In the great debate of which decade was best in modern American history, the ’90s sure do have a good case. Michael Jordan, a balanced budget, Seinfeld, and more, including a much more rudimentary and quiet internet, mark the great era in modern times. Sure, other decades like the ‘60s and ‘70s have a good argument too, but let’s stick with the ‘90s here for now.
One of the standout aspects of the 1990s was its television shows and cartoons especially. While great shows like E.R. and The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air dominated the airwaves, so did shows like Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. So, while we often show reverence for songwriters like Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell in these pages, let us also take a moment to enjoy those tunes we absorbed as kids in front of the glowing animation.
Videos by American Songwriter
10. Captain Planet
9. Talespin
8. Darkwing Duck
7. Pinky and the Brain
6. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
5. Bobby’s World
4. Ren and Stimpy
3. Powerpuff Girls
2. Rugrats
1. Batman: The Animated Series
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American singer, songwriter and musician Tom Petty (1950-2017) attends a press conference for his debut solo album 'Full Moon Fever', 1989. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images) -
(Original Caption) A singer called Joni. Joni Mitchell, Canadian singer-songwriter, United Kingdom, 1968. The guitar-pickin' gal is Joni Mitchell, a long blonde haired Canadian folk singer. Pictured last night outside the Revolution club, Joni is here (until 1st October) for radio, television and concert appearances. Apart from concert appearances, 25 year old Joni will be heard on "Top Gear" on Radio One and "The Monday Show" on BBC 1. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) -
English rock band the Beatles arrive at London Airport from the USA, with their manager Brian Epstein (1934 – 1967, in coach doorway), 2nd September 1965. From left to right, John Lennon (1940 – 1980), George Harrison (1943 – 2001), Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr. (Photo by George Stroud/Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) -
Musician Willie Nelson attends 24th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on April 10, 1989 at Disney Studios in Burbank, California. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) -
George Jones, who released several country songs about whiskey -
Elvis Presley and Scotty Moore (left) performing on The Milton Berle Show at NBC's Hollywood studio, Los Angeles, California, 5th June 1956. Presley performed 'I Want You, I Need You, I Love You' and 'Hound Dog'. Press reaction to his performance was largely negative with his gyrating movements during 'Hound Dog' proving particularly controversial. (Photo by Bettmann Archive/Getty Images) -
BERKELEY, CA – SEPTEMBER 1977: Linda Ronstadt performs at the Greek Theater on September 17, 1977 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Ed Perlstein/Redferns/Getty Images)