If you are an old soul like me, then this article is just for you. Growing up and still to this day, I listen to 70s, 80s, and 90s R&B more than the new music that is popular now. Don’t get me wrong, I love trap music and other songs that are well-known, but listening to old school R&B is good for the soul. My mom is the main reason I know so many older songs and I still discover some good oldies to this day. Here are my top 10 ‘90s R&B classics.
1. No Ordinary Love by Sade
Sade’s love deluxe album is the perfect combination of sooth and a strong drum line. This song in particular is the first song I listened to from her when I was a little girl and I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with her music. No ordinary love is such a calming song that unveils the struggle of love and how you can give your all to someone yet it is just not enough. When you get the chance, please listen to Sade’s music if you haven’t already (you can thank me now).
2. Candy Rain by Soul For Real
When this song comes on, I have to dance. Everybody and their mom gets up and show out to this (lol). This is the type of music that will make you want to grab a group of your friends and choreograph a whole routine from start to finish.
3. That’s the Way Love Goes by Janet Jackson
This song is one of my all time favorite Janet Jackson songs. It is so iconic that there are so many smooth jazz covers of this song ever since it was released in 1993. When I saw her in concert summer 2018, she mixed this song to the beat of Rock the Boat by Aaliyah and it sounded amazing.
4. Creep by TLC
This is the ultimate petty song you sing when your man (or situationship) isn’t acting right. Everyone knows this song and people immediately think about the iconic silk pajamas they wore in the music video. I can never skip this song when it plays on my phone.
5. Remember the Time by Michael Jackson
I love me some Michael Jackson like y’all just don’t understand. This song and music video is probably the most iconic of the ‘90s. I love that the theme of the music video was Egyptian and how it included the legends Eddie Murphy, Magic Johnson, and Iman. Anything Michael Jackson is apart of is legendary.
6. Seven Whole Days by Toni Braxton
We definitely can not forget about Miss Toni Braxton. I accidentally discovered this song last year and I absolutely love it. Fun fact: her sisters are the backup vocals, not only on this song, but on others as well. If you need to listen to a song after someone has done you wrong, this is the perfect song to listen to.
7. No, No, No Part 1 by Destiny’s Child
Even though there are numerous songs to choose from Destiny’s Child, this song sticks out to me. Beyoncé’s vocals set the vibe of the song perfectly but that’s nothing new. The music video was super cute yet sensual at the same time.
8. Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number by Aaliyah
This song right here is a true Aaliyah classic. Her voice with this slow jam creates a whole vibe that is unmatched. If you like Aaliyah’s music but haven’t listen to this song yet, you are truly missing out.
9. If I Ever Fall in Love by Shai
I wish a lot of men in our generation want to sing about love like this. This song makes you want to fall in love with someone but start off as friends, then build a relationship from the friendship. We all truly stan a heartfelt love song sung by any male group. My goal is to sing the high note in “my friend” without my voice cracking.
10. I’m Every Woman by Whitney Houston
Last but certainly not least, I’m Every Woman by Whitney Houston. This song is originally recorded by the legendary singer Chaka Khan, and Ms. Houston definitely did not disappoint. The song is all about women empowerment and the music video includes a lot of famous women such as TLC. You can’t help but to get out of your seat when this song comes on.
Even though I can go on and on about my favorite songs from the ‘90s, I have to put an end here or else it will be at least 15 pages long. Old school music will always hold a special place in my heart and I’m so grateful I got to share my love for it with y’all. When you need a little break from the trap/hard music, old school R&B got you covered.