4 Albums That Prove Post-Grunge Wasn’t All Bad

Post-grunge has gotten a bad rap through the years. Often considered to be the “sanitized” version of grunge, plenty of bands through the years have been dismissed for adhering to the post-grunge sound. But, there were quite a few excellent albums in that genre that were released in the 90s, and I think they have stood the test of time.

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‘Polythene’ by Feeder (1997)

Feeder took the post-grunge sound and turned it into something ethereal and almost hypnotic. Their music was softer than a lot of the post-grunge music that came out around 1997, and that diversion from the typical sound of grunge and post-grunge made them stand out. I’m still surprised that their debut album Polythene was considered a commercial failure, considering how much critics loved it then and how much their cult following loves it still.

‘Clumsy’ by Our Lady Peace (1997)

Our Lady Peace, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated post-grunge bands of the 90s. This Canadian band dished out good album after good album early in their career. My personal favorite is the 1997 effort Clumsy, which boasts some really solid songwriting. It also did very well commercially, both in the band’s native country and the US.

‘Sixteen Stone’ by Bush (1994)

Grunge and post-grunge were considered “American” genres by many. However, English rock band Bush knocked that notion out of the park with the release of Sixteen Stone in 1994. With songs like “Glycerine” and “Little Things” packing this album, it was bound to be a success. This album shows Gavin Rossdale at his very best, and I really don’t think Bush deserved to be pigeonholeed as a post-grunge band. There are a lot of sonic elements on this record that aren’t just “post-grunge.”

‘Foo Fighters’ by Foo Fighters (1995)

Some would say grunge ended with the demise of Nirvana and began with the birth of Foo Fighters. I don’t really agree with that. But, it’s hard to argue against the idea that Foo Fighters’ debut self-titled post-grunge record from 1995 was an incredible work. And, honestly, the album being good is surprising. 

Coming out of the world’s most successful rock band of the decade has historically resulted in lackluster follow-up attempts from former band members to reach the same sort of spotlight. Dave Grohl did it with flying colors, and Foo Fighters are still a huge band today. Foo Fighters’ debut doesn’t include their biggest hits, but it’s an excellent introduction to the band’s post-grunge sound.

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