There's No Way You Can Name These 90s Singers...But You Can Try
- by Ines Morello
- – on
- in Entertainment
The 90s gave us fun, neon colors, brought the rise of grunge, and is responsible for the surge in teen bands we see nowadays. For those of us who feel nostalgic, it's hard for us to imagine that some our favorite childhood songs are now considered oldies—but it's true. We also saw some of our favorite stars grow up, talk about topics that were considered taboo back then, and got to watch MTV before it became riddled with reality shows that meant we'd never see videos again. And hey, we didn't need social media to make anyone a star.
So here's to the decade that brought us hit after hit, paving the way for the stars of today. The decade that made it ok to wear saggy pants, neon colors, and songs that we still know by heart. It was marked by stars who gave us a lot of fun party music but also got political. Here's a quiz that will test exactly how much you know about the 90s singers that stuck around or fizzed out. We know they'll always have a place in our hearts. Let's see if you'll ace this quiz!
Remember her?
This singer took over the airwaves in the 90s because of her unique voice, insightful lyrics, and catchy tunes. She was loved by rock and pop fans alike and adored because she was down to earth. Hailing from Canada, she wrote relatable music that was seen as a declaration of the strength of women in a voice they could understand. She also went on to play God in a film too, and still releases music now and then. Her name is:
This duo was popular until they hit a snag. Who are they?
This Munich group was successful and started 1990 off with a bang. They sold millions of albums and were nominated for the Grammys. However, they had a lip-syncing scandal that caused a fall from grace despite their spot in pop culture. It turns out that someone else had been signing their vocals on their behalf. This resulted in them losing their Grammy and recognition. One of the members tried to make a comeback and still works, but not at the same level.
What about this duo?
Formed in 1993, this French duo took over the world fusing its brand of house with synth-pop, funk, disco, rock, and techno. Its two band members Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter were part of a rock band but decided to experiment with synthesizers and house music after the rest of the band members left. All their albums so far have been critical successes, and the duo even composed the music for Tron: Legacy. Give us the name of this duo!
Who is this powerful singer?
This powerful singer began her career as a backup singer but went on to release her debut album to much critical acclaim. She began working with Puff Daddy and was called the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul. She is credited with the combination of Hip-Hop and R&B and is well-respected by fellow singers and musicians of other genres. Not only that, but despite her earlier struggles she even became an actress in critically acclaimed TV and films. Tell us her name?
Remember this 90s country music wunderkind?
This teenager had the voice of an angel and started her career at the tender age of 13. This made her the youngest country star since 1972. Though her 1996 album made her country music's "it" girl, she had much more mainstream success in 1997 with a song that stayed on the Billboard charts for 69 weeks. She later wrote a book and starred in a film. Nowadays, she spends her days as a philanthropist and leads a quieter life. She is:
Who is this songstress?
With humble Alaska beginnings. This singer was a yodeler known for her acoustic songs with an edge. She got attention at first while performing in San Diego, California, and her debut album became one of the best-selling of all time. If you watch 90s films and television, then you remember hearing her in the soundtrack! Later, she released a poetry book, was nominated for Grammy Awards, and even played a part in a film to much critical acclaim. Her name is:
Name this Tex-Mex sensation
She began her career because her father encouraged her and her siblings to make music. The family was raised to be proud of their roots and never give up on the American dream. Despite making music mostly in Spanish, this woman became one of the best-selling artists of all time. A film was made about her life, and she keeps making waves despite her tragic death in 1995. It's been 24 years since we've last heard one of her songs and we still know her as...
Who is she?
This singer was known only by her first name. She's from Georgia and began by singing at a traveling gospel choir as a child. Her 1995 album was released and became a best-seller, leading to a duet with Brandy that shot her to international fame. She dabbled in acting and went through personal struggles that caused her to take a hiatus in the 2000s, but she still had a reality show that helped her continue on. This singer's name is:
She was one of our favorites in the 90s!
This singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist was a backup vocalist for artists such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Belinda Carlisle. Crow's breakthrough album was released in 1993 and made her an international star. Her music encompasses rock, pop, blues, and even country. She's confessed to being interested in a variety of genres and even covered Guns N Roses' "Sweet Child O'Mine." She's also collaborated with everyone from John Mellencamp, to Sting to B.B. King, and Eric Clapton. Her name is:
Remember this Britpop band?
This Manchester band took over the 90s airwaves with their acoustic/rock sound, interesting lyrics, and attitude. They were credited with the resurgence of the popularity of British rock in the United States once again. Their lead singer was known for his unique vocals, and his brother would often back him, creating a signature sound. Behind the scenes, the band often fought and had creative differences that led to their eventual break-up. You still probably sing their hits in karaoke though. They are:
Know this weirdo?
In the 1990s, this singer became known for mixing a variety of genres, but he's generally considered a rocker. He was born in L.A. but moved to New York City in 1989. His first worldwide hit was released in 1994 and added a bit of whimsy to the grunge-heavy scene at the time. This singer has used all tools at his disposal in order to make genre-defying music. He's kept going at his music and continues to stun us to this day.
Know this tattooed rapper?
