Most Trending Diva House Songs from the Last 6 Months, updated on Nov 2,2024

Your Favourite Diva House on RadioVideo.Music

  • Music genre “Diva House” is so called because it blends house beats with voices as powerful as those of opera divas.
  • On RadioVideo.Music, 356 songs are tagged “Diva House.” Among them, 141 have over 500,000 views on YouTube, and 116 have over a million.
  • Overall, the 5 most popular tracks are Alex Gaudino‘s “Destination Calabria” (with Crystal Waters), La Bouche‘s “Be My Lover,” Real McCoy‘s “Another Night,” SNAP!‘s “Rhythm Is A Dancer,” and Whigfield‘s “Saturday Night.”
  • The genre is still very much in vogue today. We have selected the 20 tracks that have seen the highest engagement growth over the past 6 months.
  • Here they are below in descending order of growth.

Last updated on Oct 6,2024, updated monthly.

1 . Urban Cookie Collective - The Key The Secret

Produced by Rohan Heath, who also worked with bands like The Shamen, "The Key The Secret" is a 1993 hit by the British group Urban Cookie Collective. With its blend of synths and the voice of Diane Charlemagne, known for her collaborations with Goldie, especially on "Inner City Life," this single remains emblematic of the 90s dance scene.

The music video is directed by Lindy Heymann.

Writer(s) : Vernon Rohan Heath, Davide Rizzatti, Elvio Moratto, Riccardo Persi Publisher(s) : Southern Music Publ Co Ltd
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, hip house

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

62.16% / 2.57%

2 . CeCe Peniston - Keep On Walkin'

Produced by Steve "Silk" Hurley, famous for his work with Madonna and Janet Jackson, "Keep On Walkin'" by CeCe Peniston, released in 1992, is an iconic house song with a contagious groove.

The music video is directed by Millicent Shelton.

Writer(s) : Carrie Kymberly Sims, Marc Williams (US 2), Steven W Hurley Publisher(s) : Sony Music Publishing (Uk) Limited
Genres : Electronic,diva house

Featured on the 1992 album Finally

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : Hip-Hop & Soul N°286 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

30.54% / 0.66%

3 . La Bouche - Sweet Dreams

Produced by Frank Farian, Ulli Brenner, and Gerd Amir Saraf, known for their work with Boney M and Milli Vanilli, "Sweet Dreams" by the German duo La Bouche, formed by Melanie Thornton and Lane McCray, was a major international hit, reaching number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US in 1996. Two music videos were made, one for the European market directed by Nigel Simpkiss and another for the North American market directed by Zack Ove.

The music video is directed by Nigel Simpkiss and Zack Ove.

Writer(s) : Joyner Peter, Dennis Taylor, G A Saraf, Jack C Hill, Robert L Beavers, Mehmet Soenmez, Mehmet Soenmez Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Mc Group, Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Neue Welt Musikverlag Gmbh, Songs Of Logic Verlags Gmbh, Far Musikverlag Gmbh
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno

Featured on the 1994 album Sweet Dreams

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°457 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

29.87% / 0.94%

4 . Steps - One For Sorrow

"One For Sorrow" is a song by the British group Steps, recorded at PWL Studios in Manchester in 1998 and released in August of the same year. It was produced by Karl Twigg, Mark Topham, and Pete Waterman, known for their work with Kylie Minogue. Claire Richards, who provides the lead vocals, received praise for her powerful performance, though it also created tension within the group regarding the distribution of roles. For its US release, "One For Sorrow" was remixed by Tony Moran.

The music video is directed by David Amphlett.

Writer(s) : Mark Topham, Lance Ellington, Karl Twigg Publisher(s) : All Boys Music Ltd
Genres : Pop, Electronic,bubblegum dance, diva house, europop, talent show

Featured on the 1998 album Step One

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Look Ma, No Mike!' N°78 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

29.35% / 2.03%

5 . Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch - Good Vibrations

Featuring a sample from "Love Sensation" by disco singer Loleatta Holloway, "Good Vibrations" by Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch, released in July 1991, was a resounding success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. With multiple remixed versions by influential house producer Todd Terry, the song became a 90s anthem, largely thanks to its infectious energy and the rising popularity of Mark Wahlberg, who later pursued a prominent acting career.

