Saddest 90s Songs That Still Resonate
The 90s were a great time for music lovers. Many bands and singers that are popular today had their debut in the 90s. There are countless songs we love from the 90s. In such a productive period for music, it is normal that there are happy songs and sad songs.
We have compiled the most popular saddest 90s songs for you. If you want to listen to the spirit of the same period from different artists, you should check out our list of sad 90s songs:
Eric Clapton – Tears in Heaven
The most iconic song from the Rush album, Tears in Heaven, was released in 1992. This song, used in the soundtrack albums of many movies, reflects the pain of losing a loved one. Legendary musician Eric Clapton released Tears in Heaven as a soft rock song, unlike his other songs.
The song starts with a guitar riff and this intro is on everyone’s mind. It is one of the most popular saddest 90s songs.
R.E.M. – Everybody Hurts
R.E.M., the popular creator of popular alternative rock songs. He released his song Everybody Hurts in 1992. We wouldn’t be wrong if we say that it is the most popular song in the album Automatic for the People.
With lyrics focused on painful days, Everybody Hurts is one of the most well-known examples of saddest 90s songs.
Radiohead – Street Spirit (Fade Out)
The Street Spirit song released by Radiohead, the popular creator of sad songs, is also known as Fade Out. When we listen to the song, we notice that both vocals and guitars create a sad atmosphere. This song, which is on the album called The Bends, was released in 1995.
When we listen to the lyrics of the song more carefully, we realize that it is on the theme of existentialism. Among the sad 90s songs, Radiohead’s song Street Spirit should not be skipped.
Jeff Buckley – Hallelujah
Jeff Buckley released this cult song, which has the theme of thanking God, in 1994. This song, which can be considered in the alternative rock genre, is very impressive with Jeff Buckley’s impressive vocals and sacred lyrics. While listening to the song, you will remember your past mistakes.
Hallelujah, one of the most popular songs of the 90s, should definitely be on our list.
Sarah McLachlan – Angel
The song Angel, from the album Surfacing, is one of Sarah McLachlan’s most popular songs. The vocal talents of the successful musician are at the forefront, especially in this song.
Angel, which can be considered a pop genre, provides the necessary motivation for the pain and difficulties experienced at different times. It is one of the rare songs that we remember with female vocals among the saddest 90s songs.
The Verve – The Drugs Don’t Work
One of the melancholic lyrics and high energy songs of The Verve band is The Drugs Don’t Work. This song, released in 1997, is about society’s moral standards and addictions. Cleverly written lyrics and rock sound make the song unforgettable.
This song of the British band was played not only in the UK but also on radio stations all over the world. It is a good example from the UK among the most popular saddest 90s songs.
Nirvana – Something in the Way
Nirvana, the legendary creator of popular rock songs, included the song Something in the Way in their album Nevermind. Something in the Way, released in 1991, has become one of the iconic tracks of the grunge genre. It is one of the most respected among the saddest 90s songs with its loneliness-themed lyrics.
No Doubt – Don’t Speak
One of the iconic tracks of No Doubt, which released popular samples of the ska punk genre, is Don’t Speak. Don’t Speak was published in 1996. Although the song contains a melancholic atmosphere, it is a high-energy piece instrumentally.
It’s no wonder that thousands of people cried when No Doubt performed this song during their live performances.
Counting Crows – A Long December
One of the most popular songs from their album Recovering the Satellites is A Long December. Counting Crows expresses the sadness of time passing very well in the lyrics of this song. A Long December, released in 1996, became one of the iconic 90s songs.
Influents from folk rock and alternative rock genres are felt intensely throughout the song.
Oasis – Wonderwall
Another British band on our list is Oasis. Oasis created a fan base of thousands with the songs they released throughout the 90s. Wonderwall, one of the band’s most popular songs, was released in 1995. This unique song, which can be considered in the Britpop or rock genre, may be one of the rock songs with the saddest lyrics.
It can be said that it is impossible not to feel sad while listening to the song, thanks to the honest lyrics written about breakups. Among the saddest 90s songs, at least one song by Oasis should be remembered.