.png)
90 Songs You Loved If You Were A 90s Stoner
- Jennifer Gurton
- Mar 28
- 15 min read
The 1990s weren’t just a decade—they were a vibe. It was a time of oversized flannels, lava lamps, and the comforting sound of a lighter flickering to life.
For stoners, the music of the 90s was more than just background noise. It was a companion, a therapist, a spiritual guide, and sometimes, a cosmic rabbit hole. Whether you were zoning out in your bedroom or philosophizing on a rooftop, these tracks created the perfect haze.
Before we dig into the 90 essential tracks for every 90s stoner, let’s explore one of the most intriguing questions:
Why Does Music Sound Better When You're High?
When you're high, your brain becomes a playground for sensory perception. THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, interacts with your brain’s endocannabinoid system and heightens auditory processing. That means you hear more nuances—the flutter of a guitar string, the layered harmonies, the echo behind a vocal. Songs become immersive experiences, not just passive sounds.
Time slows down, attention to detail increases, and lyrics often take on deeper meaning. Add that to the already-experimental, genre-blending music of the 90s, and you've got the perfect storm for some serious audio bliss. So it’s no wonder that these 90 songs became the ultimate smoke session soundtrack.
Get comfy, light up, and let’s take a hazy journey back in time. Here are 90 songs you definitely loved if you were a 90s stoner:
"Smoke Two Joints" – Sublime
The unofficial stoner anthem of the 90s, this reggae-punk track blended chill rhythms with a cheeky message. Whether you actually smoked two joints or just liked the rebellious energy, it was the ultimate feel-good jam. Sublime's version is actually a cover of a song by The Toyes, but theirs became the most iconic.
"1979" – The Smashing Pumpkins
With dreamy guitar loops and melancholic lyrics, this track captured the teenage soul-searching that went perfectly with a haze of smoke. It was the soundtrack to suburban freedom. The music video was inspired by the directors' own teenage years and won an MTV Video Music Award in 1996.
"Let Me Ride" – Dr. Dre
This G-funk masterpiece was a top-down cruising song for the laid-back listener. Dre’s smooth production and Parliament-sampled groove made it endlessly replayable. The song samples Funkadelic's "Mothership Connection (Star Child)."
"No Rain" – Blind Melon
A psychedelic folk-pop gem that encouraged stoners to embrace their inner weirdness. The iconic bumblebee girl from the video became a symbol of 90s alt-kids. Lead singer Shannon Hoon was a friend of Axl Rose and even sang backup on Guns N' Roses’ "Don’t Cry."
"Loser" – Beck
A slacker anthem dripping in irony and absurdity, Beck gave the stoner crowd a funhouse mirror to reflect in. Weird, catchy, and weirdly catchy. Beck recorded "Loser" for just $300 in a friend's kitchen.
"Bittersweet Symphony" – The Verve
Epic and orchestral, this song made every walk feel cinematic—especially when high. The strings, paired with Richard Ashcroft’s philosophical lyrics, created pure stoner poetry. The song’s iconic sample from The Rolling Stones' "The Last Time" sparked one of the biggest copyright lawsuits in music history.
"Down in a Hole" – Alice in Chains
This introspective grunge track invites listeners into the deeper, darker corners of their minds. It is moody, slow-burning, and beautifully raw. Jerry Cantrell wrote the song about his longtime girlfriend, and it became one of the band’s most powerful ballads.
"High and Dry" – Radiohead
The kind of song you could get lost in, especially after a joint. Radiohead’s melancholy tone and layered production made it a staple for 90s introspection. Thom Yorke has said he wasn’t a fan of the track, even though it became one of their biggest hits.
"Tha Crossroads" – Bone Thugs-N-Harmony
A melodic tribute to fallen loved ones, this track combined spirituality, sorrow, and harmony in a way that hit deep when you were high. It won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997.
"Sober" – Tool
Heavy, intricate, and emotionally charged—Tool’s most iconic track was a mind-bender, ideal for stoners who liked to go deep and dark with their high. The song’s title is ironic, given its popularity among cannabis users and its exploration of addiction.
"Fade Into You" – Mazzy Star
Dreamy and haunting, this slow-burn alt-rock ballad was practically made for staring out the window with a head full of smoke. Hope Sandoval’s vocals felt like a lullaby. The band rarely gave interviews or made TV appearances, adding to their mysterious allure.
"Say It Ain’t So" – Weezer
A burst of emotion wrapped in crunchy guitars, this track hit both heart and head. Perfect for loud singalongs or deep introspection, depending on your buzz. The song was inspired by Rivers Cuomo’s fear of his parents’ divorce repeating in his own life.
