[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
The 1990s were a time when alternative rock upended the dominance of the hit charts that had lasted through the ’80s, indie artists brimming with talent thrived without relying on major labels, and one young talent after another emerged in hip-hop and R&B.
Of course, the mainstream pop scene also produced countless big hits.
Among the countless hit songs and classics born from these diverse scenes, this time we’re picking out “summer songs” perfect for the season.
From definitive anthems that sing directly about summer to killer tunes made for hot days, we’re bringing you a richly varied lineup!
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[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (31–40)
Save TonightEagle-Eye Cherry
Eagle-Eye Cherry is a singer from Sweden.
His 1998 album “Desireless” was a major hit in the United States, and the single “Save Tonight” also climbed high on the charts in countries around the world.
With lyrics about parting set to a catchy pop melody, the song stands as one of the quintessential hits of the late 1990s.
The WayFastball
Fastball is a rock band from Texas that rose to popularity in the 1990s with a sound rooted in alternative rock and pop rock.
They’re still active today and even have passionate fans in Japan.
Among their works, a particularly recommended summer song is The Way.
It’s a track with a Latin flair that depicts a couple running away together.
The decadent lyrics and melody match perfectly, so be sure to give it a listen.
Only Wanna Be With YouHootie&The Blowfish
This song is “Only Wanna Be With You” by Hootie & The Blowfish.
Hootie & The Blowfish are a rock band formed in Columbia, South Carolina, in the United States.
The vocalist, Darius Rucker, has such a wonderfully gritty voice! Also, their debut album Cracked Rear View, which includes this song, ranked 19th on the list of best-selling albums in the United States.
Hootie & the BlowfishI Go Blind Hootie & The Blowfish
It’s the song I Go Blind by the American rock band Hootie & The Blowfish.
In fact, the song was originally released by the Canadian rock band 54-40.
Hootie & The Blowfish covered it, and their version was used in the hugely popular TV show Friends.
As a result, the song was played repeatedly on the radio and climbed high on the charts, becoming even more popular than the original.
Be sure to listen to both versions and compare them!
You Were Meant For MeJewel
The ’90s were a time when female vocalists were especially distinctive in their own ways.
This is “You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel, a singer-songwriter from the United States.
It’s included on the album “Pieces of You.” The way she sometimes murmurs the lyrics gives the song an added sense of realism.
It’s definitely a track you’ll want to listen to after a breakup!
TornNatalie Imbruglia
This is the song Torn by Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia.
It’s included on her 1997 album Left of the Middle.
Her tender, heart-fluttering vocals are unexpected given her boyish appearance.
The groovy drums and arpeggiated guitar give it a ’90s alternative rock feel.
It’s a popular track in Japan as well.
SanteriaSublime
This is the song Santeria by Sublime, a ska-punk band that made a huge splash in the ’90s.
Bradley Nowell, the vocalist who sang as if crying out from the heart, passed away in 1996.
The music video was filmed the following year, and the late Bradley appears in it as a ghost.
With ska and reggae elements woven in, it sounds like a bright, upbeat track, but in fact there’s a sad story behind it…
Please look into it if you can.
ZombieThe Cranberries
The Cranberries, who were active in the 1990s, are a rock band from Ireland.
With the distinctive voice of female vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, the band projects a unique sonic world.
Their song “Zombie” is an anti-war track that addresses the Northern Ireland conflict; its dark rock sound paired with a strongly political message became a major hit, and Bad Wolves’ later cover also drew significant attention.
If You Could Only SeeTonic
Tonic is an American band that made their debut in 1996 with the album Lemon Parade.
The single If You Could Only See became a hit, climbing high on Billboard’s airplay charts.
Thanks to its popularity, it even appeared in video games, making it a song that can be seen as emblematic of 1990s alternative rock.
Good Riddance (Time Of Your Life)Green Day
This is the song Good Riddance by the American punk band Green Day.
It’s included on their 1997 album Nimrod.
Even though it’s all acoustic guitar and has strings, so there’s no punk feel at all, it’s a really great song.
The nostalgic melody is wonderful.
In the recorded version of the song, you can clearly hear Billie Joe botch the guitar right at the start, so be sure to give it a listen!