Skip to content
Home » The best music albums of the 90s

The best music albums of the 90s

The best music albums of the 90s. Los mejores álbumes de música de los años 90. Nevermind, Smash, Dangerous, Blood Sugar Sex Magik ...

The 1990s were a pivotal decade in the evolution of modern music. It was a period that witnessed the emergence of new genres, the rise of legendary bands, and an incredible focus on music production. The best albums of the ’90s defined an era of creativity and diversity, marking a transition from physical to digital music, driven by the rise of the CD industry. Music from the ’90s not only spanned a wide variety of genres but also influenced cultural trends that dominate today.

The most prominent styles included grunge, electronic music, pop, rock, metal, and R&B, each with its own sonic revolution. In this article, we review the albums that not only defined the ’90s but also remain essential references in contemporary music.

Contents

Electronic and House: Futuristic rhythms

During the 90s, electronic music and house music established themselves as predominant genres in dance culture. These albums not only brought innovations in sound, but also marked a transformation in the way people experienced music in clubs and festivals.

Daft Punk’s Homework (1997) is a key album that fused house with a more experimental and futuristic sound. Songs like Around the World and Da Funk became anthems of electronic music.

The Fat of the Land by The Prodigy (1997) broke the barriers of the genre with its aggressive and psychedelic approach. With songs like Firestarter, The Prodigy helped popularize a rawer and more euphoric sound within electronic music.

Moby’s Play (1999) became a global phenomenon, integrating blues and gospel samples with experimental electronics. Its success transcended the boundaries of dance, reaching a mass audience.

Portada del álbum Dummy de Portishead. Portishead Dummy album cover.

Dummy, the best Portishead album of the 90s

Dummy, Portishead’s debut album released in 1994, not only marked a milestone in 90s music , but also defined an entire genre: trip-hop . Its unique …
Portada del álbum Mezzanine de Massive Attack. Massive Attack Mezzanine album cover.

Mezzanine, the best Massive Attack album of the 90s

Mezzanine , Massive Attack ’s iconic album , was a landmark album in the 1990s and left an indelible mark …
Portada del álbum Amplified Heart de Everything But the Girl. Everything But the Girl Amplified Heart album cover.

Amplified Heart, Everything But the Girl’s best album

“Amplified Heart” stands as Everything But the Girl ’s best album of the 90s, marking a milestone in the music …
Portada del álbum Homework de Daft Punk. Daft Punk Homework album cover.

Homework, the best Daft Punk album of the 90s

Homework, Daft Punk’s groundbreaking debut album, unleashed a musical revolution in the 1990s that continues to resonate in today’s scene …
Portada del álbum Homogenic de Björk. Björk Homogenic album cover.

Homogenic, the best Björk album of the 90s

Homogenic is undoubtedly one of the most iconic albums of the 1990s and a masterpiece by Björk that redefined the …

Grunge and Alternative Rock: The sound rebellion

The 90s saw the rise of grunge and alternative rock, genres that channelled the sense of rebellion and frustration of a young generation. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Radiohead changed the perception of what rock could be, fusing the raw and the experimental.

Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991) is probably the most representative album of grunge. With Smells Like Teen Spirit as an anthem, Nirvana became the soundtrack of a disenchanted generation.

Pearl Jam’s Ten (1991) brought with it a powerful fusion of grunge and classic rock. Songs like Alive and Jeremy continue to be essential to understanding the evolution of alternative music.

Radiohead’s OK Computer (1997) marked a milestone in the history of alternative rock. This album explored new frontiers of sound, combining electronic elements with experimental rock, creating a modern masterpiece that remains relevant today.

Portada del álbum OK Computer de Radiohead. Radiohead OK Computer album cover.

OK Computer, Radiohead’s best album of the 90s

OK Computer is unquestionably one of the most iconic albums of the 1990s , marking a turning point in the history of contemporary …
Portada del álbum Nevermind de Nirvana. Nirvana Nevermind album cover.

Nevermind, the best Nirvana album of the 90s

Nevermind , Nirvana ’s iconic album released in 1991, marked a turning point in 90s music , catapulting grunge to …
Portada del álbum Grace de Jeff Buckley. Jeff Buckley Grace album cover.

Grace, Jeff Buckley’s best album of the 90s

Jeff Buckley ’s critically acclaimed album Grace not only marked a milestone in 90s music but has also left an …
Portada del álbum Celebrity Skin de Hole. Hole Celebrity Skin album cover.

Celebrity Skin, Hole’s best album of the 90s

Celebrity Skin , Hole ‘s celebrated album released in 1998, stands as one of the most significant gems of 90s …
Portada del álbum Mellow Gold de Beck. Beck Mellow Gold album cover.

Mellow Gold, the best Beck album of the 90s

Mellow Gold, Beck’s acclaimed album, is a musical landmark of the 1990s that not only defined an era, but also …
Portada del álbum Hello Nasty de Beastie Boys. Beastie Boys Hello Nasty album cover.

