[Back to the ’90s!] Dance music in Western pop that was a hit in the 1990s
The 1990s were a period in which electronic music saw remarkable growth compared to any previous era.
Genres like Eurobeat and dance-pop attracted particular attention and went on to influence modern styles such as artcore and deep house.
In this piece, I’d like to introduce dance music from the 1990s.
Alongside global smash hits, I’ve also included more niche tracks with a Eurobeat flavor.
For those interested in the evolution of electronic music, there are many must-hear tracks here, so please take your time and enjoy.
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- Tearjerkers! A roundup of moving Western songs that were hits in the ’90s
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- 90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
- A 90s rapper. An artist who was active during the golden age of US hip-hop.
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1990s
- For People in Their 90s: Dance Tracks and Exercise Songs That Make Moving Your Body Fun!
- Classic club music tracks recommended for people in their 40s
[Back to the ’90s!] Western dance music hits from the 1990s (61–70)
Setting SunThe Chemical Brothers
It was the British techno and electronic duo The Chemical Brothers who are said to have popularized breakbeats—phrases created by sampling the rhythmic parts of music.
In 1996, they released this track, “Setting Sun,” featuring Oasis’s Noel Gallagher as a guest vocalist.
Halcyon and On and OnOrbital
Orbital, once known in Japan as one of the “Techno Four Heavenly Kings,” were hugely popular.
This track is built from sampled material taken from their earlier hit singles.
The vocal sample comes from Kirsty Hawkshaw of “It’s a Fine Day.” Another element is traced from Yes’s 1983 album 90125.
The track was initially released only in the United States as a single on the Radiccio EP.
It later gained popularity through numerous remixes, and an original edit appeared on compilations and the like.
Rhythm NationJanet Jackson
The American singer who is Michael Jackson’s sister and achieved major commercial success from the 1980s onward is Janet Jackson.
One of her signature songs, “Rhythm Nation,” features a music video built around highly polished choreography and is said to have had a profound impact on the music scene.
5, 6, 7, 8steps
STEPS is a five-member group from the UK.
“5, 6, 7, 8” was their debut single and their first hit.
Some listeners might recognize the instrumental break more than the lyrics.
The song itself expresses a woman’s feelings for a rodeo boy.
With its danceable rhythm and tempo, it’s designed so you can dance along to the lyrics.
Born Slippy (Nuxx)Underworld
This is a techno band from the UK made up of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, who helped drive the evolution of the techno scene from the 1990s into the 2000s.
They became widely known through features like the film Trainspotting, and this track is among their most famous.
It’s an anthem at live shows and techno parties, and it always brings the crowd to a fever pitch! A raving number where beauty and intensity coexist.
The breakbeats feel so good! For those of that generation, it’s the kind of song that just won’t let you sit still, isn’t it?
Sadeness (Part I / Violent U.S. Remix)Enigma
This track captivates with its mysterious, sensual atmosphere.
It’s an innovative piece that fuses Gregorian chant with contemporary synth sounds.
The themes revolve around a religious mood and the ideas of the Marquis de Sade, musically expressing the tension between spirituality and corporeality.
Released in January 1990, it became a hit across Europe, reaching number one in the UK, France, Germany, and more.
In the United States, it climbed to No.
5 on the Billboard charts.
It was a massive success, selling over five million copies worldwide.
Highly recommended for those interested in ambient and new-age music, and perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a mystical ambiance.
Where Do You GoNo Mercy
This work by No Mercy is a classic of 90s dance music.
It conveys the heartache of searching for a lost love through energetic beats and melodious harmonies.
Released in October 1996, the song dominated charts worldwide, reaching the top 10 in Canada, the United States, and many European countries, and topping the charts in Denmark and Ireland.
Produced by Frank Farian, it brims with the kind of allure that ignites the dance floor.
It’s a perfect track for those looking to heal the pain of heartbreak or to savor the vibe of 90s dance music.