Dance music reached its mainstream peak during the 1990s, featuring infectious beats and memorable melodies that remain popular today. Dream house and girl power anthems alike made an indelible mark on pop culture that remains relevant today.
Here are a few classic songs that will have you hitting the dance floor quickly and enjoying yourself on it!
1. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
After some initial hesitation, “Macarena” quickly gained popularity and eventually became one of the definitive dance songs of late 90s America. Today it’s hard to imagine life without this timeless anthem – its toe-tapping rhythms and infectious chorus quickly rose to become the star attraction at cruise ship dance floors, school dances and Yankee Stadium alike – not forgetting to mention being one of Hot 100 history’s longest-running hits peaking after 46 weeks on Hot 100 charts!
Los Del Rio created the original version of “Macarena” in 1993; however, it initially proved unsuccessful as a club track. Their record label commissioned dance remixes from Spanish house group Fangoria with hopes it would catch on as club music; however it was the Bayside Boys–Miami producers Carlos de Yarza and Mike Triay who typically produced car dealer jingles and radio spots–who propelled it onto global prominence.
Their English-language remix, with its iconic Yazoo/Alison Moyet laughter sample, was an instant classic. Unafraid to tell an explicit tale, Macarena seduces not one but two of her boyfriend’s friends while he is being drafted.
Parents, teachers and DJs at school dances and clubs all loved “Macarena.” No wonder it remains popular today on wedding dance floors and nostalgic “I Love the ’90s” clip shows! Los Del Rio never really had another hit like “Macarena,” yet this career-defining hit would later be covered by various artists from country singers like The Groove Grass Boyz to Dutch hardcore techno artist MC Rage.
2. “Unbelievable” by EMF
Eurodance became immensely popular during the late ’90s with acts like Ace of Base and Vengaboys producing catchy dance tracks that could not be ignored on the dance floor. “Jellyhead” by Crush stands out among these tracks with an upbeat tempo and catchy chorus that are guaranteed to get people moving – combined with its singer’s seductive vocals this song remains an outstanding example of 90s dance music that can still be enjoyed today!
This song from the 90s dance music fuses elements of hip-hop and pop to create something truly memorable and fresh. Its catchy beat and catchy lyrics tell of a girl struggling to find love; additionally, its whistling sound adds another layer to this memorable track.
When this song was first released in 1992, it immediately became an international success. With its catchy beat and soothing vocals, this track quickly became one of the anthems of its time – its lyrics tell a story of an obsessively thinking woman while the track itself serves as an iconic example of 90s R&B/hip-hop that remains timeless today.
EMF was a British band that first gained notice during the early 1990s. Their debut single “Unbelievable,” was an enormous hit that established them as one of the premier dance groups. With its catchy melody and infectious synth beats that resonated perfectly with dance scenes at that time, EMF were able to capitalize on an emerging trend. Based in Cinderford in Forest of Dean with country kids working sheep barn circuit shows and renting out old churches for shows; EMF eventually went on tour all across Britain before disbanding in 2004.
3. “Sexual (Li Da Di)” by Amber
This popular dance tune from the 90s remains one of the best party tracks, boasting an infectious beat and captivating melody. Its lyrics describe a woman enchanted by a man she meets; her desire for reciprocation can be heard through such details as wanting him to become “addicted to her perfume”. With its blend of sensuality and emotional intensity, this timeless hit remains popular and gets people dancing today.
Eurodance was a dominant genre during the late ’90s, and artists like Ace of Base, Vengaboys and La Bouche became highly sought-after for their high-energy tracks that could not be avoided on dance floors. This seductive Eurodance track boasts a pulsing rhythm, catchy guitar riff and driving bass line to keep your body moving all night long; not forgetting its unique blend of rock n rap vocals that makes its mark!
This song from the 90s serves as an excellent illustration of its variety. While its beats may make for dancing-worthy music, its soothing Latin guitar creates a more laidback atmosphere – making this track ideal party music to set the mood and ensure an enjoyable evening out!
4. “I Like To Move It” by Will Smith
Dance music was a huge part of life during the 1990s. Artists such as Black Box and C+C Music Factory explored club-stomping beats while R&B icons Janet Jackson and TLC created unforgettable hits that fused pop’s irresistible energy with Eurodance rhythms.
“I Like To Move It” has become synonymous with Madagascar films, yet stands on its own as an engaging Eurodance song with an infectious beat and catchy melody. Olga de Souza’s powerful vocals perfectly compliment its energizing synth beats to make this a crowd-pleasing addition to any dance party playlist.
This song’s infectious bassline, catchy rhythm guitar licks and captivating vocal hooks made it an instantaneous success on dance floors in the late ’90s. You simply couldn’t help dancing to this infectious tune – truly an anthem to live life fully.
Another song from the early ’90s that instantly brings back memories is this infectious tune by Will Smith that’s sure to get people singing along even 20 years after its release. Even with its silly lyrics, this catchy tune remains great for dancing at dance parties or clubs despite its silliness; its lively energy will get people moving! ’90s were an era in which expression through music could flourish freely; this catchy track serves as proof. This first track that made Will Smith known as THAT dance music guy remains one of Will’s signature tracks; remembering him through music will always brings smiles!
5. “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona
Eurodance was propelled forward during the early to mid ’90s thanks to “Rhythm of the Night”, an influential diva house tune with its catchy repeated chorus and Italo disco beats, making an impressionful first step into dance studios everywhere and eventually rising all the way to No. 11 on Billboard Hot 100 chart.
This song would become an international success and ultimately top Italy’s charts for eight weeks straight – as well as becoming a summertime hit throughout Europe’s clubs. Although credited to Olga Maria de Souza at first, as is often seen with Eurodance tracks at that time; Giovanna Bersola (better known by her stage name Jenny B) sang it instead.
As far as defining an entire genre, few songs come close to this track’s timeless chorus anthem. Even though its melody might seem repetitive at times, you won’t forget it for days!
James Franco’s The Disaster Artist features the song twice; once at a bar where Franco plays Tommy Wiseau and again during the end credits. I think this is definitely one of the best uses I have heard of it thus far and shows its impactful relevance within dance music in general.
This version of the song may not live up to its predecessor, but it remains an enjoyable dance hit. The pace increases slightly here, giving Sandy more vocal room, while the chorus offers up some catchy “do do do do do yeh!” moments. Finally, its firm stop adds an air of finality, mirroring how dancing floor euphoria can’t last forever.