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Album Reviews of the 90s

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The 90s had a very wide range in music, so don't expect this page to contain every album you liked from the 90s. I welcome submissions, so feel free to use the form at the end of this page to add yours.

  • 20th by The Isaacs / 1991
    Review by: Mike
    This album ispired me in 1994 when I discovered it. The is one of the best Bluegrass Albums I have ever heard. It's family and the daughters were only 12 and 15 at the time, and it is very impressive to me how talented these girls were, and the brother was only 18, and plays stand up bas and the whole album is fresh ,and never has a dull moment. This Album described who I was in the 90s, and it jams. The most beautiful song I have ever heard is on this Album, it's called "Is Not This the Land of Beaullah?" That is the song I have requested to be sung at my homecoming.

  • Automatic For The People by R.E.M. / 1993
    Review by: S. Sundar
    A wonderfully put together album, R.E.M.'s best as far as I am concerned. Songs like Everybody Hurts and Man On The Moon will definitely be remembered, but there were other really great songs like Drive, The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite and Nightswimming.

  • Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers / 1991
    Review by: Eric lil-e-mofo Schneider
    Back in 95 When I had just gotten into music the first CD i bought was Blood Sugar Sex Magic after seeing the Chili Peppers Funky Monks home video. This album has such longevity that i still listen to it regularly (at least once a week) almost 6 years after I bought it. Listening to this cd is a great introduction for people getting into not only hard rock and rap, but also funk, punk and a little jazz. If you dont already have this cd, you suck. Stop sucking and buy this cd because if you don't, you will be destined to suck the rest o your life.

  • Boys for Pele by Tori Amos / 1996
    Review by: Tyra
    I am a HUGE Tori Amos fan, so it shouldn't come as any big surprise that I really liked this album. "Boys" is appealing simply because she has put it together well. Unlike "Under the Pink" or "Little Earthquakes", which both tend to be on the "mellow" side of the spectrum, "Boys" ranges from sweet-n-low glamour girl to hard hitting piano jams, not forgetting to hit all the soft spots in between. This is Tori in her finest hour, so far...

  • Different Class by Pulp / 1995
    Review by: Claude Carpentieri
    "Different Class" is one of the defining moments of the Nineties. Jarvis Cocker's lyrics are probably the best and the wittiest of his generation. Songs like "Common People", "Sorted for E's &Wizz" and Mis-shapes" clearly offer more than the usual watered down pop formula of the Nineties often did. Pulp talk about misfits, unsettled people who are not "the same as you" and who don't do "the things you do". Music wise, Pulp owe more than a credit to the most inspired Roxy Music of the 1970s, but their interpretation is nevertheless original and innovative enough to make them sound like no other bands amongst their contemporaries. Pulp use synths in a purely pop contest. BUt in the end, what matters most is the style, the irony and the talent of mr. Jarvis. For me, they're definitely the best band of the Nineties.

  • Dookie by Green Day / 1995
    Review by: Cook
    The band that brought back the punk sounds of the late 70's! Punk rock is at its raw best on this album. Every song is a solid, melodic, angry punk masterpiece. From the unforgettable bassline of "Longview" to the crunchy guitars of "Basket Case", if you like punk rock, you must own this album.

  • Fashion Nugget by Cake / 1996
    Review by: andy
    Classic Cake album. Featuring the hit song "The Distance" and the more recently played cover of "I Will Survive," Fashion Nugget is a testament to good lyrics and a reluctance to fall into post-grunge noise-making. As playfull in parts as The Refreshments and Bare Naked Ladies, as dark as many alternative albums, Fashion Nugget is a veritable cornucopia of manifest talent.

  • Folk Heroes by The Foremen / 1995
    Review by: adam schmidt
    Whoa! This is the only album in the world that will offend everyone who hears it. But you will never laugh at another album this hard. The Foremen are a band determined to mock The Kingston Trio, Simon and Garfunkel, and Peter, Paul, and Mary;however, the band also parodies current events. Sheer, vulgar, intellectual, and unrepentant, scathing entertainment.

  • Grace by Jeff Buckley / 1994
    Review by: Owen Nicholas
    This album is a brilliant concoction of wistful ballads, folk-rock and classic blues. It is built around jeff's soul enlightening vocals and topped up with brilliant guitar-playing. (especially in 'Hallelujah') Songs like 'grace ' and 'last goodbye' still recieve some airplay but songs like the mellodramatic 'Mojo Pin', the crystalline cover of 'lilac wine' and the rocking 'eternal life' are absolute classics! Since it is jeff buckley's only full-length album and i would definitely regard it as THE album of the nineties.

  • Hormonally Yours by Shakespears Sister / 1992
    Review by: Don
    A great album by a long forgotten early 90's duo, Hormonally Yours is the second from the duo of Siobhan Fahey & Marcella Detroit. It is a work of art. from Top 10 hits like "Stay" & " I Don't Care" to lesser known songs like "Catwoman" & "Let Me Entertain You" the girs keep you singing along. A Must Have!!!!!

