The 90s was a phenomenal time for Rock albums and bands. Some of the genre's most well-known and influential hard-hitters had their first taste of the spotlight just before the millennium. Many of the best are still going strong today, so let's have a listen to some of the bands that shaped the style at the time.
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Rage Against The Machine - Self-Titled
Rage Against The Machine blew listeners away with their self-titled album debut in November 1992. The band's unique style made their music instantly recognizable, infused with a sprinkle of metal and punk many hadn't heard before.
The band wasn't just a one-album-wonder either and cemented themselves with another banger, Evil Empire, in 1996.
And we can't talk about Rage Against The Machine without mentioning The Matrix. A movie literally about 'raging against the machines.' The movie made many guys realize they didn't look nearly as cool as Keanu Reeves in a trenchcoat. Many fewer would have tried if it wasn't for ROTM's legendary 'Wake Up' blasting at the end of the movie.
Nirvana - Nevermind
Nirvana is widely attributed for popularizing 'alternative rock,' and their 1991 album 'Nevermind' put them on the mainstream map. There are so many incredible songs on the album that it's hard to know where to start, but you can't go wrong with the iconic 'Smells Like Teen Spirit.'
It's a banger, and demands you to risk a noise disturbance complaint as you simply have to turn it up. Even if you don't know the title, 'Territorial Pissings' is another incredible song on the debut album.
I firmly believe we should separate the music from the album cover, but Nevermind has one of the most recognizable artworks. Period. Even if you don't appreciate Nirvana, you at least know 'that album with the baby swimming' on the box! Gamers may also recall that most of the Nevermind album was available in the Guitar Hero series, and you could even play as Kurt Cobain.
Foo Fighters - Self-Titled
Foo Fighters are another band that's survived the test of time, releasing their debut self-titled album in July 1995. Compared to many grittier sounds at the time, Foo Fighters struck a note with lighter, catchy tunes and lyrics listeners could relate to.
Their self-titled album is full of bangers, so much so that it's difficult to pick a bad song. 'Good Grief' is among my favorite Foo Fighters songs. 'This is a Call' is a perfect example of a catchy tune you can immediately start tapping your feet to.
The Foo Fighters have gone from strength to strength since their debut album. I'll always be a stickler for The Color and the Shape from 1997, but you can't go wrong with any of their older collections. The band still tours and even has a pinball machine by Stern based on their music.
Weezer - Self-Titled/The Blue Album
Weezer burst onto the scene with their debut album in May 1994. While it's technically self-titled, everyone calls it 'The Blue Album' thanks to the unmistakable front cover. They were influential in the alternative and emo-rock genres, and 'Say It Ain't So' is an album-seller.
While I'll always adore grunge music, many were starting to tire of it in the mid-90s, and Weezer filled an alternative niche. The funny part is that if you actually pay attention to the lyrics, many of the songs are fairly dour.
Many songs in 'The Blue Album' are surprisingly technical as well, full of clever frills and acoustic guitar parts. The band still tours, and their 2021 album, OK Human, proves that Weezer still has it almost three decades later.
