5 Sounds You Totally Forgot About from the ’90s

Remember way back, when you had to carry your camera and your (flip) phone in separate hands? As in they didn’t co-exist as one pocket perfect accessory. Luckily, every camera on the market came with a band and doubled as an old school wristlet. Those born post-2000 will never know the sound of a flashing camera or a hangry photographer calling out “say cheese.” Forget the selfies and filters; wind up the disposable camera and click. Next, wait for the photos to develop.

Before artists were known for dropping 7-song summer packs and 25-song playlists, the boy bands and pop stars of the time released CDs (in-store). The best part: every CD came with a printed copy of full song lyrics. Consisting of side A and side B, the flip noted a change in track. Listen to one of the circular gems on repeat and the sound of scratching became just as common as the sound of flipping.

With a handy little contact list at their fingertips, some Gen Zers probably don’t even recall what it sounds like to dial a number. Never mind, dial up. More like bad music to the ears, the 30-second sequence established an Internet connection, daily MSN time and after-school online gossip. Kids these days will never be able to truly appreciate the power of Wi-Fi.

While the snap bracelet, the slinky and the Tamagotchi all have a special place in the hearts of Millennials (and a recognizable ring), Bop It was the noisiest toy of them all. The classic style was funky in shape, bright in color and loud in bops + beats. Holding the toy, players were instructed to bop it, twist it or pull it from one end to the other (in no particular order). As time passed, the voice picked up the pace and the source of entertainment sounded off declaring the player a winner or a loser. Without a doubt, win or lose, hours on hours well spent.

Ok, ok. These fads are back in action. But, the sound, the snap, the swagger, it’s just not the same. Fast forward to present day: the zip of a fanny pack is connected to summer festivals and the snap of a pair of tear away pants is coupled with fashion runways. Bringing it back to the beginning (and the basics), the throwback items were more school style than street style. The ‘90s kid knows best.