40 Best 90s Soft Rock Songs For Your Wedding Playlist

I was having a musical debate recently with a friend of mine and we were discussing adult contemporary music of the 90s. For those of you who may not know what I am referring to when I say adult contemporary music, it was the station that people had on in their offices while at work. When I was talking with my friend, she made a pretty big blanket statement in saying that the 90s were all about artists like Michael Bolton. I had to agree with her, just a tad. Michael Bolton could do no wrong starting in the latter part of the 80s, and extending into about the mid 1990s.  The radio stations that were playing this type of music were playing some of the softer sounds from familiar artists who were also successful in the 80s.  You'll probably be inspired to begin creating your cocktail or dinner music playlist for your Charleston wedding over at the Daniel Island Club or Harborside East as well. Put your headphones or ear buds on and close youor eyes and be taken back to the 90s by one of the best Charleston wedding DJs with this amazing selection of soft rock songs. 

80s artists like Richard Marx still enjoyed a lot of 90s success when the 80s became the 1990s. . Newcomers like Savage Garden would release some of the greatest soft rock of the 90s with songs like "I Knew I Loved You".  In 1994, the first Lion King movie came out and Elton John produced more 90s soft rock songs like "Can You Feel The love Tonight" and "Circle Of Life".   Phil Collins would earn a Golden Globe for his song "You'll Be In My Heart", released in 1999. 

Download This 90s Soft Rock Playlist By Charleston Wedding DJ Mike Bills On Spotify
 As one of the top wedding DJs in Charleston, the music for your wedding day should be taken seriously and be totally about you. Every single song should put a smile on your face and create lasting memories. For those of you who do Spotify, you can go and check out this selection of songs over on my Spotify profile. Just search for DJ Mike Bills when you get over there and you'll find this playlist as well many others that will be helpful as you search for the best music for your wedding playlist. 

"Now & Forever" | Richard Marx | 1994
We kick off this list of 15 awesome soft rock tunes from the 90s with a perfect wedding song. It might even be able to be used for your first dance. You might remember it was featured in the movie "The Getaway" starring Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin. It was all the over the radio in 1994 and would be a huge hit at your wedding.

"You'll Be In My Heart" | Phil Collins | 1999
Phil Collins continued his tremendous solo career through all of the 90s. At the end of the 90s, this song appeared on the movie soundtrack for the Disney movie "Tarzan". It's the perfect, feel good song for your wedding reception over at Alhambra Hall or the Pavillion at Pepper Plantation.

"I Knew I Loved You" | Savage Garden | 1999
Released in September of 1999, this song went on to become this Australian band's second number one in America, and was still all over the radio as the new millenium began. The song would hit Number 1 in December of 1999 and stay there through March of 2000.

"From This Moment On" | Shania Twain | 1998
This song was the second single from Shania's album "Come On Over" that enjoyed crossover success on both the adult contemporary charts, as well as the country charts.  The song would hit #1 on the adult contemporary chart, but only managed #6 on the Hot country chart.

"You Were Meant For Me" | Jewel | 1996
Back in 1996, you couldn't turn on the radio without hearing Jewel's voice.  Her album "Pieces Of You" went on to sell over 10 million copies, making it one of the best selling debut albums ever.

"Something About The Way You Look Tonight" | Elton John | 1997
If you remember the tragic death of Princess Diana, you probably remember when this song was released. This song was released as a double single with the 1997 version of "Candle In The Wind", right after Diana's death in September of 1997.

"When You Love A Woman" | Journey | 1996
When this song was released after Journey reunited in the latter part of 1996, I thought all would be awesome for the future of Journey. Unfortunately, Steve Perry's health was one of the reasons the bands did not reunite. When you listen to this song, it's hard to not think of what could have been in terms of more releases from this classic 70s and 80s band.

"Love Will Keep Us Alive" | The Eagles | 1994
It was once said that "hell would freeze over" before the Eagles reunited after a bitter breakup back in 1981.   I guess hell froze over in 1994 when The Eagles got back together and produced a new album and even weere guests here in Charleston in the spring of 1995 at the North Charleston coliseum. Due to strict copyrights with The Eagles, I could not find a reliable You Tube to post to this blog, but please look this song up and take a listen.It would be a beautiful song for your upcoming Charleston wedding over at the Creek Club At Ion.

"Have I Told You Lately" | Rod Stewart | 1993
Originally written by the great Van Morrison in 1989,  Rod Stewart recorded a version of this song for his Unplugged album that was released in 1993. The Rod Stewart version would make it all the way to Number 1 on the adult contemporary chart.

"Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?" | Bryan Adams | 1995
We go back to the spring of 1995 for this beautiful love song written by Bryan Adams. It was featured in the movie soundtrack for Don Juan DeMarco.  It reached number one in America and when you take a listen below, you'll see why it was such a huge hit.

