10 Iconic Songs That Are Turning 30 In 2025

Now that it is 2025, let’s turn back time and talk about some of the the greatest hit songs from the beloved 1990s

Alex Tisdale March 26, 2025 3 min read

A DJ plays music in the club/Photo credit: Unsplash

Music has been a staple of American culture for centuries, from classical rock to bubble pop and even rap and country.

Tons of artists have had great hit singles dating back over 30 years. Now that it is 2025, let’s turn back time and talk about the greatest hits from the 1990s.

10. Waterfalls -TLC

This upbeat R&B tune was created by the famous group TLC. It is sung on a fast-paced, hopeful beat and was heavily played on the radio during the 1990s.

From the magical vocals to Lisa Left Eye’s iconic rap verse toward the end of the song, the message is about not chasing things in life that aren’t worth it. This song also had a verse that addressed the AIDS crisis that was going on at the time.

Waterfalls

9. Ironic – Alanis Morissette

The same artist behind that heartbreaking song, You Outta Know, is also behind this classic tune, Ironic, with a calm bridge that follows up with a loud, upbeat, thunderous chorus—showing that things in life are always unpredictable, whether bad or good. The song reached the top 4 on the US charts and 11 in the UK.

Ironic

8. Be My Lover -La Bouche

Be My Lover is a fast-paced tune accompanied by a strong voice, fitting for nightlife in the 1990s. The song was highly popular, often on the radio and in nightclubs.

Be my Lover

7. You Are Not Alone -Michael Jackson

Sung by the late legend that is Michael Jackson, You Are Not Alone features a melody of hopefulness, themes of happiness and comfort as well as support to show the listener that no matter what they go through, they’re not alone.

Micheal Jackson – You are not alone

6. Exhale (Shoop Shoop) -Whitney Houston

Speaking of late great legends, this 90s hit was performed by Whitney Houston. People may know Whitney from her famous I Will Always Love You or her iconic singing of the National Anthem. The Late Star has created many timeless hits, and Exhale the soulful, empowering love song proves to be just that.

Exhale

5. Colors Of The Wind -Vanessa Williams

People are well familiar with Pocahantas, the all-time classic Disney movie. When they think of the Disney princess, they often think of the song Colors of the Wind. The message of this song speaks of the beauty of nature and diversity.

Colors of the Wind

4. Don’t Speak -No Doubt

Gwen Stefani has a couple of timeless songs under her belt, including hit songs she did with her band No Doubt, such as Just a Girl and many more. Don’t Speak is a track that blends music genres such as alternative rock and rhythm and speaks on the heartbreak and pain of relationships ending.

Don’t Speak

3. Dear Mama -Tupac

Diving into 90s hip-hop, Legendary West Coast rap artist, Tupac Shakur writes an emotional tune that is dedicated to his mother. He expresses deep appreciation and love for her and lots of moms can relate to the tune.

Dear Mama

2. This Is How We Do It -Montell Jordan

This all-time classic features an upbeat tempo and a great blend of melody and background vocals. This West Coast track was often used for parties and functions from the 1990s to the 2020s.

This is how we do it

1. Gangsta Paradise -Coolio ft L.V.

Of the songs on this list, Gangsta Paradise is often talked about and replayed. The song especially grips the 1990s and often talks about gang life back then. The hip-hop song’s instrumental gives off a soulful, powerful, yet edgy beat that shows determination and fierceness.