Most Trending New Jack Swing Songs from the Last 6 Months, updated on Jan 1,2025
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Last updated on Jan 1,2025, updated monthly. |
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 1 . The S.O.S. Band - Take Your Time [Do It Right]Released in 1980, this iconic song topped the Billboard Disco chart and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. Characterized by its funky groove and catchy rhythm, the track, produced by Sigidi Abdullah and Harold Clayton, became an instant hit in 80s nightclubs. The group, initially called Santa Monica before adopting The S.O.S. Band (Sounds Of Success), was formed in Atlanta in 1977. "Take Your Time [Do It Right]" was also covered by Max-A-Million in 1995, reaching 18 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Writer(s) : Sigidi Bashir Abdullah, Harold Lee Clayton Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Sigidi S Song, Universal Music Corporation Featured on the 1980 album S.O.S
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 2 . SWV - Can We (w/ Missy Elliott)This 1997 track is a collaboration between SWV (Sisters With Voices), known for hits like "Weak" and "Right Here," and Missy Elliott, who was emerging as a solo artist and producer. "Can We" is part of the "Booty Call" soundtrack, directed by Jeff Pollack and starring Jamie Foxx and Vivica A. Fox. Produced by Timbaland, the song blends R&B and hip-hop, featuring sensual and suggestive lyrics with a catchy hook asking, "Can we get kinky tonight?". The music video is directed by Jesse Vaughan. Writer(s) : Missy Elliott, Timbaland Publisher(s) : Mass Confusion Productions, Wc Music Corp, Virginia Beach Music Featured on the 1997 album Release Some Tension
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 3 . Freddie Jackson - Rock Me TonightThis 1985 hit is one of Freddie Jackson's biggest successes, topping the R&B chart and reaching number 18 on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Paul Laurence, the track is a sensual ballad that cemented Jackson's reputation as an 80s crooner with a suave voice and romantic style. "Rock Me Tonight" became a classic slow jam. The music video is directed by Kenny Ortega. Writer(s) : Paul Laurence Jones Publisher(s) : Universal Music Corporation Featured on the 1985 album Rock Me Tonight
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 4 . Tevin Campbell - Tell Me What You Want Me To DoThis 1991 track is one of Tevin Campbell's biggest hits. Under the direction of producer Quincy Jones, famous for his work with Michael Jackson, Campbell's smooth and powerful tenor voice captivated both teen and adult audiences. "Tell Me What You Want Me To Do" peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple R&B ballad of the 90s. Campbell later worked on projects like the musical "Hairspray" and the TV series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air". Writer(s) : Narada Michael Walden, Sally Jo Dakota, Tevin Jermod Campbell Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Universal Polygram International Publishing I, Gratitude Sky Music Inc Featured on the 1991 album T.E.V.I.N.
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 6 . Stephanie Mills - Never Knew Love Like This BeforeReleased in 1980, Stephanie Mills’ "Never Knew Love Like This Before" captivates listeners with its smooth blend of R&B and disco influences. Co-written by Reggie Lucas and James Mtume, the track is said to be inspired by the birth of Lucas' daughter, Lisa. The song ascends to the 6th position on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart in the U.S., securing Mills two Grammy Awards in 1981: Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. With its timeless melody and heartfelt lyrics, the song finds new life in various renditions, including Jessie Ware’s 2013 cover for the soundtrack of "I Give It a Year." The music video is directed by . Writer(s) : James Mtume, Reginald Grant Lucas Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Melody, Careers Music Inc Featured on the 1980 album Sweet Sensation
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 7 . Bell Biv DeVoe - Poison"Poison," released in 1990, is the debut single from Bell Biv DeVoe, members of New Edition. This iconic track popularized the "new jack swing" genre, blending R&B and hip-hop. Produced by Dr. Freeze, "Poison" is known for its catchy beat and lyrics about toxic relationships - "Never trust a big butt and smile," the chorus advises. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains a 90s classic. Bell Biv DeVoe continued to influence music with hits like "Do Me!" and memorable reunion tour performances. The music video is directed by Lionel C. Martin. Writer(s) : Christopher Mikel Bivins Publisher(s) : Tunecore Global Featured on the 1990 album Poison
