Oh the '90s. From our pet Tamagotchis to slap bracelets to an obscene amount of body glitter, this decade gave us a whole lot of joy. And aside from the great accessories, there was a big reason for that: the music.
We danced around to Britney's "Baby One More Time." We were given life by the Spice Girls. And we shed many tears wanting any and every of the Backstreet Boys to be our boyfriends. If you're ready to have your world rocked by a whole lot of great music, read on — Teen Vogue editors know what's up.
Behold the anthems that got us through the '90s.
Name: Drew Elovitz, Social Media Director
Anthem: "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette
This was my first cassette tape — I still know all the lyrics by heart.
Name: Maxwell Losgar, Assistant Entertainment Editor
Anthem: "Big Time Sensuality" by Björk
Who doesn't love an imperfect club song perfect for dancing alone in your apartment? Or flatbed truck...
Name: Phillip Picardi, Digital Editorial Director
Anthem: "I Turn To You" by Christina Aguilera
While most of the world in the ‘90s was obsessed with Britney Spears, I was busy listening to Xtina on repeat. I would literally get home, run up to my room, close the door, and blast this song at full volume, riffing along and howling, forcing my prepubescent voice to hit all the same notes. (My dad is convinced, to this day, that this is why I’m still mistaken for a woman on the telephone.) I owe a lot to Christina Aguilera and I still think she doesn’t fully get the credit she deserves — Stripped was my coming out soundtrack…her songs have always been a defiant and soulful reminder that we should love ourselves.
Name: Kirby Marzec, Associate Accessories Editor
Anthem: "You Gotta Be" by Des'ree
It's basically the most empowering song. Ever.
Name: Hannah Weintraub, Photo Assistant
Anthem: "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain
My sister and I would run around our house dancing to Shania when we were younger. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of those days! How can you not move after you press play?
Name: Tehrene Firman, Digital Entertainment Editor
Anthem: "Wannabe" by the Spice Girls
Who didn't want to be a Spice Girl growing up? I'm pretty sure I wore out the cassette tape I had from these Brit It girls long before I fell in love with the Backstreet Boys. "Wannabe" will be on repeat for the rest of my life.
Name: Nicole Pizaro, Digital Associate Photo Editor
Anthem: "Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve
It's just one of those songs that make you feel something, every single time you hear it. Oh, and the ending of Cruel Intentions — need I say more?
Name: Kyle McCabe Stiansen, Accessories Market Assistant
Anthem: "Rhythm of the Night" by Corona
Classic '90s electric keyboard. I'm pretty sure I danced in the mirror to this song even though I was three or four years old when it came out.
Name: Ariana Marsh, Fashion News Assistant
Anthem: "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies
Although this song is undeniably catchy and full of awesomely lame puns (my kind of humor), the real reason it's my favorite '90s anthem is because it reminds me of afternoons spent dancing in my kitchen like a total weirdo with my mom. She blasted this tune 24/7!
Name: Phil Rosario, Assistant to the Managing Editor
Anthem: "All The Small Things" by Blink 182
It was and will always be that one song I’ll scream-sing while I head-bang until my neck breaks.
Name: Mary Fletcher, Associate Photo Editor
Anthem: "Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)" by Backstreet Boys
BSB is my favorite band of ever (sorry 1D). I know every single freakin’ word, and sing it (poorly, all the time) in each respective tone. Also, a joint-Halloween-themed-dream at an all boys sleepover for the win.
Name: Joanna Citrinbaum Zerlin, Copy Chief
Anthem: "Return of the Mack" by Mark Morrison
Listen to it and just try not to shake your booty — I dare you!
Name: Katie Sapp, Fashion Assistant
Anthem: "I'm Just A Girl" by No Doubt
It's the ultimate girl anthem to jam out to after a tough, long day. Gwen Stefani is one tough chick, and if I could trade places with her for a day I would. Break free of the typical girly sterotypes and rock on: GIRLS RULE!
Name: Casey Lewis, Senior Digital Editor
Anthem: "MMMBop" by Hanson
How three long-haired teen brothers from Oklahoma turned a bunch of nonsense syllables like "ba duba dop" into a pop masterpiece still baffles me. But every time it comes on, I love it like the first time I heard it, even though I’ve now listened to it at least a billion times… and I’m immediately taken back to 1996, when I legitimately believed I was going to marry Zac.
Name: Hanna Howard, Digital Copy Editor
Anthem: "No Scrubs" by TLC
I loved this song even in third grade, when no one had ever yelled at me from the passenger side of their best friend’s ride. Today, the song (and its anti-scrub message) still rings true.
Name: Wesley Johnson, Freelance Digital Designer
Anthem: "Virtual Insanity" by Jamiroquai
It’s a classic feel-good tune, and has a great message that still feels relevant today. The music video is also iconic!
Listen to a playlist of our favorite anthems here:
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