Top 10 Alternative Albums of the 1990s Still Worth a Spin

The 1990's produced a number of Alternative music releases that were destined to become classics. Therefore, as time would attest, the pivotal top ten listed below would be found in any serious music collector's library.

The music band, Nirvana, seemed to drop from the sky out of no where with music release Nevermind. They literally turned the music industry upside down with their single "Smells Like Teen Spirit, " which introduced the band to mainstream America, and their new never heard before angst filled sound termed Grunge. An untimely death, of lead singer Kurt Cobain, would soon authenticate that angst.

Pear Jam's Ten was another music release, following the birth of Grunge, from which it could be sensed would become the classic alternative rock album that it is today. The desperation found in the voice of lead singer, Eddie Vedder, and dark lyrical themes lends to angst credibility.

Achtung Baby, the music release from rock band U2, spelled a change for the band in 1991. They refreshed their sound, by incorporating sounds from other music genres, making it more accessible, and easy on the ears. The album spawned the hits "Better Than the Real Thing," "Mysterious Ways," and "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses."

The Singles compilation, by The Smiths, is given proof that the band's musical notoriety has survived their short lived career as a band. The release features eighteen of thier biggest popular hits, from "This Charming Man," "What Difference Does It Make?" and "Panic."

It was bravado and sheer audacity that helped Definitely Maybe, by band Oasis, to live up to the hype it generated. The album's lyrical content sneers that those you are listening to are indeed "rock 'n' roll Stars." Standout tracks highlighted are "Supersonic," "Live Forever," "Shakermaker," and of course "Rock 'N' Roll Star."

There was nothing sad about The Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness release. The double disc set has become hugely popular, an exceptionally rare feat for a music set, and features hit singles "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," "1979," and "Tonight, Tonight."

The Cure's music career peaked in the mid nineties with the release of their Wish title. The album is lighter in sound, from their usual doom and gloom, as hit single "Friday I'm In Love."

Jeff Buckley's release Grace is the blueprint for the vocal phrasings of many of today's musical acts, from Coldplay to Keane. Buckley's emphatic version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" has become an audition staple, and "Last Goodbye" is the recognized single of the release.

Lastly, the final top Alternative record of the 1990's chosen to end the list is, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, by The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It is also, by far, one of the best Funk/Rock records of the nineties. "Give It Away," "Suck My Kiss," "Breaking The Girl," and "Under the Bridge," are hits songs that have all withstood the test of time.