The 1990s undeniably stand as the zenith of R&B music. The best 90s R&B album songs continue to resonate with a fresh and timeless appeal, their profound influence echoing in today’s generation of R&B artists who are boldly innovating and propelling the genre into new territories. This era delivered a rich tapestry of sounds, from electrifying dance anthems to deeply emotional ballads, each track a significant milestone in the evolution of R&B and the careers of the artists who brought them to life.
From the depths of soulful expression to the heights of chart-topping hits, explore 75 quintessential 90s R&B album songs that defined a generation.
75: After 7 – Til You Do Me Right
Hailing from Indianapolis, After 7 distinguished themselves as one of the most versatile groups in 90s R&B. Their repertoire spanned vintage soul, the energetic rhythms of New Jack Swing, and smooth, captivating ballads. After their initial success in 1989 with “Can’t Stop,” they reunited with the production powerhouses Babyface and L.A. Reid for their third album, Reflections. This album gifted us “‘Til You Do Me Right,” a quintessential slow dance ballad, perfect for intimate moments.
After 7 – Til You Do Me Right album song
74: Dru Hill – How Deep Is Your Love
Distinct from the Bee Gees’ classic, Dru Hill’s “How Deep Is Your Love” is an anthem of romantic and sexual confidence. Featured on their breakthrough sophomore album, Enter The Dru, this track became a defining hit for the group. It encapsulates Dru Hill’s signature sound: flawless harmonies, dynamic staccato production, and Sisqo’s iconic vocal agility.
73: Immature – Never Lie
Despite their name, Immature demonstrated a maturity beyond their years, crafting sophisticated R&B tracks ideal for slow dancing and intimate atmospheres. “Never Lie,” from their second album Playtime is Over, marked a transition towards a more mature audience, resonating deeply and reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. This album song showcased their evolution and broader appeal.
72: Faith Evans – Soon As I Get Home
Faith Evans, despite often being recognized more for her personal life, possessed remarkable vocal talent honed in church choirs. Her voice, both velvety and filled with longing yet comforting, glides effortlessly over “Soon As I Get Home,” a wistful and romantic ballad marked by depth and vocal precision. This song from her debut album solidified her as a vocal powerhouse in 90s R&B.
71: Silk – Freak Me
The 90s were a famously sensual era for R&B, with songs like “Freak Like Me” and “Freek’n’ You” dominating airwaves. Silk contributed their own seductive hit with “Freak Me,” which soared to No. 1. Produced under the guidance of New Jack Swing figure Keith Sweat, Silk masterfully blended alluring lyrics with captivating vocals, requiring listeners to pay close attention to the lyrics to fully grasp their suggestive nature. This track, from their debut album Lose Control, became a 90s R&B staple.
70: Sybil – Make It Easy On Me
Following the immense success of her cover of Dionne Warwick’s “Don’t Make Me Over,” Sybil transitioned towards a more contemporary R&B sound on her second album, Sybilization. This album featured “Make It Easy On Me,” an upbeat and liberating breakup anthem. Despite its theme of relationship dissolution, the song’s vibrant dance-pop production makes it sound like a celebration of newfound freedom.
69: Neneh Cherry – Woman
“Woman” by Neneh Cherry is a powerful soul track that serves as a direct response to James Brown’s 1966 hit, “It’s a Man’s World.” Cherry’s song explores the enduring strength, resilience, and inherent power of women in the face of adversity. By the song’s conclusion, it becomes unequivocally clear: this is indeed a woman’s world. This impactful track is from her album Homebrew.
68: Paula Abdul: Rush Rush
“Rush Rush” stands as a poignant ballad from what would be Paula Abdul’s final studio album as a singer, Spellbound. Characterized by its lush orchestration and heavy use of strings, the song’s music video, starring Keanu Reeves, drew inspiration from Rebel Without a Cause, adding a cinematic depth to this memorable 90s album song.
Paula Abdul – Rush, Rush
67: Brian McKnight – Back At One
Brian McKnight reportedly conceived the lyrics for “Back At One” while reading the instruction manual for assembling his stereo system. This song, a guide to winning love, suggests a step-by-step approach to romance, advising listeners to “start back at one” if initial attempts falter. This hit single is from his album Bethlehem.