"Scar Tissue" – Red Hot Chili Peppers
This mellow anthem fused melodic guitar licks with poetic lyrics about pain and healing—offering a peaceful kind of high. John Frusciante’s return to the band helped shape the melodic tone of the entire Californication album.
"Today" – The Smashing Pumpkins
Ironic in its upbeat delivery, this track was actually written about depression. Still, it became a cathartic release for many stoners navigating big feelings. The video features the band handing out ice cream from a van—a nod to innocence and youth.
"Creep" – Radiohead
For those stoner nights filled with self-doubt and deep thoughts, "Creep" provided the perfect, brooding soundtrack. The song was initially banned from BBC Radio 1 for being too depressing.
"Jane Says" – Jane’s Addiction
Laid-back yet emotional, this semi-acoustic track felt raw and real. Its simplicity and vulnerability struck a chord with stoners everywhere. "Jane" was a real person who lived in the same building as frontman Perry Farrell.
"Champagne Supernova" – Oasis
A surreal, slow-building anthem that made listeners feel like they were floating through space. It’s still unclear what a champagne supernova actually is—but who cares? It features guitar work from Paul Weller of The Jam.
"Teardrop" – Massive Attack
A trip-hop staple, this hypnotic track wrapped you in a cocoon of sound. Moody and mesmerizing, it was ideal for deep couch sessions. The vocals were sung by Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins and inspired by the death of Jeff Buckley.
"Santeria" – Sublime
This beachy track gave listeners chill reggae vibes with a dark narrative twist. Its bouncy rhythm belied its themes of jealousy and revenge. The song was released posthumously after Bradley Nowell’s death.
"Pepper" – Butthole Surfers
A weird, spoken-word anthem with a hypnotic beat, it was pure alt-rock chaos—and perfect for those moments when the high got a little weird. The band’s name was too controversial for many outlets, leading them to be censored or abbreviated frequently.
"Come As You Are" – Nirvana
One of Nirvana’s most hypnotic tracks, "Come As You Are," paired haunting guitar riffs with lyrics that played like a riddle. It was introspective and hazy—perfect for late-night smoke sessions and existential spirals. The guitar riff resembles Killing Joke’s "Eighties," sparking a small controversy.
"Karma Police" – Radiohead
Another trippy gem from Radiohead, "Karma Police," felt like a slow-burning spell. The distorted piano, cryptic lyrics, and escalating tension made it ideal for headphone highs. The song's video, featuring a man running from a burning car, became an iconic piece of 90s alt-visual storytelling.
"Doin’ Time" – Sublime
With its laid-back beat and jazzy groove, this track took George Gershwin’s classic and gave it a stoner-friendly twist. Perfect for lounging under the sun with a joint in hand. The song samples "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess and features one of Bradley Nowell’s smoothest vocal performances.
"Around the World" – Red Hot Chili Peppers
A sonic rollercoaster that mixes funk, rock, and psychedelic vibes, this track brings global wanderlust into your living room. Great for active highs. Flea’s slap bass performance in this song is considered one of his wildest on record.
"Midnight in a Perfect World" – DJ Shadow
Ambient, glitchy, and soulful, this track was a staple in every chill stoner’s rotation. The sample-heavy composition offered something new with every listen. DJ Shadow’s Endtroducing… was the first album ever made entirely from samples.
"Interstate Love Song" – Stone Temple Pilots
This smooth-driving rock tune hit the sweet spot between grunge and classic rock. It was made for road trips to nowhere. The lyrics reflect Scott Weiland’s struggles with addiction and the lies that come with it.
"Golden Eye" – Tina Turner
Yes, from a Bond movie—but the sultry groove and Turner's commanding vocals made it unexpectedly perfect for a smooth, late-night high. Bono and The Edge of U2 wrote the song specifically for Turner.
"Linger" – The Cranberries
Delicate and dreamy, this orchestral ballad hit hard in the heart. It was great for that emotional, wistful kind of high. Dolores O’Riordan once said the song was about her first serious kiss.
"Insane in the Brain" – Cypress Hill
Unapologetically stoner-friendly, this high-energy banger was all about chaos, rebellion, and weed. A party must-play. DJ Muggs used a sample from an old blues song to build the beat—then distorted it beyond recognition.
"Nuthin’ But a 'G' Thang" – Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg
Smooth, confident, and effortlessly cool, this song defined the G-funk sound. The beat alone could mellow out an entire room. Snoop Dogg recorded most of his verses on the spot—just freestyled in the studio.
