The 1990s gave us some of the greatest rock and metal albums of all time. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Green Day, Metallica, and many others were cranking out great tunes. Unfortunately, that means that some top-notch records got overlooked or forgotten in the years since their release.
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Today, we’re looking back at some killer rock albums from the 1990s that don’t get the love they deserve. Dig into these releases for a big dose of nostalgia.
[RELATED: 4 Iconic Rock Albums of the 1990s That Inspired a Generation]
1. From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah (1996) by Nirvana
Nirvana released some of the best rock albums of the 1990s. Nevermind was a watershed release for grunge. Additionally, their MTV Unplugged in New York is one of the most beloved live albums from the decade. Unfortunately, it largely overshadows From the Muddy Banks of the Wishkah, which came out two years later.
This album is a collection of live versions of deep cuts compiled from multiple shows performed at a vareity of venues between 1989 and 1994. Not only does it give modern audiences a chance to hear Nirvana play some of their album tracks live, it also offers an earlier and heavier version of “Polly,” which features the band’s original drummer Chad Channing.
2. Adore (1998) by The Smashing Pumpkins
Siamese Dream primed The Smashing Pumpkins for fame in 1993. Then, they released the ambitious double album Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, which set a new standard for the band and rock albums of the 1990s alike. Three years later, they released Adore. With drummer Jimmy Chamberlin out of the band, they largely used drum machines on the album, giving it a more electronic sound.
It’s understandable why Adore wasn’t a favorite among fans upon its release. They were likely reflecting something that matched the epic scale of Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, but got something completely different. However, apart from the expectations of 1998, Adore contains some great songs and sees Corgan being a little more vulnerable and personal than in previous releases.
3. Garage Inc. (1998) by Metallica
Metallica left fans confused with the string of albums they released during the decade. They started the 1990s with their self-titled album that featured a sound that aimed for mainstream rock success. The album hit its mark while leaving many fans disappointed. Those fans were further disappointed by Load and Reload later in the decade. However, in 1998, the band threw their longtime fans a great collection of songs that has been painfully overlooked in the years since its release.
Garage Inc. features Metallica’s versions of songs from Bob Seger, Blue Öyster Cult, Discharge, Mercyful Fate, and more. The album also included an out-of-print EP from the 1980s and B-sides that didn’t appear on other albums. Those B-sides include “Am I Evil” and “Blitzkrieg,” two essential covers for fans of Kill ‘Em All.
4. No. 4 (1999) by Stone Temple Pilots
Often erroneously lumped in with grunge bands of the 1990s, Stone Temple Pilots released some of the greatest alternative rock albums of the decade. Their first two albums–Core and Purple–included several timeless tunes. “Dead and Bloated,” “Interstate Love Song,” “Vasoline,” “Plush,” and “Creep” were among the highlights of their early releases. Unfortunately, those releases largely overshadow No. 4.
By the time the band was ready to release their fourth album, frontman Scott Weiland was facing legal problems and serious substance abuse issues. The later years of the decade saw him doing stints in jail and rehab. As a result, the band couldn’t tour to support the album. At the same time, it saw them rolling back the clock and leaning into the heavier sound of the band’s early days. “Down,” “Church on Tuesday,” “Sour Girl,” and “Atlanta” are all great examples of their blend of various rock subgenres.
No. 4, much like The Smashing Pumpkins’ Adore, was largely the victim of expectations. Fans were expecting more of the same, and STP gave them musical evolution.
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