"Can You Feel The Love Tonight" | Elton John | 1994
To say that the "Lion King" was one of the biggest movies of 1994 would be an understatement.  Elton John composed this song, as well "Circle Of Life" for the Lion King soundtrack. Released in the spring of 1994,  the song would make it all the way to Number 1 on the adult contemporary chart that summer.

"Save The Best For Last" | Vanessa Williams | 1992
Released in the winter of 1992, this song became one of Vanessa Williams' signature songs reaching number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B charts. You should consider adding it to your wedding playlist over at Lowndes Grove.

"The First Time" | Surface | 1991
An incredibly romantic song about the "first time" you and your fiancee laid eyes on each other. It hit the airwaves in the fall of 1990, and went all the way to Number 1 on the R&B charts.

"Because I Love You (The Postman Song) | Stevie B | 1991
If you remember the Christmas of 1990, you remember this song as it hit Number 1 for 4 weeks, and its chart success continued into early 1991.

"Fields Of Gold" | Sting | 1993
Sting enjoyed his amazing solo career away from the Police deep into the 90s with romantic masterpieces like this track. It's definitely a 90s must-have on your Charleston wedding playlist for your romantic and fun reception over at the Daniel Island Club.

"Kiss From A Rose" | Seal | 1995
Originally  released back in the summer of 1994, the song would be a released again in 1995 when the movie soundtrack for "Batman Forever" would be released.  The song would go all the way to Number 1 on the Hot 100, as well as the adult contemporary charts.

"Streets Of Philadelphia" | Bruce Springsteen | 1994
When I hear this song, it's so chill. You might remember the song from the movie in 1993 "Streets Of Philadelphia". It would be a huge hit for Bruce Springsteen in many countries and he'd scored a #3 hit on the adult contemporary charts in 1994.

"Nothing Compares 2 U" | Sinead O'Connor | 1990
Originally written and recorded by Prince back in the 80s, Sinead O'Connor would cover this song in 1990 and score a #1 hit on adult contemporary chart, and a #2 song on the Hot 100. If you are a fan of the late Chris Cornell, be sure to check out his cover of the song on You Tube.

"I've Been Thinking About You" | Londonbeat | 1990
This song would be their first single from their album In The Blood in 1990. "I've Been Thinking About You" would peak at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991, as well as several other countries like Australia, Spain, and Germany.

"Angel" | Sarah McLachlan | 1998
Released in the flal of 1998, you can find this beautiful song on Sarah McLachlan's album Surfacing.  The song would reach Number 1 on the Adult Top 40 and adult contemporary charts in 1999.

"Something To Talk About" | Bonnie Raitt | 1991
Bonnie Raitt was all over the radio back in the summer of 1991. This song is also featured on my lengthy post about the best music from 1991 for your wedding playlist. Be sure to click over and review that post as well.   The song would peak at #5 on the Hot 100 and adult contemporary charts that summer.

"Kiss Me" | Six Pence None The Richer" | 1998
I remember when this song was released that summer and hearing for the first time. The chord changes made it sound so sweet and romantic. The song would peak at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and adult contemporary charts.

"Wild Night" | John Mellencamp | 1994
John Mellencamp would do an excellent job at covering this Van Morrison song from 1970. The song appears on his album Dance Naked and would become one of the most popular songs of 1994.  It would reach Number 3 on the Hot 100 charts.

"I'll Be" | Edwin McCain | 1998
Edwin McCain has roots in South Carolina and has frequently come to Charleston to perform. He came by the radio station I used to work at and performed live on the air, and I also saw him in 2009 at the Music Farm.  I would have to say that "I'll Be" would become Edwin McCain's song and also a #5 song on the Hot 100.

"Hold On My Heart" | Genesis | 1992
"Hold On My Heart" was released back in the spring of 1992 off the album We Can't Dance.  The song would go all the way to Number 1 on the adult contemporary chart in the summer of '92.

"Breakfast At Tiffany's" | Deep Blue Something | 1995
When I think of some of the greatest 90s one-hit wonders, this song will definitely be at the top of the list.  Some DJs may choose to leave this off a soft rock playlist because Deep Blue something was considered sort of "alternative" in the 90s.  While it's tempo is more upbeat, it's not too over the top and could be in the soft rock category.  The song would break into the Top 10 on the adult contemporary charts, and a solid Top 5 song on the Hot 100 in 1995.

"Hero" | Mariah Carey | 1993
Released bakc in the fall of 1993, "Hero" would be the second song to hit radio off her Music Box album. "Hero" would become another #1 for Mariah on the Hot 100, but peak at #2 on the adult contemporary chart. "Hero" is also a popular choice on a lot of playlist for the father / daughter dance.

