The 90s was undoubtedly a golden era for soulful, smooth, and oh-so-romantic love songs.
From heartfelt ballads to upbeat grooves, this decade gave us some of the most iconic and timeless tracks that make our hearts skip a beat.
Are you ready to travel down memory lane and relive the magic of 90s R&B love songs?
Get ready to swoon because we’ve compiled a list of the top famous R&B love songs from the 90s of all time.
Get ready to press play and let those nostalgic vibes wash over you.
Contents show
1. Real Love by Mary J. Blige
“Real Love” by Mary J. Blige is a classic R&B love song from the 90s that captures the essence of genuine and authentic love.
It’s a powerful track that showcases Blige’s soulful vocals and her ability to convey raw emotions through her music.
The lyrics speak about finding real love, not just settling for superficial feelings or temporary flings.
It reminds listeners that true love takes time, effort, and commitment.
2. Lady by D’Angelo
“Lady” by D’Angelo is a timeless R&B love song from the 90s that has captivated listeners for decades.
The smooth and sultry vocals and the melodic instrumentation make it a perfect track for any romantic occasion.
On a surface level, the song is about admiring and expressing love for a woman, but upon closer examination, there is much more depth to its meaning.
3. Remember the Time by Michael Jackson (1991)
“Remember the Time” by Michael Jackson is a timeless R&B love song from the 90s that continues to capture the hearts of listeners even today.
The song narrates a beautiful memory from the past, where Jackson reminisces about his passionate romance with his lover.
The lyrics are filled with longing and bittersweet emotions as he reflects on the happy times spent together.
It perfectly blends Jackson’s iconic vocals and groovy beats, making it an instant classic.
4. All My Life by K-Ci & JoJo (1998)
“All My Life” by R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo is a timeless love song from the 90s that captures the essence of true and everlasting love.
The soulful vocals of brothers Cedric “K-Ci” Hailey and Joel “JoJo” Hailey beautifully convey the depth of emotion and passion in this hit track.
The lyrics speak about finding that one person who completes you and being willing to spend your entire life with them.
5. No Scrubs by TLC (1999)
“No Scrubs” by TLC is an love song from the 90s that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with audiences today.
The song, released in 1999, emphasizes the importance of self-love and not settling for less than what we deserve in a relationship.
The lyrics speak about women being tired of men who are jobless and have nothing to offer except for empty promises.
6. Cupid by 112 (1997)
“Cupid” by 112 is a classic R&B love song from the 90s that has stood the test of time and remains a popular choice for couples looking to express their love.
The song, released in 1997, captures the essence of true love and devotion with its soulful lyrics and smooth melodies.
It tells the story of two people who have found each other through fate or perhaps even with the help of Cupid himself.
7. Anything by 3T (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPOzNmcvvQ0
“Anything” by 3T is a soulful R&B love song from the 90s that has stood the test of time.It’s a heartfelt ballad that tells the story of a deep and passionate love.
The smooth vocals of Taryll, Taj, and TJ Jackson, also known as 3T, combined with the romantic lyrics, make this song an instant classic.
8. Un-Break My Heart by Toni Braxton (1996)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYv5Nfq0XF0
“Un-Break My Heart” by Toni Braxton is an iconic R&B love song from the 90s that continues to captivate audiences.
The lyrics of this heartfelt ballad tell the story of a person desperately pleading for their lover to come back and mend their broken heart.
Braxton expresses the pain and longing that comes with heartbreak with a soulful and powerful voice.
The haunting melody adds to the song’s emotion, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced a painful breakup.
9. Sukiyaki by 4 P.M. (1995)
“Sukiyaki by 4 P.M.” is a classic R&B love song from the 90s that still holds a special place in the hearts of many listeners.
The catchy melody and smooth vocals of the group add to the romantic atmosphere of the song, making it a perfect choice for slow dancing or simply relaxing with your significant other.
The lyrics tell a story of two lovers reminiscing about their time together while enjoying a traditional Japanese hot pot dish, sukiyaki.
10. I Do (Cherish You) by 98° (1998)
“I Do (Cherish You)” by 98° is a beautiful and heartfelt love song that captured the hearts of many in the late 90s.