Hello Nasty, the best Beastie Boys album of the 90s

Hello Nasty is a musical gem that redefined hip-hop in the 1990s, cementing Beastie Boys as icons of the scene …

Hard Rock and Metal: The power of riffs in 90s albums

In the 90s, hard rock and metal experienced an evolution towards a heavier, more technical and emotional sound. Iconic albums from Metallica, Guns N’ Roses and Pantera defined the rise of metal in this decade.

Metallica’s Metallica (Black Album) (1991) was a watershed in metal history. Its more accessible approach, with songs like Enter Sandman, allowed Metallica to conquer a wider audience.

Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion I and II (1991) remains one of the most ambitious works of 90s rock. Songs like November Rain and Don’t Cry became timeless anthems, taking hard rock to an epic level.

Pantera’s Vulgar Display of Power (1992) redefined groove metal, fusing abrasive riffs with unique power. Tracks like Walk remain heavy metal classics.

Portada del álbum Countdown to Extinction de Megadeth. Megadeth Countdown to Extinction album cover.

Countdown to Extinction, Megadeth’s best album of the 90s

Countdown to Extinction , released in 1992, stands as Megadeth ’s best album of the 90s and an undeniable milestone in the history …
Portada del álbum Vulgar Display of Power de Pantera. Pantera Vulgar Display of Power album cover.

Vulgar Display of Power, the best Pantera album of the 90s

Vulgar Display of Power , an iconic album released in 1992 by Pantera , marked a turning point in the …
Portada del álbum Metallica (Black Album) de Metallica. Metallica Metallica (Black Album) album cover.

Metallica (Black Album), the best Metallica album of the 90s

Metallica (The Black Album) , released in 1991, marked a milestone in the history of metal and music in general …
Portada del álbum Use Your Illusion I & II de Guns N' Roses. Guns N' Roses Use Your Illusion I & II album cover.

Use Your Illusion I & II, the best Guns N’ Roses album of the 90s

Use Your Illusion I & II are two albums that redefined the rock landscape in the 90s, marking a milestone in Guns …

Pop and Rock: The peak of the mainstream

Pop and rock dominated the charts in the 1990s, with artists forging a deep connection with fans through unforgettable records.

Britney Spears’ …Baby One More Time (1999) became a cultural phenomenon. With its eponymous single, Britney established herself as the princess of pop, marking the coming of age of millions.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis (1995) is one of the most iconic Britpop albums. Songs like Wonderwall transcended time and remain anthems of British rock.

Michael Jackson’s Dangerous (1991) fused pop, rock and R&B in a way that only the King of Pop could do. Songs like Black or White and Remember the Time became pop classics.

Portada del álbum Different Class de Pulp. Pulp Different Class album cover.

Different Class, Pulp’s best album of the 90s

Different Class , released in 1995, is a landmark in the history of 90s music that marked a before and after in Britpop culture  …
Portada del álbum Spice de Spice Girls. Spice Girls Spice album cover.

Spice, the best Spice Girls album of the 90s

Spice, the Spice Girls’ debut album , not only defined an era in the 90s, but also cemented itself as a …
Portada del álbum (What's the Story) Morning Glory? de Oasis. Oasis (What's the Story) Morning Glory? album cover.

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis’ best album

(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?, Oasis’ iconic second album, not only defined 90s music but also left an indelible mark on …
Portada del álbum When I was born for the 7th time de Cornershop. Cornershop When I was born for the 7th time album cover.

When I was born for the 7th time, the best Cornershop album

When I was born for the 7th time is considered Cornershop’s best album and a musical milestone of the 1990s …
Portada del álbum Parklife de Blur. Blur Parklife album cover.

Parklife, the best Blur album of the 90s

Parklife, an iconic Blur album released in 1994, stands out as one of the pillars of Britpop and reflects the …

Punk Rock and Funk: Energy and rhythm of the 90s

Punk rock and funk experienced something of a resurgence in the 90s, with bands combining raw energy with a unique rhythmic approach.

Green Day’s Dookie (1994) was a pivotal album in popularizing punk pop. With songs like Basket Case, Green Day became one of the most relevant bands of the decade.

Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) was a key record that fused funk, rock, and rap. With hits like Give It Away and Under the Bridge, this album remains a cornerstone of alternative rock.

The Offspring’s Smash (1994) stood out as one of the most popular punk rock records in the 90s. Songs like Come Out and Play marked an era of rebellion and fun.

Portada del álbum Recipe for Hate de Bad Religion. Bad Religion Recipe for Hate album cover.

Recipe for Hate, Bad Religion’s best album of the 90s

Recipe for Hate is considered by many to be Bad Religion’s best album of the 1990s. Not only was this record a milestone …
Portada del álbum Smash de The Offspring. The Offspring Smash album cover.

Smash, The Offspring’s best album of the 90s

Smash, released in 1994, stands as The Offspring’s most iconic album and a fundamental pillar of 90s music. This record not only …
Portada del álbum Blood Sugar Sex Magik de Red Hot Chili Peppers. Red Hot Chili Peppers Blood Sugar Sex Magik album cover.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik, the best RHCP album of the 90s

Blood Sugar Sex Magik is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic albums from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the 1990s …
Portada del álbum Dookie de Green Day. Green Day Dookie album cover.