  • In Utero by Nirvana / 1993
    Review by: Tony Klein
    I bought this album 'cause I liked "Nevermind," and I wanted a copy of "Heartshaped Box." When I first put it in my Walkman and heard "Serve the Servants," I knew that Nirvana had put another great album on their list. Songs like "Scentless Apprentice," "Rape Me," and "Milk It" reflected Kurt Cobain's troubled life leading up to his 1994 suicide. The whole album is a great example of one of the 90's first "alternative" bands and their music.

  • Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morrisette / 1995
    Review by: Celeste Keenan

    I've always loved Alanis. Even in her days as a teennie bopper she really appealed to me. The raw and angered power of this album is what drew me to her.

    I like Alanis more now that she's not afraid to be expressive and she's not afraid to make her point of view known to everyone.

    She is a fearless and powerful woman and I really respect her for that. :)



  • Karma by Rick Springfield / 1999
    Review by: Tiffany Sanders
    The ten years between Springfield's last solo album (Rock of Life, 1989) and Karma have deepened and matured both the man and his music. All but gone is the catchy repetitiveness of 80's pop hits like "Jessie's Girl" and "Don't Talk to Strangers." In its place is grown up music that explores more serious, often spiritual themes. From the wry perspective of "Itsalwayssomething" to the heartwrenching "Free," written for the parents of a four-year-old drowning victim, this CD makes you look inside yourself and then, like all of Springfield's music, it leaves you feeling good.
  • Kirk Franklin and the Family by Kirk Franklin / 1993
    Review by: cecilia
    Mr. Franklin took America by storm when he came out with his first CD with his first single, "Why We Sing". Even though "Why We Sing" is the most popular song on his first CD, I love the very last song, "Till We Meet Again".

  • Melloncollie And The Infinite Sadness by The Smashing Pumpkins / 1995
    Review by: Dmitry Tkach
    After their debut,"Gish" and breakthrough, "Siamese Dream", The Smashing Pumpkins strike back with one of the most amazing collection of alt/grunge/rock music. Not being as hard as Nirvana, The Pumpkins realease a beautiful two-CD set with five great videos and hits,"Bullet With Butterfly Wings","Thirty-Three","Tonight Tonight", "Zero" and the perfect, "1979".

  • Modern Life is Rubbish by Blur / 1992?
    Review by: mark harold
    The "lost" Blur album, kept hidden from the ravages of pop by an obscure cover and initial poor sales, this is a classic. It will be rediscovered in years to come because of its clever lyrics and consistent quality, long after everyone is sick of hearing Parklife, the album that succeeded it. Tracks range from soft ballads to all-out heavy attacks, showing a diversity and sophistication rarely present in a pop band. The best are the opener, "For Tomorrow", a very english and dramatic sing-along, and "Popscene", the prototype for "Song 2". This is the Blur album you must hear before deciding you know their sound. They have always been erratic and unpredictable but this is the purest distillation of what Blur in the 90s were all about. REM? Don't make me laugh! :)

  • OK Computer by Radiohead / 1997
    Review by: andy kaboosky
    The layered complexities and raw emotion of OK Computer combine to form in most aspects, THE album of the 90's. The atmospheric and musical leaps made between this and their sophmore record,The Bends, and the leaps made between them and their 90's counterparts are innumerable. Every song is concise emotional response to the fast paced society of the nineties. From "No Suprises" to "Karma Police", "The Tourist" and the epic "Paranoid Android" all define the 90's as they now stand to the sensitive listeners in a calculated world. A 10 out of 10 - A "Dark Side of the Moon" for the 90's

  • Raoul and the Kings of Spain by Tears 4 Fears / 1995
    Review by: Steve
    I couldn't stand the tears4fears stuff in the 80s, but a friend of mine forced this one on me, and it knocked me out. The only remaining member is singer Roland Orzabal, the rest are great young L.A. studio musicians. He should have renamed the band (thus removing the stigma), and promoted it as a new project. The songrwiting, musicianship and production on this album were nearly flawless; on the same level as the epic "OK Computer" from Radiohead. (in fact, during the Raoul tour, they performed a cover version of "creep", an earlier Radiohead hit). Highlights include the title track, "Falling Down", "Don't Drink the Water", and "Me & My Big Ideas".

  • Ray of Light by Madonna / 1998
    Review by: Patrick
    Definately Madonna's comeback album and one of her best, if not THE best. Madonna truly becomes and artist with this one, singing songs from the heart like never before, with songs like "Frozen" and "Nothing Really Matters" only being two of five great singles.

  • Saimese Dream by Smashing Pumpkins / 1993
    Review by: Celeste Keenan
    I got this album for Christmas. I had wanted all of the Pumpkins albums but this one was the first alternative album that really appealed to me. It was the only album that really really made me think that Billy Corgan as a great song writer who has a lot of potential to get where ever he wants to get in life.

  • Secret Samadhi by Live / February 18th , 1997
    Review by: MisterMister
    A Modern Masterpiece. From the jaring guitar riffs of Lakini's Juice to the Magnificence of Turn my head and possibly the best lyrics ever written this decade Secret Samadhi is THE album of the 90's and with daring but beautiful songs such as Insomnia and the hole of the universe and Ghost this album is a have-to-have.

