The year 1994 was a memorable one for me. I got married that year, finished up my advanced degree in college, and the music world was cranking out hit after hit of great alt rock.

I can’t believe I’m coming up on my 30th wedding anniversary as a parent of a teenager and a 21-year-old. However, I don’t feel any older, and that’s probably because the music of the late 80s and 90s is still epic.

For those of you wanting proof why us Gen Xers are still cool, here are five songs turning 30 this year that still sound just as fresh as they did three decades ago:

“Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden

Released in the spring of ’94, Soundgarden was already four albums in, but this one got them some well deserved attention. Incredibly disturbing video, but one of the coolest rock song from the era.

“Buddy Holly” by Weezer

I don’t care what anyone says, Weezer is still excellent, and this hit and its video embodied everything Gen X loved. Quirky, hip nerds, catchy sounds and and shout out the “Happy Days.” They are still at it today!

“Come Out and Play” by The Offspring

I played the heck of the CD Smash by The Offspring, that was packed with head-banding indie punk rock. “Come Out and Play” is still one you gotta crank for it’s distinct lead guitar riff to scream-along lyrics.

“Backwater” by Meat Puppets

Now, Meat Puppets had been around a good long while by the time this hit came out, and already had a big following from the 80s punkers, but “Backwater” was just such a great tune they couldn’t remain in the background forever. They never had one match this popularity since, but this song is a hard act to follow.

“Zombie” by The Cranberries

I liked The Cranberries okay, but was never into the girl groups…that was until I heard Dolores O’Riordan belt out this protest song with her incredible voice. She may not be around anymore, but this song is still as cool as it was in 1994. We miss you, Dolores!

There are so many more cool hits from ’94, and I might subject all you fellow music lovers to more later this year.

But you gotta admit, just this little sampling is rockin’ start to a new year!