"I Got 5 on It" – Luniz
This Bay Area anthem was more than just a weed song—it was a stoner anthem. The eerie beat, catchy hook, and communal theme made it a smoke session essential. The beat was later used in Jordan Peele’s horror film Us, reigniting its eerie legacy.
"Clint Eastwood" – Gorillaz
Though released at the tail end of the 90s, this track brought dub, hip-hop, and animated weirdness together in a way only stoners could fully appreciate. Del the Funky Homosapien voiced the rapping “ghost” version of the cartoon band’s member.
"Ready or Not" – Fugees
Smooth, sultry, and mysterious, this track’s hypnotic production and Lauryn Hill’s vocals hit hard—especially when you're deep in thought. Enya’s “Boadicea” haunting instrumental samples were used without initial permission.
"Black Hole Sun" – Soundgarden
A psychedelic grunge ballad soaked in surrealism, this song took listeners through a slow, mind-bending swirl of doom and beauty. The music video’s creepy suburban visuals became an MTV classic.
"November Rain" – Guns N’ Roses
This rock epic gave you nine minutes of emotional storytelling, shredding solos, and orchestral grandeur. Best paired with a long, slow toke. It’s one of the most expensive music videos ever made, costing over $1.5 million.
"I Wanna Get High" – Cypress Hill
A love letter to cannabis, pure and simple. With a mellow groove and floaty synths, it became the perfect pre-roll anthem. The song samples "Taxman" by Little Junior Parker.
"Sunshower" – Chris Cornell
Cornell’s solo work here took a softer, more atmospheric turn. This song is a meditative journey best experienced under a starry sky. It was featured on the Great Expectations movie soundtrack.
"One Love" – Nas
Written as a letter to a friend in prison, this track offered thoughtful reflection with a beat you could sway to for hours. The track was produced by Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.
"The Distance" – Cake
Dry wit, repetitive hooks, and John McCrea’s deadpan delivery made this perfect for stoners who loved a dose of irony with their buzz. The band’s use of trumpet and vibraslap helped shape their signature sound.
"Juicy" – The Notorious B.I.G.
A rags-to-riches anthem drenched in chill vibes, this track was a toast to dreams, hustle, and coming up—all of which sound better with a blunt. The beat samples Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit,” a staple in R&B and hip-hop production.
"Electric Relaxation" – A Tribe Called Quest
Smooth, jazzy, and effortlessly cool, this track invites you to slow down and sink into the beat. With mellow flows and a hypnotic loop, it was a stoner’s dream. The sample used in the song comes from Ronnie Foster’s “Mystic Brew.”
"Crash Into Me" – Dave Matthews Band
Sensual, melodic, and emotionally loaded, this track made stoners swoon and reflect. The dreamy acoustic textures created a euphoric, slow-motion effect. Despite its romantic feel, the lyrics are written from the perspective of a peeping Tom.
"Low" – Cracker
With a distorted groove and a chorus that begged to be screamed, this alt-rock staple delivered a satisfyingly gritty high. The band’s frontman, David Lowery, also led the group, Camper Van Beethoven.
"Bound for the Floor" – Local H
Grungy and angsty, this track became an anthem for the frustrated stoner. The gritty tone gave smokers a way to vent without moving. Local H is a duo—but they sound like a full band thanks to their unique guitar/bass setup.
"Bulls on Parade" – Rage Against the Machine
When the high made you feel revolutionary, Rage delivered the perfect soundtrack. This track’s raw energy and killer riffs could shake any session awake. Tom Morello uses his guitar toggle switch to simulate a DJ scratch sound.
"Laid" – James
Weird, whimsical, and full of sexual tension, this song was pure 90s quirk. The playful energy made it perfect for a giddy high. Despite its sexual lyrics, the song became a college anthem.
"If You Could Only See" – Tonic
This emotional ballad was a stoner favorite for heart-on-sleeve moments. Soaring vocals and passionate delivery paired beautifully with late-night smokes. It was written about the lead singer’s relationship with an older woman.
"SpottieOttieDopaliscious" – OutKast
Funky, poetic, and out-of-this-world, this track was the definition of a psychedelic trip. Spoken-word verses made it a stoner masterpiece. The horn section from this track has been sampled dozens of times in hip-hop.
"Found Out About You" – Gin Blossoms
Bittersweet and jangly, this track takes heartbreak and wraps it in a sunny, stoned haze—perfect for reflective mood swings. The band’s songwriter, Doug Hopkins, was fired before the album even dropped.
"You Get What You Give" – New Radicals
This anthem of youth rebellion felt empowering and euphoric—especially high. It was chaotic, catchy, and full of existential punch. The band broke up right after the album was released, making this a one-hit wonder with major impact.
