No matter what decade you're in, every party playlist needs a little '90s nostalgia. Balance is definitely key, though, when it comes to making a killer playlist, since you don't want the mix to feel so old-school that it's as if this particular party's gone back in time. Rule of thumb: If you're not making a playlist for a '90s themed party but one in 2017, then what you need is those '90s songs that feel timeless. Those tracks that are familiar but not entirely played out. (Sorry, Spice Girls.) The songs that still manage to feel brand-spanking-new, despite being two decades old.
These are the songs that have aged incredibly well over the years, meaning, they aren't just good '90s songs, but just good songs in general. That's an important distinction in keeping things current. Some of these songs will be from familiar names — artists that haven't actually gone anywhere in 20 years, like, you know, a little pop star named Beyoncé, who was just getting her start with a group called Destiny's Child. Maybe you've heard of them? Other names may not be so familiar, like Robyn S, who definitely deserves your attention. All of these songs, though, will help get your next party started.
You don't need a time machine to enjoy this playlist — you just need to dance.
1Montell Jordan, "This Is How We Do It" (1995)
When it comes to partying, Montell Jordan lays it all out for you in this jam that's still a banger more than 20 years later. Here's the proof that he really would never "come wack on an old school track."
2Zhané, "Hey Mr. D.J." (1994)
Playing this track is the best way to make sure that your party isn't ending anytime soon.
3Mark Morrison, "Return Of The Mack" (1996)
Turns out, in the two decades since Mark Morrison dropped this track, the Mack hasn't gone anywhere. Seriously, watch his flow.
4Blackstreet feat. Dr. Dre & Queen Pen, "No Diggity" (1996)
For a party that has class and style, let Dre drop the verse and get ready to play on.
5Janet Jackson, "If" (1993)
Jackson lets you know all the things she'll do to you. What this song does, however, is make any party better.
6Aaliyah, "Are You That Somebody?" (1998)
Be goody-goody, not naughty-naughty, with this track, which is the most responsible choice you'll ever make at a party.
7702, "Where My Girls At?" (1998)
Your girls will be on the dance floor the moment you put this song on.
8Next, "Too Close" (1997)
This raunchy single will get '90s kids excited to talk about how inappropriate this was to be singing way back when. It'll probably get them dancing, too. Hopefully not too close.
9En Vogue, "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" (1992)
Here's to hoping everyone gets why this song should be on every party playlist.
10TLC, "Creep" (1994)
Grab your silk pajamas and get ready to gain your second wind with this jam.
11Lauryn Hill, "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" (1998)
This song has that thing that will get everyone moving.
12Robin S, "Show Me Love" (1993)
Nearly 25 years after its release, no one is tired of hearing this song that will remind you not to settle when the party's over.
13CeCe Peniston, "Finally" (1991)
Finally, you found the perfect song for every party playlist, no matter the decade.
14Destiny's Child, "Say My Name" (1999)
Before Beyoncé was our queen, she was just a girl from Houston singing about a deadbeat boyfriend who was cheating on the down low. Dedicate this one to all the shady people out there since, like Bey, you've moved on to better things.
