The unpredictability of the 1990s transformed dance floors into unpredictable arenas where grunge rockers, gangsta rap artists and boy bands collided, producing some truly iconic dance songs in the process.
From Eurodance to R&B, these hits from the decade were favorites among clubs and radio stations alike. Here are the finest of them.
1. “Macarena” by Los Del Rio
Since its controversial release, Macarena and its iconic dance have become icons of pop culture. However, this was never intended to be so: although its catchy hooks and universally recognized moves are iconic today, “Macarena” wasn’t meant to become such an enduring part of culture at first. While its lyrics contain catchy hooks and moves familiar to many listeners today, its subject matter was neither groundbreaking musically or socially (Tupac was killed that same year; mad cow disease was prevalent and Rupert Murdoch launched Fox News).
Not at all; rather it was simply an infectious song by a Spanish duo that turned parents and their tweens into dance floor fans. Even more astonishing was its meteoric rise to number one on the charts — an achievement impossible for Smashing Pumpkins or Oasis songs of its day! A Bayside Boys remix with English lyrics helped spread it worldwide.
2. “Another Night” by MC Sar and The Real McCoy
Another Night is an infectious dance tune sure to stay with you for days after listening. Its upbeat tempo and electronic beats make it ideal for dancing on a dance floor, while the lyrics convey longing for love as well as hope for another chance at romance.
Eurodance classic “Eiffel 65” became an international success upon its release in 1994, due to its infectious beat and catchy melody. This song quickly established Eiffel 65 as an authority in dance music culture.
Londonbeat’s energetic dance track is an enjoyable and upbeat anthem that is perfect for hitting the dance floor. Its catchy melody and pulsing beats make it ideal for an energetic workout or party; its catchy lyrics encourage listeners to “get on the rhythm jump jump”.
3. “Sexual (Li Da Di)” by Amber
Amber’s 90s classic dance song continues to get people moving on the dance floor today, thanks to its catchy beat and infectious lyrics. Music enthusiasts continue to love this tune!
This song quickly rose to the top of the charts and remains immensely popular today, serving as a dance anthem that reminds listeners to love one another. Additionally, a compilation album featuring it reached #2 on Amazon Digital Dance Albums chart.
This song is an ode to the wild 90s and an iconic reminder of that decade that was. With its catchy tempo and positive message, this track became an international success and is an essential addition to any dance music collection – even inspiring other artists to create their own versions of it! A true dance music classic of this decade.
4. “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith
Will Smith first made his mark as one half of the famed hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, then found huge success with hit singles and his successful sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” One such dance anthem from 1997 that helped solidify his newfound fame was this timeless tune known as “I Gotcha Back.”
This catchy tune includes a sample from Sister Sledge’s “He’s the Greatest Dancer” (1979) as well as G-rated braggadocio from Smith such as: “I got a Prada bag and that’s enough.” Furthermore, various luxury brands are mentioned throughout this song to emphasize money and status within society.
The song was an instantaneous hit, reaching number one on Billboard Hot 100 and becoming an integral part of culture and pop music lore. Even today, many music enthusiasts still find its lyrics compelling.
5. “All That She Wants” by Ace of Base
Anyone alive during the mid-90s likely remembers hearing “All That She Wants” by Swedish pop group Ace of Base etched into their mind forever. Reggae-influenced pop was not new back in 1993, but Ace of Base made its presence felt across charts and dance floors worldwide with this groundbreaking group (Ulf Ekberg’s brother Jonas Berggren along with siblings Linn Berggren and Jenny Berggren) brought it all to the masses on an unprecedented scale.
Amazingly, Kayo and Ace of Base’s 1992 independent single ‘Wheel of Fortune’ failed miserably at charting, yet caught the attention of Danish producer Denniz PoP who decided to rework it into an international smash that has resonated for over 22 years – an example that illustrates how luck plays such an essential role in music careers.
6. “Rhythm of the Night” by Corona
Rhythm of the Night is an iconic Eurodance track that will turn any party into an explosive dance floor experience. With its upbeat rhythm and energetic synths, Rhythm of the Night makes singing along easy while its powerful vocals add even more appeal to this track.
“Vogue,” by Madonna, remains one of the iconic dance tracks from the 90s. With its catchy beat and upbeat lyrics that inspire positivity and self-expression, its message of freedom of self-expression has become an international cultural touchstone.
Freak Nasty’s “Da’ Dip” is an upbeat dance track that encourages listeners to let loose on the dance floor. The infectious groove and energetic energy made this track an instant classic, and remains popular today as an accompaniment for line dancing or parties. Both title and chorus references refer to an unconventional form of movement known as the dip that involves lowering oneself while moving in rhythm with music.
7. “I’ve Been Thinking About You” by Londonbeat
Remix of an original song, this upbeat anthem rose to fame due to its infectious beat and bilingual lyrics about living life to its fullest. With its piano melody and vocal performance bringing even greater success to this anthem, this dance classic remains popular today and serves as a party anthem from its first appearance during ’90s parties.
This song’s pulsing rhythm and catchy guitar riffs made it one of the greatest hits of the 1990s. With its upbeat energy and seductive lyrics, this track was perfect for any night out on the dance floor. Londonbeat originally recorded this track but German DJ Klaas has released an updated and nostalgic version featuring both Londonbeat vocals as well as his catchy house production style which have made him well-known worldwide.
8. “Unbelievable” by EMF
This Eurodance track from ’90s “group” (if that’s how you prefer to refer to them) is an absolute dance floor classic, featuring an infectious beat, catchy chorus, and music video that have made it one of the most recognizable tracks ever.
This song has enjoyed immense popularity and been used in several films and TV shows. Its lyrics capture the disillusionment caused by broken communication in relationships, with its protagonist venting their dissatisfaction at their partner’s “purple prose” which only serves to further distance them further apart. At once sexy and sad – making it the perfect blend between dance rock – this track remains just as poignant today as when first released back in 1995.
9. “Sexual (Li Da Di)” by Amber
The 1990s was an iconic decade of dance music, renowned for its mix of high-energy hip hop beats, funky club jams, and runway-ready strutters all coming together on one dance floor. This playlist provides some of the most popular dance songs from that era; everything from Madonna’s “Vogue” to Snap!’s more subdued Rhythm Is a Dancer is featured.
Amber’s song remains an eternal party anthem to this day, and it’s easy to see why. With infectious vocals, catchy melodies, and classic house beats combined into one of the most beloved 90s dance tracks ever, it became one of her best-selling pop albums (The Hits Remixed Extended). Additionally, it showcases her full range of dance, Hi-NRG, and pop – truly making this track one of its era’s gems.
10. “All That She Wants” by Ace of Base
Ace of Base’s label pressured them after the release of their 1992 debut single “Wheel of Fortune,” to create an album. They obliged, with 1995 LP Happy Nation being their debut work.
The album was an enormous hit in Europe but not as well received in America due to being more subdued than its counterpart. Perhaps this was because its material was less upbeat than those found in its single.
Jonas Berggren and Ulf Ekberg took their cue from Kayo’s “Another Mother” when creating “All That She Wants”. Reworking its melody, they produced this moody dance anthem which manages to be both catchy and beautiful all at the same time – an essential piece that every collector should own!