[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)
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.
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.”
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.
Please Don’t GoKWS
Here’s an introduction to a classic dance track that defined the 1990s.
This song by KWS achieved international success, including five consecutive weeks at number one on the UK Singles Chart.
Originally a cover of a KC & The Sunshine Band track, it’s arranged in a Eurodance style.
The lyrics strikingly portray the heartache of lost love and an obsessive longing for a loved one, paired with an energetic, club-ready sound.
Released in 1992, it’s still celebrated as an iconic anthem of ’90s dance music.
A perfect pick if you want to light up the dance floor!
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.