3 Electronic Songs from the 1990s that Keep Our Computer Hearts Pumping

The 1990s might be the most diverse era for music ever. There was the golden age of rap (including “gangsta rap” from the West Coast), grunge, alternative rock, straight-up rock, bubble-gum pop, boy bands, and yes, the burgeoning electronic music genre.

Here below, we wanted to explore three songs from that latter category. Three songs that helped define an era of programmed drums, cut-up samples, and electronic beeps, boops, and other sounds that would go on to shape future decades. Indeed, these are three electronic songs from the 1990s that keep our computer hearts pumping.

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“Find My Baby” by Moby from Play (1999)

At the end of the 1990s, Moby released his seminal album Play, which included the track “Find My Baby.” Using an old blues sample from the tune “Joe Lee’s Rock” by Boy Blue, the New York City-born Moby put electronic drums over the echoing voice and created something both new and old. Or perhaps even nostalgic in real time. “Find My Baby” could enliven and also provoke thought. And it helped to kick off the record, which included other hits like “Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?” and “Bodyrock.”

“Firestarter” by The Prodigy from The Fat of the Land (1997)

One of the most popular albums of the mid-1990s was The Fat of the Land by the British-born group The Prodigy. It included tracks like “Smack My B–ch Up” and “Firestarter.” A song meant for a dance club, for its listeners to get sweaty, freak out and lose all inhibitions, “Firestarter” achieved its aim and then some. As depraved as it is epic and entertaining, the song is brash and bold. It is the sonic equivalent of an animal eating another in the woods.

“Praise You,” by Fatboy Slim from You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby (1998)

Somehow fresh and pleasant, this song used six samples to put together this epic, iconic, and everlasting work. One of the most popular songs from the 1990s, it enlivens and gets your feet flying before you even know it. Suddenly you start singing along, your toes tapping, and your shoulders swaying. And the accompanying music video shows people just having a good time dancing. Another song that uses an old blues sample, “Praise You” is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

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