The Best of 1990s Soul Music
Contents
A look at the best of what 1990s soul music had to offer, from Mariah Carey to Boyz II Men.
Introduction
The term “soul” is a musical genre that has its roots in African American church music. It is characterized by its bluesy, gospel-influenced sound and often includes elements of Jazz and R&B. Soul music became popular in the late 1950s and 1960s, reaching its height of popularity in the 1970s. However, soul music experienced a decline in popularity in the 1980s, before making a comeback in the 1990s.
The 1990s saw the rise of several successful soul artists, including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, TLC, and Boyz II Men. These artists helped to bring soul music back into the mainstream and reintroduced elements of R&B and hip hop into the genre. As a result, soul music of the 1990s was often more upbeat and rhythmic than its earlier counterparts.
If you’re a fan of soul music, or just looking to discover some new artists, check out our list of the best soul songs from the 1990s.
R&B and Soul Music in the 1990s
The 1990s was a golden era for R&B and soul music. With the rise of hip hop and new jack swing, R&B and soul music artists had to step their game up and they did. From Mariah Carey to TLC, R&B and soul music artists dominated the charts in the 1990s. Let’s take a look at some of the best R&B and soul music of the 1990s.
The Birth of New Jack Swing
In the early 1990s, a new style of R&B music emerged that combined soul, hip hop, and pop. This new style was called New Jack Swing and was spearheaded by producers Teddy Riley and Bernard Belle. New Jack Swing was a major departure from the traditional sound of soul music and helped to make R&B a more mainstream genre. Some of the biggest hits of the 1990s were New Jack Swing songs, including “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd, “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell, and “Baby Baby Baby” by TLC.
The Dominance of Hip Hop
In the early 1990s, Hip Hop music became the dominant genre of pop music. Rap artists such as Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Tupac Shakur became some of the most popular musicians in the world. While Hip Hop music was becoming more mainstream, R&B and Soul music was also experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and TLC were some of the most successful musicians of the decade.
The Resurgence of Traditional Soul
The 1990s saw the resurgence of traditional soul music after its decline in popularity in the previous two decades. This was due in part to the success of singers like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey, who helped to bring soul back into the mainstream. Combined with the rise of hip hop and R&B, which often incorporated soul elements, this led to a new Golden Age of Soul music in the 1990s.
Notable artists from this era include Boyz II Men, TLC, Usher, and Lauryn Hill. These artists blended traditional soul with contemporary R&B to create a sound that was both nostalgic and modern. They also helped to usher in a new era of socially conscious music, with many songs addressing issues such as poverty, violence, and racism.
The Best Soul Albums of the 1990s
The 1990s was a great decade for soul music. Many artists released groundbreaking albums that defined the genre. If you’re looking for the best of the best, here are the best soul albums of the 1990s.
Aaliyah – Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number
Aaliyah’s debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, was released on May 24, 1994. The album peaked at number 18 on the Billboard 200 and sold three million copies in the United States. Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number was written and produced by R. Kelly and features the singles “Back & Forth” and “At Your Best (You Are Love)”.
Boyz II Men – II
Boyz II Men’s second album, II, is a perfect example of ‘90s soul at its finest. The album features the group’s trademark harmonies on hits like “I’ll Make Love to You” and “End of the Road,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for a record-breaking 13 weeks. II also includes the anthemic ballad “On Bended Knee,” which earned Boyz II Men a Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill’s solo debut is one of the most accomplished albums of the 1990s. She writes, produces and performs every song on the album, which touches on love, heartbreak, faith and parenthood. Hill’s soaring vocals are sublime throughout, but especially on the hits “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Ex-Factor.” The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a timeless classic that announced Hill as a powerhouse talent.
Conclusion
The 1990s was a great decade for soul music. With the advent of new technology, the genre was able to evolve and produce some of the best music of all time. From the popularity of boy bands to the rise of girl power, there was something for everyone in the world of soul music. The 1990s produced some truly amazing artists who are still loved and appreciated today.
