the 5 most iconic rock albums of the 90s

In the 90sHe rock lived in deep transformation. The bands, the fashion and “these strange new hairstyles“as he sang Charlie García In 1984 they established a new way of seeing, hearing and understanding music.

He broke in Grungeexploded BritpopAlternative rock became massive and bands like nirvana either Radioheadthey started mixing genres with a Freedom that marked a golden age.

It was a decade in which loud guitars, introspective melodies and lyrics coexisted that perfectly captured the cultural climate of a generation of disillusionment approaching the end of the millennium.

They were born in this context slices not just that They sold millionsBut They changed the history of music. Some broke with old patterns, others defined styles and some remain indispensable references even 30 years later. Many artists who are now classics made their final breakthrough during this time.

A Touring the five essential rock albums of the ’90sordered from fifth to first, each with their contribution to a decade that will still ring in the ears of several generations.

Jagged little pill was the album that turned around Alanis Morissette in a global phenomenon. With raw, emotional and direct pop rock, The album influenced an entire generation with songs like “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” and “Hand in My Pocket.” The mix of vulnerability and anger gave him a unique identity within 90s alternative rock.

Its cultural impact has been immediately felt ever since dominated the charts, won awards and became a symbol of rock by women at a time when the mainstream It left almost no room for female guitar voices. With a modern sound and intimate lyrics, it became one of the most influential albums of the decade.

• Year of publication: 1995
• Gender: Pop Rock / Alternative Rock
• Sales: +33 million
• strange fact: Won the Grammy for Album of the Year
• More information: Inspired a Broadway musical in 2018

With Winds Oasis reached the top of the Britpop and defined the British sound of the 90s. “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova” are anthems that still resonate in stadiums, bars, and playlists today. A direct, melodic album full of epic guitars.

Not just this album established the Gallagher brothers worldwide but also marked an aesthetic, an attitude and a style that has been imitated for years. Its combination of simple melodies, expansive guitars and English street spirit made the album a key piece of contemporary British rock.

• Year of publication: 1995
• Gender: Britpop/Alternative Rock
• Sales: +22 million
• strange fact: It is one of the best-selling albums in UK history
• More information: It was recorded in just two weeks at Rockfield Studios

Californication marked the return of John Frusciante and a new stage for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album is more melodic, introspective and emotional, leaving behind some of the raw funk of his early years in favor of a more sophisticated alternative sound. “Scar Tissue,” “Otherside,” and “Californication” made it an instant 90s classic.

The combination of catchy riffs, bass lines with an excellent groove, modern production and lyrics full of introspection made the album one of the most important of the late 90s. It was a worldwide success that revitalized the band’s career and made them the absolute benchmark of alternative rock.

• Year of publication: 1999
• Gender: Alternative rock / funk rock
• Sales: +15 million
• strange fact: His most commercially successful album
• More information: “Scar Tissue” won a Grammy

OK Computer is one of the masterpieces of modern rock. Featuring a mix of atmospheric guitars, subtle electronics and lyrics that addressed the technological malaise leading up to the new millennium, Radiohead created an album that changed the history of alternative rock. “Paranoid Android,” “Karma Police,” and “No Surprises” are pillars of their sound.

Far from the standard rock format, Radiohead have created an experimental yet accessible album that pushes the boundaries of what pop music can be. Its influence is so great that many consider it to be the best album of the ’90s and one of the best of all time.

• Year of publication: 1997
• Gender: Alternative Rock / Art Rock
• Sales: +7.5 million
• strange fact: Voted “best album of the 90s” across the board
• More information: In 2017 they launched OKNOTOK with unreleased material

Nothing defines the ’90s quite like that No matter. With the global impact of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” Nirvana brought grunge from the basement of Seattle to the center of the world mainstream global. The album expressed frustration, vulnerability and anger in direct, intense and emotionally charged songs that were a reflection of what the young society was experiencing before the turn of the millennium.

The hoarse voice of Kurt Cobainthe trio’s raw melodies and explosive energy They turned Nevermind into a cultural icon. More than thirty years later, it remains a symbol of the disaffected teenage spirit and one of the most influential albums in history.

• Year of publication: 1991
• Gender: Grunge/Alternative Rock
• Sales: +30 million
• strange fact: It displaced Michael Jackson’s Dangerous in the US
• More information: Your cover featuring a baby in the pool is one of the most famous of all time