12 Songs That Totally Fool You Into Thinking They’re ’90s
Ever heard a song on the radio and sworn it came straight out of the ’90s, only to discover it dropped way later? You’re not alone!
Some modern tracks nail that nostalgic vibe so perfectly they fool even the biggest ’90s music fans. Synth-pop throwbacks and funky R&B grooves in these tunes prove the spirit of the ’90s is alive and kicking in today’s music scene.
1. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd
Released in 2019, this banger sounds like it time-traveled from another decade. The Weeknd crafted a synth-heavy masterpiece that channels pure ’80s energy, but its mainstream explosion fooled millions into thinking it belonged to the ’90s.
With pulsing beats and retro keyboards, the track became a global phenomenon. Radio stations played it nonstop, and its infectious rhythm had everyone dancing like it was 1999.
Though technically an ’80s homage, its massive popularity in recent years blurred the lines completely.
2. Don’t Start Now by Dua Lipa
How does a 2019 release sound so gloriously ’90s? Dua Lipa tapped into disco-funk magic with this absolute bop.
The bassline grooves like a Saturday night dance floor classic, while the shimmering production screams late-’90s pop perfection.
Listen closely and you’ll hear echoes of artists who dominated the decade. The infectious energy and empowerment anthem vibes match the girl-power era flawlessly.
Many fans genuinely believed this was a forgotten ’90s gem when they first heard it spinning at parties.
3. Juice by Lizzo
If confidence had a soundtrack, this would be it! Lizzo dropped this funk-infused anthem in 2019, but it feels ripped straight from a ’90s R&B playlist.
The horn section, the swagger, the unapologetic attitude—everything screams throwback perfection.
This track celebrates self-love with the same energy that made ’90s hip-hop and R&B so iconic. The production blends old-school funk with modern polish, creating something timelessly groovy.
First-time listeners often do a double-take when they learn it’s not actually a ’90s classic.
4. Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles
Summer vibes never sounded so sweetly deceptive! Harry Styles released this sunny jam in 2020, yet it radiates pure ’90s pop-rock energy.
The guitar riffs and breezy melody could easily soundtrack a classic teen movie from that era.
Its retro production tricks your brain into nostalgia mode instantly. The carefree lyrics and upbeat tempo mirror the optimistic pop songs that ruled ’90s radio.
Though modern in release, the song’s DNA is firmly rooted in decades past, making it a perfect time-travel track.
5. 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars is basically a time machine in human form! This 2016 track oozes late ’80s and early ’90s funk so authentically that you’d swear it’s a remastered classic.
The slick production and smooth vocals transport listeners straight to a retro dance party.
From the opening beat to the final note, everything feels vintage. The funky bassline and shimmering synths perfectly recreate the New Jack Swing era.
Many radio listeners genuinely questioned whether this was a new song or a forgotten gem from their childhood.
6. Levitating by Dua Lipa
Another Dua Lipa track that plays tricks on your memory! Released in 2020, this disco-pop explosion sounds like it belongs in a ’90s roller rink.
The bouncy bassline and sparkling synths create pure nostalgic magic that’s impossible to resist.
The song’s production borrows heavily from dance-pop’s golden age. Its infectious energy and feel-good vibes match the optimistic spirit that defined ’90s pop music.
When the beat drops, your brain automatically files it under “classics from way back,” even though it’s brand new.
7. Uptown Funk by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Though it dropped in 2014, this funk masterpiece channels serious ’90s swagger. The horn section alone could fool any music historian!
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars crafted something so authentically retro that it feels like archaeological gold.
Every element screams throwback perfection, from the breakbeat drums to the call-and-response vocals. The track became a global phenomenon precisely because it tapped into collective nostalgia.
Radio DJs reported countless calls from listeners asking what year this “old song” was originally released.
8. Physical by Dua Lipa
Yes, another Dua Lipa entry—because she’s basically the queen of retro vibes! This 2020 release pumps pure ’80s aerobics energy, but its mainstream success in the 2020s confuses the timeline.
The pulsing synths and driving beat scream vintage workout video.
The production deliberately mimics the sound that bridged the ’80s into the ’90s. Its high-energy tempo and empowerment message mirror the pop anthems that dominated early ’90s radio.
First-time listeners often assume it’s a reboot of an older classic rather than an original composition.
9. Treasure by Bruno Mars
Before “24K Magic,” Bruno gave us this 2012 disco-funk treasure (pun absolutely intended!). The falsetto vocals and groovy bassline sound plucked directly from a ’90s R&B time capsule.
Everything about it feels comfortably familiar, like rediscovering your favorite old CD.
The production style mimics the smooth sophistication of ’90s soul artists. Its feel-good energy and danceable rhythm make it indistinguishable from actual ’90s hits.
Many younger listeners discovered it years after release and swore they remembered hearing it in their childhood.
10. Good 4 U by Olivia Rodrigo
This 2021 pop-punk explosion sounds like it escaped from a ’90s teen angst playlist! Olivia Rodrigo channels Alanis Morissette energy with raw emotion and crunchy guitars.
The aggressive drums and angsty lyrics perfectly capture the alternative rock spirit that defined the decade.
Though she’s a Gen Z artist, the song’s DNA is pure ’90s. The production deliberately references pop-punk and alternative rock from that era.
Many listeners initially thought it was a cover of an older song rather than an original track from a teenager born in 2003.
11. Say So by Doja Cat
Doja Cat brought disco back in 2020 with this groovy masterpiece! The funky bassline and retro production create a sound that feels wonderfully vintage.
The track’s smooth flow and danceable beat mirror the R&B-pop fusion that dominated late ’90s radio stations.
The song became a viral sensation partly because of its nostalgic appeal. Its throwback sound combined with modern lyrics created something timelessly catchy.
When it started trending, many people genuinely questioned whether they’d heard it before in some forgotten ’90s movie soundtrack.
12. Midnight Sky by Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus went full rock-star mode in 2020 with this synth-rock anthem! The track channels serious ’80s-into-’90s energy with its powerful vocals and driving beat.
The production deliberately references the era when rock and pop collided on mainstream radio.
Her raspy delivery and the song’s rebellious attitude echo ’90s female rock icons. The synth textures and guitar riffs create a sonic landscape that feels deliciously retro.
Many fans initially assumed it sampled an older song because the vibe felt so authentically vintage and familiar.
