Playlist of the best ’90s R&B songs and classics that rocked the charts through the 90s and beyond. Featuring Mary J Blige, SWV, Lauryn Hill, Brandy, Boys II Men and more.
R&B owes a lot to the ’90s. Many see the ’90s as R&B’s heyday. In terms of commercial mainstream success, the ’90s were in fact probably R&B’s rosiest time. For most of us, to hear some Brandy or Destiny’s Child is to be transported to the good ole days of when ’90s R&B songs were the soundtrack to everything from parties to break ups.
But, today, several of contemporary R&B / Soul music’s vanguards still pay homage to the sound of the ’90s. They borrow from the sound and energy of ’90s R&B songs and legends. Whether it’s the boom-bap style, lush harmonies or the melody-rich slow jams. Contemporary R&B artists are looking to ’90s R&B to create the magic that nostalgia inspires. This is what good music is about – being inspired by and reinventing the legacy of the music before you.
In honour of this cross-generational exchange, we’ve put together a playlist of 50 of the best ’90s songs with sprinklings of contemporary R&B songs inspired by ’90s R&B. Mostly the ’90s R&B legends, but some of the new school faves paying homage. Listen and rock out above. And check out our other MOOD Playlists.