66: Johnny Gill – My, My, My
Another creation of Babyface’s production genius, “My, My, My” is a supremely sultry track that earned Johnny Gill the Soul Train Music Award for Best Male R&B/Soul Single. This song solidified Gill’s solo career, proving his ability to achieve significant success independently from New Edition, much like Bobby Brown and Bell Biv DeVoe. It is featured on his self-titled album Johnny Gill.
65: Somethin’ For The People – My Love Is The Shhh!
“My Love Is The Shhh!” by West Coast trio Somethin’ For The People remains an underappreciated gem of 90s R&B. This song masterfully blends hip-hop soul with the contemporary R&B sensibilities of Trina & Tamara. Although Somethin’ For The People did not achieve mainstream superstardom, their songwriting talents shone through hits penned for Brandy and En Vogue. This song is from their album This Time It’s Personal.
64: Sounds of Blackness – Optimistic
“Optimistic,” written and produced by the legendary duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, is an uplifting gospel/R&B anthem. It encourages listeners to “keep your head up to the sky” and “hold on to your dreams.” This inspiring track from their album The Evolution of Gospel reached No. 3 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart in 1991, resonating with its message of hope and perseverance.
63: Deborah Cox: Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here
“Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here” marks Deborah Cox’s unexpected journey from heartbreak to discovering new love. This gospel-infused hit established Cox as a leading diva of the 90s and evolved into a gay anthem, particularly through a remix by Hex Hector. Featured on her self-titled debut album, this song became one of her signature tracks.
62: Tamia – So Into You
Released in 1998, “So Into You” is a feel-good love song that has become Tamia’s most enduring hit. Over the years, it has been reimagined by artists like Brandy, Fabolous (featuring Tamia), and Childish Gambino in 2015. This song, from her self-titled debut album, continues to be celebrated for its catchy melody and positive vibes.
61: K-Ci & JoJo – All My Life
Moving beyond the overt sensuality of their Jodeci days, brothers K-Ci and JoJo Hailey explored more wholesome R&B with their side project, Love Always. JoJo’s “All My Life,” written for his daughter, unexpectedly became their longest-reigning number-one single and a beloved wedding song. This track, from the album Love Always, showcased their versatility and emotional depth.
60: Sade – No Ordinary Love
Sade epitomizes sensuality and sophistication. “No Ordinary Love,” her first release of the 90s from the album Love Deluxe, is a seven-minute exploration of a passionate yet unsustainable love affair. This song is a testament to Sade’s ability to create immersive and emotionally resonant musical experiences.
Sade – No Ordinary Love – Official – 1992
59: Babyface – When Can I See You
“When Can I See You” stands as Babyface’s most successful and recognizable solo hit. Expressing the heartache of longing and the inability to move on, the song captures a universal feeling of romantic yearning. Hopefully, for Babyface and listeners alike, the answer to the plea was “soon.” This classic is from his album For the Cool in You.
58: All-4-One – I Swear
Whether featured on a mixtape for a middle school crush or providing the soundtrack to a slow dance, “I Swear” is a ballad of profound sincerity. Originally written for country singer John Michael Montgomery, All-4-One’s rendition became a No. 1 hit, earning a Grammy for Best Pop Performance in 1995. This track is from their self-titled debut album.
57: Whitney Houston – Exhale (Shoop Shoop)
Following the success of the Boomerang Soundtrack, Whitney Houston returned with “Exhale (Shoop Shoop)” from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack. This song’s empowering message about resilience after heartbreak continues to resonate deeply. It showcases Houston’s vocal prowess and her ability to convey profound emotion through music.
56. New Edition – I’m Still In Love
Having mastered the formula for early 90s R&B hits, New Edition demonstrated their maturity with “I’m Still In Love.” This track, the second single from their aptly titled Home Again album, marked a reunion with frontman Bobby Brown and their veteran production team Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The result was a sensual jam that dominated the charts, proving their enduring relevance.
55: Dionne Farris – Hopeless
Following her contributions to Arrested Development’s “Tennessee” and her solo hit “I Know,” Dionne Farris’ “Hopeless” was featured on the iconic Love Jones soundtrack. This timeless song, about a hopeless romantic who maintains optimism, is a true gem of 90s R&B album songs. It’s from her album Wild Seed-Wild Flower.