Dookie, the best Green Day album of the 90s

Green Day ’s best album of the 90s, Dookie not only defined a decade but also influenced the current music …

Soul and R&B: Elegance and emotion

90s soul and R&B were dominated by powerful vocals and sophisticated productions. Albums by artists like Whitney Houston, TLC, and Boyz II Men redefined the genre, taking R&B to new heights.

Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) (1992) is one of the best-selling albums of the decade, featuring the iconic I Will Always Love You. The film and its soundtrack established Whitney as one of the great voices of 90s music.

TLC’s CrazySexyCool (1994) fused R&B, hip-hop, and soul, achieving hits like Creep and Waterfalls, which marked a before and after in the evolution of R&B.

II by Boyz II Men (1994) consolidated this group as the reference of R&B in the 90s. With ballads like I’ll Make Love to You, Boyz II Men became the soul of romantic music of the decade.

Portada del álbum CrazySexyCool de TLC. TLC CrazySexyCool album cover.

CrazySexyCool, TLC’s best album of the 90s

TLC’s best album of the 90s, CrazySexyCool not only marked an era, but also redefined the musical landscape of its time. This …
Portada del álbum Cooleyhighharmony de Boyz II Men. Boyz II Men Cooleyhighharmony album cover.

Cooleyhighharmony, the best Boyz II Men album of the 90s

Cooleyhighharmony , the debut album by Boyz II Men , marked a milestone in the music of the 90s and remains relevant in …
Portada del álbum Merry Christmas de Mariah Carey. Mariah Carey Merry Christmas album cover.

Merry Christmas, Mariah Carey’s best album of the 90s

Merry Christmas is not only an iconic Mariah Carey album , but it also represents a golden era of 90s music that …
Portada del álbum The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) de Whitney Houston. Whitney Houston The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) album cover.

The Bodyguard (Soundtrack), Whitney’s best album of the 90s

The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) is undoubtedly one of the most iconic albums of the 90s, not only for its relation to the famous …

The legacy of the best albums of the 90s

The influence of the best albums of the 90s remains strong today. Many of these records continue to be a source of inspiration for new artists and their legacy lives on through new generations of fans who continue to listen to and celebrate these classics.

Later albums, such as Adele’s 21 (2011), show a clear influence from the R&B and soul that dominated the 90s, especially from artists such as Whitney Houston and TLC. In the realm of alternative rock, Coldplay’s A Rush of Blood to the Head (2002) reflects the impact of Radiohead’s OK Computer in its melodic and conceptual output. In pop, artists such as Lady Gaga have borrowed elements of the theatricality and experimentation present in records such as Michael Jackson’s Dangerous, while the punk pop of Green Day’s American Idiot (2004) is clearly indebted to the energy and style of Dookie. These examples demonstrate how 90s albums laid the groundwork for modern music across a variety of genres.

Definitive List: The 10 Best Albums of the 90s

These are the 10 best music albums of the 90s according to your votes. Vote and help us update the list.

  • Nevermind – Nirvana
  • The Bodyguard (Soundtrack) – Whitney Houston
  • Ten – Pearl Jam
  • Dangerous – Michael Jackson
  • OK Computer – Radiohead
  • …Baby One More Time – Britney Spears
  • (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? – Oasis
  • Blood Sugar Sex Magik – Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • Metallica (Black Album) – Metallica
  • SmashThe Offspring

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What was the best-selling album of the 90s?

The best-selling album of the 90s was Whitney Houston’s The Bodyguard (Soundtrack).

Which 90s albums were trend-setters?

Nirvana’s Nevermind and Michael Jackson’s Dangerous were instrumental in creating new trends.

Why are 90s albums still so influential?

These albums defined the sound and culture of the time, creating a deep connection with audiences.

What are the most iconic rock albums of the 90s?

Nirvana’s Nevermind and Radiohead’s OK Computer are two of the most iconic alternative rock albums.

Where can I listen to the best 90s albums today?

Many of these albums are available on streaming platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.

What impact did music videos have on 90s albums?

Music videos were crucial to promoting albums, helping to define the aesthetics of the time.

Which 90s albums continue to influence current genres?

Radiohead’s OK Computer and Michael Jackson’s Dangerous remain a key influence on rock and pop.

What technological innovations impacted the production of 90s albums?

The popularization of the CD and the improvement of digital studios allowed for more detailed and accessible production.

Which 90s album was the most innovative?

Radiohead’s OK Computer is considered one of the most innovative albums for its mix of genres and sonic experimentation.

How is 90s music perceived today?

90s music is seen as a time of great experimentation and authenticity, which remains relevant in contemporary music.

Explore more content

Best music of the 90s: Musical genres, groups, albums and songs

The essence of the 90s in one place Best music of the 90s: Musical genres, groups, albums and songs Visit …