The Best Pop Albums of the 1990s

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1. 1
   Ray of LightMadonna

   Ray of Light

   Madonna · 1998 · Pop

   A reinvention via electronica and introspection, lush and forward-looking. Widely seen as her artistic peak. Glossy, spiritual and assured.

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2. 2
   ...Baby One More TimeBritney Spears

   ...Baby One More Time

   Britney Spears · 1999 · Pop

   A debut that defined late-90s teen pop, built around one of the era's most recognisable singles. Glossy and huge. A pop-culture landmark.

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3. 3
   SpiceSpice Girls

   Spice

   Spice Girls · 1996 · Pop

   A bright, irresistible debut that defined late-90s pop and 'girl power', hook after hook. Fun and enormous. A cultural phenomenon.

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4. 4
   MillenniumBackstreet Boys

   Millennium

   Backstreet Boys · 1999 · Pop

   A blockbuster of polished boy-band pop, home to 'I Want It That Way'. Glossy and enormous. A landmark of the era.

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5. 5
   DangerousMichael Jackson

   Dangerous

   Michael Jackson · 1991 · Pop

   A new-jack-swing reinvention of slick, hard-edged pop. Polished and huge. A commercial peak.

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6. 6
   DaydreamMariah Carey

   Daydream

   Mariah Carey · 1995 · Pop

   A peak of 90s pop-R&B vocal craft, home to 'Fantasy' and 'One Sweet Day'. Polished and huge. Her commercial high.

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7. 7
   ButterflyMariah Carey

   Butterfly

   Mariah Carey · 1997 · Pop

   A sophisticated R&B-pop peak that deepened her artistry. Smooth and acclaimed. Her finest.

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8. 8
   Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1George Michael

   Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1

   George Michael · 1990 · Pop

   A serious, mature follow-up to Faith, home to 'Freedom! '90'. Sophisticated and acclaimed. A creative peak.

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9. 9
   SpiceworldSpice Girls

   Spiceworld

   Spice Girls · 1997 · Pop

   A bright, hook-laden follow-up to Spice. Fun and huge. A commercial high.

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10. 10
    The Velvet RopeJanet Jackson

    The Velvet Rope

    Janet Jackson · 1997 · Pop

    An intimate, adventurous record of identity and desire, her most personal. Sleek and acclaimed. A creative high.

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11. 11
    Tragic KingdomNo Doubt

    Tragic Kingdom

    No Doubt · 1995 · Pop

    A ska-pop blockbuster of hooks and attitude, home to 'Don't Speak'. Bright and huge. A 90s staple.

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