The rock music of the 1990s was most defined by a new genre of grunge and alternative bands and artists. The instrumental and visual flash of the previous decade was replaced by an emphasis on the lyrical content and the song as a whole. The musical styles and themes, evidenced by the more visceral videos on MTV, went away from the good time exuberance of the 1980s and towards a more reflective, and sometimes darker nature.

The musical tastes in the 90s varied. This can be seen in the different types of popular music like techno, pop, rap, hip hop, grunge, and alternative rock. It was common to hear songs about the helplessness teenagers were feeling during this era. Popular bands like Nirvana sang songs about a teen revolution. The 1990s also had its share of bubblegum pop and boy bands.http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/90smusic.html

1990-Nothing Compares 2 U - Sinead O'Connor

1991-Smells Like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

1992-Nuthin' But a "G" Thang - Dr. Dre

1993-Loser - Beck

1994-Waterfalls - TLC

1995-Gangsta's Paradise - Coolio

1996-California Love - 2Pac

1997-Mo Money Mo Problems - Notorious B.I.G.

1998-Doo Wop (That Thing) - Lauryn Hill

1999-Smooth - Santana and Rob Thomashttp://digitaldreamdoor.nutsie.com/pages/best_songs90-99.html