25 Best Songs From 1997
1997 was home to some of history's most iconic and influential musicians. We listened to grunge pop, bubblegum pop, rap music and more.
The following is a list of best songs from 1997.
Contents
1. “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion
Song year: 1997
In December 1997, the world fell in love with the movie Titanic. But, at the same time, we also fell in love with the iconic and memorable theme song, beautifully sung by the one and only Celine Dion.
The song managed to stay atop the charts for weeks and continues to be a song that instantly incites a smile. It is easily one of the best songs of 1997.
2. “Barbie Girl” by Aqua
Song year: 1997
If our previous entry made us all cry, this song makes everybody laugh!
The band Aqua personified the world of a famous doll and added lyrics that made everyone giggle, regardless of whether or not they caught the hidden references laced within.
Singing about being in love with her plastic love, Aqua gave the world a song that everybody still has the words memorized.
3. “Honey” by Mariah Carey
Song year: 1997
The whistle note that Mariah Carey brings to her music is, at once, both iconic and instantly recognizable.
Carey sings about lusting after her lover’s kiss, and she lures us in with her tantalizing vocal talent. The song successfully established Carey as a multi-genre artist, as the song features a heavy influence from the hip-hop and R&B communities.
4. “As Long as You Love Me” by Backstreet Boys
Song year: 1997
Boy bands continued their pillage of the hearts of young audiences in the 1990s. Backstreet Boys paved the way for countless boy bands of future generations.
This upbeat love song is a lover's promise that regardless of things done in the past, love is all that matters. The boys’ sensual and loving lyrics solidify them as one of the greatest pop groups ever.
5. “Tubthumping” by Chumbawamba
Song year: 1997
This song is one of the great ones that capitalize on lyrical simplicity. Tubthumping features a consistent rerun of the same couple of lyrics, sung primarily in a chant.
The grip this song has on the world, even today, is a reminder of times when music could captivate us and bring us together. The empowering lyrics of this song are useful in just about any troubling situation.
6. “I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans feat. 112
Song year: 1997
This song was written as a dedication to the late Notorious B.I.G. and sampled a well-known song from the 1980s. The lyrics speak of how life will never be the same without that one important person.
Despite all the melancholy, the song's beat entices the listener to dance through the tears. The lyrics, though sad, inspire hope and encouragement of brighter days ahead.
7. “I Believe I Can Fly” by R. Kelly
Song year: 1997
Bugs Bunny and Michael Jordan teamed up with the other Looney Tunes for the family adventure Space Jam. This inspirational ballad was the theme song to accompany the feature film.
The lyrics focus on not allowing oneself to succumb to the doubters and naysayers. Focusing on goals and believing in a dream is the only way through the storm.
8. “MMMBop” by Hanson
Song year: 1997
One-hit wonders were rife in the 1990s, and this particular song is undoubtedly one of the more beloved examples.
Most people resort to looking up the official song lyrics to understand what the band of brothers is saying. Regardless, this song is still a favorite for many, with undertones of focusing on the connections you build with those around you.
9. “How Do I Live” by LeAnn Rimes
Song year: 1997
The 1990s featured some of the greatest love themes from blockbuster movies ever. This country hit by LeAnn Rimes was one of the greats of that decade.
The song laments over the despair Rimes would experience if she and her lover were to part ways.
The passionate lyrics give us hope that we all will find someone to feel that deeply about.
10. “Fly Like an Eagle” by Seal
Song year: 1997
Despite being a film aimed at entertaining children, Space Jam inspired some incredible music that adults could find joy in listening to.
Seal’s vocal abilities were famous in the 1990s for being easy on the ears and tender on the heart. His relaxed vocals on this tune were another source of inspiration, pushing listeners to fight through adversity and go on to the future.
11. “Candle in the Wind 1997” by Elton John
Song year: 1997
Though this song was originally recorded and released in the 1970s, an updated version topped the charts in late 1997. This move resulted from the sudden and shocking death of Princess Diana.
As the world mourned, music became a place of soothing comfort for many of those in despair. Elton John’s powerful ballad reminds us all how much better life is with those we love.
12. “You Were Meant for Me” by Jewel
Song year: 1997
Moving on after losing a lover is a difficult thing to do. Jewel sings about the agony experienced in those times with this beautiful song.
Jewel hits all of our emotions, offering a relatable and depressing look into the struggle that is charting a new life course after heartbreak. Though gloomy, this song was one of the best songs of 1997.
13. “You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher
Song year: 1997
Usher melted the hearts of millions of young women in the late 1990s. His sexy dance moves and easy-on-the-ears vocal abilities solidified him as an instant heartbreaker.
This hit rang true with all of that, speaking of the stress he experiences getting lost in thoughts about someone and debating leaving his lover for them.
Though scandalous, Usher proved to the world why he belongs in the history books.
