41 Best 90s Dance Songs

For those in their 30s or 40s, hearing 90s dance songs brings you back to your middle and high school years dancing with friends.

So if you are trying to make a nostalgic playlist for your next party, let's remember some of the best 90s dance songs.

“One More Time” by Daft Punk

Song Year: 2000

Daft Punk, a French duo that was particularly well known for its electronic dance music, had a unique way of blending many different popular music styles from the 1990s. “One More Time” is one of their most famous songs, and although the release date is just after the end of the decade, it is a must on any playlist of dance songs of the 90s.

“Vogue” by Madonna

Song Year: 1990

It is unlikely that Madonna needs any introduction, especially to anyone that grew up during the 90s. The song “Vogue”, from her 1990 album I’m Breathless, is a classic that everyone will recognize. The lyrics are a bit on the downside, but there is a steady beat to keep people moving on the dance floor.

“What Is Love” by Haddaway

Song Year: 1993

Almost everyone will know the electronic/dance song “What Is Love” by Haddaway, but many would not be able to name the artist right away. The song became particularly famous after being featured in the movie A Night at the Roxbury and its corresponding Saturday Night Live skit. But however people know it, they will be dancing!

“U Can't Touch This” by MC Hammer

Song Year: 1990

A familiar question with many dance songs of the 90s is, does this MC Hammer song even need an explanation? The classic “U Can’t Touch This”, released on their 1990 album Please Hammer Don't Hurt ‘Em has a groove that might be one of the best 90s dance songs in this collection.

“Baby Got Back ” by Sir Mix-A-Lot

Song Year: 1992

“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-A-Lot is a classic hip hop song from the 1992 album Mack Daddy. Not only did you hear this song at just about every party in the 90s, but tons of movies and TV shows also featured it. People will not only dance to this song but also scream out the lyrics!

“Insomnia” by Faithless

Song Year: 1995

As the title suggests, the lyrics of the song “Insomnia” are all about not being able to sleep. But despite the grim lyrics and low-energy singing, there is a consistent beat behind this music that will keep people moving while also giving them a short time to catch their breath.

“Show Me Love” by Robin S

Song Year: 1993

“Show Me Love” by Robin S., featured on the 1993 album of the same name, has an energetic beat and superb singing. It might not be one of the most well-known songs of the decade, but there is a niche audience for this one. And everyone else will still be able to move along to the dance/electronic beat.

“Macarena (Bayside Boys remix)” by Los Del Rio

Song Year: 1993

Even though Los Del Rio, a Spanish duo in the Latin pop genre, formed their band in 1962, it was not until their 1993 hit song “Macarena” that they became known by just about everyone worldwide. This song is such a hit that people from the 90s will probably know the specific dance sequences!

“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C&C Music Factory

Song Year: 1990

The 1990 song “Everybody Dance Now”—yes, the title you most probably recognize the song by—is a hit song that you probably heard at every party, from your middle school dance to a family wedding. You should put this on your dance songs of the 90s playlist, and people will feel like they went back in time!

“Whoomp! There It Is” by Tag Team

Song Year: 1993

The song “Whoomp! There It Is”, from Tag Team’s 1993 album Whoomp!, is a song that you will immediately recognize from the title. If you are like most people, just reading the title makes the music start playing in your head. This Miami base genre song will be sure to get people energetically dancing!

“More and More” by Captain Hollywood Project

Song Year: 1993

“More and More”, a 1993 Captain Hollywood Project song from the album Love Is Not Sex, sounds a lot more fun than the lyrics imply, but its Eurodance style makes it fun to dance to. While not as popular as a hit like “Baby Got Back”, the electronic dance rhythms will invoke a mood of the 1990s.

“I'm Gonna Get You” by Bizarre Inc.

Song Year: 1992

This Bizarre Inc. song, released in 1992 on the album Energique, has a repetitive groove that enables dancing along with it to be easy. The lyrics also repeat similar lines, so even if there are people who do not know this song, they will know it by the time it is over!

“Gettin' Jiggy Wit It” by Will Smith

Song Year: 1997

From his 1997 album Big Willie Style, Will Smith’s “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It” is a classic. This song was the third single from the album, and its catchy lyrics and beat made people play this rap song at almost every dance party in the 90s and 2000s—add this one to your 90s playlist.

“Believe” by Cher

Song Year: 1998

Every dance playlist needs something on the slower side that will give people a chance to catch their breath. And “Believe” by Cher is a perfect way to do that with a sentimental mood. The classic heartbreak song, one of the first to popularize the auto-tune technique, has a distinct sound and a slower yet still danceable rhythm.

“Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Nikki French

Song Year: 1995

From her 1995 album Secrets, Nikki French’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” is a classic that was all over the radio waves in the 1990s. Although there is a slower version that has more sentimental energy, the linked version above is the dance version that is higher energy and captures the dance/electronic style of the artist best.

“The Rockafeller Skank” by Fatboy Slim

Song Year: 1998

You might not recognize this song by either the title or the artist, but if you heard ten seconds of the song you will immediately recognize that it was a hit. With a driving and energetic drum beat running the whole time and easy to sing lyrics, this one will have people both singing and dancing.

“Pump Up The Jam” by Technotronic

Song Year: 1989

Although it came out a year before 1990, this classic thrived in the 90s with its 1980s hip-hop sound. The lyrics repeatedly state the song title, and the driving beat will put you in a trance mood typical of the house/hip-hop/Eurodance style. This song might not be the biggest hit, but people will appreciate the deep dive into 90s music!

“Boom Boom Boom” by The Outhere Brothers

Song Year: 1992

If you went to a professional baseball anytime in the 1990s, there is a decent chance you heard this song start a chanting within the crowd. The hip-hop style of the beat and lyrics harkens back to the 1980s style, but that only means that the dancing vibe is easy for people to catch.

“This Is Your Night” by Amber

Song Year: 1996

The dance-pop and Eurodance artist Amber came out with her song “This Is Your Night” in 1996, and she delivers the upbeat energy and rhythmic singing in a Michael Jackson-esque style. In between the driving rhythms, brief lyrical sections capture the calmer side of electronic music.   

“Unbelievable” by EMF

Song Year: 1991

From their 1991 album Schubert Dip, “Unbelievable” by the British band EMF has a fun energy and lyrics that make light fun of relationship problems. The chorus ends in the classic line—the song title—that you will surely recognize even if you do not remember the song by the verses. Either way, the steady beat is perfect for dancing.

“Groove Is In The Heart” by Deee-Lite

Song Year: 1990

The American dance/pop band Deee-Lite released this song in 1990, and the trippy visuals in the music video reflect the psychedelic/pop style that the sound of this song captures. While not as driving as some others on this list, it will allow people to find a groovy style of dancing.

“Everybody Everybody” by Black Box feat. Martha Wash

Song Year: 1990

Although the band Black Box wrote the song “Everybody Everybody”, which appeared on their 1990 album Dreamland, the credit for the vocals goes to Martha Wash. Her belting vocals along with the driving bass lines make this a classic dance song.

“Castles In The Sky” by Ian Van Dahl

Song Year: 2002

Although this song came out after the 1990s on Ian Van Dahl’s 2002 album Ace, the song captures much more of the 1990s sound world than it does that of the 2000s. It is a driving electronic music style that has the classic crescendos that make dancing way too fun.

“3 AM Eternal” by The KLF

Song Year: 1989

KLF is a British acid/house style band whose song “3 AM Eternal” perfectly blends the rap and dance styles. There are brief interludes of lyrical singing that interrupt the driving beats, making it great as an entertaining dance song that keeps people engaged.

“Beautiful Life” by Ace Of Base

Song Year: 1995

The Swedish band Ace of Base released the song “Beautiful Life” on their 1995 album The Bridge. This song was a top song in both the US and the UK, achieving the number 15 slot in both countries. The lyrics are all about celebrating life and the upbeat music is perfect for club-like dancing.

“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan

Song Year: 1995

Montell Jordan’s debut single “This Is How We Do It” was released in 1995 on an album by the same name, and anyone who grew up during the 90s will recognize the music and lyrics. It is an iconic song that captures the distinct sound of the 1990s and how it differed from the music of the 80s.

“Black Or White” by Michael Jackson

Song Year: 1991

Michael Jackson needs no introduction, and his hit single “Black Or White” released in 1991 likely does not either. The classic Jackson hip-hop/rock blend dominates this song, and his exciting and rhythmic singing keeps a tight beat throughout the entire song. Watching the music video for this makes it clear that Jackson’s music was designed to go with dancing!

“Cotton Eye Joe” by Rednex

Song Year: 1995

Released on their 1995 album Sex & Violins, “Cotton Eye Joe” is such a classic that you will still hear it played at dance parties almost thirty years after its release. The song has a cheesy sound with its upbeat fiddle playing and exaggerated folk singing, but it does not matter whether you take the song seriously or not—it is a great dancing song either way.

