[For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s
When it comes to the Western music scene of the 1990s, in the United States new movements like alternative rock and grunge upended rock’s values, while hip-hop and R&B made dramatic leaps forward, producing countless classic works.
Looking to the UK, Britpop erupted as something of a counter to America’s alt boom, giving rise to globally renowned bands like Oasis and Blur.
Of course, the major pop sphere churned out massive hits one after another, and the underground scene also thrived.
It’s impossible to cover all Western music from the 1990s, but this time, under the theme of “big-hit Western songs,” we’re bringing you a beginner-friendly selection of ’90s hits!
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1990s
- All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
- [Back to the '90s!] Dance Music from Western Hits of the 1990s
- [Western Music] Summer songs that were hits in the ’90s: Recommended classics and popular tracks
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the ’90s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [90s Western Films] Theme Songs & Insert Songs: Nostalgic Classics
- 2000s Western pop hits you still hear in commercials, movies, and on the streets
- Hits that resonate across generations! Popular 1990s songs on TikTok
[For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic Western Hits from the 90s: Popular Songs (21–30)
Black Or WhiteMichael Jackson
This is one of the classic songs by Michael Jackson, the legendary musician known as the King of Pop.
As a Black artist, Michael Jackson wrote this song to address discrimination around the world, including anti-Black racism.
Among MJ’s songs, this one has a strong rock vibe, and the guitar riff in the intro is incredibly cool.
What’s more, a Japanese dancer appears briefly in the music video.
HeroMariah Carey
A global songstress who, as of 2019, has an astounding 19 US No.
1 singles and album sales exceeding 240 million—a truly exceptional success.
This exquisite, classic ballad, delivered with Mariah’s overwhelming vocal prowess, is surely a song everyone has heard at least once.
It’s also fresh in memory that in 2018 it was featured as the commercial track for the popular RPG Game of War.
[For Beginners] A Compilation of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 90s (31–40)
LoadedPrimal Scream
They were a minor indie band in the ’80s, but this song catapulted them to major success.
It cleverly samples a track from their debut album and turns it into a dance tune, and you could say it opened up a new frontier in dance music.
To Be With YouMr. BIG
Released in 1991, this second single is a ballad that stands in stark contrast to their hard rock image—one that many listeners have likely heard.
Some Might SayOasis
The sixth single by Oasis, a rock band from Manchester, England.
With a guitar intro that carries a touch of melancholy within the band’s signature brightness, and vocals that evoke classic British rock, it’s a guitar-driven rock number that naturally makes you want to sway as you listen.
Shape Of My HeartSting
This song, the theme for the Jean Reno film Léon, has a melancholy, quiet atmosphere reminiscent of the children’s song “Chiisai Aki Mitsuketa” (I Found a Little Autumn).
Its guitar arpeggios could be considered a classic phrase on par with the masterpiece “Stairway to Heaven.”
Kiss MeSixpence None The Richer
A signature song by a Texas-born CCM band with a female vocalist, released in 1997.
The soft, gentle pop sound and Leigh Nash’s tender voice, which delivers a timeless melody, have a calming effect on listeners.
In 2015, it was featured in a commercial for Canon EOS Kiss, and the song has since been loved across generations here in Japan.