Top 10 Best Albums of the '90s

The 1990s were a transformative decade for music, marked by a wide array of genres coming to the forefront of popular culture. This era witnessed the rise of grunge, hip-hop, alternative rock, and electronic music, setting the stage for some of the most iconic albums in music history. Albums like Nirvana's "Nevermind" and Radiohead's "OK Computer" not only defined the sound of the '90s but also left a lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture.

From the raw energy and angst of grunge bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam to the intricate soundscapes created by Radiohead, each album on this list offers a unique glimpse into the musical zeitgeist of the 1990s. Whether you're a fan of the rebellious spirit of punk rock, the soulful depths of hip-hop, or the melodic harmonies of pop, the '90s have something to offer for every music enthusiast.
The Top Ten
1 Nevermind - Nirvana
2 Ok Computer - Radiohead

Ok Computer is such an amazing album. I personally like it more than Nevermind (although I don't disagree with it being second to Nevermind), but that comes down to personal taste. I've always agreed with the idea that Ok Computer is the 'Dark Side of the Moon' of the '90s.

Nevermind deserves a spot on the list, but definitely not the #1 position. OK Computer was light years ahead of anything else in the '90s. The music was so progressive that it still sounds recent after 20 years. There is a reason why Radiohead continues to play large venues and sell out shows to this day. They are amazing.

3 Ten - Pearl Jam

Honestly, every track beats Nevermind. Both are incredible. Ten is a legend.

Hands down the best and most influential album of the decade.

This album is better than Nevermind. It's way overshadowed.

4 Metallica (The Black Album) - Metallica
5 Dookie - Green Day

Influential for all of punk, so fun to listen to. It doesn't feel as serious as many albums, which adds to the replayability. 'Basket Case', 'Longview', 'When I Come Around', 'She', 'Having a Blast' are just great jams!

Simply amazing. I don't think it's better than Nevermind or Jagged Little Pill for that matter, but I have to help get it closer to the top 10! 18 is an injustice!

My favorite album of all time! Loaded with great songs like Basket Case, Longview, When I Come Around, Welcome to Paradise, and She.

6 In the Aeroplane Over the Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel

This album proved that you don't need a lot of money to make a great album.

7 (What's the Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis
8 In Utero - Nirvana

This and OK Computer should be way higher. Masterpieces.

9 Dirt - Alice in Chains

This album is much more than a grunge album. Layne's voice, attitude, and lyrics penetrate right into the heart, along with Jerry's amazing guitar creativity and songwriting on the other tracks. The harmonies they do together are out of this world! And we can't forget about Mike's awesome bass tone and basslines, and of course, Sean's drumming, which is so iconic to me.

How is this album not already on this list?! Every song on Dirt is a masterpiece. This album created grunge along with Nevermind. It is perfect.

10 Blood Sugar Sex Magik - Red Hot Chili Peppers

Classic Chili Peppers album, or the quintessential Chili Peppers album. I love it. I'm glad it's in the top 10.

This is my favourite album of all time. I'm guessing this list is based on the influence it had. BSSM should definitely be top 5, possibly top 3.

This album defined a whole new genre. It's a masterpiece!

The Contenders
11 Superunknown - Soundgarden
12 Rust In Peace - Megadeth
13 Pinkerton - Weezer

I have never seen an album as glorious of a cry of pain and despair as Pinkerton. This album wasn't well received when it came out, but it has aged very well. It's a timeless record that can evoke catharsis out of the hardest individuals. It is truly magnificent in its simplicity, and that's the beauty of it.

Weezer is kinda a joke now but during the '90s, they were simply amazing and this is by far their best work. Raw emotion.

14 Automatic for the People - R.E.M.

This album is at the top of the pile for me, along with OK Computer.

15 Innuendo - Queen

I love this album so much it is insane. So many great songs. The Show Must Go On!

16 Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness - Smashing Pumpkins

This is more than just an album. It's the magnum opus of a sad genius. In my opinion, it's not only the best album of the nineties but of all time.

17 Illmatic - Nas

Illmatic needs to be higher on this list. It should be number 1. The greatest rap album of all time. The whole track list is great with songs like 'NY State of Mind', 'Life's a B', 'The World is Yours', 'Halftime', 'Memory Lane', 'One Love', 'One Time 4 Your Mind', 'Represent', and 'It Ain't Hard to Tell'.

I hope you're kidding. Illmatic this low? This should at least be in the top 2, if not the top 1. This is basically a representation of what music should be.

Should at least be top 10 just for being the greatest Hip Hop album in the '90s and arguably of all time.

18 Achtung Baby - U2

Why are all the best albums at the bottom of the list?

This is the greatest album of the '90s - end of story.

19 Rage Against The Machine - Rage Against The Machine

Not the absolute best (that'd be Dirt), but it really should be higher.

20 Ready to Die - The Notorious B.I.G.
21 Homogenic - Bjork
22 Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) - Wu-Tang Clan
23 Siamese Dream - The Smashing Pumpkins

This album is so iconic. 'Cherub Rock' couldn't have picked a better song to start the album. There are so many hits on this album: 'Disarm', 'Today', 'Mayonaise', 'Cherub Rock'. Even the deep cuts are good. You might think one or two aren't as great, but at the end of the day, the whole album is listenable. Perfect length too. 13 songs. Nice.

24 Blue Album - Weezer

Sure, Pinkerton is better, but as far as impact, Blue deserves to be in the top 5.

25 Temple of the Dog - Temple of the Dog
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