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The best singers and music groups of the 90s

The best music groups of the 90s. Los mejores grupos de música de los años 90. No Doubt, Spice Girls, Guns N' Roses, Nirvana ...

The 1990s were one of the most vibrant and transformative decades in music history. From Seattle grunge to the rise of teen pop, the explosion of electronic music, and the consolidation of rap, the 1990s brought with them a sonic diversity that still resonates today. In this article, we’ll explore the best singers and groups of the 90s who defined this decade, organized by musical style so you can enjoy their legacy.

Contents

Electronic and house: Pioneers of dance music

Electronic and house music defined the ’90s with frenetic rhythms and futuristic aesthetics. Artists and groups like Daft Punk, The Prodigy, and Chemical Brothers merged dance sounds with techno and experimental influences, leaving an indelible mark.

Daft Punk

The French duo, composed of Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, became a global symbol of electronic music with their innovative style. Their album Homework (1997) features anthems like “Around the World” and “Da Funk,” which remain dancefloor classics.

The Prodigy

With their aggressive and psychedelic sound, The Prodigy revolutionized the ’90s electronic scene. Their album The Fat of the Land (1997) includes the iconic track “Firestarter,” a hallmark of rave culture.

Chemical Brothers

The British duo Chemical Brothers helped popularize big beat with albums like Dig Your Own Hole (1997). Tracks like “Block Rockin’ Beats” and “Hey Boy Hey Girl” defined an era and paved the way for modern electronic music.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Portishead. Cassette tape with Portishead songs.

Best Portishead songs, discography and playlist

Portishead songs have left an indelible mark on the musical universe of the 90s, fusing trip-hop with influences from rock and jazz . Hailing from Bristol, this …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Massive Attack. Cassette tape with Massive Attack songs.

Massive Attack’s best songs, discography and playlist

Massive Attack is a British band that pioneered the trip-hop musical movement , emerging in the 1990s and leaving an …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Everything But the Girl. Cassette tape with Everything But the Girl songs.

Best Everything But the Girl songs, discography and playlist

The songs of Everything But the Girl are a true gem of 90s pop and jazz, and their legacy continues …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Daft Punk. Cassette tape with Daft Punk songs.

Best Daft Punk songs, discography and playlist

Daft Punk, the iconic pair of music producers formed by Thomas Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo, emerged on the music …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Björk. Cassette tape with Björk songs.

Best Björk songs, discography and playlist

Björk, the iconic Icelandic artist, burst onto the music scene in the 1990s with a singular, avant-garde style that redefined …

Grunge and alternative rock: The soundtrack of rebellion

The Seattle grunge scene burst onto the ’90s music scene, led by bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. These groups channeled youthful angst and social criticism through distorted guitars and introspective lyrics.

Nirvana

Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl defined grunge with the historic Nevermind (1991), which featured the iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Nirvana not only changed the course of music but also became the voice of a generation.

Pearl Jam

Fronted by Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam blended grunge with classic rock influences in albums like Ten (1991). Songs like “Alive” and “Jeremy” remain anthems that marked the transition into a new musical era.

Soundgarden

With Chris Cornell‘s powerful vocals, Soundgarden was another crucial ’90s band in the evolution of grunge. Their album Superunknown (1994) includes “Black Hole Sun,” one of the decade’s most iconic tracks.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Radiohead. Cassette tape with Radiohead songs.

Best Radiohead songs, discography and playlist

Radiohead songs have left an indelible mark on the music scene of the 90s, consolidating the British band as one of …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Nirvana. Cassette tape with Nirvana songs.

Best Nirvana songs, discography and playlist

Nirvana , the iconic grunge band founded in 1987 by Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl, became a symbol of the …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Jeff Buckley. Cassette tape with Jeff Buckley songs.

Jeff Buckley’s best songs, discography and playlist

Jeff Buckley is a name that resonates strongly in the music scene of the 90s, thanks to his unmatched vocal talent and his ability …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Hole. Cassette tape with Hole songs.

