31 Best Songs From 1996

“I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis

If you want to listen to a dreamy pop love song from 1996, “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis is the perfect option. She joins many more artists in making 1996 the year of love songs.

In this song, Donna begs the love of her life to promise to love her forever since knows she will love him forever. She promises that with all she is and everywhere she goes, she will always love him.

“Follow You Down” by Gin Blossoms

“Follow You Down” is another perfect alternative rock song from 1996. The song feels a bit melancholic but the lyrics are triumphant.

The Gin Blossoms promise to follow this person wherever they go. However, they do mention that they will not follow too far down. It’s a funny, but heartwarming, song that many people enjoy.

“Change The World” by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton gave us this heartfelt and romantic love song you can belt out in the shower. It was one of the best love ballads of 1996 and is still powerful today.

He speaks of how his love for a woman could change the world. He also says that if he could, he would want to be her sunlight and king and everything good in her life. It’s an amazing song you can add to your wedding reception playlist.

“Who Will Save My Soul” by Jewel

Jewel gave us this beautiful indie pop song in 1996. It’s a song that speaks to questioning priorities and what holds meaning in life.

Jewel speaks of someone who believes they are worth nothing. She also speaks of the hustling, wars, and general dissatisfaction of life and how we all end up alone in the end.

“You’re The One” by SWV

SWV gave us this scandalous R&B love song in 1996. It’s a song about forbidden love and the complicated feelings that come with it.

SWV sings about how the person they want to be with is already in a relationship. They know that the person loves them. However, they cannot control their feelings or love and want this person to know of it and come to them.

“Sweet Dreams” by La Bouche

If you want to feel as though you’re in a club in 1996, play “Sweet Dreams” by La Bouche. This song transports you to a neon-lit club in Manhattan during much simpler times.

La Bouche had tons of people swaying to the rhythm of the music with this one. This song stayed on the Billboard 100 at number 13 in 1996. It spoke to feeling the rhythm, the music, and finding passion.

“One of Us” by Joan Osbourne

While not technically released in 1996, this song topped the charts the entire year. You know the lyrics because even now, this song is popular.

Joan Osbourne asks the question, “What if God was one of us?” She sings about all of the mundane things that happen in our lives and asks us to consider how God would look and act if He were here on earth.

“Counting Blue Cars” by Dishwalla

1996 was a fantastic year for alternative rock. Dishwalla found himself on the Billboard Top 40 with “Counting Blue Cars.”

Before Ariana Grande’s “God Is A Woman,” Dishwalla had already told us he would like to meet God and ask her what we are doing here and why we’re who we are. This song is about reflection and questioning your purpose in the world.

“Sitting Up In My Room” Remix by Brandy

As one of the strongest voices of the 90s and early 2000s, Brandy blessed us all with her songs. “Sitting Up In My Room” is a pop song with a classic late 90s beat that will have you swaying and dancing.

This song is about infatuation and the feeling you have when you first get a crush. Brandy speaks of sitting in her room and daydreaming about a guy. She can’t get him out of her head no matter how hard she tries, hoping they’ll get together.

“You Learn” by Alanis Morrisette

We all know and love “Ironic,” but that is not the only great Alanis Morrissette song from 1996. “You Learn” is a song that speaks to harsh truths and life lessons.

Alanis sings about the hard lessons she would recommend anyone learn. She talks about getting your heart shattered and biting off more than you can chew. She explains that these life lessons are the only way to truly live and learn.

Top Songs From 1996, Final Thoughts

That was the best songs from 1996. 1996 was a good year for heartbreak, love songs, and alternative rock. The artists gave us many amazing pieces to jam out to in the car, relate to when down, and slow dance to at weddings or in the kitchen.

Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or trying to curate the perfect mood playlist, this list has plenty of good music.

Share your favorite 1996 songs with us below!