15 Best 90s Musical Artists We Still Love Today
Ah, the 90s. Rocking out to a throwback song is one of the greatest experiences in the world. We love when we hear a song we had long forgotten about and are instantly transported back to that moment in time. Don't you love hearing a lyric and relating to it? Plenty of 90s music is relatable and has us clutching our hearts, getting chills from the artist that just gets us. Unfortunately, we tend to forget the amazing artists that gave us those powerful feelings. But when reunited, it is so, so, sweet. It's like seeing a friend you haven't in a while or finding an old sweater you loved. Or maybe you haven't forgotten about your favorite band or singer-some of these artists are still going today! Take a look at some bands, groups, and singers that will take you back, and maybe check out their new stuff too!
15 Third Eye Blind
You might have heard their singles “Semi-Charmed Life” or “How's it Going to Be,” but you have definitely heard their song “Jumper.” You had to have belted “Wish you would step back from that ledge my friend!” at the top of your lungs at one point in your life. Formed in 1993, this band wrote songs that were movie soundtrack staples in the 90's. Although there have been many changes to the line-up of the band, Third Eye Blind is still going strong! They have an EP planned to be released this year! They haven't yet matched the success the found in the 90s, however. Their 1997 album Third Eye Blind went six times platinum! They kept the successful vibes going with their album Blue which went platinum. They're no stranger to the Billboard Top 10. Their 7th full-length (and latest) album, Dopamine, came out on June 16th, 2015. Plan on a long road-trip if you want to get through their discography in one sitting!
14 Spice Girls
This was one of the most successful girl groups of the time… if not ever! And everyone's fave for sure. Their audiences could be compared to Beatles-mania. There was no stopping these five fabulous ladies, and they delivered a positive message to boot! Scary Spice (Melanie Brown, or “Mel B”), Sporty Spice (Melanie Chisholm, or “Mel C”), Baby Spice (Emma Bunton), Ginger Spice (Geri Halliwell) and Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham-yeah, as in David Beckham's wife) all preached girl power and friendship while performing some irresistibly catchy songs. For example, “If you wanna be my lover, you gotta get with my friends… friendship never ends” from their first single “Wannabe”. You couldn't help to want to be them or at least attend one of their always sold-out concerts! Though the group has since disbanded, we're in luck! Three of these 90's superstars-Mel B, Geri, and Emma-have reunited under the name “Spice Girls: GEM.”
13 Backstreet Boys
Before there was One Direction, there were the Backstreet Boys… only with choreography! We all had a favorite out of the boy band that we knew would just fall in love with us if we were given a chance. A. J. McLean, Howie D., Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell all had their tropes. For instance, A.J. was the “bad boy” of the group while Nick was the “baby.” There was someone perfect for everyone, and it helps that they have some legitimately good singing voices as well. Their harmonizations are second to none! The best part? These five dreamy boys are still together! You can check out their journey to fame that occurred in the 90s by watching their January 2015 documentary, Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of. They certainly have shown us what they're made of: they're the first boy band ever to have their first nine albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
12 *NSYNC
While the Backstreet Boys were the best-selling boyband of all time, they had some serious competition with *NSYNC. Who was the “better boy band” was a point of contention among zealous fans. And it's true -- *NSYNC gave the Backstreet Boys a run for their money! Having formed in 1995, Justin Timberlake, JC Chasez, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone, and Lance Bass rivaled other boy bands in the choreography department and had some pretty successful singles as well. Having sold over 50 million albums, we can definitely say this boy band was a success. Unfortunately, they went on “hiatus” in 2002 and have yet to reunite. On the bright side, there have been some solo efforts by JC Chasez and then, of course, Justin Timberlake is doing okay, we think. As for the others, Lance Bass came out of the closet and is a gay rights advocate, while Joey Fatone is opening a hotdog business with a play on his last name “Fat One”. Yeesh.
