In many ways, the 1990s provided a watershed moment for female-fronted rock bands. Music fans were treated to a plethora of groups that showcased extremely talented, creative and powerful women artists. What a time to be alive!
Videos by American Songwriter
In the years since, more and more femme rockers have taken the stage, thanks, at least in part, to the women who paved the way. Indeed, it’s thanks to all the women on this list that others in the future like Brittany Howard and Taylor Swift could do their thang.
Here are the nine best female-fronted rock bands of the 1990s.
1. Hole
Formed in 1989 in Los Angeles, Hole ruled the 1990s with two major albums, Live Through This in 1994 and Celebrity Skin in 1998. Fronted by Courtney Love, the now-widow of the famed rocker Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, Hole released songs like “Doll Parts” and “Celebrity Skin” that showed Love’s skill as a songwriter, magnet for eyeballs and provocateur.
2. Alanis Morissette
You couldn’t go anywhere after 1995 without hearing Alanis Morissette from her groundbreaking record, Jagged Little Pill. A former child actor, Morissette became a household name thanks to songs like “Ironic,” “Hand in My Pocket” and “You Oughta Know.” Showcasing humor, buzzy guitar tracks and choruses that wouldn’t leave your eardrums, Morissette was a ’90s god.
3. Bikini Kill
Formed in Olympia, Washington, Bikini Kill was at the forefront of the riot grrrl movement. Their song “Rebel Girl” is the anthem for youthful female empowerment. Known for bringing all the female-identifying fans to the front of the stage at their punk rock shows, Bikini Kill, fronted by Kathleen Hanna, influenced countless fans and artists in their wake.
4. The Cranberries
Fronted by Dolores O’Riordan, who joined the band in 1990 a year after it formed in Ireland, this group rose to global fame thanks to its 1994 LP, No Need to Argue. The project boasted tracks like the protest song, “Zombie.” Other hits in the decade include “Dreams” in 1992, “Linger” in 1993, “Zombie” in 1994, “Salvation” in 1996, and “When You’re Gone” in 1997.
5. Garbage
Fronted by emotive Scottish artist Shirley Manson, Garbage was a regular on the charts in the 1990s thanks to songs like “Stupid Girl” and “Only Happy When It Rains” from the band’s 1995 self-titled LP. Founded in 1993 by Butch Vig, famous for recording Nirvana’s breakout LP Nevermind, Garbage’s debut LP also earned them two Grammy Award nominations.
6. Sinéad O’Connor
Sinéad O’Connor released her breakout single, “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which was famously written by Prince, in 1990 on the album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got. And then on October 3, 1992, she performed the song on Saturday Night Live, concluding with a protest about the Catholic Church and sex abuse. That moment changed her life and how the world perceived her. Today, O’Connor remains one of the most impactful female artists and rockers of her generation.
7. Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney released four albums in the 1990s, including its self-titled debut in 1995. Today, the band’s frontwoman Carrie Brownstein is known as a comedian, actor and showrunner for the oft-quoted Portlandia series. The group remains iconic due to its influence on women in rock. The band released its newest album, Path of Wellness, in 2021.
8. L7
Formed in Los Angeles in 1985, this group was a major force in the 1990s through to the new century. Fronted by vocalist Donita Sparks, the all-gal group released the single “Pretend We’re Dead” in 1992, which hit the Top 10 of the Billboard Modern Rock Charts. While not necessarily grunge and not necessarily riot grrrl, many owe a debt of gratitude to L7 and its formative music and important attitude.
9. No Doubt
Bridging rock with pop, No Doubt, fronted by Gwen Stefani, who has since gone on to a major solo career, released its seminal LP, Tragic Kingdom, in 1995. That album included “Spiderwebs,” “Just a Girl” and “Don’t Speak.” All three of those songs were huge. And it made No Doubt and, particularly, the photogenic Stefani stars.
Photo by Ke.Mazur/Wire Image