The song’s meaning revolves around unconditionally cherishing and loving someone, promising to always be there for them through thick and thin.
With its smooth R&B beats and soulful vocals, this song became popular for slow dances and romantic moments.
11. Killing Me Softly With His Song by The Fugees (1992)
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” by The Fugees is a timeless R&B love song from the 90s that has captivated listeners for decades.
With its smooth, soulful vocals and hauntingly beautiful melody, the song tells the bittersweet story of falling in love with someone who deeply touches your heart and soul.
The lyrics describe a woman hypnotized by a man’s voice and music, feeling like he is singing directly to her.
This powerful track highlights the rawness and intensity of love, making it relatable to anyone who has ever been swept off their feet by someone special.
12. End of the Road by Boyz II Men (1991)
“End of the Road” by Boyz II Men is a timeless R&B classic that has captured the hearts of listeners for decades.
This power ballad was released in 1992 and quickly became a hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for 13 weeks.
The song tells a story of a love that has ended, with the lyrics portraying both heartache and acceptance.
Boyz II Men’s emotional vocals, soulful harmonies, and powerful instrumentals truly bring this song to life.
13. Weak by SWV
“Weak” by SWV is a timeless R&B love song from the 90s that continues to captivate listeners with its smooth vocals and romantic lyrics.
The song explores the vulnerability and helplessness one can feel when in love, as portrayed through the powerful chorus: “Cause my heart starts beating triple time, With thoughts of loving you on my mind, I can’t figure out just what to do When the cause and cure are you.”
It beautifully captures the intense emotions and desires of being head over heels for someone.
14. Say My Name by Destiny’s Child
“Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child is an iconic R&B love-making song from the 90s that still holds a special place in our hearts today.
The song portrays a strong and confident woman who demands her partner to say her name, not just use generic pet names.
It symbolizes the importance of communication and respect in a relationship.
The lyrics beautifully describe a lover’s desire for validation and recognition, making it relatable to many listeners.
15. Fantasy by Mariah Carey
“Fantasy” by Mariah Carey is a timeless hit that remains popular decades after its release in the 1990s.
The song is catchy and upbeat, but its lyrics have deep meaning and powerful emotions.
It captures the essence of pure love and invokes a sense of escape into a dream-like world where anything is possible.
Mariah’s soothing voice sounds like an angelic whisper as she sings about being infatuated with someone and wanting to be lost in their love forever.
16. You Make Me Wanna… by Usher
“You Make Me Wanna…” by Usher is a classic R&B love song from the 90s that continues to be popular today.
The lyrics of this song express a deep desire and longing for someone special, with Usher singing about how this person makes him want to leave his current relationship and be with them.
The smooth and soulful melody and Usher’s powerful vocals make this song perfect for those romantic moments.
It captures the feeling of being irresistibly drawn towards someone and unable to resist their charm.
17. One In A Million by Aaliyah
“One In A Million” by Aaliyah is a timeless R&B love-making song from the 90s that still captures the hearts of listeners today.
The song is filled with sultry, seductive lyrics and smooth beats, making it the perfect soundtrack for a romantic night.
Aaliyah’s angelic vocals create a unique sound that compliments the sensual vibe of the song.
“One In A Million” speaks about finding someone special who stands out from everyone else, emphasizing how rare and precious true love can be.
18. The Boy Is Mine by Brandy And Monica
“The Boy Is Mine” is a classic R&B song from the 90s by Brandy and Monica, two powerhouse vocalists.
The song speaks of a love triangle and the fight for one boy’s affections. It explores the emotions and tensions between two women who both claim to be in love with the same guy.
With its catchy beat and soulful vocals, this song became an instant hit and solidified Brandy and Monica’s place in the music industry.
19. Feels Good by Tony! Toni! Toné!
“Feels Good” by Tony! Toni! Toné! is a classic R&B love-making song from the 90s that has stood the test of time.
This upbeat and groovy track is about celebrating the highs of being in a fulfilling and passionate relationship. The lyrics describe a love that makes you feel alive, happy, and content.
With its smooth vocals, catchy beats, and soulful sound, this song perfectly captures the essence of 90s R&B music.
It’s an anthem for couples who want to keep the spark alive in their love life and reminds us of the simple joy that comes from being with someone we truly care about.
