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[Western Music] A roundup of male solo singers who were active in the ’90s
Western music of the ’90s, when grunge, alternative rock, and R&B were reshaping the scene.
If you’re someone who wants to revisit—or discover for the first time—the songs of the male solo singers who defined that era but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll introduce a host of talented singers who lit up the charts back then.
It’s a rich lineup that both those seeking nostalgia and those wanting to rediscover the music of that time can enjoy.
Now that streaming makes listening so easy, why not rediscover the classic hits of those days?
[Western Music] A roundup of male solo singers who were active in the ’90s (1–10)
Brown SugarD’Angelo
D’Angelo, the innovator who opened up a new musical horizon called neo-soul.
Born in Richmond, Virginia to a preacher father, he emerged on the scene in the mid-1990s, building on the musicality he cultivated in church.
His debut album, Brown Sugar, brought him instant attention, and his 2000 release, Voodoo, hit No.
1 in the U.S.
He won the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for a track on the album, cementing his status.
After about 14 years of silence, his 2014 album, Black Messiah, marked a triumphant return, earning the Grammy for Best R&B Album.
His groove-laden sound—fusing soul, funk, and hip-hop—and his multi-instrumental talent are his hallmarks.
A genius artist who sadly passed away in October 2025 at the young age of 51, he’s highly recommended for those who seek authentic, no-compromise music.
LoserBeck
Beck is a singer-songwriter from Los Angeles.
He began his career in 1988 and made his major-label debut following a 1993 single.
His signature is a collage-like approach that fuses a variety of genres, including alternative rock, hip-hop, electronica, and funk.
He won a Grammy for his 1996 album Odelay, and his 2014 album Morning Phase earned Album of the Year.
A formidable artist with a total of eight Grammy wins, he brought fresh energy to the ’90s alternative scene with experimental sounds and an original approach.
If you enjoy music that transcends genre boundaries, he’s definitely someone you should check out.
AscensionMaxwell
Alongside D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, Maxwell is hailed as a foundational figure of the neo-soul genre.
His 1996 debut album, “Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite,” showcased a sophisticated sound influenced by Marvin Gaye and Prince and went platinum.
In 2001, his album “Now” debuted at No.
1 on the Billboard 200, and he has won three Grammy Awards.
His uniquely crafted world—born from a sensual falsetto and perfectionist approach to production—continues to captivate listeners across generations.
He’s an artist I highly recommend for those who want to immerse themselves in music and those seeking refined R&B that evokes an adult sense of romance.
AngelsRobbie Williams
Robbie Williams debuted in 1990 as a member of the boy band Take That and went solo in 1996.
In 1997, “Angels” from his album Life thru a Lens became a massive hit, establishing him as a full-fledged solo artist.
With a wide-ranging sound spanning pop, rock, and electronic dance, he has produced a string of UK chart-toppers including “Millennium,” “Rock DJ,” and “Feel.” He holds a record 18 Brit Awards as a solo artist and was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Known for his commanding stage presence and accessible melodies, he’s a recommended artist for anyone looking to experience the vibe of ’90s Britpop.
You Make Me Wanna…Usher
Usher, who brought a fresh breeze to the R&B scene, made his debut in 1994 and shot to stardom with his second album, “My Way,” in 1997.
While rooted in R&B, his appeal lies in a musical style that fuses a range of genres, including pop, soul, hip-hop, and funk.
He released a string of hits such as “You Make Me Wanna…” and “Nice & Slow,” and has an impressive track record, including eight Grammy Awards.
His astonishing vocal range—three octaves plus four notes—and his smooth, emotionally rich voice are nothing short of breathtaking.
He’s highly recommended not only for those who want to immerse themselves in the R&B sound of the ’90s, but also for anyone who appreciates standout dance performances.
Friends In Low PlacesGarth Brooks
A giant of the country scene from Oklahoma, Garth Brooks has boldly fused rock and pop elements into country music since his 1989 debut, establishing a new sound that transcends genre boundaries.
With his album “Garth Brooks,” he showcased the appeal of neo-traditional country, and he captivated audiences with live performances that incorporated arena rock-style spectacle.
He holds the record for the best-selling solo artist in U.S.
history and achieved the remarkable feat of nine Diamond-certified albums.
In addition to wins at the Grammys and American Music Awards, he is the only artist in CMA history to be named Entertainer of the Year seven times.
Blending the warmth of traditional country with modern showmanship, his music is recommended not only for country fans but also for a wide range of rock and pop listeners.
HallelujahJeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley, whose overwhelming vocal ability and depth of musicality have continued to influence countless artists.
He debuted in 1993 with the EP Live at Sin-é and released the masterpiece Grace the following year, in 1994.
He is well known for his cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, which was selected for Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs.
A Grammy-nominated artist, he captivated listeners with a one-of-a-kind style that fuses folk, jazz, and blues on an alternative rock foundation.
Although he passed away in 1997 at the young age of 30, his acclaim has only grown posthumously.
He’s highly recommended for those seeking music that combines delicacy with grandeur.