The best disco music of the 90s. Although the 90s disco music in english begins to take shape at the end of the 80s with the appearance of house and its perfect mixture of hip hop and dance, in this blog we consider that the 90s club music is the one that began to have much more success from 1993. In this article (and its consequent Spotify playlist) we will see that since 1990 there were already a good number of disco hits but the degree of exceptionality was still too high and, above all, there was not so much difference with respect to what was heard in the death throes of the previous decade, when we went from Technotronic to C+C Music Factory with a very natural continuity.
Introduction
It is necessary to indicate in this introduction that, although we call it 90s disco music the correct thing would be to say 90s dance music. This is so because, where in past decades (especially in the 70s) it was clear what style we were referring to, since the late 80s things have become too complicated. Where before we had a mixture of rhythms between R&B, soul and some funky with a multitude of instruments playing, now we find that what stands out is the electronics. Black music keeps singers that now add the energy of rappers to the most vocal female voices.
It’s actually a whole bunch of names. For example, with the 90’s dance In fact, many people associate styles like the euro house he europop he trance he italodance he happy hardcore or until reggae-pop or the jazzdance. Not to mention synth-pop or the aforementioned techno and house, with their substyles. Because that is another, what do we do for example with the Ini Kamoze dancehall on Here Comes The Hotstepper. In our case, we have decided to leave out styles like reggae-pop, synth-pop or the trip hop for being further away from the dance floors, although that may make you miss names like Pet Shop Boys, Depeche Mode or the Inner Circle.
The best disco music of the 90s in English
In any case, the most interesting thing about the 90s dance music in english is to find out at what exact moment it stopped being a mainstream style. Because it’s true that later in the early 2000s it came back strong thanks to names like David Guetta or DJ Tiësto, but from the mid-1990s until the end of it, the truth is that the strength of all the musical styles destined for the dance floors were losing prominence in the discos of all the world.
For this reason, another of the objectives that we have set for ourselves, in addition to highlighting the best 90s disco songs is to see that evolution towards other sounds that came to take the place of music for clubs and pubs. As a small spoiler, let’s say there were two aspects. In the first, pop ended up taking precedence over everything else; in the second, the vocal part was losing importance compared to the rest of the musical factors.
Ride On Time, by Black Box (1990)
We started the 90s list with a song published as a single in July 1989, but belonging to the dreamland album, released in 1990 by the Italian house music group Black Box. The member of black box Daniele Davioli described Ride On Time as an attempt to create a dance floor with the power of a rock song… And boy did he succeed.
Get Ready, from 2 Unlimited (1991)
It’s a song so perfect in its role that it also gave the title to the debut album by the half-Belgian, half-Dutch Eurodance group. 2 Unlimited. get ready it was an absolute success in Europe, although in the United States they were not quite ready for this sound yet.
Rhythm Is A Dancer by SNAP! (1992)
Contrary to past decades (with the main exception of ABBA), in the 90s the disco music that was rocking it was mostly European in its early days. We have already seen it with the two previous examples. the german group SNAP! it is one more proof. Released in March 1992 as the second single from her second studio album, The Madman’s Return (1992). Rhythm Is A Dancer Features the voice of the American singer Thea Austin.
No Limit, from 2 Unlimited (1993)
The second appearance of 2 Unlimited on the list is a must. If they were able to compose two such popular hits, who is this blog to deny their double presence here? As in the previous case, the title of the single published in 1993 coincides with that of his second album, No limits!.
Haddaway’s What Is Love (1993)
As you will see, we are still in 1993. We can say, looking at the number of songs chosen, that it is the year of consolidation of a musical style that in reality is above all an amalgamation of several more. The classic what is love is the debut single by Trinidadian-German Eurodance singer Haddaway taken from their debut album, The Album. The song was released in 1993 and was successful in Europe, reaching number one on the music charts in at least 13 countries and reaching number two in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. As we said, for the moment the success is mainly in Europe.
Mr Vain, Culture Beat (1993)
Yet another proof showing that 1993 was an exceptional year. Mr Vain another great eurodance song, another one from a German band, in this case Culture Beat was released in April as the first single from their second studio album: Serenity. The song achieved great success around the world, reaching number one in at least 12 countries and is recognized today as one of the most successful and important dance songs in history. Unquestionable classic of music for anyone.
Show Me Love, Robin S. (1993)
But be careful, because after the previous success, now practically worldwide, native English speakers are beginning to arrive, a sign that we are facing one of the most popular styles of the moment. It is the case of show me love the song by the American singer Robin S.. It was written by Allen George and Fred McFarlane and originally released in 1990 by Champion Records in the United Kingdom. The song was later re-released as a single in 1992, albeit in DJ versions that were slightly different to what we know today through the 1993 album of the same name. How could it be otherwise, it became a worldwide success even in the United States.
Slave to the Music, by Twenty 4 Seven (1993)
We return to decadent Europe with Slave to the Music from the Dutch eurodance group Twenty 4 Seven, released on August 13, 1993 as part of their second studio album, with the same title (the titles were not worked much at that time, no). The song was written by the group with co-producer Ruud van Rijen and it was danced in discos in half of Europe.
