Flashback Friday: These 20 Hits are Turning 20 This Summer

Now that summertime is in full swing, join us for a moment of silence for the dearly departed summers of our youth. It’s hard to believe that the Summer of ’96 was 20 years ago. Now that most 90’s kids have grown up, it’s hard not to be nostalgic of those carefree days. We’ve traded in our boom boxes and mixtapes for Bluetooth speakers and iPhones. Days we used to spend in the arcade are now spent “Adulting.” A lot about life in general has changed over the course of two decades. In honor of “The Good Ol’ Days” we’ve compiled a list of the Top 20 Hits that are turning 20 this summer, because taking a trip down Memory Lane never hurt anybody.

1) Wannabe - Spice Girls

Every 90’s girl learned a valuable lesson thanks to this song: “If Your Friends Say No, He’s Gotta Go”

2) Macarena - Los del Rio

Before the Whip/Nae Nae and The Soulja Boy there was the Macarena. You still hit this dance at every wedding you attend (don’t lie). 

3) Only Wanna Be With You – Hootie and the Blowfish

The song of every summer romance. 

4) I’m Just a Girl – No Doubt

 The first time we were introduced to Gwen Stefani. 

5) California Love – 2Pac

This song made everyone want to party on the West Coast at least once. 

6) Gangsta’s Paradise – Coolio

There’s no paradise quite like a Gangsta’s Paradise. 

7) Til I Hear It From You – Gin Blossoms

“I don't want to take advice from fools. I'll just figure everything is cool until I hear it from you.”

8) Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Even after this song was released, nothing could prepare us for “My Heart Will Go On” and Titanic just a year later. 

9) Sweet Dreams – La Bouche

The ultimate club song for the Summer of 1996. 

10) Ironic – Alanis Morrisette

Every 90’s kid learned what irony was thanks to this song. 

11) Give Me One Reason – Tracy Chapman

“Give me one reason to stay here, and I’ll turn right back around.” 

12) Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey

If “Only Wanna Be With You” wasn’t the first song on your summer love mixtape then this song surely was. 

13) Wonderwall – Oasis

The first of many hits from Oasis. 

14) Un-Break My Heart – Toni Braxton

This music video made you shed a tear every time. 

15) No Diggity – Blackstreet (Feat. Dr. Dre)

The beat that automatically got you bopping your head.

16) If It Makes You Happy – Sheryl Crow

If you didn’t belt out the chorus to this hit, you were doing it wrong. 

17) Theme From Mission: Impossible – Larry Mullen & Adam Clayton

Everyone became a secret agent when they heard this song. 

18) C’mon N Ride It (The Train) – Quad City DJ’s

The coolest thing to happen to trains. 

19) Hey Lover – LL Cool J

LL Cool J + Boyz II Men = a winning combination.

20) Name – Goo Goo Dolls

No 90’s Hit List could be complete without the Goo Goo Dolls

- Intern Brittney