[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.
- [Western Music] A Collection of Cool Dance Music (Western Songs)
- Get in the Groove with Classic Albums: The World's Eurobeat – Recommended Popular Tracks
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- A roundup of 90s Western hip-hop: classics from the golden era
- [Western Music] Classic disco tracks that were hits in the ’90s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- 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 (91–100)
Block Rockin’ BeatsThe Chemical Brothers
The Chemical Brothers are a globally popular electronic music duo.
They’re also well loved in Japan.
Their track “Block Rockin’ Beats” is one of their biggest hits.
Since it’s known worldwide, many of you have probably heard it before.
Incidentally, the song won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance.
Be sure to check it out!
Everybody’s Free (To Feel Good)Rozalla
This track is known as a dance anthem that symbolizes the 1990s.
Rozalla’s powerful vocals leave a strong impression, and combined with lyrics that uplift listeners, it truly embodies hope and freedom.
Released in 1991, it became a massive hit, especially across Europe, reaching the top 10 in over 30 countries and topping the U.
S.
Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.
It’s also cherished as a power song for overcoming tough times.
It’s perfect not only for getting the crowd going in clubs, but also for anyone who wants a boost when they’re feeling down.
Crush on You (feat. Lil’ Cease) (Remix)Lil Kim With Lil Cease
Lil’ Kim’s freestyle rap, influenced by Diana Ross and hip-hop artists MC Lyte and The Lady of Rage, gained popularity in the ’90s.
The track was retitled as a remix single version and is performed by both Kim and Lil’ Cease.
Its catchy sound and the duo’s impeccable back-and-forth made it a fan favorite.
The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)Missy Elliott
A hip-hop track by female rapper Missy “Misdemeanor” Elliott.
The lyrics from a woman’s perspective are sexy and cool.
The song is about feeling gloomy because of the rain.
The woman is fed up with the pouring rain.
She’s had a breakup after a fight with her lover, and nothing’s going right.
She ignores the rain and heads to the beach.
There’s nothing worse than rain on a day when you’re already irritated.
Plastic DreamsJay Dee
A highly funky techno sound and an unbound approach make this a timeless 90s techno classic.
An early masterpiece from the UK techno label R&S Records.
Jay Dee, aka Chemistry.
This track is also regarded as a classic anthem—there are definitely people who go wild when it drops on the dance floor! From the 1980s into the 1990s, tracks heavily influenced by Black music—especially Detroit techno—featuring jazzy and funky phrases became popular.
Beautiful LifeAce of Base
Ace of Base is a music group from Sweden.
Because their lineup consists of two female vocalists and two other male members, they were often compared to ABBA.
Their musical style is also close to ABBA’s, excelling in Europop and dance music.
Among their works, the song I especially recommend is “Beautiful Life.” It’s a track rooted in the Europop and Eurodance that took the 1990s by storm, featuring a melody that blends fiery vibes with refreshing brightness.
I’ll BeFoxy Brown, JAY-Z
A song by Foxy Brown, who was highly popular for her hard-hitting rap.
Featuring American rapper Jay-Z, the track reached No.
7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 500,000 copies.
She also spent time in prison for various offenses, living a life closely entwined with her talent, but her powerful statements and catchy flow were part of the appeal, and it’s true that she helped energize the rap scene of the time.