[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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- 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!] Dance Music Hits from Western Artists in the 1990s (71–80)
Rosa ParksOutKast
A hit song released in 1998 by OutKast, the most successful hip-hop group of the ’90s with over 20 million albums sold.
The ’90s saw various dance music styles energize clubs, and this track was one of them—its catchy sound captivated listeners worldwide.
At the same time, it became known for drawing criticism because its lyrics were written about civil rights activists.
You could say it’s a quintessential overseas hit where artists deliver their messages through music.
UnbelievableEMF
A track released as a single in 1990 by the British band EMF.
It became a hit across the world, starting in Europe, and reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
The track was used in the 2000 romantic film “Coyote Ugly.”
Macarena (Bayside Boys Remix)Los Del Rio
A track released in 1995 by Los Del Rio, a Spanish flamenco-pop duo.
The title “Macarena” is a woman’s name meaning “Mother of God.” This remix version by Miami-based production team the Bayside Boys reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
[Back to the ’90s!] Western dance music that was a hit in the 1990s (81–90)
Strike It UpBlack Box
A track released as a single in 1991 by the Italian band Black Box.
It features lead vocals by Martha Wash.
It was a hit around the world and reached No.
1 on the charts in the United States and Canada.
BelieveCher
American singer and actress Cher released this song, Believe, at the end of 1998.
With this track, she went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording the following year.
Notably, the vocals feature an effect known as the “Cher effect.”
Turn The Beat AroundGloria Estefan
Originally a disco track released in 1976 by Vicki Sue Robinson.
This cover version by Gloria Estefan was released as a single in 1994 and was used in the film The Specialist.
It reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
Push the Feeling On (Mk Dub Revisited Edit)Nightcrawlers
A 90s organ sound reminiscent of Robin S’s “Show Me Love.” In fact, this track was released about a year earlier.
It carries a melancholic vibe, and I think it skillfully depicts scenes of the night and the club.
There’s a source of inspiration: it was reportedly inspired by Creative Source’s 1975 release “Pass the Feelin’ On.” Nightcrawlers is a house music project formed by producer and DJ John Reid from Easterhouse in Glasgow, Scotland.