1991 was a significant year for music, with countless memorable songs across various genres being released. From the rock anthems to the power ballads and the hip-hop classics, the year had something for everyone. Many of these songs have become timeless classics and continue to be enjoyed and celebrated to this day. Among the most iconic songs of 1991 are Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” Michael Jackson’s “Black or White,” and Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain.” These songs, along with many others, have had a profound impact on popular culture and continue to be an essential part of the music industry. In this article, we will take a look at 20 of the greatest songs from 1991, exploring their impact on the music world and why they continue to resonate with listeners decades later.
1. “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” by Bryan Adams
“(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” is a power ballad by Canadian musician Bryan Adams. It was released in 1991 as the theme song for the movie “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”. The song features a slow and melodic guitar riff, with Adams’ raspy vocals delivering heartfelt lyrics about unrelenting love and devotion. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Adams repeatedly singing the line “Everything I do, I do it for you”. The song was a commercial success, reaching number one in multiple countries and earning Adams a Grammy Award nomination. It remains a popular love song and a defining ballad of the 1990s.
2. “Rush, Rush” by Paula Abdul
“Rush, Rush” is a pop ballad by American singer Paula Abdul, released in 1991. The song was the lead single from her album “Spellbound” and features a slow and sensual melody, with Abdul’s smooth and sultry vocals delivering lyrics about falling in love and the excitement and intensity of a new relationship. The song also features a saxophone solo by Dave Koz, adding to the romantic and nostalgic feel of the track. “Rush, Rush” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Abdul’s most iconic and memorable hits.
3. “Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)” by C+C Music Factory
“Here We Go (Let’s Rock & Roll)” is a dance-pop song by American group C+C Music Factory, released in 1991. The track features a high-energy beat, with a blend of hip hop and house music, and vocals by rapper Freedom Williams and Zelma Davis. The song’s lyrics are simple and repetitive, encouraging listeners to get up and dance, with Williams frequently shouting “Here we go!” and “Let’s rock and roll!”. “Here We Go” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Dance Chart and becoming a popular club hit. It remains a nostalgic and upbeat dance classic of the early 1990s.
4. “Beauty And The Beast” by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson
“Beauty and the Beast” is a romantic ballad duet by Canadian singer Celine Dion and American singer Peabo Bryson, released in 1991 as the theme song for the Disney animated film of the same name. The song features a slow and sweeping melody, with Dion and Bryson’s powerful vocals complementing each other in expressing the love story between the film’s characters. The song’s lyrics describe the beauty and transformation of love, and the music is enhanced by an orchestral arrangement. “Beauty and the Beast” was a critical and commercial success, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Song and a Grammy Award for Best Song Written Specifically for a Motion Picture or Television. It remains a beloved classic and a defining Disney ballad.
5. “Black or White” by Michael Jackson
“Black or White” is a pop and rock song by American singer Michael Jackson, released in 1991. The song features a hard-hitting beat and guitar riff, with Jackson’s vocals delivering lyrics about racial equality and the unity of all people. The song’s catchy chorus is punctuated by a powerful electric guitar solo by guest artist Slash. “Black or White” was accompanied by a groundbreaking music video that featured a diverse range of people dancing and morphing into one another. The song was a commercial and critical success, topping the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Jackson’s most iconic and socially significant hits.
6. “Life Is A Highway” by Tom Cochrane
“Life is a Highway” is a rock song by Canadian musician Tom Cochrane, released in 1991. The song features a driving beat, with Cochrane’s gritty vocals delivering lyrics about the journey of life and the need to keep moving forward. The song’s chorus is particularly memorable, with Cochrane repeatedly singing the line “Life is a highway, I want to ride it all night long”. The song’s upbeat and anthemic sound made it a popular hit, reaching the top of the charts in Canada and becoming a hit in the United States and around the world. It remains a classic rock staple of the early 1990s.
7. “I Wanna Sex You Up” by Color Me Badd
“I Wanna Sex You Up” is a New Jack Swing R&B song by American group Color Me Badd, released in 1991. The song features a funky beat and smooth vocals, with lyrics about sexual desire and seduction. The song’s suggestive lyrics, such as “I wanna take my love and stick it in your satellite”, were controversial and caused the song to be banned by some radio stations. However, the song was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries and becoming one of Color Me Badd’s signature hits. It remains a nostalgic and emblematic track of the early 1990s R&B and pop music.
8. “I Adore Mi Amor” by Color Me Badd
“I Adore Mi Amor” is a romantic R&B ballad by American group Color Me Badd, released in 1991. The song features a slow and soulful melody, with smooth harmonies and crooning vocals, delivering lyrics about deep love and devotion. The song’s title, which translates to “I adore my love” in Spanish, reflects the multicultural influences that the song incorporates. “I Adore Mi Amor” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Color Me Badd’s most popular songs. It remains a beloved slow jam and a nostalgic favorite of the early 1990s R&B and pop music.
9. “Finally” by CeCe Peniston
“Finally” is a dance-pop and house music song by American singer CeCe Peniston, released in 1991. The song features a fast-paced beat and energetic vocals, with Peniston delivering lyrics about finding love and freedom. The song’s memorable and upbeat chorus, which repeats the word “finally”, made it an instant dance floor hit, and it quickly became a popular club anthem. “Finally” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Dance Chart and becoming Peniston’s signature song. It remains a classic dance and pop hit of the early 1990s, and an enduring symbol of the era’s lively and colorful music scene.
