5 Facts You Never Knew About Vinyl Records.

Songs from the 90s culminate the decade as an eclectic one in the history of music. It started with grunge and hip-hop before moving into bubblegum pop as the new millennium approached. True music connoisseurs agree that this era, music-wise, was indeed the most diverse to date. Nirvana is one of many mainstream bands that defined this era. Yet, so too are Britney Spears’ early albums from her baby girl phase to later years with more mature work in the 2003’s. Whether you want to groove, sulk, or do both simultaneously, the music from the 90s really sets the mood.

Looking with hindsight on the 90’s decade, BOP Street Records has compiled a tally of the 10 best songs. From Madonna’s “Vogue” to Third Eye Blind and Dr. Dre., this list touches on all the musical highs of the ’90. Every song on this list is ranked randomly for your enjoyment.

Third Eye Blind – “Semi-Charmed Life” (1997)

This song takes you back to those carefree days when life was simple and easy. “Semi-Charmed Life” by Third Eye Blind is an iconic song from the late 90’s that managed to grab the 4th position on Billboard Hot 100. It perfectly captures a carefree summer. The lyrics are about drug addiction. Hearing it on the radio or in your car and sing along (or dance) transports you back to simpler times before social media took over our lives.

Alanis Morissette – “You Oughta Know” (1995)

When you hear “You Oughta Know,” it’s like a slap in the face from your ex. In this song, we see Alanis’s rage at having been cheated on by the man she loves most in all her life. No wonder there’s some grave unsettled business about their relationship remaining unstable for so long.

Christina Aguilera – “Genie in a Bottle” (1999)

The year 1999 was owned by this pop song: ‘I’m a Genie In A Bottle Baby, Gotta Rub Me The Right Way Honey.” For sure, our parents must have found it uncomfortable hearing us belt out this song time and again. This song has many different lyrics that adults could interpret. However, being oblivious of these implications, Genie in a Bottle was loved even more as everyone’s favorite bop.

The Backstreet Boys – “I Want It That Way” (1999)

Growing up in the late 90s and early 2000s, only two bands mattered – *NSYNC or Backstreet Boys. At the same time, both had their own set of great songs (I Want It That Way is our personal favorite). However, both bands had unique styles compared to others.

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

“I Will Always Love You” is an iconic song that was released in 1974. More than one artist has remade the song’s video and sound. The Bodyguard’s Dolly Parton had a completely different version from Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” The song may be best known for its use as the soundtrack to this blockbuster movie. Yet, it gets stuck inside our heads at all hours of the day.

Check Out: Love Is In The Air – 10 Best Romantic Songs From The 90s

Fiona Apple – “Criminal” (1997)

“I’ve been careless with a delicate man / And it’s a sad, sad world / When a girl will break a boy just because she can.” With those subtle and profound words, Fiona Apple introduced the world to her debut album Tidal. The album, especially Criminal, was loved by college students riddled with anxiety and pressure. Criminal rose to prominence in 2020 after Jennifer Lopez grooved to it in the starting scene of Hustlers.

Mariah Carey – “Always Be My Baby” (1995)

Mariah Carey seems to be quite underrated. Her songs from the 90s are legendary, and it’s hard for us to choose a favorite because they’re all so good! No matter what we’re feeling or where we are, hearing those opening “do-dos” makes us discover the singer within. She truly deserves future lifetime achievement awards and induction into the Hall of Fame with Always Be My Baby.

Sixpence None the Richer – “There She Goes” (1997)

With the great actress Lindsay Lohan, we all can share a traveling experience while listening to Sixpence’s iconic cover of “There She Goes.” The La’s in the song playing gives young Halle James the feeling on her first visit to London.

Toni Braxton – “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)

Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart” is one of the most iconic heartbreak songs ever created. Hearing the lyrics is like you’re under the musical equivalent of a weighted blanket. It feels effortless as we hear Toni’s rich belted notes with an unmatched music video to go along with it.

Lil’ Kim feat. Puff Daddy – “No Time” (1996)

In the 1990s, Sean “Puff Daddy” Combs and his crew were the talks of hip-hop in the ’90s. Lil’ Kim has been dubbed one of their most distinctive voices. This song is a bravura showcase for her skills as she raps about what it takes to be an independent woman.

Now it’s time for you to add these 10 songs from the 90s to your nostalgia playlist. Once you’re done, let us know in the comments what you think of them.

The power of music can never go underestimated. It transcends language, culture, race, or religious barriers, giving us the ability to express emotions. But what makes music so influencing? It’s simply the amalgamation of lyrics (if any), composition, and musical instruments that create those evoking symphonies. Musicians use different types of instruments to put that magic into their songs. Below are the 8 most popular musical instruments which can set off an emotional spark in every song played by them:

Electronic Piano

The piano is one of the most versatile instruments. It can play classical, jazz, and modern music alike with a level of mastery incomparable to any other musical device. The electronic version was engineered in such a way as to provide an equally satisfying experience without sacrificing quality. Some even say it’s just better than playing the acoustic one. With this gem from our digital age, you’ll be able to record your compositions or songs for later playback at home.

Bass Guitar

The bass guitar is a stringed instrument with many features similar to those of an electric. However, the main difference lies in its elongated neck, and six strings instead of the four found on most electrics. To play this instrument requires plucking or strumming its strings using one’s fingers or thumb. This makes it easier than other 6-string instruments for beginners who don’t know how to play yet. Typically, musicians use bass guitars in jazz fusion music (combining elements from different genres).

Saxophone

The saxophone is a brass instrument with a mouthpiece. Adolphe Sax invented it in 1840 with its first version made of wood instead of metal. The tool contributes to many different types of music like classical, military bands, or jazz. What sets it apart from other instruments is its expansive variety of sound and dynamics that allow players to express their creativity and display different styles.

Check Out: Top 5 Pop Songs Of All Time

Flute

The flute is a woodwind instrument that changes sound pitch when you open and closes different holes on its body. It has a short build-up as compared to other musical instruments. The instrument’s popularity reached its highest peak during the 19th century when it was used for religious services, military music, and even marching bands. Its mechanism combined with unmatched melody is what makes this instrument so popular among listeners. Flute lovers believe that the melodies of this sweet-sounding instrument have magical powers allowing one to find peace during difficult times. Flutes are known to soothe troubled hearts with gentle tunes perfect for performing solo and playing alongside others instruments. 

Electric Guitar

The electric guitar is the perfect instrument for aspiring rock stars. The original design was created in 1931 and has since evolved to become a significant part of today’s famous music scene. It has six strings which give you more flexibility than an acoustic guitar. With electric guitars, you have freedom when choosing what chords or notes to play. Additionally, these guitars are usually lighter, making them easier on your fingers after hours of playing.

Drums

Drums are the percussion family of popular musical instruments. To play the drum requires striking them with a mallet or hand, depending on the type used (i.e., tympanum). The different types include single drums and multiple drums, making up the “drum set.” Drummers use these for live performances to accompany other musicians in their ensemble’s soundscape and soloists who play without an orchestra.

Violin

Violins are typically bigger than violas and cellos but have the same four strings. They’re most often used in folk music. The violin is played with a bow though it can be plucked using fingers and some more exciting sounds. It’s usually placed between the chin and shoulder. The player gets that perfect sound from both hands working together on one instrument. The wide variety of music genres like jazz, classical, and rock are incomplete without this fantastic instrument. It has an attraction in its sound that grabs listeners’ attention with ease.

Which of these popular musical instruments is your favorite? Let us know in the comments section below.