[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)
Flat BeatMr. Oizo
People hearing it for the first time might find it incomprehensible as music.
But its coolness is off the charts! I think this very sensation is the true thrill of dance music.
This track is both the breakout work of the French electro maverick Mr.
Oizo and a defining piece of the scene.
Its endlessly flat groove feels great.
While it has aspects that connect to drum’n’bass and techno, its sound design brims with esprit and truly shines—a masterpiece among masterpieces.
His other works are fantastic too, but this became the hit that established his early style.
Baby Got BackSir Mix A Lot
A track released in 1992 by Sir Mix-a-Lot.
It was inspired by a Budweiser commercial he saw while watching the Super Bowl on TV, and it’s a song about women with big butts.
The track was used in a Target commercial in 2005.
[Back to the ’90s!] Western dance music hits from the 1990s (101–110)
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.
Heartbreak Hotel ft. Faith Evans, Kelly PriceWhitney Houston
It’s a song released in 1998 by a now-departed songstress that became a hit.
It’s a classic where the R&B sound resonates deeply beneath a tender, heartfelt vocal performance.
The fact that it was nominated for two Grammy Awards—Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance—shows how much attention it received worldwide at the time.
I still can’t forget her powerful, piercing voice.
Baby Got BackSir Mix A Lot
Sir Mix-a-Lot, a rapper who is also a recording producer.
Known as a heavyweight rapper, his punchy, powerful delivery is unforgettable after just one listen.
He still enjoys enduring popularity.
This song won Best Rap Solo Performance at the 35th Annual Grammy Awards.
While the lyrics—so crucial in rap—are amusing, the confident way he delivers them is likely one reason for his popularity.
Whatta ManSalt ‘N’ Pepa feat. En Vogue
A collaboration between the American hip-hop trio Salt-N-Pepa and the R&B vocal group En Vogue.
It was released in 1993.
It samples Linda Lyndell’s track “What a Man.” The music video, directed by Matthew Rolston, won an MTV Video Music Award.
MotownphillyBoyz II Men
Boyz II Men is a vocal group renowned for their world-class harmonies.
They’re indispensable when discussing R&B from the 1980s through the 1990s, so anyone who has delved even a little into the genre is likely familiar with them.
Among their works, a dance track I especially recommend is Motownphilly.
It features a track that mixes R&B and hip-hop, and the entire song is infused with a hot, energetic vibe.