"The Way She Loves Me" | Richard Marx | 1994
I got to see Richard Marx in concert and he puts on a truly awesome show. I remember when this song broke onto the radio in the summer of 1994 and it was very catchy for me.  This was the follow-up to "Now And Forever" and would peak at #3 on the adult contemporary chart.

"You Mean The World To Me" | Toni Braxton | 1994
Toni Braxton bursted onto the scene in 1993 with her self titled album. "Another Sad Love Song" would be her first song, followed by "You Mean The World To Me" in 1994. The song would peak at #3 on the Hot R&B chart, and also #7 on the Hot 100.

"The Power Of Love" | Celine Dion | 1993
Celine Dion was hands down one of the greatest soft rock of the artists. Every time you turned on the radio she was there belting out one of her beautiful ballads with her incredible voice. "The Power Of Love" would be released in the fall of 1993 and would actually become Celine Dion's very first Number 1 song.

"I'll Make To Love you" | Boys II Men | 1994
Back in the summer of 1994, Boys II Men was singing about the ultimate way to show your love.  The song would soar to the top of the charts and stay there for 14 weeks. My only question is did we see a population increase back during that time because of this slow and sexy classic soft rock from the 90s.

"Forever In Love" | Kenny G | 1993
Kenny G was still going strong in the early 90s. "Forever In Love" was released in the early 1993 and this romantic instrumental song would become a #1 song on the adult contemporary chart.

"The River Of Dreams" | Billy Joel | 1993
It was very hard to turn the radio in the summer of 1993 without hearing this Billy Joel song.  "The River Of Dreams" would make it all the way to #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Number 1 on the adult contemporary chart.

"I'll Be There" | Mariah Carey | 1992
The music video you'll see when you click the link in the title of the song was from the recording of Mariah Carey's MTV Unplugged album in March of 1992.  I can remember in May of 1992 that some of the radio stations around Charleston were beginning to play this excellent cover of The Jackson 5.  The song would become one of the songs of the summer of 1992 making it all the way to Number 1 on the hot 100 and adult contemporary charts.

"A Whole New World" | Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle | 1992
Released in October of 1992, "A Whole New World" was featured on the soundtrack of Aladdin.  The song would make it to Number 1 on the adult contemporary chart in March of 1993

"You're In Love" | Wilson Phillips | 1991
Wilson Phillips released their first album back in 1990. "You're In Love" would be the 4th song to reach radio in the early part of 1991. By the spring  of 1991, the song would reach #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Adult contemporary chart.

"When A Man Loves A Woman" | Michael Bolton | 1991
I can tell you from experience that 1991 was a huge year for Michael Bolton. His album Time Love & Tenderness was all over the radio. This cover of the Percy Sledge classic from 1966 was on that album and would become a Number 1 song on the Hot 100, as well as the adult contemporary chart.

"If You Asked Me To" | Celine Dion | 1992
Originally written by Diane Warren and , released in the summer of 1989 by Patti Labelle, Celine Dion would record her version and release it in the spring of 1992 and score a Number 1 hit on the adult contemporary chart.

"How Do I Live" | Leann Rimes | 1997
Recorded and released before her 15th birthday, Leann Rimes would peak at #2 for five straight weeks in the latter part of 1997 on the adult contemporary chart.  Written by Diane Warren, the song stayed on the Billboard charts for 69 weeks, which at the time was a record.

"I'll Be There For You" | The Rembrandts | 1994
The sitcom "Friends" was one of the most popular shows of the 90s, and is still streamed heavily today by brides and grooms who weren't even born when the show aired in 1994. The Rembrandts recorded this song for the debut of Friends in the fall of 1994. They'd release the song as a single in the spring of 1995 and would score a #1 hit on the adult contemporary chart, as well as the mainstream Top 40 chart.  Definitely the perfect way to wrap up this list of the 40 Best 90s Soft Rock Song For Your Wedding Playlist.

Hope You Enjoyed This 90s Soft Rock Playlist For Weddings
As you can see, the soft rock music charts back in the 90s were filled with great artists like Elton John, Sting, Richard Marx, and Bryan Adams. Even all these years later, these artists who were all over the radio in the 90s are showing up frequently on playlists at weddings around Charleston. There are many more not added to this list due to time constraints. While these artists are still around today, the landscape has dramatically changed and you barely hear the songs on this playlist on the radio anymore. They are excellent choices, both from a music standpoint, as well as a lyrical standpoint when you are choosing cocktail hour or dinner music for your Charleston wedding. I wanted to thank you for making it all the way to the end of this blog post. It really means a lot! If you truly like what you see on this playlist, look me up on Spotify. DJ Mike Bills

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I work very diligently to provide my current and prospective clients the freshest content available as they begin to think about the music that they would like to hear at their wedding reception.  I love talking to brides and grooms about music and if you are recently engaged and would like to begin the selection process for your weddnig entertainment, please click HERE to tell me a little more about the big day.  If you just got engaged, congratulations!