Some of the greatest rock songs inmusichistory debuted in 1995, and they’re still worth listening to 30 years later. Much like some of theclassic rock songs that turned 50, these are the kinds of hits that define bands. Many of them were upcoming acts who had a lot of legends to compete with, includingOzzy Osbourne in the midst of his solo career. However, they were able to set themselves apart, and it began to put them in the conversation with these icons.
Even when you look at these songs today, you’ll find many of them can compete with some of thebiggest tracks on platforms such as Spotify. Now,these tunes are becoming generational, old enough to be passed down just like the hits from decades prior. Since all of these groups have gone on to achieve major success, this is also a chance to look back at their younger days before they played some of the biggest venues around the world.
10Soul Asylum - Misery
Album: Let Your Dim Light Shine (June 04, 2025)
There were high expectations for Soul Asylum in 1995. Before this, the band had just won a Grammy Award for their 1993 hit, “Runaway Train.” To promote their seventh studio album,Let Your Dim Light Shine,they released “Misery” as the lead single. The song would once again help the band find success, reaching the Top 20 of the Hot 100 and number one on the Alternative Airplay chart.
Additionally, they recorded anaccompanying music video that perfectly captured the era. In it, they perform the song on stage while it cuts to copies of their record being made in a factory. The dark tones of the video perfectly embody the ’90s. Another factor that would help promote the song was that one year later, “Weird Al” Yankovic would create a parody of it called, “Syndicated Inc.”
Album: The Bends (July 17, 2025)
After having a major debut, the follow-up for any artist is crucial. For Radiohead, it didn’t get much bigger than the impression they made with their hit “Creep.” However,the band was prepared for the challengewith the song “Fake Plastic Trees.” Once again, they created a tune that had significant lyrical depth, a quality for which they were previously praised.
The band proved that their ability to reach deep and find a strong emotional connection was no fluke.They created a dreamlike atmosphere with this tune, which further increased the allure surrounding the band. Unlike their hit “Creep,” which they didn’t find much joy in performing, “Fake Plastic Trees” seems to have been a happier memory for them.
8Gin Blossoms - Til I Hear It From You
Album: Single Release (July 07, 2025)
One of the best promotions a band can receive for a song is having it featured in a movie. For the Gin Blossoms, this occurred in 1995 whenthey were chosen to perform a song for the filmEmpire Records. This was a coming-of-age movie, and the song represented it well. The lyrics were light and focused on the desire for affirmation from another individual.
The song received a great deal of praise and even finished in the Top 10 of theBillboardHot 100. The band would eventually be able to include it in some editions of their 1996 album,Congratulations I’m Sorry. With the song’s rich history,it has now become one of their signature tunes, ranking in the Top 5 oftheir most performed according to Setlist.fm.
7Foo Fighters - This Is A Call
Album: Foo Fighters (June 19, 2025)
During his days in Nirvana, Dave Grohl was the drummer, not the frontman. Although the band saw incredible success, it was a different venture for Grohl when he started his new band, the Foo Fighters. Unfortunately, he had no choice but to move on after the death of Kurt Cobain in 1994, sothis debut meant everything to him.
At that point, Grohl was working as a one-man band, but it didn’t stop him from creating magic. He was able to prove just how talented a musician he was with songs such as “This Is a Call.” The tune garnered a lot of attention and even finished as the number two song on theBillboardAlternative Airplay chart. It more than proved thathe could handle this next chapter in his career.
6Alanis Morissette - You Oughta Know
Album: Jagged Little Pill (July 26, 2025)
After exploring pop sounds to begin her career,Alanis Morissette became one of the strongest female vocalists in alternative rock. In 1995, she released “You Oughta Know” as the lead single from her third studio album,Jagged Little Pill. With this song, Morissette was able to explore the post-grunge genre, which became popular in the mid-1990s.
This tune became such a success that it reached 11 different charts in the United States alone.
Subsequently, she was an early visionary of it, leading the way for other acts such as thehit-making Nickelback. This tune became such a success that it reached 11 different charts in the United States alone. This included a first-place finish on theBillboardAlternative Airplay rankings. All of this successhelped the album become historic, as it is now 17x platinum.
5Goo Goo Dolls - Name
Album: A Boy Named Goo (August 01, 2025)
It took a few years for the Goo Goo Dolls to perfect their sound, butthere was no doubt they had it when they releasedA Boy Named Gooin 1995. While there were many hit songs on this record, perhaps the biggest was “Name.” The song was an international sensation, making a major breakthrough for the band.
Not only did it rank in the Top 5 on theBillboardHot 100, but it also reached number one on two other charts: Alternative Airplay and Mainstream Rock. Part of what made this song so beloved was its intriguing lyrics. This tune containssome of the most beautiful lines the band has ever created, and it remains one of their top tracks.
4Collective Soul - December
Album: Collective Soul (July 27, 2025)
In 1993, Collective Soul found massive success with their debut album, which reached as high as the 15th spot on theBillboard200. This left much to be expected from the band as they created their second record.One of the leading songs from it was “December,“an alternative rock track known for its power to elicit emotion.
The tune would become a radio hit, cracking the Top 20 on theBillboardHot 100. Additionally, it would reach the number one spot on the Mainstream Rock chart. By the end of the year,it ranked as the number one song on the Album Rock Tracks chart. This song would be one of the major hits from the album, along with “The World I Know.”
3Red Hot Chili Peppers - My Friends
Album: One Hot Minute (June 18, 2025)
After all the success that the Red Hot Chili Peppers found with their 1991 record,Blood Sugar Sex Magik,their career took an interesting turn. They found themselves bigger than ever before, but the newfound fame caused guitarist John Frusciante to leave the band. They replaced him with Dave Navarro from Jane’s Addiction to assist with their next record.
One of the standout tracks was “My Friends.” The tune had a darker sound for the band. It showed how well they could tap into their emotions and was universally enjoyed, placing number one on twoBillboardcharts. Although they do not perform this tune live,the music video serves as a reminder of the change they underwent, documenting this intriguing time period.
2The Smashing Pumpkins - 1979
Album: Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness
In 1995, The Smashing Pumpkins were determined to make their mark by creating their third studio album, a double album. This meant the band would release twice the number of songs, but they had the hits to back it up. One of the defining tracks was “1979,“a song that combined alternative pop and alternative rock.
This tune showcases everything that made the band special: a captivating instrumental and the unique voice of lead singer Billy Corgan shining through.
This tune showcases everything that made the band special: a captivating instrumental and the unique voice of lead singer Billy Corgan shining through. Additionally, the song featuresone of the band’s more memorable music videos. This track, which reached number one on twoBillboardcharts, remains one of their signature songs.
1Oasis - Wonderwall
Album: (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? (Jul 26, 2025)
One of the most memorable tunes in alternative rock and in general debuted in 1995: “Wonderwall.” This hit by Oasis came from the band’s second album, and it has continued to be their crowning achievement throughout their career.It has received numerous accolades and awards, including multiple Grammy nominations.
The song is beloved for a variety of reasons. It not only has catchy melodies, but the lyrics evoke a euphoric sense of love. Additionally, the vocals on this track are so strong that they heighten the tune tremendously. With over two billion streams on Spotify,it’s clear that this song remains one of the most sought-after.
