The ’90s was a peak decade for grunge, college, and alternative rock. The Seattle music scene was in full swing and britpop and shoegaze influences were revolutionizing rock music across the pond. The polished, over-commercialized hair and glam rock of the ’80s gave way to raw honesty and rebellion. Artists began digging deeper, exploring heavy themes such as identity, societal issues, mental health, and alienation.
This shift in culture and popular music had a huge impact on the decades to follow. The boundaries between genres were considerably weakened, allowing for abundant experimentation and innovation. There were so many unique and influential sounds to spring from this decade, but these ten songs are the best the 1990s alternative scene had to offer.
10
“Californication” (1999) – Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their unique combination of funk, pop, hip-hop, and rock. They are one of the top-selling bands of all time. The group was formed in 1982 in Los Angeles and really hit their stride throughout the ’90s, specifically at the end of the decade with the release of their seventh studio album, Californication. It would quickly prove to be their most successful record.
The title track on the album is one of their most popular releases. It marked a shift in energy for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, from bass-driven and fast-paced to melancholy and contemplative. “Californication” is simple yet haunting, a slow groove punctuated by dark, minimalistic guitar riffs. The lyrics explore the evils of consumerism and materialism in Hollywood, warning listeners about rampant corruption plaguing the area. The accompanying music video lightened the tone considerably, depicting an open world video game featuring each of the band members as players – so very late 1999.
9
“What I Got” (1996) – Sublime
Sublime’s self-titled album, released two months after frontman Bradley Nowell’s tragic, untimely death, is home to both of their biggest hits. “Santeria” and “What I Got” both achieved massive commercial success, pushing the band into the spotlight even though their career was effectively over (for the time being.) “What I Got” is especially interesting, combining different genres and interpolations to create something wholly unique.
The chorus is directly lifted from Jamaican reggae artist Half Pint’s song “Loving,” and the melody is taken directly from “Lady Madonna” by The Beatles. The fusion of cultures and musical styles creates an addictive texture on the track – people couldn’t get enough of it, and it became a mainstream radio hit. The music video is made up of archival home videos from the Nowell family, including heartbreaking clips of Bradley and his young son. It is dedicated to the group’s late singer.
8
“Ode To My Family” (1994) – The Cranberries
Formed in Limerick, Ireland in 1989, The Cranberries quickly became one of the most popular alternative bands of the ’90s. Their music was infused with folk and dream pop, creating a plethora of beautiful, lilting masterpieces. “Ode To My Family” is the second single from their second album, No Need To Argue, their highest-selling record.
This song was written by frontwoman Dolores O’Riordan and guitarist Noel Hagan. The lyrics capture O’Riordan’s nostalgic and relatable yearning for childhood, critiquing the pervasive ambivalence that plagues the world of adults. Her vocals really sell the story – crystal-clear, yearning, and brimming with emotion. The intimate, gentle ballad is a beautiful representation of the band at their most vulnerable and contemplative.
7
“Black Star” (1995) – Radiohead
Radiohead is one of the most innovative and experimental alternative rock bands of all time. They truly changed the face of rock music, broadening the meaning of the word itself. With every album release, they strayed further into the unknown. The Bends is their second studio album and the first time their talent and personality began to truly shine through. The record conjures a haunting musical landscape, combining English and American rock sounds to create something wholly original.
The tenth track on this album is “Black Star,” a melancholic post-punk masterpiece. The lyrics capture the exact moment when a relationship falls apart, and the realization hits: some obstacles are simply insurmountable. The song delves into the emotional hardship and suffocating psychological pain that comes with losing someone you still love. Thom Yorke’s delicate yet intense vocals deliver this message with cut-throat precision.
6
“You Oughta Know” (1995) – Alanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette is the undisputed “Queen of Alt-Rock Angst“, boasting seven Grammy Awards amongst a sea of other well-deserved accolades. The Canadian singer was recently inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her most famous album is Jagged Little Pill, released after her move to Los Angeles. It is one of the best-selling albums of all time, and a celebrated cornerstone of ’90s alternative music.
“You Oughta Know” is the album’s lead single, an unapologetically resentful break-up anthem. The lyrics are scathing and her voice drips with rage and power – it is an incredibly cathartic track, perfect for scream-singing in the car. The identity of the ex whom the lyrics address is unknown and often speculated upon, but the truth really doesn’t matter. The song is powerful and relatable, written by Morissette and for Morissette – not for some loser ex.
