How old are you? I know, I know, not the most appropriate question for two people who don't know each other, but I have a point. If you are somewhere in your early to mid thirties you probably remember music from the 90's. From the early sounds of Paula Abdul to MC Hammer and Boyz II Men and Britney Spears, the 90's were ruled by smooth pop and R&B. Whether you look back on that scene with love or hate, get ready to hear more of these oldies on your local radio dial.
From 1990 to 1992 the pop contemporary charts were ruled by the likes of Paula Abdul, Bryan Adams, Madonna, Vanessa Williams and Mariah Carey. Compared to the late-80's sound of beat box pop these artists held a distinctly more adult sound. But even so, the original, somewhat juvenile sound of performers like Kris Kross and Vanilla Ice snuck into heavy radio airplay as well.
In late 1992 a new name appeared on the stage of popular music. A smooth sounding quartet from Washington DC that went by the name of Boyz II Men first appeared on the Eddie Murphy movie soundtrack, "Boomerang" with the groups first huge hit, "End Of The Road". From 1992 to 1995 multiple new artists joined the ranks of "heavy hitters"; Jade, Ace of Base, Jodeci, PM Dawn and Arrested Development among them.
The late 90's was the strongest time for true pop music. With the decline in popularity of grunge and alternative rock sounds, and the resurgence of Mariah Carey, Madonna and Celine Dion, pop ruled the airwaves. Also lending support, and starting huge careers, were new boy bands like *NSYNC, 98 Degrees and Backsteet Boys. The sounds of these groups carried on into the early 2000's as well.
With the management of radio today constantly searching for the ear of 30+ women, its no wonder FM stations today are making a switch to a more 90's music sound.
90s Music - A Brief Refresher