Specific decades are often remembered through pop culture - which celebrities were big, the music people were listening to, the sitcom people were obsessing over. A proud 90s kid, my earliest pop culture memories include going to my first Backstreet Boys concert, staying up late on Saturday nights to watch "All That", and catching up on the latest celebrity news via the latest issue of Tiger Beat.
But if there's one major instance that all 90s kids can point to as THE defining moment of our generation, its the release of "Now That's What I Call Music!" A sort of greatest hits of the moment, it served as the perfect soundtrack for your late 90s adventures, all without having to ask your sketchy neighbor to burn you a CD after school. This CD marked the beginning of a dynasty of perfectly packaged mixtapes that has evolved into a catalog of almost 100 volumes. For as storied as the NOW franchise has become, I'd like to take a few minutes to pay homage to the real OG.
Now That's What I Call Music! - 1998
1. Together Again - Janet Jackson
What better way to start out a track list this epic than with the youngest chid of one of music's most influential families? At the time, Janet was the queen of pop, and this song in particular epitomizes the sound of 90s pop music.
2. As Long As You Love Me - Backstreet Boys
This song literally defines "all the feels". It's almost unfair to drop this song so early on the track list because it's practically impossible to focus on anything else after hearing it. Backstreet Boys was my first concert. I was 7 years-old and Shaggy was the opening act. I think I peaked too early.
3. The Way - Fastball
If we needed one song that completely embodied 90s alt rock for a time capsule that the aliens would one day find and play over and over again on their moody road trip back to their home planet, it would be "The Way" by Fastball. Its a perfect example of a song that no one really remembers the title to, but when it comes on in a random bar everyone starts saying things like "this place plays great music!"
4. Flagpole Sitta - Harvey Danger
What a perfect mashup of 90s grunge, punk, and pop. I can remember sitting in the back of the school bus and listening to this song on my walkman feeling like an absolute stud, popping tasty tricks on my tech deck finger skateboard.
5. Say You'll Be There - Spice Girls
The ultimate 90s friendship song. If you could take a middle school slumber party and convert it to music form, this would be the end result. I can only assume that that sleepover would include makeovers with a little help from the Conair Quickbraid.
9. MMMbop - Hanson
The only song in the history of music to top the charts without any actual words. This song is complete nonsense, yet it's maybe the catchiest song of all time. Plus, nothing screams 90s pop like three brothers rocking blonde bobs. It's like if Carol Brady and Shaggy from Scooby Doo had three sons together, all born in the 90s.
10. Zoot Suit Riot - Cherry Poppin' Daddies
First of all, what kind of sick name is Cherry Poppin' Daddies? I never understood why this song was at all popular, but maybe this was NOW's attempt at putting something not so mainstream on the track list. I'm sure that the 90s equivalent to hipsters appreciated a change of pace, but give me Justin and Britney in matching denim outfits every day of the week.
11. Shorty (You Keep Playin With My Mind) - Imajin
These dude had a good sound and a great vibe, but Imajin sounds more ike a 90s clothing store that sold baggy jeans, crop tops, and chokers. Missed opportunity.
12. Anytime - Brian McKinight
If "All My Life" is baby making music, this is family making music. You could mess around and start a family to this track, man. What happened to Brian McKnight? That man was the perfect combination of power and finesse. I don't even want to know how many pregnancies were caused by Brian McKnight's pipes.
13. Barbie Girl - Aqua
No comment necessary. This was the pseudo-joke song of the 90s that took off and became a huge hit, paving the way for songs like "Selfie" by The Chainsmokers.
14. Karma Police - Radiohead
This is an instant classic. I think Radiohead might be the only band on this list who is still consistently making quality music. They've just got a sound and style that transcends decades. Plus, skinny, pale dudes will always be relevant in the world of alt rock.
15. I Will Buy You A New Life - Everclear
Everclear is like the Nickelback of the 90s but more tolerable. Even so, too many soul patches for my taste.
16. Fly Away - Lenny Kravitz
This might be the most played song on today's 90s and early 2000s alt rock radio stations. At the time of the song's release, it was a monster rock anthem. Unfortunately for Lenny, the only ones still head banging to this track are my dad and his friends.
17. Sex & Candy - Marcy Playground
It seems that every NOW volume has one song that sort of strays from the clean, appropriate image that the rest of the CD is going for. I remember having NOW 6 and listening to "It Wasn't Me" by Shaggy on repeat for months on end. I had no idea what he was talking about at the time, but I appreciated how adamant he was that he didn't do it.
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