15 Best Rock Songs of the ’90s
The ’90s gave way to some of the greatest rock songs of all time from artists that are still some of the biggest concert draws to this very day. From…
The '90s gave way to some of the greatest rock songs of all time from artists that are still some of the biggest concert draws to this very day.
From U2 to the Foo Fighters and from Green Day to Metallica, these acts continue to bring fans out in droves. See where they rank among our 15 Best Rock Songs of the '90s list below.
15. blink-182 - "What's My Age Again?"
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesThe lead single off their 1999 album 'Enema of the State,' "What's My Age Again?" was beyond catchy and helped that album sell five million copies. That streaking music video may have helped get them a little extra attention, too.
14. R.E.M. - "Losing My Religion"
Scott Gries/Getty ImagesR.E.M.'s first single of the '90s was "Losing My Religion." It top out at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and become the band's most successful single.
13. Jane's Addiction - "Been Caught Stealing"
Cory Schwartz/Getty ImagesFrom Jane's Addiction's second studio album, 'Ritual de lo Habitual,' "Been Caught Stealing" is an all-out jam with a bizarre and hilarious music video to boot.
12. Smashing Pumpkins - "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"
Evan Agostini/Getty ImagesThe world might be a vampire according to Billy Corgan, but one thing's for certain: "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" doesn't suck.
11. Faith No More - "Epic"
Raphael Dias/Getty ImagesFaith No More's biggest hit "Epic" was released in January 1990 when the decade still had that "new decade smell," if you will. To say it set a high bar for the rock genre is an understatement.
10. Green Day - "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesGreen Day was just seen as everyone's favorite bratty punk band, and then they released "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" and showed a completely different side to them
9. U2 - "One"
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesU2 reinvented themselves with their 1991 album 'Achtung Baby,' but with "One" they reminded fans that they were still the same band that could cut straight to the heart of any matter.
8. Foo Fighters - "Everlong"
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty ImagesThe second single from their second studio album, 'The Colour and the Shape,' "Everlong" remains the Foo Fighters' most successful single and radio favorite two decades after its release.
7. Weezer - "Buddy Holly"
Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesWeezer was the pop-rock band the world needed when they dropped their debut album in 1994. Its second single, "Buddy Holly," was the type of breakthrough single bands only dream of. Their 'Happy Days'-themed video put them over the top.
6. Alice in Chains - "Man in the Box"
Ben Houdijk/ShutterstockAlice in Chains weren't messing around out the gate with their first single, "Man in the Box," off their debut album, 'Facelift.' It serves as another reminder of the power of Layne Staley's incredible voice.
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers - "Under the Bridge"
Scott Dudelson/Getty Images"Under the Bridge" transformed the Red Hot Chili Peppers into full-blown headliners, and for the past nearly 30 years, they haven't turned back.
4. Pearl Jam - "Jeremy"
Theo Wargo/Getty ImagesPearl Jam's 'Ten' is one of the best debut albums of all time, and "Jeremy" is a big reason for that.
3. Soundgarden - "Black Hole Sun"
Buda Mendes/Getty ImagesThe psychedelic-influenced "Black Hole Sun" helped propel 'Superunknown' into Soundgarden's most successful album. One thing is for certain: No one makes songs like this anymore.
2. Metallica - "Enter Sandman"
Metallica was one of the most popular metal bands in the world, and then they dropped "Enter Sandman." Ever since, they're one of the most popular bands and concert draws across every genre.
1. Nirvana - "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
Fabio Diena/Shutterstock"Smells Like Teen Spirit" is more than just a song; it's the soundtrack to the changing of the rock guard. With the release of this single, Nirvana effectively put an end to excessive hair metal explosion.