10. “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred
“I’m Too Sexy” is a novelty pop and dance song by British band Right Said Fred, released in 1991. The song features a playful and upbeat melody, with spoken-word style vocals delivering tongue-in-cheek lyrics about the narrator’s perceived physical attractiveness. The song’s catchy chorus, which repeats the line “I’m too sexy for my shirt”, became a ubiquitous pop culture reference and a popular dance club hit. “I’m Too Sexy” was a commercial success, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning a place as one of the most memorable and kitschy pop songs of the early 1990s.
11. “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by P.M. Dawn
“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” is a dreamy and soulful song by American duo P.M. Dawn, released in 1991. The song features a laid-back rhythm and smooth vocals, with sampling of Spandau Ballet’s song “True”, and with the rapper Prince Be delivering verses about love, memories and longing. The song’s gentle and mellow sound, combined with the lyrics’ wistful nostalgia and introspection, created a sense of melancholic and romantic yearning. “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries, and becoming one of P.M. Dawn’s most enduring and beloved songs.
12. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is a grunge rock anthem by American band Nirvana, released in 1991. The song features a heavy and distorted guitar riff, with Kurt Cobain’s raw and powerful vocals delivering lyrics that express the frustration, apathy, and disillusionment of youth culture. The song’s iconic and infectious chorus, which repeats the phrase “Here we are now, entertain us”, became a rallying cry for a generation and a cultural touchstone of the early 1990s. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was a commercial and critical success, and it remains a seminal and influential song in the history of rock music.
13. “More Than Words” by Extreme
“More Than Words” is a soft rock ballad by American band Extreme, released in 1991. The song features an acoustic guitar arrangement and close vocal harmonies between Gary Cherone and Nuno Bettencourt, with the lyrics expressing the idea that words are not enough to convey the depth of one’s love and affection. The song’s heartfelt and romantic sentiment, combined with the stripped-down and intimate musical style, created a powerful and emotional impact on listeners, and the song became one of Extreme’s most popular and enduring hits. “More Than Words” remains a beloved and timeless love song that resonates with audiences to this day.
14. “Baby, Baby” by Amy Grant
“Baby, Baby” is a pop and dance song by American singer Amy Grant, released in 1991. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with Grant’s sweet and playful vocals delivering lyrics about infatuation and romance. The song’s joyful and optimistic tone, combined with the catchy and danceable beat, made it an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. “Baby, Baby” was a commercial success, and it remains one of Amy Grant’s most recognizable and beloved songs, with its memorable chorus and charmingly innocent lyrics capturing the spirit of the early 1990s pop music.
15. “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince
“Summertime” is a hip-hop and R&B song by American duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, released in 1991. The song features a mellow and laid-back beat, with Will Smith’s smooth and nostalgic rap verses delivering lyrics about the joys and pleasures of summer, including barbecues, block parties, and romance. The song’s warm and inviting tone, combined with the catchy and easy-going rhythm, created a sense of carefree and leisurely fun, and it became a popular summer anthem. “Summertime” was a commercial and critical success, and it remains one of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s most enduring and iconic songs.
16. “When a Man Loves a Woman” by Michael Bolton
“When a Man Loves a Woman” is a soulful and romantic song by American singer Michael Bolton, released in 1991. The song is a cover of Percy Sledge’s classic hit from 1966, and it features a powerful and emotive vocal performance by Bolton, with a lush and dramatic orchestral arrangement. The song’s lyrics express the intensity and devotion of a man’s love for a woman, with poignant and heartfelt lines that capture the pain and sacrifice that can come with such love. “When a Man Loves a Woman” became a massive commercial success for Bolton, and it remains a timeless and beloved love song.
17. “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M.
“Losing My Religion” is a melancholic and introspective song by American rock band R.E.M., released in 1991. The song features a distinctive and memorable mandolin riff, with Michael Stipe’s enigmatic and poetic vocals delivering lyrics that explore themes of obsession, doubt, and faith. The song’s title is a Southern colloquialism that refers to the moment when one reaches the end of one’s rope or loses one’s temper. “Losing My Religion” was a commercial and critical success, and it remains one of R.E.M.’s most famous and enduring songs, with its enigmatic lyrics and haunting melody capturing the spirit of early 1990s alternative rock.
18. “Emotions” by Mariah Carey
“Emotions” is a dance-pop and R&B song by American singer Mariah Carey, released in 1991. The song features a catchy and upbeat melody, with Carey’s soaring and powerful vocals delivering lyrics about the highs and lows of being in love. The song’s infectious and vibrant energy, combined with its soaring vocal runs and impressive range, made it an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. “Emotions” was a commercial success and it remains one of Carey’s most popular and beloved songs, with its upbeat and joyful tone capturing the spirit of the early 1990s pop music.
19. “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men
“Motownphilly” is an R&B and hip-hop song by American vocal group Boyz II Men, released in 1991. The song features a catchy and upbeat rhythm, with the group’s smooth and harmonious vocals delivering lyrics that pay tribute to the soulful and funk-driven music of Motown and Philadelphia. The song’s fun and energetic vibe, combined with its catchy chorus and infectious dance moves, made it an instant hit, and it helped launch Boyz II Men’s career to new heights. “Motownphilly” remains a classic of 1990s R&B and hip-hop, and its influence can be heard in the music of many modern-day artists.
20. “I Love Your Smile” by Shanice
“I Love Your Smile” is an upbeat and joyous R&B and pop song by American singer Shanice, released in 1991. The song features a catchy and sunny melody, with Shanice’s bright and soulful vocals delivering lyrics that express the happiness and contentment of being in love. The song’s infectious and carefree spirit, combined with its smooth production and sing-along chorus, made it an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries. “I Love Your Smile” remains a beloved and timeless 1990s classic, with its positive and uplifting message capturing the spirit of the era’s pop music.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
