90s Singers We All Miss Hearing on the Radio

Remember when you’d flip through radio stations and hear those unforgettable voices that defined the 90s?

Those singers gave us songs we sang in our rooms, at school dances, and on long car rides.

Many of these talented artists have stepped away from the spotlight, leaving us with incredible memories and playlists we still listen to today.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the voices we wish we could hear on the radio again.

1. Aaliyah

Aaliyah brought a smoothness to R&B that nobody else could match.

Her voice felt like silk, gliding over beats that mixed hip-hop and soul in ways that sounded fresh and futuristic.

Songs like “Are You That Somebody” and “Try Again” became instant classics that still get people dancing.

Tragically, her life was cut short in 2001 when she was only 22 years old.

Even though she’s been gone for over two decades, her influence on music remains powerful.

Artists today still cite her as a major inspiration, and her style continues to shape modern R&B and pop music in countless ways.

2. Lisa Loeb

With her signature cat-eye glasses and acoustic guitar, Lisa Loeb captured hearts everywhere with “Stay (I Missed You).”

That song became the first number-one single by an unsigned artist, which was pretty amazing.

Her honest lyrics about relationships and heartbreak felt like reading someone’s personal diary set to music.

Loeb’s folk-pop sound stood out during an era dominated by grunge and hip-hop.

She wrote songs that felt intimate and real, like she was singing directly to you.

While she’s still making music today, her 90s radio presence is something fans definitely miss hearing during their daily commutes.

3. Mariah Carey

Few voices in history can match Mariah Carey’s incredible five-octave range.

During the 90s, she absolutely dominated radio with hits like “Vision of Love,” “Hero,” and “Always Be My Baby.”

Her whistle notes became legendary, and everyone tried (and mostly failed) to hit those impossibly high notes along with her.

Carey blended pop, R&B, and hip-hop before it became the norm, working with rappers and producers to create groundbreaking sounds.

While she’s still active today, her 90s era represents a golden age when her ballads ruled the airwaves and soundtrack every major life moment.

4. Maxwell

Maxwell helped birth the neo-soul movement with his smooth, romantic sound that brought classic soul into the modern era.

His debut album featured “Ascension (Nobody Knows)” and other sensual tracks that became perfect slow-dance material.

His voice carried an old-school warmth that felt timeless even when it was brand new.

Unlike many artists who chased trends, Maxwell stayed true to his artistic vision, creating music for grown-ups who appreciated real musicianship.

His lyrics explored love and intimacy with sophistication and depth.

Though he releases music occasionally now, radio stations rarely play his newer work like they did in the 90s.

5. P.M. Dawn

Brothers Prince Be and DJ Minutemix created something truly unique by mixing hip-hop with dreamy, psychedelic sounds.

“Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” became their signature song, sampling Spandau Ballet while delivering thoughtful, poetic lyrics.

Their music felt philosophical and introspective, completely different from the harder-edged rap dominating the charts.

P.M. Dawn proved hip-hop could be gentle, spiritual, and deeply emotional without losing its cool factor.

They talked about consciousness, love, and humanity in ways that felt ahead of their time.

Sadly, Prince Be passed away in 2016, making their radio silence permanent and their 90s catalog even more precious.

6. Everything but the Girl

This British duo transformed from folksy indie artists into electronic dance music pioneers almost overnight.

When Todd Terry remixed their song “Missing,” it became a massive worldwide hit that dominated clubs and radio stations alike.

Tracey Thorn’s haunting vocals over deep house beats created something magical that crossed multiple genres effortlessly.

The song’s lyrics about longing and absence resonated with millions of listeners going through breakups or missing someone special.

Everything but the Girl showed that reinvention was possible and that great songwriting could work in any musical style.

Their unique sound is sorely missed on today’s radio playlists.

7. Brandy

Brandy burst onto the scene as a teenager with a voice that sounded way beyond her years.

Her self-titled debut album gave us “I Wanna Be Down” and other R&B gems that showcased her impressive vocal runs and harmonies.

She made braids a major fashion statement and became a role model for young girls everywhere who saw themselves in her.

“The Boy Is Mine,” her duet with Monica, became one of the decade’s biggest hits and sparked endless debates about who sang it better.

Brandy also starred in the TV show “Moesha,” making her a double threat.

Her 90s radio dominance was undeniable and irreplaceable.

8. Seal

With his powerful, soulful voice and distinctive look, Seal delivered some of the 90s most memorable ballads.

“Kiss from a Rose” exploded after appearing on the Batman Forever soundtrack, winning multiple Grammy Awards and becoming an instant classic.

His rich baritone could convey incredible emotion, making even simple lyrics feel profound and moving.

Seal’s music blended soul, pop, and rock in sophisticated ways that appealed to diverse audiences.

Songs like “Crazy” and “Prayer for the Dying” showcased his range and artistry.

While he continues performing, his omnipresence on 90s radio created a soundtrack for romance that today’s stations just don’t replicate.