The 1990s gave us a treasure trove of hits, but there are little known facts that make these songs even more intriguing…
Little Known Secrets Behind These 1990s Hits
10 Baby Got Back
When Sir Mix‑a‑Lot dropped “Baby Got Back” in 1992, the track instantly sparked controversy for its unapologetic celebration of curvy backsides. It rode a wave of popularity so massive that only Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” outsold it that year.
What many listeners don’t realize is that the song’s spark came from an unlikely muse: Jennifer Lopez. In a 2014 interview with Vanity Fair, Sir Mix‑a‑Lot confessed that J‑Lo’s smooth dance moves on In Living Color sparked the idea for the anthem. While he’s praised other famous curves—including Kim Kardashian’s—he still crowns J‑Lo as the queen of derrieres.
9 I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Aerosmith finally snagged their first Billboard Hot 100 #1 in 1998 with “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing,” the power‑ballad that anchored the blockbuster Armageddon soundtrack. The single dominated the chart for a month, shipped over a million copies in the UK, and earned an Oscar nod for Best Original Song—while also being nominated for a Razzie as Worst Original Song.
The twist? The track wasn’t originally an Aerosmith creation. Diane Warren penned it for Celine Dion, and the band struggled to find a fit for the movie until they settled on the soaring ballad that would become their signature hit.
8 I Want It That Way
The Backstreet Boys’ 1999 smash “I Want It That Way” stormed to the top of the charts in 25 countries and quickly earned the title of pop song of the year. Its music video enjoyed massive rotation until a cheeky parody by Blink‑182 stole some of the spotlight.
Two lesser‑known tidbits: the song was banned in China twelve years after its release for skipping the nation’s mandatory screening process, and its opening guitar motif was inspired by Metallica’s epic ballad “Nothing Else Matters.”
7 November Rain
Guns N’ Roses’ 1992 masterpiece “November Rain” still holds the record for the longest track to crack the Billboard top ten, clocking in at roughly nine minutes. It peaked at #2 in August, edged out by both “Baby Got Back” and Boyz II Men’s “End Of The Road.”
The video was a budget‑blowing spectacle, costing $1.5 million to film—including a full‑scale desert chapel. Contrary to fan belief, the dramatic concert footage was staged: extras filled a Los Angeles theater while the band performed for the camera.
6 It Must Have Been Love
Originally recorded in 1987, Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” found its biggest moment in 1990 when it was featured in the movie Pretty Woman, becoming the Swedish duo’s third U.S. #1. The song later spawned a country rendition (1991) and a Spanish version (1996).
Writer Per Gessle earned a Million Air Award in 2014 after the track topped five million U.S. airplays. Surprisingly, the hit began as a Christmas song—complete with the line “It’s a hard Christmas day.” Those words were swapped for “hard winter’s day,” and the intro was trimmed before the track landed on the soundtrack. By year‑end, it ranked as the second‑most successful song of 1990, trailing only Wilson Phillips’ “Hold On.”
5 Everybody Hurts
Formed in 1980, R.E.M. sold over 85 million records and earned a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame before disbanding in 2011. Their 1992 ballad “Everybody Hurts” was re‑issued in 1993, climbing into the Billboard Hot 100’s top 30 and breaking into the top ten in France, Ireland, and Canada.
A 2012 survey crowned the song the most depressing ever recorded, beating even the iconic “Candle In The Wind.”
4 Achy Breaky Heart
Billy Ray Cyrus burst onto the scene with “Achy Breaky Heart” on his 1992 debut album Some Gave All. The track earned platinum status in Australia, topped the country charts, and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100—while also landing on numerous “Worst Songs Ever” lists.
In a tongue‑in‑cheek moment on Hannah Montana, Cyrus mocked his own hit, pretending he’d written it back in 1987 and dismissing the phrase “achy breaky” as “the dumbest thing ever.” In 2014, he revived the song as a hip‑hop remix featuring rapper Buck 22 and a video starring twerking aliens.
3 Barbie Girl
Aqua’s 1997 novelty anthem “Barbie Girl” dominated European charts, holding the number‑one spot for three consecutive weeks and becoming the Swedish trio’s signature track.
Mattel, the maker of Barbie dolls, sued Aqua for alleged copyright infringement, claiming the song suggested corporate endorsement. In retaliation, MCA Records sued Mattel for defamation. Both lawsuits were dismissed, leaving the catchy hit unscathed.
2 Creep
Radiohead’s 1992 debut “Creep” initially slipped under the radar, only to explode into a worldwide hit after a 1993 re‑release. Fans would often request the song exclusively at concerts, effectively sidelining the band’s other material.
The track’s inspiration came from a girl who showed up at one of the group’s early shows. In a darker twist, a convicted British murderer penned a prison letter claiming he identified with the song’s narrator, a revelation that left Thom Yorke decidedly creeped out.
1 Stay Another Day
East 17’s 1994 Christmas‑season single “Stay Another Day” remains the British boy‑band’s sole chart‑topping effort. The arrangement is notably drum‑light, with festive bells added to capture holiday shoppers. The single sold just under a million copies in the UK.
While many assumed the lyrics spoke of a breakup, songwriter Tony Mortimer revealed they were born from his brother’s tragic suicide, a personal pain he wanted listeners to interpret in their own way.