15 Songs From The Late 90s That Maltese People Loved
The 90s were amazing for so many reasons – the TV shows, the gadgets, the outfits, the fact that we didn’t yet know that sugar was the devil. But one thing has to reign supreme when it comes to that oh-so-cherished decade: the music.
Here’s a selection of songs Malta was in love with back then.
1. Torn – Natalie Imbruglia, 1997
We couldn’t sing along to this song enough and everyone wanted to look like the stunning, androgynous, hoodie-wearing Aussie.
2. Backstreet’s Back – Backstreet Boys, 1997
Was it the over-the-top horror banquet video? Was it the unashamed self-promotion? Was it Nick Carter’s shiny hair? Who knows – whatever it was, worked.
3. Say My Name – Destiny’s Child, 1998
A song which captures Maltese sass so perfectly could never have been any less popular than this hit was.
4. Hit Me Baby, One More Time – Britney Spears, 1998
This one spawned a wave of Maltese fashion fads that we are still trying to forget – skimpy school uniforms, crop tops, army trousers, fuzzy hair scrunchies. It hit us hard.
5. You Oughta Know – Alanis Morissette, 1995
Every Maltese girl who had low self-esteem and went to San Alwiġi adored this song.
6. One of Us – Joan Osborne, 1995
We told our parents it was a song about God, but we all just wanted to sing-moan along to this song before we made-out with our sixth form crush at Beejay’s.
7. Getting Jiggy With It – Will Smith, 1997
Remember when Will Smith made ridiculous, no-sense-making songs back in the 90s instead of Oscar-worthy films that he barely gets any credit for?
8. I Believe I Can Fly – R Kelly, 1996
This one will still have you thumping your chest with clenched fists. Just try it.
9. Wonderwall – Oasis, 1995
Perhaps the song with the most recognisable opening chords in history, this one was a developing-teen favourite.
10. All Coming Back To Me Now – Celine Dion, 1996
On the complete other end of the music spectrum, Celine had us all enthralled with her love-epic song. Everyone can admit to sitting for hours waiting for that dramatic video to play again on VH1.
11. Hi, My Name Is – Eminem, 1999
Maltese kids didn’t even notice/care about the fact that this dude was breaking a massive racial stereotype. We just loved this wacky AF song.
12. I’ll Be There For You – The Rembrandts, 1995
How stupid did you feel when you did the clap part at the wrong time? Yep, that feeling of self-loathing is the ultimate trip down the 90s memory lane.
13. Believe – Cher, 1998
Played towards the end of the night when it was okay to indulge our ħamallu side, this was the ultimate cheesy dance hit.
14. Barbie Girl – Aqua, 1997
What the hell did this song even mean?
15. MMMBop – Hanson, 1997
This one made a bit of a hipster revival in recent years. And with good reason. It’s probably one of the best pop songs ever written.
BONUS: Truly, Madly, Deeply – Savage Garden, 1997
For every Maltese teen who was in love with another Maltese teen, who was actually “going out” with their best friend. Still hurts a bit doesn’t it?