Everyone harbors musical guilty pleasures – those catchy songs we joyfully revisit in the privacy of our homes while hesitating to admit we actually own or stream them publicly. These tracks often bring back fond memories or simply provide a sense of nostalgia, making them irresistible to our ears.

Previously, we explored some of the most significant guilty pleasures from the 1970s and 1980s. Now, we’re taking one last nostalgic journey with a collection of iconic tunes from the 1990s that many might hesitate to confess loving.

This decade presented a veritable feast of guilty pleasure options. It was a time when the remnants of hair metal coexisted with emerging alternative bands taking bold and sometimes eccentric risks. Additionally, many well-known artists took surprising career turns, all while countless heartfelt and catchy ballads filled the airwaves.

In the following paragraphs, we proudly present 20 unforgettable Classic Guilty Pleasure Songs from the 1990s. Remember, it’s perfectly fine to love these tunes, even if you prefer to keep it a secret!

Def Leppard, “Let’s Get Rocked” (1992)
There exists a well-known meme derived from a scene in 30 Rock, where Steve Buscemi humorously pretends to be a high school student by donning a backwards cap and carrying a skateboard. Def Leppard’s 1992 hit “Let’s Get Rocked” perfectly encapsulates the spirit of that meme. The song’s lyrics, which narrate a teenager’s refusal to do household chores in favor of simply wanting to “get the rock outta here,” feel somewhat contrived and disconnected, especially coming from a band that was already in their 30s. Nevertheless, this is Def Leppard, a group capable of crafting catchy melodies with apparent ease. While we might want to dismiss “Let’s Get Rocked,” its infectious energy makes it impossible to ignore, solidifying its place firmly within the realm of guilty pleasures.

Extreme, “More Than Words” (1991)
“More Than Words” is widely regarded as a beautifully crafted song, masterfully balancing heartfelt emotion with an instantly recognizable melody that resonates profoundly. The ballad achieved guilty pleasure status largely because the band was exceptionally skilled at evoking emotion through their music. This song struck a chord with countless listeners, ultimately becoming a staple at high school proms, bar mitzvahs, and weddings. However, as is often the case with such poignant tracks, overexposure led to listener fatigue. “More Than Words” may have been relegated to the annals of romantic ballads, but it still holds a special place in our hearts, prompting us to revisit it on occasion.

Chumbawumba, “Tubthumping” (1997)
Did you know that Chumbawumba was originally a politically charged punk rock band? Many aren’t aware, as U.S. audiences primarily recognize them for their sole American hit, the 1997 anthem “Tubthumping.” This track was designed to celebrate the resilience of the everyday person, and it’s most famously remembered for its defiant chorus: “I get knocked down, but I get up again / You’re never gonna keep me down.” However, as happens with many songs that reach pop culture ubiquity, a backlash often ensues. By 1998, “Tubthumping” had lost its edge, and Chumbawumba was quickly labeled a one-hit wonder.

Aerosmith, “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (1998)
Aerosmith has rightfully earned their status as rock legends, and Diane Warren is an undeniably influential songwriter. Thus, it’s no surprise that the collaboration of their talents resulted in the massive hit “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” However, whether this song is genuinely “good” is up for debate, as it leans heavily into sentimental territory. Fittingly, the power ballad was recorded for Armageddon, a cinematic guilty pleasure of its time.

Divinyls, “I Touch Myself” (1990)
With its sleek sound and provocative chorus, the Divinyls’ “I Touch Myself” has become an inescapable earworm that many can’t help but sing along to. Released in November 1990, this catchy tune peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite its immense popularity, one can only imagine that many parents might roll up the windows of their minivans before belting out the lyrics. Much like the song’s subject matter, “I Touch Myself” is best enjoyed in the privacy of your own space.

