Cover Songs of decades past: cue the pop icons and late-night music marathons, because nothing says nostalgia like MTV (Photo: MTV)
Songs of decades past: cue the pop icons and late-night music marathons, because nothing says nostalgia like MTV (Photo: MTV)
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Get into the Neon Hours mood with the Tatler team’s ultimate pre-game playlist—our go-to songs for getting ready before the big night. From punk-rock anthems to smooth R&B classics, these tracks bring back all the electric energy of the ’90s and early 2000s
There was something undeniably special in the air of the music in the ’90s and early 2000s. From heart-clutching love songs to punk rock ballads, R&B grooves to dance to, and tunes that soothed every teenage heartbreak, these tracks defined a time for so many of us. Whether you were blasting them from the radio, burning CDs, or memorising every lyric from MTV, it was certainly an era to remember.
For many, they aren’t just songs; they’re memories. And the Tatler team is no exception. Here are some tracks specially curated by the team as they rewind to the hits that shaped their youth (and still get the mood going to this day).
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Destiny’s Child – Jumpin’, Jumpin’
Above The song to get everyone out the door and into party mode
I may not have been alive then but I'm a big fan of the music!
Although I wasn’t born in the 90s, my parents knew their way around their music, and my mum in particular had an affinity for the classics—we're talking Destiny’s Child, Mary J Blidge, Mariah Carey... you get the vibe. Whenever their songs came on the radio, mum would not get out of the car until it was over. To this day, if some 90s R&B comes on, I know I’m about to have a great time. Ladies, leave your man at home!
Keandra H'ng, writer, Tatler Dining Malaysia
Madonna – Vogue
Above The song to serve looks to while perfecting your mirror poses
I practically Vogue (by Madonna) my way through uni. It was my anthem during the good times and especially the bad times. How could you resist lyrics like these:
“Ladies with an attitude,
Fellas that were in the mood,
Don’t just stand there, let's get to it,
Strike a pose, there’s nothing to it”
Brian Cheong, senior editor, Watches & Jewellery, Tatler Malaysia
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Green Day – Boulevard of Broken Dreams
Above The song to dramatically eyeliner-up to while reminiscing about your emo phase
My pick is Green Day’s Boulevard of Broken Dreams; I went through a phase in school when I really wanted to join a band and tried to pick up bass guitar and one of the first songs I “learned” was this one. Needless to say it didn’t particularly work out, which is a blessing to everyone’s ears.
Katelyn Tan, editor, Tatler Dining Malaysia & Indonesia
Jennifer Lopez – Waiting for Tonight
Above The song to countdown your glam transformation to
Picking just one pre-game track from the ‘90s was tough! But if music is a time machine, this song takes me straight back to 1999; when colours felt brighter, hope and creativity seemed boundless, and the airwaves were filled with bangers that became cultural cornerstones. It was a time of racing to the TV for music videos on MTV and waiting by the radio to record favourites on cassette, static and all.
It brings back that sense of innocence, even as we stood on the edge of the Y2K scare and an era of dizzying technological change. Funny how life comes full circle and we’re looping back again. Here’s hoping the Neon Hours party becomes a little slice of that time machine for everyone joining us!
Kiran Pillay, deputy print editor, Tatler Malaysia
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Jamiroquai – Canned Heat
Above The song to freestyle your getting-ready dance moves to
Napoleon Dynamite may have come later, but that infamous dance scene sums up everything I love about this ‘90s track: pure euphoria, rhythm and the irresistible urge to move.
Jennifer Choo, regional managing editor, Tatler Homes
Kylie Minogue – Can’t Get You Out of My Head
Above The song to slip into something sleek and feel instantly iconic to
As soon as you hear the distant techno-pop intro of La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la through the speakers, you know you and your girls are about to have a good time. I had absolutely no business singing this in the shower as a pre-pubescent teen, yet it somehow transports me back to simpler times long before the bills, bank loans and boring numbers.
One thing remained true throughout the years: Kylie Minogue is, and always will be, That Girl! This track is definitely one I can’t get out of my head.
Quinny Tan, social media manager, Tatler Malaysia
Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
Above The song to relive your Y2K movie-montage fantasies to
Even though I wasn’t born in the ‘90s, a lot of the songs from that era just hit differently, and Iris is just no exception. One of my favourites to listen to while glamming up to do my makeup, or even as a pre-jam shower, Iris carries just the right amount of raw and heartfelt emotion to accompany fond memories. Bonus: it’s also the perfect track to chill out while lying on the floor after a long day!
Clarisse Sonia, editorial intern, Tatler Malaysia
TLC – No Scrubs
Above The song to hype yourself up and set your standards high to
Growing up with R&B, and honestly, I was born in the wrong generation. This song hits every time! The beat, the vibes, the sass. Plus, it lowkey reminds you not to waste time on people who don’t bring anything to the table. Total jam energy.
Aliya Qarina, editorial Intern, Tatler Malaysia
Justin Timberlake – SexyBack
Above The song to do that final spritz of fragrance and feel unstoppable to
I think I was around THREE when this banger dropped so I was late on the bandwagon but what I can say is that Mr Timberlake created something timeless, I think even even the future generations will agree.
Antonia McDonald, editorial intern, Tatler Malaysia
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