The Golden Age of R&B: A Brief Overview
The 1990s was a defining decade for R&B music, a time when the genre evolved and branched out in numerous directions. This era saw the emergence of new sub-genres, such as hip-hop influenced R&B, the resurgence of classic Motown sounds, and the rise of experimental electronic R&B. The 1990s were also marked by a proliferation of innovative production techniques, lush vocal harmonies, and a heightened focus on storytelling and songwriting. The decade saw the rise of R&B as a dominant force in popular music, with crossover hits and albums topping the charts on a regular basis.
The Top 100 R&B Songs of the 1990s, Ranked
So, what makes a great R&B song? It’s a question that has sparked countless debates among music fans and critics. While personal taste plays a significant role in shaping our individual preferences, certain characteristics can help elevate an R&B song from good to great. A strong foundation in terms of melody, rhythm, and lyrics, coupled with innovative production, memorable hooks, and exceptional vocal performance, are key ingredients in crafting an unforgettable R&B song. With this criteria in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 100 R&B songs of the 1990s, carefully ranking each track based on its enduring impact, influence, and artistic merit.
100-90
* Tony! Toni! Toné! – “If I Had No Loot” (1993)
* Shanice – “I Love Your Smile” (1991)
* CeCe Peniston – “Keep On Walkin'” (1997)
* After 7 – “Never Desire” (1990)
* Johnny Gill – “My My My” (1990)
89-80
* En Vogue – “Giving Him Something He Can Feel” (1992)
* Aaliyah – “If Your Girl Only Knew” (1996)
* Shai – “If I Ever Fall in Love” (1992)
* Boyz II Men – “Water Runs Dry” (1994)
* Usher – “My Boo” (1997)
79-70
* TLC – “Red Light Special” (1995)
* Warren G ft. Adina Howard – “What’s Love Got to Do with It” (1994)
* SWV – “Right Here (Human Nature Remix)” (1994)
* Karyn White – “Secret Rendezvous” (1991)
* Keith Sweat – “Make It Last Forever” (1993)
69-60
* Brian McKnight – “Anytime” (1997)
* Deborah Cox – “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” (1998)
* Brandy & Monica – “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
* All-4-One – “So Much Love” (1995)
* Color Me Badd – “I Adore Mi Amor” (1991)
59-50
* Mint Condition – “Breakin’ My Heart” (1996)
* D’Angelo – “Alright” (1995)
* Shanice Wilson – “Silent Scream” (1994)
* Shemar – “It’s the Beat” (1994)
* Silk – “Lose Control” (1994)
49-40
* Destiny’s Child – “Bills, Bills, Bills” (1999)
* Ginuwine – “When Doves Cry” (1996)
* Total – “Can’t You See” (1995)
* SWV – “Weak” (1993)
* Immature – “Constantly” (1994)
39-30
* Mary J. Blige – “U + Me (Love Lesson)” (1994)
* En Vogue – “Riddle” (1997)
* After 7 – “Running in Circles” (1994)
* Mint Condition – “Choirboy” (1996)
* Usher – “You Make Me Wanna” (1997)
29-20
* Lauryn Hill – “Ex-Factor” (1998)
* Aaliyah – “One in a Million” (1996)
* Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men – “One Sweet Day” (1995)
* Faith Evans – “Soon as I Get Home” (1998)
* Timbaland ft. Missy Elliott – “Get Ur Freak On” (1997)
19-10
* Dru Hill – “In My Bed” (1997)
* Montell Jordan – “This Is How We Do It” (1995)
* R. Kelly – “I Can Love You Like That” (1993)
* Faith Evans – “Love Like This” (1998)
* Total – “Trippin'” (1996)
9-1
* Aaliyah – “Are You That Somebody?” (1998)
* Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)
* R. Kelly – “Your Body’s Callin'” (1993)
* Mary J. Blige – “No More Drama” (1999)
* Brandy & Monica – “Angel of Mine” (1998)
Conclusion
As the 1990s drew to a close, R&B had become an unstoppable force, with countless hits, artists, and albums dominating the airwaves. From the genre-bending hip-hop and R&B fusion to the classic sounds of Motown revival, this era saw a stunning array of innovations, experiments, and masterclasses. This list serves as a testament to the decade’s incredible breadth and depth, with many of these songs enduring as timeless classics. The next time you fire up your Spotify or fire up a compilation CD, spin some of these tunes and get your groove on!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
* Q: Who did you consider for the list?
A: We considered numerous artists, songs, and albums from the 1990s, incorporating a diverse range of styles and influences.
* Q: Why is this list subjective?
A: R&B music is inherently subjective, with personal taste and regional biases playing a significant role in shaping individual preferences.
* Q: Can I find all of these songs on streaming platforms?
A: Yes, the majority of the songs on this list can be found on major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music.
* Q: Are these the only great R&B songs of the 1990s?
A: Of course not! While this list showcases the top 100 R&B songs of the decade, there are countless other hits, hidden gems, and sleeper hits that could easily be included on an extended list.
