BRB, Adding These '90s One-Hit Wonders to My Playlist (2024)

For all the musicians who stand the test of time and remain at the top of the charts through numerous reinventions, there are the darling one-hit wonders who hold their own in a special way—by releasing one amazing song and then drifting off into the sunset. From hip-hop and R&B to pop and alternative rock,'90s music really gave us some icons who, to this day, keep giving us hit after hit (*cough* Beyoncé *cough*). And then there are the Sister Hazels, Macy Grays, and Sir Mix-a-Lots of the world who dropped a m-a-j-o-r banger that remained their one and only hit. But, hey, that's totally fine with us because even in 2024, I can almost guarantee that all of these tunes still deserve a spot on one of your playlists.

From songs that were featured in your fave Y2K movies to songs that instantly put a pep in your step and songs that make you feel nostalgic for the '90s (btw, did you hear jelly sandals are back?!), I've put together a list of the best one-hit wonder songs from the decade. Just try to name a second song from some of these artists. You can't! And, trust, you'll be singing along to more of these than you thought. Now sit back, relax, and let the nostalgia take you back with these undeniable hits.

While it peaked at the number 5 spot on the Hot 100 chart, Des'ree released this bop in the '90s, dropped a few songs here and there, but then left music. Total bummer considering this song was on repeat in my mom's car growing up.

Alternative rock was in its prime during this decade, and Spin Doctors came in hot with this catchy hit in 1992. Trust me, you've definitely heard it in a movie or two.

*Chandler voice* Could there be a bigger mic drop than Los Del Rio releasing the dance craze of the decade and bouncing? Do you still remember all the steps? How has this not had a renaissance on TikTok??

Sister Hazel was a huge deal if you grew up in the South in the '90s and '00s, but their biggest hit is probably considered a one-hit wonder to the general public. Sorry 'bout it!

You might not know Rusted Root, but you know this is the song from both Matilda and Ice Age.

I didn't even know this was a '90s song, it feels kind of... timeless?

Jennifer Paige's song was perfect for sneaking onto a mixtape for a not-so-subtle hint that you like like someone. And we never, never speak of the Glee version. Keep it secret, keep it safe.

Here Ini Kamoze comes and... here he goes. NAHHHHH NAH NAH NAH NAHHHHHHH!

This is such an underrated love song. Like, imagine a man singing about how he would walk an insane amount of miles just to show up at your door! *Swoons*

The chorus of Shawn Colvin's hit song did not need to go this hard. This song also fits really well with the plot of A Series Of Unfortunate Events which is... so random.

What self-respecting ’90s teen *didn’t* know this moody pop song? Natalie Imbruglia’s hit has been streamed more than 230 million times on Spotify to date.

This romantic pop song was released into the world by Deep Blue Something in 1995—and then we never heard from the band again. But we definitely heard this song again...and again...and again....

“Mambo No. 5,” by Lou Bega, is one of the most iconic songs in all of history of the ’90s. It became a worldwide hit after it was released, topping almost every chart in Europe and making it onto the playlist of every bar mitzvah I’ve ever attended.

Canadian band Len released this song without expecting much to come of it, but “Steal My Sunshine” was a total sleeper hit. It was so successful that the band had to push up its album release date!

What is it about this song that makes it so infuriatingly catchy? I swear I know every line to this upbeat peek into your favorite Mattel doll's charmed life.

An excellent pump-up song and a dance hit tied into one, "Gonna Make You Sweat" is still a banger, and should be respected as such.

Apart from its deeply concerning lyrics, including "Don't be afraid/I didn't mean to scare you/So help me, Jesus," this post-grunge song was made even weirder by its title, an ode to a lake in North Texas.

If you ever need evidence that the '90s were a breeding ground for musical talent, just remember that the first song Taylor Swift learned on guitar—when she was 12!!—was this classic from Sixpence None The Richer.

The King of Rock 'n Roll lives on in this power ballad that honors Elvis Presley's life, death, and "slow Southern style."

If you've ever felt pressured to live up to your parents' expectations, imagine being Jakob Dylan, the son of superstar folk singer Bob Dylan. He led The Wallflowers until they broke up in 2005, and together they made "One Headlight" a huge hit.