Best Alternative Bands of the '90s
Here is a list of bands that I am putting in my files. I want to collect their songs, the songs, that became a hit during the boom of alternative rock up until the time when hybrid hardcore flourished. If there's something that's missing from this list you are welcome to add them.The Top Ten
The Smashing Pumpkins is an American alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois, formed in 1988. Formed by frontman Billy Corgan and James Iha, the band included D'arcy Wretzky and Jimmy Chamberlin in its original incarnation. One of the best alternative band in the 90's - firstplace
Easily the most unique and diverse sounding band of the 90s if not of all time, with in my opinion, one of the most unique vocalists of all time- Billy Corgan, especailly with albums Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. Their sound captured sadness, happiness, love, depression, yet also a soothing comfort to the soul.
The only bands that really mattered in the 90s, Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana.
A classic great alternative rock band.
Nirvana was an American grunge band that was formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987. Nirvana disbanded after Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. The drummer of the band, David Grohl, went on to start the Foo-Fighters, an alternative rock band. ...read more. Overrated. They have quite a few good songs, but many other bands on this list have actually made consistently perfect albums. Nirvana have a lot of trash songs and a lot of "meh" songs. Alice in Chains and Soundgarden are just examples of way more talented grunge bands. - AiCFanboy123
Defined a new style of music, should be #1. They are the equivalent of elvis to rock and roll or black sabbath to metal. No equal.
Nirvana is the band responsible for making grunge music popular. A great band.
The best grunge band, and one of the best bands.
Radiohead are an English rock band from Abingdon, Oxfordshire, formed in 1985. The band consists of Thom Yorke (lead vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards), Jonny Greenwood (lead guitar, keyboards, other instruments), Colin Greenwoood (bass guitar), Phil Selway (drums), and Ed O'Brien (guitar). Thank god these guys are above Green Day and The Red Hot Chili Peppers
This band are truly amazing. Ok Computer is one of the best albums of all time. Amazing band.
Radiohead>Nirvana... It's not even close
Fantastic.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American funk-rock and alternative rock band, that was founded in 1983. ...read more. Even though every 90's alternative list seems to put Nirvana on top with good reason, but there is no reason Red Hot Chile Peppers should be any worse than 2. Give Californication, Otherside, Dani California, Under the Bridge, and Scar Tissue a listen. (There are many other good RHCP songs but I only listed the most popular ones.) The guitarist precision is astounding (Californication) and the bassist is purely amazing (Listen to Can't Stop for the best bass line of any alternative song) I can't see why Radiohead and Smashing Pumpkins are above RHCP.
Red hot chili peppers is very modern compared to other alternative bands that just sound and look like retro acts or impersonators. And they are still relevant.
too many great songs to name
I love this band!
Oasis were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1991. Developed from an earlier group, the Rain, the band originally consisted of Liam Gallagher (vocals and tambourine), Paul "Bonehead" Arthurs, Paul "Guigsy" McGuigan, and Tony McCarroll. Champagne Supernova is probably the best song from the 90's. Noel Gallagher is one of the best song writers of all time, especially during this time.
Noel Gallagher is an unbelievable song writer. Still remains so today with his solo stuff.
People say they ripped off The Beatles. But they are a great talented band.
Noel Gallagher had/has the best songs, and Liam the best voice, end of it.
Green Day are an American pop punk, punk rock, and alternative rock band formed in East Bay, California in 1986. The members include Billie Joe Armstrong (vocals and guitar), Mike Dirnt (bass), Tré Cool (drums) and Jason White (guitar) . Green Day are associated with punk rock, pop punk and alternative ...read more. Few bands can churn out bangers for 3 decades straight the way Green Day has. Sure we can debate all day about whether they are "true punk" or not, but yo, they are good.
Just one of the oldest bands. They started back in mid 90s but they're still around and still producing hits - firstplace
I'll never understand how Green Day trumps the Offspring. Dookie is awesome, then TWO DECADES later American Idiot is awesome with a few singles in between. The Offspring produced, Smash, Ixnay, Americana and Conspiracy of One and singles as well. - Xean45
They were the only band at the time keeping punk rock alive. Say what you want, they're still punk.
Weezer is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1992, currently consisting of Rivers Cuomo (lead vocals, lead and rhythm guitar), Patrick Wilson, Brian Bell, and Scott Shriner. Nirvana Pearl Jam and soundgarden are all grunge weeper should be number one then red hot chilly peppers
WE DESERVE BETTER THAN THE #10 SPOT
Now excuse me as I play D&D in my mom's basement
(Ok... on a serious note, sure their new stuff isn't as good, but this is the best alternative bands of the 90's. Blue and Pinkerton are in my opinion are up their with the likes of Nevermind, Siamese Dream, and Ok Computer.)
I still think this should be way higher as the made the face of alternative you would never hear them in the radio as they were alternative like the meaning
Should be higher! Should be Number ONE!
