3 Forgotten Rock Songs from the 1990s You Need to Hear

The 1990s were a golden era for rock music. From grunge to post-grunge, alternative to pop-punk, the decade was packed with anthems that defined a generation. While some bands and songs remain in the public consciousness, others have faded despite their impact. Here, we revisit three underrated rock tracks from the decade—songs that might have slipped from memory but are well worth rediscovering.

1. “Bound for the Floor” – Local H (1996)

Album: As Good as Dead

Local H, a rock duo from Zion, Illinois, made their mark with “Bound for the Floor,” the standout track from their second album. Released in 1996, the song arrived at a time when grunge was waning, yet record labels still sought bands that carried the same raw energy and angst of the early ’90s. With its simple yet effective riff and brooding lyrics, “Bound for the Floor” became a modest hit, though it never reached the legendary status of contemporaries like Nirvana or Pearl Jam.

Even if the song title doesn’t immediately ring a bell, its chorus is unforgettable—especially the clever rhyme of “copacetic” with “pathetic.” The track’s sludgy guitars and deadpan delivery perfectly captured the disillusionment of Generation X. Local H continues to make music today, but for many, this song remains their defining moment.

Notable Lyrics:
“And you just don’t get it, you keep it copacetic
And you learn to accept it, you know you’re so pathetic.”

2. “Superman’s Dead” – Our Lady Peace (1997)

Album: Clumsy

By the mid-’90s, alternative rock had become the mainstream. Bands like Nirvana, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nine Inch Nails had already reshaped popular music, and a new generation of artists emerged in their wake. Among them was Our Lady Peace, a Canadian band that blended grunge influences with a more polished, radio-friendly sound.

“Superman’s Dead,” from their 1997 album Clumsy, was a dark and anthemic track that tackled themes of media influence and societal pressure. With its soaring vocals and moody instrumentation, the song stood out from the era’s increasingly formulaic alt-rock. Though Our Lady Peace never reached the heights of some of their peers, this track remains a powerful, overlooked gem.

Notable Lyrics:
“Do you worry that you’re not liked?
How long till you break
You’re happy ’cause you smile
But how much can you fake?”

3. “You Get What You Give” – New Radicals (1998)

Album: Maybe You’ve Been Brainwashed Too

One of the most intriguing one-hit wonders of the ’90s, New Radicals made a lasting impression with “You Get What You Give.” The brainchild of singer-songwriter Gregg Alexander and Danielle Brisebois, the band released just one album before abruptly calling it quits. Despite their short-lived career, this song remains a standout, blending alternative rock with pop sensibilities and a rebellious spirit.

While it’s often remembered for name-dropping celebrities like Beck and Marilyn Manson, “You Get What You Give” is more than just a gimmick. The song’s uplifting message, catchy melody, and infectious energy made it a defining track of the late ’90s. Alexander went on to have a successful career writing songs for other artists, including Santana and Michelle Branch’s Grammy-winning “The Game of Love.”

Notable Lyrics:
“Wake up, kids
We got the dreamer’s disease
Age fourteen, they got you down on your knees
So polite; we’re busy still saying please.”

Conclusion

The ’90s were a time of musical abundance; even great songs could get lost in the shuffle. While these three tracks may not be the first that come to mind when reminiscing about the decade, they each played a role in shaping the rock landscape. Whether you’re rediscovering them or hearing them for the first time, these songs deserve another spin.