Dreams (Will Come Alive), by 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor (1994)
My goodness, I think I’ve gone too far in the selection of songs, so I’m going to keep abbreviating, because the least thing you want to do is read. Do not forget that you have the playlist here, in case you have come here directly and have not seen that there are more than 100 songs.
Anyway, Dreams (Will Come Alive) is a song by the dutch group 2 Brothers on the 4th Floor with D-Rock and Des’Ray. It was released in June 1994 as the fourth single from her debut album, dreams (1994).
I Like To Move It (Erick “More” Album Mix), by Reel 2 Real & The Mad Stuntman (1994)
sure that I Like To Move It (Erick “More” Album Mix) sounds like a lot to you, even if you’re not a fan of this type of music. It may be that, when listening to it, you will sing it in Spanish. Well, this is its origin: Reel 2 Royal with The Mad Stuntman.
The Rhythm of the Night, by Corona (1995)
European music continues to be the protagonist of the list with The Rhythm of the Night the song of the Italian eurodance group Crown. It was released as the first single from her in 1993 in Italy and then elsewhere in the world the following year. However, since the group’s debut album, The Rhythm of the Night, was released in 1995, and it was already clear that in 1993 dance was the most, we give a little more weight to this year. Written by Francesco Bontempi, Annerley Emma Gordon, Giorgio Spagna, Pete Glenister and Mike Gaffey was produced by Bontempi and the vocal parts were performed by the Italian singer Giovanna Bersola who is uncredited on the single and does not appear in the music video.
Dub-I-Dub, from Me & My (1995)
Dub-I-Dub is a song by the Danish duo Me & My, released in September 1995 as the first single from their self-titled album the same year. It was a hit on the charts in many countries, reaching number one in Denmark and Japan and being a top 10 hit in Belgium, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Russia, Spain and Sweden, to name a few examples.
Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop), by Scatman John (1995)
For a change a bit, here we have an American again, in this case the famous Scatman John. Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop) was released in November 1994 as a single and later reissued in July 1995 for their second album, Scatman’s World. The song was described as “a mix of scatting jazz, rap and house beats”, although I remember, as a child, hearing on television that the reason behind his singing was stuttering and I don’t know if it was true. In Spain it was a small revolution.
Shut Up (and Sleep With Me), Sin With Sebastian (1995)
However, the German market was clearly the world powerhouse in terms of dance music in the 1990s. Shut Up (and Sleep with Me) by the German eurodance artist Without With Sebastian, makes it clear again. Released in May 1995 as the lead single from her debut album, golden boy features the singer’s classic operatic voice Donna Lynn Bowers. Co-produced by Inga Humpe and Sebastian Roth who also wrote it, the song became a hit across Europe, reaching number one in Austria, Finland, Lithuania and Spain.
Born Slippy .NUXX, from Underworld (1995)
Another of those songs that will ring a bell even if you haven’t been a fan of bakalao, eurodance or techno. Born Slippy .NUXX is a song that, as The Prodigy would also do, would allow disco music of the 90s to take a musical evolutionary leap. The British electronic music group Underworld is here responsible. The lyrics sung by the vocalist Karl Hyde describes the perspective of an alcoholic, something that would lead it to be used later as the soundtrack of the film trainspotting and re-released as a single in July 1996, reaching the top of the charts in many European countries.
Step By Step, by Whitney Houston (1996)
But before taking the leap that we have mentioned towards something harder or at least different from what we have heard, we are going to listen to something more classic and closer to what we understand as disco music in general. And it comes from the hand of the enormous Whitney Houston although Step By Step It was originally written and recorded by Annie Lennox.
Around the World by Daft Punk (1997)
And here is the change. Despite the contrast, this was also danced, and how. around the world is the first major international hit for the French house music duo daft punk. It appears on his 1997 Homework album, although it was released as a single on March 17 of the same year by Virgin Records. The song is known for repeating the title of the song and also for its music video, directed by michel gondry and with the choreography of white li. In fact, the memory of this video is personally indelible, because I know it was at my uncle’s house and that my cousin showed me a Furby for the first time.
Come Into My Life – Molella And Phil Jay Edit Mix, by Gala (1997)
Notice how I start to change the terms to refer to the songs from these years. It’s not that they weren’t present before, but the greatest hits were what they were, and what’s more, several coexisted in many of them, even though the decision was made to mix all of them in what is known as Eurodance. In the case of Come Into My Life rurodance becomes much more pop thanks to the Italian singer Gala. It was written by Gala Rizzatto, Filippo Andrea Carmeni (known as Molella) and Phil Jay two renowned Italian DJs and producers, and became one of Gala’s biggest hits and a dance music anthem of the ’90s.
