31 Best Songs From 1996

“Not Tonight (Ladies Night Remix)” by Lil’ Kim, ft. Missy Elliott, Da Brat, Left Eye, Angie Martinez

You can’t have a 90s playlist without Lil’ Kim. Her song “Not Tonight” came out in 1996 and featured Missy Elliot, Da Brat, Left Eye, and Angie Martinez.

If you’re not a fan of profanity, we recommend you skip this one, but for those who can listen to “WAP” with a straight face, this is child’s play.

“If Only Your Girl Knew” by Aaliyah

A stunning musician, Aaliyah amazed the world with “If Only Your Girl Knew.” With the funky pop beat and catchy lyrics, this song give us the perfect 90 vibes.

Another powerful 90s duo, Missy Elliot and Timbaland, wrote this song that Aaliyah sang. You can use it for your cleaning playlist or house party.

“Keep On Keeping On” by MC Lyte

A classic 90s rap song, “Keep On Keeping On” may make your mom and dad start bopping their heads. It features the girl group Xscape. Since we haven’t heard from the artists in a while, it’s truly nostalgia-inducing.

The song talks about a love that came in and changed the world of the rapper. They encourage their lover to keep on doing what they’re doing because their love is a new and welcome kind of love.

“The Earth, The Sun, The Rain” by Color Me Badd

If you’re feeling lovestruck, you will enjoy this song by Color Me Badd. “The Earth, The Sun, The Rain” is a tender and gentle love song reminiscent of the 90s.

You can add this to your date night playlist or play it after a Hallmark movie marathon to complete the mood. The song speaks of an unyielding and all-consuming love a man has for the most beautiful woman he has ever laid his eyes on.

“I Believe In You And Me” by Whitney Houston

Is any 1990s playlist complete without the queen of 90s pop, Whitney Houston? This beautiful love song reminds us why her voice is so well-known around the world.

This song talks about a love that stays strong and true through the ages. Through hardships, turmoil, and all other life events, Whitney Houston reminds her lover that she will always believe in their love.

“Po Pimp” by Do or Die

If you like 90s rap, then you have probably already overplayed “Po Pimp.” This debut single from Do or Die is a classic 90s rap song.

It features nostalgia-inducing hip-hop beats and lyrics, giving the feeling of “real rap” many people long for.

“Midnight In A Perfect World” by DJ Shadow

DJ Shadow gave us a classic 90s TV show song, “Midnight In A Perfect World”. This electronic rap song sounds like something you’d hear at the start of shows like “Sex and the City.”

The lyrics are few and far between, and the beat is almost hypnotic. This song is perfect for those who enjoy LoFi hip-hop while working, as it blends well with background noise to give a fantastic ambiance.

“Daylight Fading” by Counting Crows

This is one of the better alternative rock songs of the year 1996. “Daylight Fading” by Counting Crows probably helped start a few emo phases back in the day.

The song talks about feeling depressed and unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It speaks of anger, fear, and despair at feeling unseen and unheard.

“What’s On Tonight” by Montell Jordan

A 1996 rap song by Montell Jordan, this hit is about an anticipatory date night. It’s not a love song, however, but describes the yearning for a good date night.

If you’re planning a date night, you can listen to this as you prepare. Otherwise, this can go into a playlist you’ll use to channel your inner heartbreaker.

“E-Bow the Letter” by R.E.M

This melancholy alternative rock song by R.E.M. is perfect for morning coffee playlists. It isn’t clear who the song is for or about as the “you” is ambiguous, but that’s part of the reason why it’s become so popular; it could be about anyone and everyone.

The lyrics of “E-Bow the Letter” speak of pain, fear, and a lack of understanding most people have of fame. R.E.M. mentions wearing a crown of sadness and sorrow, wishing to not disappoint their fans.