20. My Boo by Ghost Town DJs
“My Boo” by Ghost Town DJs is a classic 90s R&B love-making song that has stood the test of time.
It tells the story of a couple in love, expressing their deep affection for each other through sensual lyrics and smooth beats.
The song captures the feeling of being completely infatuated with someone and wanting to spend every moment with them, never wanting to let go.
The repeating chorus of “My boo, my boo, my boo” conveys the intense emotions and strong connection between the two lovers.
Released in 1996, it quickly became a hit and remains a favorite among R&B fans even today.
21. “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
“I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1992.
The song, originally written and recorded by Dolly Parton, was reimagined by Houston for the soundtrack of her film “The Bodyguard.”
The emotional ballad tells the story of a love that may have ended, but the memory of it will always remain. With powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, this song has become an anthem for love and heartbreak.
Its smooth R&B sound showcases Houston’s incredible vocal range and emotion, making it one of the greatest love songs out of the 90s.
22. “Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey
“Vision of Love” by Mariah Carey is a timeless R&B ballad that has captured the hearts of listeners since its release in 1990.
The song portrays an intense and pure love, with lyrics that express the depth and passion of one’s feelings for one’s significant other.
It talks about being consumed by love and seeing the world through a different lens, filled with hope and joy.
Mariah’s powerful vocals and passionate delivery add to the song’s overall impact, making it one of her signature tracks.
23. “Let Love Rule” by Lenny Kravitz
“Let Love Rule” by Lenny Kravitz is a timeless R&B love-making song that has captivated audiences since its release in the 90s.
The song lyrics are a powerful reminder to let love guide us in all aspects of life, whether in romantic relationships or within ourselves.
Kravitz’s smooth and soulful vocals, combined with the catchy melodies, create an irresistible and sensual sound that perfectly captures the essence of true love.
This song not only celebrates the beauty of love but also urges listeners to let go of inhibitions and fully embrace them.
24. “I Wanna Be Down” by Brandy
“I Wanna Be Down” is a classic R&B song by Brandy, released in the 90s.
The lyrics represent a young girl’s desire to be with her crush and willingness to do anything to make it happen.
It is a sweet and innocent representation of love and longing, making it one of the greatest R&B love songs of the era.
Brandy’s smooth and soulful vocals and catchy beat perfectly blend for a romantic mood.
25. “No Ordinary Love” by Sade
“No Ordinary Love” by British singer Sade is a timeless R&B classic from the 90s that continues to captivate listeners with its sultry and smooth vibe.
The song tells the story of an intense and passionate love that goes beyond the ordinary, making it one of the greatest love-making songs ever.
Sade’s mesmerizing vocals and emotive lyrics perfectly capture the feeling of being entirely consumed by someone, surrendering to a love that is both exhilarating and overwhelming.
26. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men
“I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men is a classic R&B love-making song from the 90s that continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
The smooth and sultry vocals and heartfelt lyrics make it one of the greatest love songs ever.
It’s a passionate declaration of commitment and desire, as the singer promises to take his time and show his partner just how much he loves her.
27. “Again” by Janet Jackson
“Again” by Janet Jackson is a timeless R&B classic that continues to captivate listeners with its sultry lyrics and smooth melody.
Released in the 90s, it quickly became an anthem for lovers with its heartfelt message of wanting to relive a passionate love affair.
It beautifully captures the rollercoaster emotions of falling in and out of love, conveying the desperate desire to return “one more time.”
28. “Red Light Special” by TLC
“Red Light Special” by TLC is a classic R&B song from the 90s that has stood the test of time.
With its smooth and sultry beat, the song captures the essence of love and passion in a way that only TLC can.
It’s a song about intimacy and seduction, as the title shows.
The lyrics describe a woman inviting her lover to indulge in intimate moments under the red light, setting the mood for a passionate night.
This song perfectly exemplifies how great R&B love-making songs were in the 90s.
29. “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
“Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill is a soulful and emotional R&B song that captures the struggles of past love and its lingering impact on present relationships.
Released in 1998, it quickly became an anthem for those going through heartbreak and resonated with many due to its relatable lyrics and powerful vocals.
