The 90s music scene witnessed the rise and fall of several exceptional girl groups that captivated audiences worldwide.
While the likes of NSYNC and Backstreet Boys were adored by many, the female counterparts of that era were equally unstoppable, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. In this article, we present the top girl bands of the 90s, whose legacy will be cherished forever.
Destiny’s Child: The Empresses of R&B
One cannot discuss the best girl bands of the 90s without mentioning Destiny’s Child. Comprised of music icons Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams, this iconic R&B group dominated the late 90s and early 2000s.
With chart-topping singles like “Say My Name” and “Survivor,” they not only popularized female empowerment in pop culture but also ushered in a new era of female groups. Despite their split in 2006, Destiny’s Child remains one of the best-selling girl bands of all time.
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Spice Girls: The Ultimate Girl Power
Arguably one of the greatest girl bands of all time, the Spice Girls took the 90s by storm. Consisting of members Melanie Brown, Emma Bunton, Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, and Melanie Chisholm, this English quintet became a pop culture phenomenon with their debut single “Wannabe” in 1996.
Their catchy dance songs topped international charts and inspired young girls around the globe. With over 100 million records sold worldwide, the Spice Girls undoubtedly secured their place in pop culture history.
TLC: The R&B Trailblazers
Known for their conscious lyrics, unique fashion sense, and captivating music videos, TLC emerged as one of the most popular R&B girl groups of the 90s.
Their debut album, “Ooooooohhh…The TLC Tip,” released in 1992, featured hits like “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg” and “What About Your Friends.”
Their multi-platinum album, “CrazySexyCool,” won four Grammy Awards and solidified their position as one of the best-selling female groups of all time.
All Saints: The Eclectic Trendsetters
Active from 1993 to 2001, All Saints made waves in the English girl group scene. Their cover of Shocking Blue’s “Never Ever” propelled them to fame, followed by their international hit “Pure Shores.”
Praised for their eclectic style and dance-inspired songs, All Saints influenced the R&B girl groups of the early 2000s and left an enduring impact on the music industry.
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Ace Of Base: The Swedish Sensations
Ace Of Base, a Swedish band formed in 1990, introduced the world to their infectious bubblegum-pop sound.
Comprising siblings Ulf Ekberg, Jonas Berggren, Linn Berggren, and Jenny Berggren, the band achieved tremendous success with hits like “All That She Wants,” “The Sign,” and “Don’t Turn Around.”
Their disbandment in 2003 didn’t diminish their popularity, as their classic hits continue to dominate radio stations worldwide.
The Bangles: Anthems of Empowerment
The 1990s witnessed a surge of female empowerment anthems, and The Bangles stood at the forefront.
Formed in 1981, this Los Angeles quartet gained mainstream success in 1985 with their album “Different Light.” Their hit songs like “Manic Monday,” “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and “Eternal Flame” became instant classics and solidified their status as one of the top girl bands of the 80s and 90s.
The Bangles’ harmonies and catchy melodies continue to resonate with audiences, making them an enduring symbol of empowerment.
En Vogue: The Queens of R&B Harmony
En Vogue, an American R&B group formed in 1989, made a significant impact on the 90s music scene with their soulful harmonies and powerful vocal performances.
Comprising members Terry Ellis, Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, and Dawn Robinson, the group delivered timeless hits like “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” and “Don’t Let Go (Love).”
En Vogue’s blend of R&B, soul, and pop, coupled with their fierce stage presence, established them as one of the most influential girl groups of the era.
Salt-N-Pepa: Hip-Hop Pioneers
Salt-N-Pepa, consisting of Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton, and DJ Spinderella, broke barriers in the male-dominated world of hip-hop.
Their bold lyrics and infectious beats revolutionized the genre, and their groundbreaking hits like “Push It,” “Shoop,” and “Whatta Man” became anthems of female empowerment.
Salt-N-Pepa’s trailblazing contributions to music earned them numerous accolades, including the first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1995.
Wilson Phillips: Harmony and Pop Success
Wilson Phillips, formed by Carnie Wilson, Wendy Wilson, and Chynna Phillips, gained prominence in the early 90s with their debut album that showcased their exceptional harmonies.
The trio’s breakthrough single, “Hold On,” topped the charts and was followed by other hits like “Release Me” and “You’re in Love.”
Wilson Phillips’ blend of pop and soft rock resonated with audiences worldwide, making them one of the most successful girl groups of the decade.
Eternal: British Soulful Sounds
Hailing from the UK, Eternal made a significant impact on the 90s music scene with their soulful vocals and heartfelt ballads.
The group, initially comprising Easther Bennett, Vernie Bennett, Kéllé Bryan, and Louise Redknapp, achieved considerable success with their debut album, “Always & Forever.”
Hits like “Stay,” “Power of a Woman,” and “I Wanna Be the Only One” showcased their powerful voices and emotional performances, earning them a dedicated fan base.
SWV: Sisters with Voices
SWV, short for Sisters with Voices, brought their unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and gospel to the forefront of the 90s music landscape.
Composed of Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Tamara “Taj” Johnson, and Leanne “Lelee” Lyons, the trio’s soulful harmonies and seductive ballads struck a chord with listeners.
Their chart-topping singles like “Weak,” “Right Here,” and “You’re the One” solidified their position as one of the most successful girl groups in the R&B genre.
702: R&B Sweethearts
The R&B trio 702, named after their area code in Las Vegas, captured hearts with their smooth harmonies and infectious grooves.
