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While the 90s produced many incredible vocal acts, En Vogue was the group that set the standard for vocal excellence and high-fashion elegance. Formed in Oakland, California, by production duo Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy, the \u201cOriginal Four\u201d\u2014Terry Ellis, Dawn Robinson, Cindy Herron, and Maxine Jones\u2014were designed to be a modern-day Supremes. However, they quickly proved they were much more than a throwback act.<\/p>\n
Known as the \u201cFunky Divas,\u201d En Vogue\u2019s hallmark was their ability to sing intricate, four-part lead harmonies, a rarity in pop and R&B. They seamlessly blended classical training with street-smart hip-hop soul and rock-infused power. Their influence can be heard in every girl group that followed, from Destiny\u2019s Child to Little Mix.<\/p>\n
Here are 10 of their best songs, presented in chronological order.<\/p>\n
1. \u201cHold On\u201d<\/h3>\n
\nAlbum: Born to Sing (1990)<\/strong><\/p>\n The song that changed everything. Opening with an a cappella rendition of \u201cWho\u2019s Lovin\u2019 You,\u201d En Vogue immediately announced themselves as a vocal powerhouse. The track\u2019s heavy New Jack Swing beat and tight harmonies helped it reach #1 on the R&B charts and established them as the new leaders of the genre.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Born to Sing (1990)<\/strong><\/p>\n This track showcased the group\u2019s \u201cfunky\u201d side. With a more aggressive, rhythmic delivery, \u201cLies\u201d proved that En Vogue could handle upbeat, club-ready tracks just as well as vocal-heavy ballads. It served as another #1 R&B hit for their debut era.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Funky Divas (1992)<\/strong><\/p>\n Built on a sample from James Brown\u2019s \u201cThe Payback,\u201d this song is the epitome of 90s R&B cool. From the iconic \u201cNo, you\u2019re never gonna get it\u201d breakdown to the high-fashion music video, this track solidified their status as global superstars and remains one of the most recognizable songs of the decade.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Funky Divas (1992)<\/strong><\/p>\n A cover of the Curtis Mayfield-penned Aretha Franklin classic, En Vogue\u2019s version is a masterclass in harmony. They managed to pay homage to the original while injecting a modern, sultry sophistication. It remains one of the best R&B covers in music history.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Funky Divas (1992)<\/strong><\/p>\n En Vogue proved they could rock just as hard as any band. \u201cFree Your Mind\u201d was a social anthem that tackled prejudice and stereotypes over a heavy guitar riff. It showcased their versatility and earned them massive crossover success on rock and pop charts.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Funky Divas (1992)<\/strong><\/p>\n A high-energy, soul-infused track that highlighted the group\u2019s incredible vocal stamina. The song leans into their Foster & McElroy production roots, blending vintage soul vibes with early 90s dance floor energy.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Set It Off (Soundtrack) \/ EV3 (1996)<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the greatest R&B soundtrack songs of all time. This track featured a grittier, more mature sound and some of the most powerful vocal performances of their career. It was a massive commercial success and proved the group could dominate the charts even as the R&B landscape began to shift.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: EV3 (1997)<\/strong><\/p>\n As a trio (following the departure of Dawn Robinson), En Vogue collaborated with Babyface for this smooth, mid-tempo track. It showed a softer, more melodic side of the group while maintaining the impeccable vocal layering that was their trademark.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: EV3 (1997)<\/strong><\/p>\n A classic Diane Warren ballad produced by David Foster. This track allowed the group to lean into their \u201cdiva\u201d status, delivering a sweeping, emotional performance that remains a favorite for fans of their more sentimental work.<\/p>\n \nAlbum: Electric Caf\u00e9 (2018)<\/strong><\/p>\n Proving their longevity, the group returned with this Ne-Yo-penned track. It\u2019s a sleek, modern R&B record that feels fresh while still honoring the sophisticated vocal arrangements that made the world fall in love with them in the 90s.<\/p>\n Honorable Mentions: 6 Essential Deep Cuts & Features<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cWhatta Man\u201d (Salt-N-Pepa ft. En Vogue) \u2013 Very Necessary (1993): One of the most iconic collaborations in R&B history, blending hip-hop royalty with vocal royalty.<\/p>\n \u201cYesterday\u201d \u2013 Born to Sing (1990): A beautiful a cappella cover of the Beatles classic that showcases their pure vocal ability without any instruments.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat Is Love\u201d \u2013 Funky Divas (1992): A fan-favorite deep cut that features a sophisticated, jazz-inflected arrangement.<\/p>\n \u201cLove Don\u2019t Love You\u201d \u2013 Funky Divas (1992): A rhythmic, sassy track that highlights the group\u2019s \u201cFunky Diva\u201d attitude.<\/p>\n \u201cLosin\u2019 My Mind\u201d \u2013 EV3 (1997): A standout track from the EV3 era that captures the group\u2019s transition into a smoother, more mid-tempo late-90s sound while maintaining their signature vocal precision.<\/p>\n \u201cRiddle\u201d \u2013 Masterpiece Theatre (2000): An experimental, classical-inspired track that showed the group\u2019s willingness to push musical boundaries.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n2. \u201cLies\u201d<\/h3>\n
3. \u201cMy Lovin\u2019 (You\u2019re Never Gonna Get It)\u201d<\/h3>\n
4. \u201cGiving Him Something He Can Feel\u201d<\/h3>\n
5. \u201cFree Your Mind\u201d<\/h3>\n
6. \u201cGive It Up, Turn It Loose\u201d<\/h3>\n
7. \u201cDon\u2019t Let Go (Love)\u201d<\/h3>\n
8. \u201cWhatever\u201d<\/h3>\n
9. \u201cToo Gone, Too Long\u201d<\/h3>\n
10. \u201cRocket\u201d<\/h3>\n