The Forgotten Soundtrack of Your Life: 20 CD Singles That Still Hit Hard

There was a sweet, shining window of time—somewhere between cassettes and Napster—when the CD single reigned supreme. For a few bucks, you could march into Sam Goody, Camelot Music, or the local FYE and walk out clutching the one song that absolutely defined your mood that month, plus maybe a remix or instrumental version for good measure.

And while full albums might get all the critical acclaim, it was these singles that truly scored our coming-of-age years. Let’s spin back through 20 CD singles that still hit like they did when you were thirteen, over-plucking your eyebrows, and waiting for your turn on the family landline. When you’re done, maybe turn on Spotify and go back in time!

1. Britney Spears – “…Baby One More Time”
   The anthem that launched a pop empire—and probably at least one choreographed dance routine at every sleepover you attended. The CD single often came with a remix or an extended version that made you feel like you were at your own personal concert.
2. Backstreet Boys – “I Want It That Way”
   Because nothing says early 2000s emotional depth like harmonizing about vaguely defined relationship issues. This one demanded to be blasted at full volume while dramatically staring out your bedroom window.
3. Christina Aguilera – “Genie in a Bottle”
   The sultry, slightly scandalous cousin to Britney’s bubblegum pop. If you weren’t practicing the “rub me the right way” line with your friends (blushing the entire time), were you even there?
4. Mandy Moore – “Candy”
   A pop confection so sweet it practically gave you a cavity. You didn’t just listen to this—you skipped down the sidewalk while it played in your head.
5. NSYNC – “Bye Bye Bye”
   The breakup anthem that had absolutely nothing to do with your middle school “relationship,” but you lip-synced the heck out of it anyway. Bonus if your CD single included the dance remix.
6. Destiny’s Child – “Say My Name”
   Powerful. Dramatic. The perfect soundtrack for every note you passed in class asking, “Is he cheating on me?” (as if your sixth-grade boyfriend had that kind of energy).
7. TLC – “No Scrubs”
   Iconic. Essential. Played on repeat while swearing you would never settle for less—even if you were twelve and the only “scrub” you knew was the kid who kept cutting in line at the water fountain.
8. Jennifer Lopez – “If You Had My Love”
   J.Lo’s debut single had all the “I’m mysterious and mature” energy we could muster at the time. This was the song for journaling your deepest feelings and signing your name with a heart over the “i.”
9. Pink – “There You Go”
   Before Pink was writing empowerment anthems, she was giving us this sassy, cut-you-off breakup jam. This was for every time you imagined telling off your ex—even if your “ex” was the boy you slow-danced with once at the roller rink.
10. Brandy & Monica – “The Boy Is Mine”
    A vocal showdown so epic it made you want to duet with your bestie—even if neither of you could carry a tune. CD singles often had the remix version with extended intros, and yes, you needed both.
11. Aqua – “Barbie Girl”
    This one hit like a sugar rush and stayed in your head for weeks. Equal parts catchy and absurd, it was the CD single you blasted when you just wanted to feel chaotic and free.
12. Spice Girls – “Wannabe”
    Because friendship never goes out of style. The CD single might’ve included a karaoke version, which meant it was practically required at every sleepover.
13. Savage Garden – “Truly Madly Deeply”
    The soft, yearning ballad that made even the most innocent middle school crush feel so serious. You played this on loop while thinking about your “forever” love from third period math.
14. Sixpence None the Richer – “Kiss Me”
    The soundtrack to every slow-motion fantasy where your crush finally noticed you. Perfect for staring at the ceiling while daydreaming about that school dance.
15. O-Town – “Liquid Dreams”
    Borderline ridiculous, 100% memorable. Did we fully understand the lyrics? No. Did we sing it anyway? Absolutely.
16. Michelle Branch – “Everywhere”
    That jangly guitar intro? Instant feels. You couldn’t help but feel a little indie, a little angsty, a little wiser than your years.
17. Eiffel 65 – “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”
    Some songs defy explanation. This was one of them. You either loved it or loved it ironically. Either way, the CD single was a must-have.
18. 3LW – “No More (Baby I’ma Do Right)”
    Sassy girl group energy at its finest. You didn’t just listen—you performed it for your friends, complete with dramatic hand gestures.
19. JoJo – “Leave (Get Out)”
    A little post-’90s but still worthy of inclusion. JoJo had the kind of breakup anthem that made you feel powerful, even if you were too young to have had your heart broken (yet).
20. Sarah McLachlan – “Angel”
    Whether it was from the “City of Angels” soundtrack or those devastating ASPCA commercials, this song still hits you right there. Perfect for those moments when you just needed to feel all the feelings.