90's POP
In 1996, this track introduced the world to five women who asked for friendship before romance and “really, really” made their point.
"Wannabe" by The Spice Girls
This song is an acronym coined from an unstable compound that becomes the title of this 1975 band recording.
"T.N.T." by AC/DC
Its title is a three-word declaration of endurance, famously belted by a disco diva in the late ’70s.
"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
This viral song’s cowboy theme didn’t save it from being snubbed by the country music establishment, despite it's massive commercial success.
"Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X
Its title references a type of store where you can find hidden treasures, and the song humorously glorifies spending less while looking fly.
"Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
This 1995 track made this artist a household name and begins with a spoken-word intro leading into a fiery alt-rock chorus.
"You Oughta Know" by Alanis Morissette
In this 1973 hit, the artist tells you the right night to cause a little ruckus.
"Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting" by Elton John
This funky, feel-good classic which celebrates a special month is something that everyone and their mother should know.
"September" by Earth, Wind & Fire
This rare 2011 melodic track focuses on vulnerability and emotional connection rather than material or street life.
"How to Love" by Lil Wayne
This single became a signature grunge anthem, pairing cosmic imagery with one of the decade’s most distinctive vocal performances.
"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden
This song's title evokes a natural phenomenon, but this group uses it metaphorically to warn against pursuing dangerous desires.
"Waterfalls" by TLC
In this song, powerful vocals answer a jagged guitar riff in this 1971 legendary rock track that became a concert staple for this iconic band.
"Black Dog" by Led Zeppelin
Its title is phrased as a question about emotional depth, performed by a trio of legendary brothers.
"How Deep Is Your Love" by BeeGees
This track uses humor, satire, and a fictional persona to comment on authenticity in pop culture during the early 2000s.
"The Real Slim Shady"
by Eminem or Marshall Mathers.
Its title evokes growth or flowering, but the lyrics question who really understands the music and its meaning.
"In Bloom" by Nirvana
This track is one of three consecutive No. 1 hits from a film soundtrack starring Kevin Costner and the artist who sings this song.
"I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston
Rumored to have been written with Elvis Presley in mind, this 1975 hit single features a repeated two-word title celebrating later life.
"Golden Years" by David Bowie
This 1976 track has a piano-driven melody and explores a woman’s desire to escape financial struggles.
"Money, Money, Money" by ABBA
This song’s title is a slang phrase for a standoff or fight, and the track mixes layered production with lyrical critiques of authenticity in the rap game.
"Squabble Up" by Kendrick Lamar
This song tells the story of a man heading south after a violent act, set to an iconic guitar riff that became emblematic of psychedelic rock.
"Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix
This song's title is a three-word phrase describing emotional devastation delivered gently, in one of the most famous covers of all time.
"Killing Me Softly" by Fugees or Lauryn Hill
Although it’s become an anthem of the daily grind, this classic hit was reportedly written after a conversation about skipping work to play music.
"Takin' Care of Business" by Bachman–Turner Overdrive
You can’t resist the rhythm, but according to this song, it’s not your fault—it’s all because of the…?
"Blame it on the Boogie" by
The Jacksons or Jackson 5
You’re instructed to do this in the title, over a groundbreaking Timbaland beat that made the song an iconic party anthem.
"Get Ur Freak On" by Missy Elliot
The song’s title suggests an object used to hold things in, echoing the sense of being trapped conveyed throughout the music.
"The Box" by Alice in Chains