The '90s were a time of very sexy music videos. They were also a time of pop stars wearing metallic jackets and bucket hats. But details like those were inconsequential to preteen and teenage you. It didn't matter that boy band members couldn't find shirts that fit, or that Usher was wearing an eye patch. There were abs as far as the eye could see. Janet Jackson was doing something amazing with her hips. And all the lyrics were just explicit enough for you to feel like you might get in trouble with your parents if you sung them out loud.
So, take a moment to remember the first time your eyes felt glued to the TV screen by a music video. And however embarrassing the first video you fell in love with seems now, remember: It could be worse. In 20 years, women will be looking back on fond memories of crushing on Justin Bieber.
Toni Braxton, "You're Makin' Me High"
Toni Braxton always had a deep sultry voice, but in "You're Makin' Me High" she said goodbye to sad love songs and hello to sexiness. The only thing hotter than the song are all the hot guys who pop up for ladies night.
Janet Jackson, "If"
The only thing sexier than the lyrics to "If" is the dance routine Janet performs on stage at a secret underground night club full of people wishing she were their girl.
Jennifer Lopez, "If You Had My Love"
In 1997, Jennifer Lopez launched her solo career with this video. It's equal parts creepy and sexy. People watch J.Lo in her home while she showers, dances in miniskirts, and stares longingly into the camera.
Enrique Iglesias, "Bailamos"
What's sexier than Enrique Iglesias? Enrique Iglesias singing in Spanglish with a super sexy, sweaty dancer (who flashes her underwear) in a nightclub. There's a lot of sweat, grinding, and touching here.
Chris Isaak, "Wicked Game"
Like 100 perfume ads in one. And we all know how sexy perfume ads can be.
Usher, "Nice & Slow"
It wasn't the lyrics that made your mom confiscate your CD. It was that wink to the camera. The open-shirt guitar playing didn't hurt, either.
Fiona Apple, "Criminal"
Did you want to make out with Fiona Apple? Make out next to Fiona Apple? Or just invest in more lacy underwear and knee socks?
Ginuwine, "Pony"
And thanks to Magic Mike ads, it's still causing sexual awakenings 20 years later.
Backstreet Boys, "Quit Playing Games (With My Heart)"
Weekend mornings watching rom-coms had already taught you that a boy in the rain equals romance. And now there were abs in the rain...
Incubus, "Drive"
Your teen and preteen years were filled with bad judgement. Like your earth-shattering crush on the skinny guy in math class with the sexy gauges that meant he was totally not a conformist. If only he could sing...
Boyz II Men, "I'll Make Love to You"
This one wins for the video most likely to have taken its first minute from the opening of an actual porn. A ballad that ushered multiple generations of kids into puberty, whether they watched it when it came out or on an episode of I Love the '90s.
Lenny Kravitz, "Fly Away"
You couldn't have handled Lenny Kravitz's junk in 1998. But his arms were a welcome addition to your adolescent imagination. Plus, the extras really seemed to be enjoying themselves.
LL Cool J, "Doin' It"
That peach. Oh my god, that peach.
*NSYNC, "I Want You Back"
The heart wants what the heart wants. And the '90s-girl heart wanted a bunch of skinny white guys in some kind of lycra zip-up mock turtleneck.
Christina Aguilera, "Genie in a Bottle"
The perfect sexy song to fly under the parental radar. " But her heart is saying 'No,' Mom. I'm pretty sure she's advocating abstinence."
Janet Jackson, "Again"
At first glance, a music video that looks like it was shot on the set of your mom's favorite movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, doesn't seem like sexual-awakening fare. But after some romantic reading and hair petting, there's tender stomach stroking.
Brandy, "Have You Ever"
"Come to My Window" was the lesbian anthem of the '90s, but does anyone remember that time Brandy put on a full suit?
Dru Hill, "In My Bed"
Yes, it's a song about infidelity, but it was also the only kink education a suburban kid without HBO was going to get. That man was pouring candle wax on his chest!
Mariah Carey, "Honey"
Remember that time Mariah Carey was basically a Bond girl?
Shania Twain, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman"
Did you know exactly what was going on? No, but it was still pretty awesome.
Aerosmith, "Crazy"
This is how all teens spend a long weekend, right?
Madonna, "Take A Bow"
Only '90s Madonna could make getting into bed with a television, while wearing lingerie, sexy. Babyface's vocals also help.
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