The Resurgence of R&B
The 1990s saw a resurgence of Rhythm and Blues (R&B) music, with a new wave of artists emerging and pushing the genre to new heights. This decade was marked by a blend of traditional R&B sounds, incorporating elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop, creating a unique and innovative style. The 90s R&B scene was characterized by its soulful, introspective lyrics, catchy melodies, and genre-bending production.
The Top 100 Songs of the 90s R&B Era
From the smooth, velvety vocals of Brian McKnight to the energetic, danceable beats of TLC, the 90s R&B scene was filled with talented artists and memorable songs. Here are the top 100 songs that define the era:
1. TLC – “Waterfalls” (1995)
2. Boyz II Men – “End of the Road” (1992)
3. Mariah Carey – “Dreamlover” (1993)
4. Whitney Houston – “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
5. Brian McKnight – “Anytime” (1997)
6. Usher – “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997)
7. D’Angelo – “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” (1995)
8. Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
9. En Vogue – “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” (1992)
10. Keith Sweat – “I’ll Give All My Love to You” (1992)
11. Janet Jackson – “That’s the Way Love Goes” (1993)
12. R. Kelly – “I Believe I Can Fly” (1996)
13. Monica – “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)” (1995)
14. SWV – “Weak” (1993)
15. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “If I Had No Loot” (1993)
16. Shai – “If I Ever Fall in Love” (1992)
17. Shanice – “I Love Your Smile” (1991)
18. Color Me Badd – “I Adore Mi Amor” (1991)
19. Aaliyah – “Are You That Somebody?” (1998)
20. Brandy – “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
21. Usher – “Nice & Slow” (1997)
22. Lauryn Hill – “Ex-Factor” (1998)
23. Brian McKnight – “Love of My Life” (1997)
24. Whitney Houston – “I’m Every Woman” (1992)
25. En Vogue – “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” (1992)
26. R. Kelly – “I’m Your Angel” (1998)
27. Toni Braxton – “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)
28. TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999)
29. 702 – “Where My Girls At?” (1996)
30. Ginuwine – “Pony” (1996)
31. Shanice – “Silent Scream” (1992)
32. Keith Sweat – “Make It Last Forever” (1996)
33. Boyz II Men – “I’ll Make Love to You” (1994)
34. Mariah Carey – “One Sweet Day” (1995)
35. Whitney Houston – “I Have Nothing” (1992)
36. R. Kelly – “Your Body’s Callin'” (1993)
37. Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
38. Brandy – “Sittin’ Up in My Room” (1995)
39. Usher – “You Got It Bad” (1997)
40. Monica – “Angel of Mine” (1998)
41. En Vogue – “Giving Him Something He Can Feel (Remix)” (1993)
42. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “Anniversary” (1993)
43. Keith Sweat – “Twisted” (1996)
44. Shanice – “When I Smile” (1991)
45. Color Me Badd – “All for Love” (1991)
46. R. Kelly – “Gotham City” (1997)
47. Brian McKnight – “Anytime” (1997)
48. Whitney Houston – “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (1990)
49. Mariah Carey – “Fantasy” (1995)
50. Boyz II Men – “I’ll Make Love to You (Remix)” (1994)
51. TLC – “Red Light Special” (1995)
52. Usher – “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997)
53. Aaliyah – “Try Again” (2000)
54. Brandy – “Have You Ever?” (1998)
55. Monica – “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
56. R. Kelly – “I Believe I Can Fly” (1996)
57. En Vogue – “Hold On” (1990)
58. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “Whatever You Want” (1993)
59. Keith Sweat – “I’ll Give All My Love to You” (1992)
60. Shanice – “I Love Your Smile” (1991)
61. Color Me Badd – “I Adore Mi Amor” (1991)
62. Lauryn Hill – “Everything Is Everything” (1998)
63. Brian McKnight – “Love of My Life” (1997)
64. Whitney Houston – “I’m Every Woman” (1992)
65. En Vogue – “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” (1992)
66. R. Kelly – “I’m Your Angel” (1998)
67. Toni Braxton – “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)
68. TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999)
69. 702 – “Where My Girls At?” (1996)
70. Ginuwine – “Pony” (1996)
71. Shanice – “Silent Scream” (1992)
72. Keith Sweat – “Make It Last Forever” (1996)
73. Boyz II Men – “I’ll Make Love to You” (1994)
74. Mariah Carey – “One Sweet Day” (1995)
75. Whitney Houston – “I Have Nothing” (1992)
76. R. Kelly – “Your Body’s Callin'” (1993)
77. Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
78. Brandy – “Sittin’ Up in My Room” (1995)
79. Usher – “You Got It Bad” (1997)
80. Monica – “Angel of Mine” (1998)
81. En Vogue – “Giving Him Something He Can Feel (Remix)” (1993)
82. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “Anniversary” (1993)
83. Keith Sweat – “Twisted” (1996)
84. Shanice – “When I Smile” (1991)
85. Color Me Badd – “All for Love” (1991)
86. R. Kelly – “Gotham City” (1997)
87. Brian McKnight – “Anytime” (1997)
88. Whitney Houston – “I’m Your Baby Tonight” (1990)
89. Mariah Carey – “Fantasy” (1995)
90. Boyz II Men – “I’ll Make Love to You (Remix)” (1994)
91. TLC – “Red Light Special” (1995)
92. Usher – “You Make Me Wanna…” (1997)
93. Aaliyah – “Try Again” (2000)
94. Brandy – “Have You Ever?” (1998)
95. Monica – “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
96. R. Kelly – “I Believe I Can Fly” (1996)
97. En Vogue – “Hold On” (1990)
98. Tony! Toni! Toné! – “Whatever You Want” (1993)
99. Keith Sweat – “I’ll Give All My Love to You” (1992)
100. Shanice – “I Love Your Smile” (1991)
The Impact of 90s R&B
The 90s R&B era had a profound impact on the music industry and pop culture as a whole. The genre’s innovative production, soulful vocals, and catchy melodies helped to shape the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The 90s R&B scene also paved the way for future generations of R&B artists, including those who would go on to dominate the charts in the 2000s and beyond.
Conclusion
The 1990s was a pivotal decade for Rhythm and Blues music, marked by a resurgence of the genre and the emergence of a new wave of talented artists. The top 100 songs listed above represent some of the most iconic and enduring hits of the era, showcasing the genre’s ability to blend traditional R&B sounds with modern production and styles. From the smooth, soulful vocals of Brian McKnight to the energetic, danceable beats of TLC, the 90s R&B scene was a vibrant and dynamic force that continues to influence music today.
FAQs
Q: What was the most popular R&B song of the 1990s?
A: According to the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the most popular R&B song of the 1990s was “Waterfalls” by TLC.
Q: Who were some of the most influential R&B artists of the 1990s?
A: Some of the most influential R&B artists of the 1990s include Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, Usher, and Lauryn Hill.
Q: What was the impact of 90s R&B on the music industry?
A: The 90s R&B era had a profound impact on the music industry, helping to shape the sound of contemporary R&B and hip-hop and paving the way for future generations of R&B artists.
Q: What are some of the most iconic R&B songs of the 1990s?
A: Some of the most iconic R&B songs of the 1990s include “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men, “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey, “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston, and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo.
