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My Top 11 Albums From The 90's (This was going to be a top 10, but I couldn't leave one off my List)
- Jennifer Shlomovich
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
The older I get, the more nostalgia I feel for the 90s. There was a lot of great music during that decade. Let's not forget the fun fashion trends and AOL. The internet was starting to become mainstream around the middle part of the decade. Social media wasn't a thing.
My childhood had a lot of stressors in it. What helped me get through it all was music. Especially in high school. I was wither listening to the radio or watching MTV and VH1 (back when they played music). Alternative music especially grounded me. When R.E.M.'s album Monster came out in 1994, I especially took notice of them. Before Monster came out, I knew songs of theirs like "Losing My Religion" and "Every Body Hurts", but the band didn't catch my attention then. I was drawn to lead singer, Michael Stipe's energy. The attitude in Monster called to a deep part of me. I was obsessed! Craving more R.E.M. I then went on a journey that explored all their music to the beginning. I appreciated something about all their albums. Michael Stipe's voice and lyrics have always soothed something in my soul that needed soothing. It is hard to put into words.
There were other bands I loved and appreciated in the 90s as well. I thought it would be fun for today's blog post to put together a list of my top 11 albums from the 90s (this was originally going to be top 10, but I couldn't leave one off). There are more albums that were great from back then, but these are my core favorites. Other bands and musicians I listened to in the 90s (and some I still do listen to) include Green Day, Rancid, Kula Shaker, Space Hog, U2, Bush, No Doubt, Enigma, The Flaming Lips, Toad The Wet Sprocket, Alanis Morrisette, Foo Fighters, and Silverchair. I know there are more I am forgetting.
Are any of these on your list?
"Monster" - R.E.M.
"Out Of Time" and "Automatic For The People" are also fantastic albums in the 90s by R.E.M. "Monster" was the gateway album to their other music. I also appreciate their music on 1996's "New Adventures In Hi-Fi" and 1998's "Up". "Monster" had the hits "What's The Frequency Kenneth", "Bang and Blame" and "Strange Currencies".
"Throwing Copper" - Live
Live was my 2nd favorite band of the 90s. I discovered them in 1994 after "Throwing Copper" came out. This album is a classic, with bit hits "Selling The Drama, "I Alone" and "Lightening Crashes". They had one other album prior to "Throwing Copper' that came out in 1991 that was titled "Mental Jewelry". I didn't know about them then. (In 1991 I was obsessed with New Kids On The Block.) Their other albums 1997's "Secret Samahdi" and 1999's "The Distance To Here" have great music. There is something special about "Throwing Copper" and it was my gateway to their music.
"The Bends" - Radiohead
The first song I heard by Radio Head was their first big hit "Creep" from their 1993 album "Pablo Honey". I never could get into the rest of that album. When the album "The Bends" came out in 1995 with songs like "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Street Spirit (Fade Out", I had to get the album. It's such a solid peace of work! 1997's "OK Computer " is also a favorite of mine but "The Bends" has a special connection for me.
"August And Everything After" - The Counting Crows
This 1993 album that put the song "Mr. Jones" on the map is still one of my favorite 90s albums. Every song is good. 1996's "Recovering The Satellites" has some good music on it too, but there is something about "August And Everything After " that connects to my soul.
"Weezer Blue Album" - Weezer
This 1994 album with it's hits like "Buddy Holly and "Undone (The Sweater Song)" brings back all types of memories from high school. Their 1996 album "Pinkerton" is also a great 90s album, but their "Blue Album" will always have a special place in my heart.
"Spiders" - Space
This 1996 album is a fun listen. I used to play it on repeat in my car on cassette. It's still fun to listen to with it's popular hit "The Female Of The Species" and other great tunes.
"Return Of The Rentals" - The Rentals
The Rentals is a project lead by Matt Sharp who was a founding member of Weezer. "Return Of The Rentals" from 1995 is such a fun album. It's most memorable hit "Friends Of P" isn't the only great tune. The whole album has gotten me through homework assignments, car trips, and cleaning.
"No Need To Argue"- The Cranberries
1994's "No Need To Argue" gave us great hits like "Ode To My Family" and "Zombie". Their 1993 album "Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We" and 1996s "To The Faithful Departed" have some great songs too. "No Need To Argue" holds a special place in my heart. My mom would listen to this one with me. She even won us tickets off the radio to see them in concert when they were on tour in support of the album.
"Celebrity Skin"-Hole
This 1998 album was also a big staple for me while navigating challenging moments in life. The songs "Celebrity Skin" and "Malibu" are fun to sign along to. I love every song on this album and still find it comforting.
"Tubthumper" - Chumbawumba
This 1997 album has the famous hit "Tubthumping" on it. The whole album is great. A boyfriend I had at the time got me into it. That situation only lasted a few months, but the album is still a favorite of mine.
"Darkest Days" - Stabbing Westward (The one I couldn't leave off)
This 1997 album was also played on repeat in my car. It has gotten me through some tough periods in my life. I still put it on when I am feeling unprocessed anger.
What are your favorite albums from 90s? Where any of these on your list? Let me know in the comments.
Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.
Wow, Jennifer. I feel as if I had not listen to any music in the '90s. I recognized hardly any of the bands you mentioned except U2 and Alanis Morrisette.