Grunge music blended punk rock and heavy metal and is most associated with bands from Seattle. The songs were dark, full of angst, and seemed to reflect the gloomy weather of the Pacific Northwest. However, acoustic performances also defined the alternative rock explosion in the early 90s. And many classic grunge hits were performed unplugged, in a quieter, acoustic setting. By stripping away the volume of a Big Muff fuzz pedal or a Marshall amplifier, 90s bands presented bleak lyrics addressing topics rarely heard in rock music.
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While “Man In The Box”, “Even Flow”, and “Smells Like Teen Spirit” helped launch the careers of the grunge bands here, these three acoustic tracks became equally popular alongside their loud and distorted counterparts.
“I Stay Away” by Alice In Chains
Though Alice In Chains existed on the more heavy metal side of grunge, the band broke new ground with its pair of acoustic EPs. The first, Sap, took advantage of the popularity of MTV’s Unplugged series. But the 1994 release, Jar Of Flies, became the first acoustic EP to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. “I Stay Away” features original singer Layne Staley’s anguished, monotone vocals over layers of acoustic instruments and dark harmonies.
Why you act frightened?
I am enlightened.
Your weakness builds me,
So someday you’ll see.
“Daughter” by Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam performed one of the decade’s most iconic Unplugged performances in 1992. Even with acoustic guitars, the band’s high energy remained on full display. So it wasn’t surprising when “Daughter” and “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town” appeared on Vs., Pearl Jam’s second studio album. On “Daughter”, Eddie Vedder describes an abused child with a learning disability, while Stone Gossard propels with track with a Rolling Stones-inspired acoustic guitar riff.
Alone, listless,
Breakfast table in an otherwise empty room.
Young girl, violence,
Center of her own attention.
“Polly” by Nirvana
Inspired by the abduction and assault of a young girl, Kurt Cobain wrote “Polly” from the perspective of her kidnapper. In the song, Polly convinces the kidnapper to untie her. He responds that a “chase would be nice for a few.” In the real-life story, the girl escaped, and her abductor was arrested and convicted of the crime. Cobain often wrote about and protested violence against women. And the recording’s dry and unforgiving production highlights the disturbing reality in “Polly”.
Polly wants a cracker,
I think I should get off her first.
I think she wants some water,
To put out the blowtorch.
Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage
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