21 '90s Bands You Forgot About

You know what will always be totally rad by me, bro? The sweet tuneage that hails from the 1990s. I mean, can you really blame me? It is a pretty untouchable era of music. We're talking about the decade of music that included Nirvana, the Spice Girls, TLC, Radiohead, Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson, Madonna, the Smashing Pumpkins, the Foo Fighters, Nine Inch Nails, and so on. Here's the thing about the last decade of the Old Millennium: there were a lot of good artists. Like, somany. Almost too many to count. It is dang near impossible to remember all of them.

Maybe once a week, I will hear a song on SiriusXM's Lithium or 90s on 9 that I haven't heard in over a decade. And when that happens, I think, "I can't believe how long it's been since I thought about this song/band. HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? WHO AM I? WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING WITH MY LIFE?" And then, I crank up the volume and lean into the nostalgia. And then, I make a mental note to never let myself forget that song/band again.

Here are some awesome '90s bands (and when I say “bands,” I mean "rock bands, indie bands, alt rock bands, ska bands, trip hop bands, pop groups, and R&B groups") that you might've forgotten (and when I say “forgotten,” I mean "OK, maybe you didn't forget about 'em, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's been a hot minute since you last listened to 'em"). And trust me, they are 2legit2notrevisit.

Elastica

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Connection”

How quintessentially '90s is Elastica's hit single? Does "it's on the Hackers soundtrack" answer your question?

Allure

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “All Cried Out”

The R&B quartet was signed to Mariah Carey's short-lived label, Crave Records.

Youngstown

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “I’ll Be Your Everything”

Just call out "go go Gadget."

Seven Mary Three

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Cumbersome”

When I was a youth, I thought the lyrics were "I have some gum, of the sun, in this world." The song title wouldn't clue me in until years later. Clearly, I was a real bright kid.

Nobody’s Angel

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “If You Wanna Dance”

Ever wish the interior of your car felt more like a party? Just play "If You Wanna Dance" at full volume! The background chatter plus the upbeat singalong-friendly pop song pumping out of your car stereo speakers will take you to Party Town.

Sneaker Pimps

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “6 Underground”

I have one word for this song: YESSSSSSSSSSSSS.

No Mercy

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Where Do You Go”

I'm not exaggerating when I say No Mercy's cover of the La Bouche track was never not on the radio during the late '90s.

soulDecision

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Faded”

I mean.

Luscious Jackson

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Naked Eye”

If this J-A-M from 1996 doesn't do anything for you, I don't know what to say to you.

White Town

Song that'll shake the dust off your memory: "Your Woman"

Weird in all the right ways.

Hum

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Stars”

I may or may not be listening to this on repeat right now.

Soul For Real

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Candy Rain”

Augh... my heart... can't take... all of... the nostalgia.

Spacehog

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “In The Meantime”

This feels about as '90s as a beaded tattoo choker (i.e., it's divine).

Steps

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “5, 6, 7, 8”

Who isn't always game for a Europop hoedown?

Save Ferris

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Come On Eileen”

I don't remember the first time I heard Save Ferris, but I do vividly recall seeing a photo of the band in Disney Adventuresmagazine and thinking Monique Powell's neon red hair was awesome.

Soul Coughing

Song that'll shake the dust off your memory: "Super Bon Bon"

Let the mango through.

3T

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Anything”

AWWWW.

The Flys

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Got You (Where I Want You)”

Pro tip: Sing the chorus every time you successfully parallel park your car.

Jade

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Don’t Walk Away”

This is a bonafide classic, is required listening, is a perfect song, etcetera.

New Radicals

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “You Get What You Give”

Fashion shoots with Beck and Hanson.

Republica

Song that’ll shake the dust off your memory: “Ready To Go”

My heart rate is going wild right now. I feel like I could lift a car up over my head. I should listen to this song every morning in lieu of that third cup of coffee.

Who feels like throwing on a flannel and playing a game of pogs?