Your ’90s Slow Jam Valentine’s Playlist
By Distributel
On the one hand, do you really need more than the complete discography of Sade and D’Angelo? On the other hand, the ’90s were so steeped in the slow jam that we can’t resist a playlist of sexy tracks just in time for Valentine’s Day. You’re welcome.
“Angel of Mine” – Monica (1997)
One of the sweet tunes that made Monica one of the most loved R&B artists of the ’90s, this one is a guaranteed “slow dance in the kitchen” kind of song.
“I Wanna Be Down” – Brandy (1994)
A sweet song from one of the most important teens of ’90s hip hop and R&B.
“Nice & Slow” – Usher (1997)
Oooooh, sexy sexy. If this tune doesn’t set the mood, we don’t know what will!
“So into You” – Tamia (1998)
Sometimes you just want to tell someone how you feel. Tamia knew – there’s nothing better than just saying it straight.
“At Your Best (You Are Love)” – Aaliyah (1994)
Aaliyah’s deep appreciation for the Isley Brothers may have made this song her personal favourite from the album.
“Nothing Even Matters” – Lauryn Hill & D’Angelo (1998)
We’re right back in the summer of 1998 as soon as we hear those snaps in the intro. In the ’90s you couldn’t dream of a duet bigger, better, or sexier than these two artists.
“Lady” – D’Angelo (1995)
Five years before the scandalous “How Does It Feel” video came out, D’Angelo won every lady over with this hit single. Keep it coming, Valentines; she still wants to hear this tune.
“Fortunate” – Maxwell (1999)
Maxwell took all the things you wish you could say and turned them into a perfectly sweet and soulful track. This one’s perfect for expressing all those things that your Valentine needs to hear.
“Freak Me” – Silk (1992)
How did a song this wild ever hit the radio? We’re glad that it did. After all, this jam went Platinum, hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, staying at #2 for ten more, and hitting #1 on the U.S. Hot R&B Singles chart for eight.
“All My Life” – K-Ci & JoJo (1997)
If Pinterest had existed in the ’90s, K-Ci & JoJo would’ve been on every “Wedding Inspo” board. So why not give your Valentine a little throwback to their favourite “first dance” song?
“Giving Him Something He Can Feel” – En Vogue (1992)
What can we say? The ladies of En Vogue knew what was up when it came to combining freaky with romance.
“No Ordinary Love” – Sade (1992)
Looking for just one song? Stop right here: you found it. With the smoothest voice in recorded history, Sade envelops you in a soundscape in a way you never knew was possible.
“Knockin the Boots” – H-Town (1993)
The ’90s slow jam scene was freaky and this tune is no exception. It might make your Valentine laugh for a second, but turn this one up when it’s time to get it on. Trust.
“You’re Makin’ Me High” – Toni Braxton (1996)
One part husky, one part sultry, one part elegant, and one part sexy. Nobody, but nobody, sounds like Toni Braxton.
“Nobody” – Keith Sweat feat. Athena Cage (1996)
When you see the words “Keith Sweat,” you just know the volume’s going to be turned up to 100 on the sexy scale. This tune is Valentine’s Day perfection.