[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
- [Nostalgic Hits] Popular Japanese dance music songs that were hits in the 1990s
- [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
- Dance music in Japanese (J-pop) that people in their 50s used to listen to. Nostalgic classic hits.
- A 90s rapper. An artist who was active during the golden age of US hip-hop.
- Easy-to-dance songs [Perfect for dance beginners]
[Back to the ’90s!] Dance Music Hits from Western Artists in the 1990s (71–80)
And The Beat Goes OnThe Whispers
The Whispers, who created a classic that has long been cherished as a defining soul-disco sound of the ’80s.
Hailing from California, their October 1979 release is a masterpiece that sets a positive, forward-looking message about a breakup—one of life’s turning points—to an upbeat groove.
Its effective use of synthesizers made it a pivotal track symbolizing the transition from disco to post-disco.
In 2002, it was featured on the soundtrack of the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, winning over a new generation of listeners.
With rhythms and melodies that feel right at home on the dance floor, it’s the perfect song for anyone ready to move forward.
A gem of a disco tune, dedicated to those who, while carrying a hint of heartache, want to take a bold new step.
Are You That Somebody?Aaliyah
This is a 1998 hit by Aaliyah, a singer and actress from Brooklyn, New York.
Captivating listeners with her clear, sweet vocals and catchy sound, it was also nominated for a Grammy.
The programmed drums that run throughout the R&B track and the sounds of a child crying create a mysterious charm that really sticks in your ears.
It’s emblematic of the 1990s, when various forms of dance music were in the spotlight.
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.
California Love2Pac feat Dr.Dre
It samples Joe Cocker’s 1972 track “Woman to Woman.” A collaboration between American rappers 2Pac and Dr.
Dre, it talks about the lifestyle of California’s hip hop scene.
The music video, directed by Hype Williams, features appearances by actors including Chris Tucker.
Born SlippyUnderworld
The song “Born Slippy” was used in the last scene of the 1996 film Trainspotting, becoming a hot topic in the mainstream music scene and a hit.
The track was by Underworld, a British electronic music group.
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.
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.