The Best Grunge and Heavy Metal Songs of the ’90s
Contents
The ’90s were a great decade for hard rock and metal music. Here are some of the best grunge and heavy metal songs of the ’90s.
Introduction
The ’90s were an iconic time for hard rock and metal music. As grunge began to take over the American music scene, heavy metal was pushed to the wayside. However, there were still some great metal songs released in the ’90s. Here are some of the best grunge and heavy metal songs of the ’90s.
Alice in Chains – “Would?”
“Would?” is the third single from Alice in Chains’ second studio album, Dirt (1992). The song was released on September 29, 1992, and peaked at number two on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and number eight on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was written by guitarist/vocalist Jerry Cantrell as a tribute to his friend Andrew Wood, the former frontman of the grunge band Mother Love Bone. Wood died of a heroin overdose in 1990. In an interview with Kerrang!, Cantrell said: “That was written about Andrew [Wood], after he had passed away. It was me trying to process my friend being gone. It was also a tribute to him, to his musicianship and what he meant to me. We were all trying to deal with it and process it and move on. And that song is me working out some of those issues.”
Nirvana – “Smells Like Teen Spirit”
Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was released as a single in September 1991 and it was an instant hit. The song, which is about teenage angst and rebellion, resonated with a generation of young people who were tired of the values of the previous decade. It quickly became the anthem of the grunge movement, which was characterized by its DIY ethic and disdain for the mainstream. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” is one of the most iconic songs of the ’90s, and it remains Nirvana’s most popular song.
Pearl Jam – “Jeremy”
“Jeremy” is one of Pearl Jam’s best-known songs, and for good reason – it’s an amazing track. Eddie Vedder’s voice is perfect for the subject matter, and the rest of the band provides a great musical backing. The story itself is based on a real event, which makes it all the more powerful.
Soundgarden – “Black Hole Sun”
Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” was released in 1994 as part of the band’s fifth studio album, Superunknown. The song became one of the most iconic grunge tracks of all time, helping to cement Soundgarden’s place as one of the leading grunge bands of the ’90s. “Black Hole Sun” is a dark, brooding track that deals with themes of loss and despair, making it one of the more introspective and thought-provoking grunge songs of its era.
Stone Temple Pilots – “Interstate Love Song”
From the 1994 album Purple, “Interstate Love Song” was a monster hit for Stone Temple Pilots, and rightfully so. It’s a perfect example of the band’s signature sound, combining laid-back Californian vibes with Maynard James Keenan’s signature snarl. The song is an ode to the simple pleasures of years spent on the road, and it perfectly captures the spirit of ’90s grunge.
Temple of the Dog – “Hunger Strike”
“Hunger Strike” is a song by the American rock band Temple of the Dog. The song was released in April 1992 as the second single from the band’s self-titled debut album. Written by vocalist Chris Cornell and guitarist Stone Gossard, “Hunger Strike” features dueling lead vocals from Cornell and Eddie Vedder, who later rose to fame as the frontman of Pearl Jam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best grunge and heavy metal songs of the ’90s were marked by their diversity, their intensity, and their ability to speak to a generation of young people who were struggling to find their place in the world. While the genre may have faded from the mainstream in recent years, its impact can still be felt in the music of today.
