The riot grrrl movement gave birth to Rose Melberg and pre-Sleater-Kinney Corin Tucker – two rock acts that approached music from female perspectives – but it would be wrong to overemphasise their significance.
After Nirvana became famous, many alternative-style bands secured major label contracts and broke onto Top 40 radio. This created an uproarious sign-frenzy that yielded some insignificant musical hits along with disillusionment from radio listeners.
Interstate Love Song
When it came to alternative music, the 1990s was one of the most transformative eras ever. This decade saw the birth of various genres such as punk, grunge and ska. Bands could express themselves freely as bands felt liberated to experiment freely with various sounds from punk through grunge to ska and more. Although alternative music had already been around for several decades prior to this decade’s notable surge: during this era most alternative bands decided not to sign with major record labels due to musical or political reasons and instead experimented freely resulting indie rock genre.
The 1990s witnessed the rise of several iconic rock bands, such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam. Of their many great hits during that decade, Pearl Jam’s 1994 single Interstate Love Song stood out as an anthem for anyone feeling lost or alone in life; with emotive lyrics and an unforgettable guitar riff it remains one of the best alternative songs from that decade.
Glycerine by British band Bush was another alternative hit from the ’90s that remains popular today. The song showcases alternative indie music by blending funk, power pop and rock influences – creating a memorable tune which remains timeless today.
Cannonball by Local H is an energetic road trip song, perfect for driving down highways with your top down and windows down. The powerful chorus will have you singing along. Listening to Cannonball on an open highway road trip makes for an enjoyable listening experience!
This song should be included on every alternative music fan’s playlist. The acoustic version is more emotive and heartfelt while its live counterpart offers greater energy and intensity; both versions also include piano accompaniment; however, with the former featuring more of an emotive piano sound while its counterpart features heavy metal tones.
This album showcases alternative classics from the ’90s, including songs by Faith No More, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Kula Shaker, Eels and R.E.M. It was originally released in 1994 and features demos, early versions, acoustic renditions of album tracks and live recordings from multiple concert appearances; its twoLP release comes on translucent magenta vinyl with an insert.
Glycerine
Chemists sometimes discover compounds that solve one or two pressing problems, while at other times they come up with something with multiple applications – Glycerine is one such discovery, an organic sugar alcohol with various uses and properties. Food grade silicone dioxide can be found in canned soup, energy bars and cake icings to maintain their moistness and texture. Furthermore, pharmaceutical and medical applications make use of its lubricating, smoothing and moisture binding properties to provide pharmaceutical treatments with improved moisture-binding capabilities. Pure glycerol is an effective skin remedy, ideal for use on cuts, scrapes, burns and rashes; and can even help eliminate halitosis! Additionally, antifreeze formulations commonly contain pure glycerol; Bush’s song on alternative radio from 1994 is still beloved today.
Loser
As rock music became more widespread during the ’90s, so too did alternative music. Genres such as grunge and Britpop became mainstream hits while bands that would not have made the Top 40 were now being classified as alternative by major record labels – giving rise to festivals like Lollapalooza and Lilith Fair while giving rise to bands with unique and often quirky sounds.
Nirvana and Pearl Jam achieved unprecedented popularity during this era, while many lesser-known acts also found success within the alternative scene. These lesser-known bands typically appeared on small independent labels and took influence from an eclectic range of sources when creating their music; many didn’t conform strictly to what was considered “alternative”, giving them more leeway to express themselves freely through song.
Loser by American band The Breeders blends alt-rock, folk music, and even some ska music into an inextricable sound that defies categorization – producing one of the catchiest and relatable alternative songs from 1992. Loser chronicles an individual’s battle against addiction while celebrating individual resilience against obstacles; its message remains as relevant today as it did then.
Another standout alternative song from the 1990s is Paranoid Android by Radiohead. Lauded for its musical complexity and lyrics which provide insight into depression, Thom Yorke’s haunting vocals create an atmosphere which is both chilling and inviting – creating an alternative song that will remain with listeners for years to come.
These 10 alternative songs from the 90s represent some of the finest alternative rock of that decade and should be celebrated. Remembering how influential alternative rock was on other genres of music makes this more than appropriate! So it is imperative we recognize and celebrate these artists for their incredible efforts!
Lose Yourself
Contrasting with its parallel existence in the ’70s and ’80s, alternative rock became more integrated during the 1990s. Grunge and Britpop coexisted alongside mainstream songs to form a broad umbrella under which alternative indie rock could flourish.
This made categorization and differentiation simpler compared to previous decades when subgenres such as post-grunge and Britpop dominated the alternative scene. While labels can be helpful at times, they should never define bands or songs – for instance using words like “alternative” is too broad a term and should only be applied sparingly.
The 90s gave us some iconic alternative songs we still listen to today, many of them timeless classics that remain popular today. Here are some of the most iconic 90s alternative songs you should add to your playlist:
Eminem’s Lose Yourself was featured in the award-winning movie 8 Mile and serves as an emotive and powerful song about addiction and adversity, inspiring listeners not to give up their dreams no matter how difficult they may appear to be. A must-listen for alternative music fans!
R.E.M’s 1994 song is an evergreen classic and alternative 90s tune that continues to resonate today. With its catchy chorus and powerful words, this timeless tune serves as a poignant reminder of how powerful having a voice and standing up for what matters can be.
Flagpole Sitta is an instantly classic alt-rock track, sure to please any music enthusiast. Boasting heavy guitars and provocative lyrics about anxiety and alienation, Flagpole Sitta stands as proof that just two simple instruments – guitar and drums – can create something so enduring that it will stay with listeners forever.
With its driving drums and emotive lyrics, this alternative fan must listen to this track! Covered by several artists over time, its legacy will live on for years to come.