In the ’90s, it felt like everything came with its own soundtrack—even things that didn’t really need one (Oz, anyone?). Sure, we all have fond memories of the iconic soundtracks like Pulp Fiction, The Bodyguard, Clueless, and Romeo + Juliet. But there are some gems that have faded into obscurity, left to gather dust alongside our old Discman or traded away for credits at record shops. It’s time to dust off these musical relics from the ’90s and give them another listen.
1. Singles (1992)
The Source: Once upon a time, Cameron Crowe was the voice of a generation. His film Singles captured the essence of Gen-X in a way that feels almost nostalgic today, and yet it’s surprisingly underappreciated now.
The Music: If you were like me—more into pop than grunge at the time—this soundtrack served as a perfect introduction to the genre, featuring legends like Pearl Jam, Chris Cornell, and Alice in Chains.
Standout Songs: Paul Westerberg’s “Dyslexic Heart,” “Waiting for Somebody,” and Jimi Hendrix’s “May This Be Love” are all must-listens. (I know, not the grunge you expected, but hey, we all have our guilty pleasures!)
Pairs with: Then: The angst of your first job. Considering a trip to Seattle. Now: Crunching numbers for retirement planning. Dreaming about Portland.
2. The Craft (1996)
The Source: A cult classic, The Craft introduced us to the magic of teenage witchcraft, and let’s be honest, it’s time for Fairuza Balk to have a comeback!
The Music: This soundtrack is the epitome of ’90s vibes, featuring artists like Matthew Sweet and Jewel, with a mix of alternative rock that hits all the right notes.
Standout Songs: Check out Heather Nova’s cover of “I Have the Touch,” Love Spit Love’s “How Soon Is Now?”, and Juliana Hatfield’s “Witches Song.”
Pairs with: Then: Lighting candles and reading Weetzie Bat. Late-night discussions. Now: The same vibe, but with Instagram stalking.
3. Party of Five (1996)
The Source: Centered around the lives of five siblings navigating life after losing their parents, Party of Five was a poignant precursor to modern family dramas.
The Music: While you might remember the theme song “Closer to Free” by the BoDeans, the rest of the soundtrack offers a solid mix of accessible alt-rock that still resonates today.
Standout Song: Stevie Nicks’ cover of Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” could easily serve as your new anthem for middle age.
Pairs with: Then: Finally decluttering your apartment after a breakup. Picking up new organization tools at Target. Now: Enjoying some uninterrupted Pinterest browsing.
4. Stealing Beauty (1996)
The Source: In this romantic drama, Liv Tyler travels to Tuscany searching for her father and a little something more.
The Music: This soundtrack is a masterclass in eclecticism, blending unexpected artists like John Lee Hooker and Liz Phair into a seamless listening experience.
Standout Song: “My Baby Just Cares for Me” is a beautiful piece that likely introduced many to Nina Simone—if you missed her up until then, we can be shame buddies.
Pairs with: Then: Gaining the courage to share your creative work. Hosting friends for dinner while pretending to know about wine. Now: Finally picking up the brush or pen again. Sipping your favorite wine without a care.
5. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1999)
The Source: As fans of the series know, we’re obligated to adore Buffy. This soundtrack predates the more famous “Once More With Feeling.”
The Music: This compilation captures the essence of late ’90s alternative music, featuring catchy tunes like Guided by Voices’ “Teenage FBI” and Bif Naked’s anthem “Lucky.”
Standout Song: The theme by Nerf Herder is iconic—think of it as the decade’s anthem for the ultimate cool girl.
Pairs with: Then: Hitting the gym or embarking on a road trip with your besties. Now: Home workouts and road trips with your tween niece or daughter.
Feeling nostalgic? If you’re looking for more throwback content, check out this other blog post. And if you’re considering starting a family, resources like Healthline provide excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination. You can also find reputable options at Make a Mom for at-home insemination kits.
In summary, these five soundtracks from the ’90s may have slipped under your radar, but they’re certainly worth revisiting. They evoke a sense of nostalgia that can bring you back to simpler times, whether you’re reminiscing about your youth or introducing these tunes to a new generation.
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