Do you remember these forgotten 1996 rock radio hits?

You might think that songs that spent time in the Top 20 at radio would leave an imprint, especially if you were listening to a lot of radio at the time they were out. However, it’s surprising what 30 years and a lack of modern radio play can do to your memory.

While there are certain acts on this list that had brief moments in the spotlight — yes, we’re looking at you Nada Surf and Superdrag — you’ll also find some significant bands that have even been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So how did you manage to forget a rock radio hit from Van Halen? Tom Petty? R.E.M.? It was the mid-1990s, not exactly the peak era for any of those acts.

So what was happening in rock radio in 1996? Grunge was on its last legs, though a number of post-grunge bands were beginning to emerge. Brit-rock was thriving, as were more melodic alternative songs. Industrial rock experienced a brief resurgence, and nu-metal was still about a year away from transforming the alternative rock radio playlists.

READ MORE: <span style="text-decoration: underline">The Best Hard Rock Album for Each Year of the 1990s</span>

While this list is presented as a challenge, we also hope it brings back some nostalgia for how great rock music was in 1996. There’s also the hope that maybe some radio playlists will expand with a few of these suggestions. So enjoy as we take a trip back in time to celebrate some of these forgotten 1996 rock radio hits.

And keep scrolling after as we revisit 40 songs that helped define rock radio in 1996.