The year 1999 marked a pivotal moment in music history with the rise of popular genres such as pop, hip-hop, and R&B. It was a time of creative expression and experimentation, leading to the production of some of the most iconic songs in recent memory. From the upbeat pop anthems to the heartfelt ballads, the music of 1999 captured the essence of the era and has since become timeless. These songs not only dominated the charts but also had a significant impact on popular culture and remain beloved by fans to this day. Whether you’re a fan of catchy pop hooks, smooth R&B beats, or thought-provoking lyrics, there is something for everyone on the list of top 20 greatest songs from 1999. These tracks remain as relevant and enjoyable now as they were more than two decades ago and continue to be staples of popular music.
1. “No Scrubs” by TLC
“No Scrubs” by TLC is a classic R&B track released in 1999. The song features the girl group singing about not wanting to waste their time on men who don’t have their lives together and lack ambition. With its catchy beat and empowering lyrics, “No Scrubs” quickly became a hit and solidified TLC’s status as one of the top female groups in music. The song’s message of self-respect and not settling for less still resonates with audiences today, making it a timeless classic.
2. “My Name Is” by Eminem
“My Name Is” by Eminem is a rap song released in 1999 as the lead single from his critically acclaimed album “The Slim Shady LP”. In the track, Eminem introduces himself to the world with his unique and controversial style, using dark humor and sharp wordplay to captivate listeners. The song’s instrumental is an upbeat, bouncy beat that contrasts with the rapper’s intense delivery. “My Name Is” was a breakthrough hit for Eminem and helped launch him into superstardom, solidifying his place as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
3. “Genie In a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera
“Genie in a Bottle” by Christina Aguilera is a pop ballad released in 1999. The song is a tale of love and desire, with Christina singing about wanting to be set free from a romantic connection that’s holding her back. The song’s memorable chorus, catchy melody, and empowering message of female sexuality helped it become a huge international hit and established Christina as one of the premier pop divas of the early 2000s. With its enduring popularity, “Genie in a Bottle” remains a staple of 90s pop culture and a classic of the genre.
4. “Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Scar Tissue” by Red Hot Chili Peppers is a funk rock song released in 1999 as the lead single from their seventh studio album “Californication”. The song features frontman Anthony Kiedis singing about overcoming pain and heartbreak, with lyrics that touch on themes of personal growth and resilience. The track’s distinctive, groovy bassline and infectious chorus helped it become one of the band’s biggest hits, earning a Grammy award for Best Rock Song in 2000. “Scar Tissue” is widely considered one of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ best songs, and its enduring popularity solidifies its place as a classic of the alternative rock genre.
5. “Every Morning” by Sugar Ray
“Every Morning” by Sugar Ray is a pop rock song released in 1999 as the lead single from their fourth studio album “14:59”. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics that sing about the joys of starting a new day and the excitement of a new relationship. “Every Morning” was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 and helping to establish Sugar Ray as one of the top pop rock bands of the late 90s and early 2000s. With its feel-good energy and upbeat message, “Every Morning” is a timeless classic of the pop rock genre, and continues to be a fan favorite to this day.
6. “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child is a R&B/pop song released in 2000 as the lead single from the group’s second studio album “The Writing’s on the Wall”. The song features a powerful and soulful vocal performance from Beyoncé, Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland, who sing about the hurt and betrayal of a relationship gone wrong. With its iconic “Say my name, say my name” chorus, “Say My Name” became one of Destiny’s Child’s biggest hits and one of the defining songs of the R&B/pop genre in the early 2000s. The song earned several awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. To this day, “Say My Name” remains a beloved classic of R&B/pop music and a testament to the power and artistry of Destiny’s Child.
7. “Livin’ la Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin
“Livin’ la Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin is a Latin pop song released in 1999. It was the lead single from Martin’s fifth studio album, “Ricky Martin”. The song became a massive global hit, reaching the top of the charts in many countries and becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. The song is characterized by its upbeat, energetic rhythm and catchy chorus, and its lyrics are a celebration of the carefree, wild, and adventurous spirit of living life to the fullest. “Livin’ la Vida Loca” marked a turning point in Martin’s career, introducing him to a new global audience and launching him as one of the biggest pop stars of the late 1990s and early 2000s. To this day, “Livin’ la Vida Loca” remains one of the most recognizable and beloved Latin pop songs of all time.
8. “Larger Than Life” by Backstreet Boys
“Larger Than Life” is a pop song by the American boy band, Backstreet Boys. The song was released in 1999 as the lead single from their third studio album, “Millennium”. The track features upbeat pop beats, powerful harmonies, and the group’s signature vocals. The lyrics are about the group’s desire for fame, success, and their fans. The song was well received by fans and became a hit for the Backstreet Boys, reaching the top ten in multiple countries and becoming one of their most recognizable tracks. The accompanying music video is set in a futuristic world and showcases the group’s energetic dance moves. “Larger Than Life” is a nostalgic throwback to the late 1990s pop music era and remains a popular favorite among fans of the Backstreet Boys.
9. “Where My Girls At?” by 702
“Where My Girls At?” by 702 is a classic R&B song that was released in 1999. The song features the trio singing about their search for the perfect girl. It features a smooth and catchy melody, with a beat that’s sure to get you moving. The song was a huge commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the R&B charts and helping to establish 702 as one of the top R&B groups of the late 90s. The song’s message of empowerment and self-confidence has made it a popular choice for soundtrack appearances, and its upbeat vibe has made it a staple at parties and events.
