20 songs from the 1990s that Singaporeans grew up listening to

1. “Macarena” by Los del Rio (1994)

It didn’t matter that we had no idea what they were singing, we had the moves down: hip shaking, arm twisting and jumping around.

2. “Barbie Girl” by Aqua (1997)

Before we got caught up in Eminem’s politically problematic rapping, we had this bubblegum pop high-pitched number. How will we ever forget those opening lines…

3. “Mambo No. 5” by Lou Bega (1999)

There was a time this was playing at every single kopitiam and then it went on to take over the sound system at Zouk on Wednesday nights. Also politically problematic, btw.

4. “Home” by Kit Chan (1998)

Composed by Dick Lee, this has to be our nation’s most popular National Day theme song of all time.

5. “Lemon Tree” by Fools Garden (1995)

It was the first song they made us play in guitar class, when we thought picking up the instrument would up our cool factor.

6. “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears (1999)

What’s with the catchy feminist disasters? What was the ’90s without this pop princess’ mega hit?

7. “Gelang Sipaku Gelang” (’90s)

This is actually an old Indonesian children’s song. We didn’t know what the lyrics meant, we could still sing along to every single word. And no, “Gelang” does not refer to Geylang. It means bracelet.

8. “Never Had a Dream Come True” by S Club 7 (2000)

Sure there were seven members in the band but let’s be honest, we only remember Rachel and maybe Jo, because well she did all of the singing.

9. “Pretty Boy” by M2M (2000)

What was with that high-pitched-breathy-chipmunk voice? But we still had them on loop.

10. “I Want it That Way” by Backstreet Boys (1998)

Our convent school days were made by their tunes on the radio. Oh and you’ll get to see them in the flesh because they’re coming to town in May.

11. “Dui Mian De Nu Hai Kan Guo Lai” by Ah Niu (1997)

This Taiwanese singer saw his popularity soar with this quirky, folk-ish tune. Plus, he rocked that geeky look before it even became a thing.

12. “Thubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)” by Chumbawamba (1997)

This is one of those one-hit wonders that somehow managed to become something of an anthem and yet we barely know anything about the band.

13. “Dragostea Din Tei (Numa Numa)” by O-Zone (2003)

Again, what is it with songs where we have absolutely no idea what is going on? In case you’re wondering, it’s sung in Romanian. But hey, as long as its catchy right?

14. “Wannabe” by Spice Girls (1996)

Which Spice Girl were you?

15. “I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You” by Savage Garden (1999)

Okay, even though our logical brain tells us it’s impossible to love someone before even meeting them, this Australian duo had us singing along all the same. It must be those piercing blue eyes.