The 90s as a whole decade was a great time for rock music, especially when it came to the onset of grunge. But 1991 was a particularly excellent year, and these four legendary rock albums prove it. Let’s take a look!
1. ‘Badmotorfinger’ by Soundgarden
This career-defining release from grunge outfit Soundgarden is often considered their very best album, and it’s hard not to agree. On Badmotorfinger, the band is at their very best and finally figured out how to use the most of their potential as musicians and songwriters. Ben Shepherd joined the band for this album as their bassist, and that was a very smart move. “Outshined” and “New Damage” are essential listening.
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2. ‘Leisure’ by Blur
Out of all the best rock albums to come out of 1991, this one is hard to define. It’s undeniably rock with its shoegaze elements, but it’s also undeniably a Britpop masterpiece. Leisure was famed Britpop outfit Blur’s debut, and it was a solid debut at that.
While a few diehard fans would argue that this wasn’t their best album (that status is often reserved for the 1994 album Parklife), this is still one of the best releases to come out of the UK in 1991. “She’s So High” and “There’s No Other Way” are essential listening.
3. ‘Nevermind’ by Nirvana
Many would say this was the year 1991’s ultimate release. We’re inclined to agree; Nevermind is, at the very least, the most memorable album by grunge outfit Nirvana. It was the perfect follow-up to Bleach: more refined, better production, but without the loss of any of the rage and loaded lyricism courtesy of Kurt Cobain. The whole dang thing is essential listening.
4. ‘Ten’ by Pearl Jam
Not everyone can debut with flying colors, but Pearl Jam made it look easy with Ten. This has to be one of the greatest debut albums in rock history. The quality is unparalleled. This release was an important one that shaped the inevitable future of grunge and alternative rock for the rest of the decade, and it also made Pearl Jam’s very long and successful career possible. “Alive” and “Even Flow” are essential listening.
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