It's been debated when the Early 90's shift occurred. Many say 1991, some say 1990 or 1989. Meanwhile there was a shift from the Early 90's to the "regular" 90's in either 1992 or 1993 (debatable) with Bill Clinton.

1992 still had a lot of New Jack Swing and dance pop that was popular in the late 80's/early 90's, but it also had a lot of grunge and college radio alternative that was popular throughout the mid 90's.

To me New Jack Swing was more of a late 80s until maybe 1990. I find there was more Grunge and Alternative music in 1992 which makes it closer to 1995. If you make a playlist of 1992 and 1989 music, you will hear the difference.

This was released in 1992 but wouldn’t sound out of place in 1987. Maybe this was an exception.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTyCLMA90xM

This coke commercial from 1993 sounds new jack swingish?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcXQimc6Fiw

Hmmm tough one. At first I had thought 1995 but then I looked up the billboard hot 100 for those 3 years. Seems there was still tons of dance and many of the same artists as 1989. Where as 1995 seemed to have a lot more of things new. This has happened before. Sometimes my brain gets skewed into thinking things were earlier than they were. Like sometimes it feels like the height of Bon Jovi, poison, etc happened mid 80s when it was easily late 80s. Or as David Crosby said, “the 60s actually happened in the 70s.”

1989 but barely. Rappers like Tupac didn’t get popular until 1993. If you look at what TLC was wearing in 1992, it looks more like the neon 1989 aesthetic rather than the dark, urban aesthetic of the mid 90s.

I’d say a mixture of both leaning more towards 1989. Heck there’s some songs in 1994 that sound more late 80’s than 90’s. All 4 one’s “I can love you like that” sounds more late 80’s and that was released in 1994. Boyz to men’s 1992 hit “end of the road” sounds like it could have been made in 1989 and their 1992 hit motownphilly sounds more 1989 as well.

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Are you people sure about that? Those song examples don't sound 80s to me. ;D

However, I have to say R&B music never really evolved. It all sounds the same in any decade. Maybe that's why some of you used R&B artists as examples....buuut, TLC did sound more 90s to me as did Wild Orchid.

I would say 1995 as, 1992 was already dominated by Hip Hop, R&B/New Jack Swing, Soft Rock, Alternative Rock, House Music and Ballads. Overall, 1992 was already quite 90s. 1989 had some 90s influence but, was mostly 80s. 1989 was dominated by Ballads, New Jack Swing/R&B, Hair Metal, Dance-Pop and Teen Pop. 1995 on the other hand was dominated by, Hip Hop, R&B, Soft Rock, Alternative Rock, House Music and Ballads. Despite 1989 having 90s influence, it really lacked Alternative Rock, House Music and even Hip Hop to an extent (New Jack Swing is an exception) on the mainstream charts.

Are you people sure about that? Those song examples don't sound 80s to me. ;D

However, I have to say R&B music never really evolved. It all sounds the same in any decade. Maybe that's why some of you used R&B artists as examples....buuut, TLC did sound more 90s to me as did Wild Orchid.


I agree, barely any of their examples sound 80s at all. Lol, End of the Road by Boyz II Men was the biggest hit that year and that sounds extremely 90s.

I agree, barely any of their examples sound 80s at all. Lol, End of the Road by Boyz II Men was the biggest hit that year and that sounds extremely 90s.


End of the road sounds extremely similar to Karen Whites “superwoman”. I’d definitely say there is 80’s influences in that song. 

Are you people sure about that? Those song examples don't sound 80s to me. ;D

However, I have to say R&B music never really evolved. It all sounds the same in any decade. Maybe that's why some of you used R&B artists as examples....buuut, TLC did sound more 90s to me as did Wild Orchid.


I agree, although I will say r&b in the late 90’s had more of a funkier vibe with p. Diddy producing many tracks.  I will say 1995 is when r&b took a more modern turn.

For an example R&B in 1995 sounds more classic 90’s imo.

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The selection from older artists like Paula Abdul, Michael Bolton and Kenny G, Don Henley and Patti Smith sounded closer to music from 1989. The latest singles from groups like No Doubt, Spin Doctors, TLC and Immature along with any song from Mary J. Blige’s What’s The 411 were more like titles from 1995.

End of the road sounds extremely similar to Karen Whites “superwoman”. I’d definitely say there is 80’s influences in that song.


But, it sounds nothing like the popular R&B songs from 1984/1985 though such as, 'I Feel for You by Chaka Khan', 'Sheila by Ready for the World', 'Cherish by Kool & the Gang', 'Part-Time Lover by Stevie Wonder', 'Cool It Now by New Edition', 'Loverboy by Billy Ocean' and many more. Whitney Houston's stuff from 1985 is probably the closest you could get to Boyz II Men's hits from 1992.

Also, a 1989 hit isn't really the best example for the 80s music as, there were actually plenty of 90s stuff in 1989 but, it seems that the 80s were still more dominant over the 90s that year unlike, 1992. (Even though 1989 is the year we are comparing 1992 too).

But, it sounds nothing like the popular R&B songs from 1984/1985 though such as, 'I Feel for You by Chaka Khan', 'Sheila by Ready for the World', 'Cherish by Kool & the Gang', 'Part-Time Lover by Stevie Wonder', 'Cool It Now by New Edition', 'Loverboy by Billy Ocean' and many more. Whitney Houston's stuff from 1985 is probably the closest you could get to Boyz II Men's hits from 1992.

