As 90's Jams You've Totally Forgotten!

by Jhon Lennon 39 views

Hey music lovers! Remember the 90s? Big hair, grunge, and...well, a whole lotta awesome tunes. We all know the massive hits, the ones that still get played on the radio. But what about the tracks that slipped through the cracks? The ones that were amazing but somehow got lost in the shuffle? Buckle up, because we're diving deep into the obscure 90s gems you probably forgot existed. Get ready for a serious dose of nostalgia!

Indie Rock Treasures: Hidden Gems

Alright, let's kick things off with some indie rock goodness. The 90s were a goldmine for alternative music, and amidst the Britpop explosion and the rise of grunge, there were tons of bands creating incredible songs that deserved way more attention. One of those unsung heroes is Pavement. These guys were the epitome of 90s slacker rock, with a sound that was both lo-fi and incredibly catchy. Their song, "Cut Your Hair", is the only song you'll remember from them, and the rest were lost. The chorus is just perfection. The lyrics, full of cryptic metaphors and a healthy dose of irony, were so clever, but if you look for them now, you probably won't find it. So, give them a listen. They're definitely worth checking out if you're into that sort of thing. Their impact on the indie scene was huge, but they never quite broke through to the mainstream. Their music is so good, it makes you feel nostalgic for a time you might not have even lived in!

Another band that warrants a mention is Dinosaur Jr. With J Mascis's signature guitar sound and Lou Barlow's poignant songwriting, they crafted some seriously powerful rock anthems. They were like a heavier, noisier version of the Pixies, but with their own unique edge. I guess some would say their music didn't get as much radio play as some of the more commercially successful bands of the era, but that doesn't mean it wasn't brilliant. This song has a kind of raw energy. You can almost feel the emotions behind the music. It's an intense, moving listening experience. Their influence is definitely felt in much of the alternative rock of the past few decades, even if most people don't know the name.

Then there's the brilliance of Sebadoh. Led by Lou Barlow (also of Dinosaur Jr. fame), Sebadoh was all about raw emotion and intimate storytelling. They are one of the most underrated bands of the entire decade. Their music is super introspective. You can feel the emotion dripping from every note and lyric. Honestly, it's just really, really good stuff. It's the kind of music that feels like a conversation with an old friend. If you want some really honest and personal music, give them a listen. It's the kind of music that makes you wanna sit in your room, close your eyes, and just feel.

The Cool Sounds You Missed: Electronic Beats and Trip-Hop Grooves

Now, let's switch gears and explore the electronic side of the 90s. This was a decade of massive innovation in music, with artists pushing the boundaries of what was possible with synthesizers, drum machines, and sampling. There are a lot of forgotten electronic artists. One of them is The Orb. These guys created immersive, atmospheric soundscapes that were perfect for late-night listening sessions. Imagine a musical journey through space, with layers of sound slowly building and evolving. Their music is perfect if you want to zone out. If you're looking for something that will transport you to another dimension, then The Orb is the perfect band to check out. The Orb's albums are like musical tapestries, weaving together elements of ambient, dub, and electronic music into something truly unique. Their music is so intricate and detailed. It's the kind of music you can get lost in for hours. Their influence can be heard in a lot of contemporary electronic music. They were truly ahead of their time, and it's a shame that more people aren't familiar with their genius.

Then, of course, you have Massive Attack. These are the kings of trip-hop. Their songs have a vibe like no other. They were groundbreaking. If you haven't heard them before, then do yourself a favor and get on it immediately. Their music is a dark, moody vibe, with a sound that’s hard to classify, mixing elements of hip-hop, electronic music, and soul. They created some of the most memorable and influential music of the 90s. They really helped define the trip-hop genre. Massive Attack's influence can be heard in everything from film scores to contemporary pop music. They're a really important band, and they totally deserve the recognition they get.

One-Hit Wonders That Deserved More

Let's be honest, the 90s were also a breeding ground for one-hit wonders. Bands and artists that burst onto the scene with a killer track, only to disappear as quickly as they arrived. But, hey, that doesn’t mean their songs weren’t awesome. And some of those acts deserved way more than one hit! One of the big ones is Deep Blue Something, with their song "Breakfast at Tiffany's". This song was everywhere back in the day, but did you know anything else about them? No! Their song is catchy and has a unique sound. You know, a very chill song, perfect for relaxing on a Sunday morning. The song's success was a huge surprise. The song is based on a movie, and the song itself is still playing today. This song is still well known to music lovers.

Then, of course, you have Blind Melon, with "No Rain". It was a huge hit, thanks to that memorable music video with the girl in the bee costume, and it's a timeless song that still resonates today. This song and the band were also very influential. The singer, Shannon Hoon, had a unique voice, and it gave this song a special touch. Blind Melon's raw energy and authenticity won them many fans. Their music is a blend of rock, folk, and blues. "No Rain" is a great example of the band's ability to create catchy, heartfelt music. The band sadly didn't last very long. And Hoon died very young. It's one of the greatest songs of the 90s and deserves a place in history.

The Grunge Scene and Beyond: Beyond Nirvana and Pearl Jam

We all know Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. But what about the other amazing bands in the grunge scene? There were tons of talented musicians, and they all deserve recognition. Bush, is definitely one of them. These guys may have started a little late in the game, but they still contributed to the sound of grunge. They had this cool, grungy sound, with a great singer, Gavin Rossdale. Their songs were everywhere on the radio back then, and you're sure to know at least one or two of them. They weren't as cool as Nirvana or Pearl Jam, but the music was still really good. You can feel the energy and passion in their songs. They're definitely worth checking out if you're a fan of the grunge style.

Then you have Toad the Wet Sprocket. These guys were huge in the mid-90s. They had some really catchy songs, and their music was on MTV all the time. They weren't exactly grunge, but they were definitely part of the alternative music scene of the time. They had a unique sound that was all their own. With songs that were thoughtful, emotional, and well-crafted, they are definitely worth a listen if you're looking for some great music from the era.

Pop Rock Powerhouses and the Unexpected

Even in the pop-rock landscape of the 90s, there were artists who managed to slip under the radar. These guys were making great music, but somehow just weren't appreciated. One of them is The Posies. These guys were amazing. They were experts at crafting those perfect pop songs with great melodies. They never really got the attention they deserved, but their music still holds up today. Their music is the perfect blend of catchy melodies and intelligent lyrics. They could write a song that could make anyone sing along. Their influence can be heard in all kinds of pop music today. They are worth a listen for any fan of the 90s pop-rock scene.

Then you had a band called Semisonic. Their song "Closing Time" was a huge hit, but do you know any other song by them? Probably not! The song is a great one. The band made more songs. And most people don't know the band. Semisonic had a way of mixing rock and pop in a way that made you wanna sing along, whether you wanted to or not. They weren't just a one-hit wonder. They had many songs that are just as great. Their music's still great even now.

Rediscovering the 90s: Where to Start Your Journey?

So, where do you even start with all these forgotten 90s gems? The best way is to dive in! Go to Spotify, Apple Music, or your favorite streaming service and start searching. Create a playlist. Listen to the artists and bands we've mentioned. And don't be afraid to branch out and discover more music along the way. You might just stumble upon your new favorite band! Remember, the 90s were a time of great experimentation and innovation. And it's important to remember these songs. There are so many great songs waiting to be rediscovered. So, get ready for a trip down memory lane. Get ready to rediscover some awesome tunes that you forgot about. Your ears will thank you!