Top 10 Hardest '90s Songs to Sing
#10: “I’ll Make Love to You” (1994)
Boyz II Men
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Boyz II Men serves as one of the best R&B groups ever, taking the 90s by storm with their successful brand of music. The band’s domination of the genre includes amazing showcases of their combined voices in songs like “I’ll Make Love to You.” They don’t just have one great talent, instead excelling with multiple gifted vocalists - four in the 1990s and three today. Their smooth delivery amplifies the romantic nature of the tune, sending listeners on a sonic journey. The harmonies stand out as some of the greatest in the business. Coming together as a singular unit, each singer provides their own personality whilst maintaining a common vision.
#9: “Hallelujah” (1994)
Jeff Buckley
Helping to spotlight Leonard Cohen’s original composition, Jeff Buckley recorded a version of “Hallelujah” for his album “Grace.” He redefines the song in a higher register that compliments the new arrangement. Over a quiet guitar, Buckley sings the lullaby with amazing control. Cohen’s words feel in especially good hands as the younger artist puts the work into his own context. Setting the bar high with his interpretation, the performer’s angelic efforts have never been equaled. The musician arguably made the tune popular again with his incredible rendition. While he only released one finished album, the artist forever changed this song’s place in music history.
#8: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” (1998)
Aerosmith
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Aerosmith continued to adapt to changing trends in the 90s, recording “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in a rare ballad for them. Steven Tyler sings as well as he did on the group’s first record. His ability to nail every note of the chorus shows his timeless talent, proving he marches forward in music without any signs of stopping. The song from the “Armageddon” soundtrack elevates the multi-decade career of the act better known for hard rock. Tyler belts it out like the best of them, even yelling and screaming by the end of it all. While it’s fun to sing along to the catchy hook, it’s also impossible to copy the singer’s performance.
#7: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991)
Nirvana
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" represents the commercial peak of grunge music. It also reminds people of why Kurt Cobain was such a unique singer. His gritty voice combines punk and rock styles into an unstoppable force. Intricate lyrics allow for some clever wordplay on top of the extraordinary vocals. Cobain leaves nothing to the imagination in a fierce delivery, using every last bit of energy to offer up this breakthrough performance. In the song's final moments, he strains his vocal chords to create an unforgettable noise. The reverberations are still felt to this day in a track that never seems to age.
#6: “Earth Song” (1995)
Michael Jackson
This protest anthem presents an entirely different side of Michael Jackson. The singer performs in one of his angriest tracks, commenting on the state of the environment. He offers up some of his most aggressive vocals that show he's much more than a typical pop idol. There's no wasted space in a song full of sharp outbursts from the King of Pop. While it's not his most remembered hit single, "Earth Song" represents a different direction for the artist that highlights his dedicated performance style. His new tone of voice represents the true range of his musical talents.
#5: “How Can I Ease the Pain” (1991)
Lisa Fischer
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Around the same time as many other musical visionaries, Lisa Fischer emerged as an underdog. Her single "How Can I Ease the Pain" was a commercial and critical success during its time. A track off of Fischer's debut album, the work asks serious questions and gives the singer hefty material to interpret. She's more than able to conquer the challenge in an arrangement that rivals many of the 90s greats. It might not have the same staying power as some of the other hits of the day, but this one stands out for the vocalist's spirited performance.
#4: “Un-Break My Heart” (1996)
Toni Braxton
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In one of Toni Braxton's greatest hits, the singer unleashes her best performance as an artist. The stirring composition takes a harsh look at the remnants of a relationship. Braxton gives a vulnerable effort in one of the most memorable R&B tracks of the decade. Some might call it too dramatic, but the piece is absolutely devastating with this vocalist at the helm. Her voice produces both an accurate and a pinpoint summation of love. The Grammy-winning single demands a lot of dedication from its singer, with few others succeeding in capturing its original magic.
#3: “My Heart Will Go On” (1997)
Céline Dion
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Céline Dion established herself as one of the most formidable voices of the 90s. Pushing adult contemporary music to another level, Dion makes any song her own, even if it's a cover like “All By Myself”. “My Heart Will Go On” might be the theme from “Titanic,” but the track transcends its connection to the Oscar-winning film. This is due in part to the vocalist's profound abilities. Every time she hits the high notes, it sends shivers down all of our spines. She elevates every phrase with her intonations on this song in particular.
#2: “I Will Always Love You” (1992)
Whitney Houston
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Many people remember this as the track from "The Bodyguard." Aside from being part of a classic movie, it's also Whitney Houston's most career-defining performance. The chorus in particular showcases her exceptional range. "I Will Always Love You" might be a cover of a Dolly Parton song, but it was forever changed by Houston's rendition. Her ability to sing the title words with such gusto never ceases to amaze. If you try to sing this at karaoke, you better be prepared to bring it for the decade-defining key change. Nothing can come close to this single, even with the thrilling work on other efforts such as “I Have Nothing”.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“I’d Do Anything for Love (But I Won’t Do That)” (1993), Meat Loaf
The Rock Legend Returns with a ‘90s Success That’s Full of Emotion & Vocal Strength
“Creep” (1992), Radiohead
Thom Yorke Belts His Heart Out in an Angsty Anthem Full of High Notes
“One Week” (1998), Barenaked Ladies
The Canadian Band Brings Their Famous Lyrical Style to a Tricky Song Full of Speedy Melodies
“Don’t Cry” (1991), Guns N’ Roses
Axl Rose Gradually Ramps up His Voice until He Reveals His Trademark Rasp
“The Show Must Go On” (1991), Queen
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#1: “Emotions” (1991)
Mariah Carey
Making the whistle register famous, Mariah Carey arrived as a fully-formed talent in the early 90s. A signature song from that period is the energetic single “Emotions.” Carey impresses with her immediately identifiable voice. You can’t help but listen in amazement as the artist sings her heart out, hearing her defy the limits of human singing. Many singers of the next decade attempted to chase the performer’s capabilities to varying degrees of success. Her other songs from the same period, including “Vision of Love,” are further examples of her artistry. With her performance on the title track of her sophomore record though, the “Queen of Christmas” shattered the ceiling in terms of pop music.
