RNB songs in the 90s are still hitting every playlist. There’s something about these melodies that just speaks to us and reminds us of our past experiences. The nostalgia is real when it comes to these tracks!
It’s hard to believe that some songs that came out in the early 2000s are still relevant today. With almost every other genre has come and gone, RNB is one of the few genres to remain timeless. It’s no wonder these songs are played at weddings, parties, lounge bars – any event! Check out our list of top 10 RNB songs that will never go out of style!
Top 10: Missing – Everything But The Girl
This 90s hit song was released in 1994 and it is still a part of every electronic music set. The lyrics beautifully capture the feelings of lost love, which can resonate with almost everyone. The song was very popular and charted at the number 5 spot on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 1 on the US Dance Club Songs.
It marked the beginning of a new RnB era that combined pop music, soul, and electronic elements to create a unique feel. It’s no wonder that this track is played at almost every lounge bar or party place even today!
Favorite line of the Song
“Just coz you feel it doesn’t mean it’s there” – this line from the song kept our spirits up throughout university. In those times, we were always “missing something.” The lyrics form a very relatable story as to how people often suppress their feelings for others as they believe that it’s not reciprocated or that they’re being silly.
Top 9: It’s not about us – Lisa Stansfield
Lisa Stansfield rose to fame as a member of one of the biggest RNB groups ever – BBE. She knew how to make catchy tunes that are still popular today!
This RNB song was released in 1991 and went on to become the UK’s number one single, selling over two hundred thousand copies. The lyrics of the song are not exceptional but it does have a certain emotion that makes you sit back and wonder – “It’s just not about us, is it?”
Favorite line of the Song
“If you can’t find love when you want to, It’s not about us.” This line comes early in the song but sets up the mood very well. The lyrics are easy and relatable which is why this song still resonates with so many people even today.
Top 8: Weak – SWV
SWV perfectly captured the essence of RNB in this 1991 90s hit song. Not only is it a powerhouse of vocals, but also has a catchy tune that never gets old – no matter how many times you listen to it!
The lyrics are very relatable and speak about the kind of pressure women face when they don’t feel confident about their appearance. No matter how many times you hear it on the radio or at weddings, this song never fails to give us all the feels. Lately, there has been a surge of covers and remixes on the Internet which is further proof of this song’s timelessness.
Favorite line of the Song
“I’m not your toy”. For many women in our generation, this song is an anthem of confidence and self-love!
Top 7: Ain’t Nobody – Chaka Khan
This song was a huge hit even in the year of its release, 1993. It topped charts all across the globe and has been remixed and covered by several artists over time.
Chaka Khan’s voice is smooth as silk, soothing to listen to, and works very well for these RNB tracks. The lyrics talk about a universal truth – nobody can love you like yourself. It’s a beautiful reminder of how important self-love is!
Favorite line of the Song
“Nobody loves no one.” This line makes us pause and think about all our relationships, especially with friends and family. By being so attached to people in our lives, who are we willing to sacrifice? At the end of the day, no one loves us as much as we do.
Top 6: Set Adrift on Memory Bliss – PM Dawn
This RNB song was a giant hit in 1992 and still remains one of those songs that makes you want to put your hands up and dance. It’s a timeless classic!
The lyrics are about a breakup but the singer makes the best of it by turning it into a party. It has seen several remixes, cover versions, and even samples in various other songs. We all have our own interpretations of this tune but here’s what we think – “the heart just wants what happiness it can find.”
Favorite line of the Song
“I was never quite as good as you.” Not everyone can say what they want to in a breakup and this song portrays that beautifully. Sometimes, we just know that our significant other will be happier with someone else and we shouldn’t stand in the way of that!
Top 5: All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
Released in 1997, this song is forever part of the soundtrack to our lives! K-Ci & Jojo (of Jodeci fame) are well known for their angelic voices and this chart-topper is no exception. The lyrics display so much optimism and hope that it’s infectious to listen to!
