Spice Girls, Hanson, and Heartbreak: 1997’s Songs That Still Hit Hard

1997 was a year of bangers, classics, and iconic jams that still get us vibing today. From the birth of boy bands to unforgettable rock anthems, the music scene of ’97 was lit. Let’s dive into the tracks that defined the year and left a lasting impact on pop culture.

Rewind your mental mixtape to 1997. Spice Girls ruled the world, Titanic was making waves (literally and figuratively), and Harry Potter was casting its first spell on readers. It was a year where music was as diverse as our Pokemon card collections. Whether you were jamming in your room with a Walkman or dancing at your local roller rink, these songs were the soundtrack of our lives. So, grab your frosted tips and butterfly clips—it’s time to revisit the most influential songs of 1997.

• 1997’s music was a melting pot of genres and groundbreaking hits.
• These tracks not only topped charts but also left a lasting imprint on pop culture.
• From boy bands to solo divas, the year’s music scene had something for everyone.

“Wannabe” by Spice Girls

Let’s kick things off with a song that needs no introduction—“Wannabe”. The Spice Girls burst onto the scene with this infectious anthem, and suddenly, everyone was shouting, “Tell me what you want, what you really, really want!” This song wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced us to the concept of “girl power”.

Personal anecdote time: I remember trying to perfect the dance moves with my friends at every sleepover. Spoiler alert: I still can’t nail the zig-a-zig-ah. But hey, it was all about the fun and camaraderie, right?

• Released: July 1996 (hit peak popularity in 1997)
• Chart performance: No. 1 in 37 countries
• Sales: Over 7 million copies worldwide
• Impact: Launched the Spice Girls into global superstardom

“Mbube” by The Tokens (Covered as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”)

Hold up, you might be thinking, “Isn’t this song from way before 1997?” You’re right, but its influence in ’97 was undeniable, thanks to Disney’s The Lion King franchise. The timeless tune of “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” received a resurgence in popularity with the movie’s success and subsequent stage adaptation. The catchy melody found its way into our hearts and stayed there.

Confession: I still randomly break into the “Wimoweh” chorus during awkward silences. It’s a great icebreaker, trust me.

• Originally released: 1961 (The Tokens)
• Featured in: The Lion King (1994), stage adaptation (1997)
• Impact: Revived interest in the original and its many covers
• Cultural footprint: Became synonymous with The Lion King

“MMMBop” by Hanson

Time to talk about the song that made us all go, “What on earth does ‘MMMBop’ mean?” Hanson’s breakout hit was the epitome of ’90s bubblegum pop. These three brothers from Oklahoma had us all singing along to their nonsensical but insanely catchy lyrics.

Fun fact: “MMMBop” was actually about the fleeting nature of relationships. Who knew? I was too busy trying to figure out how to pronounce it. This song was everywhere—school dances, birthday parties, you name it. It was impossible to escape the Hanson mania.

• Released: April 1997
• Chart performance: No. 1 in 27 countries
• Sales: Over 700,000 copies in the U.S. alone
• Legacy: Cemented Hanson as ’90s pop icons

“Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia

Ah, “Torn”. The song that made us all feel deep, existential heartbreak—even if we were too young to fully understand it. Natalie Imbruglia’s cover of this Ednaswap song became an instant classic. With her emotive voice and relatable lyrics, “Torn” became the anthem for anyone nursing a broken heart in ’97.

True story: I used to belt out this song in my room, pretending I was in a dramatic music video. Admit it, you did too. “Torn” wasn’t just a song; it was a cathartic experience. It made us feel seen and heard, even if our biggest heartbreak was losing our Tamagotchi.

• Released: October 1997
• Chart performance: Top 10 in over 20 countries
• Sales: Over 1 million copies in the UK
• Awards: Nominated for a Grammy in 1999

“I’ll Be Missing You” by Puff Daddy feat. Faith Evans & 112

Last but not least, we have a song that hit us right in the feels. “I’ll Be Missing You” was a tribute to the late Notorious B.I.G., and it resonated with anyone who has ever lost someone. Puff Daddy (now known as Diddy) teamed up with Faith Evans and 112 to create this heartfelt homage, sampling The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”.

Real talk: This song was everywhere. It played at graduations, memorials, and even on the radio during long car rides. It was a poignant reminder of loss, but also of the enduring power of music to heal. Plus, it showed the world that Puff Daddy was more than just a hype man—he had depth.

• Released: May 1997
• Chart performance: No. 1 in over 15 countries
• Sales: Over 3 million copies worldwide
• Grammy Awards: Won Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1998

So, there you have it—five tracks from 1997 that still resonate with us today. Whether they made us dance, cry, or just belt out lyrics in the shower, these songs left a lasting legacy. Which track from ’97 is your all-time fave? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep this nostalgic trip going!

References

1. Billboard
2. Grammy Awards
3. Music, Substance Use, and Aggression – PMC
4. China’s New Voices. Popular Music, Ethnicity, Gender and Politics …
5. History of Music Therapy | American Music Therapy Association …