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock band and, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. Best of all time - michaeltre
Foo Fighters are an American rock band, formed in Seattle in 1994. The band was founded by Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl after the death of Kurt Cobain and the dissolution of his previous band. The band consists of Dave Grohl (lead vocalist, rhythm guitar, main songwriter), Pat Smear (rhythm guitar), Nate ...read more. Foo fighter is a term used by World War II pilots to identify UFOs. And the name of the band is Foo Fighters, it's plural. They are definitely one of my Favorite bands. Founded in 1994 by Dave Grohl, they're not one of the oldest.
One of the oldest, I still wonder about the meaning of their name. I guess it was taken from one of the controversial files I think from area 51. I am not sure. - firstplace
One of the few 90s alternative rock bands that still make great music today.
everlong is one of the best
Pearl Jam is a Alternative/Grunge Rock Band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1990. The band had comprised of Eddie Vedder, Mike McCready, Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament. ...read more. Only Nirvana's impact was greater and easily outclasses everyone on this list! ( Just one man's humble opinion )
Eddie Vedder had amazing vocals, Mike McCready had fantastic solos, and Jeff Ament wrote the best music. Love Jeremy and Alive.
The Contenders
Alice in Chains is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1987 by guitarist and songwriter Jerry Cantrell and original lead vocalist Layne Staley. Favorite band, but I honestly don't think of them when you're talking about "alternative" rock. - AiCFanboy123
Foo fighter is a term used by World War II pilots to identify UFOs.
For sure should be higher up. Just listen to Rooster, Would? And Man In The Box.
AIC should be Number 1 on this list certainly ahead of Chili Peppers.
Stone Temple Pilots was formed in San Diego, CA in 1989. ...read more.
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Chris Cornell died on May 17th, 2017. With tracks like "Rusty Cage" and "Jesus Christ Pose" (and a less known but incredible track "Room a Thousand Years Wide", I can't see how Soundgarden could be left off this list, and be below Pearl Jam for that matter... Just saying!
Third Eye Blind is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1993. The songwriting duo of Stephan Jenkins and Kevin Cadogan signed the band's first major-label recording contract with Elektra Records in 1996, which was later reported as the largest publishing deal ever for an unsigned artist. This should at least be in the Top 10! All five of their albums (Sixth on the way) have awesome songs!
Third Eye Blind is amazing. With The Background, God of Wine, Narcolepsy, Blinded, Semi Charmed Life, Jumper, What's it going to be, Wounded, Alright Caroline, and many others, their early discography is amazing. Easily one of my favorite bands.
One of the best bands of the 90' and still one of the greatest vocals I have ever heard. Plus Stephen Jenkins was amazing, I wonder where he is now. - firstplace
Anyone who didn't vote for this band is straight up stupid
Filter is an American Alternative/Industrial rock band formed in 1993 in Cleveland, Ohio by singer Richard Patrick and guitarist/programmer Brian Liesegang.
The Offspring is an American punk rock band from Huntington Beach, California, formed in 1984. Formed under the name Manic Subsidal, the band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Dexter Holland, bassist Greg K., lead guitarist Kevin "Noodles" Wasserman and drummer Pete Parada. Should be top ten, the last of true punk rock and still significant today
Rage Against the Machine is a rock band formed in Los Angeles, California. The band consists of vocalist Zack de la Rocha, bassist Tim Commerford, guitarist Tom Morello and drummer Brad Wilk. Should be a little higher on the list
Should be a lot higher on the list and I’m not even a huge fan
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono, the Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr. U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music. Throughout the group's musical pursuits, they have ...read more. their best stuff was 80s and early 2000s, but achtung baby was a great album
One of the oldest still rocking band - firstplace
Live is an American rock band from York, Pennsylvania, composed of Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, Chad Gracey, and Chris Shinn. Live's original lead singer Ed Kowalczyk left the band in November 2009.
Deftones are an American alternative metal band from Sacramento, California. The band, which was founded in 1988, consists of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Frank Delgado, Abe Cunningham and Sergio Vega. They have released a total of 8 studio albums. Some of their most popular songs are Change (in ...read more. One of the most misunderstood bands, I think because their song isn't really the kind which you will get to like when you first hear it, you have to listen to their songs twice or thrice before you get to like it. And the lyrics is very poetic. But I just put them on the 9th because although they are my favorite, they still are young. - firstplace
They aren't alternative. They fall under the category of alternative metal, but that's a subgenre of metal. Not alternative
Deftones are pioneers of alternative metal, they revolutionized the genre.
Sublime was an American ska punk band from Long Beach, California, formed in 1988. The band's line-up, unchanged until their breakup, consisted of Bradley Nowell, Eric Wilson and Bud Gaugh. its too bad Nowell died young. he could have kept making great music
Should be higher in the single digits.
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The group consists of singer/keyboardist/guitarist Damon Albarn, guitarist/singer Graham Coxon, bassist Alex James and drummer Dave Rowntree. Blurs self titled 5th album and follow up 13 are some of the best alternative albums I own. defiantly underrated, if they are not on this list.
Tool is an American progressive/alternative/post-metal band, that was formed in 1990. ...read more. At first I was upset they were so low but it's Tool, not everyone is ready. Oh well it's their loss. Number 1 for me.
They defined 90s alternative metal.