Hole’s best songs, discography and playlist

Welcome, 90s music lovers! In this article, we’ll explore the best songs by Hole , an iconic band that left …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Beastie Boys Cassette tape with Beastie Boys songs

Best Beastie Boys songs, discography and playlist

The 1990s were a golden decade for music, and one of the most influential groups of that era was the …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Beck. Cassette tape with Beck songs.

Best Beck songs, discography and playlist

If you’re a lover of 90s music, you’ve surely heard the unforgettable songs of Beck, an artist who has managed …

Hard rock and metal: The power and aggression of the ’90s sound

Hard rock and metal continued to thrive in the ’90s, embracing new trends and darker sounds. Bands like Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, and Pantera stood out for their innovation and intensity.

Metallica

The metal giants dominated the scene with albums like Metallica (1991), also known as the Black Album, which includes the hit “Enter Sandman.” The band brought thrash metal to a wider audience and became a heavy music icon.

Guns N’ Roses

Although Guns N’ Roses started in the ’80s, their impact in the ’90s remained massive, especially with the release of Use Your Illusion I and II (1991), which features tracks like “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry.”

Pantera

Pantera excelled in the groove metal genre with albums like Vulgar Display of Power (1992). Their aggressive and technical approach, highlighted in tracks like “Walk,” made them an anthem of the heavier metal era.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Megadeth. Cassette tape with Megadeth songs.

Best Megadeth songs, discography and playlist

Megadeth songs are a fundamental pillar of thrash metal , especially in the vibrant decade of the 90s. Founded by the charismatic Dave Mustaine , …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Pantera. Cassette tape with Pantera songs.

Best Pantera songs, discography and playlist

Pantera songs marked a milestone in 90s music, transforming the heavy metal landscape and leaving an indelible mark on rock culture. Hailing from Texas , this …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Metallica. Cassette tape with Metallica songs.

Best Metallica songs, discography and playlist

Metallica ’s songs have left an indelible mark on the history of rock and heavy metal . Formed in 1981, this iconic group became a symbol …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Guns N' Roses. Cassette tape with Guns N' Roses songs.

Best Guns N’ Roses songs, discography and playlist

If you’re a rock lover, you’ve surely enjoyed the songs of Guns N’ Roses , one of the most iconic …

Pop and rock: The golden era of pop and genre blending

The ’90s were a golden era for pop and rock, with the rise of artists like Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and Oasis, who dominated the charts and earned their place in history.

Britney Spears

The Princess of Pop, Britney Spears, burst onto the scene in the ’90s with her hit …Baby One More Time (1998), becoming a global phenomenon and a pop culture icon.

Backstreet Boys

One of the most successful teen pop groups of the ’90s, their album Backstreet’s Back (1997) includes hits like “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back).”

Oasis

Led by brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis defined Britpop in the ’90s with albums like (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995), which includes the hit “Wonderwall,” still a cornerstone of British rock.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Pulp. Cassette tape with Pulp songs.

Best Pulp songs, discography and playlist

Pulp songs have left an indelible mark on 90s music, positioning themselves as one of the most influential bands of the Britpop era …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Spice Girls. Cassette tape with Spice Girls songs.

Best Spice Girls songs, discography and playlist

The Spice Girls songs marked a golden era in 90s music, turning this iconic British group into a worldwide phenomenon. Formed in 1994, the five …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Oasis. Cassette tape with Oasis songs.

Best Oasis songs, discography and playlist

Oasis’ songs not only defined a decade, they also left an indelible mark on the history of British music. Hailing from Manchester , Oasis, …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Cornershop. Cassette tape with Cornershop songs.

Best Cornershop songs, discography and playlist

Cornershop is a British band that emerged in the 1990s, fusing alternative rock and sounds from the Indian subcontinent, which …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Blur. Cassette tape with Blur songs.

Best Blur songs, discography and playlist

The songs of Blur marked a golden era in the music of the 1990s, making the British group one of …

Punk rock and funk: The rebellion and rhythm of the ’90s

The ’90s saw a revival of punk and funk, with bands like Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Rancid elevating these genres to new heights.

