When some people hear “summertime,” they think of vacations, road trips, days on the water, or countless other activities. Those are all great. However, sometimes you just need to relax. As we move into the part of the year that brings most states sweltering temperatures, the urge to crank up the air conditioning and some good tunes gets stronger. These rock bands from the 1990s make the perfect music for days like that.
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Rock charts and radio stations in the 1990s seemingly transitioned from grunge to pop punk, but these bands were able to find huge followings. At the same time, most of their output would be right at home on a playlist crafted for a relaxing day.
[RELATED: 4 Superb Rock Songs That Prove the Early 1990s Were More Than Just Grunge]
1. Sublime
It would be hard to talk about chill rock bands from the 1990s without mentioning Sublime. Their blend of ska, reggae, and punk is perfect for mellow summer days when the sun and temperature are high.
Put on their 1992 debut album, 40oz to Freedom, for tracks like “Badfish,” “Smoke Two Joints,” and their cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Scarlet Begonias.”
2. Slightly Stoopid
Slightly Stoopid is in the same vein as Sublime, but they bring their own style to the ska punk party. They add elements of metal and punk and, as a result, tend to get a little heavier. However, it’s hard to beat songs like “Castles of Sand,” “Hands of Time,” and “Struggler” from their 1998 sophomore album, The Longest Barrel Ride. While most of the rock in the 1990s was steeped in angst backed with down-tuned guitars, bands like this were a breath of fresh air.
3. Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins may not be as upbeat or as angry as some other rock bands from the 1990s, but they are a great pick for a chill day. This is especially true if that chill day happens to feature some summer rain or an overcast sky.
They have a deep discography, but Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness is one of their best. “Tonight, Tonight,” “1979,” and “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” are highlights from this legendary double album.
4. Cake
Cake is one of the most interesting rock bands of the 1990s. Combining indie rock and funk rock with splashes of country and Latin music made for something truly unique in a time when music was beginning to seem homogeneous. Their songwriting style, prominent trumpet, and John McCrea’s voice gave them an unmistakable sound.
Their 1998 album, Prolonging the Magic, features some top-notch chill tunes. “Mexico,” “Satan Is My Motor,” and “Never There” are mellow highlights from an incredible record.
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