My Mom’s Playlist from When She Was 19

I asked my mom to make me a playlist of her favorite songs from when she was 19 to see if her most played songs were ones I would listen to and relate to now. 

by Saylor Simpson

Graphic by Katharine Albert

The year is 1996: grunge, alternative rock, and hip hop dominated fashion, culture, and radio stations. My mom was a typical nineteen-year-old sophomore in college, never seen without her Sony Walkman or CD player. She balanced the latest trending trends of the 90s with the music she grew up loving in the decades before—let’s take a closer look at some of the songs she had on repeat.  

“Killing Me Softly” — Fugees

A quintessential 90s classic. It’s a triumph in the world of R&B and hip-hop with its bass reggae drop, synth sitar sound, and lead vocals by Lauryn Hill. My mom definitely has taste. 

“Let Me Clear My Throat” — DJ Kool

Alright, party girl!  I imagine this is what she was moshing to at her college bars and clubs or shouting with her friends. The modern-day equivalent would be something like “Fein” by Travis Scott. 

“Wide Open Spaces” — The Chicks

The 90’s country girl group wrote this song about female empowerment and independence, encouraging women to take advantage of the limitless opportunities the world has to offer. This is the perfect song for any college girl struggling to find her way. 

“Man! I Feel Like a Woman” — Shania Twain

Yet another timeless college girl anthem that my mom loved. The song embraces femininity; it’s all about how fun being a girl in her early 20s is. 

“You Don’t Know How It Feels” — Tom Petty

My mom is a huge Petty fan, and I argue that he is underappreciated by today’s generation. The 90s rock scene would have been nothing without him. This rock anthem feels like driving a convertible car down a country road, and it successfully sums up the teenage angst we’ve all experienced. 

“Least Complicated” — Indigo Girls 

This folk-rock duo is one of the most underrated staple bands of the 90s. I had never heard of them before my mom introduced me to this song, but now I consider myself a fan. I would describe this song, and all of their music, as authentic storytelling that’s easy on the ears and effective on the heart. They remind me of an old-school version of BoyGenius. 

It’s safe to say my mom has immaculate taste. Like mother, like daughter, right? I find myself resonating with the lyrics and rhythms just like she did at my age. I recommend any current college girls add these songs to their playlists, as they are truly timeless and forever relatable. I’d also recommend this playlist for anyone obsessed with 90s culture because each song perfectly represents the themes of the decade.