The Top 100 Songs of the 1990s
The 1990s were a pivotal decade for R&B music. It was a time when genres like hip-hop and pop were increasingly influencing the sound of R&B, but it was also a time when many legendary R&B artists were producing some of their best work. From Mariah Carey’s whistle-register highs to Whitney Houston’s powerful ballads, this decade was filled with some of the most iconic and enduring R&B hits of all time.
Ballads Galore
The 1990s were a great time for ballads. R&B artists were known for their smooth, soulful voices, and ballads were the perfect platform for them to showcase their vocal range. One of the most iconic ballads of the decade was "End of the Road" by Boyz II Men. This song was a huge hit, spending 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Another classic ballad from the decade is "I’ll Make Love to You" by Boyz II Men. This song was a staple of 90s R&B, with its smooth harmonies and soaring vocals. It’s hard to imagine a 90s R&B playlist without this song.
Up-Tempo Bops
Of course, the 1990s were also a great time for up-tempo bops. R&B artists like Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston were producing some of their most upbeat and danceable hits. One of the most iconic bops of the decade is Mariah Carey’s "Fantasy". This song was a huge hit, and its music video is still widely remembered and loved today.
Another classic up-tempo bop is "You’re Makin’ Me High" by Toni Braxton. This song was a huge hit, and its smooth vocals and catchy beat make it a timeless R&B classic.
Rise of the New Jack Swing
The 1990s also saw the rise of New Jack Swing, a genre of R&B that was characterized by its smooth, jazz-influenced sound. One of the most iconic New Jack Swing artists is Guy. Their song "Let’s Chill" is a classic of the genre, with its smooth vocals and catchy beat.
Another great example of New Jack Swing is Bell Biv DeVoe’s "Do Me!". This song is a funk-infused R&B masterpiece, with its smooth vocals and infectious groove.
The Impact of Hip-Hop
The 1990s were also a time when hip-hop was becoming increasingly influential in R&B music. Artists like TLC and Usher were incorporating hip-hop elements into their sound, and it was working incredibly well. One of the most iconic songs of the decade is TLC’s "Waterfalls". This song was a huge hit, and its socially conscious lyrics and catchy beat make it a timeless R&B classic.
Another great example of the influence of hip-hop on R&B is Usher’s "Yeah!". This song was a huge hit, and its hip-hop influenced beat and smooth vocals make it a classic of the decade.
Conclusion
The 1990s were a great decade for R&B music. The genre was thriving, and artists like Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston were producing some of their best work. The decade saw the rise of new sub-genres like New Jack Swing, and the influence of hip-hop was becoming increasingly evident.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the most popular R&B artist of the 1990s?
A: Mariah Carey was one of the most popular R&B artists of the 1990s, with hits like "Vision of Love" and "Emotions".
Q: Who was the most influential R&B artist of the 1990s?
A: Whitney Houston was one of the most influential R&B artists of the 1990s, with her powerful voice and iconic songs like "I Will Always Love You".
Q: What was the biggest R&B hit of the 1990s?
A: The biggest R&B hit of the 1990s was probably Boyz II Men’s "End of the Road", which spent 13 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Q: Who were some of the other great R&B artists of the 1990s?
A: Some other great R&B artists of the 1990s included Usher, TLC, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Toni Braxton.