Also, a 1989 hit isn't really the best example for the 80s music as, there were actually plenty of 90s stuff in 1989 but, it seems that the 80s were still more dominant over the 90s that year unlike, 1992. (Even though 1989 is the year we are comparing 1992 too).


End of the road sounds like it could have been made in 1987. Sure it may not sound like mid 90’s r&b but it definitely sounds more influenced by the late 80’s rather than mid 90’s which was the core of the decade.

Also this thread is comparing 1992 to both 1989 or 1995 so in my opinion many songs definitely sounds late 80’s. When I think of 90’s R&B I think of 1993-1998 the most. Monica, Brandy, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Jon B, Mariah Carey, Mase, Usher, Dru Hill, 112, Blackstreet, Next, etc. Which are all artists that give the 90’s their own distinct cultural identity that enables us to differentiate a particular sound from the previous or future decade. For an example a child of today who hears End of the road on the radio may think that song is apart of the 80’s where as if they listen to Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy remix” with ODB they’d probably be able to know right away that it was a 90’s pop r&b hit.

Whitney Huston’s 1985 hits def arent the only songs to compare boyz to mens 1992 hits to. Her 1985 hits sound nothing like boyz to mens 1992 work either as most of her work in 1985 were pop ballads rather than r&b. Do you even know late 80’s r&b music ? Karyn Whites “Superwomen”, Michael Bolton from 1987-1989, Taylor Dane’s “Love will lead you back”,  New edition and New jack swing in general from 1988-1992 sounds so familiar to songs like motownphilly and end of the road. Have you even listened to Cooleyhighharmony ? Sounds way more 80’s influenced than 90’s. Compare their music from 1992 to their 1994 album with songs like “one bended knee” which sounds more modern and 90’s imo. Your essentially taking songs that came out more than 7-8 years before 1992 and comparing them to the music that was released in 1992 as if music was to remain stagnant for 7-8 years. 1989 to 1992 was only a 2 1/2-3 year distance from each other with similar r&b/ pop music influences compared to 1995 when “Always be my baby“ and “One sweet day” was the sound of r&b and grunge was more common ground.

What about styling? The music videos of Respectable by Mel and Kim (1987) and Opposites Attract by Paula Abdul (1989/1990) have the same glossy night vibe that was popular well into the early 90s - All That She Wants, Sleeping Satellites come to mind. I think Respectable was a very futuristic video for it's time, it almost looks like from 1990-92 but the fashions and the song are definitely more late 80s.

End of the road sounds like it could have been made in 1987. Sure it may not sound like mid 90’s r&b but it definitely sounds more influenced by the late 80’s rather than mid 90’s which was the core of the decade.

Also this thread is comparing 1992 to both 1989 or 1995 so in my opinion many songs definitely sounds late 80’s. When I think of 90’s R&B I think of 1993-1998 the most. Monica, Brandy, Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Jon B, Mariah Carey, Mase, Usher, Dru Hill, 112, Blackstreet, Next, etc. Which are all artists that give the 90’s their own distinct cultural identity that enables us to differentiate a particular sound from the previous or future decade. For an example a child of today who hears End of the road on the radio may think that song is apart of the 80’s where as if they listen to Mariah Carey’s “Fantasy remix” with ODB they’d probably be able to know right away that it was a 90’s pop r&b hit.

Whitney Huston’s 1985 hits def arent the only songs to compare boyz to mens 1992 hits to. Her 1985 hits sound nothing like boyz to mens 1992 work either as most of her work in 1985 were pop ballads rather than r&b. Do you even know late 80’s r&b music ? Karyn Whites “Superwomen”, Michael Bolton from 1987-1989, Taylor Dane’s “Love will lead you back”,  New edition and New jack swing in general from 1988-1992 sounds so familiar to songs like motownphilly and end of the road. Have you even listened to Cooleyhighharmony ? Sounds way more 80’s influenced than 90’s. Compare their music from 1992 to their 1994 album with songs like “one bended knee” which sounds more modern and 90’s imo. Your essentially taking songs that came out more than 7-8 years before 1992 and comparing them to the music that was released in 1992 as if music was to remain stagnant for 7-8 years. 1989 to 1992 was only a 2 1/2-3 year distance from each other with similar r&b/ pop music influences compared to 1995 when “Always be my baby“ and “One sweet day” was the sound of r&b and grunge was more common ground.


I really can't think of many songs from the mid 80s that sounds like Boyz II Men, seriously Whitney Houston is still the closest I can find (for hit songs that were actually popular), and those hits barely sound like end of the road. And the late 80s already had a lot of 90s stuff in them, even some of the R&B was starting to sound 90s. 1992 is just clearly 90s to me, there's nothing much from the year that screams 80s (despite a few). Even the New Jack Swing of the late 80s and early 90s sound different, the stuff from the early 90s sounds a lot more slick. Atleast 1989 still more closely resembles the typical 80s. I really think the 90s already started between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the start of the Gulf War.

^What about Roses by Haywoode? (ignore the totally 80s video and looks).
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I really can't think of many songs from the mid 80s that sounds like Boyz II Men, seriously Whitney Houston is still the closest I can find (for hit songs that were actually popular), and those hits barely sound like end of the road. And the late 80s already had a lot of 90s stuff in them, even some of the R&B was starting to sound 90s. 1992 is just clearly 90s to me, there's nothing much from the year that screams 80s (despite a few). Even the New Jack Swing of the late 80s and early 90s sound different, the stuff from the early 90s sounds a lot more slick. Atleast 1989 still more closely resembles the typical 80s. I really think the 90s already started between the fall of the Berlin Wall and the start of the Gulf War.


