Soundtrack for the Ages

Most don’t agree which decade produced the best music (though my dad says, indisputably the ‘60s). While lyrical content, vocal ability and instrumental talent are all factors in the debate, a substantial part of a song’s value is the subjective satisfaction derived from it and the corresponding memory of when it meant something to you. 

The release of new tracks from Matchbox Twenty and Alanis Morissette prompted me to dig up favorites from other ‘90s artists – and a few anthems that have distinct association with (my) home and family. Somehow, songs from that span transcend industry criticism and time’s rusting. To my ears, they’re No. 1 hits, and nothing sounds better at full volume. 

I felt only a slight and passing silliness at how much I enjoyed the playlist below (that I’m not ashamed to share), as I realized it’s not so much the chords and choruses that make this music meaningful to me, but the nostalgia and its ability to transport through time.

•               Good Riddance – Green Day                                                       (1997)

•               Crash and Burn – Savage Garden                                              (1999)

•               Time for Me to Fly – REO Speedwagon                                   (1978)

•               You Were Meant For Me – Jewel                                              (1995)

•               As I Lay Me Down – Sophie B. Hawkins                                     (1994)

•               I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith                               (1998)

•               Insensitive – Jann Arden                                                              (1995)

•               I’d Do Anything for Love – Meat Loaf                                        (1993)

•               Black Balloon – Goo Goo Dolls                                                     (1998)

•               Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey                                           (1995)                 

•               The Sign – Ace of Base                                                                 (1993)

•               Run-Around – Blues Traveler                                                       (1994)

•               Doctor Jones – Aqua                                                                     (1997)

•               Ironic – Alanis Morissette                                                            (1995)

•               For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield                                (1969)

•               Push – Matchbox 20                                                                      (1996)

•               Stay – Lisa Loeb                                                                              (1995)

•               All For You – Sister Hazel                                                             (1997)

•               Out of the Frying Pan – Meat Loaf                                             (1993)

•               It’s All Coming Back to Me Now – Celine Dion                        (1996)

•               I’ll Be – Edwin McCain                                                                  (1998)

•               Windy – The Association                                                              (1968)

•               Second Hand News – Fleetwood Mac                                       (1977)

•               Your Wildest Dreams – The Moody Blues                                (1986)

Some things we grow out of, but some are so, so good to hold onto.