During the 1990s popular music began to change. Rap and grunge music became more popular because both were new and different. Bands such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam introduced a grungy, darker, heavier side to rock that hadn’t been heard before. Rappers like Tupac and Snoop Dogg brought rap music into mainstream radio and television. Have these songs and artists from the 1990s been forgotten about and left in the past? Or do they still influence today?
Originally, grunge music was not popular until the band Nirvana released the very well known and widely enjoyed song “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Following the release of this song, the Seattle Craze began, with several bands such as Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains being played in mainstream radio. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an anthem for a generation and its consistent popularity exposes children and teenagers to grunge and may encourage them to listen to other 90’s music, which helps to keep this genre relevant. Grunge from the 90’s influenced television shows and movies, as well. In 2022 The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves, includes the song ”Something in the Way” by Nirvana and Sonic The Hedgehog 2, which was directed by Jeff Fowler, includes the song “Walk” by Pantera. There are countless other films that feature 90’s music.
Not only did grunge become more well known around this time period, but rap also became more popular as well and is still popular to this very day. Popular rappers from the 1990s include Eminem, Jay Z, Tupac, and Snoop Dogg. These famous artists went on to influence other popular artists today.
Music from the 1990s stays relevant through social media, particularly TikTok. TikTok is notorious for making old songs popular again. Many creators who grew up in the 90’s participate in a challenge called “try not to sing along.” In this challenge, a person will record themselves listening to various songs and if they sing along, they lose. Songs would range from “I Want it That Way” by Backstreet Boys all the way to “Bitter Sweet Symphony” by The Verve. Two other songs that you can find on these videos are “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana and “Wannabe” by Spice Girls. On TikTok there is something called a “For You Page” which is where TikTok will put videos that are tailored to your interests. Most kids will casually scroll through this page and if the right video pops up they can find a whole new world of music right at their fingertips.
Sometimes viewers have no idea where songs from TikTok or other social platforms come from and I recommend that viewers do a little research into songs they like and listen to the albums they originally came from. There is plenty of music from the 1990s that changed how music was influenced, written, and marketed. Even with 90’s music being over 30 years old I encourage you to listen to the song “Pennyroyal Tea” by Nirvana. If you don’t like rock or grunge but love rap take a listen to “Still D.R.E” by Dr. Dre. You just might find that your parents’ favorite music from the 1990s is worth listening to.
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