54: Blaque – Bring It All To Me
“Bring It All To Me” is a quintessential Y2K R&B track, showcasing Blaque’s mastery of catchy, sing-along anthems under the mentorship of Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC. The remix features J.C. Chasez from N’Sync, adding a pop crossover appeal with his mention of “Timbs, baggy jeans and thug appeal.” This hit is from their self-titled debut album.
53: INOJ – Love You Down
INOJ’s upbeat cover of Ready For The World’s 1986 hit “Love You Down” took the airwaves by storm in 1997. INOJ’s rendition, along with her cover of Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time,” transformed the slow jam into an energetic track, perfect for high-energy dance classes. This song is featured on her self-titled album.
52: Queen Latifah – Weekend Love
Queen Latifah’s “Weekend Love” offers a playful escape into the joy and freedom of the weekend. In this track from her album Black Reign, she blends her vocal talents with Jamaican emcee Tony Rebel’s rapping, creating a vibrant and sunny anthem for letting loose.
Weekend Love
51: Nuttin’ Nyce – Down 4 Whateva
Featured on the Low Down Dirty Shame soundtrack, Nuttin’ Nyce’s “Down 4 Whateva” is a confident strut of a song. This track blends West Coast hip-hop vibes with powerful vocals, making it an ideal soundtrack for cruising the streets. It showcased their unique style within the 90s R&B landscape.
50: Mokenstef – He’s Mine
Mokenstef, a name derived from the group members Monifa, Kenya, and Stefanie, delivered a non-traditional R&B jam with “He’s Mine.” They boldly declared, “He might be doing you but he’s thinking about me,” presenting a candid dialogue between a girlfriend and her man’s mistress. This swaggering track, reminiscent of Aaliyah’s style, is from their album Azz Izz.
49: Monica – Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)
Monica was only 15 when she released the R&B classic “Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days).” Sampling LL Cool J’s “Back Seat,” this hip-hop-infused R&B song resonated deeply with teenagers everywhere. It’s a standout track from her debut album Miss Thang.
48: Total: Trippin
Total, often cited as one of the most underrated 90s R&B groups, delivered “Trippin,” written by and featuring Missy Elliott. This irresistibly catchy and bouncy song about being infatuated with a loved one became their biggest hit, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s a highlight from their album Total.
47: 702 – Where My Girls At
Produced by Missy Elliott and Key Beats, 702’s biggest hit, “Where My Girls At,” is a call to girl power. Realizing another woman is pursuing her man, 702 rallies women to unite in this hip-hop-infused ladies’ anthem. It’s a standout track from their self-titled second album.
46: Destiny’s Child – Say My Name
Before Beyoncé’s solo stardom, there was Destiny’s Child. “Say My Name,” produced by Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, is a demanding track about fidelity and suspicion in a relationship. This song, from The Writing’s on the Wall album, was Destiny’s Child’s breakthrough, catapulting them into mainstream recognition.
45: Brownstone – If You Love Me
“If You Love Me” is a pivotal anthem in R&B history, told from the perspective of “the other woman.” Brownstone issues an ultimatum, demanding public acknowledgment of their relationship. The song transitions from a ballad to a swaggering New Jack Swing groove, showcasing their versatility. This track is from their album From the Bottom Up.
44: Charles & Eddie – Would I Lie To You?
Charles Pettigrew and Eddie Chacon’s meeting on a New York City subway, sparked by a Marvin Gaye album, led to the formation of Charles & Eddie and the creation of “Would I Lie To You?” This 60s-soul-inspired classic, from their album Duophonic, became their signature hit, though they remained somewhat of a one-hit-wonder in the US but enjoyed sustained success in the UK charts.
Charles & Eddie – Would I Lie To You
43: Des’ree – You Gotta Be
“You Gotta Be” was both an inspiring, affirmative anthem and a highly infectious radio single, thanks to its fusion of jazz and soul. UK singer Des’ree’s biggest hit and personal mantra, from her album I Ain’t Movin’, was ubiquitous in 1994, accompanied by a striking black-and-white video that dominated VH1.
