90s Alternative Artists have placed a cultural reset on the music industry. They have made some of the most influential music during that period. Below I listed my top 5 90s Alternative Artists that you will absolutely love today!
A handful of you might already know who Fiona Apple is. But you might have just heard her name mentioned. If you know an actual song of hers, bravo! You are doing amazing. I remember hearing her name for the longest time but never really wondered what her music sounds like. That was until a few years ago when I fell in love with her music.
Fiona has made her biggest strides with her debut album, “Tidal.” It was essentially an album chronicling a breakup she went through at 17 years old. Any Olivia Rodrigo stans? Here is the Sour of the 90s. The entirety of the album has been very cohesive and insightful. A complex look into the stages of an unsuccessful relationship. Her song, “Criminal,” has been her biggest hit. Winning her a grammy award and topping single charts.
Fiona, to me, has defined the next generation. She made the blueprint for many future artists. Especially when writing songs about relationships and their dynamics (in my opinion, at least). Once I listened to her music, I was amazed by how skillful she was. Also, who the hell hurt her at 17 years old?
I would like to describe Tori Amos as the Tinker Bell of the 90s Alt Gang. Every time I hear a song of hers, I cannot help but imagine myself opening the wardrobe to Narnia. You will understand once you give her a listen. The medieval-esque instrumentations, her mezzo-soprano vocals, and poetic lyrics will enchant you to her Queendom.
It has been said that she is mostly inspired by the lyricism of Joni Mitchell and the aesthetics of Kate Bush. And I couldn’t agree more! In her songs, she usually presents honest depictions about life (Joni) but in the most fictional way (Kate). Hence the Narnia sounds! I love the juxtaposition between these characteristics. They really make the songs stand out more.
Also, unrelated to how talented she is, but for the longest time, I thought she was Irish! Yup! Irish! Her singing style, red hair, and even slight accent gave me a British Isles vibe. Turned out she was American all along. I was completely shocked when I found this out! Either way, she can identify as an honorary Brit, Gaelic, or Hogwarts student if she wanted to!
Aside from breakups and fantasy trips, alternative artists have also given us rock influences. Polly Jean Harvey is a monster instrumentalist. She has played the saxophone, electric guitar, percussion instruments, and many more. Before she hit her solo career, she performed under a band trio under her name. The group has explored genres such as punk blues, folk-rock, and indie rock. Eventually, the band split as she grew tremendously after.
Her solo career has been one hell of an upgrade. Releasing nine studio albums, PJ Harvey has proven herself to be a one-woman powerhouse. PJ has reached her peak success when she released “Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea.” A love letter to New York City juxtaposing it with her British seaside childhood. She has collaborated with Thom Yorke in “The Mess We’re In.” One of her most successful songs to date. The album overall has proven itself to draw the blueprint for the next generation of artists to follow.
Polly Jean is definitely one of my favorite 90s Alternative Artists. And it is not because of her rock influences (one of my favorite genres). She has had one of the most extensive catalogs of music, exploring different types of genres. She is also one of the most talented given her multilingual capabilities in instruments.
Everyone knows who Radiohead is. The band has been mentioned at the dinner table before, referenced in pop culture, and played in several movie soundtracks. That is how good the band is! But in this article, I am going to talk about their singer and frontrunner, Thom Yorke.
This man, alone, has been one of the most influential 90s Alternative Artists ever! One signature characteristic of his is his singing style. His somber yet beautiful tone was a rarity during his times. It has shocked many song listeners around the globe. But it has also opened many doors for the next vocalists. Today, lots of artists, alternative or not, have adapted a singing style similar to his. This is a big deal because this style hasn’t been popularized until Thom sparked it.
Radiohead’s alt-rock era has also opened the door for many opportunities. For the longest time, rock has been defined as loud and full of energy. Radiohead combines rock instrumentation with some blues and a hint of uniqueness. Thus giving us a dark style of the rock scene. Giving birth to the genre we know and love today!
A few years ago, I stumbled upon some music by Icelandic Queen of Music, Bjork. I gave a listen to her album named “Homogenic.” A breathtaking techno experience. I was impressed by how she mixed traditional instrumentation with computerized effects. I thought that this entire album was produced around the same time I listened to it. I later learned that it was celebrating its 20th Anniversary! This album was made in 1997! I legitimately thought this work of art was made five years ago, at its earliest!
With that said, I crown Bjork as the artist of the future. She is always ahead of her time no matter what she does. And this is not only in the technologies she utilizes in her music but also in her fashion, lyrical components, and public persona. In the 90s, the press would be shocked by her “controversial” fashion choices. Only for artists like Lady Gaga, FKA Twigs, and Florence and the Machine to follow in her lead. She was also very honest and apologetic in terms of her persona. A quality not a lot of artists in the 90s can have.
She also has one of the most versatile catalogs ever. Each album of hers is a completely different experience as she explores different types of music. It is unpredictable which direction she will take for her music. But you’ll know she will take you somewhere great!
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