Green Day

Green Day achieved massive success with Dookie (1994), an album that brought pop punk to the mainstream. Tracks like “Basket Case” became generational anthems.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers fused rock, funk, and rap with their album Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), creating hits like “Give It Away” and “Under the Bridge,” which remain essential ’90s tracks.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Bad Religion. Cassette tape with Bad Religion songs.

Best Bad Religion songs, discography and playlist

Bad Religion songs are a fundamental pillar in the history of punk rock , especially in the exciting decade of the 90s. Formed in Los …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de The Offspring. Cassette tape with The Offspring songs.

The Offspring’s best songs, discography and playlist

The Offspring’s songs marked a milestone in the music scene of the 90s, becoming one of the most influential bands in punk …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Red Hot Chili Peppers. Cassette tape with Red Hot Chili Peppers songs.

Best Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, discography and playlist

If you’re looking for the best Red Hot Chili Peppers songs , you’ve come to the right place. This iconic alternative rock …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Green Day. Cassette tape with Green Day songs.

Best Green Day songs, discography and playlist

One of the most iconic bands to emerge in the 90s, Green Day revolutionized the music scene with their punk …

Soul and R&B: Elegance and emotion in the ’90s

The ’90s soul and R&B scene experienced incredible evolution, with artists like Whitney Houston, TLC, and Boyz II Men dominating the charts and romantic ballads.

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston delivered some of the decade’s most powerful and emotional performances, with hits like “I Will Always Love You” (1992) becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time.

Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men cemented their place as R&B royalty with albums like II (1994), featuring hits like “End of the Road,” becoming one of the ’90s most influential groups.

Cinta de cassette con las canciones de TLC. Cassette tape with TLC songs.

TLC best songs, discography and playlist

TLC songs defined an era in ’90s music, leaving an indelible mark on pop and R&B culture . This iconic …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Boyz II Men. Cassette tape with Boyz II Men songs.

Best Boyz II Men songs, discography and playlist

Boyz II Men’s songs marked a golden era in 90s music, becoming a benchmark for contemporary R&B and soul. This iconic band, formed in Philadelphia in 1988, …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Mariah Carey. Cassette tape with Mariah Carey songs.

Mariah Carey’s best songs, discography and playlist

Mariah Carey’s songs marked a turning point in 90s music, making her one of the most influential pop icons of the …
Cinta de cassette con las canciones de Whitney Houston. Cassette tape with Whitney Houston songs.

Best Whitney Houston’s songs, discography and playlist

Whitney Houston’s songs marked an era in 90s music, cementing this talented artist as one of the most powerful voices of her …

Most influential groups and singers of the 90s

The decade of the 1990s was marked by artists who not only defined musical genres, but also impacted global culture. These are some of the most detached names who left an indelible legacy:

Kurt Cobain and Nirvana

Kurt Cobain, líder de Nirvana, uno de los mejores grupos de los 90.
Kurt Cobain, leader of Nirvana, one of the best groups of the 90s.

Kurt Cobain, leader of Nirvana, became a cultural icon by capturing the anguish of a generation with themes such as Smells Like Teen Spirit and Come as You Are. His influence extended further to grunge, transforming the perception of what alternative music could be.

Whitney Houston

Whitney not only dominated the hit lists with her powerful voice, but her performance of I Will Always Love You redefined contemporary dance. His impact on R&B and pop continues to be incalculable.

Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G.

Tupac and Biggie not only led the rise of rap in the 90s, but they also reflected the social complexities of the era. With lyrics that explore from desire to personal introspection, they are converted into lyrics of music.

Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey, artista destacada en los 90.
Mariah Carey, prominent artist in the 90s.

Mariah Carey was a revolutionary force in pop and R&B, with a voice of five octaves and hits like Hero and Fantasy. His ability to combine genres and connect emotionally with his audience made him one of the most important artists of the decade.

Radiohead

The British band Radiohead redefined alternative rock with albums such as “OK Computer” (1997), which combined introspective lyrics with innovative sounds. Songs like Karma Police and Paranoid Android are now modern classics.

Innovations and musical trends of the ’90s

The 1990s were a transformative period in the music industry, driven by technological advances, cultural shifts, and genre fusions. Here are some of the most notable innovations and trends:

The rise of CDs and the decline of cassettes

The CD became the dominant format for listening to music, offering superior sound quality and greater durability. This shift changed consumer habits, encouraging larger music collections.

