[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!] Western dance music hits from the 1990s (21–30)
Here Comes the HotstepperIni Kamoze
Here’s a classic by Jamaican top artist Ini Kamoze, “Here Comes the Hotstepper.” It’s such a famous track that many of you have probably heard it before.
Although it was released in 1994, it has nearly 40 million views on YouTube.
That’s impressive for a song from the ’90s.
As it was made for international audiences, the melody is extremely easy to listen to.
Be sure to check it out!
EscapadeJanet Jackson
Janet Jackson, Michael Jackson’s sister, is a singer-songwriter.
She’s released songs in a variety of styles, and Escapade is one of the more catchy entries in her catalog.
Although it was released in 1989, the track remained popular through the mid-90s.
If you like breezy, refreshing melodies, be sure to give it a listen! It also has an ’80s vibe, so it’s recommended for fans of 80s music as well.
Back to the ’90s! Western dance music hits from the 1990s (31–40)
Waiting For TonightJennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez has appeared in numerous classic films as an actress.
She is also active as a singer, enjoying particular success from the 1990s through the 2000s.
One of her signature songs is “Waiting for Tonight.” While she primarily focuses on Latin music, this track is crafted as a fresh, relatively mellow dance tune.
For those who aren’t fond of intense dance music, it’s a very approachable song.
Samba de JaneiroBellini
It’s also often used as a soccer chant, right? Since this track was a big hit, I bet most people have heard it somewhere.
In fact, it’s not from Brazil, but a debut single released under an alias by the German techno group Hardfloor, who put out a poppy track.
Not many people know this, so if you’re curious, be sure to check out the original too!
ButterflySMiLE.dk
This song, Butterfly, was released in 1998 by Smile.dk, a Swedish female pop singer duo.
It’s well known from Dance Dance Revolution and Dance Mania.
Hip Hop HoorayNaughty By Nature
Naughty by Nature is a hip-hop group that defined the 1990s, releasing numerous hits on the legendary hip-hop label Tommy Boy Records.
The music video for this 1993 track also drew attention for being directed by Spike Lee.
Gypsy Woman (She’s Homeless)Crystal Waters
Crystal Waters, an American singer who made a huge impact in the early 1990s, captivates with her unique musical style that blends elements of house music while addressing social issues.
This track was released in April 1991 as the lead single from her debut album, “Surprise.” Its lyrics, inspired by a homeless woman she saw in Washington, D.C., resonate deeply with listeners.
While igniting the dance floor, the song also carries a strong social message, showcasing new possibilities for house music.
It’s a highly recommended track for anyone interested in the history of dance music.