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 8 . Club Nouveau - Lean On MeThis cover of Bill Withers' classic, released in 1987, topped the Billboard Hot 100. Originating from Sacramento, California, Club Nouveau - Jay King, Valerie Watson, Samuelle Prater, Denzil Foster, and Thomas McElroy - added a contemporary touch to this 70s hit with modern arrangements and new jack swing-influenced production. Jay King, also a member of Timex Social Club, played a key role in producing this version. Club Nouveau is also known for "Why You Treat Me So Bad," featured on the same album as "Lean On Me." The music video is directed by Richard Levine, Ken Ross. Writer(s) : William Harris Withers Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc Featured on the 1986 album Love & Pain
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 9 . Shalamar - Over And OverReleased in 1983, "Over and Over" by Shalamar is a disco-funk classic. Formed by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius of Soul Train, the group was a major influence in music and fashion. "Over and Over" features a catchy rhythm and vocal harmonies. Group members Howard Hewett, Jody Watley, and Jeffrey Daniel helped popularize dance styles like body-popping. The song's main theme contrasts commitment in a relationship with the "games" people play to avoid emotional involvement. Writer(s) : Canaan Smith, Andrew Creighton Dodd Publisher(s) : Birdtracks Publishing, Vistaville Music, Seven Peaks Music, Jackson Shelby Music Company Featured on the 1983 album The Look
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 10 . Force MD's - Love Is A HouseReleased in 1987, "Love Is A House" is one of the biggest hits by the American group Force MD's, topping the R&B chart. Originating from Staten Island and signed to the famous Tommy Boy Records, the group pioneered the fusion of R&B and hip-hop. The track, produced by Terry Lewis and Jimmy Jam, features rich vocal harmonies and evocative lyrics. Force MD's also made history with hits like "Tender Love" and paved the way for groups like Boyz II Men. The music video is directed by Greg Gold. Writer(s) : Gina Foster, Martin David Lascelles, Geoff Gurd Publisher(s) : Tee Girl Music Publishing Featured on the 1987 album Touch and Go
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 11 . Wreckx N Effect - Rump Shaker"Rump Shaker," released in 1992, is Wreckx N Effect's biggest hit, peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. Produced by Teddy Riley, a new jack swing pioneer, the track is notable for its heavy use of saxophone and infectious beat. The lyrics, focusing on dancing and having fun, made it a club hit. Teddy Riley, also a member of Blackstreet, continued to influence music with productions for artists like Michael Jackson and Bobby Brown. The music video is directed by Dorinda Bagwell. Writer(s) : David Wynn, Teddy Riley, Etterlene Jordan, LL DeBarge, Markell Riley, Pharrell Williams, El DeBarge, Aqil Davidson, Anton Lamont Hollins, David Porter Publisher(s) : Abdur Rahman Music, Smokin Sounds Music Ltd, Sony Atv Harmony, Emi April Music Inc, Donril Music, Ensign Music Corporation, Zomba Enterprises Inc, Detaj Publishing Company Incorporated, Ujaama Featured on the 1995 album Hard or Smooth
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 12 . Lucy Pearl - Dance Tonight"Dance Tonight" is a 2000 track by supergroup Lucy Pearl, composed of Raphael Saadiq (formerly of Tony! Toni! Toné!), Dawn Robinson (formerly of En Vogue), and Ali Shaheed Muhammad (of A Tribe Called Quest). With verses describing preparations for a lively night out, the song blends R&B, funk, and hip-hop for a unique, refreshing sound. "Dance Tonight" was Grammy-nominated and featured on several movie soundtracks, including "Love & Basketball," directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps. Writer(s) : Dawn Sherrice Robinson, Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Raphael Saadiq Publisher(s) : Ugmoe Music, Stratinum Songs, Watermelon Girl Music, Universal Music Z Tunes Llc, Cool Abdul Music, Sony Atv Melody Featured on the 2000 album Lucy Pearl
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 13 . En Vogue - Hold OnProduced by the duo Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, "Hold On" is the debut single by the group En Vogue, released in 1990. The track, which mixes elements of R&B, soul, and new jack swing, was a huge success, reaching number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. En Vogue, known for their powerful vocal harmonies, also achieved success with songs like "Free Your Mind" and "Don't Let Go (Love)." The music video is directed by Tarsem Singh. Writer(s) : Glenn Scullion, Michael David Roberts (GB), Sean Mc Elhone, Christopher Walton (GB), Simon Scott (GB 2), Francis Chicheportiche Publisher(s) : Empire Music Ltd Featured on the 1990 album Born to Sing
