The 1990s were a smorgasbord of pop songs, good and bad. Pop has evolved in countless ways over the years, but there are still some staples that have held on as the decades passed. Here are four incredible tracks from the 90s that I will be singing forever.
Videos by American Songwriter
“Livin’ La Vida Loca” — Ricky Martin
Released on Ricky Martin’s 1999 self-titled album, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” is one of those songs that you can not hear for a long time and not think twice about it. However, when you finally hear it again, it feels like coming home. This salsa-infused dance hit is a forever classic and is one of the best pop songs of the 90s according to a ranking by Elle. If you want a dose of nostalgia and an excuse to dance around your house for a bit or scream lyrics in your car, throw on “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and go crazy.
“(You Drive Me) Crazy” — Britney Spears
Speaking of crazy, this ultimate pop song from the queen of pop songs, Britney Spears, is often compared to “…Baby One More Time.” But, in my opinion, it’s just slightly superior. It appeared on Spears’ 1999 album …Baby One More Time and was featured on the soundtrack for the teen rom-com Drive Me Crazy. Its simplicity made it a hit. But, its staying power is in the attitude and swagger Britney Spears brings to the performance.
“I Love You Always Forever” — Donna Lewis
“I Love You Always Forever” was the first single from Donna Lewis’ 1996 debut album Now in a Minute. It’s a sweet song about being in love no matter what, and Lewis was nominated for a Brit Award in 1997 due to its success. For a long time, I thought this song was in the movie Anastasia. However, that’s just because Donna Lewis performed the song “At the Beginning,” which was actually in the movie. Still, I was introduced to “I Love You Always Forever” through searching for “At the Beginning.” I’ve heard it in countless grocery stores, and it makes for a great karaoke song if you can get up into Lewis’ airy, feathery range.
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” — Shania Twain
Released on Shania Twain’s 1997 album Come On Over, “That Don’t Impress Me Much” has an iconic music video featuring Twain rocking a leopard print catsuit. Outfits aside, this is a pop song that transcends pop songs. Twain sees unimpressive men for what they are and calls out toxic masculinity way before it was popular to do so. She sees a man who carries a mirror in his pocket and says, “You know what, I’m good.” There’s something utterly cathartic about saying, “So you’re Brad Pitt” before launching into a triumphant That don‘t impress me much.
Featured Image by Paul Natkin/Getty Images
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