Block Rockin’ Beats, by The Chemical Brothers (1997)
The main difference between what we were listening to and what is coming now is in the focus. The production and the sound elements are the most important, while the lyrics of the song are minimalist and consist of the repetition of the title. Block Rockin’ Beats. The title refers to the idea of creating powerful rhythms and beats that «block» or shake up the world of music, something that The Chemical Brothers They achieve this thanks to combining elements of electronic music, breakbeat and big beat together with a powerful and addictive guitar riff. As in the case of Daft Punk, the song also received recognition for its innovative music video, also directed by michel gondry. Ultimately, the song became one of the band’s biggest hits and is considered one of the electronic music anthems of the 1990s.
Believe, de Cher (1998)
When no one expected it cher he returned to the music scene and broke it. He autotune that we know now is nothing if we compare it with the use that the musical star gave it here. Believe It was written by Brian Higgins, Stuart McLennen, Paul Barry, Steven Torch, and produced by Mark Taylor and Brian Rawling. The song marked a significant shift in musical style for Cher, who had previously been known for her pop music and ballads, while here she took a more electronic and danceable approach, allowing her to reach new audiences and conquer the charts. of international hits.
The Rockafeller Skank, by Fatboy Slim (1998)
90s were such a weird thing I remember seeing in the movie Someone like You singer Usher dancing The Rockafeller Skank like he was michael jackson. The song, released by the British musician Fat Boy Slim (also know as Norman Cook), is one of their best-known singles and became an international hit. The song combines elements of electronic music, big beat, and funk.
Horny – ’98 Radio Edit, by Mousse T. (1998)
Using a vocal sample taken from How Do You Like It? by The Jungle Brothers (that which repeats the word «horny” (excited or hot) in different variations throughout the song), Horny – ’98 Radio Edit It is a shorter adaptation and focused on diffusion radio of the original song. This remix shortened the length of the song and made subtle adjustments to the production to better suit radio formats and capture the attention of a wider audience, which was a great move by the German producer and DJ. Mousse T. to achieve success in 1998.
Music Sounds Better With You, by Stardust (1998)
But now let’s calm down with Music Sounds Better With Youthe song released by the musical group stardust in 1998. This was an electronic music project formed by Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter, Alan Braxe and Benjamin Diamond. The song became a huge hit and is considered a dance music classic, conveying a positive and celebratory message of music as a form of togetherness and happiness. The very title, Music Sounds Better With You, suggests that music has the power to enhance and enrich our lives. In 2021 it was covered in French by Magenta within his album Monogramme, under the title Avec Toi.
2 Times, by Ann Lee (1999)
As seen in the header, 2 Times is a song released by British singer Ann Lee in 1999. It became an international hit and is considered one of the best-selling dance music singles of the 1990s. A song that talks about wanting to relive a past romance and re-experience happy times. The chorus refers to the idea of repeating and reliving those special moments.
Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Gabry Ponte Ice Pop Radio, from Eiffel 65 (1999)
gabry ponte member of the Italian group eifel 65, made this version with a more pop-oriented approach and with adjustments in the production to give it a fresh and radiophonic sound. So, Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Gabry Ponte Ice Pop Radio was released in 1999 and became an international success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries.
The Riddle, by Gigi D’Agostino (1999)
The Italian DJ and producer Gigi D’Agostino launched to close the decade The Riddle one of the most recognized singles of his career and which emerges as an adaptation of the poem The Riddle by the British author Sir Derek Walcott, although the lyrics in the song differ from the original poem. To begin with, because although Gigi D’Agostino’s version retains the enigmatic and mysterious focus of the poem, it actually adapts to the context of electronic music, combining elements of dance, techno and trance.
Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of…), by Lou Bega (1999)
german singer Lou Bega did not need more than one Mambo No. 5 (A Little Bit Of…) to stay in musical history. His version of the classic Perez Prado became a massive hit around the world, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries. The song was hailed for its festive beat and its ability to get people dancing on dance floors. So much so, that even today it continues to be a disco song at weddings where there are children, as happens with the Shark or Mayonnaise. It also became popular due to its catchy chorus and its references to female names that became easily recognizable.
Hey Boy Hey Girl by The Chemical Brothers (1999)
The second presence of the British electronic music duo The Chemical Brothers it was non-negotiable. Because hey boy hey girl It was, at an age where I only accepted listening to hip hop and rock, a pleasant surprise away from that. Personally, I mostly remember his music video, though his distinctive bass line and psychedelic vibe to him are key as well. The song combines elements of big beat, techno, and electronic music, creating a powerful and addictive sound. It is also notable for its vocal sample of a modified version of The Roof Is on Fire by Rock Master Scott & the Dynamic Three.
Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!, from Vengaboys (1999)
Combining elements of eurodance and bubblegum pop, we close our selection with Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!! from the Dutch group Vengaboys. With a somewhat childish touch, perhaps a sign of exhaustion, it was a success and has become a dance music anthem of the 90s. In addition to its commercial success, the song has remained a key song in pop culture. and has been used in various movies, television shows, and sporting events. Its festive energy and catchy chorus have made it an enduring dance music anthem perfect to end this article.