"How’s It Going to Be" – Third Eye Blind
This song’s rolling acoustic intro and vulnerable vocals made it an emotional favorite. Perfect for that lonely blunt in your bedroom. Third Eye Blind’s debut album went 6x Platinum, fueled by hits like this one.
"Ready to Go" – Republica
An energetic pick-me-up for the extroverted high, this electro-rock track was the perfect rush before a party. The song appeared in multiple ads and movies, becoming a 90s staple.
"Jimi Thing" – Dave Matthews Band
With jazzy guitar runs and abstract lyrics about escape, this jam was made for long smoke sessions on the porch. The song frequently evolved in live sets, sometimes running over 10 minutes.
"Standing Outside a Broken Phone Booth With Money in My Hand" – Primitive Radio Gods
Equal parts trip-hop and alt-rock, this strange title hid a hypnotic groove that stoners couldn’t get enough of. The song samples B.B. King’s “How Blue Can You Get.”
"Sex and Candy" – Marcy Playground
Slow, sultry, and draped in weird metaphors, this track had a sleepy vibe that paired perfectly with a deep couch lock. The band’s frontman described it as a “weird little perv pop song.”
"Da Funk" – Daft Punk
Pure instrumental weirdness with a funky backbone, this track lets you sink into your high and just feel. The music video features a talking dog-man wandering New York.
"Killing Me Softly" – The Fugees
Lauryn Hill’s powerhouse vocals made this cover unforgettable. Soulful and soothing, it was ideal for candle-lit sessions. Roberta Flack, who originally made it famous, loved the Fugees’ version.
"All Mixed Up" – 311
Funky reggae-rock with a stoner-friendly message of disorientation and finding peace, this one got stuck in your head—in a good way. 311’s band name came from the police code for indecent exposure.
"Flagpole Sitta" – Harvey Danger
Sarcastic and neurotic, this alt-rock banger gave stoners a manic edge when they wanted to scream into the void. The song was written in just 20 minutes.
"Breathe" – The Prodigy
Explosive and chaotic, this electronic hit was made for intense highs and glowstick-heavy adventures. The track helped solidify The Prodigy’s crossover from underground rave to mainstream radio.
"Only Happy When It Rains" – Garbage
Dark and moody with a grunge-pop sheen, this song struck a perfect balance between angst and irony. For stoners who liked a little gloom with their groove. Lead singer Shirley Manson was almost turned down due to nerves at her audition.
"Blue (Da Ba Dee)" – Eiffel 65
This quirky Eurodance hit was pure auditory cotton candy—absurd, fun, and totally trippy. A high that felt like a cartoon. The lyrics are famously nonsensical despite years of fan theories.
"Steal My Sunshine" – Len
A summer stoner anthem, if there ever was one. This lo-fi, feel-good jam was like a rollerblade through a slushie brain. The song samples Andrea True Connection’s “More, More, More.”
"Virtual Insanity" – Jamiroquai
Funky futurism in full effect. This track’s smooth groove and socially aware lyrics were perfect for dancing in your room with your third eye wide open. The iconic video used a moving floor, not CGI, for its trippy visuals.
"Everlong" – Foo Fighters
Emotionally driven and euphoric, this track made stoners feel all the things—especially with headphones on full blast. Dave Grohl wrote the song during a romantic whirlwind and considers it one of the best he’s ever written.
"Groove Is in the Heart" – Deee-Lite
Psychedelic funk meets 90s house. This was the dance-party-in-your-mind kind of song stoners craved on a happy high. Bootsy Collins of Parliament-Funkadelic played bass on the track.
"My Hero" – Foo Fighters
An anthem of unsung champions and gritty resilience, this one had emotional weight and sonic lift. The song is rumored to be a tribute to Kurt Cobain, though Grohl has kept it open to interpretation.
"The Rockafeller Skank" – Fatboy Slim
High energy with a wild, repetitive beat—this was the musical equivalent of a sugar rush. Perfect for dancey highs. The main vocal sample is from a track by rapper Lord Finesse.
"Poison" – Bell Biv DeVoe
A smooth, funky jam with slick harmonies and that unforgettable hook. It made your head bop even on the heaviest indica. The song was written by Dr. Freeze, who also wrote hits for Michael Jackson.
"Because I Got High" – Afroman
It may have dropped in 2000, but it was born in the 90s spirit. An ode to cannabis chaos, this track was comedic gold. Afroman recorded it in one take with a friend on a $100 mic.