Members Meelah Williams, Irish Grinstead, and LeMisha Fields showcased their vocal prowess on hits like “Where My Girls At?,” “Get It Together,” and “Steelo.”
702’s sassy lyrics and irresistible melodies made them a favorite among R&B enthusiasts and cemented their place in 90s music history.
The Chicks (formerly The Dixie Chicks): Country Music Sensations
The Chicks, formerly known as The Dixie Chicks, emerged in 1995 and quickly gained recognition as one of the biggest girl bands in the country music genre. Signed with Monument Records in 1997, they released two highly successful albums in the late ’90s, “Wide Open Spaces” (1998) and “Fly” (1999).
Their chart-topping hits from that era included “Wide Open Spaces,” “There’s Your Trouble,” “Without You,” “You Were Mine,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and “Travelin’ Soldier.”
Although they faced controversy after expressing their opinions about then-President George W. Bush in 2003, The Chicks made a comeback in 2016. In 2020, they rebranded as The Chicks and continued to create music, showcasing their enduring talent and staying power.
Hole: Grunge Rock with a Female Edge
Hole, led by the iconic Courtney Love, is often perceived as a girl band due to her prominent role. In the ’90s, Love’s raw vocals and their dark and edgy songwriting established Hole as an essential part of the grunge movement.
Memorable hits from their discography include “Malibu,” “Violet,” “Celebrity Skin,” “Miss World,” “Doll Parts,” and “Live Through This.”
B*Witched: Infectious Pop Sensations
B*Witched, known for their catchy hit “C’est La Vie,” is a girl band from the ’90s that left a mark on the music scene.
While their success primarily thrived in the U.K., where they sold over three million records worldwide, their unique fashion style and captivating dance moves earned them a dedicated fan base.
Garbage: Alternative Rock Icons
Garbage, fronted by Shirley Manson, defied expectations and achieved remarkable success in the rock and metal genres. Despite initial doubts, they became one of the hottest alternative rock bands in the early ’90s.
Notable Garbage hits include “Stupid Girl,” “Only Happy When It Rains,” and “Androgyny.” Their enduring presence in the music industry continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The Cranberries: Irish Rock with Unforgettable Melodies
The Cranberries, hailing from Ireland, emerged as one of the most successful bands of the ’90s. Lead singer Dolores O’Riordan’s soulful and rich vocals defined the band’s signature sound.
Songs like “Linger” and “Zombie” continue to be iconic and receive regular airplay on radio stations.
The Cranberries released several notable albums, including “Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We,” “No Need To Argue,” “To The Faithful Departed,” and “Bury The Hatchet.” Tragically, in 2018, O’Riordan passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind a profound musical legacy.
Indigo Girls: Folk Music Powerhouse
Unlike many other female groups of the ’90s, the Indigo Girls stood out with their folk-inspired sound. Recognized for their exceptional talent, they won awards, including Best Contemporary Album in 1990.
Albums such as “Nomads Indians Saints,” “Rites Of Passage,” “Swamp Ophelia,” and “Shaming Of The Sun” showcased their unique style. Notable songs from their discography include “Welcome Me,” “Romeo & Juliet,” “Ghost,” “Hammer and Nail,” and “Least Complicated.”
Veruca Salt: ’90s Alt-Rock Trailblazers
Veruca Salt, a popular female group in the ’90s, captivated audiences with their music. While their mainstream presence has waned over time, their songs remain beloved among older music enthusiasts.
Hits like “As Sick As Your Secrets,” “Volcano Girls,” “All Hail Me,” and “Number One Blind” continue to resonate. They released the albums “American Thighs” in 1994, “Eight Arms To Hold You” in 1997, and several others in the 2000s.
Xscape: Soulful R&B Sensations
Formed in 1991, Xscape swiftly became one of the hottest R&B girl groups of the ’90s. Their soulful yet edgy voices set them apart, resulting in popular tracks such as “Just Kickin’ It” and “Who Can I Run To?”
Their ’90s discography includes the albums “Hummin’ Comin’ At ‘Cha” (1993), “Off The Hook” (1995), and “Traces Of My Lipstick” (1998).
Who was the biggest girl band in the 90s?
Here, we have listed some of the biggest girl bands or groups of the 90s.
| No. | Band Name | Total Album Sales (Estimated) |
| 1 | TLC | 95 million |
| 2 | Destiny’s Child | 60 million |
| 3 | Spice Girls | 80 million |
| 4 | The Cranberries | 40 million |
| 5 | The Chicks (The Dixie Chicks) | 33 million |
| 6 | En Vogue | 30 million |
| 7 | Garbage | 17 million |
| 8 | Salt-N-Pepa | 15 million |
| 9 | Hole | 9 million |
| 10 | B*Witched | 3 million |
What 90s girl group sold the most?
The 90s girl group that sold the most albums was TLC. They are considered one of the most well-known and successful girl bands from the 90s and became the best-selling girl group in America.
TLC sold more than 95 million records globally during their career, making them one of the highest-selling girl groups of all time.
Who was the most successful female singer of the 90s?
The most successful female singer of the 90s was Mariah Carey. She achieved immense commercial success and critical acclaim during that decade, solidifying her position as one of the biggest music stars in the world.
Mariah Carey’s powerful vocals and impressive range, combined with her ability to write and produce hit songs, contributed to her massive popularity.