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[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!

[Western Music] Summer songs that hit in the '90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (41–50)

Two PrincesSpin Doctors

It’s the song Two Princes by Spin Doctors, an alternative rock band based in New York.

It’s included on their 1991 album Pocket Full of Kryptonite.

Just listening to it lifts your spirits—an energizing rock tune.

The innovative performance of scatting within alternative rock is fantastic, too!

[Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks (51–60)

SanteriaSublime

Sublime – Santeria (Official Music Video)
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.

Whoomp! (There It Is)Tag Team

A song released as a single by Tag Team in 1993.

The phrase “Whoom! There It Is” is said to have originated from Florida strippers working in Atlanta.

It was a popular dance club track and samples the song “I’m Ready” by the Italian group Kano.

LovefoolThe Cardigans

The Cardigans – Lovefool (Official Music Video)
LovefoolThe Cardigans

A song with lyrics by lead singer Nina Persson and music by guitarist Peter Svensson.

Released as a single in 1996, it became an international hit.

It has been featured in the 1999 film “Cruel Intentions” and the TV series “Beverly Hills, 90210.”

ZombieThe Cranberries

The Cranberries – Zombie (Official Music Video)
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.

Give Me One ReasonTracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman – Give Me One Reason (1995)
Give Me One ReasonTracy Chapman

A simple blues love song written in the 1980s by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman and released in 1996.

It is included on the album New Beginning.

The album reached No.

4 on the Billboard album chart, and the single of this song was certified platinum.

Give Me One ReasonTracy Chapman

Give Me One Reason (2015 Remaster)
Give Me One ReasonTracy Chapman

Tracy Chapman is a female singer-songwriter who performs songs with powerful messages in an acoustic guitar-and-vocals style.

As an African American, she has been involved in many social movements.

One of her signature songs is Give Me One Reason; included on her 1995 album New Beginning, it became the biggest hit of her career.