This is basically the playlist I’ve been listening to on loop for the last 20 years, because after 1999, music began on a slow but gradual decline in quality.
Listen to Slide by Goo Goo Dolls and then listen to whatever’s playing on the radio right now, if you need proof.
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I really miss the days when DJ Khaled wasn’t yelling his name in the background of every song.
“No Scrubs” by TLC.
No matter how old “No Scrubs” gets, it will always be the original girl-power anthem.
If you don’t believe me, watch every girl’s face light up when this song comes on next time you’re at a bar.
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None The Richer.
“Kiss Me” was included on every late 90’s and early 2000’s rom-com soundtrack, and we loved it.
It was the perfect song to play during any bad-boy-jock-turns-prince-charming-just-in-time-to-take-girl-to-prom segway.
“Slide” by Goo Goo Dolls.
The ultimate song to listen to on a rainy day, or when you’re sad and you’re trying to make yourself sadder by listening to underwhelming gentle guitar melodies.
“If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez.
I wish I could tear a hole in the space time continuum just so can go back and really appreciate this era of J-Lo.
These were her glory days, before DJ Khaled started yelling his name on all of her songs.
“I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys.
Well, I listen to this song almost every day, so it’s really pulling at the heart strings to learn that it’s about to be 20 years old.
“Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child.
Pretty much anything by Destiny’s Child was an instant classic and an absolute bop.
They also taught us some very valuable lessons: how to be an independent woman, the meaning of bootylicious, and how to get other people to pay your bills.
“That Don’t Impress Me Much” by Shania Twain.
Shania’s leopard print ensemble in this video is an iconic staple in pop culture history.
Because of her, every time I wear anything leopard print, I feel extra sassy towards men.
“Summer Girls” by LFO.
LFO videos were always funny to watch because one of them sang, the other one rapped, and the third one usually just stood around, contributing nothing.
“Heartbreaker” by Mariah Carey feat. Jay-Z.
This was the year Mariah Carey invented low-rise jeans.
Well, I’m sure she didn’t invent them. But by cutting off the waistlines of her jeans for this video, she definitely got the ball rolling.
“She’s So High” by Tal Bachman.
Another very classic addition to any early 2000’s rom-com soundtrack.
Not sure whatever happened to Tal Buchman, but he left us with quite the one-hit-wonder.
“Smooth” by Rob Thomas feat. Santana.
Back in 1999, Rob Thomas and his leather pants teamed up with Santana to enchant our very souls with an absolute banger that would later be made into a mockery.
I don’t care, I still like it.
“Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill.
I’d like to personally thank Lauryn Hill for this song, because every time it comes on, I become someone that is willing to dance no matter the time or place. That is the person I aspire to be, always.
“Blue (Da Ba Dee)” by Eiffel 65.
Why and how on earth was this song ever something that we sat down, listened to, and enjoyed ?
I said 90’s was a proud time for music, I didn’t say it was perfect.
“Steal My Sunshine” by Len.
Am I the only one who knew this song well, but had not the slightest clue who it was by? Who is Len? What have they been up to these days?
“Miami” by Will Smith.
What’s truly incredible is that this was Will Smith’s prime, and yet, he hasn’t aged a day since.
If he starts making music like this again in my lifetime, I can die happy.
“Back At One” by Brian McKnight.
If you’re ever looking for the smoothest, sexiest, most romantic R&B ballad to serenade your significant other with, this is the one. Hands down.
“Unpretty” by TLC.
TLC was really dedicated to making music that empowered women, and that is totally something I can get on board with.
I’d like a reunion, please.
“Sometimes” by Britney Spears.
This was Britney’s year to shine. This was the year her album …Baby One More Time was released, and our ears had the privilege of hearing songs like “(You Drive Me) Crazy”, and “From The Bottom Of My Broken Heart”.
What a time to be alive.
“Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls.
Another great song to listen to when it’s raining. Goo Goo Dolls really had the_doom and gloom_ vibe all figured out, didn’t they?
“Amazed” by Lonestar.
Next time I’m at karaoke, I might just have to bust this one out. It’s so classic. It may lull everyone to sleep, but I don’t even care.
“I Need To Know” by Marc Anthony.
At first glance, I was certain I didn’t know this song. But I played it, just to double check, and I knew every damn word.
That is the beauty of 90’s music.
“Jumper” by Third Eye Blind.
We didn’t deserve Third Eye Blind. They were simply too good for us, and they didn’t even know it.
“Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera.
It’s hard to believe there was even a shred of doubt as to whether or not Christina Aguilera was better than Britney Spears when she gave us “Genie In A Bottle”.
“All Star” by Smash Mouth.
If this song reminds you of Shrek , just know, you are apart of the best generation and don’t let any Baby-boomers or Generation-X’ers tell you differently.
