The 1990s were a musical playground where grunge, R&B, hip-hop, and alternative rock ruled the airwaves. While the big names like Nirvana, TLC, and Tupac still dominate 90s nostalgia, plenty of incredible tracks fell through the cracks.
This list highlights 20 underrated songs of the 90s that deserve more attention. Some were overshadowed by bigger hits from the same artist, while others flew entirely under the mainstream radar. These songs offer a fresh twist on 90s nostalgia, and if you haven’t added them to your playlist yet, now’s the time.
1. “Stars” – Hum (1995)
With its wall of distortion, spacey atmosphere, and dreamy vocals, “Stars” is a song that feels otherworldly. The slow build of the guitars erupts into a colossal crescendo, creating a hypnotic, emotional experience. It’s the kind of song that sounds best with headphones on and eyes closed.
Why It’s Underrated: While Smashing Pumpkins and My Bloody Valentine dominated the 90s shoegaze/alt-rock scene, Hum was more of a “musician’s band.” “Stars” had a home on 120 Minutes, but it didn’t cross into the mainstream the way it should have.
2. “I Wish” – Skee-Lo (1995)
“I wish I was a little bit taller, I wish I was a baller…” Admit it, you’re already singing it in your head. This playful, self-deprecating hip-hop track stood out during an era of hardcore gangsta rap. It’s witty, lighthearted, and instantly memorable — the kind of song that can brighten any day.
Why It’s Underrated: It’s seen as more of a novelty hit than a classic hip-hop anthem, but it deserves more love. The production is tight, the flow is playful, and it’s still one of the most relatable tracks of the 90s.
3. “Angry Johnny” – Poe (1995)
A revenge anthem like no other, “Angry Johnny” is raw, fiery, and filled with venom. Poe’s haunting vocals and the slow, ominous build of the beat make it feel like the soundtrack to a psychological thriller. It’s intense in the best way.
Why It’s Underrated: Poe never quite got her moment in the spotlight like Alanis Morissette or Fiona Apple. But “Angry Johnny” is one of those tracks that builds a cult following — and once you hear it, you don’t forget it.
4. “All I Want” – Toad the Wet Sprocket (1991)
Toad the Wet Sprocket had a handful of alt-rock radio hits, but “All I Want” remains their most enduring track. It’s a wistful, breezy anthem about searching for simplicity and peace — a theme that’s as relevant today as it was in the 90s.
Why It’s Underrated: While it had decent success at the time, it’s often overlooked on “Best of the 90s” playlists. Yet, its emotional core and timeless appeal make it a track that deserves more love.
5. “Possum Kingdom” – The Toadies (1994)
It’s eerie, it’s mysterious, and it’s unforgettable. “Possum Kingdom” is one of those alt-rock tracks that just hits different. The lyrics, inspired by a local Texas ghost story, tell a tale that’s open to wild interpretation. Is it about vampires? A serial killer? Something even darker? You decide.
Why It’s Underrated: It was a hit on alternative radio, but it never reached the iconic status of other 90s grunge tracks. Considering its storytelling, memorable riff, and eerie vibe, it deserves more recognition as one of the 90s best.
7. “Natural One” – The Folk Implosion (1995)
If you saw Kids (1995), you know this track. It’s a lo-fi, minimalist groove with a hypnotic beat that burrows into your mind. The quirky bassline and chilled-out energy make it one of the coolest songs of the 90s.
Why It’s Underrated: It’s tied to the cult film Kids, but outside that context, it never broke into mainstream consciousness. It’s still one of the most stylish and effortlessly cool tracks of the decade.
8. “Anemone” – The Brian Jonestown Massacre (1996)
The Brian Jonestown Massacre was ahead of its time, and “Anemone” proves it. Psychedelic and hypnotic, this track blends reverb-drenched guitars with mellow, otherworldly vocals. It feels like you’ve been transported to a 60s dreamscape — but somehow it’s totally 90s.
Why It’s Underrated: Brian Jonestown Massacre was always more influential than popular. Their legacy in shaping modern psychedelic rock is undeniable, but “Anemone” is one of their most accessible tracks that deserves to be rediscovered.
9. “Tom’s Diner” – Suzanne Vega (DNA Remix, 1990)
You know it. Doo-doo-doo-doo, doo-da-doo-doo… Originally an a cappella track, it was transformed into a remix that blends smooth downtempo vibes with Suzanne Vega’s airy voice. It’s a track that still gets sampled today.
Why It’s Underrated: Most people recognize the melody but don’t know the song name or artist. It’s one of the coolest early 90s remixes, and it’s long overdue for a comeback.
10. “6 Underground” – Sneaker Pimps (1996)
This track oozes cool. Sneaker Pimps’ “Six Underground” is a masterpiece of trip-hop, with its downtempo groove and sleek, whispery vocals. It sounds like it was made for a heist movie montage.
Why It’s Underrated: While Massive Attack and Portishead are the big names in trip-hop, Sneaker Pimps rarely get mentioned in the same breath. But “Six Underground” is every bit as good as anything from Dummy.
11. “No Rain” – Blind Melon (1992)
You might remember this one for its iconic “Bee Girl” music video, but Blind Melon’s “No Rain” is much more than a visual spectacle. The dreamy guitar riff and Shannon Hoon’s unique, nasal vocals make it one of the most recognizable 90s tracks. While it was a commercial hit, its emotional depth and breezy melancholy are often overlooked. It’s a feel-good song with a hint of sadness woven through the melody, capturing the essence of being an outsider just trying to find your place.
Why It’s Underrated: Yes, it was a hit — but it’s often remembered more for the “Bee Girl” than for its musical brilliance. Blind Melon never had another mainstream smash, and “No Rain” is sometimes reduced to a novelty song. But it’s a defining moment of 90s alternative music, with the kind of bittersweet charm that still resonates today.
