That One Song: One Hit Wonders of the 1990s

Little Black Backpack

I don’t think I had listened to this Stroke 9 song since 1999 when it peaked at #6 on the U.S. charts, but as soon as I heard the opening chords, I remembered all the lyrics. The great thing about this song is that, not only is the song itself a great 1990s memory, but it’s also about little backpacks, an awesome 1990s trend that quite a few mom-types don’t want to let die.

This video is pretty low quality, but check out Stroke 9’s MySpace for crystal clear sound.

All For You

Oh Sister Hazel — when I finished my Biology paper on time, my parents let me go to see your concert, even though it was a school night. Of course, they went with me and I was still a huge dork, but that doesn’t mean that this catchy hit from 1997, which peaked at #1 on the Adult Contemporary charts, doesn’t still bring back a lot of fond memories. It is hard to say what it is I see in you, Sister Hazel, but I still <3 you.

Whoomp There It Is

I’m unsure how to correctly punctuate the title of this Tag Team song that reached #1 in 1993. But, THERE IT IS. Bonus 90s nostalgia: this video is from Arsenio Hall!

PS: Do yourself a favor and turn Safe Search on before you google image search “tag team.”

UPDATE: On March 25, 2009, I heard this song played at a hipster bar in Echo Park. Wowee.

New Age Girl

Though not quite as popular as “I’ll Be There For You,” this 1993 song by the allusiory named Deadeye Dick will forever be associated with the great Jim Carrey/Jeff Daniels opus Dumb & Dumber.

Confession: It was only upon relistening to the song for this guide that I fully appreciated the brilliant lyric “She don’t eat meat, but she sure like to bone.” Wow, that is awesome.

One of Us

Um, yeah. No thanks.

Breakfast at Tiffany's

I literally had to stop this video after about 90 seconds because I was laughing much too hard. This song by Deep Blue Something was one of my very favorite hits of the 1990s. If I’m not mistaken, I owner the entire album. This is the kind of catchy song that you’ll still occasionally hear while your browsing produce at the grocery store at which point you’ll have a flashback to dancing alone in your room in high school and then find yourself on iTunes an hour later and dancing alone in your apartment, wondering just what exactly you’ve accomplished in the last 14 years.

Fun Fact: Band member John Kirtland used to own the rights to the entire back catalog of 90s band Bush. I guess that’s good?

Breakfast at Tiffany's

Confession: I liked the song before I ever saw the movie. Which do you think is better? (That’s not a serious question…OF COURSE the song is better).

Another Night

Disclaimer: This is NOT the official video. Instead, it is a slideshow of Helen Mirren set to the song. I don’t know why this exists, but I love it.

Of all the dance hits that permeated the air waves in the 90s, this one has always stood out to me. Another Night from the German danceband Real McCoy peaked at 3 in the U.S. and it is just as danceable as ever!

I'll Be There For You

I’m sure it’s frustrating to be the Rembrandts, forever tied to a hit TV show. I mean, most people probably aren’t even sure that you’re a real band and they definitely didn’t have your album like I did.

Sex and Candy

Hey, this is GOOD song. I mean, VH1 even named it one of the best songs of the 90s. Who cares if “Disco Lemonade” isn’t a thing and makes no sense, it’s creepy and catchy and awesome. I for one would totally go see Marcy Playground live. Plus, their lead singer had emo hair before that was even a thing!