Rewind to the '90s: The Definitive Albums That Shaped a Generation
- Relive the iconic sounds of the 1990s with our definitive list of the best albums, year by year. From grunge anthems to groundbreaking hip-hop and Britpop explosions, we revisit Entertainment Weekly's top picks that defined a decade.
- Discover the albums that soundtracked your youth, introduced revolutionary sounds, and solidified the legacies of artists like Nirvana, Lauryn Hill, Sinead O'Connor, and U2. Prepare for a nostalgic journey through the decade's most influential music.
A Decade of Musical Transformation
The 1990s were a period of seismic shifts in the music landscape. The dominance of hair metal faded, replaced by the raw energy of grunge, the lyrical depth of alternative rock, and the burgeoning power of hip-hop. Britpop emerged from the UK, challenging the American charts and injecting a new wave of energy into the scene. It was a decade of experimentation, innovation, and unforgettable albums.
Our Year-by-Year Selection
Here's a look back at Entertainment Weekly's selections for the best album of each year, a snapshot of the musical trends and artistic triumphs that defined the '90s:
- 1990: Sinead O'Connor - I Do Not Want What I Haven't Got - A powerful and deeply personal album that tackled themes of faith, abuse, and societal pressures.
- 1991: Nirvana - Nevermind - The album that launched grunge into the mainstream, forever changing the face of rock music.
- 1992: Warren G & Nate Dogg - Regulate...G-Funk - A seminal G-Funk album that showcased the smooth, laid-back sound of West Coast hip-hop.
- 1993: R.E.M. - Automatic for the People - A melancholic and introspective masterpiece that explored themes of mortality and loss.
- 1994: Hole - Live Through This - A raw and visceral album that captured the intensity of Courtney Love's songwriting and performance.
- 1995: Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory? - A Britpop phenomenon that dominated the charts and defined a generation in the UK.
- 1996: Björk - Post - An experimental and groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of electronic music.
- 1997: Death Cab for Cutie - Something About Airplanes - A lo-fi indie gem that showcased Ben Gibbard's songwriting talent.
- 1998: Lauryn Hill - The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - A landmark hip-hop album that blended genres and addressed themes of love, motherhood, and social justice.
- 1999: Radiohead - OK Computer - A dystopian masterpiece that explored themes of technology, alienation, and the anxieties of modern life.
Why These Albums Matter
These albums weren't just popular; they were culturally significant. They reflected the anxieties and aspirations of a generation grappling with a rapidly changing world. They challenged conventions, broke down barriers, and paved the way for future artists. Revisiting these albums is a reminder of the power of music to connect, inspire, and transform.
The Legacy of the '90s
The influence of the 1990s music scene continues to be felt today. The raw honesty of grunge, the lyrical sophistication of hip-hop, and the melodic brilliance of Britpop have all shaped the sound of contemporary music. These albums remain essential listening for anyone who wants to understand the musical landscape of the past three decades.