12. “Black Metallic” – Catherine Wheel (1992)
Slow-building, emotional, and drenched in reverb, “Black Metallic” is an epic masterpiece from shoegaze/alt-rock band Catherine Wheel. The guitars shimmer and swell, creating an atmosphere that feels like you’re floating in space. It’s a six-minute odyssey that blends tenderness and intensity.
Why It’s Underrated: Catherine Wheel never broke into the mainstream like Smashing Pumpkins or My Bloody Valentine, but “Black Metallic” is often hailed as one of the greatest shoegaze songs of all time. If you like your 90s rock with emotional weight, this one’s for you.
13. “Uknowhowwedu” – Bahamadia (1996)
With a smooth, jazz-inspired beat and Bahamadia’s signature laid-back flow, “Uknowhowwedu” is one of the most effortlessly cool hip-hop tracks of the 90s. Her soft-spoken, almost whisper-like delivery stands out in an era where rap was often loud and aggressive. The production, complete with mellow basslines and snare-heavy drums, feels like a slow ride through Philly streets on a summer afternoon.
Why It’s Underrated: Bahamadia was a trailblazer for women in hip-hop, but she never got the same attention as Lauryn Hill or Queen Latifah. “Uknowhowwedu” is a masterclass in subtle, razor-sharp lyricism and jazz-influenced production. It’s a vibe-heavy classic that deserves to be mentioned alongside the best of 90s hip-hop.
14. “Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth” – The Dandy Warhols (1997)
With its deadpan humor and catchy “heroin is so passé” hook, The Dandy Warhols’ “Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth” is both tongue-in-cheek and undeniably cool. The jangly guitars and quirky vocal delivery give it that quintessential 90s alt-rock charm.
Why It’s Underrated: The Dandy Warhols are best known for “Bohemian Like You,” but “Not If You Were the Last Junkie on Earth” is every bit as catchy and iconic. It’s a hidden gem from one of the coolest bands of the decade.
15. “She Don’t Use Jelly” – The Flaming Lips (1993)
Before Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, The Flaming Lips dropped this quirky, oddball hit. It’s a surreal, playful song with whimsical lyrics about people using Vaseline and eating tangerines. It’s catchy, weird, and unlike anything else from the 90s.
Why It’s Underrated: While it had its moment on MTV, “She Don’t Use Jelly” is often dismissed as a novelty song. But it’s a reminder of how delightfully weird 90s alternative rock could be.
16. “Bound for the Floor” – Local H (1996)
With its iconic “copacetic” hook and gritty guitar riff, “Bound for the Floor” became an anthem for disaffected 90s youth. Local H’s blend of grunge and post-punk energy captured the “I’m over it” attitude of the decade. The simplicity of the riff paired with Scott Lucas’s raspy vocals gives the song a raw, stripped-down power. It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone feeling fed up but still determined to keep moving.
Why It’s Underrated: While it had success on alternative rock radio, it never achieved the status of other 90s grunge hits. The word “copacetic” alone became a piece of 90s pop culture, but the song itself doesn’t get the recognition it deserves as a quintessential 90s alt-rock banger.
17. “Flagpole Sitta” – Harvey Danger (1997)
You’ve definitely heard it. “I’m not sick, but I’m not well…” It’s a cynical, sarcastic anthem for every disillusioned 90s kid. The rolling guitar riff and the self-aware lyrics make it one of the sharpest indie-rock songs of the decade.
Why It’s Underrated: It’s remembered as a “90s one-hit wonder,” but it’s a quintessential example of late-90s angst. It deserves a spot in every “Best of the 90s” playlist — not just as a novelty, but as an iconic alt-rock banger.
18. “Lady Picture Show” – Stone Temple Pilots (1996)
While most people associate Stone Temple Pilots with grunge hits like “Plush” and “Interstate Love Song,” “Lady Picture Show” is a softer, more melodic track that showcased a different side of the band. It blends Beatles-inspired pop with Scott Weiland’s haunting vocals to create something truly special.
Why It’s Underrated: Stone Temple Pilots had a lot of massive hits, but “Lady Picture Show” doesn’t get the same attention as their grunge anthems. It’s one of their most musically ambitious and emotionally resonant tracks.
19. “Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth with Money in My Hand” – Primitive Radio Gods (1996)
It’s hard to forget this track’s B.B. King sample paired with chill, reflective verses. The moody vibe and hypnotic beat make it feel like you’re wandering around a neon-lit city at 3 a.m. It’s melancholy, mysterious, and timeless.
Why It’s Underrated: Primitive Radio Gods never had another hit, and this track’s bizarrely long title didn’t do it any favors. But as a 90s mood piece, it’s perfection.
20. “Breakdown” – Mariah Carey feat. Bone Thugs-n-Harmony (1997)
Mariah Carey is best known for her chart-topping ballads and glittery pop anthems, but Butterfly was a defining moment in her career. On “Breakdown,” she traded in her usual pop sound for smooth R&B, working alongside Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. Her delicate harmonies pair perfectly with Bone Thugs’ rapid-fire delivery, creating a fusion of R&B and hip-hop that was way ahead of its time.
Why It’s Underrated: While “Honey” and “My All” dominated the charts, “Breakdown” was a fan favorite that never got the mainstream shine it deserved. It’s a masterclass in genre-blending and one of Mariah’s most beloved “deep cuts” among her fanbase.
These underrated songs of the 90s prove that the decade had more to offer than just chart-topping hits. From the smooth grooves of R&B to the raw energy of alt-rock and the hypnotic sounds of shoegaze and trip-hop, these tracks showcase the incredible range of 90s music genres. Whether you’re revisiting old favorites or discovering them for the first time, these songs deserve a permanent spot on your throwback playlist.
