In 1994, popular music was dominated by a mix of genres and sounds. From classic rock to new age pop, the charts were filled with a variety of memorable tracks. Here are 20 of the greatest songs from that year.
Contents
- 1. “I’ll Remember” by Madonna
- 2. “Bump n’ Grind” by R. Kelly
- 3. “If You Go” by Jon Secada
- 4. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
- 5. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men
- 6. “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys
- 7. “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories
- 8. “Regulate” by Warren G (featuring Nate Dogg)
- 9. “Return to Innocence” by Enigma
- 10. “Zombie” by Cranberries
- 11. “Groove Thang” by Zhané featuring Naughty By Nature
- 12. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
- 13. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John
- 14. “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
- 15. “Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio
- 16. “Back & Forth” by Aaliyah
- 17. “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Doggy Dogg
- 18. “Always” by Bon Jovi
- 19. “Prayer for the Dying” by Seal
- 20. “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men
- Final Thoughts
1. “I’ll Remember” by Madonna
Starting off the list is Madonna’s classic ballad “I’ll Remember.” The track was featured in the movie With Honors and became one of Madonna’s biggest hits from 1994. It still holds up today as one of her most beautiful songs.
2. “Bump n’ Grind” by R. Kelly
R. Kelly released the seminal track “Bump n’ Grind” in 1994 and it quickly became a hit single thanks to its catchy beat and seductive lyrics. The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and is considered one of the most popular R&B songs of all time.
3. “If You Go” by Jon Secada
A song that flew somewhat under the radar in 1994 was Jon Secada’s “If You Go.” The Latin-infused ballad became a surprise hit peaking at number 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Secada’s most successful singles to date.
4. “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden
“Black Hole Sun” was the lead single from Soundgarden’s 1994 album Superunknown and it quickly became a classic rock staple. The song won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance. You can still stream it on all music platforms out there.
5. “I’ll Make Love to You” by Boyz II Men
Boyz II Men’s 1994 hit “I’ll Make Love to You” won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group.
The slow jam was a number one hit on Billboard Hot 100 chart, and stayed in the top spot for 14 consecutive weeks. It also received widespread airplay on contemporary radio stations, making it a hit among both R&B and pop fans alike.
6. “Sabotage” by Beastie Boys
“Sabotage” by Beastie Boys is a powerful and energetic track that perfectly captures the group’s signature sound. Released in 1994, this classic hip-hop song was featured on the Beastie Boys’ album Ill Communication and also had an accompanying music video.
7. “Stay (I Missed You)” by Lisa Loeb and Nine Stories
An iconic and beloved sing-a-long of the 1990s, Lisa Loeb’s “Stay (I Missed You)” was a huge hit in 1994. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. You can stream it on all music platforms out there.
8. “Regulate” by Warren G (featuring Nate Dogg)
Next on the list is one of the most recognizable hip-hop songs from 1994: “Regulate” by Warren G featuring Nate Dogg. This classic rap song was a top two hit, and it now has over 300 million views on Youtube.
9. “Return to Innocence” by Enigma
From their The Cross of Changes album, “Return to Innocence” is one of the most well-known and iconic songs from Enigma. The track was released in 1994, and reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It has become a classic representing the era.
10. “Zombie” by Cranberries
Who could possibly forget the classic “Zombie” by The Cranberries? This track was released in 1994 and it quickly rose to popularity with its catchy alt-rock melody. It became a staple in rock and alternative music playlists, and is still highly regarded today.
11. “Groove Thang” by Zhané featuring Naughty By Nature
“Groove Thang” by Zhané featuring Naughty By Nature is a classic from 1994. This song, with its catchy and soulful sound, is a must-have for any music lover’s collection. The lyrics of the song describe how fun and carefree life can be when you just let go and dance along to the beat.
12. “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails
“Closer” by Nine Inch Nails is another iconic song from 1994. The track has 35 million views on Youtube and is a great example of industrial rock. The lyrics of the song are incredibly dark yet powerful, as they explore themes of religion, lust, and human connection.
13. “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” by Elton John
We all recognize this song from one of the most iconic Disney animated movies of all time, The Lion King. This track by Elton John won an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1994 and is still popular today. It speaks of the power of love and how it can bring us all together, no matter our differences.
14. “Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G.
“Juicy” by The Notorious B.I.G. is a classic hip-hop song that was released in 1994 and has over 490 million views on Youtube.
The track is about Biggie’s journey from rags to riches, as he reflects on his struggles and celebrates his success. It’s an uplifting tune with a catchy hook and memorable lyrics.
15. “Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio
This next song is one of the most memorable rap tracks from 1994. “Fantastic Voyage” by Coolio is an instant party classic. This song is perfect for getting the party started. The lyrics tell a story about hitting the road and having a great time with your friends.
16. “Back & Forth” by Aaliyah
Aaliyah’s hit single from 1994, “Back & Forth” is an R&B classic that explores themes of love and relationships.
The song has a catchy beat and memorable chorus, which are sure to make you want to get up and dance. It also serves as a reminder for us to stay strong in the face of adversity.
17. “Gin and Juice” by Snoop Doggy Dogg
Next on the list is this classic from Snoop Doggy Dogg. “Gin and Juice” was released in 1994 and has over 40 million views on Youtube.
This upbeat track is about partying and having a good time with your friends. This song is a classic because of its clever wordplay and pop culture references.
18. “Always” by Bon Jovi
“Always” by Bon Jovi is one of the greatest power ballads from 1994. This song has a meaningful message about love and relationships that have stood the test of time. This song is fraught with emotion and will touch your soul, making it an inspiring track to listen to.
19. “Prayer for the Dying” by Seal
This next song is a soulful ballad from 1994. “Prayer for the Dying” by Seal is a track about faith and hope in difficult times.
The song speaks of how there is always something we can hold onto when things seem to be falling apart. This uplifting tune will help you through tough times and bring light into your life.
20. “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men
Wrapping up this list is “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men. This is one of the most iconic R&B songs from 1994 and has over 130 million views on Youtube.
The song speaks of how love can bring us together and make us stronger. It’s a heartfelt track that will stay with you long after it’s finished playing.
Final Thoughts
The 1990s was a golden age for music, and 1994 was no exception. There were tons of great songs released that year, from rock to rap to pop and everything in between. This list of 20 great tracks from 1994 is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to classic tunes from that decade.
Can You Feel the Love Tonight/The Lion King Cover Art Featured Image (Bottom) by: Walt Disney Records / Hollywood Records., Fair use, Link