42: Tevin Campbell – Can We Talk
Tevin Campbell’s “Can We Talk” perfectly captures the angst of teenage love and unspoken desires. This song, from his album Tevin Campbell, resonates with anyone who has struggled to express their feelings to a crush, becoming a quintessential 90s R&B ballad.
41: Hi-Five – I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)
“I Like The Way (The Kissing Game)” is a quintessential New Jack Swing track that leaned towards the more wholesome side of 90s R&B. Hi-Five’s hit, produced by Teddy Riley and featured on their self-titled album, transformed singer Tony Thompson into a teen heartthrob overnight, soaring to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
40: Joe Public – Live and Learn
Another New Jack Swing success, “Live and Learn” by Joe Public cleverly samples Steely Dan, Parliament, Sly & the Family Stone, and the J.B.’s. Beyond its catchy production, this song from their self-titled album imparts valuable life advice.
39: Portrait – Here We Go Again!
Portrait’s “Here We Go Again!” makes the cycle of relationship drama sound appealing. This New Jack Swing anthem about dealing with a jealous partner samples the irresistible beats of Digital Underground’s “The Humpty Dance” and Public Enemy’s “Bring the Noise.” It’s a standout track from their self-titled album.
38: Shai – If I Ever Fall In Love
Shai’s a cappella harmonies in “If I Ever Fall In Love” are simply unmatched, creating a song that can still evoke chills. This track, from their album …If I Ever Fall in Love, showcases the power of vocal harmony in 90s R&B.
37: Keith Sweat – Twisted
Keith Sweat’s “Twisted” is as memorable for its music video—a three-minute murder-mystery-romance—as it is for the song itself. This hit, from his self-titled album, marked a resurgence in Sweat’s career. “Twisted” is infectious and danceable, uniquely suited to Sweat’s distinctive vocal style.
36: Erykah Badu – On & On
“On & On,” Erykah Badu’s breakout hit and debut single from her album Baduizm, defied easy categorization. Blending hip-hop, R&B, and soul, Badu carved her own niche. The jazz-infused beat and insightful, often humorous lyrics established her as a boundary-breaking artist.
Erykah Badu – On & On (Remix Edit)
35: Xscape – Just Kickin It
“Just Kickin It” is the quintessential “around-the-way girl” anthem by Southern R&B group Xscape. Discovered by Jermaine Dupri for So So Def, Xscape was described as the “hip-hop version of En Vogue,” capturing their tomboyish charm. This song is from their debut album Hummin’ Comin’ at ‘Cha.
34: Groove Theory – Tell Me
“Tell Me” by Groove Theory builds its smooth foundation on a bassline from The Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” Lead singer Amel Larrieux’s honeyed vocals, combined with Bryc Wilson’s harmonies, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. This track is from their self-titled debut album.
33: PM Dawn – I’d Die Without You
“I’d Die Without You,” first featured on the Boomerang Soundtrack, evokes a Sade-like sophistication. This beautifully crafted song remains one of PM Dawn’s biggest hits, showcasing their unique blend of R&B and dream-pop. It’s also featured on their album The Bliss Album…?.
32: D’Angelo – Brown Sugar
Before the iconic Voodoo, there was Brown Sugar, D’Angelo’s debut album. The title track, “Brown Sugar,” remains timeless, exuding lo-fi sexiness, deep funk, and the innovative freshness that defined D’Angelo’s sound.
31: Janet Jackson – That’s The Way Love Goes
Janet Jackson has a persona for every mood, from “nasty” to commanding to seductive. “That’s The Way Love Goes,” the lead single from her 1993 album Janet, showcases a more relaxed and come-hither Janet. This lyrical and musical pivot, sampling James Brown’s “Papa Don’t Take No Mess,” signaled her maturity and lasting influence.
30: Lauryn Hill: Ex-Factor
Lauryn Hill initially wrote “Ex-Factor” for another group but ultimately kept it for herself, recognizing its personal depth. This heart-wrenching breakup song, from her iconic album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, became a defining track of the 90s for its relatability and powerful vocal performance.
29: Aaliyah – One In A Million
“One In A Million” marked Aaliyah’s first collaboration with Missy Elliott and Timbaland. This club ballad, blending funk, electronica, and trip-hop with Aaliyah’s ethereal vocals, perfectly captured the era’s sonic landscape. From the album of the same name, it solidified Aaliyah as a 90s R&B icon.
