The Nineties. What a decade. As a 90’s baby, I have a particular fondness for the music from that era. It was as if two separate streams of thought emerged — one expanding on the over-the-top pop production of the 80s, another stripping itself bare and getting back to the basics of rock n’ roll. It was undoubtedly one of the most diverse and experimental decades of music, and with the recent renewal of interest in all things 90s, its impact is still ongoing.
Grunge
In 1991, Nirvana’s Nevermind jumped to the top of the US album charts and grunge exploded with its raw, visceral, anti-conformist bent. Before long, bands like Pearl Jam, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden, The Smashing Pumpkins and more were featured on the front of every music magazine. It wasn’t just music either; grunge became a zeitgeist, impacting fashion and societal consciousness. The trademark flannel shirts, ripped jeans, long and greasy hair became a visual statement of the evolving counterculture.
The impact of grunge on the 90s music scene opened the door for a new cadre of musicians to gain mainstream acceptance. It also had a big influence on the music itself. R.E.M., Beck, Sonic Youth, Nine Inch Nails, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus and Jane’s Addiction all benefited from the popularity of Nirvana and other notable grunge bands. This resurgence in rock bands led to the creation of even more new genres, like nu metal, post grunge, indie and alternative rock.
Girl Power
Then there was pop music. Girl groups like the Spice Girls, Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears and more dominated the airwaves. The feminist wave of the 90s, however, paved the way for more than pop superstars: Sarah McLachlan, Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, and Tracy Chapman are prime examples of the tremendous female talent of the decade.
Don’t Forget The Boys
The 90s boys enjoyed their foray into pop music, too. We all remember groups like NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Boyz II Men, New Kids On The Block, Hanson, and 98 Degrees and many others. Each received significant airplay during the latter part of the 90s. They also spawned several successful solo careers following each groups’ breakup or hiatus.
90s Hip Hop
Then there’s 90s hip hop. So many prolific artists arose during the decade – Jay Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dog were among the headliners. And of course we all still hear the high-pitched wail of Dr. Dre’s Moog, one of the hallmarks of his trademark g-funk style. It was east coast vs west coast, and the competition created some of the most memorable tracks of the 90s.
Wrapping Up The 90s
The 90’s was a spectacular decade for music and culture. There was so much happening all at once. Too much for one blog such as this, anyway. Just think of all the albums, music festivals, fashion, and historical moments that took place in those 10 short years. There was something magic about it all. We were on the cusp of the sweeping technological and societal changes that would dominate the early 2000s.
From a music fan’s perspective, everyone’s opinion differs on what they’d call “the greatest decade for music.” No matter who you talk to, though, the 90s seemed to have something for everyone.
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