21 Best Songs From 1995
Contents
“Boombastic” by Shaggy
Song year: 1995
None of us could really understand what Shaggy was saying on 1995’s “Boombastic,” but we were all singing along with Mr. Lover-Lover anyways. “Boombastic” is a proclamation of confidence and the way Shaggy feels when he’s around his lover.
The pop-reggae hit from his album “Boombastic” became a sensation, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a cultural touchstone. You’d be hard-pressed to find a wedding dance floor or late-night dive bar that doesn’t have this classic song in rotation.
“Feel Me Flow” by Naughty By Nature
Song year: 1995
Hip-hop supergroup Naughty by Nature took a break from hardcore gangster rap to produce the radio-friendly hip-hop/pop jam “Feel Me Flow” in 1995.
The laid-back song from their album “Poverty’s Paradise” features Treach’s signature rapid-fire lyrical delivery, but the mellow beat makes you feel like you’re cruising around town and relaxing during the summer.
“Take a Bow” by Madonna
Song year: 1995
Madonna, the Queen of Pop Music, had one of the best songs of 1995 (released in late 1994) with “Take a Bow” from her album “Bedtime Stories.” In “Take a Bow,” Madonna sings about unrequited love and how her romantic interest took her for granted. The song famously includes a full orchestra.
“Take a Bow” gave Madonna yet another Billboard-topping hit and ensured she would continue to dominate the radio airwaves into the next decade.
“Back for Good” by Take That
Song year: 1995
The Boy Band Era was in full swing by 1995, and the British Group Take That got in on the action with the hit song “Back for Good” from their album “Nobody Else.” The song is about a failed relationship. The singers plead with a lost love that they want her back and will apologize for whatever they did that caused her to walk away.
The music video features the group having an emotional meltdown in the rain as they sing to their ex-partner. “Back for Good” became an international hit that made Take That a household name.
“Keep Their Heads Ringin” by Dr. Dre
Song year: 1995
Fresh off the success of his album “The Chronic,” Dr. Dre didn’t miss the opportunity to capitalize on his clout in the hip-hop industry with 1995’s “Keep Their Heads Ringin.” The song was Dre’s contribution to the soundtrack for the film “Friday.”
In the song, the good doctor hits on all the topics he’s famous for – violence, dominating his adversaries, and celebrating his greatness. “Keep Their Heads Ringin” was a Billboard hit, and the accompanying music video was a mainstay of MTV.
“Just a Girl” by No Doubt
Song year: 1995
Long before pop sensation Gwen Steffani was hosting reality singing competitions, she was the lead singer of the fledgling rock band No Doubt. “Just a Girl” is the hit song that put them on the radar and introduced us to Steffani’s energetic, unique style.
“Just a Girl” was modestly successful at the time but eventually became one of the group’s signature songs.
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
Song year: 1995
Alanis Morissette burst onto the pop music royalty scene in 1995 with “You Oughta Know,” the lead single from her album “Jagged Little Pill.” In the iconic song, Morrissette unleashes her raw emotion, anger, and lyrical fury on an ex-lover who has moved on to a new romantic partner.
“You Oughta Know” made Morissette one of the most successful pop-rock singers in the world. The song topped the charts and earned her two Grammy Awards.
“Hey Lover” by LL Cool J featuring Boyz II Men
Song year: 1995
Ladies Love Cool James reached out to R&B supergroup Boyz II Men for a feature on his 1995 hit “Hey Lover” from his album “Mr. Smith.” In the ultra-smooth hip-hop/pop song, LL finds himself smitten with a woman that he semi-stalks from afar, daydreaming about what a beautiful romance they could have and lamenting that she is with an unsavory partner.
“Hey Lover” became one the biggest hits of LL Cool J’s career and earned him his second Grammy Award.
“Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” by Whitney Houston
Song year: 1995
Whitney Houston starred in the 1995 romance film “Waiting to Exhale,” so it was no surprise when she contributed to the soundtrack with the lead single “Exhale (Shoop Shoop).” The R&B-soul ballad encapsulates the main theme of the movie – the figurative concept of holding one’s breath while waiting for love.
“Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” was yet another chart-topping hit for Houston that earned her another Grammy Award for her extensive collection.
“Wonderwall” by Oasis
Song year: 1995
In a musical era dominated by pop, dance, rap, and R&B, “Wonderwall” by the British rock band Oasis was a breath of fresh air. “Wonderwall,” from their album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory,” introduced America to the world of modern British pop-rock.
With the lead singer Liam Gallagher’s unique, high-pitched voice and vocal backing from his brother Noel, Oasis became an international sensation that deserved its “Modern-day Beatles” reputation.
Top Songs From 1995, Final Thoughts
1995 was a musically eclectic year. We danced, we sang love songs, and we pretended we were gangster rappers living a party lifestyle. The best songs from 1995 left an indelible mark on pop culture and many remain relevant today.
