The 1990s was a vibrant decade for music, marked by an explosion of sounds and the rise of numerous bands and artists. While icons like the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys remain entrenched in public memory, other groups from this era have faded into the background, despite their significant contributions. Let’s delve into some of the 90s pop groups whose music still resonates with those who remember:
S Club 7 created a significant impact with their catchy tunes and accompanying television show, embodying the essence of late 90s pop culture. Known for hits like “Reach” and “S Club Party,” their music was synonymous with upbeat, dance-friendly tracks that captivated a young audience. Despite their initial popularity, the group’s spotlight dimmed as the new millennium approached, leaving their vibrant anthems as nostalgic relics of a spirited era.
S Club 7 announced a reunion on “The One Show” in February 2023 to celebrate their 25th anniversary with a two-week tour set for October. However, the joy was overshadowed by the death of member Paul Cattermole in April, at the age of 46, due to several heart conditions. This event led to a resurgence in the group’s popularity, with “Best: The Greatest Hits of S Club 7” reaching number seven on the Official Album Downloads Chart Top 100.
Following Cattermole’s death, the band, renamed S Club, announced the “Good Times Tour” in his honour. This tour not only serves as a tribute but also partners with the British Heart Foundation to raise awareness and funds for heart condition research. Despite challenges, including critiques of performance authenticity during the tour, the group’s commitment to their music and each other remains strong.
C-Block was a standout German Eurodance band that brought a unique blend of rap and pop to the music scene. Their singles, such as “So Strung Out” and “Time Is Tickin’ Away,” showcased a compelling fusion of hip-hop beats with melodic choruses, capturing the essence of the European hip-hop scene in the late 90s. “So Strung Out” was a soulful ode to drug victims across the world and had a lasting impact in the European rap community.
Mr. P departed from the group in late 1997, abandoning plans for a solo career. He was replaced by previously less prominent members Theresa “Misty” Baltimore and Preston “Goldie Gold” Holloway, who until then had contributed primarily as backing vocalists on C-Block’s debut album, “General Population,” released in 1997. Following the release of their second album, “Keepin’ It Real,” which took a more pop-oriented approach and saw less success, all involved decided to leave the project.
Mr. P later returned to the group, attempting a comeback with the newly recruited R&B singer Jeanine Love. Unfortunately, the released singles failed to make a significant commercial or critical impact, leading to the group’s official disbandment in late 2000.
Frank Müller, one of the creators and producers of the group, released C-Block’s third album, which had been shelved, in late 2010 on the Internet. In the following years, promotional efforts continued with singles like “F Base present’s: Mr.P ‘Here we Go’,” released on June 15, 2019, and “F Base feat Mr.P ‘Cool Breeze,'” released on March 8, 2020.
In a promising turn of events, Frank Müller announced in July 2023 through his Budapest label, Duna Beats, that C-Block is poised for a comeback with a new lineup. Plans for the revitalized group’s return to the stage are set for 2024, signalling a new chapter for the once-popular music ensemble.
B*Witched, the Irish pop group, were known for their distinctive denim fashion and lively tracks like “C’est La Vie.” Their music, which blended pop with elements of folk and a touch of Irish charm, brought them international fame. However, as the music landscape evolved in the early 2000s, their traditional pop sound fell out of mainstream favor.
BWitched saw a resurgence in popularity after their appearance on the ITV2 series “The Big Reunion” in 2013 and have since been active with performances and an EP release in 2014. In March 2023, the group marked their 25th anniversary with the release of the single “Birthday.”
They shared their current strategy, stating, “We will get to the point of an album. Right now we’re releasing singles, but the singles will keep coming and eventually they’ll be on the album. There’s definitely more in the pipeline.” This approach indicates a steady flow of new music, setting the stage for a future album compilation.
Kris Kross will forever be remembered for their youthful energy and the hit “Jump.” The American rap duo, famous for their backward clothes and catchy hooks, were pioneers in the kid and teen rap genre.
The duo’s second album, “Da Bomb,” released in 1993, achieved platinum status and produced successful tracks such as “Alright” featuring Super Cat, “I’m Real,” and “Da Bomb” with Da Brat, an artist discovered by Smith. The album predominantly featured tracks aimed at their rivals, Da Youngstas, Illegal, and Another Bad Creation.
Their prominence waned as they aged out of their child star personas, and sadly, Chris Kelly passed away in 2013, marking an end to any potential reunion.
SoulDecision is often remembered for their hit “Faded,” a track that mixed elements of pop, R&B, and funk, capturing the late 90s vibe perfectly. The Canadian group offered a fresh take on pop music with their smooth melodies and danceable beats.
Despite a promising start, they didn’t maintain a long-term presence in the rapidly changing music industry of the early 2000s. Lead singer Trevor Guthrie has since found success as a solo artist in the dance music genre.
Blackstreet is an essential chapter in the book of 90s music, particularly with their classic hit “No Diggity.” Founded by Teddy Riley, the group’s approach to R&B and hip-hop was ground-breaking. Although Blackstreet has not released new music recently, they have reunited occasionally for performances, maintaining a presence in the music scene.
After various unsuccessful efforts to maintain the unity of Blackstreet, the members eventually pursued solo careers. However, in 2014, a revival occurred when former members Black, Little, Middleton, and Williams reunited under the Blackstreet name. This lineup has since been active, including embarking on their second tour in Australia in April 2015.
In the same year, three former members, Mark Middleton, Eric Williams, and Jeremy Hanna, lent their vocal talents as backing singers for North Macedonia’s entry “Autumn Leaves,” performed by Daniel Kajmakoski at the Eurovision Song Contest 2015.
Hanson showed that catchy hooks and youthful enthusiasm could lead to massive success, evidenced by their unforgettable track “MMMBop.” The brother trio’s infectious energy won hearts worldwide, and they have continued to evolve musically, releasing new albums and maintaining an active touring schedule. Their most recent album, “Red Green Blue,” was released in 2022, and they continue to engage with fans through various projects, including their annual music festival.
These groups each brought something special to the pop music landscape of the 90s. While they may not all feature in today’s playlists, their contributions remain significant. Rediscovering their music offers more than just a trip down memory lane — it’s a celebration of the diversity and richness of the pop genre during a dynamic period of music history.
