Articles > Music
Music buff? Here’s a list of the top 10 albums of the 1990’s based on rankings in the “Best of the 90’s” album lists from Pitchfork, Rolling Stone and Slant. Perfect to get you started for the Top Albums Of The Decade (1990s) quiz.
1. Radiohead – OK Computer (Aggregate Rank: 1, Points: 296)
Released in 1997, Radiohead’s OK Computer redefined the boundaries of alternative rock. The album’s complex soundscapes, intricate lyrics, and experimentation with electronic elements elevated the band to iconic status. Tracks like “Paranoid Android,” “No Surprises,” and “Karma Police” explore themes of alienation, technology, and modern life, resonating deeply with listeners.
Produced by Nigel Godrich, the album’s innovative production techniques and emotional depth have earned widespread acclaim. Often regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time, OK Computer not only captured the zeitgeist of the 1990s but also influenced countless artists in its wake.
2. Nirvana – Nevermind (Aggregate Rank: 2, Points: 292)
Nevermind, released in 1991, is the album that brought grunge to the mainstream and made Nirvana household names. Featuring the iconic single “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” the album combines raw emotion with memorable melodies. Other standout tracks like “Come as You Are” and “Lithium” showcase Kurt Cobain’s introspective lyrics and the band’s dynamic sound.
Produced by Butch Vig, the album blends punk rock’s edge with pop sensibilities, resulting in a groundbreaking work that defined a generation. With over 30 million copies sold worldwide, Nevermind remains a cultural landmark and a cornerstone of 1990s music.
3. Nirvana – In Utero (Aggregate Rank: 3, Points: 271)
Nirvana’s 1993 album In Utero was a raw and unfiltered response to their meteoric rise to fame. Produced by Steve Albini, the album’s abrasive sound and introspective lyrics marked a departure from the polished production of Nevermind. Tracks like “Heart-Shaped Box,” “All Apologies,” and “Rape Me” explore themes of identity, fame, and vulnerability.
The album’s stripped-down approach highlights Cobain’s songwriting prowess and the band’s ability to convey raw emotion. In Utero cemented Nirvana’s legacy as one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, offering a poignant glimpse into Cobain’s troubled mind.
4. Beck – Odelay (Aggregate Rank: 4, Points: 270)
Beck’s 1996 album Odelay is a genre-defying masterpiece that fuses folk, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. Tracks like “Where It’s At,” “Devils Haircut,” and “The New Pollution” showcase Beck’s eclectic style and witty lyricism. The Dust Brothers’ production adds layers of sonic texture, creating an album that feels both timeless and groundbreaking.
Odelay received critical acclaim upon its release, earning Grammy Awards and solidifying Beck’s status as one of the decade’s most innovative artists. Its playful yet sophisticated approach continues to resonate with audiences, making it a quintessential album of the 1990s.
5. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless (Aggregate Rank: 5, Points: 251)
Released in 1991, My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless is a landmark in the shoegaze genre. The album’s lush, dreamy soundscapes are built around Kevin Shields’ groundbreaking use of guitar effects and ethereal vocals. Tracks like “Only Shallow” and “Sometimes” envelop listeners in a wall of sound, creating an immersive listening experience.
Despite its challenging production process, Loveless is widely regarded as a masterpiece, influencing countless bands and solidifying My Bloody Valentine’s legacy. Its innovative approach to texture and atmosphere has earned it a place among the greatest albums of all time.
6. Radiohead – The Bends (Aggregate Rank: 6, Points: 246)
Radiohead’s 1995 album The Bends marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. Moving beyond the grunge-influenced sound of their debut, the album showcases a more sophisticated and experimental approach. Tracks like “Fake Plastic Trees,” “High and Dry,” and “Street Spirit (Fade Out)” feature soaring melodies and introspective lyrics.
The Bends explores themes of alienation and vulnerability, resonating deeply with listeners. The album’s critical acclaim paved the way for the band’s future experimentation, establishing Radiohead as one of the most important acts of the 1990s and beyond.
7. The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die (Aggregate Rank: 7, Points: 240)
The Notorious B.I.G.’s debut album, Ready to Die, released in 1994, is a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop. Tracks like “Juicy,” “Big Poppa,” and “Gimme the Loot” showcase Biggie’s storytelling prowess and charismatic delivery. The album explores themes of struggle, success, and mortality, painting a vivid picture of life in Brooklyn.
With its rich production and lyrical depth, Ready to Die earned widespread acclaim and established Biggie as a rap icon. The album’s influence on hip-hop is immeasurable, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest rappers of all time.
8. R.E.M. – Automatic for the People (Aggregate Rank: 8, Points: 236)
R.E.M.’s 1992 album Automatic for the People is a poignant exploration of mortality, loss, and nostalgia. With its introspective lyrics and lush arrangements, the album marked a departure from the band’s earlier, more energetic style. Tracks like “Everybody Hurts,” “Man on the Moon,” and “Nightswimming” have become timeless anthems.
Produced by Scott Litt, the album features a mix of acoustic instrumentation and orchestral elements, creating a rich, emotive sound. Automatic for the People received critical acclaim and commercial success, solidifying R.E.M.’s position as one of the most important bands of the 1990s. Its timeless themes continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
9. The Smashing Pumpkins – Siamese Dream (Aggregate Rank: 9, Points: 235)
Released in 1993, Siamese Dream is The Smashing Pumpkins’ magnum opus, blending elements of alternative rock, shoegaze, and psychedelia. Tracks like “Cherub Rock,” “Today,” and “Disarm” feature Billy Corgan’s introspective lyrics and layered guitar work, showcasing the band’s musical depth.
Produced by Butch Vig, the album’s meticulous production and lush soundscapes set a new standard for 1990s alternative rock. Despite the challenges faced during its creation, Siamese Dream was a critical and commercial success, earning widespread acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Its influence on the decade’s music scene remains profound.
10. Pavement – Slanted and Enchanted (Aggregate Rank: 10, Points: 234)
Pavement’s debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, released in 1992, is a cornerstone of the indie rock movement. With its lo-fi production, unconventional song structures, and witty lyrics, the album exudes a raw, DIY ethos. Tracks like “Summer Babe,” “Trigger Cut,” and “Here” highlight the band’s unique approach to songwriting.
The album’s influence on the indie rock genre is immeasurable, inspiring countless artists with its authenticity and creativity. Slanted and Enchanted established Pavement as one of the most innovative and beloved bands of the 1990s, and its legacy endures as a touchstone of alternative music.
