Top 10 Sexiest Music Videos of the 90s

TLC

TLC were no strangers to creating confidently sexy music videos. Their clip for “Red Light Special,” however, is on another level. The trio play around with gender stereotypes and power dynamics, as they insert themselves into a fictional “house of ill repute.” The vibe is steamy, but fun, as T-Boz, Left-Eye and Chilli are in charge of a host of male-model eye candy. There are gyrations and simulations galore, as “Red Light Special” sells sex, front and center. It’s shot with heavy-duty, atmospheric lighting, too, while the fashions date themselves as being, well, very ‘90s. It’s in the best possible way, however, and this is indeed a sexy slice of R&B nostalgia.

Ginuwine

The sexual success of “Pony” is based not only on the banger swagger of the song’s beat, but also the accompanying video. The clip obviously can’t predict the rap/country crossover that would emerge in the modern day. As a result, “Pony” has sort of a “stranger in a strange land” vibe. It all works, however, thanks to Ginuwine’s fancy footwork and confidence. It’s actually a bit bold, because Ginuwine bears it all onstage, without the benefit of backup dancers or an ensemble. As a result, it’s all on him whether or not “Pony” succeeds or fails. Thankfully, this horse crosses the finish line in winning style.

Faith Hill

Sometimes, it’s what you don’t see that’s the most exciting. This is, in part, why “Breathe” by Faith Hill works so well. There’s a classic sexiness to this clip that’s arousing, but never sleazy. The song is clearly front-and-center here, but Hill is undoubtedly the star of the show. The image of her in bed, covered by sheets, leaves a bit to the imagination. But that’s the best part. Hill’s natural beauty is showcased throughout, but “Breathe” never feels exploitative. Instead, the vibe is inviting, as if the song is singing to us on an individual level. Hill is in charge of her sexuality, but knows well enough to keep certain things private. And it just keeps the viewer wanting to come back for more.

Salt-N-Pepa & En Vogue

This collaboration between En Vogue and Salt-N-Pepa feels like ‘90s “girl power” personified. And that’s a very good thing. There’s a celebratory mood to both the song and video that’s sexy and fun. Both groups appear to be having a great time singing about their favorite, ahem, “bedroom pastimes,” and the men that appeal to their interests. This is another clip that’s not so much “horny” as it is confident and light-hearted. Both Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue know enough to have fun with this video, and it also doesn’t hurt that the ladies look absolutely gorgeous while doing so.

Aerosmith

Aerosmith’s “Get a Grip” album from 1993 features a number of memorable videos. One of them is “Amazing,” which features Alicia Silverstone doing an ultra-sexy cyberspace routine. Silverstone was actually the star of three clips from this album, including our next pick, “Crazy.” Here, the “Clueless” star shares the screen with Liv Tyler in a clip that celebrates freedom and sexuality in very ‘90s fashion. The opening image of Silverstone’s catholic schoolgirl outfit certainly comes from the male gaze, but make no mistake: it’s the LADIES who run the show here. Tyler and Silverstone are forces of nature here, and every hapless man in sight can only stare, slack-jawed, at their presence.

George Michael

Hey, know what’s always a great idea for a music video? Having supermodels sing your lyrics. It’s a tried-and-true method of execution that seems to work for almost everyone. “Freedom! ‘90” is an ultra-stylish video clip that was actually directed by future star David Fincher, and it shows. There’s a composition here that celebrates the models’ beauty, without distracting from the song. And that’s no mean feat, because Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Tatjana Patitz and Linda Evangelista are some incredibly distracting figures. Yet, “Freedom! ‘90” just hammers home this sexiness without beating us over the head with anything overt. It’s classy stuff.

Janet Jackson

“Effortless.” This is the word that comes to mind when discussing the video clip for Janet Jackson’s “Any Time, Any Place.” The opening shot sets the tone perfectly, with Jackson sitting cross-legged on her bed, doing her hair, while also gazing away from the camera lens. This detached vibe soon gives way to eroticism, however, as we’re made privy to what’s ostensibly a very private act between Jackson and a partner. There’s a voyeuristic vibe to the clip that feels naughty, as if we should probably look away. We, the audience, just can’t help ourselves, however, as Jackson seduces us, not only with her appearance, but the song, as well.

Fiona Apple

Speaking of voyeurism, the video clip for Fiona Apple’s smash hit, “Criminal,” feels like the sort of dirty pictures we’re not supposed to see. “Criminal” displays the aftermath of what could’ve been a night full of very bad decisions. There are unnamed, semi-naked bodies lying about, as well as half-empty booze bottles. It’s an evocative scene, for sure, and one that’s amplified by Apple’s brave performance. The lyrics beg for punishment for the protagonist’s “sins,” and we’re led to believe by the imagery that said “sins” were sexual in nature. Meanwhile, Apple captures the camera eye with looks that are at once nervous, hungry and even shameful. It’s a deeper level of eroticism for a deeper kind of artist.

Madonna

It’s interesting to compare the moral standards of certain decades, even ones as comparatively recent as the ‘90s. “Justify My Love” caused an absolute panic and uproar when it was released back in 1990. This was thanks to its unrepentant desire to provoke, in terms of exploring different kinds of dominance, submission and sexuality. “Justify My Love” was even banned from MTV and other channels, a testament to Madonna’s boundary-pushing aesthetic. The video clip is sex personified, without any judgment or borders. It plays with gender roles in a manner that was daring for the time, and offended and excited in equal measure.

Before we name our number one pick, here are some steamy honorable mentions!

“I Touch Myself” (1990), Divinyls
Self-Love Never Looked So Good

“Man! I Feel Like a Woman” (1999), Shania Twain
A Fun Take on a Classic Robert Palmer Video

“Livin’ La Vida Loca” (1999), Ricky Martin
This Kicked Off the Latin Pop Explosion

“You’re Makin’ Me High” (1996), Toni Braxton
Sweet & Sultry

“Nice & Slow” (1998), Usher
Large & in Charge of Some Serious Sexiness

Chris Isaak

It’s the song and video that potentially made thousands of babies. It’s Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game,” and it’s a paramount example of sexual lightning in a bottle. The song was actually released in 1989, but it was the second video clip a year later that inarguably turned it into a mega-hit. The stark, black-and-white photography of “Wicked Game” is evocative, for one, but the chemistry between Isaak and supermodel Helena Christensen is deviously palpable. The pair writhe around on a picturesque beach for all to see, and it’s some pretty hot stuff. Of course, it also helps that “Wicked Game” is one banger of a sexy tune. It all comes together in perfectly erotic fashion.