From New Orleans, Louisiana, this rapper began his career with a duo called The B.G'z. He later joined a troupe called Hot Boys. His 1999 album The Block is Hot sold millions of copies and led to a successful career and even a song with Destiny's Child that was a hit. To date, this rapper has sold 100 million copies of his albums and is one of the best-selling artists of all time. He's still around and making music. He is:
Name this Irish singer...
This Irish singer-songwriter achieved fame in her country in the 1980s, but she's on this list because the rest of the world noticed her in the 1990s. She did what only a bold and talented person could do: she covered a song by Prince and nailed it. Even though she's known for her talent, she's just as well-known for her strong political opinions. She's also become an ordained priest, been open about her mental health, and is still going strong. She is:
Name this 90s songstress!
In the 1980s, she performed in a group with her sisters and they were signed to a record label. She released a solo debut album in 1993, which led to recognition from her fans and peers. She followed it up with a 1996 album that resulted in an additional two Grammy awards. She's won a total of seven Grammy awards so far and has sold 41 million albums throughout her career. She was later given a reality TV show. What's her name?
Name this one-hit wonder
He was born in Chicago but life took him to Los Angeles. He started rapping in 1990 and is known for a song called "I Wish." It was certified gold and is considered a great song about one's aspirations. It's now a nostalgic summer tune that reminds many of us childhood spent playing basketball, listening to Yo! MTV Raps, and watching TGIF. This rapper also wound up in a small label dispute for a few months, but he eventually won. What's his name?
Who is she?
A classically trained pianist with a wide vocal range, she began her musical career in a group in the 1980s. However, she found success as a solo artist in the 1990s. She was the youngest ever person to be admitted to Johns Hopkins University's Peabody Institute at the age of five. Her parents began sending demo tapes to various record labels. Her 1990 album dealt with her upbringing, sexual awakening and assault. Can you name this musical prodigy and 90s singer?
Here's an Australian band you may remember
This Australian rock band was known for how young its members were. They received their break in 1994 after two years of playing and jamming together. They got attention through a competition and became a successful Australian export. Over the years they changed their sound but always stayed true to their rock and roll roots. Despite being from far-away Australia, the band is known for channeling the grunge sound made in Seattle but discussing personal struggles such as anorexia. This band is called:
What about this R&B duo?
Amel Larrieux and Bryce Wilson made up this R&B duo whose music made you dance at one point in time. Their hit "Tell Me" was part of the soundtrack of many great films and TV from the 90s, and you probably still know the words today. The duo met when Wilson began producing at Rondor music, where Larrieux was working as a receptionist. They discovered each other's talents and started working together until their 1999 split. They've decided to reunite. Their name is:
Know this singer?
This singer is known for his contributions to new jack swing, hip-hop, R&B, and soul music. He began ina group called Jamilah in Harlem, where he learned how to write songs and hone his talents. He began his solo career in the 90s and is known for songs such as "Twisted" and "Nobody." This singer also recorded a song with Snoop Dogg and discovered the group Silk. His five 90s albums were all successes and are still remembered. His name is:
What are they responsible for?
Formed in 1988, this was a British group that formed a new type of house music fused with hip-hop and other elements. Their 1991 debut album was an international sensation and was followed by yet another album in 1998. Their music was featured in the soundtracks of various popular and indie films in the 90s, and each band member has contributed something fresh to the table. Not only is this band one of the most memorable ones of the 90s, some people believe they're linked to Banksy.
Yet another 90s songstress. Do you remember her?
In the 1980s she was the lead singer and lyricist of 10,000 Maniacs. She left the band in 1993 to pursue her own career and her music has been featured in many classic 90s films. Her family raised her without a TV and she claimed not to know who Bob Dylan was until the age of 18. This singer bravely self-funded her first album so she could have creative control. The move paid off and now she's a 90s muse. She is:
What about this all female rock group?
From Olympia, Washington this band broke through the airwaves in 1994. Influenced by the riot grrrl movement, this band was known for their strong feminist politics. They recorded their self-titled debut album in one night during a trip to Australia. Their music was heavily influenced by the punk and rock movements of the era. The band's lead singer is known for having harsh vocals on purpose so that the listener pays attention right away. What's the name of this rock band?
Name this California band
Formed in 1988, this band became famous in the 90s when ska became more popular amongst people who listened to rock and roll. The band was successful in the United States until their 1996 album, which made them famous around the world. Notorious for their support of marijuana legalization, they also had a dog as their mascot. Their music encompassed a variety of genres, such as reggae and dub. Sadly, their lead singer passed away, but his legacy remains. Name them!
Who is this 90s vixen?
This classically trained pianist is also a poet and began her training as a child. A prodigy, she wrote her debut album in 1996 and it became a sensation in 1997. She is considered an art pop and baroque pop. She also covered the Beatles' "Across the Universe" for the soundtrack of the film Pleasantville. Though she is known for her many talents, she's also known for a strange MTV awards speech in the 90s and the release of an album with a long name.
Who is this stylish man?
This singer was the son of a Pentecostal pastor and self-taught pianist who began at a young age. He auditioned for an Apollo theatre contest and was part of a group called I.D.U. until he released his well-received debut album in 1995. His brand of music came to be called Neo-Soul. He released his next album in the year 2000 and became uncomfortable at how he was perceived as a sex symbol. He released an album in 2015 that proves he's still talented.