This week, we’re adding a ‘Throwback Thursday’ twist to our fast five by turning back the clock to the 90s!
The 1990s, the era of grunge, trapper keepers, and Lisa Frank galore! The decade when MTV ruled the music scene and you’d rush to your TV after school to catch Carson Daly on Total Request Live (TRL), hoping your favorite artists made the list.
If you’re a former teen from this decade, the following 5 tracks might be your go-to’s if you’ve been or are going through romantic heartache.
No Doubt – Don’t Speak
This 1995 hit defined the band and helped launch Gwen Stefani’s solo career.
At the time of its release, the former lead singer modified the song to describe the end of her 7-year romantic relationship with band mate, Tony Kanal. If you were a tween/teen that year, this song made you depressed over a lover you’ve never met or had. As an adult, the feels are real!
Jann Arden – Insensitive
When we think about the mid-90s Canadian alt-rock explosion, Alanis Morisette automatically comes to mind but Jann Arden is another Canadian sensation which has been pretty underrated. The 1995 US release is ahead of its time defining post millennial dating, AKA “situation-ships”.
Goo Goo Dolls – Iris
The theme song for the 1998 film “City of Angels” defines not just the plot but also that deep longing to give up everything even on the spiritual level to be with that one person you love. This gem is a reminder that at least once in your lifetime, you meet such a person.
Billie Myers – Kiss the Rain
A perfect song a love-sick teen would listen to in 1997 on a rainy day. You may have even called your local radio station to dedicate it on a shout out.
While listening to this track you may be reminiscing on your high school sweetheart or missing someone in the present, hoping that in turn they’re missing you.
Last Kiss – Pearl Jam
The 90s brought a lot of 50s and 60s nostalgia and 1999 brought us this cover of Wayne Cochran’s 1961 original teen tragedy track, “Last Kiss” as part of the charity album, No Boundaries: A Benefit for the Kosovar Refugees.
This song is a reminder to cherish every moment with that person you love, as the young girl in this song asks for a last kiss as her final request as she dies in her sweetheart’s arms. Based on a true story, this is a further reminder to not only cherish the moments with the one that you love but to never be afraid to express it with no regrets as tomorrow is never guaranteed.