The music video is directed by Scott Kalvert.

Writer(s) : , Amir Shakir, Dan Hartman, Mark Wahlberg, Donald Edmond Wahlberg Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp, Emi Blackwood Music Inc
Genres : hip house, disco, diva house, philly soul, post-disco,hip house, disco, diva house, philly soul, post-disco

Featured on the 1991 album Music for the People

>> Lyrics

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°457 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

25.71% / 1.39%

6 . SNAP! - Rhythm Is A Dancer

Produced by Michael Münzing aka Benito Benites and Luca Anzilotti and recorded in Frankfurt, Germany, "Rhythm Is a Dancer" by Snap!, released in 1992, was a massive global hit, reaching number one in several European countries and number five in the US. The track incorporates house and dance elements, featuring the vocals of Thea Austin, an American singer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition to his work with Snap!, Münzing has used various pseudonyms throughout his career, including Fernando Jose and Gabbana, to produce and mix music in different electronic and dance styles. Thea Austin continued her career by collaborating with various projects, including Soulsearcher, famous for the hit "Can't Get Enough".

The music video is directed by Howard Greenhalgh.

Writer(s) : A J Hans de Jong, Glenn S Beense Publisher(s) : First Class Music Nl
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno, hip house

Featured on the 1996 album The Madman's Return

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°186 - Vintage 2000s Music Videos

24.85% / 1.21%

7 . Snap! - Rame [Beloved] (w/ Rukmani)

Featuring Indian singer Rukmani (aka Neela Ravindra) and blending elements of trance, downtempo, and eurohouse with ethnic influences, "Rame (Beloved)" is a single by Snap! released in 1996.

The music video is directed by Angel.

Writer(s) : John Virgo Garrett III, Benito Benites Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Mc Group, Hanseatic Musikverlag Gmbh
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno, hip house,

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°368 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

24.24% / 1.53%

8 . Incognito - Always There (w/ Jocelyn Brown)

"Always There" by Incognito featuring Jocelyn Brown, a renowned singer known for her collaborations with dance and soul artists like Masters at Work and Todd Terry, was released in 1991. Recorded in London studios, the track was produced by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, leader of Incognito, and gained international recognition for its fusion of jazz-funk and acid jazz.

The music video is directed by James Hyman.

Writer(s) : William Fulto N Jeffries, Ronald W Laws, Paul B Allen III Publisher(s) : At Home Music
Genres : Jazz, R&B, Electronic,acid jazz, brit funk, modern funk, diva house, post-disco, vocal house

Featured on the 1991 album Inside Life

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : Hip-Hop & Soul N°280 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

24.06% / 1.14%

9 . La Bouche - Be My Lover

Produced by Frank Farian, known for his work with Boney M and Milli Vanilli, Ulli Brenner, and Gerd Amir Saraf, "Be My Lover" by La Bouche, released in 1995, is a standout track from the eurodance duo composed of Melanie Thornton and Lane McCray. Recorded in Germany, "Be My Lover" quickly climbed the charts, reaching number one in several European countries and number six in the US on the Billboard Hot 100. The song inspired modern versions, such as the one by Dutch deep house DJ Sam Feldt featuring Alexandra Stan in 2017.

The music video is directed by Andras Mahr.

Writer(s) : , G A Saraf, G A Saraf Publisher(s) : Warner Chappell Mc Group, Neue Welt Musikverlag Gmbh, Edition Beam, Far Musikverlag Gmbh, Sony Atv Music Publishing Llc
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno

Featured on the 1995 album Sweet Dreams

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°211 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

20.39% / 1.13%

10 . Cappella - U Got 2 Let The Music

Produced by Gianfranco Bortolotti, "U Got 2 Let the Music" is a single by the Italian house music group Cappella, released in 1993. Recorded in Italy, the track is a quintessential example of the 90s eurodance scene.

