In the early 1990s, popular music was dominated by grunge and alternative rock bands like nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. But there were also a number of pop and R&B singers who had breakout years in 1993. Here are 20 of the greatest songs from this landmark year in music.
Contents
- 1. “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf
- 2. “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson
- 3. “Dazzey Duks” by Duice
- 4. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
- 5. “If” by Janet Jackson
- 6. “Just Kickin’ It” by Xscape
- 7. “All Apologies” by Nirvana
- 8. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
- 9. “What Is Love” by Haddaway
- 10. “Whoomp (There It Is)” by Tag Team
- 11. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
- 12. “Knockin’ da Boots” by H-Town
- 13. “Breathe Again” by Toni Braxton
- 14. “Who Am I (What’s My Name?)” by Snoop Dogg
- 15. “All for Love” by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
- 16. “Come Undone” by Duran Duran
- 17. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum
- 18. “Fields of Gold” by Sting
- 19. “Two Steps Behind” by Def Leppard
- 20. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” by Tina Turner
- Final Thoughts
1. “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” by Meat Loaf
A power ballad of epic proportions, Meat Loaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” spent weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1993. Its music video, featuring a storyline of star-crossed lovers and dramatic effects, was also an MTV favorite.
2. “That’s the Way Love Goes” by Janet Jackson
Winning a Grammy award for Best R&B song, Janet Jackson’s “That’s the Way Love Goes” was a huge hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. The infectious tune was accompanied by an equally entertaining music video featuring some of Jackson’s signature moves.
3. “Dazzey Duks” by Duice
Peaking at number 12 on the Hot 100, “Dazzey Duks” was a hit single by pop group Duice. The song can be found on their self-titled album and was accompanied by a music video featuring the members of Duice in some rather sexy outfits.
4. “Dreamlover” by Mariah Carey
There’s no questioning Mariah Carey’s success in the ‘90s. But 1993 was a particularly notable year for her, with the release of “Dreamlover”—a dreamy mid-tempo single that reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and stayed there for eight weeks.
5. “If” by Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson’s follow-up single to “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “If” was another massive success in 1993. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and won an MTV Video Music Awards. The music video featured a futuristic theme, and fans were quick to mimic the dance moves seen in it.
6. “Just Kickin’ It” by Xscape
“Just Kickin’ It” is a classic R&B jam from the early ‘90s, and was Xscape’s debut single. The music video featured the group in various stylish outfits and proved to be just as popular as the song. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.
7. “All Apologies” by Nirvana
Nirvana is truly a band of the ages, and their 1993 single “All Apologies” is one of their most iconic tunes. With over 90 million views on Youtube, it stands as one of the most popular songs of the grunge era. It was also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
8. “Mr. Jones” by Counting Crows
“Mr. Jones” was the breakout single from Counting Crows’ debut album August and Everything After. It reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even won an MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist. You can listen to it on all music platforms out there.
9. “What Is Love” by Haddaway
Next on the list is “What Is Love” by Haddaway. A dance anthem of the early ‘90s, this song was a worldwide hit and reached number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video is still popular today, with over 200 million views on Youtube.
10. “Whoomp (There It Is)” by Tag Team
A song by American hip hop duo Tag Team, “Whoomp! (There It Is)” was released in 1993 and became an instant hit. Its memorable lyrics made it a timeless classic and it can still be heard at events today.
11. “Hero” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry, and “Hero” is one of her most memorable songs.
Released in 1993, this song quickly jumped to the top of the charts and earned Carey a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. A powerful song about overcoming odds, it’s still beloved today.
12. “Knockin’ da Boots” by H-Town
From their Fever for da Flavor album, “Knockin’ da Boots” is an R&B classic from 1993. An ode to young love, this song was H-Town’s only number one single on the Billboard and it remains a fan favorite today.
13. “Breathe Again” by Toni Braxton
“Breathe Again” is a powerful song by Toni Braxton that speaks of longing and heartache. Released in 1993, the song quickly climbed to number 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and earned Braxton a Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. An emotional roller coaster of a track, it’s still beloved today.
14. “Who Am I (What’s My Name?)” by Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg is a rap icon, and his debut solo single, “Who Am I (What’s My Name?)” is a classic. Released in November 1993, the track became one of the year’s biggest releases. If you’re a fan of the West Coast G-funk sound, this is a must-listen.
15. “All for Love” by Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart and Sting
A song that will forever stand as a timeless classic, “All For Love” is one of the biggest songs of that year, and it still stands strong today. It. now has over 120 million views on YouTube and is a go-to track for any romantic playlist.
16. “Come Undone” by Duran Duran
“Come Undone” is an underrated classic from 1993. It incorporates a variety of elements from jazz to R&B, making it a unique and memorable song. This is one that should not be overlooked.
17. “Runaway Train” by Soul Asylum
Soul Asylum’s “Runaway Train” was one of the biggest hits of 1993. With its infectious melody, thoughtful lyrics and unforgettable music video, this song will have you singing along in no time. It is a classic that stands the test of time.
18. “Fields of Gold” by Sting
Sting is an undeniably musical icon, and 1993 was no exception with the release of “Fields of Gold.” This song is part of his album Ten Summoner’s Tales, which was released in 1993.
“Fields of Gold” is a melancholic yet soothing track that has earned its spot as one of the greatest songs from 1993.
19. “Two Steps Behind” by Def Leppard
Also released in 1993, Def Leppard’s “Two Steps Behind” was a big hit from the album Retro Active. This classic rock track has all the hallmarks of a great Def Leppard song – heavy riffs, catchy hooks and an irresistible chorus. The combination of these elements makes it one of the most beloved songs of the year.
20. “I Don’t Wanna Fight” by Tina Turner
Wrapping up our list of great songs from 1993 is Tina Turner’s hit “I Don’t Wanna Fight.” This soulful and powerful song was released as a single from her album What’s Love Got to Do with It. The song did wonders for Turner’s career, becoming one of her most successful singles worldwide.
Final Thoughts
1993 was a great year for music, and these were just some of the best songs from that year. We hope you enjoyed this list – the next time you want to take a journey back in time, why not listen to these classic tunes?
Who knows – maybe one of them will become your new favorite. With so many great musical offerings from 1993, the possibilities are endless!
Breathe Again Music Video Screenshot Featured Image (Bottom) by: From Toni with Love… The Video Collection, Fair use, Link
