Lovely film music

[90s Western Films] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

One of the defining features of Western films in the 1990s was that, alongside the explosive success of major studio blockbusters, so-called mini-theater/arthouse films were also gaining popularity.

Whether it was a Hollywood blockbuster or an indie film beloved from a subcultural perspective, great music was always part of the package.

In this article, we focus on the theme songs and insert songs used in ’90s Western films, offering a varied lineup that ranges from smash hits crafted by legendary musicians to beloved classics from indie-scene artists with enduring appeal.

It’s also a helpful guide to understanding ’90s culture, so younger film and music fans should definitely check it out!

[90s Western Films] Theme Songs and Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics (21–30)

IrisGoo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls – Iris [Official Music Video] [4K Remaster]

IrisGoo Goo Dolls

A gem of a love song that portrays the grand theme of an angel with eternal life renouncing immortality for love of a human woman.

Written by the Goo Goo Dolls for the film City of Angels, the song gently yet powerfully expresses a yearning for humanity and a heartfelt longing through its melody.

Released in April 1998, it held the No.

1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 Airplay chart for 18 consecutive weeks.

It earned three Grammy nominations and was certified 8× Platinum by the RIAA, garnering worldwide acclaim.

Included on the album Dizzy Up the Girl, it secured an unshakable place as one of the band’s signature songs.

It’s a moving track for moments when you want to reflect deeply on love and the feelings you have for someone special.

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In conclusion

If we narrow the selection to Western films from the ’90s, as I mentioned at the beginning, you can see that a wide range of artists and bands were featured, from big-name veterans to indie acts.

I hope the unique atmosphere of that quintessentially ’90s “mixed bag” culture—where major and minor works were all jumbled together—came through!