[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)
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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 (1–10)
Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit of…)Lou Bega
If you’re looking for a breezy track with dance-pop elements, this song by Lou Bega is a great pick.
It’s a remake based on an instrumental composed in 1949 by a Cuban musician, to which Bega added new lyrics.
Set to Latin pop and mambo rhythms, it playfully lists various women’s names while expressing a man’s growing fascination with each of them.
Released in July 1999, it became a worldwide hit, achieving huge success—especially in France, where it held the number-one spot for 20 weeks.
It remains a beloved staple for energizing the dance floor even today.
Virtual InsanityJamiroquai
Jamiroquai, an acid jazz group hugely popular in Japan as well, is a band whose music almost everyone has heard at least once.
Virtual Insanity is one of their signature tracks and became a massive hit worldwide.
While it’s not a classic, straight-up dance number, it’s danceable enough to get play in clubs.
It’s perfect for swaying your hips and moving at a relaxed pace.
If you like stylish, sophisticated tracks, be sure to give it a listen.
Livin’ La Vida LocaRicky Martin
If you love high-energy Latin music that radiates heat, I recommend Livin’ la Vida Loca.
It’s performed by Puerto Rico’s iconic singer-songwriter Ricky Martin.
In Japan, Hiromi Go also released a cover titled GOLD FINGER ’99.
This track is a dance number that blends Latin, pop, and rock in perfect balance.
Its sultry, sizzling melody naturally gets your body moving and lifts your spirits.
[Back to the ’90s!] Dance music from Western hits of the 1990s (11–20)
Everytime We TouchCascada
Cascada is a Eurodance group formed in 2004.
Eurodance sparked a massive boom worldwide—Japan included—during the 1990s.
Cascada became one of the groups that ignited that Eurodance craze, producing numerous hit songs.
Among them, a standout recommendation is “Everytime We Touch.” It’s a Eurodance track with strong pop elements, characterized by a fresh and upbeat melody throughout.
We like to Party!Vengaboys
Bursting with a party vibe, this track is known as one of the Vengaboys’ signature works.
With its catchy melody and optimistic feel, it carries an uplifting message for listeners.
Featured on the album “Up & Down – The Party Album,” it was released in June 1999.
A staple that lights up the dance floor, it became a hit in clubs and on radio stations around the world.
This song reminds us of the importance of letting go of everyday worries and having fun.
It’s perfect for anyone wanting to soak up that ’90s atmosphere or looking for a quick mood boost.
Blue (Da Ba Dee)Eiffel 65
Eiffel 65 is a music group known for a sound centered on Italo dance, a subgenre of Eurodance.
They’re very famous in Europe, but not as well known in Japan.
However, many people might recognize their track “Blue (Da Ba Dee).” Even within Italo dance, this song is arranged with an especially pop-oriented feel.
It’s enjoyable even for those who might be hesitant about full-fledged electronic music.
FirestarterThe Prodigy
In 2019, the band’s frontman and vocalist Keith Flint sadly passed away.
This is one of The Prodigy’s early hits that he wrote.
The guitar riff was sampled from The Breeders’ song “SOS.” Incidentally, the music video—criticized by tabloid newspapers for supposedly frightening young children—was filmed in the disused tube tunnels of Aldwych station in London.