15 R&B songs from the 1990s you forgot about but need to hear again

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As someone who grew up in the 90s, I can confidently say that the decade was a golden era for R&B music. The tunes from this period have a special place in my heart and continue to resonate with me even today. The ’90s R&B scene was not just about the beats and melodies; it was about the stories, the emotions, and the struggles of everyday life that these artists so beautifully captured.

Speaking of the most prosperous times for R&B music, the ’90s undeniably stood out as a golden age. It was an era where success seemed to follow one after another, with hit songs after hit songs being released in quick succession. For those who appreciated rhythm and blues, it was indeed an exceptional period. Pioneers like Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, TLC, Aaliyah, Maxwell, Usher, Brandy, Ginuwine, and numerous other legendary artists were instrumental in shaping the genre and making it popular among the masses. In truth, the R&B we know today would have been very different if not for these trailblazing artists who laid the foundation.

“The Boy Is Mine” by Brandy and Monica

Discuss an iconic R&B song and duo! In 1998, as Brandy and Monica were gaining popularity in the R&B music scene, fans were eager to witness their collaboration. Co-authored by Brandy, LaShawn Daniels, Japhe Tejeda, Fred Jerkins III, and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, the song that would later be known as “The Boy Is Mine” was penned. This hit single served as the lead track on both their respective second albums – Never Say Never for Brandy and The Boy Is Mine for Monica.

Drawing partial influence from Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson’s “The Girl Is Mine” duet, this tune narrated a tale of two females vying for the attentions of one man. The track skyrocketed to success, spending 13 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and eventually being crowned as the top-selling song of the year in the US. Here’s hoping that Brandy and Monica will join forces once more on a future hit single!

“I’m So Into You” by SWV

SWV (Sisters with Voices) is easily one of the best R&B girl groups of all time, and all you need to do is look at their discography to understand why. They have so many timeless hits that even the new generation of R&B singers cover their songs today. Honestly, I’m sure many of your favorite R&B artists look up to them as their inspiration. The beloved girl group is made up of Cheryl (Coko) Gamble, Tamara (Taj) George, and Leanne (Lelee) Lyons.

Among their most popular tracks is “I’m So Into You,” a number from their first studio album titled “It’s About Time” (1992). This song narrates a tale of a woman deeply smitten in a romantic sense by someone else. Remarkably, this tune garnered 11 nominations for the Billboard Music Awards and even earned SWV a nomination for Best New Artist at the 36th Grammys. Following your listen to “I’m So Into You,” I strongly recommend checking out “Right Here,” “Weak,” and “You’re Always on My Mind.” All these tunes are included on the same album, “It’s About Time.

“Candy Rain” by Soul For Real

1994 saw the debut of “Candy Rain” through Uptown and MCA Records. This song gained massive popularity, spending four consecutive weeks at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Eventually, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) recognized it by awarding Gold certification for selling over 800,000 copies within the U.S.

This song was penned by Jean-Claude Olivier, Samuel Barnes, Heavy D, and Terri Robinson, making it a part of Soul For Real’s first studio album with the same title. Notably, this track significantly boosted their fame and cemented their status in ’90s R&B music scene.

“Got ’til It’s Gone” by Janet Jackson feat. Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip

Janet Jackson, a significant artist of the ’90s, demonstrated once more why she’s the best of all time (GOAT) with her famous track “Got ’til It’s Gone.” This song is from her sixth studio album, The Velvet Rope (1997). The track skillfully combines genres like R&B, hip-hop, and dance. It also features American rapper Q-Tip and Canadian singer Joni Mitchell.

Jackson collaborated with Mitchell, Jam, Lewis, René Elizondo Jr., and Kamaal Ibn Fareed to create a song that carries a profound message. Essentially, the song underscores the human tendency to overlook the value of things until they’re no longer available. Don’t miss out on the significance of this tune by failing to give it a listen!

“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child

1999 saw the release of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child, which served as their third single off the album “The Writing’s on the Wall“. The group members Beyoncé Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, and Kelly Rowland collaborated on writing this hit song, with additional assistance from LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, and Rodney Jerkins. Notably, it was Rodney Jerkins who produced the track.

This track turned out to be incredibly popular and was the most successful among the four songs on the album. It climbed up the charts, won Destiny’s Child their first two Grammy Awards, and established them as a prominent R&B group during that time. Overall, it’s an enduring classic that has resonated with many listeners, both old and new, becoming something of an anthem for them.

Here are 10 more R&B gems from the ’90s that defined a golden era of R&B:

  • “If I Ever Fall in Love” by Shai
  • “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell
  • “Breakin’ My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” by Mint Condition
  • “I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)” by Hi-Five
  • “Tell Me” by Groove Theory
  • “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here” by Deborah Cox
  • “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
  • “Before You Walk out of My Life” by Monica
  • “If You Love Me” by Brownstone
  • “Forever My Lady” by Jodeci

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2024-11-20 02:00