The 1990s was a pivotal decade for R&B music. It was a time of great change and evolution, with the genre branching out into new styles and sub-genres. From the smooth, soulful sounds of the early 90s to the more experimental and electronic-infused sounds of the late 90s, R&B music was more diverse and exciting than ever before. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the top 100 R&B songs of the 1990s, revisiting some of the decade’s biggest hits and most enduring classics.
The Early 90s: The Rise of New Jack Swing
The early 1990s saw the rise of New Jack Swing, a sub-genre that blended R&B with hip-hop and rock influences. Artists like Wreckx-N-Effect, Guy, and Bell Biv DeVoe dominated the charts with their high-energy, dance-friendly sound. One of the decade’s biggest hits, Wreckx-N-Effect’s “Rump Shaker,” was a prime example of this style, with its catchy hooks and infectious beat.
Other Notable Songs of the Early 90s
- “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe
- “Let Me Love You 1 Night” by Guy
- “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men
- “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men
The Mid-90s: The Rise of Alternative R&B
As the decade progressed, R&B music began to evolve and branch out into new styles. The mid-90s saw the rise of alternative R&B, a genre that incorporated elements of rock, electronic, and hip-hop into its sound. Artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill were at the forefront of this movement, creating music that was both experimental and critically acclaimed.
Other Notable Songs of the Mid-90s
- “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo
- “On & On” by Erykah Badu
- “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill
- “Waterfalls” by TLC
The Late 90s: The Rise of Contemporary R&B
The late 1990s saw the rise of contemporary R&B, a genre that incorporated elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music into its sound. Artists like Usher, Destiny’s Child, and Aaliyah were among the decade’s biggest stars, creating music that was both catchy and critically acclaimed.
Other Notable Songs of the Late 90s
- “You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher
- “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
- “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah
- “No Diggity” by Blackstreet
Conclusion
The 1990s was a pivotal decade for R&B music, with the genre branching out into new styles and sub-genres. From the smooth, soulful sounds of the early 90s to the more experimental and electronic-infused sounds of the late 90s, R&B music was more diverse and exciting than ever before. This article has revisited some of the decade’s biggest hits and most enduring classics, highlighting the evolution and growth of the genre over the course of the decade.
FAQs
Q: What is New Jack Swing?
A: New Jack Swing is a sub-genre of R&B that emerged in the early 1990s, characterized by its blend of R&B, hip-hop, and rock influences.
Q: Who are some notable R&B artists of the 1990s?
A: Some notable R&B artists of the 1990s include Wreckx-N-Effect, Guy, Bell Biv DeVoe, Boyz II Men, D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Usher, Destiny’s Child, and Aaliyah.
Q: What is alternative R&B?
A: Alternative R&B is a sub-genre of R&B that emerged in the mid-1990s, characterized by its incorporation of elements of rock, electronic, and hip-hop into its sound.
Q: What is contemporary R&B?
A: Contemporary R&B is a sub-genre of R&B that emerged in the late 1990s, characterized by its incorporation of elements of hip-hop, electronic, and pop music into its sound.
Q: What are some notable R&B songs of the 1990s?
A: Some notable R&B songs of the 1990s include “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-N-Effect, “Poison” by Bell Biv DeVoe, “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” by D’Angelo, “On & On” by Erykah Badu, “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill, “You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher, “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, and “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah.