11 Alanis Morissette
Who is Alanis Morissette? You Oughta Know! Alanis is like a hardcore, edgy Taylor Swift. She's got angst and you can relate to it! Armed with songwriting power and her guitar, Rolling Stone declared her to be the “Queen of alt-rock angst.” Alanis didn't hit it big until 1995 album Jagged Little Pill, but once the ball got rolling there was no stopping her! Her biggest, and first, hit was "You Oughta Know", a scathing song about a man who did her wrong. This man may or may not be Dave Coulier from the hit 90s show Full House!)If you haven't heard that one then you've probably heard her singles Hand in My Pocket or You Learn, both surprisingly optimistic songs for her. Alanis still performs, her last full album Havoc and Bright Lights having come out in 2012. If you've heard an Alanis song, the reason for her longevity is obvious!
10 Britney Spears
You may have heard of this one. Britney Spears is the princess of pop, getting signed in 1997 and debuting her smash hit “… Baby One More Time” in 1998. By the time the album actually dropped in 1999, Britney was already a bonafide success-it took a single month for that debut album to go double-platinum. Ask a random person to name a 90's singer and you'll likely get an enthusiastic answer of “Britney Spears!” Britney only got bigger and bigger as time went on, starting as a sweet 16-year-old and growing into the hot and fabulous singer she is today. To date, she has released 8 albums and is still on top like she was in the 90's. Her four-year residency in Las Vegas cements that as her shows can be the most exclusive performances in the country. Though Britney is no stranger to controversy, she now has two sons and has settled into being a mom quite nicely while still giving stellar concerts.
9 Christina Aguilera
The Britney versus Christina rivalry was on pair with the Backstreet Boys vs. *NSYNC debacle. It didn't help that Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake of *NSYNC were the power couple of the early 2000s! But Christina was not deterred. With one of the most powerful voices in the business, she also started as a sweet, soulful girl who then, as she got older, decided to get a little bit… dirrty. Yep, so dirrty there was an extra R! But despite her scandalous choices of apparel, her voice could not be overshadowed. Christina actually got her big break singing the moving song "Reflection" for the 1998 movie Mulan. This led to her first debut album with chart-topping hits such as "Genie in a Bottle" and "What a Girl Wants". Once her album Stripped came out, Christina officially solidified herself as a force to be reckoned with. Christina still sings, but also has children now too.
8 Ani Difranco
This chick is Alanis Morissette times ten -- she has twenty. albums. And those are just her full-length ones! Insane, right? This girl is also a cool feminist: in 1989 she started her own record label called Righteous Babe records! She began officially touring in 1995 and hasn't stopped since. This is a girl made for music: she's been playing on the streets for money since she was nine! She's won at least 11 awards since, and her edgy style on her guitar, with her ability to go from punk to funk in a millisecond, makes her iconic. This woman clearly isn't going anywhere as she is a Grammy-nominated powerhouse. Her latest musical endeavor? That would be her 2012 album called Which Side Are You On? Though she' still a superstar today, you may remember her best from her Grammy-nominated songs, "Shy" in 1997 and "Glass House" in 1998. Once again, this will require a long road trip to get through all of her music!
7 Oasis
Never heard of Oasis? Let me give you a refresher: “Today is gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you… ” Yep, these are the original singers of "Wonderwall", one of the most quotable songs on the internet! If you haven't heard of "Wonderwall", you may have heard their song “Stop Crying Your Heart Out” Oasis was a British band that consisted of brothers Liam and Noah Gallagher. Oasis formed back in 1991, except Noah didn't join the band until 1995. But once he did, turmoil ensued! Though their music was brilliant, their line-up changed constantly and there seemed to be bad blood between even the brothers as well. They are record-breakers though: the band was dubbed the “Longest Top 10 UK Chart Run By a Group” in the Guinness World Records. So despite all the rockstar drama, they made a huge impact on the British rock scene.
6 Shania Twain
If Britney is the princess of pop, then Shania is the princess of country. Seriously, this girl is officially the best-selling female country artist of all time. And this girl has been through some horrible times: after her mother and stepfather were killed in a car accident in 1987, she supported her siblings through her performances. But then the 90s came and she struggled no more. Although her first album was released in 1993, she became a mega-superstar with her 1995 album The Woman in Me. Shania gave a girl power vibe with her songs, sort of like an early Carrie Underwood's “Before He Cheats.” She took pride in her femininity with her 1997 song “Man! I Feel Like a Woman.” Her albums have gone diamond, which is higher than platinum, and hopefully, she can find that same success with her upcoming album. Shania has been tweeting throughout 2016 about working in the studio. We can't wait to hear what she comes up with next!
