The Best Soul Music Artists of the 90’s
Check out our list of the best soul music artists of the 90’s. From Whitney Houston to Lauryn Hill, these artists have stood the test of time.
Introduction
When it comes to soul music, the 90s was a truly special decade. Some of the most iconic and influential artists of all time released some of their best work during this period, and the genre as a whole reached new heights of popularity. From smooth R&B to hard-hitting hip-hop, there was something for everyone during this golden age of soul music.
In this article, we’ll be counting down the best soul music artists of the 90s. This is not an easy task, as there were so many incredible artists active during this decade, but we’ve done our best to narrow things down to a manageable list. So without further ado, let’s get started.
Whitney Houston
The late Whitney Houston is undoubtedly one of the most successful soul artists of the 90s. She released six studio albums, all of which achieved commercial and critical success. Her debut album, Whitney Houston (1985), became the best-selling album by a woman in history. Her second album, Whitney (1987), became the first album by a female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Her third album, I’m Your Baby Tonight (1990), topped the Billboard 200 chart and featured three number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her fourth album, Just Whitney (2002), received mixed reviews but still managed to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Finally, her fifth studio album, I Look to You (2009), debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making her the only female artist to have five number one albums on the chart.
TLC
TLC is an American girl group that rose to prominence in the early 1990s. Considered one of the most successful R&B groups of all time, TLC sold over 65 million records worldwide and won four Grammy Awards. The group was comprised of members Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas.
Lauryn Hill
An icon of the 1990s, Lauryn Hill is best known as a member of the group the Fugees. She launched her solo career with the release of her critically acclaimed album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill in 1998. The album earned her five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, and helped to cement her reputation as one of the most talented and successful artists of her generation.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is an American singer, songwriter, producer, and actress. She made her recording debut with the release of her self-titled studio album in 1990. Carey rose to fame with follow-up albums Music Box (1993) and Merry Christmas (1994). With the release of Butterfly (1997), Carey took creative control over her musical direction, and distanced herself from the softer pop music of her earlier work.
Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men is an American R&B/soul singing group from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The group originally consisted of four members: Nathan Morris, Michael McCary, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris. Boyz II Men found fame as a quintet when McCary left the group in 2003 due to health issues.
The 90’s were definitely the golden era for soul music and Boyz II Men was one of the most successful groups of that decade. They released their debut album, Cooleyhighharmony, in 1991 and it quickly went platinum. The album featured the hit single “Motownphilly” which put the group on the map. They followed up with a string of successful albums and singles throughout the decade including “End of the Road”, “I’ll Make Love to You”, and “One Sweet Day”.
Boyz II Men is considered one of the best soul music groups of all time and they have won numerous awards including four Grammy Awards and nine American Music Awards. They have sold over 64 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Usher
Usher rose to fame in the early 1990s with his unique brand of R&B. His debut album, Usher, was released in 1994 and quickly went platinum. He followed it up with his sophomore album, My Way, which was even more successful. To date, Usher has released seven studio albums, all of which have been very successful. He is one of the best-selling artists of all time, with over 65 million records sold worldwide.
Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys is a soul music artist who rose to fame in the early 2000s with her debut album, Songs in A Minor. The album was a commercial and critical success, earning Keys multiple Grammy Awards. She has gone on to release several more albums, including The Diary of Alicia Keys and As I Am, both of which were also highly successful.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best soul music artists of the 90’s were a diverse group of singers and songwriters who created some of the most memorable music of the decade. From R&B to neo-soul, these artists helped to define a sound that is still revered and influential today. Though the list of artists is by no means exhaustive, it does represent some of the most memorable and important names in soul music from the 90’s.
