When you think about the best time period for R&B music, the '90s was definitely one of the golden eras. I mean, there was just hit after hit, releasing back to back. It truly was a great time for fans of Rhythm and blues. You had key figures like Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, TLC, Aaliyah, Maxwell, Usher, Brandy, Ginuwine, and so many other iconic artists shaping the genre's direction and bringing it to mainstream audiences. Truthfully, R&B wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for the incredible R&B artists who paved the way.
Here at AudioPhix, we want to take a trip down memory lane to look back at some of the greatest R&B songs of the '90s. They may have slipped your mind, but these tracks deserve a spot on your playlist once again!
"The Boy Is Mine" by Brandy and Monica
Talk about an iconic song and duo! Brandy and Monica both were rising up in the R&B scene at the time "The Boy Is Mine" was released in 1998, so people were anticipating seeing them collaborate. Brandy, LaShawn Daniels, Japhe Tejeda, Fred Jerkins III, and Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins co-wrote the track, which would become the lead single on both Brandy and Monica's second albums, Never Say Never and The Boy Is Mine.
It was partially inspired by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson's "The Girl Is Mine" duet and told the story of two women fighting over the affections of the same man. The song went on to become a smash hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks and ultimately becoming the best-selling song of the year in the US. We're keeping our fingers crossed that Brandy and Monica will collaborate again on a new song in the future!
"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.
One of their greatest hits is "I'm So Into You," which is from their debut studio album, It's About Time (1992). It tells the story of a woman who is completely captivated by someone in a romantic way. Not only did this track snag 11 Billboard Music Award nominations, but it also led to SWV receiving a nomination for Best New Artist at the 36th Grammy Awards. After you finish listening to "I'm So Into You," you should definitely listen to "Right Here," Weak," and "You're Always on My Mind." These three songs are also on the It's About Time album.
"Candy Rain" by Soul For Real
Released in 1994 through Uptown and MCA Records, "Candy Rain" became a huge hit, remaining at No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for four weeks. It eventually was certified Gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) for selling 800,000 copies in the United States.
Additionally, it was written by Jean-Claude Olivier, Samuel Barnes, Heavy D, and Terri Robinson and was a track on Soul For Real's debut studio album of the same name. But overall, this song contributed to the group’s success and helped solidify their place in '90s R&B.
"Got ’til It’s Gone" by Janet Jackson feat. Joni Mitchell and Q-Tip
Janet Jackson is one of the most influential artists of the '90s, and she reminded us of why she's the GOAT with her iconic song "Got 'til It's Gone," which is from her sixth studio album The Velvet Rope (1997). This track blends elements of R&B, hip-hop, and dance and features American rapper Q-Tip and Canadian singer Joni Mitchell.
Jackson wrote this song with Mitchell, Jam and Lewis, René Elizondo Jr., and Kamaal Ibn Fareed, with its meaning being about a great lesson learned. It conveys the idea that people often take things for granted until they're gone. Please don't take this song for granted by not listening to it!
"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child
"Say My Name" by Destiny's Child was released in 1999 by Columbia Records as the third single from their second studio album, The Writing's on the Wall. It was written by all group members Beyoncé Knowles, LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, and Kelly Rowland, with help from LaShawn Daniels, Fred Jerkins III, and Rodney Jerkins. Jerkins also produced the song.
This track became a massive hit and was the most successful of the four singles on the album. It went on to top the charts, earned Destiny's Child their first two Grammy Awards, and solidified them as one of the leading R&B groups of the era. Overall, it's a timeless classic that has become an anthem for many listeners, new and old.
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