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 14 . Keith Sweat - I'm Not ReadyReleased in 1998, this track is one of Keith Sweat's last hits, peaking at number 16 on the R&B chart, making it his final entry in that ranking. "I'm Not Ready" is an introspective ballad about the uncertainty of romantic relationships. Known for his sensual ballads, distinctive voice, and hits like "Twisted" and "Nobody," Sweat was a pioneer of the new jack swing genre. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : Gerald Edward Levert, Keith D Sweat, Joe N Little III Publisher(s) : Twisted Publishing Usa, Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp Featured on the 1998 album Still in the Game
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 15 . Milli Vanilli - Blame It On The RainA breezy pop-R&B tune, this 1989 chart-topper shifts the responsibility of heartbreak to celestial forces. While its catchy melody and production by Frank Farian captured hearts, the subsequent lip-sync scandal exposed Milli Vanilli’s fabricated artistry, overshadowing the song’s success. The music video is directed by Marc Bienstock. Writer(s) : Diane Eve Warren Publisher(s) : Realsongs Featured on the 1989 album Girl You Know It's True
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 16 . Next - Wifey"Wifey" by Next, released in 2000, is an R&B track celebrating love and fidelity. The group, consisting of R.L. Huggar, Terry Brown, and Raphael Brown, is known for their tight harmonies and romantic lyrics. The song quickly became a hit, topping the US charts and remaining a favorite among R&B fans. The music video is directed by Jeff Richter. Writer(s) : Keir Gist, Robert L Huggar, Edward Timothy Berkeley, Gabriel Jackson Publisher(s) : Divine Mill Music, Fingaz Goal Music, Uh Oh Entertainment Inc, Ensign Music Corporation Featured on the 2000 album Welcome II Nextasy
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 17 . Milli Vanilli - All Or Nothing"All or Nothing," released in 1989, is a single by Milli Vanilli, the German duo composed of Rob Pilatus and Fab Morvan. This track followed the massive success of their previous hits like "Girl You Know It's True." Milli Vanilli became infamous for the lip-syncing scandal, where it was revealed they did not actually sing on their recordings. "All or Nothing" reached high chart positions before the scandal broke. Producer Frank Farian, who had success with Boney M before launching Milli Vanilli, was behind this track. Despite the controversy, "All or Nothing" remains a memorable example of 80s pop. Writer(s) : Brad L Howell, Harald Baierl, Mart G, David Clayton Thomas Publisher(s) : Sony Music Holdings Gmbh Featured on the 1988 album All or Nothing
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 18 . Sybil - When I'm Good And ReadyReleased in 1993, "When I'm Good And Ready" is one of the biggest hits by American singer Sybil, also known for covers of R&B classics like "Don't Make Me Over," reaching number five on the UK singles chart. Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, the song is a classic example of 90s dance-pop style. Writer(s) : Michael Stock, Peter Alan Waterman Publisher(s) : Mike Stock Publishing, All Boys Music Ltd Featured on the 1993 album Good ‘N’ Ready
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 19 . Ready For The World - Love You DownCo-produced with Gary Spaniola, "Love You Down" by American group Ready For The World, released in 1986, is a sensual R&B ballad. Formed in the early 80s, the group combines funk and soul elements here. The song remains a classic of the 80s, covered by several artists including INOJ and Meshell Ndegéocello, and sampled by artists like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown. The music video is directed by Duncan Gibbins. Writer(s) : Melvin C Riley Publisher(s) : Ready Ready Music Featured on the 1986 album Long Time Coming
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 20 . Keith Sweat - Nobody (w/ Athena Cage)Released in 1996, "Nobody" is a sensual R&B ballad by Keith Sweat featuring Athena Cage of Kut Klose. Known for its enchanting melody and romantic lyrics, the song highlights an exclusive relationship where the singer asserts that no one else can love or satisfy his partner like he can. Keith Sweat, a new jack swing icon, often collaborates with artists like Teddy Riley and Silk. "Nobody" topped the R&B charts and received extensive airplay on urban radio stations. The music video is directed by Paul Hunter. Writer(s) : R Keith Stegall, Stewart Hamill Harris Publisher(s) : Blackwood Music Inc Featured on the 1996 album Keith Sweat
