Well we're already into the year 2000, the start of what some like to call the new millennium, so I think it's time to put up a list of what I consider the best of the previous decade which has recently ended. Currently, I own more albums from the 90s than any other decade by a longshot, although I am definitely working on expanding my collection for the other decades, and when I have, I'll create lists for those too. I'd create an 'all-time favorites' list, but this one was brain surgery to assemble as it is, and for the reason I previously explained, it would be very inflated. Plus, it's just about impossible to compare records from completely separate eras - I hate to use this cliche, but it's really like apples and oranges here. Anyway, all of these albums I consider totally recommendable, very inspiring additions to any 90s collection. Keep in mind there are quite a few unknown gems on this list, and that's a good thing - the underground is home to some of the best talents around today. Also, this list isn't permanent - my musical taste can change... some of these albums I may be more or less impressed with over time, and some may move up in ranking or disappear from the list. Plus, I'm sure there are quite a few gems I haven't even discovered yet. Without further interruption, here's the list. Click on the album title for the full length review.
Revised list update (6/18/02): Well, quite a few albums have moved either up or down on this list since I made it, and there are even a couple new entries that weren't there before. Damn changing tastes / standards. Oh, one other thing: if the actual list rankings and ratings on some of these reviews don't seem to correspond, that's because I haven't rewritten or changed the rating of said album yet. I'll be done with that in time.
Post your comments about this list
Loved your "'90s Top 50" list. Perhaps maybe you could make some more lists, like a "90s Top 100" list or a "Top 50 or so of my collection" or even a "Top 50 worst albums" list.
[email protected] (Robert Grazer)
Good list. It's actually helped me to discover some great stuff. Here's my own personal current list. It'll probably be obsolete tomorrow, but this is how I feel today. And remember if I have reviewed one of these albums completely ignore the rating I gave it.
And remember this is only somewhat accurate. I'm still missing several supposedly awesome 90s albums, and some of the bands I put on here I'm just getting into, but I was in a list making mood so here it is.
Fantastic list! I've found a lot of great albums from it. (Most notably, Ritual de lo Habitual--what a brilliant album!) Here's my list:
This is a rough list of some very consistent, highly recommended albums from the 90's which always keep me coming back from more. Albums which i can't imagine getting bored by anytime soon. Here goes..
1. Tool - Ænima (1996) - The most consistent album ever. Every song is a keeper and a classic in it's own way. Yes, even "Third Eye" , despite being a tad overlong.
2. Dream Theater - Images and Words (1992) - The peak of progressive instrumental indulgence in the 90's. Thoroughly consistent.
3. Jane's Addiction -Ritual De Lo Habitual (1990) - Contains two incredible epics and some tight funk rockers. Plus the catchy "Been Caught Stealing".
4. Faith No More - Angel Dust (1992) - Their peak and some truly awesome vocal work from Mike.
5. Alice In Chains - Dirt (1992) - The band's peak and very consistent too. "The Drug Abuse Album of the 90's". Very convincing lyrics.
6. Pearl Jam - Ten (1991) - Their first and their best. Containing some of their biggest radio hits.
7. Tool - Undertow (1993) - All I can say is this kicks ass. Nine of the songs are brilliant. The other one is weird and sort of funny.
8. Slayer - Divine Intervention (1994) - Their best album, maybe also the best thrash metal album. Their solos are now enjoyable and memorable, unlike those pointless, wanky speed scale solos they did in the early 80's.
9. Edge Of Sanity - Crimson (1996) - Wow. Progressive Death Metal taken to it's peak. The genre doesn't get any better than the music contained within this 40 minute epic.
10. Pearl Jam - Vs. (1993) - A grunge classic. "Rear view mirror" is the best driving song ever.
11. Alice In Chains - Jar Of Flies (1994) - A mellow, acoustic filled EP. Good change for the band. And better than their other two albums.
12. Smashing Pumpkins - Siamese Dream (1993) - How can anyone not like this band?!?! "Mayonaise" and "Soma" are two of their best songs. THE Smashing Pumpkins classic.
13. Dream Theater - Scenes From A Memory (1999) - This album is very good but it has some flaws that hold it back from being truly great like Images And Words was . The concept is alright too.
14. Primus - Pork Soda (1993) - Fuck sailing the seas, this is their best, most dark and most weird album. Bitchin' basslines everywhere.
15. Iced Earth - Something Wicked This Way Comes (1998) - Some well structured metal songs contained within and a spectacular metal instrumental, "1776".
16. Abramelin - Deadspeak (2000) - Eh, thats close enough to the 90's. Awesome Melbourne death metal band's best album. 6 out of 7 songs being fuckin magic. If you don't like death metal FUCK OFF!
17. Red Hot Chili Peppers - One Hot Minute (1995) - Even the band doesn't like this one. But what do they know about music? This is their best. As if, "Deep Kick" isn't their best song?
18. Sepultura - Arise (1991) - The boys from brazil give us a thrash classic to start off the new decade. "Desperate Cry" is definately a thrash classic up there with "One" and "Cemetery Gates".
19. Chris Cornell - Euphoria Morning (1999) - When i first got this i expected a lot of rockin' tunes. There ain't none of that here. Some very awesome mellow poppy songs instead.
20. Incubus - S.C.I.E.N.C.E. (1997) - At this point the band doesn't have quite their own sound yet, but that doesn't hold back these songs one bit, there all good!
Albums that aren't on here and might deserve to be but aren't because i'm not that familiar with them.
- OK Computer (Radiohead)
- The Ladder (Yes)
- The Bends (Radiohead)
- Burnt Offerings (Iced Earth)
- Purgatory Afterglow (Edge Of Sanity)
I don't own most of those records, but I have a few comments. I still don't understand why The Bends is better than OK Computer. I haven't heard neither Dummy nor Portished entirely, but based on what I've heard and many reviews I've read (including Grazer), I think they deserve an spot.