Music has an incredible ability to transport us back in time, and the tunes of 1995 are no exception. The mid-1990s were a time of musical evolution, with the rise of pop, rock, R&B, and hip-hop artists making their mark on the charts and in our hearts. If you’re ready to take a trip down memory lane, let’s countdown some of the most iconic and beloved songs from that year.
#10 Waterfalls – TLC
Kicking off our list is “Waterfalls” by the American R&B girl group TLC. Released as a single from their second album, “CrazySexyCool,” this song quickly became a sensation. With its smooth blend of hip-hop beats and melodic harmonies, coupled with socially aware lyrics that caution against the perils of drugs and unprotected sex, “Waterfalls” made a significant cultural impact. The accompanying music video, which featured ground-breaking visual effects for its time, only cemented this song’s place in the annals of ‘90s music history.
#9 Creep – Radiohead
Although technically released in late 1992, Radiohead’s “Creep” gained significant traction on the airwaves by 1995, becoming a defining anthem of the ’90s alternative rock movement. Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals and the track’s dynamic shift from mellow verses to the explosive chorus, with its unforgettable distorted guitar riff, captured the feeling of being an outsider. Despite the band’s ambivalent relationship with the song due to its overwhelming popularity, “Creep” remains a classic to this day.
#8 Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days) – Monica
This debut single from Monica, “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days),” with its laid-back groove and relatable lyrics about needing personal space, struck a chord with R&B fans. Monica’s mature vocal delivery belied her young age—she was just 14 when it was released, quickly making her a rising star. The song taps into the essence of ’90s R&B with its soulful and smooth sensibility.
#7 Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio featuring L.V.
Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise,” featuring singer L.V., is one of the quintessential rap songs of the decade. Featured in the film “Dangerous Minds,” the song explores the hard-hitting realities of gang life over a Stevie Wonder sample and an indelible hook. Its success was meteoric, and it became one of the best-selling singles of 1995 worldwide, earning it a top spot on charts globally.
#6 Fantasy – Mariah Carey
When you blend Mariah Carey’s powerhouse vocals with a catchy pop melody and a hook that samples the Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love,” you get “Fantasy,” one of the most unforgettable hits of 1995. Blurring the lines between pop and R&B, Carey delivered a feel-good song that resonates with listeners of all ages. This hit also marked one of the early instances of pop and hip-hop fusion, especially with its remix featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard, setting a trend for future music collaborations.
#5 Kiss from a Rose – Seal
With an unmistakable voice and unique artistry, Seal’s “Kiss from a Rose” was another 1994 song that achieved peak popularity in 1995, thanks in part to its inclusion on the “Batman Forever” soundtrack. Its sweeping orchestral arrangements, coupled with Seal’s soulful voice, gave the song a timeless quality that has kept it relevant. The song not only soared high on the charts but also won multiple Grammy Awards, cementing its legacy as a ‘90s classic.
#4 You Are Not Alone – Michael Jackson
No list reflecting on the ’90s would be complete without the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His ballad “You Are Not Alone,” penned by R. Kelly, became the first song in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to debut at number one. This testament to Jackson’s enduring popularity features his tender and emotive vocals over a rich tapestry of R&B rhythms and pop production.
#3 I Know – Dionne Farris
Dionne Farris may not have the same name recognition today, but in 1995 her song “I Know” was on everyone’s lips. Mixing elements of soul, pop, and R&B, the song’s catchy chorus and bright instrumentation made it stand out on the airwaves. Farris’s passionate delivery, along with the song’s empowering message about self-knowledge and confidence, made it an anthem for many.
#2 Run-Around – Blues Traveler
Blues Traveler broke into mainstream consciousness with their hit “Run-Around.” This song was everywhere in 1995, known for its bluesy rock feel and harmonica-driven melody. It was a fresh break from the usual pop and rock sound dominating the radio, and its memorable hook helped it notch up record sales and radio plays. While the group was associated with the jam band scene, “Run-Around” showcased their crossover appeal and led them to a wider audience.
#1 One Sweet Day – Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men
At the pinnacle of our list is “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, a song that epitomizes the heights of ‘90s collaboration. The track spent an unprecedented 16 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, a record that held for more than two decades. This heartfelt ballad tackles themes of loss and mourning with touching sincerity, and the combined vocal prowess of Carey and Boyz II Men was nothing short of breathtaking. It remains one of the most memorable hits from 1995, and its emotional impact continues to resonate with listeners.
As we look back on these tracks, it’s clear that 1995 was an amazing year for music, spanning a variety of genres and styles. These songs not only defined a year but also shaped the musical landscape for decades to come. Whether it’s the soul-stirring ballads or the upbeat anthems, there’s no doubt that the top tunes of 1995 have left a lasting imprint on the soundtrack of our lives.