“Sexual (Li Da Di)” by Amber

Song Year: 1999

Dutch singer Amber released this classic song in 1999, and it is a great blend of hip-hop and electronic music styles. This music will put you in a trance-like mode of dancing typical of electronic music while still having lyrics that are easy to hear and sing.

“I'm Every Woman” by Whitney Houston

Song Year: 1992

Some of the artists in this collection had hit singles that everyone recognizes, even if they do not remember the artist’s name. But Whitney Houston’s name and songs are easily recognizable, and “I’m Every Woman” is no exception. Although Chaka Khan released the original in 1979, it is Houston’s 1992 cover that became a much bigger hit.

“Hey Mr. DJ” by Zhane

Song Year: 1994

The American R&B group Zhane recorded this track, “Hey Mr. DJ”, on their debut album Pronounced Jah-Nay in 1994. The song has chill energy that is perfect for any dance party that needs low-energy music that still loosens people up. Another bonus is that the lyrics are simple and people can easily sing along with the choruses.

“Livin' La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin

Song Year: 1999

Released in 1999, “Livin' La Vida Loca” was an incredibly successful song, reaching the number one spot in over twenty countries. The song was nominated and won several awards, including Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1999. The music incorporates Latin style and will make people passionately dance as they reminisce about the 90s.

“Turn the Beat Around” by Gloria Estefan

Song Year: 1994

The disco song “Turn the Beat Around” dates back to 1976, written by Gerald Jackson and Peter Jackson. While it was performed by Vicki Sue Robinson. But if you are interested in building a playlist of the best 90s dance songs, it is way more likely that you remember the Gloria Estefan recording from 1994. Her version made topped the charts all over the world, and the energetic song is classic dance party music.

“Sandstorm” by Darude

Song Year: 1999

Finnish DJ and record producer Darude recorded “Sandstorm” in 1999 and a year later released it as part of his debut album Before the Storm. You might not recognize this song from the title or artist, but you will almost definitely recognize the classic electronic instrumental groove once you hear it—it is perfect for club-like dancing.

“Emotions” by Mariah Carey

Song Year: 1991

Released as part of her second studio album in 1991, “Emotions” is a groovy and energetic song by Mariah Carey. Carey always has amazing singing, but not all of her songs are well suited to dancing. But with this song, you get rhythms and energy that will remind you of Michael Jackson’s music, along with her belting voice.

“Together Forever” by Lisette Melendez

Song Year: 1991

American singer Lisette Melendez released the song “Together Forever” in 1991 as part of an album by the same name. The freestyle genre blends R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop styles into a unique sound that is both fun and intense.

“Temptation” by Corina

Song Year: 1991

Corina’s debut album from 1991 included the hit single “Temptation”, a song that has a unique style that is hard to put into words. Another freestyle blend of various styles, this music harkens back to the sounds of the 80s while having more of the classic drive characteristic of later electronic music.

“Sugar Is Sweeter” by CJ Bolland

Song Year: 1996

Released on the 1996 album The Analogue Theatre, “Sugar Is Sweeter” is a great mix of predictable driving music with unpredictable interludes that will keep dancers guessing. The musical style is a blend of dance and electronic styles, and even if it is not as big a hit as some of the tracks on this list, people will appreciate choosing such an authentic 90s dance song.

“Better Off Alone” by Alice DeeJay

Song Year: 1997

This song dates back to 1997, but in the year 2000, it was also included in Alice DeeJay’s first album Who Needs Guitars Anyway. If you do not recognize the song by its title, the electronic instrumental will trigger your memory. The trance music style has an incredible energy that makes for great dancing music.

“Music Sounds Better With You” by Stardust

Song Year: 1998

Released as part of the 1998 album by the same name, the French trio Stardust’s “Music Sounds Better With You” is a dance track through and through. Despite the music having a smooth groove, there is consistent rhythmic energy that makes it great for dancing.

“Smooth” by Carlos Santana with Rob Thomas

Song Year: 1999

There were some deep dives on this list of the best 90s dance songs, but there’s no better 90s hit to finish off this list than “Smooth” by Carlos Santana. The Latin rock band collaborated with Rob Thomas of the band Matchbox Twenty to make a unique song for its time. It is a must for any 90s dance playlist.

Top 90s Dance Songs, Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are a ton of fantastic 90s dance songs that you can fill up your playlist with, and these are just a small sampling of some of the best. Whether you need upbeat songs to get the energy flowing or want a slow and sentimental dance that brings you back to your childhood, add these songs to your new playlist and start enjoying them!

Want more? Well we list dance songs of the 50s, dance songs of the 60s, dance songs of the 70s, and dance songs of the 2000s.