Writer(s) : Cameron Pryde David Al An, Hartwig Schierbaum, Christopher Ohare, Gianfranco Bortolotti (IT), Roberto Arduini (IT 1), Antonio Puntillo, Pierangelo Feroldi, Graham Mark Compton, Mauro Aventino, Mauro Picotto, Steven Zucchini, John Paul Cundall, Marco Baroni (GB), Alessandro Neri (GB), Bernd Goessling, Frank Sorgatz, Marco Baroni (GB), Alessandro Neri (GB), Bernd Goessling, Frank Sorgatz Publisher(s) : Many Ediz Mus Srl, Mhara Record Edizioni Musicali
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, hip house

Featured on the 1993 album U Got 2 Know

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°261 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

19.60% / 1.38%

11 . Lonnie Gordon - Happenin' All Over Again

Propelled by the powerful and energetic voice of Lonnie Gordon, a singer from Philadelphia, "Happenin' All Over Again" is a 1990 single produced by the famous trio Stock Aitken & Waterman. Recorded in London, the track combines the Euro-pop sound of SAW with the Italo house, which was then popular in the UK charts. Notable for its varied mixes, including hip house and Italiano house versions, the song also saw a remixed version in 1993, which topped the US Dance Club Play chart.

Writer(s) : Pete Waterman, Matt Aitken, Mike Stock Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Mike Stock Publishing Limited
Genres : Electronic,diva house

Featured on the 1990 album If I Have To Stand Alone

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : Hip-Hop & Soul N°125 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

19.52% / 1.22%

12 . Bizarre Inc - Playing with Knives

A high-energy dance track released in 1991 by British electronic trio Bizarre Inc, composed of DJs Dean Meredith, Andrew Meecham, and Carl Turner. Known for its infectious rhythm and rave-ready beats, "Playing with Knives" quickly became a club anthem, with its iconic "Quadrant Mix" leading the charge. Peaking at number 4 on the UK charts, the song has been remixed and sampled multiple times, cementing its status in the electronic dance scene.

Writer(s) : Carl David Turner, Dean John Meredith, Andrew John Meecham Publisher(s) : Vinyl Schnozza Ltd
Genres : Electronic, Pop,classic house, diva house, hardcore techno, hip house

Featured on the 1992 album Energique

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°143 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

18.54% / 1.87%

13 . Cathy Dennis - Touch Me [All Night Long]

"Touch Me (All Night Long)" is a single by Cathy Dennis released in 1990. Produced by Cathy Dennis and Dancin' Danny D, this track is a cover of the 1984 song by the group Wish featuring singer Fonda Rae. Recorded in London, Dennis's version reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US and was a hit in several other countries.

The music video is directed by Rocky Morton and Annabel Jankel.

Writer(s) : , Cathy Dennis Publisher(s) : Unknown Publisher, Toxic Songs Ltd
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, new wave pop

Featured on the 1990 album Move to This

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'L'Amour Toujours' N°168 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

16.13% / 1.21%

14 . SNAP! - Ooops Up

Produced by Michael Münzing and Luca Anzilotti, recorded in Germany, and released in 1990, "Ooops Up" samples "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oops!)" by The Gap Band. This track by Snap!, already famous for "The Power," is notable for its blend of Turbo B's rap and Penny Ford's singing, who joined Snap! after Jackie Harris's departure, as well as for its humorous lyrics.

The music video is directed by Liam Kan.

Writer(s) : John Virgo Garrett III, Ronnie James Wilson, Benito Benites, Robert Lynn Wilson, Charles Kent Wilson, Lonnie Simmons, Rudolph Taylor Publisher(s) : Hanseatic Musikverlag Gmbh
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno, hip house

Featured on the 1990 album World Power

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°187 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

15.30% / 1.15%

15 . Captain Hollywood Project - Only With You

Released in December 1992, "Only With You" by Captain Hollywood Project fuses techno beats with romantic, melancholic lyrics. Featuring alternating rap verses by Tony Dawson-Harrison (Captain Hollywood) and soaring vocals by Nina Gerhard, the track balances heartfelt emotion with the fast-paced rhythm of Eurodance. Produced by Cyborg, the song became a European hit, following the success of their previous single "More and More." Its mix of romantic melancholy with energetic beats defines the project’s signature sound.