Sure some 90’s culture was already creeping up in the 80’s, however they were still (at the time) products of the 80’s and not 90’s. Now that we look back on it in retrospect, it’s easier to claim that certain 90’s sounds began in the 80’s. Yes the 90’s started around 1991 culturally (grunge) however the small distinct differences are bird eye analyzations that the average joe wouldn’t be paying attention to. R&B/hip hop in 1992 sounds more adjacent and culturally reminiscent of the late 80’s. It would be redundant to compare something from 1984/1985 to 1992 as culture changes within every segment of a decade. A 2 1/2 to 3 year gap manifests slight differences that are minor yet enhance the ending and starting of a particular era. I think it’s fair to assume that certain R&B tracks from 1990-1994 have subtle 80’s influences to them. R&B and hip hop took a turn around 1992/1993 after Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”. That started the era of gangsta rap in which progressed up till 1997. By 1998 southern hip hop was starting to become more prominent and R&B sounds extremely different in 1998 compared to 1992.

Sure some 90’s culture was already creeping up in the 80’s, however they were still (at the time) products of the 80’s and not 90’s. Now that we look back on it in retrospect, it’s easier to claim that certain 90’s sounds began in the 80’s. Yes the 90’s started around 1991 culturally (grunge) however the small distinct differences are bird eye analyzations that the average joe wouldn’t be paying attention to. R&B/hip hop in 1992 sounds more adjacent and culturally reminiscent of the late 80’s. It would be redundant to compare something from 1984/1985 to 1992 as culture changes within every segment of a decade. A 2 1/2 to 3 year gap manifests slight differences that are minor yet enhance the ending and starting of a particular era. I think it’s fair to assume that certain R&B tracks from 1990-1994 have subtle 80’s influences to them. R&B and hip hop took a turn around 1992/1993 after Dr. Dre’s “The Chronic”. That started the era of gangsta rap in which progressed up till 1997. By 1998 southern hip hop was starting to become more prominent and R&B sounds extremely different in 1998 compared to 1992.


Why do people say the 90s started culturally in 1991 with grunge? The 90s were the time period of rap music, not grunge. I would say the 90s started culurally in 1990, not ‘91. Mainstream grunge was only a part of the 90s (1991-1994/5) like post-grunge. Mainstream rap was a much larger deal.

Why do people say the 90s started culturally in 1991 with grunge? The 90s were the time period of rap music, not grunge. I would say the 90s started culurally in 1990, not ‘91. Mainstream grunge was only a part of the 90s (1991-1994/5) like post-grunge. Mainstream rap was a much larger deal.


Rap music originated in the 70’s and was already common ground in the late 80’s. The 90’s did not start with rap. It may have seen an evolution or progressive change in rap but rap in 1990 did not popularize itself nor give the 90’s it’s identity  as much as gangsta rap around 1992-1993ish.  Many of the rappers in 1990 such as LL cool J, Ice cube, MC hammer  and digital underground were popular in the 80’s and made a distinct name for 80’s rap. When I think of 90’s rap I think of snoop dog, dr dre’s chronic, tupac, biggie, wu tang clan, bone thugz and harmony, odb, etc. All things that make the 90’s well...the 90’s.

Rap music originated in the 70’s and was already common ground in the late 80’s. The 90’s did not start with rap. It may have seen an evolution or progressive change in rap but rap in 1990 did not popularize itself nor give the 90’s it’s identity  as much as gangsta rap around 1992-1993ish.  Many of the rappers in 1990 such as LL cool J, Ice cube, MC hammer  and digital underground were popular in the 80’s and made a distinct name for 80’s rap. When I think of 90’s rap I think of snoop dog, dr dre’s chronic, tupac, biggie, wu tang clan, bone thugz and harmony, odb, etc. All things that make the 90’s well...the 90’s.


LL Cool J, MC Hammer, and Digital Underground were 80s and 90s rappers. Ice Cube went solo in 1990. Rap was a much bigger deal in the early 90s than it was in the 70s and 80s. The album Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em was the number one record of the year and other rappers like Vanilla Ice and Sir Mix-A-Lot went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990 and 1992.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu Tang Clan, and Bone Thugz and Harmony  were also the rap hit makers of the 90s, but it started with MC Hammer, LL Cool J, and Vanilla Ice.

LL Cool J, MC Hammer, and Digital Underground were 80s and 90s rappers. Ice Cube went solo in 1990. Rap was a much bigger deal in the early 90s than it was in the 70s and 80s. The album Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em was the number one record of the year and other rappers like Vanilla Ice and Sir Mix-A-Lot went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990 and 1992.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu Tang Clan, and Bone Thugz and Harmony  were also the rap hit makers of the 90s, but it started with MC Hammer, LL Cool J, and Vanilla Ice.


The rappers that started off in the 80’s still maintained that 80’s sound that rap was saturated with in the late 80’s all throughout 1990-1992 tho. Vanilla Ice was a one hit wonder and even his rap song sounds more 80’s than 90’s. Marky Mark’s “good vibrations” also sounds more influenced by the 80’s rather than 90’s. Sit mix a lot was an 80’s rapper that made the cow bell noise in beats popular all through out the late 80’s and earlier 90’s. The rappers that started off in the 80’s had more of an 80’s influenced sound all throughout 1990-1992. Their flows were still bubble gum beat box boyish in the early 90’s.They were classics however it wasn’t the classic 90’s rap that began around 1992. Imo gangsta rap is more apart of true 90’s Identity rather than Vanilla Ice’s “Ice ice baby”. Candyman’s “Knockin the boots” released in 1990 sounds more classic 80’s than 90’s. Salt and peppa (80’s/90’s rap group) shoop sound released in 1993 sounds waaayyy more 90’s. In the 80’s you had run dmc, debbie deb, nwa, salt and peppa, kid n play, MC lyte, public enemy, big daddy kane, audio two, BEASTIE BOYS, etc. Rap was definitely a prominent part of the 80’s not to mention many 90’s rap songs contained many revised beats of the original 80’s beats. Have you ever listened to Paul Revere by Beastie boys ? Sounds more futuristic than any type of rap we have today...

