The Best of 1990s Grunge Music

A list of the best grunge albums of the 1990s. If you were a fan of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, or Soundgarden, then you’ll love these albums!

Nirvana- In Bloom

Nirvana was one of the most popular grunge bands of the early 1990s. “In Bloom” is a song by the American rock band Nirvana. It is the opening track and fourth single from the band’s second album, Nevermind (1991), released on September 24, 1991. The song was written by Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl. The song’s themes include marriage, domestic abuse, and child abuse.

Pearl Jam- Even Flow

“Even Flow” is a song by the American rock band Pearl Jam. It is the second single from the band’s debut album, Ten. The song peaked at number three on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance in 1993.

Alice in Chains- Down in a Hole

Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist/singer Jerry Cantrell and drummer Sean Kinney, who later recruited bassist Mike Starr and singer Layne Staley. The band’s initial lineup was rounded out by guitarist Johnny Bacolas and singer-guitarist Craig Inouye. Whereas many grunge bands were signed to independent record labels, Alice in Chains was one of the first to be signed to a major label (Columbia Records) as part of Sony Music Entertainment’s deal with grunge music at the time.

The band released its debut album Facelift in 1990. The album reached number 18 on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The singles “We Die Young”, “Man in the Box” and “Sea of Sorrow” were also successful, all reaching the top 20 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Sap, the band’s second studio album, was even more successful than Facelift; it debuted at number seven on the Billboard 200 chart and went on to be certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA. The singles “Would?”, “Them Bones”, and “Angry Chair” were all successful, each reaching the top five on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. In 1992, Alice in Chains appeared as themselves in Cameron Crowe’s film Singles; Staley took part in making a cameo appearance.

After checking himself into rehabilitation for heroin addiction in late 1993, Staley did not participate in any public appearances with Alice in Chains until 1996 when he performed with the band for their MTV Unplugged episode which aired on January 1, 1996; it was later released as an album and became one of their most critically acclaimed works. In June 1996, Starr left Alice in Chains due to creative differences; he was replaced by Mike Inez.

The band’s fourth studio album, Black Gives Way to Blue (2009), debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart and was certified gold by the RIAA; it sold 135,000 copies in its first week of release. It spawned two successful singles: “Check My Brain”, which peaked at number two on Billboard’s Alternative Songs chart and number 12 on its Hot 100 chart; and “Your Decision”, which peaked at number six on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. Despite this success, Cantrell left rehabilitation early due to disagreements with Staley over his drug use. Bacolas soon quit as well due disagreements over Cantrell’s return before being replaced by William DuVall 17 months later just before recording began for their next album thus completing what would become their final lineup change prior to their dissolution nine years later due largely to Staley’s heroin addiction which eventually claimed his life five years after his exit from rehab once again leaving behind a vacancy that would ultimately never be filled although Duvall remained a staple member throughout what little touring remained during this period until finally going their separate ways shortly after playing their final show ever as a group atDamaged Justice Fest 2014 reflecting upon what once was considered one of Seattle Grunge music history’s most important pillars during a time when such sounds ruled supreme long before fading away almost as quickly as they had initially ascended returning things back much closer towards how they had been pre-grunge explosion minus all of its defining characteristics that had made it so special§

Soundgarden- Black Hole Sun

Soundgarden was one of the most successful grunge bands of the 1990s. The band’s third studio album, Superunknown, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was certified five times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). “Black Hole Sun”, the fourth single from Superunknown, won a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance.

Stone Temple Pilots- Interstate Love Song

Stone Temple Pilots, one of the most commercially successful grunge bands of the ’90s, formed in San Diego in 1989. The band’s debut album, Core, was released in 1992 and went double platinum. The album’s second single, “Interstate Love Song,” became a huge hit, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Stone Temple Pilots continued to have success throughout the ’90s with hits like “Sex Type Thing,” “Vasoline,” and “Creep.”