“Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang” by Dr. Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg (1992)

Dr. Dre's “Nuthin' But a 'G' Thang” introduced us to the world of G-funk — a gangsta rap subgenre that became immensely popular in the ‘90s, and solidified Dre's status as a hip-hop icon. The song has a laid-back groove and its infectious hooks became synonymous with West Coast rap.

“Intergalactic” by Beastie Boys (1998)

Beastie Boys’ “Intergalactic” defied genres. It blended hip-hop with electronic elements. creating a sound that can only be described as “groundbreaking”. With its irresistible rhythm the Beastie Boys showed us new dimensions possible with hip-hop, which at this point, was already breaking off into a host of different subgenres.

“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls (1998)

When “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls came on the radio, we were immediately swept away by its raw emotion. It has a special ability to pull at the heartstrings of the listener, and it does a great job of that. The Goo Goo Dolls had a very successful run, probably among the most successful of any 90’s rock band. “Iris” was their masterpiece.

“My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion (1997)

It’s almost hard to believe that Celine Dion didn’t want to record “My Heart Will Go On,” the song penned for the movie Titanic. But it’s true - it was her husband and manager who suggested she give it a go. Incidentally, director James Cameron wasn’t too crazy about the song either.

The song surprised everyone, going on to become one of the biggest No. 1 smashes of the decade. It remains one of the most memorable tunes to have won Best Original Song at the Academy Awards.

“Don't Speak” by No Doubt (1996)

No Doubt's “Don't Speak” explored the pain of a broken relationship, through a heartbreaking ballad. Gwen Stefani's poignant vocals and the emotional lyrics were so powerful, it seemed destined to be a generation-defining music release.

“Smooth (Feat. Rob Thomas)” by Santana (1999)

Santana's “Smooth,” which was a collaboration with Matchbox 20 star Rob Thomas, is still popular on radio stations, even today. The track with its powerful tune, gave the guitar player an unexpected hit and rekindled his career. With Santana's Grammy sweep, the 1990s came to a spectacular close.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana (1991)

Nirvana dropped “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” in 1991 which set the stage for the grunge wave. Packed with raw power and rebellion, the track shot up the charts, turning Nirvana into superstars. It made Nirvana the decade's big hitter and the single is possibly still the most popular example of a grunge classic.

“Zombie” by The Cranberries (1994)

In the mid-'90s, The Cranberries dropped their haunting anthem “Zombie.” The powerful track, fronted and powered by Dolores O'Riordan's piercing vocals, didn't just make itself known in the alternative rock scene, it became a staple of rock radio. These days, it picks up again every Halloween, reminding millions of just how fantastic it is.

“Vogue” by Madonna (1990)

With its infectious beat and iconic choreography, Madonna's “Vogue” revolutionized dance music. Madonna gained a reputation for not only dominating the charts but also exposing sounds and communities that are hidden from the general public when the song remained at the top of the charts for two weeks in a row. The stylish music video featured voguing dancers and glamorous fashion, and remains a cultural touchstone.

“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (1992)

Whitney Houston's power-packed, emotional rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” captivated audiences. With her incredible vocal prowess, the song, which featured in the film The Bodyguard, spent 14 weeks on the Hot 100 chart, setting a new record. Houston's evocative performance and the song's timeless message of love and loss have made it a classic for all time.