Top 20 Greatest Hits of the 1990s

The seismic opening salvo of the 1990s that changed music history overnight. With four simple, distorted chords, Kurt Cobain obliterated eighties hair metal and brought underground grunge onto the world stage, creating an immortal anthem of generational fury.

The undisputed national anthem of the Britpop revolution. Noel Gallagher's timeless acoustic composition and Liam's sneering, emotionally raw vocal delivery turned this sweeping ballad into one of the most sung-along and streamed rock tracks of the twentieth century.

The historic debut single that unleashed 'Girl Power' on the world and established the Spice Girls as global cultural icons. Hitting number one in thirty-seven countries, it remains an irresistible, hyper-energetic blast of pure nineties pop joy.

The crowning crossover jewel of Morissette's multi-platinum masterpiece Jagged Little Pill. Her soaring, idiosyncratic vocal swoops and darkly witty catalogue of life's cruel twists turned her into a generational icon for millions of alternative rock fans.

Produced by Denniz PoP and Max Martin, this bass-heavy pop juggernaut cemented the global dominance of nineties boybands. Backed by a spooky, horror-themed music video and razor-sharp synchronized choreography, its stomping chorus remains iconic.

An improbable worldwide mega-hit driven by Peter Buck's acoustic mandolin riff. Michael Stipe's poetic, enigmatic lyrics exploring emotional vulnerability and unrequited obsession struck a deep chord, sweeping two Grammy Awards and dominating global radio.

Built around a haunting reimagining of Stevie Wonder's 'Pastime Paradise,' this gritty masterpiece brought hip-hop to the very top of worldwide charts. L.V.'s choral lament and Coolio's stark reflections on urban survival forged an unforgettable cinematic landmark.

Gwen Stefani poured the raw heartbreak of her painful breakup with bassist Tony Kanal into this sweeping pop-rock ballad. Featuring a virtuosic Spanish acoustic guitar solo and Stefani's dramatic vocals, it became the biggest radio hit of 1996.

Anthony Kiedis' deeply vulnerable reflection on his lonely battle with heroin addiction in Los Angeles. John Frusciante's gorgeous Hendrix-inspired guitar intro and the climactic gospel choir elevate the song into a timeless, transcendent rock classic.

Those three immortal opening piano stabs ('Da-na-na!') penned by Max Martin permanently reshaped the modern pop landscape. Spears' distinctive vocal phrasing and undeniable charisma kicked off the late-nineties teen pop boom with explosive force.

The breakthrough single that introduced Thom Yorke and Radiohead to global audiences. Jonny Greenwood's two sudden, violent guitar crunches right before the chorus remain one of the most exhilarating, iconic moments in nineties alternative rock.

A velvet-smooth R&B masterpiece carrying an urgent social message about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and inner-city street violence. With warm horn flourishes, effortless harmonies, and Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes' memorable verse, it became a massive worldwide triumph.

Dolores O'Riordan's guttural, spine-chilling protest cry against sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. The dramatic leap from hushed, sorrowful verses into crushing, distorted grunge guitars turned the track into a towering monument of nineties rock.

Maxi Jazz's hypnotic, sleepless monologue builds steadily for over two minutes before unleashing one of the most euphoric, legendary pizzicato synthesizer drops in electronic dance music history. An eternal club anthem that defined a generation.

The Dutch Eurodance phenomenon that conquered charts across Europe and the world in 1993. Its thunderous synthesizer hook and Ray Slijngaard's rapid-fire staccato rhymes laid the global blueprint for nineties dance music mania.

The majestic ballad that rescued Williams' solo career following his departure from Take That, launching him into British superstardom. Its soaring, emotionally charged stadium chorus remains an indelible sing-along evergreen.

Lauryn Hill's velvety, breathtaking lead vocals layered over a heavy hip-hop beat by Wyclef Jean gave Roberta Flack's classic a timeless, soulful reincarnation that dominated charts worldwide. Her sublime emotional phrasing and acoustic guitar countermelodies turned the remake into one of the most celebrated urban soul anthems of the nineties.

The definitive pop-punk anthem of the late nineties, anchored by its indestructible 'Na-na-na-na' hook. Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker introduced blistering skate-punk energy to mainstream MTV audiences with infectious humor.

One of the most frequently played acoustic-pop songs of the late nineties. Imbruglia's fragile, expressive vocal delivery and smooth slide guitar lines captured the bittersweet emotional melancholy of the era with effortless grace.

The explosive 1997 breakthrough single from The Hague that announced Anouk as a formidable new rock queen in Europe. Her raw, unfiltered vocal power and blistering guitars delivered an unapologetic declaration of independence that still packs a punch.