Whether you are spinning the latest tunes or throwing down some classics from yesteryear, everybody loves a good party atmosphere. While every decade offers up a new selection of awesome tunes, the 90s were especially great with a quality selection of memorable and iconic songs.
This list includes some of the best party songs to add to your party playlist. From groovy dance hits to pop powerhouses and everything in between, you’ll be well covered for your next party.
Backstreet Boys – Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)
One of the most successful groups to come out of the 90s is the Backstreet Boys. This group of 5 talented artists was a staple of every party, and this epic hit is among their best-selling singles of all time.
This pop dance anthem performed well worldwide, reaching the top ten in the United States, Australia, Germany, and even Costa Rica. It is still, to this day, one of the most recognizable Backstreet Boys releases. As a result it has made it to our best songs of 1990s list.
Dr. Dre ft. Snoop Dogg – Still D.R.E.
If you want to add some hip-hop to your party playlist, this classic from the legendary Dr. Dre should be an instant inclusion. It saw Dr. Dre resolidify himself as one of the defining artists in the gangsta rap and West Coast hip-hop scene.
While this track is synonymous with Dre and Snoop, it was written by Jay-Z, a superstar in his own right. Considering its prevalence and iconic stature in the hip-hop scene, it always proves to be a crowd-pleaser for 90s fans.
Corona – The Rhythm of the Night
As electronic dance music evolved from its 80s roots, the sub-genre of Eurodance became one of the most successful genres to break into the mainstream. One of the most popular releases in this genre is this smash hit from the Italian group Corona.
It experienced huge success across Europe, hitting number 2 in the UK charts and number 1 in Italy. It also dominated the top 10 of several other countries but just missed the top 10 in the US. A dance hit that is perfect for your next party.
Coolio – Gangsta’s Paradise
By the mid-90s, rap and hip-hop music had established themselves as one of the decade’s most influential genres. One of the most popular releases in the decade came from Coolio with this smash hit that went triple platinum in the US.
But the success of Gangsta’s Paradise wasn’t restricted to the US. It topped the charts in multiple countries and is regarded as one of the all-time great hip-hop tracks. It also helped Coolio win the Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance.
Snoop Dogg Ft. Xzibit & Nate Dogg – Bitch Please
Sticking to rap and hip-hop, this release from Snoop Dogg is another excellent track that can get a party started. But depending on the version, it might not be appropriate for certain parties! If your crowd can handle a little more edge, then it’s a great choice.
Released at the backend of the 90s in 1999, it is not Snoop Dogg’s most successful release, but it’s always great to occasionally throw a lesser-known track from an iconic artist into your rotation. And if you don’t like the profanity keep an eye out for the clean Trick Please version.
Haddaway – What Is Love
1993 was a fantastic year for Eurodance hits, and this release from Haddaway is one of the most successful. Featuring the wonderful voice of Trinidadian/German Nestor Alexander Haddaway, it dominated charts worldwide.
Its popularity saw a resurgence when it was included in the 1998 film A Night at the Roxbury. Interestingly the female vocal section is a stock sample from the Zero-G sample compilation CD, but I can’t imagine the track without it.
Daft Punk – Around The World
One of the most decorated and innovative electronic music groups of all time is Daft Punk. This French duo are masters at complex sampling with a keen ear for the dancefloor. This release was the second track from their debut album and is a club mainstay to this day.
While it was a commercial success, most of the attention for Daft Punk tracks is focused on their later releases but Around The World is a true masterpiece. The rhythmic and consistent vocal gels perfectly with the underlying retro groove. A must-have addition to any party playlist.
Chumbawamba – Tubthumping
Let’s switch gears away from Eurodance for a second. This release from British rock band Chumbawamba is a perfect counter-punch to Eurodance’s synths and big beats. It’s an anthem that everyone loves to sing and has gone down in the history books as their most successful release.
Released in 1997, it became an international success story. It reached the top 10 in many countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Poland, and Canada. While they may have never reached the same level of success, Tubthumping will always be fondly remembered as a party mainstay and one of the greatest 90s one hit wonders.
Montell Jordan – This Is How We Do It
When it’s a Friday night, and it’s time to get a party started, this R&B release from 1995 is a surefire way to get the ball rolling. It was also record label Def Jam’s first foray into R&B, and the results speak for themselves.
It went platinum in the USA and hit number 1 on the charts, but it also performed well in the UK and Australia. A groovy and soulful jam has a perfect mix of deep grooves and uplifting playful lyrics that are perfect for your next party.
