The Ultimate ’90s Grunge Music Playlist
Contents
The best of the best when it comes to ’90s grunge music. From Nirvana to Pearl Jam, this playlist has it all.
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Nirvana was one of the most popular grunge bands of the ’90s. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Nirvana was formed in 1987 by singer-songwriter and guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic. The band’s debut album, Bleach, was released in 1989 on the independent record label Sub Pop. The album’s lead single, “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” became a huge hit, propelling the album to commercial success. Nirvana’s follow-up album, Nevermind (1991), became a global phenomenon, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 chart and spawning the hits “Come as You Are,” “Lithium,” and “In Bloom.” The album cemented Nirvana’s status as one of the biggest rock bands of the ’90s. Nirvana’s final studio album, In Utero (1993), was also a huge success, reaching number one on the Billboard 200 and featuring the singles “Heart-Shaped Box” and “All Apologies.” Tragically, Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994 at the age of 27. Despite his tragic death, Cobain is remembered as one of the most influential musicians of the ’90s grunge movement.
Pearl Jam – “Alive”
Pearl Jam’s debut album, “Ten,” introduced the world to grunge music and the band quickly became one of the biggest names in the genre. “Alive” is one of the most iconic songs from “Ten” and is a must-have on any grunge playlist.
Soundgarden – “Black Hole Sun”
Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” is one of the most iconic grunge songs of all time. The track was released in 1994 as part of the band’s fourth studio album, Superunknown. The song quickly rose to the top of the charts and became one of Soundgarden’s most successful singles. “Black Hole Sun” is a dark, haunting track that perfectly encapsulates the grunge movement of the early ‘90s.
Alice in Chains – “Would?”
Would? by Alice in Chains is the perfect song to start off our grunge music playlist. It’s a heavy, yet mellow song that sets the mood for the rest of the playlist. The lyrics are introspective and thought-provoking, making it the perfect song to get us in the grunge mindset.
Stone Temple Pilots – “Interstate Love Song”
With a sound that blended pop, metal and alternative rock, Stone Temple Pilots became one of the most successful bands of the early ‘90s. “Interstate Love Song” was the second single from their second album, Purple, and it quickly became a radio staple. The song’s popularity helped Purple become one of the best-selling albums of 1994.
Smashing Pumpkins – “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”
The Smashing Pumpkins were one of the most successful alternative rock bands of the 1990s. Formed in Chicago in 1988, the band found success with a number of hit singles, including “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” from their second album, Siamese Dream. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.
Bush – “Glycerine”
Bush comes from London, England, and they formed in 1992. Their first album, Sixteen Stone, was released in 1994 and it included the hit single “Glycerine.” The song is about frontman Gavin Rossdale’s relationship with his then-girlfriend, Nancy Wilson of the band Heart.
Foo Fighters – “Everlong”
Foo Fighters – “Everlong”
Album: The Colour and the Shape (1997)
Foo Fighters’ second album cemented them as one of the biggest grunge bands of the ‘90s. This lead single, “Everlong,” is a perfect example of their signature sound: catchy melodies, driving guitars, and Dave Grohl’s signature growl.
Silverchair – “Tomorrow”
Released in 1994 as the third single from their debut album, Frogstomp, “Tomorrow” was an instant hit for Silverchair. The song introduced the world to the Australian grunge band, and helped launch them into stardom. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the band’s most popular songs.
Weezer – “Say It Ain’t So”
Weezer – “Say It Ain’t So”
Grunge vet Weezer is responsible for some of the genre’s most enduring hits, from “Buddy Holly” to “Undone (The Sweater Song).” But it’s this 1994 ballad, from the band’s sophomore album Pinkerton, that remains their most heartbreaking moment. “Say It Ain’t So” is a soul-crushing tale of addiction and denial, made all the more gut-wrenching by Cuomo’s pleading delivery of lines like, “Had to have another smoke / Try to understand what I mean / Momma’s working overtime / Daddy’s still on cocaine.”