Should be higher on the list.
Should be in top 6 In this order Nirvana,Tool,Jane's Addiction,Alice In Chains,Radiohead,Red Hot Chili Peppers
I am putting this band on my list because simply they are good, too bad they disbanded too early, I had their album before and I think all of the songs there was good. - firstplace
311 is an American rock band from Omaha, Nebraska. The band was formed in 1988 by vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, lead guitarist Jim Watson, bassist Aaron "P-Nut" Wills. I like the style. - firstplace
No Doubt is an American rock band from Anaheim, California, that formed in 1986. Since 1994, the group has consisted of vocalist Gwen Stefani, bassist and keyboardist Tony Kanal, guitarist and keyboardist Tom Dumont, and drummer Adrian Young. The old style of No Doubt, when you hear the song spiderweb, and sunday morning, it brings you back to the old days, it has 90's all over it. - firstplace
Great Band, one many acts in the current Pop and Rock scene are badly copying from, Gwen and the Gang did that in the 90's.
The Cure are an English rock band formed in Crawley, West Sussex, in 1976. The band has experienced several line-up changes, with vocalist, guitarist and principal songwriter Robert Smith being the only constant member. They were better in the 80s but continued consistent in the 90s with the album wish and had the song Friday I'm in love
They gave us a lot of memorable tunes
Criminally low. These guys were consistent until about 1998.
Korn is an American Nu-Metal band from Bakersfield, California, formed in 1993. The band's current lineup includes founding members Jonathan Davis, James "Munky" Shaffer, Brian "Head" Welch, and Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu, with the addition of Ray Luzier, who replaced the band's original member, David ...read more.
Sonic Youth was an American rock band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founding members Thurston Moore, Kim Gordon and Lee Ranaldo remained together for the entire history of the band, while Steve Shelley followed a series of short-term drummers in 1985, and rounded out the core line-up. None of the above bands would be together if not or "EVOL", "Sister", and "Daydream Nation".
Faith No More is an American rock band from San Francisco, California, formed in 1979. Before settling on their current moniker in 1983, the band performed under the names Sharp Young Men and later Faith No Man.
The Verve were an English rock band formed in Wigan in 1990 by lead vocalist Richard Ashcroft, guitarist Nick McCabe, bass guitarist Simon Jones and drummer Peter Salisbury. Guitarist and keyboard player Simon Tong became a member at a later date. you gotta love bitter sweet symphony
Blink-182 are a Pop Punk band formed in 1992. Original lineup were Mark Hoppus (Bass Guitar, Vocals) ...read more.
My Bloody Valentine is a shoegazing, alternative rock, Irish band from Dublin, formed in 1983, which consists of guitarist, producer, samplist, and vocalist Kevin Shields, drummer and samplist Colm Ó Cíosóig, bassist Debbie Googe, and later on in their early career vocalist, and guitarist Bilinda ...read more.
Bush are a British rock band formed in London, England in 1992. The band found their immediate success with the release of their debut album Sixteen Stone in 1994, which is certified 6× multi-platinum by the RIAA. How has no one commented about Bush?!?!?
It has ver good flow and the music is just so nice and keeps me at peace. favorite song is Cybele's reverie
Ween is an American experimental rock band formed in 1984, in New Hope, PA. It's members are Dean and Gene Ween. Ween is an American alternative rock band formed in New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 1984 by childhood friends Aaron Freeman and Mickey Melchiondo, better known by their respective stage names, Gene and Dean Ween.
Best evevevee
Garbage is an American-Scottish alternative rock band formed in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1993. The group consists of Scottish musician Shirley Manson and American musicians Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig. Because they truly threw everything into the kitchen sink and it all sounded good. Their debut album is still the pinnacle of greatness for me.
They mixed a hard rock sound with a alt rock/grunge sound and dominated the 90s
Smash Mouth is an American rock band from San Jose, California. The band was formed in 1994, and was originally composed of Steve Harwell, Kevin Coleman, Greg Camp, and Paul De Lisle. Combined an alt sound with catchiness and sing ability. Who can forget songs like walkin on the sun and all star
What? They should be at least top 15 all star is a song EVERBODY knows
They mixed their sounds so wonderfully
Helmet is an American alternative metal band from New York City formed in 1989. Founded by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton, Helmet has had numerous lineup changes, and Hamilton has been the only constant member.
Primus is an American rock band based in San Francisco, California, currently composed of bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and drummer Tim Alexander. Les Claypool is regarded as one of the best bassists of all time for his slap-bass ability in notable songs like "My Name Is Mud", "The Toys ...read more.
The Used is an American rock band formed in Orem, Utah, in 2001. The group consists of vocalist Bert McCracken, bassist Jeph Howard, drummer Dan Whitesides, and guitarist Joey Bradford. Simply because they have the best lead singer and song writer - firstplace
White Zombie was an American heavy metal band that formed in 1985. Based in New York City, White Zombie was originally a noise rock band, and was known for its later heavy metal-oriented sound.British 90's band, incredible lush dreamscapes and beautiful alternative tunes that rival The Smashing Pumpkins