Before iPod, before Netscape, and before wi-fi, there was the early '90s.

Coming off one of the most lampooned eras in pop history (the very late 1980s is known as a black hole), grunge was just beginning to sprout along with a more palatable alternative sound. Meanwhile, old-time and standard acts released new material. This early '90s playlist captures some of the highlights and performed beautifully in today's test drive at the gym:

1) "Life Is a Highway" (Tom Cochrane)
2) "Shiny Happy People" (R.E.M.)
3) "Come Undone" (Duran Duran)
4) "Rain King" (Counting Crows)
5) "Across the River" (Bruce Hornsby and the Range)
6) "Alive" (Pearl Jam)
7) "When I Come Around" (Green Day)
8) "Lift Me Up" (Howard Jones)
9) "Do You Believe In Us?" (Jon Secada)
10) "All This Time" (Sting)
11) "All I Want" (Toad the Wet Sprocket)