28: Selena – Dreaming Of You
“Dreaming Of You” became the ballad of the mid-90s, with Selena capturing the intense longing of adolescent crushes. As the lead single from her posthumous album Dreaming of You, it underscored Selena’s immense potential and star power.
Selena – Dreaming Of You (Official Music Video)
27: Brandy & Monica – The Boy Is Mine
“The Boy Is Mine” brought together two R&B divas, Brandy and Monica, in an iconic duet. This song, from their respective albums (Never Say Never for Brandy and The Boy Is Mine for Monica), dominated the summer of 1998, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for 13 weeks and earning them a Grammy Award.
26: Soul IV Real – Candy Rain
“Candy Rain” blends R&B with bubblegum pop in Soul IV Real’s catchy debut single. Led by the youthful voice of Jason “Jase” Dalyrimple, the song, produced by Heavy D, remains a 90s R&B favorite. It’s featured on their album Candy Rain.
25: Usher – You Make Me Wanna
Co-written by Jermaine Dupri, “You Make Me Wanna” is classic Usher. His smooth vocals express romantic conflict over a slinky beat and prominent hi-hats, hallmarks of his musical style. This hit is from his album My Way.
24: Jodeci – Freek’n You
With its explicit opening lyrics, Jodeci’s “Freek’n You,” from the album Forever My Lady, cemented their status as one of the 90s’ most influential R&B groups. Its seductive beat and frankness made it a chart-topper and a defining song of 90s sensuality in music.
23: H-Town – Knockin Da Boots
90s R&B was known for creative innuendo, and H-Town’s “Knockin Da Boots” embraced it fully. Produced by Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, this hit from their album Fever for da Flavor became synonymous with the era’s playful approach to sexuality in music.
22: Next – Too Close
Next’s “Too Close” was inspired by an encounter on the dance floor. This song, from their album Rated Next, captures the awkwardness of unwanted physical closeness on the dance floor with a catchy and relatable narrative.
21: En Vogue – My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)
En Vogue’s “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” perfectly exemplifies how to use a sample effectively. This poppy, funky, and soulful track, sampling James Brown’s “The Payback,” is a masterclass in R&B. From their album Funky Divas, its unforgettable breakdown kept it in the US Top 10 for 13 weeks.
20: Monifah – Touch It
Monifah, one of Uptown Records’ early signings, dialed up the sex appeal on “Touch It.” Built around a sample of Laid Back’s “White Horse,” this song from her album Mo’hogany is overtly suggestive and irresistibly danceable.
Monifah – Touch It (Official Video)
19: Brandy – I Wanna Be Down
Brandy’s “I Wanna Be Down,” with its tentative opening lyrics, ushered in a new era for women in R&B. Her sophistication, playfulness, and style, combined with a punchy beat, made this song from her self-titled debut album an anthem for modern adolescent romance.
18: Toni Braxton – You’re Makin’ Me High
Toni Braxton’s “You’re Makin’ Me High,” from her album Secrets, was a summer hit of ’96. Its suggestive lyrics, rumored to be about various forms of intoxication, are cleverly masked by a poppy, uptempo beat influenced by electronica, making it a standout 90s R&B track.
17: Boyz II Men – On Bended Knee
Boyz II Men seemed to release a hit every week in the 90s. Yet, “On Bended Knee,” from their album II, stands out as exceptionally melodramatic and emotionally resonant. It perfectly blends their vocal styles, creating a karaoke staple that continues to be popular.
16: Adina Howard – Freak Like Me
“Freak Like Me” served as Adina Howard’s sex-positive debut and paved the way for female R&B artists to embrace their sexuality openly in their music. This song, from her album Do You Wanna Ride?, was groundbreaking for its unapologetic expression of female desire and its enduringly funky beat.
15: TLC – Waterfalls
“Waterfalls” is the biggest hit from TLC’s seminal CrazySexyCool album. Addressing social issues over smooth horns and sharp hi-hats, it features one of Left Eye’s most memorable rhymes. This song remains a powerful and poignant track.
14: SWV And Missy Elliott – Can We?