10. “I Try” by Macy Gray
“I Try” by Macy Gray is a soulful, mid-tempo ballad released in 1999. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song. Gray’s distinct, raspy voice provides emotional depth to the lyrics, which tell the story of a failed relationship and the singer’s efforts to make it work. The song features a blend of soul, R&B, and hip-hop elements, combined with a catchy melody and powerful chorus. With its heartfelt message and soulful delivery, “I Try” remains a classic of the late-90s music scene.
11. “If You Had My Love” by Jennifer Lopez
“If You Had My Love” is a pop and R&B song by American singer Jennifer Lopez. Released in 1999, it was Lopez’s debut single and the lead single from her first studio album, “On the 6”. The song features a mix of R&B beats and Latin-inspired instrumentation and showcases Lopez’s soulful and sultry vocals. The lyrics of the song revolve around the theme of love and the challenges that come with it. With its catchy chorus and upbeat production, “If You Had My Love” became an instant hit and established Lopez as a rising star in the music industry. To this day, it remains one of her most well-known and beloved tracks.
12. “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre
“Still D.R.E.” by Dr. Dre is a classic hip-hop track released in 1999. The song features rapper Snoop Dogg and showcases Dr. Dre’s smooth and confident flow over a smooth, funky beat. The song’s lyrics boast about Dr. Dre’s success and longevity in the rap game, and the memorable chorus of “Still, still doin’ it” has become an anthem for the rapper’s fans. The track was a commercial success, reaching the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying Dr. Dre’s status as one of the greatest hip-hop producers and emcees of all time.
13. “I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys
“I Want It That Way” by Backstreet Boys is a classic pop ballad released in 1999. The song showcases the smooth vocal harmonies of the boy band and its timeless love story. With its catchy melody, heart-rending lyrics, and upbeat tempo, the song quickly rose to popularity and became one of the biggest hits of the year. The song’s themes of love, longing, and loss continue to resonate with audiences today, making it one of the most enduring pop songs of the 90s. The music video features the Backstreet Boys dancing and singing against a backdrop of cityscapes and nature, adding to the song’s timeless appeal. Overall, “I Want It That Way” is a quintessential example of the boy band pop genre and remains a fan-favorite to this day.
14. “(You Drive Me) Crazy” by Britney Spears
“You Drive Me) Crazy” is a pop song performed by American recording artist Britney Spears. Released in 2000, the track was written by Max Martin and produced by Rami Yacoub. The song has a catchy, upbeat melody and lyrics about a love interest who drives the singer crazy. Britney’s vocals are confident and sultry, making the track a standout pop hit of its era. The music video for the song features Britney dancing and singing in various locations, including a garage and a dance club. With its upbeat energy and catchy chorus, “(You Drive Me) Crazy” has become one of Britney’s most beloved tracks and remains a staple of her live shows.
15. “All Star” by Smash Mouth
“All Star” by Smash Mouth is a catchy and upbeat song that was released in 1999. It quickly became a pop culture phenomenon, with its distinctive chorus and upbeat rhythm making it a staple of movies, commercials, and video games. The song’s lyrics are simple and optimistic, encouraging listeners to chase their dreams and not give up, even if they don’t achieve immediate success. The music video features the band performing the song in various locations, including a bowling alley and a car wash. “All Star” remains one of Smash Mouth’s most well-known and beloved songs, and its popularity has only increased in the years since its release.
16. “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child
“Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child is a R&B and pop song that was released in 1999. The song discusses the topic of financial struggle and the stress it can cause in a relationship. The chorus implores a partner to pay their share of the bills and take responsibility for their finances. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and solidifying Destiny’s Child as one of the biggest girl groups of the 90s and early 2000s. The song’s relatable lyrics and catchy beat make it a timeless classic and a staple in pop and R&B music.
17. “Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas
“Smooth” by Santana featuring Rob Thomas is a popular song that was released in 1999. The track blends Latin-inspired instrumentals with rock and pop elements, creating a unique and memorable sound. The song features lead vocalist Rob Thomas singing about a smooth, carefree love, while Santana’s guitar solos add to the overall upbeat and positive vibe. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one on the charts in multiple countries and winning a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It remains a classic of the late 90s and early 2000s pop and rock scene.
18. “Higher” by Creed
“Higher” by Creed is a powerful and uplifting rock ballad. The song features soaring vocals from Scott Stapp, backed by driving guitar riffs and a pounding rhythm section. The lyrics express a yearning for something greater and a desire to rise above personal struggles and limitations. “Higher” speaks to the universal human experience of searching for meaning and purpose, and the song’s upbeat energy and infectious chorus make it a fan favorite. The song was a huge hit for Creed, reaching number one on the Modern Rock Tracks chart and helping to establish the band as one of the leading forces in the late 1990s rock scene.
19. “Unpretty” by TLC
“Unpretty” is a ballad by the American girl group TLC, released in 1999. It was written by TLC member T-Boz, Dallas Austin, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. The song deals with the topic of self-esteem and body image, encouraging women to love and embrace their true selves. With its empowering lyrics and soulful delivery, “Unpretty” became a hit for TLC and remains an anthem for women everywhere.
20. “Maria Maria” by Santana and The Product G&B
“Maria Maria” is a Grammy-winning song by Santana and The Product G&B. It was released in 2000 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. The song is a fusion of Latin and pop music, featuring a catchy hook and upbeat rhythm. The lyrics tell the story of a man’s infatuation with a woman named Maria, who he sees as the epitome of beauty and grace. The song was well-received for its catchy beat and upbeat vibe, and remains a staple of Santana’s discography.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
