10 Greatest '90s Songs

The 10 greatest 90s songs come from all across the charts. Of course, the big thing in the 90s was grunge, and there is some of that on the chart. It really was a defining moment in music history, as it opened the way to the whole indie movement of today. So let's take a look at the 10 greatest 90s songs.

1. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana - When this song exploded onto the scene at the end of 1991, it ushered grunge and alternative rock into the mainstream. With loads of feedback and all but unintelligible lyrics, Nirvana was credited with writing an anthem for their generation, making it one of the ten greatest 90s songs.
2. "One" by U2 - this song is considered by many to be one of U2's greatest songs as well as one the ten greatest 90s songs. The band was actually in a funk and perilously close to disbanding, when this song came together for them. It was such a powerful peace, it convinced them that there was still music to be made together.
3. "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. - This song was considered by the record company to be a risky first single from the album "Out of Time".  Of course, it then went on to become one of the greatest 90s songs and R.E.M's biggest selling record ever. The record company doesn't always know everything.
4. "Alive" by Pearl Jam - Along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam helped to change the music scene in the 90s and this song is the one that put them on the map. While the lyrics actually touch on serious themes of death, incest and and guilt, it's more common interpretation as an anthem of survival is what makes it one of the greatest 90s songs.
5. "Basket Case" by Green Day - And just like that it was cool to like punk again. And seriously, this band can write a hook.
6. "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Sinead O'Connor - The song, penned by Prince (or as he was know at the time: "The Artist Formerly Known as Prince") definitely deserves a spot on any list of greatest 90s songs. It was a huge hit for O'Connor in part because of the strength of the amazing and intimate video.
7. "Under the Bridge" by Red Hot Chili Peppers -  Written by singer Anthony Kiedis during a particularly difficult time in his life, this song was a complete departure from the typical RHCP song. Fans loved it and it became one of the ten greatest 90s songs.
8. "Enter Sandman" by Metallica - This was the groups first real crossover hit, and it opened the way for metal in the mainstream charts. While some Metallica fans felt the band sold out with this song, others feel it's one of the ten greatest 90s songs.
   
9. "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston - Love it or hate it, this song from the soundtrack of the movie "The Bodyguard" starring Houston and Kevin Costner was everywhere. The song, originally written by Dolly Parton, was one of Houston's biggest hits ever and is considered one of the greatest 90s songs. 
10. "Underground" by Ben Folds Five - Where Nirvana and Pearl Jam made it cool to be alternative, Ben Folds made it cool to make fun of yourself for being "alternative." (What does that mean, anyway?) "Underground" is one of the ten greatest 90s songs for opening the door to a decade of hipster ironic detachment.