The rappers that started off in the 80’s still maintained that 80’s sound that rap was saturated with in the late 80’s all throughout 1990-1992 tho. Vanilla Ice was a one hit wonder and even his rap song sounds more 80’s than 90’s. Marky Mark’s “good vibrations” also sounds more influenced by the 80’s rather than 90’s. Sit mix a lot was an 80’s rapper that made the cow bell noise in beats popular all through out the late 80’s and earlier 90’s. The rappers that started off in the 80’s had more of an 80’s influenced sound all throughout 1990-1992. Their flows were still bubble gum beat box boyish in the early 90’s.They were classics however it wasn’t the classic 90’s rap that began around 1992. Imo gangsta rap is more apart of true 90’s Identity rather than Vanilla Ice’s “Ice ice baby”. Candyman’s “Knockin the boots” released in 1990 sounds more classic 80’s than 90’s. Salt and peppa (80’s/90’s rap group) shoop sound released in 1993 sounds waaayyy more 90’s. In the 80’s you had run dmc, debbie deb, nwa, salt and peppa, kid n play, MC lyte, public enemy, big daddy kane, audio two, BEASTIE BOYS, etc. Rap was definitely a prominent part of the 80’s not to mention many 90’s rap songs contained many revised beats of the original 80’s beats. Have you ever listened to Paul Revere by Beastie boys ? Sounds more futuristic than any type of rap we have today...

The rapping flow and style in Good Vibrations is 80s but the overall production is quintessentially early 90s because it has a house beat.

The rapping flow and style in Good Vibrations is 80s but the overall production is quintessentially early 90s because it has a house beat.


House beats started in the 80’s. Big daddy Kane’s “Raw remix” is a perfect example. Audio two’s “Hickeys around my neck” is another.

The rappers that started off in the 80’s still maintained that 80’s sound that rap was saturated with in the late 80’s all throughout 1990-1992 tho. Vanilla Ice was a one hit wonder and even his rap song sounds more 80’s than 90’s. Marky Mark’s “good vibrations” also sounds more influenced by the 80’s rather than 90’s. Sit mix a lot was an 80’s rapper that made the cow bell noise in beats popular all through out the late 80’s and earlier 90’s. The rappers that started off in the 80’s had more of an 80’s influenced sound all throughout 1990-1992. Their flows were still bubble gum beat box boyish in the early 90’s.They were classics however it wasn’t the classic 90’s rap that began around 1992. Imo gangsta rap is more apart of true 90’s Identity rather than Vanilla Ice’s “Ice ice baby”. Candyman’s “Knockin the boots” released in 1990 sounds more classic 80’s than 90’s. Salt and peppa (80’s/90’s rap group) shoop sound released in 1993 sounds waaayyy more 90’s. In the 80’s you had run dmc, debbie deb, nwa, salt and peppa, kid n play, MC lyte, public enemy, big daddy kane, audio two, BEASTIE BOYS, etc. Rap was definitely a prominent part of the 80’s not to mention many 90’s rap songs contained many revised beats of the original 80’s beats. Have you ever listened to Paul Revere by Beastie boys ? Sounds more futuristic than any type of rap we have today...


“Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice and “Knockin’ the Boots” by Candyman were recorded in the late 80s as were most of the singles released in 1990. Vanilla Ice, Salt N Peppa, Kid N Play, and Sir Mix-A-Lot all still had hits in the 90s, but I understand that all of those artists are not associated with the 90s like they are with the 80s by pop culture fans (yes, even Vanilla Ice is “80s”). Pop culture fans tend to focus on what came out of each period and not everything that made up the period.

LL Cool J, MC Hammer, and Digital Underground were 80s and 90s rappers. Ice Cube went solo in 1990. Rap was a much bigger deal in the early 90s than it was in the 70s and 80s. The album Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em was the number one record of the year and other rappers like Vanilla Ice and Sir Mix-A-Lot went to number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1990 and 1992.
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Tupac, Notorious B.I.G., Wu Tang Clan, and Bone Thugz and Harmony  were also the rap hit makers of the 90s, but it started with MC Hammer, LL Cool J, and Vanilla Ice.


I agree, I think rap music was already adopting the 90s sound as early as 1987 (with Rappers such as Rakim and then NWA only a year later) but, Hip Hop never dominated the music industry/pop culture until 1990. MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice seemed so 90s back in 1990. The only thing that the early 90s and late 80s share is, Ballads being very popular and New Jack Swing (even though, it sounded different in both eras). Hair Metal was clearly on its way out as early as 1990 (there was still a few hits), compared to 1989 when it was still dominating the charts. House music is also another thing, that really exploded in popularity right at the ash end of 1989 with Pump Up the Jam.

