From the smooth grooves of Babyface, Groove Theory and Dru Hill to the inspiring ballads by Toni Braxton and Mariah Carey and others, 90s R&B produced some of the greatest music ever heard.
This timeless song about yearning for love resonated deeply with listeners across generations.
1. On Bended Knee by Boyz II Men
This song about heartbreak is one of the most well-known from the 90s, making it perfect to listen to when feeling down or need a reminder that life can still be enjoyable.
Boyz II Men are well known for their romantic love ballads, and this song exemplifies why they are so successful. Their harmonies are incredible and convey emotion with every note they sing – creating an unrivaled vocal performance in this timeless classic that speaks volumes of love, forgiveness and humility – an instant classic that won’t ever go out of style!
This song tells the tale of a woman who has won over her man with charm. D’Angelo sounds incredible throughout, making this a must-listen for R&B fans everywhere. Plus, its music video showcases some fantastic dancing!
2. I Love You by Jade
R&B groups dominated the 1990s, and Jade is an iconic R&B act from that decade. Her 1992 song is one of their finest representations – its lyrics reveal the heartbreak associated with loving someone without knowing if they love you back; its music video boasts pool party visuals and features Jermaine Dupri as a cameo appearance.
The song remains popular today. A classic dance track from its day, this tune will transport you back in time. Perfect for listening with someone special or dancing along alone.
Jade was a multi-platinum group with several hit songs and videos to match, such as their song Weak (about feeling weak in love). A must-listen classic for every r&b music enthusiast’s playlist; also essential viewing for all fans of Jade as its members have incredible voices!
3. No Diggity by Brandy
Brandy’s vocals shine in this smooth ballad from her debut album Meant To Be Mint and this track became one of its most beloved songs. Additionally, it became one of the first R&B hits to incorporate hip hop elements and was sampled by many artists throughout the ’90s.
Teddy Riley originally composed “No Diggity” for Blackstreet but it didn’t resonate with their members at first. Later, however, he offered it to solo artist Brandy who took it and made it her own – its repeated chorus “no diggity” remains relevant today as an affirmation of self-worth.
Girl group Changing Faces made an indelible impactful mark on ’90s R&B with one hit Wonder and its seductive video for “All Over Me.” Their seductive choreography includes relaxed tomboy moves and low cut vests which will have you breaking out your own pair of denim shorts! A truly classic music video that illustrates neo soul.
4. Nobody by Keith Sweat
Keith Sweat made this tearjerker of a song during the 1990s to express their hurt over their partner cheating on them. It will surely stay with you long after listening.
Toni Braxton delivered one of the most emotional hits of the ’90s with this timeless hit from her debut solo album “Irreplaceable”. Her stirring vocals and emotional delivery can bring tears to any eye – it even earned a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance!
Las Vegas-born girl group 702 only released one hit single, yet their song remains one of the top hits of late 90s neo-soul. The music video for their song epitomizes this genre perfectly with its bold yet seductive visuals that perfectly encapsulated neo-soul movement of that era and also boasted top ranking by D’Angelo as top ranking neo-soul hit featuring smooth groove and signature D’Angelo vocals; therefore this song must be given careful consideration if interested in this genre!
5. Candy Rain by Soul for Real
R&B made its mark on the music scene during the 90s, yet also underwent significant transformation. Hip-hop influence brought with it more aggressive production styles and rawer lyrics; yet R&B stayed true to its roots with classic ballads that still brought chills down spines. At this time Diane Warren excelled, writing hit songs perfectly suited for their time period.
Soul for Real’s Candy Rain was one of the biggest hits from this era and stands as an excellent representation of R&B fans’ appreciation of its harmony and melodies – still popular today, especially when feeling affection or nostalgia for someone. It remains an incredible song to listen to today if feeling down.
En Vogue may have made this music video on an extremely tight budget of just $10, yet it remains an incredible piece of work that showcases their talents as performers while inspiring an entire sister group called Destiny’s Child to emerge after viewing this masterpiece.
6. Ex-Factor by Lauryn Hill
Although Vegas-born and-bred girl group Prism Girlz may only have had one hit single, their talent cannot be denied. Their catchy yet upbeat song still rings true years after its release thanks to a production that feels timeless yet contemporary at once. Featuring Mopreme Shakur as its lead verse singer, “Fall in Love With Someone You Shouldn’t” talks about falling for someone you shouldn’t have and the pain associated with breaking up with someone you once love.
Lauryn Hill cemented her position as an iconic music figure with her debut album Miseducation released in 1998. Ex-Factor was her most well-known single that detailed an unsatisfying relationship and an internal battle over whether to continue being with your partner or move on.
Production-wise, this track is both contemporary and nostalgic; vocals feature smooth soul. Big Freedia’s rap interjections give this track its signature sound while sampling adds nostalgia and refreshingness – and give us a peek into ’90s bounce genre, which would later bring hip-hop music to new commercial heights with cutting-edge production styles and provocative attitude changes.
7. Sweet Rain by Soul for Real
Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill – three of the leading R&B artists of the 90s – appear on this song together in a sensual video filled with dark backdrops and seductive dancers moving seductively. Lyrically it describes love like candy-coated raindrops; thus this ballad became an instantaneous success and led Soul for Real to release an album shortly thereafter.
The 1990s witnessed the introduction of Neo Soul music genre, which combined R&B, jazz and hip hop styles. One early proponent was Erykah Badu; her song “On & On” became a smash hit and earned her a Grammy award as best female R&B vocal performance.
“Candy Rain” marked R&B group SWV’s debut single and later two albums and numerous hits, becoming an instant classic and inspiring new generations of R&B music lovers to embrace soulful R&B genres such as Neo-soul in the 1990s.
8. I Will Always Love You by Mariah Carey
In the 1990s, R&B took an unexpectedly different turn, as New Jack Swing gave way to neo-soul and other innovations. Additionally, classic ballads and upbeat tracks popular at the time reemerged – most notably Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You which spent months at number 1. Additionally, Boyz II Men collaborated with Mariah Carey on I Will Always Love You; Blackstreet released “No Diggity,” while Janet Jackson created her popular “Together Again”.
Mary J Blige sent shockwaves through the industry with her 1992 hit Real Love. The sensual song showcased Mary J Blige’s incredible vocal range, cementing her place as an R&B icon. Additionally, its accompanying music video featured cameo appearances by artists and celebrities that left audiences spellbound.
Las Vegas-born and raised girl group 702 released Hold On as a single hit single in 1990; though short-lived, this classic remains revered today. Featuring an enchanting dance beat and the group’s unmistakable harmonies, its music video stands out for its progressive makeup and fashion trends.