The 1990s were without a doubt an unforgettable decade for anyone living in Scotland.
From global news stories such as the cloning of Dolly the Sheep in 1996 and the creation of the Scottish Parliament in 1997 to the cultural phenomenon that was 1996's Trainspotting, those who were in the country back then will surely have some vivid memories.
One thing that you might not immediately associate with Scotland in the 1990s, though, is music. While it is true that the country may not have delivered quite as many hits as in the previous decade, the Scottish music scene in the 90s was anything but boring.
Whether it was the debut of now-legendary acts like Belle and Sebastien or the release of iconic and enduring albums such as Primal Scream's Screamadelica, Scots music in the 90s was truly something to behold.
To prove this point, the Daily Record has rounded up 10 songs released by Scottish artists between 1990 and 1999 that are bound to bring back some memories.
Here are 10 popular Scottish songs from the 1990s that are sure to take you straight back in time.
Primal Scream — Loaded
Released at the start of 1990 as the lead single off of iconic Glasgow rock band Primal Scream's third album Screamadelica, 'Loaded' got the decade off to an incredible start and is easily one of its most defining songs. It is also one of the band's signature hits, and it's not hard to see why.
Arab Strap — The First Big Weekend
Described by BBC Radio 1 DJ Steve Lamacq as the "best song of the decade" and "the most perfect pop song ever", 'The First Big Weekend' is certainly not your standard pop hit. Predominantly a monologue read by Falkirk band member Aidan Moffat, accompanied by guitar and drums from Dumfries-born Malcolm Middleton, it struck a chord with people all over Scotland.
Wet Wet Wet — Love Is All Around
Wet Wet Wet are undoubtedly one of the most iconic Scottish bands of the 1980s and 1990s, earning massive hits in both decades. Arguably their biggest song, 'Love Is All Around' was released as part of the soundtrack for the 1994 romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral — doesn't get more 90s than that.
Bis — Eurodisco
Glasgow indie-pop band Bis never fully broke into the mainstream — though earned a devoted fan base — but chances are if you were in Scotland back in the late 90s, you would have heard this track at least once. As the name suggests, it's a fun and throbbing dance banger that is sure to get your feet moving.
The Shamen — Ebeneezer Goode
Another classic electronic tune, this track from Aberdeen group The Shamen topped the UK charts back in 1992. At the time, it was actually one of the most controversial hits of all time, as many believed it endorsed recreational drug use — leading it to be banned by the BBC.
AC/DC — Thunderstruck
While not technically a Scottish band, AC/DC wouldn't exist without Scots founding members Malcolm and Angus Young. Although the majority of the hard rock band's hits came in the 1970s and 1980s, 'Thunderstruck' in 1990 is easily one of their most well-known tunes.
Teenage Fanclub — Sparky's Dream
Although not a massive hit in the UK, Bellshill alternative rock band Teenage Fanclub earned a top 10 on the Scottish charts with 'Sparky's Dream' — taken from their iconic 1995 album Grand Prix. To this day, it remains arguably the band's most well-known song.
Belle and Sebastien — The Boy with the Arab Strap
Interestingly, this beloved 1998 tune by legendary Glasgow indie pop band Belle and Sebastien was never actually released as a single. However, over the years, it has become not only the group's most well-known track but also a fully fledged hit — with over 50 million plays on Spotify.
Edwyn Collins — A Girl Like You
Interestingly, Edinburgh-born Edwyn Collins also appeared on our list of iconic 80s songs as part of the band Orange Juice. However, his biggest hit didn't come until he later went solo, with 'A Girl Like You' in 1995 being a bonafide worldwide smash.
Travis — Why Does It Always Rain on Me?
'Why Does It Always Rain on Me?', released in 1999 by Glasgow rock band Travis, is without a doubt one of the decade's most well-known Scottish songs. Though it reached number 10 on the UK charts, its popularity has only grown over time — with more than 80 million plays on Spotify.
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