The Ultimate Guide to a 90s Theme Night

Mastermix Label Manager Richard Lee breaks down how to structure a 90s theme night

Introduction

The 90s is a fascinating decade filled with an eclectic mix of music styles. As the 80s ended and the 90s began it was the emerging Dance & Indie scene that was to lead the way…although there was a healthy dose of Pop and Novelty hits kicking around as well. Just like the 80s it was a decade that delivered so many great tracks, and some not so great, from a large range of genres.

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Top Ten 90s Dance Floorfillers

With this list of the top ten 90s Dance floorfillers, Mastermix DJ Dave Evans takes us on a trip down memory lane into the world of 90s Dance…

What records do you still play from the 90’s that are certain dance anthems which people still love to jump onto the floor to? In no particular order, any of these would get a good reaction if you were asked to play some 90s Dance!

SL2 – On A Ragga Tip

Come on admit it, just reading the title already has you hearing the intro in your head. Infectious beat. Some partisans would say DJs Take Control is the better track but you can play this at any event and someone will start to dance to it. This should have been Number 1 instead of Deeply Dippy.

Robin S – Show Me Love

When Robin Stone first released this track (Montego Mix, big hints of Jocelyn Brown to it) in 1990 there was no indication that it would become one of the most successful and remixed dance records of all time. Whether you go for the classic Stonebridge mix or one of the 100’s of remixes of it, you can find a version for virtually any genre. One that will never die.

N-Trance – Set You Free

Hands in the air! While it may not have had the commercial success of Baby D – Let Me Be Your Fantasy, this rave anthem has certainly outlived its rival on the dancefloor. With its uplifting vocal intro and big beats, this track is a sure-fire winner for the dancefloor.

Livin’ Joy – Don’t Stop Movin’

Yes, not Dreamer. For me this is the better record, it’s tighter and compact, plus it has a better outro point if you don’t wish to use the entire track. Dreamer is an anthem but lingers a bit too long for me. A good alternative to have from the same group.

Deee-Lite – Groove Is in The Heart

Released in 1990, this is my joint single of the decade along with Massive Attack – Unfinished Sympathy. It’s everything a dance record should be, great vibe, funky beats, sing-a-long vocals, Bootsy Collins and it makes you smile. What more could you want from a dance song?

Nightcrawlers – Push The Feeling On

For me, this and the next track sum up the mid 90’s dance scene. The Balearic scene was really blowing up commercially and this track captures more of the fluid side of the dancefloor. Instead of being a “hands up” (see the next track) belter, The Nightcrawlers gently ease you onto the floor without you knowing it and will not let you go till it’s finished…

The Original – I Luv U Baby

By comparison, The Original comes screeching out of the speakers within the first 5 seconds, hits the strings and picks you up by the hands throwing you onto the floor. A true house record with an almost gospel chorus to it. This records still sounds fresh even 24 years after it was first released.

M People – Moving On Up

Taking away the “are they a pop or dance band” debate (they had Hacienda’s Mick Pickering, they are a dance group), M People made some brilliant records. Elegant Slumming contained some cultured tracks and none more than Moving On Up. Heather Small’s vocal is instantly recognisable and the horns are crisp. This may be one more for the over 30s than the teen market nowadays but it is a top ten 90s Dance floorfiller for those who know it.

Faithless – Insomnia

I have one DJ bucket list item; to play Insomnia at St Pauls Cathedral in the dark with a laser show. As a dance anthem though, this record is a bit of an oddity; the first minute you can’t really use as it has no beat. The main verse is quite slow but…
THAT DROP
Nothing else needs saying.

Vengaboys – We Like To Party!

Is this a 90s dance record or cheese? Depends how you look at it. Up and Down was a dance record and in Europe the Vengaboys are treated as a dance group so it goes in the list. Don’t believe me that it’s a dance tune? Put it on, watch your audience and tell me after that it isn’t. It’s deserving of a place in the top ten 90s dance floorfillers!

It’s hard to pick out 10 from a decade where there was so many great dance records but hopefully this list of my top ten 90s Dance floorfillers is a sure fire quick win.

Now where are my glow sticks, I’ve got a Vengabus to catch to get to an S Club Party…