Missy Elliott and Timbaland dominated 90s R&B production, exemplified by “Can We?” with SWV. Timbaland’s haunting production and Missy’s rapid-fire rhymes complement SWV’s soaring vocals perfectly in this track from the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack.
13: Maxwell – Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)
Released during the hip-hop soul era, Maxwell’s “Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)” sounded like the source material samples were drawn from, rather than a sample itself. This grooving debut, from his album Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite, remains a timeless 90s R&B classic.
12: Blackstreet: No Diggity
1996 was a landmark year for R&B, especially for Blackstreet. “No Diggity,” initially offered to Guy, became Blackstreet’s defining anthem. Sampling Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands” and featuring Dr. Dre, this No. 1 hit from their album Another Level is an iconic 90s track.
Blackstreet – No Diggity (Official Music Video) ft. Dr. Dre, Queen Pen
11: Jade – Don’t Walk Away
Jade’s “Don’t Walk Away” is a catchy New Jack Swing tune powered by a Kool & the Gang sample. This R&B jam with a hip-hop edge, from their album Jade to the Max, showcases the ladies of Jade and their sweet harmonies.
10: Color Me Badd – I Wanna Sex You Up
Produced by Dr. Freeze, “I Wanna Sex You Up” was featured on the New Jack City soundtrack. Color Me Badd’s direct approach, sampling Slick Rick, made this sultry track a defining song of 90s R&B sensuality.
9: Ghost Town DJs – My Boo
“My Boo,” a Miami bass-inspired one-hit wonder with smooth harmonies from Ghost Town DJs, is one of So So Def’s finest contributions. This Atlanta classic from the So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. 1 album, is a staple at parties and BBQs, proving its timeless appeal.
8: Mary J. Blige – Real Love
Mary J. Blige’s first Top 10 hit, “Real Love,” from her debut album What’s The 411?, exemplifies sampling done right. Inspired by Audio Two’s “Top Billin’,” its opening bars are synonymous with Blige and R&B history, establishing her as the queen of hip-hop soul.
7: Tony! Toni! Toné! – Feels Good
“Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Toné! is a fusion of R&B, pop, and New Jack Swing. Raphael Saadiq and his bandmates created a party anthem that landed them in the Top 10 for the first time. From their album The Revival, it embodies the defining elements of the era.
6: Mark Morrison – Return Of The Mack
Mark Morrison’s “Return Of The Mack” declared his comeback after heartbreak. Despite being wronged, this “Mack” is thriving. This song, from his album Return of the Mack, became an anthem of resilience and sweet revenge.
5: Zhané Hey: Mr. DJ
“Hey Mr. DJ” by Zhané remains resonant over two decades later. “It’s Friday night and the weekend’s here, I need to unwind” captures the essence of R&B’s purpose: expressing the soul of everyday life. This track, from their album Pronounced Jah-Nay, is a perfect representation of 90s R&B at its prime.
4: Montell Jordan: This Is How We Do It
“This Is How We Do It” is the ultimate party starter that has stood the test of time. Montell Jordan’s anthem, sampling Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story,” became a No. 1 hit and a cultural touchstone, featured across various media. It’s from his album This Is How We Do It.
Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It (Official Music Video)
3: Ginuwine – Pony
Ginuwine’s “Pony” is a sonic love letter with arguably the most recognizable beat in R&B history. Timbaland’s syncopated rhythm propelled Ginuwine’s debut, from the album Ginuwine…The Bachelor, to No. 1, marked by its unforgettable sound and bold metaphors.
2: Mariah Carey – Fantasy
Choosing the best R&B jam from Mariah Carey’s catalog is a challenge, but “Fantasy” captures her essence. Sampling Tom Tom Club’s “Genius of Love,” this track from her album Daydream is pop perfection meets R&B attitude, with a groundbreaking ODB remix that set the blueprint for pop-hip-hop collaborations.
1: Bell Biv Devoe: Poison
Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison” is a New Jack Swing classic that instantly fills dance floors. This track, featuring members of New Edition, blends R&B and hip-hop, reminding us to “never trust a big butt and a smile.” From their album Poison, it remains a defining song of the 90s R&B era.
Explore more classic R&B albums and songs to build your ultimate 90s R&B vinyl collection.