The lyrics describe the difficulties of moving on from an ex-lover as Hill sings about the painful memories that continue to haunt her.
The iconic line “Tell me who I have to be, to get some reciprocity?” highlights the frustration and desperation of wanting closure and understanding from someone who has hurt us.
30. “Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah
“Are You That Somebody?” by Aaliyah is a classic R&B song that captivated audiences in the 90s and continues to do so today.
The song is about searching for the perfect love and wondering if that special someone exists.
This song has become an anthem for those searching for their soulmate and has stood the test of time as one of Aaliyah’s greatest hits.
FAQs
What was the #1 R&B song in 1990?
In 1990, the #1 R&B song that topped the charts and captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide was “Hold On” by En Vogue.
This iconic girl group from Oakland, California, took the world by storm with their powerful vocals and stunning choreography.
“Hold On” became an instant hit with its catchy beat and empowering lyrics about perseverance and self-love.
The song spent three weeks at the top spot on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, solidifying En Vogue’s place in R&B history.
Its success also earned them a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group.
Even after 31 years, “Hold On” is a timeless anthem for women everywhere, making it no surprise that it was chosen as the #1 R&B song of 1990.
What is R&B from the 90s?
R&B from the 90s, also known as Rhythm and Blues, is a genre of music that originated in African-American communities during the 1990s.
It combines soul, funk, and hip-hop elements to create a smooth yet groovy sound that captivates audiences worldwide.
The lyrics often focus on love, relationships, and personal experiences while incorporating catchy melodies and smooth harmonies.
This era saw the rise of iconic R&B artists such as Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men, and TLC, who dominated the charts with their soulful voices and captivating performances.
Is R&B romantic?
YES. R&B, or rhythm and blues, has long been associated with feelings of love and romance.
With its smooth melodies, soulful vocals, and intimate lyrics, it’s no wonder that many consider R&B to be a romantic genre.
The genre emerged in the 1940s as a fusion of African-American musical styles such as jazz and gospel and has since evolved to include elements of pop, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Throughout history, R&B has consistently focused on love and relationships as its main lyrical themes.
From slow ballads professing undying devotion to upbeat tracks celebrating newfound love, R&B songs are filled with heartfelt emotions that often resonate deeply with listeners.
Who is the king of R&B 90s?
In the world of R&B music in the 1990s, plenty of talented artists vied for the title of “king.”
However, one name stands out above the rest: R. Kelly.
With his smooth vocals and catchy tunes, he dominated the charts and captured the hearts of fans worldwide during this decade.
From hits like “Bump N’ Grind” to “I Believe I Can Fly,” R. Kelly’s music was constantly on radios and in clubs.
Is R&B still popular?
R&B, or rhythm and blues, has been a popular genre of music for decades.
However, with the rise of new music styles like hip-hop and EDM, some may wonder if R&B is still as popular as it once was.
The answer to this question is yes, R&B is still very much loved and appreciated by music enthusiasts worldwide.
Many current artists are incorporating elements of R&B into their styles, keeping the genre fresh and relevant.
Why was R&B so popular in the 90s?
The 90s saw a surge in the popularity of , with artists like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Boyz II Men dominating the charts.
There are several reasons why this genre became so popular during this decade:
- R&B blended soul, funk, and hip-hop elements, making it a versatile and dynamic sound that appealed to a broad audience.
- The songs were usually about love and relationships, which resonated with listeners going through similar experiences.
- R&B music was also associated with fashion and style trends inspired by famous artists such as TLC and Aaliyah.This created a cultural phenomenon where people not only listened to R&B but embodied its aesthetic as well.
- Moreover, advancements in technology made it easier for R&B artists to experiment with new sounds and techniques, resulting in chart-topping hits that pushed the boundaries of traditional R&B.
- R&B music had strong roots in African-American culture and history, making it an essential representation of identity and pride for many listeners.
Conclusion
The 90s was undoubtedly a golden era for R&B love songs.
From soulful ballads to heart-wrenching lyrics, these songs have captured our hearts and have stood the test of time.
They continue to be played at weddings, romantic dates, and even on our own personal playlists.
These top famous R&B love songs from the 90s will always hold a special place in our hearts and remind us of the power of love.
