31 Best Songs From 1996

Listening to music from a certain time usually brings out feelings of nostalgia. For you, it seems that year may be ’96.

Here is a list of the best songs from 1996 you'll hopefully love.

“Ironic” by Alanis Morisette

This playlist would be incomplete without mentioning the classic 1996 song “Ironic”. Unless you have been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard this song about a thousand times.

This is a fantastic song for dealing with the ironies of life, like rain on your wedding day, meeting the perfect guy and then meeting his wife, or getting something for free after you’ve paid for it. Alanis perfectly worded the ironic things in life that can cause frustration or hilarity.

“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton

We all know the 90s were a great decade for power ballads and breakup songs. Toni Braxton delivered us this beautiful song that we all heard our aunts and moms sing through the years. It’s one of the saddest songs ever.

“Un-break My Heart” is a pleading song to an ex that shattered your heart. It talks about the betrayal you might feel when someone says they don’t love you anymore. This song showcases Toni’s amazing vocals and will have you wailing into your cooking spoon if you play it while making dinner.

“Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)” by Los Del Rio

We all know the “Macarena.” Even as you read this, you can probably hear, “1-maca, 2-maca, 3-macarena…” and see the dance in your mind. The remix by the Bayside Boys is a work of art for those who enjoy dancing.

A perfect song for your deep cleaning playlist, you can mindlessly dance to this timeless classic. You can also sneak this onto your throwback party playlist.

“Push” by Matchbox Twenty

For those who love classic rock, you’ve heard of Matchbox Twenty. For those who don’t, let us introduce you to them through their 1996 song, “Push.”

This song talks about not being good enough for someone. It’s a self-deprecating song and slightly depressing, so you can add it to your sad day playlist.

“Coco Jamboo” by Mr. President

Another dance song to add to your 90s or deep-cleaning playlist, this one from Mr. President and 9Tendo is perfect for a slow but fun day.

The lyrics are not especially deep or moving. The song is literally about enjoying yourself and letting loose. You can blast this at a karaoke event with friends or play it as you mop your floors.

“It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celine Dion

One of the greatest power ballads of all time, “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” is the song to play in the shower. You can belt out those powerful lyrics until you tip your head too far back and swallow some shower water.

Celine Dion’s vocals ruled the 90s, and “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” showcases her talent. The lyrics, plus her vocal mastery and range, make this song powerful and beautiful.

“Where Do You Go” by No Mercy

“Where Do You Go” is a fun, upbeat 1996 pop song. If you want a song to energize you before your work day or cleaning, blast this at maximum volume.

However, the lyrics aren’t exactly happy. No Mercy is asking a girl where she goes whenever her lover wants to see her. This girl leaves without a word and never leaves her phone number, causing great heartache to the one who is enamored by her.

“How Do You Want It?” by Tupac Shakur

Is a 1996 best song list complete without 2Pac on it? “How Do You Want It?” is the perfect song to add here. It hit number 17 on the Billboard Top 40 songs in 1996.

Again, for those who do not like vulgarity, this is not the song for you. For those who want to get their dancing shoes on and feel like they’re partying in the 90s, add this to your playlist.

“When You Love a Woman” by Journey

1996 gave us some amazing love songs. “When You Love A Woman” by Journey is a legendary one, putting it on this list of the best songs from 1996.

Played at weddings and anniversaries, this song talks of the all-encompassing love a man has for a woman. He asks her to think of him and says that when he loves her, he loves her fully and truly.

“Fastlove” by George Michael

George Michael serenaded us with “Careless Whisper” and then had us shuffling and dancing with “Fastlove” in 1996.

This song is a classic 90s bop speaking of fast and hard love. It makes you want to dance and remember non-commital relationships and late nights in the city.

“You're Makin' Me High” by Toni Braxton

“You’re Makin’ Me High” is a salacious song by Toni Braxton. She shows off not only her vocal talent but also her naughty and playful side with this one.

The message in this song is exceptionally clear. Toni sings about how she can’t get this guy out of her head. She mentions how she can’t help herself and goes on to give a few details. It’s the perfect song for a night in.