"What I Got" – Sublime
Feel-good vibes, beachy acoustic riffs, and lyrics about living easy—this was the stoner philosophy in song form. The track samples Half Pint’s reggae classic “Loving.”
"Semi-Charmed Life" – Third Eye Blind
Catchy as hell, with dark lyrics hiding behind a pop beat. A perfect song for the duality of light highs and heavy thoughts. It's about addiction, but radio edits cut out many of the explicit drug references.
"Let Forever Be" – The Chemical Brothers
This psychedelic dance track is swirled with Beatles-inspired textures and hypnotic drum loops. The music video alone could trip you out. The video was directed by Michel Gondry and is a cult favorite.
"Inside Out" – Eve 6
With its twisty lyrics and pounding tempo, this was a song to yell when the buzz got a little manic. It reached #1 on Modern Rock Tracks but was their only major hit.
"Push It" – Garbage
Loud, edgy, and driven by Shirley Manson’s haunting vocals, this one cut through the smoke and got your blood moving. It interpolates a line from the Beach Boys' “Don’t Worry Baby.”
"Set Adrift on Memory Bliss" – P.M. Dawn
This mellow, dreamy hip-hop ballad sampled Spandau Ballet and created a slow, surreal sonic daydream. The sample clearance was so expensive it nearly wiped out the band’s profits.
"Informer" – Snow
A bizarre Canadian reggae hit that somehow got stuck in everyone’s heads. Nobody knew what he was saying, but it didn’t matter. Snow is a white Canadian who learned Jamaican Patois in his multicultural Toronto neighborhood.
"Lump" – The Presidents of the United States of America
Silly, chaotic, and wonderfully nonsensical, this one was pure weird stoner fun. The band played minimalist guitars with just two or three strings.
"Jump Around" – House of Pain
Perfect for sudden bursts of chaotic energy, this party anthem got stoners moving—whether they wanted to or not. The beat samples Bob & Earl’s “Harlem Shuffle.”
"Closing Time" – Semisonic
Bittersweet and introspective, this track made you think about life changes and what came next. Perfect for reflective final hits. It’s not just about bars closing—it's about childbirth and new beginnings.
"Iris" – Goo Goo Dolls
Big emotions and bigger guitar builds. This was a song to cry to while feeling everything. It was written for the film City of Angels and helped revive the band's career.
"Freshmen" – The Verve Pipe
Emotional, raw, and reflective. This acoustic-driven ballad was tailor-made for high school stoners processing heartbreak. The band re-recorded the song three times before releasing the final hit version.
"Lovefool" – The Cardigans
Light, sugary, and deceptively dark. This pop track was oddly hypnotic and often stuck in your head. It was featured prominently in Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo + Juliet.
"6 Underground" – Sneaker Pimps
Mysterious and moody with trip-hop rhythms—this was a nighttime headphone favorite. Kelli Dayton was the featured vocalist but later left the band after this debut.
"Stupid Girl" – Garbage
Another Manson-led hit with a blend of punk and electronic angst. Perfect for when your high comes with attitude. The beat is based on a loop from The Clash’s “Train in Vain.”
"Too Much" – Dave Matthews Band
Funky and jam-packed with energy, this one was a live-show favorite. Stoners loved getting lost in the groove. The band’s hectic touring lifestyle inspired it.
"One Headlight" – The Wallflowers
Melancholy and poetic, this Grammy-winning track was a Sunday smoke session staple. Jakob Dylan, the lead singer, is Bob Dylan’s son.
"The Way" – Fastball
Based on a real-life elderly couple who disappeared, this song had a breezy tone but a deep, haunting story. The mystery inspired lead singer Tony Scalzo to write the song in just 20 minutes.
"In the Meantime" – Spacehog
Galactic glam rock with a fuzzed-out bassline and echoing vocals. Stoners felt like they were floating. The bassline was so good it’s been sampled by modern artists like Lil Uzi Vert.
"Let’s Get Lifted" – John Legend
While this technically dropped in the early 2000s, it had 90s soul energy written all over it. The title says it all. Kanye West co-produced this track, helping launch Legend’s career.
And there you have it—90 tracks that defined the smoky, soulful, strange, and beautiful world of the 90s stoner.
These songs weren’t just background noise; they were part of your atmosphere. Whether you were laughing uncontrollably, lost in a sea of deep thoughts, or just vibing out with friends, this soundtrack carried the weight and wonder of an entire generation of hazy hearts.
So, roll one up, press play, and revisit the decade when music had soul, edge, and just the right amount of weird. Here's to the nostalgia, the groove, and the high that never really left.
Comments