The 1990s gave us some of the most memorable and emotional piano-driven songs across pop, rock and ballads. This decade was a golden era for expressive piano music, with unforgettable melodies and powerful chord progressions that continue to resonate with musicians today. Whether you’re searching for the best 90s piano songs to add to your repertoire or simply want to relive the magic of 90s piano rock, this list has you covered. We’ve selected five iconic tracks from the era, perfect for beginners and experienced players alike. Plus, we’ll share essential tips to help you master these quintessential songs and capture the signature sound of 90s piano music.
Big Big World – Emilia
“Big Big World” is a beautifully simple yet emotional tune that’s perfect for beginners. The song’s soft melody and steady chord progression make it a great piece to practice expressive playing. Focus on playing the right hand lightly to match Emilia’s delicate vocals while maintaining a steady rhythm in the left hand.
Ironic – Alanis Morissette
“Ironic” features a rich storytelling melody that shines on piano. The trick to mastering this song is nailing the balance between soft, introspective verses and the powerful, emotive chorus. Pay close attention to the phrasing and dynamics to bring out the song’s natural ebb and flow.
Linger – The Cranberries
One of the best 90s songs, “Linger” is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and dreamlike chord progressions. The key to playing this song well is maintaining a smooth legato touch while adding subtle pedal work to create a lush sound. Make sure to emphasize the emotional build-up in the chorus for a powerful effect.
Shape of My Heart – Sting
This soulful ballad is a must-learn for any fan of 90s piano songs. The song’s jazz-influenced chords make it a rewarding piece to learn to impress your friends. Work on fluid finger transitions and dynamic control to capture the song’s delicate yet expressive feel. Try playing with the space and tempo of the piece for an added touch of expression.
Wannabe – Spice Girls
A fun and upbeat choice for any fan of 90s piano bar songs. “Wannabe” translates surprisingly well to the piano. Its catchy rhythm and playful energy make it a great piece for developing a strong left-hand groove while keeping the right-hand melody punchy and dynamic. Focus on keeping the tempo lively and engaging.
How to play 90s piano songs?
To truly capture the feel of the best 90s piano songs, focus on these key techniques:
- Expressive phrasing: Many 90s ballads rely on delicate phrasing. Pay attention to dynamics and articulation to enhance the emotion.
- Strong rhythmic foundation: Songs like “Wannabe” require a steady groove. Practice with a metronome to keep timing tight.
- Smooth transitions: Many 90s piano rock songs feature shifts between soft verses and powerful choruses. Work on seamless dynamic control.
- Pedal work: Mastering the sustain pedal will help you achieve the lush, atmospheric sound found in many 90s piano bar songs.
- Start slow: Begin by playing easy piano songs and progress as you feel more comfortable.
Listen closely to the original recordings of these hits on piano for inspiration and to develop your technique.
Conclusion
The 90s brought us some of the most iconic 90s piano songs, blending heartfelt ballads with upbeat anthems. Whether you’re drawn to 90s piano rock songs like “Ironic” or sing-along classics like “Wannabe,” these songs will add depth and variety to your piano skills. Ready to start learning? The Skoove app provides step-by-step lessons to help you master the best piano songs from the 90s and much more. Happy practicing!
Author of this blog post:
Susana Pérez Posada
With over seven years of piano education and a deep passion for music therapy, Susana brings a unique blend of expertise to Skoove. A graduate in Music Therapy from SRH Hochschule Heidelberg and an experienced classical pianist from Universidad EAFIT, she infuses her teaching with a holistic approach that transcends traditional piano lessons. Susana’s writings for Skoove combine her rich musical knowledge with engaging storytelling, enriching the learning experience for pianists of all levels. Away from the piano, she loves exploring new places and immersing herself in a good book, believing these diverse experiences enhance her creative teaching style.
Published by Lydia Ogn from the Skoove team