5
“Black Hole Sun” (1994) – Soundgarden
An iconic fixture in the Seattle rock scene that denied the music of the ‘90s, the members of Soundgarden were pioneers of grunge music. They helped to popularize the genre worldwide, drawing from the rock music of the ‘70s and making music that was entirely their own. The group evolved from a post-punk band into something more, revolutionizing the genre of alternative rock.
Surreal, haunting, and chillingly nightmarish, “Black Hole Sun” is widely considered to be their signature song. Vocalist Chris Cornell wrote the tune in around fifteen minutes while driving home one day – an unbelievably casual genesis of a stunning and meaningful piece of work. The melancholy anthem criticized American consumerism and investigated the doldrums of suburban life. The music video for “Black Hole Sun” is just as legendary as the song itself, featuring a Stepford-esque neighborhood consumed by (of course) a black hole.
4
“Violet” (1994) – Hole
Hole was heavily influenced by the Los Angeles punk scene. The band was known for their vivid lyrics and feminist messaging, as well as their chaotic and rebellious stage presence. Their visceral storytelling is at its best on the song “Violet” from their 1994 album, Live Through This. While they later become a bit more tame and radio-friendly, “Violet” sees Hole at their most wonderfully unhinged.
This song was written by singer Courtney Love, inspired by her toxic relationship with Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan. Many believe that her marriage to the late Kurt Cobain is also represented on the track. The lyrics delve into themes of female rage, unhealthy power dynamics, revenge, and defiance. Love bellows out the chorus with everything she has, creating a raw, painful experience that is not soon to be forgotten. “Violet” is essential listening when it comes to alternative rock.
3
“Losing My Religion” (1991) – R.E.M.
R.E.M. is one of the first bands to set the tone for ’90s alternative rock. Formed in Georgia in the early ’80s, they did not achieve substantial commercial success for the first decade of their career. The band was a college radio mainstay, set apart by their jangly guitar riffs and Michael Stipe’s unique vocals. In 1991, they released their breakout album, Out of Time, and entered mainstream media. R.E.M. inspired countless notable bands, including Nirvana and the Pixies.
The lead single from the album is “Losing My Religion” – their highest-charting and best-selling song of all time. The song was developed from a mandolin riff by guitarist Peter Buck. It is a vulnerable, folk-infused tour de force, set apart by its lack of a traditional chorus. The lyrics explore the gut-wrenching experience of unrequited love and coming to terms with what will never be. “Losing My Religion” perfectly captures the obsession, anxiety and feeling of invisibility that the unfortunate situation elicits.
2
“Alive” (1991) – Pearl Jam
An institution of the Pacific Northwest alternative music scene, Pearl Jam was and is incredibly influential on the genre. Their music is widely varied, ranging from gentle and moving to hard-hitting and callous. They are deeply entrenched in social activism and political change, often speaking out against and writing about injustice of all kinds. They have been active for over three decades and show no sign of stopping anytime soon.
“Alive” — the third track on Ten, their wildly successful debut album — was written by guitarist and founding band member Stone Gossard. The lyrics were later added by lead singer Eddie Vedder upon joining the band. He wrote about a young man finding out that the guy he thought was his biological father is actually his stepdad. The song is partially autobiographical, as it is an experience that Vedder went through himself. “Alive” features an incredible extended solo by Mike McCready and Vedder’s soaring, anthemic vocals. The classic ‘90s rock sing-along has stood the test of time.
1
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” (1991) – Nirvana
Finally, we have a song by the most iconic and polarizing alternative rock band of all time: Nirvana. Since 1991, they have sold over 75 million albums. The group never intended to be mainstream artists, but their talent and singularity made them undeniable and forced them into the spotlight. Much of their work hinges upon alienation, depression, and isolation – all of which are foundational in alternative music. No one can anti-conform quite like Nirvana did.
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” is the lead single from their 1991 album, Nevermind. The track is influenced by pop music and heavy metal – a combination that sounds impossible on paper, yet is perfectly executed by the capable hands of Nirvana. The verses are calm and soft – until Kurt Cobain lets it rip during the chorus, unleashing his fury upon the eager audience. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is the essential anthem of teenage angst and rebellion.
Leave a Reply