Hello again, lovely 90s music fans! If you read Volume 1 of my coming-of-age playlist and thought to yourself, “But, hey… what about so-and-so?”, take a look below and see if your special band/artist is there after all.
As stated in my previous post, there is still no Nirvana (although if there were, it would be Heart-Shaped Box). There is no Counting Crows nor Ben Folds Five, because I honestly could not pick a favourite. I have thought of many more great 90s songs that were important to me, but… I have to stop somewhere.
(That being said… I did not stop at fifty like I said I would. I have added a few extra songs. Because I couldn’t stop myself.)
I’ve tried to include the ones that I loved musically as well as contextually. So, for example, even though Friends was a memorable part of my 90s pop culture experience, I didn’t include The Rembrandts because I always felt “I’ll Be There For You” was a bit meh.
Also, some songs are out of chronological order (OOCO) because of where they fall on my coming-of-age timeline.
Alors, voilà, more 90s songs that rocked my evolution!
Dilovely’s Coming-of-Age playlist, Vol. 2:
26. Are You Gonna Go My Way (1993) – Lenny Kravitz. Seriously, is there anything cooler than this immortal guitar riff, combined with Lenny’s vintage Les Paul and epic dreads rocking out all over the place? The rock gods smiled upon this song and saw that it was damn good, and nobody ever argued. Amen.
27. Zombie (1994) – The Cranberries. I (and many others) had barely heard of the Cranberries before Zombie, and boy, did they storm onto the international scene with this song. Even if you didn’t know anything about the IRA, you understood something about the pain and terror of war from Dolores’s haunting lyrics and raw emotion. And guitar refrains don’t get any grittier than this.
28. Strong Enough (1993) – Sheryl Crow. OOCO because this follows Zombie on my ’95 mix, and after the tanks and bombs and guns, its clean notes are like a balm. I love how Sheryl rides coolly along the edges of genres and moods with a voice that can be however she wants, making it all sound easy. This song always just made my ears happy, even though it’s sad – and I liked her challenging a man to engage in the bravery of commitment and intimacy.
29. Lightning Crashes (1994) – Live. I miss this style of songwriting: spiritual-yet-grungy lyrics, a melody that builds, and especially that intro that says “Just listen to my sweet modulation – we’ve got all day.” Plus – can you think of a single other song that uses the word placenta? Normalization of childbirth in the second line, no less. Good on you, boys.
30. Power of Two (1994) – Indigo Girls. It’s impossible to pick a favourite Indigo Girls song – but I have to say this one grabbed me (gently) the first time I heard it. It so beautifully and naturally addresses how any deep relationship is going to be hard, and you just work through it because it’s worth it. The older I get, the more sense it makes.
31. Stay (I Missed You) (1994) – Lisa Loeb. Aw, this song. It was refreshing, one-of-a-kind. Lisa just seemed so accessible with her normal-girl glasses and her artfully disorganized lyrics. To this day, I don’t really know what’s up with the couple in the song, but I’ll sing along every time. And I just found out last week that this was the first number-one hit by an unsigned artist, ever in history! (She passed the demo to her neighbour, Ethan Hawke, who took it to Ben Stiller, who was making Reality Bites.)
32. You Gotta Be (1994) – Des’ree. This song has always felt like she’s singing directly to me – which may be how everyone felt. Her words were inspirational, though when I look at them now, the “gotta-be”s are a pretty tall order, perhaps overwhelming. I hope that especially young black girls, whom I imagine to be her heart’s audience, took spirit from her encouragement, and found love that saved the day.
33. Just A Girl (1995) – No Doubt. This whole eponymous first album was amazing, though the first big hit (Don’t Speak) was never my fave. Just a Girl, on the other hand… that’s when we heard Gwen’s anger and sass through her inimitable self-assured vocals. It’s a highlight of 90s Grrl Power. Yes, Gwen, we see the double-standards too and we have also HAD IT UP TO HERE.
34. Always Be My Baby (1995) – Mariah Carey. I was never much into Mariah’s style of music, but this song is so charming and happy. Timeless chord progressions and a groovy little beat that you could listen to all day. I recorded it off the radio on impulse one time, and it was much-rewound and replayed.
35. The World I Know (1995) – Collective Soul. In terms of big hits, this song IS the 90s for me. Its somber guitars and brooding-to-hopeful strings were the backdrop of getting ready for school in my room (radio on) in Grade 12 and 13 (I can practically smell the blueberry Lip Smackers). Playing cards in big groups at lunch. Going to Coffee House fundraisers where a bunch of my friends (including both my then-boyfriend and my future husband) performed in teen rock bands. Fun, earnest times.