I even asked my Uncle born in 1971, what he thought of the music scene between the late 80s and early 90s. He told me that living at the time, the early 90s was already feeling different from the late 80s (especially the mid 80s). Him and his friends were still into the Hair Metal scene in the late 80s and even clubs and parties usually played Rock music. Meanwhile, around 1990 (late 1989 to an extent), there was already a shift towards, house music and Hip Hop in clubs and parties. Hair Metal was starting to already look 'not cool' or 'lame' in the early 90s. Also there was a lot of things other than music that was changing that might of made the early 90s feel different such as, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Soviet Union declining dramatically (the cold war was pretty much already ending).

Also 'Good Vibration by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch', absolutely screams the 90s, it's a Rap song for one, the beat also has a typical 90s New Jack Swing/House sound to it.

I agree, I think rap music was already adopting the 90s sound as early as 1987 (with Rappers such as Rakim and then NWA only a year later) but, Hip Hop never dominated the music industry/pop culture until 1990. MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice seemed so 90s back in 1990. The only thing that the early 90s and late 80s share is, Ballads being very popular and New Jack Swing (even though, it sounded different in both eras). Hair Metal was clearly on its way out as early as 1990 (there was still a few hits), compared to 1989 when it was still dominating the charts. House music is also another thing, that really exploded in popularity right at the ash end of 1989 with Pump Up the Jam.

I even asked my Uncle born in 1971, what he thought of the music scene between the late 80s and early 90s. He told me that living at the time, the early 90s was already feeling different from the late 80s (especially the mid 80s). Him and his friends were still into the Hair Metal scene in the late 80s and even clubs and parties usually played Rock music. Meanwhile, around 1990 (late 1989 to an extent), there was already a shift towards, house music and Hip Hop in clubs and parties. Hair Metal was starting to already look 'not cool' or 'lame' in the early 90s. Also there was a lot of things other than music that was changing that might of made the early 90s feel different such as, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Soviet Union declining dramatically (the cold war was pretty much already ending).

Also 'Good Vibration by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch', absolutely screams the 90s, it's a Rap song for one, the beat also has a typical 90s New Jack Swing/House sound to it.


Rap was far more prominent in the early 90s than it was in the 80s. Rap was getting there in the 80s, but you couldn’t ignore it in the early 90s.

There was the Vanilla Ice Electronic Rap Game and Rap Mike in Radio Shack:

https://i2.wp.com/gunaxin.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Vanilla-Ice.jpg?ssl=1

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Rap was cooler in the early 90s.

I agree, I think rap music was already adopting the 90s sound as early as 1987 (with Rappers such as Rakim and then NWA only a year later) but, Hip Hop never dominated the music industry/pop culture until 1990. MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice seemed so 90s back in 1990. The only thing that the early 90s and late 80s share is, Ballads being very popular and New Jack Swing (even though, it sounded different in both eras). Hair Metal was clearly on its way out as early as 1990 (there was still a few hits), compared to 1989 when it was still dominating the charts. House music is also another thing, that really exploded in popularity right at the ash end of 1989 with Pump Up the Jam.

I even asked my Uncle born in 1971, what he thought of the music scene between the late 80s and early 90s. He told me that living at the time, the early 90s was already feeling different from the late 80s (especially the mid 80s). Him and his friends were still into the Hair Metal scene in the late 80s and even clubs and parties usually played Rock music. Meanwhile, around 1990 (late 1989 to an extent), there was already a shift towards, house music and Hip Hop in clubs and parties. Hair Metal was starting to already look 'not cool' or 'lame' in the early 90s. Also there was a lot of things other than music that was changing that might of made the early 90s feel different such as, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the Soviet Union declining dramatically (the cold war was pretty much already ending).

Also 'Good Vibration by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch', absolutely screams the 90s, it's a Rap song for one, the beat also has a typical 90s New Jack Swing/House sound to it.


I don’t think rap was adapting a 90’s sound in the 80’s. I think rap was already a product of the 80’s in which progressed in the 90’s. But credit deserves to be given where it is due and that my friend lies in the 80’s not 90’s. If it wasn’t for rappers like Big daddy Kane, NWA or LL cool j influencing the 90’s then hip hop in the 90’s probably would have had a different sound/approach.

Good vibrations by Marky Mark sounds more 80’s and the rap flow is more 80’s. Rap did not magically appear in 1990. The beat has a typical 80’s ballroom sound and sounds nothing like true 90’s hip hop or new jack swing like at all. New jack swing requires drum synths and orchestras in which Good vibrations does not have. Don’t really know what your hearing with that one.

Also soft rock was a big part of the 80’s. REO speedwagon and Phil collins are some of the most notorious soft rock artists of that era.

I also don’t think the fall of the berlin wall had much to do with pop culture. The average kid was not paying attention to the recession of the early 90’s or the gulf war.

House music (hip house) started with Big daddy kane in 1987 not 1990.  Most of his Long live the Kane album is house music hip hop. House music such as Larry Heard’s “Can you feel it” was already big before 1990.

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I don’t think rap was adapting a 90’s sound in the 80’s. I think rap was already a product of the 80’s in which progressed in the 90’s. But credit deserves to be given where it is due and that my friend lies in the 80’s not 90’s. If it wasn’t for rappers like Big daddy Kane, NWA or LL cool j influencing the 90’s then hip hop in the 90’s probably would have had a different sound/approach.

Good vibrations by Marky Mark sounds more 80’s and the rap flow is more 80’s. Rap did not magically appear in 1990. The beat has a typical 80’s ballroom sound and sounds nothing like true 90’s hip hop or new jack swing like at all. New jack swing requires drum synths and orchestras in which Good vibrations does not have. Don’t really know what your hearing with that one.

