The 1990s was an era of wild raves and timeless dance tunes, and here is a selection of some of its greatest groovy hits to grace its scene.
Underworld’s Eurodance hit begins slowly with Karl Hyde’s incessant vocals before an infectious beat sets in that’s sure to get everyone up on their feet dancing.
Madonna – “Into the Groove”
One is hard pressed not to be familiar with this classic dance tune, from either watching A Night at the Roxbury or hearing it on Saturday Night Live. People will always remember and dance along to it!
Queen of Pop was an integral part of the 90s dance music scene, and her song Into the Groove helped bridge underground disco club culture with mainstream pop music. It’s all about celebrating dancing and guaranteed to get you in your own groove!
Madonna collaborated with French producer Mirwais Ahmadzai on this track, featuring his micro-chopped rhythms and Sad Robotfunk sound that showcased her ability to continually reinvent herself during her career. This track became an anthem of dancefloor escapism – and Madonna truly cemented herself as Queen of Pop!
The Spice Girls – “Wannabe”
Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell, and Victoria Beckham rose to international stardom as the Spice Girls in 1996. With their debut single Wannabe becoming a worldwide hit and Girl Power attitude inspiring generations worldwide.
Fuller tried to persuade the band to release Love Thing or Say You’ll Be There as their debut single, but they ultimately chose this classic dance track with lyrics that celebrate female friendships as their debut.
Released in 1999, this Latin-based genre song can get people passionately dancing while remembering the 90s. Everyone knows its lyrics by heart–including “give it up for Naughty By Nature!”! Plus, its repetitive beats will keep them moving! Be sure to include this gem on your dance party playlist!
The Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams”
Eurythmics were one of the coolest groups ever. Led by Dave Stewart’s studio prowess and Annie Lennox’s striking androgynous features, their music became instantly iconic and memorable.
As members of The Tourists, they had already introduced arty new life into pop music; now as The Eurythmics they proved an even greater force – their emotional synth-pop influencing many dance songs to come.
Sweet Dreams was Hot Chip’s breakthrough hit single. However, its flipsides – ‘Monkey Monkey’, ‘Invisible Hands’ and ‘Step on the Beast’ — showed their exploratory nature more vividly, similar to Arthur Russell or The Associates or Suicide singles released during 1981 that featured avant-funk elements with demented breakbeats similar to Hot Chip’s own demented breakbeats; an approachable style which still sounds cool today.
The Spice Girls – “Spice Up Your Life”
The Spice Girls became one of the world’s best-loved girl groups with their hit singles and empowerment of young women around them. They helped pave the way for other female groups as well as encouraging young women to stand out and embrace who they were as individuals.
Spice Up Your Life remains one of the top 90s dance hits that still gets people moving today. In its music video, which stars three girls controlling an inflatable spaceship-looking blimp through an unlit city, people still get up and dance along to it today!
This song is an electronic dance classic and an ideal way to get any party started. With its catchy bass line and lyrics that will have you moving and singing along, and Latin rhythm influences making this track one of many favorites in many circles, “Let It Roll” will quickly become one of your favorites too!
Amber – “This is Your Night”
From hip hop to Eurodance, 90s music was filled with an intoxicating energy that kept people moving on dance floors across America and abroad. It helped spawn new forms of dancing such as breakdancing, voguing and running man – yet nothing captured our nation like Michael Jackson’s signature illusion of effortlessly moving backwards on dance floors: The Moonwalk.
Whatever your musical taste may be, from upbeat tracks that will get your crowd moving to gentler tracks that take them back in time, this list has something for everyone. Add them to your playlist for an unforgettable 90s dance party! MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” will bring back memories for those in their 30s and 40s; its catchy beat and lyrics will create an unforgettable dance party experience!
Quad City DJ’s – “C’Mon ’N Ride It (The Train)”
This timeless dance classic boasts an engaging melody and lively beat, encouraging listeners to let loose on the dance floor for an evening of celebration and fun.
As opposed to most party rap of its time, this song does not focus on swearing and misogyny; rather it emphasizes having fun and enjoying dance music. As such, it has become a go-to selection for DJs looking to create an upbeat atmosphere at events, as well as movies and television shows featuring elements of various musical genres, with short bass line, spiralling acid line, distended bar of female vocalist and short, thudding bassline as key components that create its unique sound; making this track a true classic of its time! Its unique mix combines short bassline, curling acid line, distended bar voiced song makes this track an iconic example of its time period! Its timeless appeal made this track an instant classic of 90s dance classic!
Loleatta Holloway – “Good Vibrations”
As opposed to the 1980s when various rock bands emerged, the 90s saw many dance music songs come into being. There was an array of funky melodies and catchy rhythms which people danced along to at clubs, high school dances and concerts alike.
Loleatta Holloway became one of the premier dance singers of her era after recording for Aware Records and quickly discovering a market for her big voiced euphoria.
She made waves in 1980 with this classic disco song from 1980. Though it never made the Hot 100 charts, it became an enormous dance hit and went on to release numerous albums including Madonna’s “Like A Prayer”. Additionally, she collaborated on remixing Relight My Fire by Dan Hartman.
Daft Punk – “Insomnia”
Daft Punk became one of the most acclaimed dance music groups during the 90s. Their signature sound came from seamlessly fusing different styles into one unique sound.
No matter the occasion or audience size, they have something suitable to get everyone up dancing or sentimentally listening. Their hypnotic beats and echoy vocals transport listeners into another realm.
Tag Team’s “Whoomp! (There It Is)” is an outstanding example of the funky dance songs popular during the 1990s. It features music with short interludes of lyrical singing that will get people moving, keeping people dancing for an enjoyable musical experience and keeping people moving! Add this track to a 90s dance playlist for a nostalgic trip down memory lane!
Robin S – “Show Me Love”
The 1990s witnessed the creation of some incredible dance songs. Daft Punk’s “Revolution 909” and Norman Quentin Cooke’s “Acid 8000” both found success as party favorites that filled dance floors across clubs worldwide.
One of the more memorable 90s dance songs was “Show Me Love” by Robin S, which provided a thrilling blend of dance music and pop, featuring brief interludes of lyrical singing to keep audiences enthralled.
Add “Macarena” by Los Del Rio to your 90s dance music playlist for added nostalgia! This catchy tune is sure to get everyone singing along and dancing as though it were just yesterday.
The Chemical Brothers – “Here We Go”
The Chemical Brothers were an iconic act in the late ’90s. Their albums Exit Planet Dust and Dig Your Own Hole defined big beat’s signature sound.
Dreamy songwriting also featured heavily on their albums such as 1999’s Surrender. From celebrating dance music’s hedonistic past to mocking it through lyrics like Hey Girl’s “Superstar DJ’s…Here we go!” satire, this band always maintained their sense of fun and humor.
MC Hammer’s classic hit “Let the Music Play” should be at the top of any list of best dance songs from the 90s. Its catchy groove will get everyone moving.