The music video is directed by .

Writer(s) : Frank Schlingloff, Dietmar Stehle, Michael Eisele, Oliver Reinecke, Giora Schein Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publ International Mgb Ltd, Hanseatic Musikverlag Gmbh, Neue Welt Musikverlag Gmbh, Warner Chappell Inc, Abfarht Publishing Edition, Sounds Of Cyborg Edition, Daam Edition
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, german techno, hip house

Featured on the 1993 album Love Is Not Sex

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°356 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

15.15% / 1.05%

16 . Whigfield - Sexy Eyes

Whigfield, the Danish-Italian pop sensation, follows up her global hit "Saturday Night" with "Sexy Eyes," released in March 1996. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Porto Venere, Italy, the music video showcases Whigfield dancing through the streets and charming local sailors. With playful and repetitive lyrics like "Ooh ooh aah aah sexy eyes, I'm gonna take you to paradise," the song captures the carefree and fun vibe of ‘90s Euro-pop, becoming a staple on international dance floors.

The music video is directed by Giacomo De Simone.

Writer(s) : Alfredo Pignagnoli, Davide Riva Publisher(s) : Energy Production Ediz Mus Srl, Bmg Rights Management Italy Sr
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, europop

Featured on the 1995 album Whigfield

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°473 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

15.06% / 1.17%

17 . Whigfield - Close To You

Recorded in Italy, produced by Larry Pignagnoli and Davide Riva, and released in 1995, "Close to You" is a single by Whigfield, whose real name is Sannie Carlson, a Danish singer best known for her international hit "Saturday Night" in 1994.

Writer(s) : , Alfredo Pignagnoli, Davide Riva (IT 1), Alfredo Pignagnoli, Davide Riva (IT 1) Publisher(s) : Energy Production Ediz Mus Srl, Off Limits Ed Mus Di Pignagnoli Alfredo
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, europop

Featured on the 1994 album Whigfield

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'L'Amour Toujours' N°421 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

14.99% / 1.26%

18 . Alex Party - Wrap Me Up

Produced by Paolo and Gianni Visnadi, collectively known as the Visnadi brothers, "Wrap Me Up" is a single by Alex Party, an electronic music project also known for "Don't Give Me Your Life" and formed by the two brothers, DJ Alex Natale, and British singer Shanie Campbell. Recorded in Italy, this track released in 1995 is an example of the 90s eurodance scene.

Writer(s) : Neal Conway, Crystal Waters, Thomas de Quincey, Thomas de Quincey Publisher(s) : M C A Music Ltdfalse
Genres : Electronic, Pop,diva house, eurodance, hip house, italo house

Featured on the 1995 album Alex Party

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°94 - Vintage 90s Videos

14.68% / 1.64%

19 . D_Mob - C'Mon And Get My Love

Recorded in London, "C'Mon and Get My Love" is a single by D Mob featuring Cathy Dennis, released in 1989. Produced by D Mob, also known as Dancin' Danny D or Danny Poku, this track was an international hit, reaching the top 10 in the UK and the top 20 in the US. Highlighting D Mob's crucial role in introducing and popularizing house music to the mainstream, "C'Mon and Get My Love" is notable for its fusion of house and pop and Cathy Dennis's catchy vocals.

The music video is directed by Marek Budzynski.

Writer(s) : Paolo Visnadi, Ruth Campbell, Alex Natale
Genres : hip house, diva house, new wave pop,hip house, diva house, new wave pop

Featured on the 1989 album a Little Bit of That

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'L'Amour Toujours' N°441 - Vintage 80s Music Videos

14.01% / 1.54%

20 . Crystal Waters - Gypsy Woman [She's Homeless]

Recorded in Baltimore and notable for its catchy chorus "La da dee, la da da," "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" is a single by Crystal Waters released in 1991. Produced by The Basement Boys, a renowned American house music production team also responsible for launching Ultra Nate's career, this track became an international hit, reaching the top 10 in several countries.