Their duet has been sampled in many modern RNB songs featuring up-and-coming rappers. It has also been covered by several artists over time, including Jay Sean and the Backstreet Boys.
Favorite line of the Song
“Cause all along I believed it had to get better, and maybe it’s naive but you made me believe in some kind of love.” The lyrics speak of optimism but also some degree of naivety. Many think that this part is about their religious beliefs but for us, these are the words of hope!
Top 4: Stay – [Miguel Migs Remix] Lisa Stansfield
This song was released in 1990 and still remains one of the best RNB songs ever. Lisa’s voice is soulful, smooth, and very easy to listen to. The lyrics are a mix of being heartbroken and hopeful at the same time which makes it all the more enticing!
Alternate versions have been made by artists such as Will Downing and Kings of Tomorrow featuring Julie McKnight. It has also been sampled by various artists in the past and is constantly played at clubs around the world!
Favorite line of the Song
“I’ve got to be strong when I’m without you, yeah.” We all hit a point in our lives when we need to pause and take a breather. Life can get tough with all the pressure but it has to be done. This song is all about finding the strength inside of us to keep going. We love this message!
Top 3: Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
This 90s hit song was released in 1996 and is still one of the all-time favorites. Mariah’s voice is so angelic, soft, and soothing to listen to that it makes us feel warm inside. The lyrics are beautiful because they talk about not being able to let go of someone you love even after breaking up. It shows the strength of the bond you have.
We’ve seen several covers from artists such as Boyz II Men and Jagged Edge, which really shows how timeless this song is! The lyrics are heartfelt and they give us serious relationship goals!
Favorite line of the Song
“I don’t know how to let you go.” We all have a point in our lives when we realize that someone isn’t good for us. It’s a difficult decision to make but what’s even harder is accepting the fact that they’re gone and never coming back. This song from the 90s playlist expresses this sentiment perfectly!
Top 2: The Closer I Get To You – Luther Vandross & Beyonce’ Knowles
This song was released in the late 90s and still remains to be one of the most iconic RNB songs of all time. Luther’s deep voice is so soulful that it makes you want to close your eyes and drift away. Beyonce’ harmonizes beautifully with him throughout the song which brings out an intimacy that puts anyone who listens in a trance!
It has been covered by several artists such as Junior Vasquez and Just Blaze ft. Jay Z & Beyonce’. We strongly believe that it is one of the most soulful RNB songs ever made, and we cannot get enough of it!
Favorite line of the Song
“Just like the scent from a flower, I’m drawn to you. And like the heat from a fire, I am consumed.” This song is all about two people who are in love and they can’t be separated even if they tried. They understand each other and accept one another for who they truly are. It’s such an amazing song and we wish more of them were made!
Top 1: I Believe I Can Fly – R. Kelly
We can’t think of a song that is more iconic than this one! This song was released back in 1996 and it helped R. Kelly gain popularity as an artist. Everyone has heard this masterpiece even if they don’t realize it because it’s been sampled by several other artists such as Soul II Soul, Justin Timberlake, and Steve Harvey!
The song from the 90s playlist is about believing in yourself. It tells the story of a person who has felt like he was trapped by his circumstances and without any hope for change. But after hearing this track, we’ve come to realize that we shouldn’t give up because we can make it through anything if we believe in ourselves.
Favorite line of the Song
“I used to think that I could not go on, and life was nothing but an awful song. But now I know the meaning of true love. I’m leaning on the everlasting arms.” This is one of our favorite lines because it shows just how impactful this track is!
Whether you’re listening to relax or to party hard, these 90s hit songs will always be a strong reminder of your youth and bring you some good vibes. That’s the beauty of music! It can put us under a spell that transcends time and space. RNB Songs in the 90s especially have a magical touch that we still don’t understand, and it’s all thanks to the brilliant artists who created them.
Believe it or not, you have most likely heard of all these songs! They have been sampled by several other artists and that has increased their popularity. You may not realize it but they are here to stay as classics.
