90s Nostalgia Hits a New Note: Rediscovering Four Underrated Tracks
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Music fans are revisiting the 1990s with renewed fervor, fueled by streaming playlists and a collective yearning for a pre-digital era. But beyond the chart-toppers, a wealth of compelling, yet frequently enough overlooked, songs from the decade deserve a second listen. These tracks represent a diverse snapshot of 90s sound-from the fusion of rock and pop to the emergence of genre-bending alternative acts-and offer a reminder of the decade’s musical depth.
While iconic artists like Michael and Janet Jackson dominated the airwaves, and Diana Ross’s Supremes paved the way for future generations, a host of other artists were crafting equally innovative music that has faded from mainstream memory. These four songs-En Vogue‘s “Free Your Mind,” Local H’s “Bound For The Floor,” Soul Coughing‘s “Super Bon Bon,” and Billy Squier’s ”The Stroke”-demonstrate the decade’s willingness to experiment and push boundaries, and their rediscovery offers a fresh perspective on a beloved musical period.
“Free Your Mind” by En Vogue
En Vogue’s 1992 hit, “Free Your Mind,” wasn’t just a catchy tune; it was a cultural statement. The song, and its accompanying video, boldly addressed issues of racial identity and societal expectations.Building on the foundation laid by The Supremes,En Vogue landed the most number-one R&B hits since Diana Ross led her iconic group from Hitsville U.S.A.The track’s innovative blend of New Jack Swing and rock guitar-a sound pioneered by artists like michael Jackson (“Beat It”) and Janet jackson (“Cat”)-helped redefine the landscape of pop music.
“Bound For The Floor” by Local H
Local H’s 1996 single, “Bound For The Floor,” is instantly recognizable for its unique lyrical turn: the word “copacetic.” Meaning “very satisfactory,” the term adds a distinctive flavor to the song’s angst-ridden lyrics and dynamic structure.The duo’s combination of quiet verses and explosive choruses resonated with a 90s audience hungry for alternative sounds, earning them a major record deal. Despite being their only major hit, ”Bound For The Floor” remains a standout track from the era.
“Super Bon Bon” by Soul coughing
Soul Coughing’s 1995 track,”Super Bon Bon,” is a prime example of the band’s genre-defying approach to music. Fronted by singer and guitarist Mike Doughty, the New York-based group attracted a devoted following with their eclectic sound and Doughty’s stream-of-consciousness lyrics. The song’s unconventional blend of styles and captivating energy continues to resonate with listeners today,making it an essential entry point into Soul Coughing’s discography.
“The Stroke” by Billy Squier
Billy Squier’s 1981 hit, “The Stroke,” experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1990s thanks to its inclusion in the film Wedding Singer. The song’s driving beat and suggestive lyrics made it a staple of rock radio and a defining track of the early MTV era. while initially released in the 80s, “The Stroke” found a new audience in the 90s, solidifying its place as a classic rock anthem.
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