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ABOUT NEW JACK SWINGWhat Is New Jack Swing ?New Jack Swing is a musical genre that emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It is a fusion of hip-hop rhythms and the melodic sensibility of R&B. This genre is characterized by the intensive use of drum machines, synthesizers, and samples. New Jack Swing brings new energy and a distinctive groove to the dance floor, blending punchy beats with catchy melodies and sophisticated harmonies. The roots of New Jack Swing lie in several musical genres. The funk of the 1970s, with its compelling grooves and syncopated rhythms, provided a solid rhythmic foundation. R&B, known for its smooth melodies and vocal harmonies, added melodic depth to the genre. Finally, hip-hop, with its innovative use of samples and powerful beats, brought a modern, urban rhythmic dimension. New Jack Swing is distinguished by a dynamic and expressive vocal style. Singers of this genre often adopt an energetic and rhythmic approach to their singing, combining elements of rap and traditional singing. Vocal harmonies are often complex, with multiple layers of voices adding depth and richness to the sound. Artists frequently use call-and-response techniques, where the lead vocal is answered by backing vocals, creating a lively and engaging interaction. The lyrics of New Jack Swing songs often deal with themes of urban life, love, relationships, and partying. The vocal style can range from smooth and melodic singing to more intense and punchy passages, depending on the emotion and energy of the song.In terms of dance, New Jack Swing inspired many innovative movements and choreographies. Dancers like Bobby Brown and Janet Jackson popularized dynamic and energetic moves, incorporating hip-hop, breakdance, and street dance steps into their performances. New Jack Swing : Rhythms And GroovesNew Jack Swing is particularly recognizable due to its distinctive rhythms and grooves. The beats are often created using drum machines, especially the Roland TR-808, which produces powerful and punchy electronic drum sounds. The rhythms are syncopated, creating an irresistible groove that invites dancing. The grooves of New Jack Swing are built on funky bass lines and complex drum patterns. Producers often use samples from funk and soul, adding layers of keyboards, brass, and percussion to enrich the sound. Drum breaks, where the rhythm suddenly changes, add dynamism and surprise to the music. The use of synthesizers is also a key element, providing electronic textures and melodies that complement the rhythmic elements. New Jack Swing tracks are structured to maintain high energy throughout the song, with smooth transitions between sections and catchy musical bridges. New Jack Swing And FashionNew Jack Swing influenced not only music but also fashion and dance. Artists of this genre often wore bold and colorful outfits, mixing streetwear elements with luxurious accessories. Oversized clothing, leather jackets, sneakers, and gold chains became symbols of this style. Several iconic fashion brands were particularly associated with the New Jack Swing movement: Cross Colours, known for its colorful and bold clothing often featuring social and political messages; Karl Kani, often considered the “godfather of urban streetwear”; and FUBU (For Us By Us), along with Tommy Hilfiger, Nike, and Adidas for footwear.These brands were popularized by both New Jack Swing artists and athletes of the time, such as Michael Jordan with his Air Jordans, Deion Sanders, and Bo Jackson, whose “Bo Knows” advertising campaigns left a lasting impression. New Jack Swing In Cinema And TelevisionNew Jack Swing had a notable influence on cinema and television, manifested through soundtracks, fashion, themes, and cultural representations. Starting with the film “New Jack City” (1991), directed by Mario Van Peebles, whose soundtrack includes iconic New Jack Swing artists like Guy and Keith Sweat. Following that are “House Party” (1990), a musical comedy directed by Reginald Hudlin featuring the rap duo Kid ‘n Play, and “Boomerang” (1992), a romantic comedy starring Eddie Murphy. In television series, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-1996) with Will Smith, “In Living Color” (1990-1994) with the dance group “The Fly Girls,” led by Rosie Perez, and “A Different World” (1987-1993), the spin-off of “The Cosby Show,” often integrated New Jack Swing elements into their soundtracks. These films and shows highlight the broad influence of New Jack Swing on popular culture, capturing the energy and aesthetics of an era marked by musical innovation and dynamism. |
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53.89% / 3.11%
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