This American Songwriter article revisits three rock songs released in 1998 that remain fondly remembered by listeners who grew up in the 1990s. It highlights how these tracks, from prominent alternative and pop-rock acts of the era, achieved lasting popularity and remain widely recognisable today, decades after their original release.

The three songs featured are "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls, written for the film City of Angels and the band's first number-one single; "Jumper" by Third Eye Blind, a multi-platinum hit inspired by a real-life suicide and intended to promote compassion; and "Real World" by Matchbox 20, a top-five single from the band's debut album Yourself or Someone Like You. Each song is presented with background on its writing, chart performance and lyrical themes.