Mary J. Blige ft. Greg Nice – You Remind Me
This awesome release from Mary J Blige is often overlooked, but its silky smooth vocals and groovy vibe earn You Remind Me a spot in this list. It features a perfectly crafted mid-tempo beat that ensures everyone can get into the groove.
It wasn’t a huge commercial success but helped kickstart Mary J. Blige’s career as the debut single from her first album, What’s the 411? and was also featured on the soundtrack for the movie Strictly Business. Rightly so, this song also made it to our Mary J Blige songs of the 90s list.
2Pac – California Love
2Pac’s place in history is undeniable. One of the most talented and prolific rap and hip-hop artists that helped cement the legacy and influence of the West Coast and G-Funk genres. This comeback single after serving a prison sentence is one of his greatest hits.
Released in 1995, it was an instant success, topped the US Billboard charts, and was a top 10 hit in the UK, Australia, and Germany, to name a few. Coupled with a Mad Max-inspired music video, it is easily one of 2Pac’s greatest tracks and an iconic 90s party song.
Rednex – Cotton Eye Joe
I don’t think anyone was prepared for this song from the Swedish novelty group Rednex. This fusion of Eurodance, Techno, and Country proved to be an international success with strong sales across Europe and the US.
Using a traditional 4-to-the-floor beat signature and at a blistering 132 beats per minute, it’s an ideal choice for when the party is heating up. Who would have thought a traditional country folk song could become a dance sensation?
Eiffel 65 – Blue (Da Ba Dee)
There must have been something in the water in Italy during the 90s. This Eurodance smash hit from Italian group Eiffel 65 is another in the long list of Eurodance hits to have come from the country.
This catchy hit sold a staggering amount of copies and hit number 1 in several countries, including the UK, Netherlands, France, Canada, and Australia. Whether you love or hate it, everyone who grew up in the 90s remembers this track.
Culture Beat – Mr Vain
The Italians were not the only ones producing Eurodance hits one after another. German group Culture Beat added to the growing emergence of Eurodance and House music with this massive hit from 1993.
This colossal hit reached the number 1 position across Europe and cracked the top 20 in the US. It features a blend of female vocals for the chorus and rap-style lyrics from a male artist, a very popular style at the time for Eurodance releases.
GALA – Freed From Desire
Continuing with the Eurodance theme, this release from 1996 is another smash hit from, you guessed it, an Italian singer and songwriter Gala. It highlights the dominance of Italian and German influences on the genre.
This catchy and bouncy tune peaked at number 1 in Belgium and France but was also a top 10 hit across several other European countries and sold 1.2 million copies in the UK. With a simple and catchy chorus, it’s a great sing-a-long track for your next party.
La Bouche – Be My Lover
Switching back to Germany, this release from the group La Bouche is another iconic Eurodance smash hit. With silky vocals and a catchy chorus, it hit the top 10 worldwide, including the US, Italy, Australia, and France.
Despite its German origins, the two group members are from the US. Rapper Lane McCray met Melanie Thornton in Germany, and the two formed a duo that eventually caught the attention of the successful German producer Frank Farian.
The Notorious B.I.G. – Hypnotize
Amid the tumultuous times of the 90s rap scene, one of the most significant artists of the time, Notorious B.I.G, dropped this huge hit. Featuring vocals from Pamela Long, it dominated the charts in the US and was certified Platinum.
This track also cemented the production talents of Puff Daddy, now known as P. Diddy. Sadly Notorious B.I.G died in a drive-by shooting just one week after it was released. With its big beats and slick rap lyrics, it’s guaranteed to get people grooving at your next party and paying homage to one of the greats.
SNAP! – Rhythm Is A Dancer
We’ve taken a detour with some Rock and Rap, but there is no denying that the 90s was Eurodance’s time to shine. This 1992 release from German group Snap! was a massive success worldwide and an instant club hit.
Its synth-heavy edge, along with a classic vocal combination of a female lead on the chorus and male rap sections, is quintessential 90s dance. It reached number 5 in the US and number 1 in several European countries and is a must-include on any 90s party list.
Ready, Get Set, Party!
The 90s saw a massive explosion of new genres that became party anthems. Eurodance was in full force, the rap and hip-hop game was evolving, but pop hits and rock bangers were also part of the mix. No matter what genre you preferred, there was something for everyone.
So what are you waiting for? Crank up the music, get some of these fantastic hits thumping through your stereo, and party like it’s 1999!
Watch The Full Playlist
The full playlist with every song in this post can be watched via the video below or directly on our YouTube channel.
