Getty Image / Nigel Crane/Redferns
How could we even pick the best rock song of the ’90s when the entire decade was nothing but a musical revolution? But before proceeding, let’s get one thing straight: we’re talking rock and not metal. And if we’re honest, trying to list just a few songs felt almost cruel, because the era gave us anthem after anthem. These songs did not just top charts but defined the industry.
The 90s wasn’t just about music; it was about a movement. An era when angst, rebellion, and authenticity came together and created music that spoke to the generation. From alternative rock music to grunge garage bands, the decade was a heartbeat of youth culture. These songs entertained us indeed, but also were a therapy. When we couldn’t find words, these songs became the loudest voices.
Top 5 ’90s Songs That Changed Rock Music
Instead of picking just one, we’ve put together the tracks that truly captured the spirit of the era. The ones fans still scream along to, headphones in or car windows down. So check out the Top 5 songs from the 1990s to add to your playlist.
5. Guns N’ Roses – “November Rain” (1992)
The band’s unavoidable collapse in the mid-1990s is often attributed to Guns N’ Roses’ other ballads and “November Rain.” Axl Rose actually wrote “November Rain” before Appetite for Destruction was released, though it later appeared on Use Your Illusion I. However, he simply realized it wasn’t appropriate for their debut. Regardless of the dramatic music video, which just received 2 billion views on YouTube, “November Rain” is one of the most opulent rock songs ever, from the orchestration to its epic conclusion.
4. Green Day – “Basket Case” (1994)
Green Day’s 1994 album Dookie produced several hit singles, including “Basket Case.” The song that helped them create a new era of pop-punk. The album’s second hit, which featured a prominent Mike Dirnt bass line, explored Billie Joe Armstrong’s struggle with anxiety and panic attacks.
The band received nine MTV VMA nominations for the accompanying video, five weeks at the top of the Alternative Airplay chart, and a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group for the song.
3. Collective Soul – “Shine” (1994)
After years of battling to sustain a band lineup and secure label representation, Ed Roland finally found success with “Shine.” He recorded the album with his newly formed band, Collective Soul. After receiving some regional radio airplay, the song caught the attention of Atlantic Records, which signed them and released their debut demo album, Hints, Allegations, and Things Left Unsaid.
Roland’s “Yeah” reaction and the song’s unique, gritty guitar riff caught the attention of rock radio listeners, who helped propel the song to No. 1 on the Mainstream Rock chart and No. 4 on the Alternative Airplay chart.
2. Rage Against the Machine – “Killing in the Name” (1992)
The American rock band Rage Against the Machine’s song “Killing in the Name” is featured on their 1992 self-titled debut album. The journalist Peter Buckley described it as “a howling, expletive-driven tirade against the ills of American society”.
This song paved the way for alternative rock by fusing hard rock, rap, and strong political commentary. It proved that a rock song could be a potent protest anthem in addition to being a musical force.
1. Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
The grunge wave was sparked by Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” which was released in 1991. With its raw strength and rebellious atmosphere, the song quickly rose to the top of the charts, making Nirvana a household name and the song one of the decade’s biggest hits. The single is still arguably the most well-known grunge classic.
These five songs didn’t just play during the ’90s—they helped shape what rock music became. What’s your favorite ’90s rock anthem? Let us know in the comments!