The golden era of music videos

With the rise of MTV, music videos became a critical tool for artists. Iconic videos like Madonna’s “Vogue” and Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” not only complemented the music but also defined cultural trends and fashion.

Genre fusion

The ’90s broke down barriers between musical styles. Rap-rock by Rage Against the Machine, the electronic-pop mix of Madonna, and the hip-hop-soul blend of Lauryn Hill exemplify this sonic experimentation.

The rise of global tours

Live concerts reached new heights, with artists like U2 and The Rolling Stones using cutting-edge technology to deliver immersive experiences to millions of fans worldwide.

The internet and music

Although in its infancy, the internet began to change how music was distributed and promoted. Platforms like Napster (towards the end of the ’90s) marked the beginning of the digital revolution in music.

Legacy of music performed by ’90s groups

The influence of ’90s music remains tangible in today’s culture. Here’s how this legacy continues:

Inspiration for new artists

Bands and artists from the ’90s, such as Nirvana, Tupac, and Radiohead, continue to inspire contemporary musicians. Their creative approaches and authenticity resonate in genres like indie rock, hip-hop, and alternative pop.

Revivals and nostalgia

The fashion, style, and music of ’90s groups are experiencing a revival. TV shows, movies, and playlists celebrating the decade have introduced its rich musical heritage to new audiences. For example, the series Yellowjackets prominently highlights the era.

Innovations that shaped the future

The genre fusions and innovative technologies of the ’90s laid the groundwork for many modern sounds. The blend of electronics and pop, pioneered by artists like Daft Punk and Madonna, is now a staple in the music industry.

Cultural impact of lyrics

Themes of social justice, empowerment, and emotional vulnerability found in ’90s songs remain significant today. Current artists frequently draw on these themes, reflecting the timeless relevance of the decade’s messages.

Ultimate List: The Best Bands of the 90s

These are the 10 best bands and solo artists of the 90s according to your votes. Vote and help us update the list.

  1. Nirvana
  2. Pearl Jam
  3. Radiohead
  4. Oasis
  5. The Smashing Pumpkins
  6. Red Hot Chili Peppers
  7. Tupac Shakur (2Pac)
  8. The Notorious B.I.G.
  9. Mariah Carey
  10. Backstreet Boys

Frequently asked questions about ’90s music

What made ’90s groups special?

The diversity of genres and the authenticity of the artists made the ’90s a unique decade. It was a time of breaking rules and experimenting with new sounds.

What were the most popular genres of the ’90s?

Grunge, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music dominated the decade. Each genre brought iconic artists, from Nirvana in grunge to Tupac in rap.

Why was MTV so important in the ’90s?

MTV was a vital platform for music videos, helping artists connect visually with their audience. Iconic videos like Michael Jackson’s “Black or White” shaped the decade.

Which ’90s artists and groups are still active today (2025)?

Many ’90s artists are still making music, including Mariah Carey, Radiohead, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Foo Fighters. Their ongoing success underscores the lasting impact of the decade.

What technological advances affected music in the ’90s?

The rise of CDs, advances in digital music production, and the advent of internet distribution revolutionized the industry, making music more accessible and versatile.

How did ’90s music influence fashion?

The music of the ’90s defined iconic styles, such as the grunge look popularized by Nirvana and the glamorous aesthetic of pop and R&B. These styles have made a strong comeback in modern fashion.

Which ’90s album had the greatest impact?

Nevemind by Nirvana is one of the most influential albums of the ’90s. It reshaped the musical landscape and brought grunge to the mainstream.

How is ’90s music perceived today?

The music of the ’90s is viewed as a period of authenticity and creativity. Many consider it a benchmark for contemporary music.

Which ’90s artists won the most awards?

Artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and U2 received numerous accolades, including Grammys, for their artistic and commercial achievements.

How did grunge influence other genres?

Grunge influenced alternative rock and helped legitimize raw emotions and minimalist production in music, inspiring artists across various genres to explore new narratives.

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