:48 Number 5. Wannabe. Spice Girls. Wannabe isn't just a song, it's a lifestyle.
13:55 For one thing, it's basically girl power in very riveting musical form.
13:59 "Yo, I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want. So tell me what you want,
14:02 what you really, really want." For another, the chorus is practically destined to get stuck on
14:07 our heads at every turn. And we're not even upset about it because the poppy hit is just
14:11 that excellent. It has the ability to instantly put us in a better mood, reminding us how important
14:17 our friendships are and allowing us to find strength in them. "If you wanna be my lover,
14:22 you gotta get with my friends. Make it last forever." It also reminds us to dance a lot.
14:29 The chart topper has stood the test of time, zig-a-zig eyeing its way into our hearts forever.
14:35 Number 4. Unbreak My Heart. Toni Braxton. Toni Braxton healed our hearts with this one.
14:42 The Grammy-winning power ballad, which was produced by David Foster and penned by Diane
14:47 Warren, is jam-packed with unbridled feeling. "Don't leave me in all this pain. Don't leave
14:55 me out in the rain." The whole number is fiercely vulnerable, strong, beautiful, and raw. Naturally,
15:03 Braxton goes all out with her impassioned delivery to really make us experience each word and
15:09 feeling. And it's priceless. We're clearly not the only ones who think so because Unbreak My Heart
15:16 nabbed a spot as one of the best-selling singles out there. "Unbreak my heart. Say you love me again."
15:27 If you're anything like us, you may find yourself sobbing by the end of the song.
15:31 But in the best, most cleansing way. Number 3. My Heart Will Go On. Céline Dion. We couldn't
15:39 possibly talk about the 90s without talking about the Titanic song, Now Could We? This is another
15:45 poignant ballad that took the world by storm, as evidenced by its impressive sales record and many
15:51 prestigious awards. "In my dreams, I see you. I feel you." To this day, we're in awe of the way
16:02 Dion takes us on a journey that gets us weeping, smiling, and falling in love all at the same time.
16:09 She's in full control as the piece builds in intensity, guiding us through the tale of a
16:13 romance that persists across the distance in gentle yet powerful fashion. Near, far, wherever
16:27 we are, we believe that My Heart Will Go On is everlasting. Number 2. Baby One More Time.
16:34 Britney Spears. Debut singles don't get much more iconic than this. Britney Spears is a pop force to
16:40 be reckoned with, and while her career started before Baby One More Time, the exhilarating,
16:46 danceable bop certainly showed everyone she was here to stay. It has everything you could possibly
16:58 want, from relatable lyrics to dynamic production, to a star at the center who knows precisely what
17:04 to do with the material. Of course, it sold many, many millions of copies. Soon, it cemented itself
17:17 not only as one of the most commercially successful singles around, but also as one of the
17:21 most enduring. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Believe. Share. We'll
17:29 always believe in the power of this song. I'll Be There For You. The Rembrandts. The Friends theme
17:41 is so special to us. Kiss Me. Sixpence None The Richer. Romantic, swoon-worthy, and utterly
17:53 unforgettable. Kiss Me. Beneath the Milky Twilight. Lead Me. End of the Road. Boys to Men. We belong
18:03 with this ballad. Mbop. Hanson. It's an Mbop. Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our
18:25 channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos. You have the option to be
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18:34 your settings and switch on notifications. I Will Always Love You. Whitney Houston.
18:42 The late Whitney Houston was a visionary and powerhouse. I Will Always Love You is one of
18:48 her signature songs, having won Grammys, topped charts worldwide, and been deemed culturally,
18:54 historically, or aesthetically significant by the Library of Congress. That's no accident,
19:07 as the richly layered number puts her talent on display for folks around the globe to admire.
19:13 Houston's voice is absolutely transcendent, soaring to convey numerous layers of bittersweet emotion,
19:19 and taking our breaths away in the process. I Will Always Love You.
19:30 It's hard to believe her version is a cover, because it feels as though the power ballad
19:34 was penned specifically for her. We Will Always Love That.
19:38 Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from MsMojo,
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