Also soft rock was a big part of the 80’s. REO speedwagon and Phil collins are some of the most notorious soft rock artists of that era.

I also don’t think the fall of the berlin wall had much to do with pop culture. The average kid was not paying attention to the recession of the early 90’s or the gulf war.

House music (hip house) started with Big daddy kane in 1987 not 1990.  Most of his Long live the Kane album is house music hip hop. House music such as Larry Heard’s “Can you feel it” was already big before 1990.

nZAOqSUWctQ

Tell me what "80s" do you hear in the production of Good Vibrations. If it was an 80s-style production, it would've been a Freestyle dance track with Hi-NRG synths and gated-drums. Also, End Of The Road is a typical 90s R&B ballad and sounds similar to I'll Make Love To You in 1994.

Can You Feel It didn't even hit the charts. It wasn't until Pump Up The Jam and Ride On Time were popular and gave House music mainstream attention in late 1989/early 1990. House music is not really a quintessential 80s genre considering that it only started to impact mainstream culture in the late portion of 1989. That's why House music is associated with the 90s and paved way for Eurodance.

Tell me what "80s" do you hear in the production of Good Vibrations. If it was an 80s-style production, it would've been a Freestyle dance track with Hi-NRG synths and gated-drums. Also, End Of The Road is a typical 90s R&B ballad and sounds similar to I'll Make Love To You in 1994.

Can You Feel It didn't even hit the charts. It wasn't until Pump Up The Jam and Ride On Time were popular and gave House music mainstream attention in late 1989/early 1990. House music is not really a quintessential 80s genre considering that it only started to impact mainstream culture in the late portion of 1989. That's why House music is associated with the 90s and paved way for Eurodance.


I’ll make love to you sounds similar to late 80’s r&b a bit. Have you ever listened to 80’s ballads before ?  It definitely has its influences. But “one bended knee” sounds more 90’s to me. And Karyn white’s 1987 hit “superwoman” sounds more adjacent to “end of the road”. And I’ve already discussed this. Compare r&b from 1992 to 1995-1996 and it sounds completely different. Brandy, Aaliyah, Monica, Dru hill, 112, etc. compare Mariah Carey’s 1991 emotions to her 1995 One sweet day or always be my baby and you will see the evolution of r&b from the early 90’s to mid 90’s just within 3 years.  Michael bolton, Karyn white,  Taylor dane, etc all have ballads in the late 80’s that sound extremely similar to End of the road and early 90’s ballads. Michael Bolton’s 1991/1992 hits “Love is a wonderful thing” and “Time love and tenderness” sounds super 80’s.

Good vibrations is influenced by 80’s ballroom dance music. House music was underground in the 80’s and used during rave culture of the time. It gave way to what started in the 90’s. Give credit to where its due. It became mainstream in the 90’s because of the 80’s. Hip house music started in the 80’s as well.

Also 80’s rap was not all gated drums and HI-NRG synths.  You do realize that literally all house music uses disco forms of Hi- NRG ? Many of kylie Minogue’s tracks in the 80’s were house pop same with Janet Jackson and Madonna in the late 80’s with songs like “express yourself”. What are you even listening too ? Audio two’s “Top Billin” sounds more 90’s than 80’s and was used in Mary J bliges “Real Love”. Dana dane‘s “Conderfella” uses the same instruments, synths and drums as “knockin the boots” by candyman (1990). Those synths/ digital instruments you listed were more common in the early to mid 80’s and in pop songs more than hip hop and rap. This thread is comparing the late 80’s to 1992 and 1995. Ballroom dancehall music in the late 80’s consisted of nothing but house music. Hell even In my house released by Mary Jane girls  is early house music. How do you think Madonna’s vogue got so popular in 1990 ?

“Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch was dance rap music. It was from the era of “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C&C Music Factory.

The ‘90s went like this:

1990-early 1992: Pop rap, dance rap, rap, gangsta rap, hair metal, house music, New Jack Swing, R&B

Late 1992-1994: Grunge, gangsta rap, rap, rave music, R&B, neo-soul

1995-1998/9: Boy bands,  girl bands, R&B, neo-soul, post-grunge, rap

I’ll make love to you sounds similar to late 80’s r&b a bit. Have you ever listened to 80’s ballads before ?  It definitely has its influences. But “one bended knee” sounds more 90’s to me. And Karyn white’s 1987 hit “superwoman” sounds more adjacent to “end of the road”. And I’ve already discussed this. Compare r&b from 1992 to 1995-1996 and it sounds completely different. Brandy, Aaliyah, Monica, Dru hill, 112, etc. compare Mariah Carey’s 1991 emotions to her 1995 One sweet day or always be my baby and you will see the evolution of r&b from the early 90’s to mid 90’s just within 3 years.  Michael bolton, Karyn white,  Taylor dane, etc all have ballads in the late 80’s that sound extremely similar to End of the road and early 90’s ballads. Michael Bolton’s 1991/1992 hits “Love is a wonderful thing” and “Time love and tenderness” sounds super 80’s.

Good vibrations is influenced by 80’s ballroom dance music. House music was underground in the 80’s and used during rave culture of the time. It gave way to what started in the 90’s. Give credit to where its due. It became mainstream in the 90’s because of the 80’s. Hip house music started in the 80’s as well.