Santana, “Smooth” (1999)
There’s no denying that Santana’s “Smooth” was both a critical and commercial triumph. The song spent an impressive 12 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned three Grammy Awards, and helped propel the Supernatural album to over 30 million copies sold globally. So why does it fall into the category of a guilty pleasure? Decades later, listening to Rob Thomas slip in Spanish phrases like “My muñequita” may seem kitschy. Thomas himself has also admitted to not being portrayed as “cool.” Regardless, none of this diminishes “Smooth”’s rightful place in pop rock history. It’s simply a song that few will openly admit to loving, even though many do… or still do.

Nelson, “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” (1990)
Brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, the twin sons of rock pioneer Ricky Nelson, carved out their own successful niche in the early ‘90s. As the duo known as Nelson, they achieved multi-platinum success with their debut album, After the Rain, which produced the lead single “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection,” reaching No. 1 on the charts. The accompanying music video leaned into every cliché of the era and was a constant presence on MTV. However, the brothers’ distinct sound was rooted in the ‘80s, and when the grunge movement emerged in the ‘90s, Nelson quickly fell from favor.

Meatloaf, “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” (1993)
Is it overdramatic? Absolutely. Is it theatrical? Undoubtedly. Is it excessively long? Without a doubt! Yet, will we enthusiastically sing along every time we hear it? Absolutely! This is the essence of Meat Loaf’s chart-topping 1993 hit “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That).” Among the many guilty pleasures, this track stands out as one of the finest examples.

Firehouse, “Love of a Lifetime” (1991)
Numerous rock historians have explored the factors leading to the sudden emergence of grunge in the ‘90s, effectively marking the end of the hair metal era for many ‘80s acts. One frequently cited reason is the oversaturation of power ballads. Many hair metal bands embraced this style, leading to a homogenous sound that left audiences yearning for something fresh. One of the last attempts at power ballad glory came from Firehouse with their 1991 single “Love of a Lifetime,” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Overflowing with romantic sentiment, the track quickly became a go-to choice for first dances at weddings. The nostalgia associated with it helps keep it on our playlists, but its inherent cheesiness means it often gets pushed down the list of favorites.

Jon Bon Jovi, “Blaze of Glory” (1990)
Jon Bon Jovi had previously harnessed cowboy imagery effectively for the band’s 1987 hit “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Therefore, when Hollywood approached him in 1990 with the opportunity to write the theme song for Young Guns II, it likely felt like a natural fit. Unsurprisingly, “Blaze of Glory” follows a similar thematic trail to “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Both songs contain a fair amount of cheese, but Jon’s solo track from 1990 amplifies the gunslinging imagery and features twangy guitar riffs. Did it serve its purpose in the movie? Absolutely! Is it a song we feel proud to enjoy? Well, not exactly… but we certainly do.

Barenaked Ladies, “One Week” (1998)
We still find ourselves puzzled by the lyrics of Barenaked Ladies’ “One Week.” Upon closer inspection, it seems neither did the band entirely grasp their meaning. The verses emerged from an improvised rap that bears no relation to the catchy chorus. “One Week” became a chart-topping sensation in 1998, but its novelty quickly faded. Nowadays, listeners often reflect on it with incredulity, wondering, “What were we thinking?” Yet, those same listeners still find themselves singing along to “Chickity China the Chinese chicken” as soon as the song plays.

Creed, “Higher” (1999)
Almost any song by Creed could have claimed this spot, but “Higher” stands out as the band’s quintessential guilty pleasure. This formulaically triumphant track, adorned with heavenly imagery and a catchy – albeit simplistic – guitar line, became a worldwide sensation in 1999. Although Creed consistently denied the Christian rock label, “Higher” undeniably carried biblical themes, resonating with Generation X similarly to “On Eagle’s Wings.” The song wasn’t particularly cool at its release, and these days it often elicits smirks or sarcastic remarks. Nevertheless, its catchy melody ensures its place among our guilty pleasures.

