Harpsichord in Pop and R&B

The harpsichord, an instrument traditionally associated with classical music, found a surprising niche in the world of 90s R&B. Known for its distinct, sharp, and plucky sound, the harpsichord added a baroque elegance to many R&B tracks during this era, blending seamlessly with smooth vocals and laid-back beats.

One standout example of the harpsichord’s influence in R&B is Bills, Bills, Bills by Destiny’s Child. The track’s iconic opening riff is driven by the harpsichord, setting the tone for its message about independence and self-respect. Similarly, TLC‘s No Scrubs features subtle harpsichord elements that give the song its rich, melodic texture while still keeping the focus on the empowering lyrics.

Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins was one producer who couldn’t resist a harpsichord intro. Its use in the genre was emblematic of the creative experimentation that defined much of the R&B scene in the 90s.

Songs With a Harpsichord

• Back to Your Heart – Backstreet Boys
• Scared of Lonely – Beyoncé
• Boy Bye – Chlöe
• Bills, Bills, Bills – Destiny’s Child
• Say My Name – Destiny’s Child
• Time to Party – Craig David
• I Bet – Ciara
• I Bow Out – Whitney Houston
• U Got It Bad – Usher
• How Much (feat. Usher) – Mariah Carey, Usher
• X-Girlfriend – Mariah Carey
• Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
• We Belong Together – Mariah Carey
• Call Me – Jamelia
• If You Had My Love – Jennifer Lopez
• That’s The Way – Jennifer Lopez
• I Never – Jessica Simpson
• Holler – Spice Girls
• Tell Me Why – Spice Girls
• There You Go – P!nk
• No Scrubs – TLC
• He Wasn’t Man Enough – Toni Braxton
• Angel of Mine – Monica
• Love Thang – Michelle Williams

Spotify playlist:

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