Billboard Hot 100 Top #1 Singles of 1996 – RANKED

Every year, songs shoot to the top of the charts, either for just one week, or for multiple weeks in a row. In a series of posts, we’re going to rank Billboard’s “The Hot 100” number one singles for each year of the 1980s and 1990s. Today, we’re looking at the year 1996.

Interestingly, “Don’t Speak” by No Doubt likely would have been on this list, however it was not allowed to be included in the Billboard Hot 100 as it was never released as a commercial single on its own in the US, which was required at the time. It would probably be very high on our ranking if we were able to include it!

Note: “One Sweet Day” by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men started the year at number one, but it had previously also reached number one in 1995, and as is our rule, we will not include it here, since it was already included in our list for 1995.

As always, these lists are subjective, we’re not claiming to be the definitive ranking here. We’re not that important, but you are, so we hope seeing the below songs conjures up a friendly memory or two.

But first, to get you in the mood for the year 1996…

The Nintendo 64 was first released. The version in North America came out with Pilotwings 64 and Super Mario 64.
Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, was born on July 5th.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially divorced in August after years of being separated.
Oprah Winfrey started her famous book club in September 1996 — her first book chosen was The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard.
JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in her home on Christmas Day — her murder still remains unsolved.

The Nintendo 64 was first released. The version in North America came out with Pilotwings 64 and Super Mario 64.
Dolly the sheep, the first mammal cloned from an adult somatic cell, was born on July 5th.
Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially divorced in August after years of being separated.
Oprah Winfrey started her famous book club in September 1996 — her first book chosen was The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard.
JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered in her home on Christmas Day — her murder still remains unsolved.

10. Toni Braxton - Let It Flow

This song was part of a double-A side single with “You’re Makin’ Me High,” which is higher on this list. This is a fairly standard ballad.

9. 2Pac ft. K-Ci & Jojo - How Do U Want It

Sadly, this was 2Pac’s final single to be released in his lifetime, and was included on a double A-side single with “California Love.”

8. Los Del Rio - Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)

Was there ever a song that more represents 1996? Everyone was dancing the Macarena, even your school principal at the junior high dance.

7. Toni Braxton - You're Makin' Me High

The first single of Toni Braxton’s to make the charts, and the lead single off her second studio album, Secrets. It earned her a Grammy.

6. Celine Dion - Because You Loved Me

Written for the soundtrack for Up Close and Personal, this song was nominated for numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Original Song.

5. Toni Braxton - Un-Break My Heart

Written by Diane Warren (as was the Celine Dion song above!), this is arguably Toni Braxton’s most famous song, and for good reason.

4. Blackstreet ft. Dr. Dre - No Diggity

Unless you’re a big fan, this is the only song you know by Blackstreet — it won the group a Grammy, after all, and still holds up today.

3. Mariah Carey - Always Be My Baby

When you search for Mariah Carey on the major music streamers, this is one of the top songs that comes up, which is saying something with her many hit singles.