35 Best Songs From 1993

25. “Rhythm Is a Dancer” by SNAP!

Number twenty-five on our list comes from a German group specializing in Eurodance. This single topped international music charts and is synonymous to this day with early 1990s dance music.

26. “Saving Forever For You” by Shanice

Recording artist Shanice performed this love ballad for “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Music critics have called the song “sugary,” which I believe was a compliment in 1993.

27. “I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

This song is another legendary 1990s hit. The world fell in love with this track, which the band released in 1988, though it didn't find success until 1993 when it was on the soundtrack for the American film “Benny & Joon” starring Johnny Depp.

28. “That's the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson

The world celebrated when Janet Jackson blessed us with this sultry, soulful smash hit. She won a Grammy award for the single, as well as other awards, and it became one of her signature recordings.

Many other R&B and pop recording artists refer to this song as influencing their work. Janet Jackson was vital to the song's architecture by selecting the original instrumental track and writing most of the (very sexy) lyrics.

29. “Two Princes” by Spin Doctors

Nominated for a Grammy award, “Two Princes” is an alternative rock single that took the 90s by storm. The world recognizes this track as an American classic.

The song received high praise from music critics, but similar to “Informer” lists for both the best and worst rock songs of the 1990s feature it.

30. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum

This alternative rock single found global success and won a Grammy Award for Best Rock Song. Dave Pirner, the band's leader, wrote the lyrics by drawing inspiration from his struggles with depression. The song's music video is famous for highlighting the homeless youth crisis in America.

31. “Mr. Wendal” by Arrested Development

Rap group Arrested Development made its debut with this track, making hip-hop music charts internationally. The song received critical acclaim for drawing attention to racial tension and the Black American struggle, without sacrificing the danceable funk beats popular at the time.

32. “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart's version of this Van Morrison original found global success, winning a Grammy award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. Critics call the original recording one of the best love songs of all time, and Rod Stewart's recording captured all of our hearts.

33. “Ordinary World” by Duran Duran

Brace yourselves, another power ballad is coming your way! Soft rock group Duran Duran released “Ordinary World” and it immediately reached the musical charts. The track's success revived the group's popularity.

34. “I Have Nothing” by Whitney Houston

In true Whitney Houston fashion, this powerful soul ballad was a smash hit. It topped the R&B Singles and Adult Contemporary music charts, breaking records by making her the first recording artist to have three hits in the Top 11 spots at once.

Whitney Houston won multiple awards for her vocal performance on this track, and it has been in countless films and television series since its release.

35. “I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)” by Meat Loaf

Closing out our list, this iconic power ballad took over the world in 1993. It was an international best-seller that resonated with the early 90s culture. Famously, Meat Loaf never revealed the “that” the lyrics allude to. To this day, what he won't do for love remains a mystery.

Top Songs From 1993, Final Thoughts

1993 was a time for love songs, dance numbers, and emerging mainstream hip-hop culture. Famous recording artists solidified their industry status and newcomers found exciting success.

If you ever feel nostalgic for bare midriffs, velvet, plaid, or platform shoes, these top songs from 1993 will get you feeling the groove again.