Also 80’s rap was not all gated drums and HI-NRG synths.  You do realize that literally all house music uses disco forms of Hi- NRG ? Many of kylie Minogue’s tracks in the 80’s were house pop same with Janet Jackson and Madonna in the late 80’s with songs like “express yourself”. What are you even listening too ? Audio two’s “Top Billin” sounds more 90’s than 80’s and was used in Mary J bliges “Real Love”. Dana dane‘s “Conderfella” uses the same instruments, synths and drums as “knockin the boots” by candyman (1990). Those synths/ digital instruments you listed were more common in the early to mid 80’s and in pop songs more than hip hop and rap. This thread is comparing the late 80’s to 1992 and 1995. Ballroom dancehall music in the late 80’s consisted of nothing but house music. Hell even In my house released by Mary Jane girls  is early house music. How do you think Madonna’s vogue got so popular in 1990 ?

I’m not talking about rap, I’m talking about the productions. What I’m saying is that the late 80s was dominated by glam metal, HI-NRG Freestyle. House was mostly underground throughout the late 80s just as Grunge was underground in the late 80s. Both genres got popular in the early 90s, that’s why I associate both genres with the 90s because that’s when they peaked. I don’t even know what 80s Ballroom music is.

“Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch was dance rap music. It was from the era of “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C&C Music Factory.

The ‘90s went like this:

1990-early 1992: Pop rap, dance rap, rap, gangsta rap, hair metal, house music, New Jack Swing, R&B

Late 1992-1994: Grunge, gangsta rap, rap, rave music, R&B, neo-soul

1995-1998/9: Boy bands,  girl bands, R&B, neo-soul, post-grunge, rap


I agree with this chart

Honestly, let's just agree that Good Vibrations is a 1989-1992 type of song. It doesn't really scream 80s or 90s, it's just a particular sound that was popular during the Bush 41 era, also known as the "Neighties".

“Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch was dance rap music. It was from the era of “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now) by C&C Music Factory.

The ‘90s went like this:

1990-early 1992: Pop rap, dance rap, rap, gangsta rap, hair metal, house music, New Jack Swing, R&B

Late 1992-1994: Grunge, gangsta rap, rap, rave music, R&B, neo-soul

1995-1998/9: Boy bands,  girl bands, R&B, neo-soul, post-grunge, rap


Yeah, I disagree with the 1995 - 1998/9 era though, I would actually put 1995 and even 1996 with late 1992 - 1994. 1995 and 1996 mostly carried on the same trends, Boy/ Girl Bands were not that big yet (it wasn't until the Backstreet Boys self-titled album took off and 'Quit Playing Games with My Heart' hit the top 10 all in 1997), rave music was still going and gangsta rap was still well into it's hey day (the best selling gangsta rap album came out in 1996, 'All Eyez On Me by 2Pac'). Post-Grunge I definitely agree with though.

Yeah, I disagree with the 1995 - 1998/9 era though, I would actually put 1995 and even 1996 with late 1992 - 1994. 1995 and 1996 mostly carried on the same trends, Boy/ Girl Bands were not that big yet (it wasn't until the Backstreet Boys self-titled album took off and 'Quit Playing Games with My Heart' hit the top 10 all in 1997), rave music was still going and gangsta rap was still well into it's hey day (the best selling gangsta rap album came out in 1996, 'All Eyez On Me by 2Pac'). Post-Grunge I definitely agree with though.


Yes! +1 for ya.

Yeah, I disagree with the 1995 - 1998/9 era though, I would actually put 1995 and even 1996 with late 1992 - 1994. 1995 and 1996 mostly carried on the same trends, Boy/ Girl Bands were not that big yet (it wasn't until the Backstreet Boys self-titled album took off and 'Quit Playing Games with My Heart' hit the top 10 all in 1997), rave music was still going and gangsta rap was still well into it's hey day (the best selling gangsta rap album came out in 1996, 'All Eyez On Me by 2Pac'). Post-Grunge I definitely agree with though.


There were boy bands in the mid to late 90s like Take That, Boys II Men, Backstreet Boys, and *NSYNC. I understand what you’re saying. That was more of an early 2000s thing.

Yeah, I disagree with the 1995 - 1998/9 era though, I would actually put 1995 and even 1996 with late 1992 - 1994. 1995 and 1996 mostly carried on the same trends, Boy/ Girl Bands were not that big yet (it wasn't until the Backstreet Boys self-titled album took off and 'Quit Playing Games with My Heart' hit the top 10 all in 1997), rave music was still going and gangsta rap was still well into it's hey day (the best selling gangsta rap album came out in 1996, 'All Eyez On Me by 2Pac'). Post-Grunge I definitely agree with though.


Nsync and BSB first hit the scenes in Germany of 1996. They went international in late 1997 early 1998. Tupac’s “To live and die in LA” came out in late 96 early 1997. The best gangsta rap album of 1997 was Biggie’s Life after death. I think 1997 was like the last core year of the 90’s. I feel like the teen pop phase was more of a 1998-2002ish thing after 2001 it seemed to chizzle down a bit. 1993-1997 was pure 90’s

So what we're saying is....what.

Seriously now. I think that music from 1992 is not closer to either 1989 or 1995. I find that 1992, and 1993 music had it's own sound. 1989 was too 80s sounding. And music from that year was dated by 1992. I know this I WAS THERE, AND I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO MUSIC EVERYDAY SINCE I WAS A YEAR OLD BACK IN 1981.

I don't consider bands like Take That and Boys ll Men to be "boy bands". They were grown men singing. I just call them bands. In the 90s, Hanson was a boy band. And Silverchair. And that's the truth dang it!! Lol.