5 The Goo Goo Dolls
Although they saw commercial success with their hit song “Iris" in 1998, this band has actually been together since 1986. You remember "Iris", right? Just remember these lyrics and it will all come back to you: "I don't want the world to see me, 'cause I don't think that they'd understand!” It was in everyone's Instant Messaging profile, because the song just described you. But the Goo Goo Dolls are known for more - there's “Slide,” “Black Balloon,” and “Here is Gone.” So many classics! This band is quintessential '90s, but that doesn't mean they haven't found success in the 2000s… or the 2010s for that matter! Their latest album? Released this year in 2016! It's their 11th studio album but they still manage to have that sound that brings you back. Their alt-pop music had certainly stood the test of time! Although there have been changes in the line-up, original members from 1986 John Rzeznik and Robby Takac are still rocking out and touring to this day!
4 Destiny's Child
Although these ladies had most of their success in the 2000s, they actually formed in 1990. Originally called “Girl's Tyme,” the singing group consisted of LaTavia Roberson, LeToya Luckett, Kelly Rowland and Miss Beyonce Knowles. They didn't become “Destiny's Child” until 1996, but when they did, they took off! Their biggest 90s hits were “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name” and, after some line-up drama, the group was finally settled upon as Beyonce, Kelly, and singer Michelle Williams. Not only were their songs catchy and danceable, but no one could compete with their harmonies either. Of course, you all know what happened to the girls after that: Michelle and Kelly have their solo efforts and Beyonce… well, she kind of exploded. Let's not forget her reent Lemonade release. They're all still friends, though, and even reunited for Beyonce's Superbowl performance. Their sisterhood is seemingly unshakable, and they definitely were influential 90s girls.
3 Garbage
Interesting name, right? This female fronted pop rock band came together in 1993. Their approach is… unique to say the least. Band member Steve Marker once said their goal is “to take pop music and make it as horrible sounding as we can.” But if you listen, this was clearly said in jest, because their music is fantastic! The lead singer, Shirley Manson, is Scottish, so they have a little international flavor too. Their first self-titled album became double-platinum in six countries, including the United States. Their second album, titled Version 2.0, did just as well. They've been nominated for two Grammy's so clearly, they were not successful in sounding horrible! They went on a mini-hiatus before returning stronger than ever in 2007 and then again in 2011. They released an album in 2012, Not Your Kind of People, as well as one just last month, Sweet Little Birds. Their success hasn't slowed down, so give them a try!
2 Nirvana
Nirvana are the kings of garage punk! Hordes of teenagers with greasy hair and flannel shirts felt their angst and bonded with this band. They've sold over 75 million records, making them one of the best-selling bands ever. They were also inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band was made up of Krist Novoselic, Dave Grohl, and of course the famous Kurt Cobain. Lead singer Kurt Cobain was the star of the show, and he was definitely the “babe” of the band. Unfortunately, Kurt passed away in 1994, bringing the band to an abrupt halt. Nirvana is forever legendary, though, and the amazing music they made can never be forgotten. How can you not headbang to “Smells Like Teen Spirit”? If you want a taste of current Nirvana, Dave Grohl now fronts the band the Foo Fighters, which has seen large success. Dave and Krist try to honor Kurt's memory in every project they participate in.
1 Blink-182
Admit it, you now that you cried big and blubbery tears to Blink-182's hit song “I Miss You”? Vocals were shared in this band between Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge, who unfortunately is no longer part of the band. Blink-182 is what we call “skateboard music.” Coming together in 1992, Blink-182 is so big on the punk scene that the New York Times claimed: “no punk band of the 1990s has been more influential than Blink-182.” Wow. Though they also went on a brief hiatus, drummer Travis Barker almost died in a fiery plane crash. His former band members were immediately by his side and realized that petty fights or creative differences didn't matter after all and they were still a bad. Cue more big and blubbery tears! They got back together and now are currently a trio of Mark Hoppus, Matt Skiba, and Travis Barker. 24 years is a long time for a band, but these three have made it through and hopefully beyond!