A timeless classic from British duo The Prodigy, this track fuses jazz scatting, rapping and house for a big beat music sound popular during the late ’90s.
Although its lyrics might seem low-energy, something about this song makes you want to dance! Not to mention its catchy rhythm!
1. Underworld – “I’ve Got The Power”
It’s evident from this song that the 1990s was all about dancing: an upbeat tune combining rap with dance styles, with brief interludes of lyrical singing to keep listeners interested and keep crowds moving! It is sure to bring back fond memories!
MC Hammer needs no introduction, and his timeless classic “U Can’t Touch This” proves hip hop music was meant for dancing. Featuring an infectious groove that will get your body moving, and an equally captivating music video to accompany it all – “U Can’t Touch This” should not be missed.
Extra Virgin was Olive’s debut LP and its lead single was an international breakout hit that sold half a million copies and earned them a nomination at the Brit Awards as best new act. Tim Kellett of Durutti Column and Simply Red fame was recruited by Olive for this song’s recording session; later versions would follow from other artists but nothing could beat its initial form!
2. Naughty By Nature – “Give It Up For Naughty By Nature”
“Give It Up For Naughty By Nature” by the group with the same name is an energetic dance song sure to get people moving. With brief interludes of lyrical singing that break up its driving beats and make this an engaging dance track, “Give It Up For Naughty By Nature” makes for a highly entertaining musical journey!
Freestyle music combines elements of R&B, Pop and Hip-Hop into an exhilarating genre ideal for dancing. Corina from 1991 has produced one such track and stands as an outstanding example.
In the 1990s, post-grunge bands such as Candlebox, Bush, Creed, and Matchbox Twenty enjoyed great success. Hip hop also produced numerous notable acts including Tupac Shakur, Biggie Smalls, Eazy-E and many others.
3. Lou Bega – “Mambo Number Five”
People of a certain age will hear the opening notes of this 1992 song and immediately feel motivated to dance around. It’s an example of music that doesn’t need explaining; just hearing it makes your legs and feet want to move in unison!
Bega is a French singer known for producing several popular albums. He also is notable for his diverse upbringing; having both an Italian mother and a Ugandan father; spending his teenage years in Miami helped foster an appreciation of Latin rhythms.
This song was inspired by an instrumental composed in 1949 by Cuban musician Damaso Perez Prado and was the subject of much legal wrangling when Peermusic and Prado’s estate attempted to claim royalties on it; eventually this matter was settled amicably; Bega has continued making music ever since and appears on the soundtrack for Ubi Soft/Disney Interactive video game Tropico.
4. Madonna – “Into The Groove”
Madonna’s classic dance tune remains popular today and remains one of her early hits, offering up fun energy and lyrics that poke fun at relationships while inspiring listeners to sing along while dancing along to its energetic melody.
Shep Pettibone remixed Madonna’s beats and lyrics into this infectious funk dance track produced by Shep Pettibone. Although Madonna may have had an insubordinate nature, she actually graduated high school a semester early while maintaining an A student lifestyle throughout her life.
Madonna’s early single Into the Groove is widely considered one of her finest early releases. Although originally written for another artist, she then altered it to fit with the storyline of Desperately Seeking Susan film and it became an international hit, reaching top positions across Australia, Belgium, Ireland, Japan and Spain – as well as appearing on Like a Virgin 1985 reissue and compilation albums You Can Dance and The Immaculate Collection.
5. The Spice Girls – “It’s About Time”
If you attended any dance parties in the 1990s, chances are good that this song would have played. A fine example of Eurodance music, this track combines energetic dance and hip-hop styles into an infectious tune that will get your feet moving. Interludes of lyrical singing help break up its driving rhythms and allow listeners to take a breather.
The Spice Girls were one of the most beloved girl groups of the 1990s, and are best-known for this dance song. While not as risque as some of their other tracks, this track still boasts great beats and high energy that are sure to get your feet moving!
This song is an outstanding example of freestyle, a musical genre which blends R&B, soul, and hip-hop styles into its signature sound. The lyrics will jog memories while its energetic instrumentals ensure your dance playlist remains lively and upbeat.
6. The Chemical Brothers – “Dust Brothers Remix”
Unimaginable dance song playlists would be incomplete without featuring some tunes by The Chemical Brothers – arguably one of the most famous acts from the 90s who pioneered Latin-influenced dance music. Their song features an infectious beat sure to get people moving! This track from their album “Nighttime Dreaming” should certainly get people dancing!
While not one of this artist’s best-known songs, this track makes an excellent addition to any dance playlist. Featuring an infectious beat and memorable chorus line that are easy to sing along to, this tune makes an excellent dance track.
Moby was a household name during the 1990s and is still renowned for his electronic music production today. This track from his 1999 album Play is an example of his unique sound – its lyrics may be dark but its beat will get people moving! Additionally, it can serve to diversify your dance music playlist!
7. Bizarre Inc. – “Energique”
Although this song is more contemporary, its gentle energy will help people unwind and dance freely. Additionally, this tune would be ideal for playing at parties where some guests might not know as much about music.
As house music moved towards more experimental new forms in the second half of the 90s, Matthew Herbert was there at its forefront with this mesmeric masterpiece. Layered with unconventional textures and playful sound design, his breakbeats featured Camille Yarbrough’s 1975 track Praise You as its vocal sample for maximum dance floor impact.
Corina’s song is an exceptional example of freestyle music – a genre which fuses R&B, soul, and hip-hop styles into something distinctively enjoyable. The infectious beat will have everyone dancing for hours to forget their troubles for a time!
8. Will Smith – “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It”
This classic 1990s dance song is sure to get people dancing, becoming one of the most iconic tracks from that era. Its familiar tune has become synonymous with particular era and can bring crowds onto any dance floor at any event from office parties to family reunions.
This catchy song from Madonna brings together old-school rap and funk-influenced electronic music in an irresistibly catchy blend that will have people moving together on the dance floor. Her powerful vocals create a melancholic atmosphere while its mesmeric beat keeps listeners moving with every beat of this upbeat yet mesmeric tune.
With its signature moody rhythm and luxurious melody, this 90’s dance hit from R&B soul meets classic hip-hop beats to create an iconic track – one that any dance music playlist must include!
9. Robin S. – “Show Me Love”
With its catchy melody and lyrics that are easy to sing along to, this song is guaranteed to get people dancing. Boasting an upbeat beat and funky funk soundscape, this classic should be included on any dance playlist.
This classic 90s dance track, originally released in 1990 and helping establish house music as a mainstream genre, has been remixed numerous times over time and remains one of its most beloved tracks ever since its original release. A must-have on any dance playlist and referenced by numerous movies and television shows alike; its timeless message of love will touch people’s hearts while Robin S’s stellar vocal performance make this memorable piece of music; she went on to have an equally successful career post “Show Me Love.”