36. The Right Time (1995) – The Corrs. I think it was in Grade 12 when March break was as warm as summer, and all of us who didn’t travel anywhere special ran outside and played and felt like the lucky ones. That’s when I first got attached to this song. “Sun is shining in my window, life’s in flow” felt absolutely true. And the fiddle is just great. I’ve listened to the Corrs ever since.
37. Siamsa – Ronan Hardiman (1996). Remember the Celtic fever of the 90s? Specifically the step-dance-offs of Riverdance vs. Lord of the Dance? I had both soundtracks, and my brother Ben and I have discussed the merits of each. Riverdance is much more musically sophisticated, but nothing beats Siamsa for bounceable joy. I have fond memories of watching LOTD with my bestie N, laughing at Michael Flatley’s incredible conceit – but also being mesmerized by Siamsa.
38. Another Day (1992) – Dream Theater. OOCO because it was introduced to me in 1996 by my then-boyfriend R, who was (and still is, among other things) a guitarist and drummer. I love the dreamlike piano, the sincerity of the lyrics, and the elasticity of James LaBrie’s vocals. And unlike some folks (ahem, Sean), I do enjoy a well-placed sax solo.
39. Near You Always (1995) – Jewel. OOCO because her first album, Pieces of You, played incessantly on our residence floor when I was in first year (’96-97). Everyone swooned over You Were Meant for Me, but I loved this one for its extra-vulnerability. The emotion in her voice is so naked. And I struggled with emotional openness back then – at least with boys. Even “don’t think you realize the effect you have over me” would have been hard for me to say.
40. Tintinnabulum Part 2 (from Adiemus) (1995) – Karl Jenkins. I’m pretty sure my dad gifted this album to my mom that year, and I recorded it onto a tape on a visit home (maybe over Christmas?), because the whole album was solace for my soul. I love this song particularly, with its rolling, soothing rhythm. It helped when I was in my dorm, feeling homesick – which I did semi-regularly.
41. Wannabe (1996) – Spice Girls. The first time I saw this video was in the lounge of my dorm in first year and we were all like, Who are the Spice Girls?? Haha. This song may be FULL OF CHEESE but it’s catchy as heck I still know all the words. And having just re-watched this video – I remembered the continuous take, Baby Spice’s terrible dancing, and Scary Spice stealing the show. I did NOT remember how fun it actually is – and never knew that you can fully see Posh Spice’s teeny underwear during the staircase dance. (Am I the last of my generation to notice this? Probably.)
42. One Headlight (1996) – The Wallflowers. Another album popular in residence – every song is great. But this one encapsulates the feeling for me of leaving res at the end of first year and feeling both relieved and wistful. It was a unique and mostly fun experience, but I wasn’t very sorry to leave – especially since I went on to share a house with awesome people, including Skye, in a much smaller, more introvert-friendly setting.
43. Talk Show Host (1996) – Radiohead. This song is: 1) beautiful baby Leo smoking morosely against the gritty backdrop of Mexico City at the beginning of Romeo + Juliet; 2) doing dishes with my housemates, listening to the R+J soundtrack. We were fairly obsessed with both. (We were also infatuated with My Best Friend’s Wedding, just to provide contrast.)
44. I Was Brought to my Senses (1996) – Sting. Visiting my big sister Emi in her drafty house (which she shared with many other students), sitting at a table together with hot, fragrant vanilla tea. It was the first time I’d heard this song, and I loved it immediately (in spite of Sting’s overly possessive adjectives). Just close your eyes for his poetry at the beginning, and then let the guitar/percussion entry wash over you.
45. Seasons of Love (1996) – Jonathan Larson. Yep, I was a Renthead, along with my sisters and cousin. We could have sung you the entire original soundtrack in order. Some of us, when we saw the show, went to the stage door to stalk the actors and get pictures with them (on actual film). There is no way to pick a favourite song, because every song is perfect for the moment in which it’s sung… but this one does stand alone the best. Those simple opening chords twang my heartstrings directly.
46. Tubthumping (1997) – Chumbawumba. In university, I wasn’t a big drinker, and you could still smoke in bars, so they weren’t my favourite place to dance. But when I did go to bars, I have to admit that this song was one of the funnest. EVERYONE singing along and jumping around. Funnily enough, these days, our family listens to Chumbawumba regularly, since they’re actually more of a folk band (this song is a favourite).
47. I Don’t Want to Wait (1997) – Paula Cole. Hanging with my housemates on our living room couch, eating pasta and watching Dawson’s Creek (after Jeopardy, of course). Discussing the merits of Dawson vs. Pacey (I think Pacey won in our house, but I was partial to Dawson) and Jen vs. Joey. And it’s a genuinely compelling story-song to boot.
48. Velvet Rope (1997) – Janet Jackson. This whole album is special to me because it was our warmup and stretching music for jazz class every week. For me, stretching music gets into my soul – it’s a bit like meditating when you’re focusing intently on specific muscle groups. Together Again was the hit that really took off from this album, but Velvet Rope wins for me because of the deep rhythm and Vanessa-Mae’s mind-bending violin.
49. Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It (1997) – Will Smith. I had never done a hip-hop class before university, but when I did, it was a revelation. I loved finding my funky side after all those years of ballet, and Will Smith helped me do it. Our instructor named one of the moves in our first choreography after this song – obviously because it was freakin’ jiggy. And for the record, kids still love this song when we hip-hop to it in class.
50. The Set Up (1998) – Reel Big Fish. The album Why Do They Rock So Hard? is still one of my faves. (Although it’s been many years since I’ve listened to it aloud at home because of all the swears.) The brassy exuberance and sheer musical talent of this band somehow make the juvenile and somewhat jerkish lyrics work for them. If I remember right, this track was also a favourite of my li’l sister Beth – because honestly, you just can’t beat these harmonies.
51. Nothin’ On Me (1998) – Shawn Colvin. Although when this song came out I’d never had the kind of rough breakup Shawn is singing about, I could still get a vicarious thrill from her telling off a guy who was obviously a condescending dickhead. “So don’t you try to change me with your advice/ or turn me into somebody else/ ’cause I’m not crazy and you’re not nice/ Baby, keep it to yourself.” Mike drop.
52. Stay (Wasting Time) (1998) – Dave Matthews Band. This song cooks, in more ways than one. The more closely I listen to this gifted group of musicians, the more they blow my mind. Their sound is totally original (who knew the sax and fiddle would team up so well??) and they’re so tight that they can go all crazy with their rhythms and stay right in sync. This song is the perfect example – so full of joy about nothin’ but a long, fun, sweltering day.
53. This Kiss (1998) – Faith Hill. This song was part of the Practical Magic soundtrack, which we were also into in our house. Aw, what a cute song about kissing – no wonder it crossed into the mainstream from its country roots. All folks deserve to experience magical kisses sometimes, if they want. And now that I’ve seen this adorably absurd video for the first time, I might like this song even more!
54. One Belief Away (1998) – Bonnie Raitt. I was captivated by this song’s unique instrumentation the first time I heard it. It just didn’t sound like anything else on the radio – not even like anything by Bonnie. There’s struggle in the lyrics, but the music itself could not be more mellow and summery. Perfect for when you’re studying for exams in April and suddenly there’s a warm spell and everyone abandons their books for an afternoon because they must go outside.
55. Wide Open Spaces (1998) – The (Dixie) Chicks. A coming-of-age song if there ever was one. So simple, relatable and full of heart. I love how they treat “the big mistakes” as a natural rite of passage… It sure was comforting in 1999, when I was planning for life in France after graduation and knowing I was definitely going to screw some things up… (Luckily, nothing too big.)
56. Promises (1999) – Def Leppard. I remember being surprised and impressed when this song came out. I thought of Def Leppard as an 80s band, kinda cheesy, and here they were with a super-catchy opening riff and refreshing lyrics about honesty. Plus, you gotta love when Joe hits that high note – vocal chops with a side of truth.
57. I Want It That Way (1999) – Backstreet Boys. To be honest, there were a lot of 90s songs that I found to be too corny/mushy. This one is a good example – I mean, fire rhymed with desire? Sheesh. Plus, what does it even mean? You want it what way, boys?? Then one time I was visiting my boyfriend’s cottage, and he and his brother and I spent an afternoon figuring out the guitar and harmonies. By the end of the day, the song had found a spot in my heart.
58. All Star (1999) – Smash Mouth. I sincerely believe that this song is a forever classic. It has everything: it’s appealing, singable, danceable, fun while also being relevant and a bit critical, and complimentary to the listeners. (Yeah you’re a rock star.) The kids still like it today – and I think they still will in another quarter-century.
59. Two Thousand Years (1993) – Billy Joel. OOCO, because obviously it goes with the end of a millenium; “the crossroads of time.” We felt it. Not just being present for the switch from 1999 to 2000, but also graduating from university and (in my case) leaving the country to embark on the biggest adventure of my life (assuming Y2K didn’t destroy the world) – it was an epic moment to live through. Billy Joel did justice to it, because he can do anything.
60. Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) (1997) – Green Day. OOCO, because we are at the end of the list, the place where it all wraps up. I’m sure this was one of the songs that a big group of our friends sang and played together at the 1999-2000 New Year’s party (a lot happened at that party, but the singing was the best part). Green Day really has too many great songs to narrow it down, but this one is timeless. Bittersweet, simple, unexpectedly beautiful, and the perfect accompaniment to any ending that’s also perhaps a beginning.
And that’s all for today, lovelies! If you’re still here, bravo and thanks for reading. <3 Stay tuned for the All-Canadian list…
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