My 18 Most Popular French Songs 90s

Updated :
| By : Louise
Born in Cameroon and adopted at 1 year in France. I spent all my childhood in Alsace before studying in Paris. I like to defend my beautiful country with its strengths and weaknesses. Find me on Linkedin and CV.

Bonjour bonjour ,

Oh my 90s !!! I miss you ! 😀

Glitter, disco balls, parties in nightclubs (Covid didn’t exist…yet) !?

And the most populars French songs in 90s…my personal and subjective selection.

Please complete in comments with yours best songs from 90s (French or other…) !

Louise (with glitter).

Listen Also : 23 Best French Songs 80s (My Personal Selection!)

18 Most Popular French Songs 2000s (Official Source from SNEP)

The ranking is from the French SNEP : Syndicat National de l’Edition Phonographique (France).

The SNEP is an interprofessional association that has been defending the interests of recorded music in France since 1922.

I manually selected the 3 best singles each year from 1994 to 2009 according to the SNEP :

1. 7 Seconds (N’Dour, Youssou & Cherry, Neneh)

  • Released: 1994
  • Label: SQUATT
  • Theme: A powerful duet that addresses themes of racial tolerance and unity, highlighting the importance of understanding and acceptance.
  • Style : World Music / Pop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

2. Je Danse le Mia (I AM)

  • Released: 1994
  • Label: DELABEL
  • Theme: A nostalgic ode to the 1980s nightlife in Marseille, featuring references to popular culture and the dance known as “Le Mia”.
  • Style : Hip-Hop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

3. I Like to Move (Reel 2 Real & Stuntman, Mad)

  • Released: 1994
  • Label: HAPPY MUSIC
  • Theme: A catchy dance anthem that became popular for its infectious rhythm and energetic vocals, making people want to get up and move.
  • Style : Dance / Electronic
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

4. Pour Que Tu M’aimes Encore (Dion, Celine)

  • Released: 1995
  • Label: COLUMBIA
  • Theme: A heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a woman pleading for her lover’s affection, despite the challenges and obstacles they face.
  • Style : Pop / Chanson
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

5. Zombie (Cranberries, The)

  • Released: 1995
  • Label: ISLAND
  • Theme: A protest song that addresses the violence and turmoil in Northern Ireland, with powerful lyrics and an unforgettable melody.
  • Style : Alternative Rock
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

6. Scatman (Scatman, John)

  • Released: 1995
  • Label: NN’B
  • Theme: An uplifting and catchy song that combines scat singing and dance beats, promoting self-acceptance and breaking down barriers between people.
  • Style : Dance / Pop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

7. Macarena (Los Del Rio)

  • Released: 1996
  • Label: ARIOLA
  • Theme: A globally popular dance track that features a catchy chorus and easy-to-follow dance moves, quickly becoming a party staple.
  • Style : Dance / Pop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

8. Tic, Tic, Tac (Carrapicho)

  • Released: 1996
  • Label: RCA
  • Theme: A lively and infectious dance tune inspired by Brazilian rhythms and culture, featuring catchy hooks and playful lyrics.
  • Style : Latin / Dance
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

9. Freed from Desire (Gala)

  • Label: SCORPIO
  • Released: 1996
  • Theme: A classic dance anthem with a memorable chorus that promotes the idea of living life without materialistic desires and enjoying the present moment.
  • Style : Dance / Electronic
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

10. Something About… – Candle in the Wind (Elton John)

  • Released: 1997
  • Label: MERCURY
  • Theme: A heartfelt and poignant tribute to the late Princess Diana, this ballad features Elton John’s signature piano melodies and touching lyrics.
  • Style : Pop / Soft Rock
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

11. Maria (Un, Dos, Tres) (Ricky Martin)

  • Released: 1997
  • Label: LTC TRISTAR
  • Theme: A vibrant and energetic Latin pop song with catchy hooks and rhythms, celebrating the allure and passion of the titular character, Maria.
  • Style : Latin / Pop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

12. Alane (Wes)

  • Released: 1997
  • Label: SAINT GEORGE
  • Theme: A unique blend of African rhythms and electronic dance music, with lyrics sung in the Duala language, telling the story of a passionate love affair.
  • Style : World Music / Dance
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

13. Belle (Lavoie Daniel & Garou & Fiori)

  • Released: 1998
  • Label: POMME
  • Theme: A captivating ballad from the musical Notre-Dame de Paris, with powerful vocal performances that convey the emotions and conflicts of the story’s characters.
  • Style : Chanson / Musical Theatre
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

14. La Tribu de Dana (Manau)

  • Released: 1998
  • Label: POLYDOR
  • Theme: A narrative-driven song that combines traditional Celtic music with modern hip-hop, telling the story of a warrior from the ancient tribe of Dana.
  • Style : Hip-Hop / Celtic
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

15. My Heart Will Go On (Dion Celine)

  • Released: 1998
  • Label: COLUMBIA
  • Theme: The iconic theme song from the movie Titanic, with powerful vocals and emotive lyrics that capture the enduring love story at the heart of the film.
  • Style : Pop / Ballad
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

16. Mambo No. 5 (Bega Lou)

  • Released: 1999
  • Label: VOGUE
  • Theme: A catchy and lively dance song that combines Latin rhythms with big band jazz, featuring a playful and flirtatious narrative.
  • Style : Latin / Dance / Pop
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

17. Tu M’oublieras (Larusso)

  • Released: 1999
  • Label: ODEON
  • Theme: A heartfelt pop ballad about the pain and struggle of letting go of a past love, with emotive lyrics and a memorable melody.
  • Style : Pop / Ballad
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s

18. Au Nom de la Rose (Moos)

  • Released: 1999
  • Label: MERCURY
  • Theme: A poetic and atmospheric pop song that explores themes of love and desire through the metaphor of a rose, featuring a captivating melody and evocative lyrics.
  • Style : Pop / Chanson
  • Youtube :
French Song 90s


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2 thoughts on “My 18 Most Popular French Songs 90s”

  1. Hi there.
    I have been searching for particular music video for years on You Tube without luck. The reason I am so interested is because this particular video was shot on location at an adventure park in Auckland, New Zealand, and I provided some assistance in operating the roller coaster for them while filming and I may have been on the video (as the videographer/director told me afterwards that I would be famous in the French speaking world. 🙂 )

    All I can tell you is that the singer was a French female solo artist and apparently popular in the French speaking world. The video was shot late 80s early 90s at the adventure park and included footage on the rollercoaster.

    If you can recall anything of a song that might fit this descriptions I’d be very interested to know about it.

    • Hi Graeme,
      Thank you to share your incredible story ! 🙂
      Unfortunately I have no idea which song or artist you talk about.
      But I will discuss about it with French friends and family if they have an idea…
      I will tell you if I found it !
      See you soon,
      Louise from FW

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