Everyone and their daddy knows that the 90s era of R&B music was phenomenal. It has become the go-to era to reference for what a true R&B love song should sound like. When a song from that era comes on, there is a sudden rush of emotion that forces your body into some sort of reaction; often in the form of an off-key karaoke-style sing-along
There are a few songs from that time that evoke such nostalgia, but no one can ever remember who it was singing. It was like “that’s my jam!” but had no idea who was on the vocals. I remember them, though, and today they will get the props they deserve for creating such memorable classics.
Something’s Going On (1993) – U.N.V.
Love slipping right through their fingers with obvious signs of trouble in paradise is what the men of Universal Nubian Voices (U.N.V) were singing about in their 1993 R&B smash hit “Something’s Going On”.
Trying to figure out how things took a turn for the worst in their love, the four gentlemen out of Detroit, Michigan gave pleasurable vocals in the process of exclaiming their disdain for a love gone wrong. The song peaked at number 3 on the US R&B Singles chart and actually hit number 29 on Billboard Hot 100.
A relatable song we fell in love with back in the day. The lyrics and emotional delivery gave chills.
Cry No More (1993) – II D Extreme
A sensitive, understanding man is always the cure for a broken heart and there were three of them singing to us in their 1993 song “Cry No More”.
The trio, who originated in D. C., came through with just what we needed to nurse our heart back to health.
With regal vocals and acute harmonies, we felt “seen” as the gentlemen of II D Extreme killed us softly with their song. They were there for us to pick up the pieces after heartache.
An unforgettable song from the 90s era.
So Alone (1992) – Men At Large
R&B legend Gerald Levert landed on a gold mine of vocals in his discovery of the Cleveland originated group, Men At Large.
The tear-jerker “So Alone” was one of those songs that got stuck in your head, even though it was sad as all get out. It was seven and a half minutes of tears-streaming (album version), yet we still couldn’t stop listening.
Reaching number 5 on Billboard Hot R&B Singles and breaking through the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at 31, people across the country found “So Alone” so amazing.
Drama + Controversy 