Poison, “Unskinny Bop” (1990)
Poison’s 1990 hit “Unskinny Bop” radiates energy and vibrancy. It’s the kind of fun rock tune that’s hard to resist enjoying. Due to this infectious nature, it’s easy to overlook the song’s flaws, such as its vacuous lyrics or the titular phrase that lacks any real meaning. Consider this track the musical equivalent of empty calories. Just as nobody boasts about their junk food habits, the same goes for those who secretly indulge in “Unskinny Bop.”

Cinderella, “Shelter Me” (1990)
Cinderella deserves credit for not entering the ‘90s seeking to replicate their ‘80s sound. Instead, Tom Kiefer and the band endeavored to broaden their musical style for their third studio album, Heartbreak Station. Whether the incorporation of country elements, soulful backing vocals, and a brass section was the right choice for a glam metal band is debatable. However, the formula worked relatively well on “Shelter Me,” a track we still enjoy playing when nobody else is around.

Presidents of the USA, “Peaches” (1996)
Can you think of a better song inspired by an acid trip, unrequited love, and a fruit tree? We certainly can’t! The lyrics of “Peaches” may come off as whimsical – “Peaches come from a can / They were put there by a man” – but they often linger in our minds for days. Younger generations who didn’t experience the song during its heyday struggle to comprehend why it became such a hit. We understand perfectly; in fact, we still love it!

Scorpions, “Wind of Change” (1991)
Scorpions’ 1991 power ballad “Wind of Change” grapples with a common dilemma faced by many songs of its era: once the moment passes, what remains? In the case of “Wind of Change,” the end of the Soviet Union and the fall of the Berlin Wall are forever entwined with the song. While it’s enjoyable to reflect on it as a time capsule, it’s not necessarily a track that fans are excited to include in their playlists for upcoming gatherings.

Crash Test Dummies, “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” (1993)
Canadian rock band Crash Test Dummies gained widespread fame in 1993 with their massively successful track “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm.” Although the song catapulted them into the spotlight and garnered three Grammy nominations, they soon fell into the category of ‘90s one-hit wonders. The evolution of “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” into a guilty pleasure is largely attributed to the distinctive baritone voice of the band’s frontman, Brad Roberts. His quirky and unusual delivery makes it easy to poke fun at, yet despite their decline in popularity, “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” is a track worth revisiting.

Bryan Adams, “Everything I Do” (1991)
Bryan Adams is a remarkably successful songwriter with more awards and platinum records than most could ever dream of achieving. Despite these accomplishments, his biggest hit remains a quintessential ‘90s guilty pleasure. Recorded for the movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, “Everything I Do (I Do It for You)” arguably eclipsed anything found in the film itself. Spanning over six and a half minutes in the album version, Adams dramatically croons about a love “worthy of dying for.” The song is so synonymous with theatricality that Family Guy humorously parodied it, featuring Stewie Griffin performing “Everything I Do” in its entirety during a 2009 episode.

Mr. Big, “To Be With You” (1991)
From its uplifting tone to the communal chorus and cheerful clapping, everything about Mr. Big’s “To Be With You” evokes the feeling of a delightful night around a bonfire at summer camp. It’s a vibe that is enjoyable in moderation but not necessarily sustainable over time (after all, summer camp lasts only a few weeks). About once a year, we find it fun to break out the marshmallows and roast some s’mores, and similarly, that’s about how often you’ll catch us belting out “To Be With You” at the top of our lungs – though definitely not while eating (that could get messy).

Bloodhound Gang, “The Bad Touch” (1999)
Novelty songs can be tricky since they were never intended to be taken seriously. So when one unexpectedly bursts into mainstream success, like Bloodhound Gang’s 1999 hit “The Bad Touch,” it leaves everyone unsure how to respond. The Bloodhound Gang suddenly found themselves ubiquitous on MTV, and the chorus “You and me baby ain’t nothing but mammals, so let’s do it like they do on the Discovery Channel” became unavoidable. However, like many novelty hits that followed, audiences soon grew tired of “The Bad Touch,” leading to its decline in popularity and the band’s eventual inactivity since 2015.