I think Oldmusicfan is the new account of The Early 90s Guy and Retrolover. Now, he has different views on the progression of 90s culture (he's entitled to his opinion) from the rest of this forum, and people here often get mad at him and fight with him over this.

Try to calm down y'all. Lol. It's not a matter of life and death, and we can agree to disagree.

So what we're saying is....what.

Seriously now. I think that music from 1992 is not closer to either 1989 or 1995. I find that 1992, and 1993 music had it's own sound. 1989 was too 80s sounding. And music from that year was dated by 1992. I know this I WAS THERE, AND I HAVE BEEN LISTENING TO MUSIC EVERYDAY SINCE I WAS A YEAR OLD BACK IN 1981.

I don't consider bands like Take That and Boys ll Men to be "boy bands". They were grown men singing. I just call them bands. In the 90s, Hanson was a boy band. And Silverchair. And that's the truth dang it!! Lol.


I agree with this. I think 1989 sounds more dated even then some of the music that was  released in 1990. The music styles were just too unique and evolving quicker/ more up to date back then. I also would never consider boyz II men boy bands. There was a difference Between teen pop bands and r&b bands in my opinion.

Nsync and BSB first hit the scenes in Germany of 1996. They went international in late 1997 early 1998. Tupac’s “To live and die in LA” came out in late 96 early 1997. The best gangsta rap album of 1997 was Biggie’s Life after death. I think 1997 was like the last core year of the 90’s. I feel like the teen pop phase was more of a 1998-2002ish thing after 2001 it seemed to chizzle down a bit. 1993-1997 was pure 90’s


Wouldn’t 1990 to 1997 be pure 90s if this question is was 1992 music closer to 1989 (80s music) or 1995 (mid 90s music)? :-\\

So called sophisti-pop started in the 80's but was it still popular in the first few 90's years? Think of the likes of Double's The Captain Of Her Heart, anything by Johnny Hates Jazz songs and 1986's Breakout by Swing Out Sister.

Respectable from 1987 had some 90's house/New Jack Swing elements.

Honestly, let's just agree that Good Vibrations is a 1989-1992 type of song. It doesn't really scream 80s or 90s, it's just a particular sound that was popular during the Bush 41 era, also known as the "Neighties".


Yes, I'd put it in the category with New Kids on the Block, Milli Vanilli, MC Hammer, Vanilla Ice, C+C Music Factory, and Color Me Badd. Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back" would be one of the last songs of that type.

Wouldn’t 1990 to 1997 be pure 90s if this question is was 1992 music closer to 1989 (80s music) or 1995 (mid 90s music)? :-\\


No there was no grunge or gangsta rap that was mainstream in 1990. Those are some of the cultural markers as to what made the 90’s different outside of the 80’s. 1993 was full of grunge and gangsta rap even 1992 for that matter.

No there was no grunge or gangsta rap that was mainstream in 1990. Those are some of the cultural markers as to what made the 90’s different outside of the 80’s. 1993 was full of grunge and gangsta rap even 1992 for that matter.


So, mainstream gangsta rap and mainstream grunge were mainly the only music genres of the 90s? NWA, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana were all present before 1992. There was not many markers that distinguished the 90s from the 80s because we were working our way to the 1990s in the 1980s. Arena rock, funk music, disco, soul, and actual heavy metal were all music genres that were old in the 1990s that the 1980s had. How come every time the 1980s are brought up, we hear about rap, new wave, pop music, and dance music? There was so much more to the 1970s and 1980s than what came out of those periods.

So called sophisti-pop started in the 80's but was it still popular in the first few 90's years? Think of the likes of Double's The Captain Of Her Heart, anything by Johnny Hates Jazz songs and 1986's Breakout by Swing Out Sister.

Respectable from 1987 had some 90's house/New Jack Swing elements.


Very true, I think 1987 - 1989 had some 90s influence in them but, it didn't really seem to overtake the 80s influences until somewhere in 1990.

So, mainstream gangsta rap and mainstream grunge were mainly the only music genres of the 90s? NWA, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana were all present before 1992. There was not many markers that distinguished the 90s from the 80s because we were working our way to the 1990s in the 1980s. Arena rock, funk music, disco, soul, and actual heavy metal were all music genres that were old in the 1990s that the 1980s had. How come every time the 1980s are brought up, we hear about rap, new wave, pop music, and dance music? There was so much more to the 1970s and 1980s than what came out of those periods.


If any music defined the 90s music most, it was R&B, Hip Hop and House music.

If any music defined the 90s music most, it was R&B, Hip Hop and House music.


Exactly. The 90s were the time of R&B, Hip Hop, and House music.

So, mainstream gangsta rap and mainstream grunge were mainly the only music genres of the 90s? NWA, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana were all present before 1992. There was not many markers that distinguished the 90s from the 80s because we were working our way to the 1990s in the 1980s. Arena rock, funk music, disco, soul, and actual heavy metal were all music genres that were old in the 1990s that the 1980s had. How come every time the 1980s are brought up, we hear about rap, new wave, pop music, and dance music? There was so much more to the 1970s and 1980s than what came out of those periods.


K

K


Obviously, there were some blurred lines in the 80s and 90s. In the 1980s, people were preparing for the 90s and there was that point in the 1990s (early 1990) when no one knew what ‘the sound of the 90s’ was going to be yet. For the most part, 90s music was more futuristic sounding than 80s music (especially the singles from 1996 onward).

I would say 1992 music was slightly closer to 1989 music.