The music video is directed by Mark Pellington.

Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing (Nv), De Clip, Basement Boys Music Inc
Genres : Electronic,diva house

Featured on the 1991 album Surprise

>> Lyrics >> More by the same : Website

Featured on : 'Music For The Dancers' N°203 - Vintage 90s Music Videos

13.75% / 1.17%

ABOUT DIVA HOUSE

Diva House: A bit of history

Born from the electric nights of New York and Chicago in the 90s, Diva House draws on the raw emotion of gospel and the irresistible groove of disco to create a unique musical experience that makes the dance floors vibrate.

In the 90s, these two cities were hubs of musical innovation, where clubs gave birth to this distinctive style. Whether it was the Paradise Garage (New York) under the direction of legendary DJ Larry Levan, or The Warehouse (Chicago) known as the birthplace of house music under the “godfather” Frankie Knuckles, not to mention The Sound Factory or The Limelight (both New York), housed in a former Episcopal church.

It is also important to note that gay clubs made a significant contribution to the birth of the genre. From New York with The Saint or Club 57 located in the East Village, to London with Heaven, one of the beacons of European Diva House.

The Diva House Sound: Composition and Production

Deeply influenced by the disco movement of the 1970s and the pioneering Chicago house scene, Diva House compositions are driven by infectious basslines, uplifting melodies, and rich piano chords. Central to this genre are commanding, often female, vocals inspired by gospel and soul traditions. Lyrically, the focus is on themes of love, freedom, and celebration, with words kept simple—sometimes even minimalist—to allow the music’s energy to shine through.

In the studio, synthesizers are the cornerstone of Diva House production, crafting the lush basslines and sustained chords that define the sound. Compression plays a crucial role in highlighting the power of the vocals, balancing the dynamics between quiet verses and more intense, climactic moments.

Sidechain compression is a signature technique used to ensure the kick drum remains prominent in the mix, while other elements like synthesizers and vocals are smoothly tucked in the background. Effects such as reverb and delay are generously applied to the vocals and instruments, creating a spacious, atmospheric soundscape that amplifies the emotional resonance of the vocals..

Much like the legendary producers David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Hex Hector, and Junior Vasquez, Diva House producers frequently incorporate vocal samples, applying pitch-shifting or time-stretching effects to give the voice new textures and dimensions.

Their essential equipment includes most of the time:

  • Roland TR-909, a classic drum machine that has defined the rhythm of countless house tracks.
  • Famous for its lush piano sounds and harmonic richness, the Korg M1 is a staple in Diva House productions.
  • Akai MPC Series, a sampler and sequencer, widely used to manage vocal samples and beats.
  • known for its crisp basslines and signature leads, the Yamaha DX7 adds sharpness and depth.
  • Primarily associated with acid house, the Roland TB-303 has also been employed for creating distinctive basslines.
  • Pioneer DJM-900NXS2, a mixer renowned for its superior sound quality and live effect control.
  • A powerful DAW, Ableton Live is favored for its real-time effects manipulation and sample-handling capabilities.

Diva House : 10 Record Labels

The following labels are known for producing artists associated with the Diva house genre:

Nervous Records: A pivotal label in the house music scene, including Diva house
MAW Records: Founded by Masters At Work, this label has been influential
Defected Records: Continues to be a major player in house music, including Diva house
Glitterbox: A Defected sub-label focusing on classic and contemporary Diva house
Azuli Records: Specializes in house music, including many tracks that fit into the Diva house genre
Soulfuric Recordings: Known for soulful house, which includes Diva house releases
King Street Sounds: A label that has produced a range of house music including Diva house
Peppermint Jam: A German label with a strong catalog of house music
Tribe Records: Focuses on house music with deep and soulful elements.

ADJACENT GENRES

  • eurodance
  • vocal house
  • classic house
  • deep house
  • disco house
  • bubblegum dance
  • sophisti-pop
  • talent show
  • speed garage
  • tribal house
  • chicago house
  • detroit house

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