  • Suede by Suede / 1993
    Review by: Claude Carpentieri
    After years of gloom for the British pop scene, and in an era in which grunge was at its peak, Suede brought the spotlight back on the UK. Initially defined as "Bowie meets The Smiths" Suede were responsible for the years to come of pop-reinassance. The balance between Brett Anderson's voice and Bernard Butler's guitar is simply great and innovative: the guys are obviously fond of Bowie and Mick Ronson. Besides, singer Brett Anderson is theatrical and melodrammatic enough to give birth to the british pop phenomenon of 1993. The four singles out of "Suede" are classics: "The Drowners" and "So Young" are particularly energetic and different from whatever had ruled in the previous five years.

  • Surfacing by Sarah MacLachlan / 1997
    Review by: Celeste Keenan
    Ever since I was 14 years old Sarah MacLachlan is the only other female vocalist, aside from Alanis Morissette, that I really admire. Being the mastermind behind the Lilith Fair and touring on her own in some instances has made me think about how far women have come in recent years in the music industry. Sarah just proves that women now have a voice in this business, and it is a business, and thanks to Sarah; women who wouldn't normally get all of this exposure elsewhere are now getting the respect that they so rightly deserve. HOORAY FOR SARAH MACLACHLAN AND EVERYTHING SHE'S DONE FOR FEMALES IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY!

  • Ten by Pearl Jam / 1991
    Review by: John Pucciarelli
    Welcome back to the heavy rock and roll sounds of the late 60's and 70's. This is by far one of the best rock and roll albums every made. As a fan of such bands as Led Zepplin, the Beattles, the Rolling Stones, The Doors, etc. I can safely say this album ranks up with the best albums these bands ever made. this was Pearl Jam's debut album and its sound stirred up the music scene of the time. Songs like Alive, Evenflow, Black, and Jeremy still play heavily on the air waves almost 10 years after the album was released. Pearl jam is still making great records but Ten was truly a Rock and Roll masterpiece!!!

  • Test For Echo by Rush / 1996
    Review by: Tim McLaren
    Great Album that gave the fans another chance to here them perform songs like Driven, Test For Echo, Resist as the band went back to its original styles back in 1975.

  • Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt / 1995
    Review by: Elizabeth aka gwennabe liz
    There is no doubt about it that No Doubt is one of the greatest band's of the nineties. Tragic Kingdom, their third album, launched them into stardom and helped revive ska music which was the mad influence that created No Doubt. This album is a must have and if you're a real No Doubt or Gwen fanatic, all of their work is just incredible and truly rocks (self-titled album, Beacon Street Collection, and Return of Saturn:)

  • Ultra by Depeche Mode / 1997
    Review by: Claude Carpentieri
    Paradoxically, in the 90s, the quintessentially 80s sounding band Depeche Mode were conferred on a recognition they had never quite managed to achieve in the decade of synth-pop. With "Ultra", their second consecutive number 1 album, Alan Wilder-less Depeche MOde reverted to a less guitar orientated sound, which thay had successfully experimented with 1993 "Songs of Faith and Devotion". The singles from "Ultra" are a cracker: 'It's NO Good' sounds like a classic (and I also recommend the video), and both 'Useless' and 'Barrel of a Gun' tell us all about the band's excellent shape in 1997, leaving behind Dave Gahan's personal ghosts. But, in my opinion, the 'best-song award' goes to the eerie 'Sister of Night'. One of the very best Depeche Mode records.

  • Under The Table and Dreaming by Dave Matthews Band / 1994
    Review by: patrick
    i got this album for christmas 1994 because i had heard what would you say and liked it a little. this is a superb album that mixes jazz with pop with about anything else you can imagine. this album is all acoustic

  • Vauxhall and I by Morrissey / 1994
    Review by: Claude Carpentieri
    If I ever had to move to a desert island, "Vauxhall and I" would be the album to take with me. This is Morrissey at his best and, as reviews wrote at the time, "you won't miss The Smiths with an album like this". "HOld On To Your Friends" and "Lifeguard Sleeping" are truly gems, and they also offer Morrissey's return to form lyric-wise. The album reached n.1 in the UK and for once, charts were making justice. The arrangements are virtually pop perfections, balanced and scattered at the same time, dramatic and emotional. But it's Morrissey's voice which emerges above all: the man clearly has still a lot to say.

  • Wish by The Cure / 1992
    Review by: Claude Carpentieri
    The follow-up to the acclaimed "Disintegration" was not going to be as easy as pie for Robert Smith and cohorts. And yet, I believe "Wish" live dup to the expectations and, instead, conquered the hearts of uncompromising Cure fans just like moi. I still remember the day I bought "Wish"...I was 16, back from a dull maths lesson. The stylus picked up the initial notes of 'Open', and it was love within seconds. Beware of the most popular track on the album, 'Friday I'm In Love', for "Wish" has much more to offer. For instance, look at the intense and claustrophobic 'From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea', or the light-and-shad-y 'Doing The Unstuck'. As far as 'To Wish Impossible Things' is concerned, it can still make me weep instantly. Perhaps the last great Cure album. 8 out of 10.


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