The Best Alternative and Indie Albums of the 1990s

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1. 1
   NevermindNirvana

   Nevermind

   Nirvana · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

   The record that dragged underground rock into the mainstream overnight, marrying punk energy to pop hooks and Butch Vig's clean production. 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' is the calling card, but the album runs deep. Its impact on the 1990s is impossible to overstate.

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2. 2
   OK ComputerRadiohead

   OK Computer

   Radiohead · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

   A prescient album about alienation in a wired, accelerating world, expanding rock with electronics, odd time signatures and dread. 'Paranoid Android' and 'No Surprises' anchor a record that still sounds like the future arriving. Frequently named among the greatest ever made.

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3. 3
   (What's the Story) Morning Glory?Oasis

   (What's the Story) Morning Glory?

   Oasis · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

   The Britpop blockbuster that made Oasis a generational band, packed with singalong anthems from 'Wonderwall' to 'Champagne Supernova'. Huge and confident. A defining 90s UK record.

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4. 4
   Definitely MaybeOasis

   Definitely Maybe

   Oasis · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

   A swaggering debut of rock'n'roll dreams and wall-of-sound guitars, instantly iconic in Britain. Raw and euphoric. The sound of a band announcing itself.

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5. 5
   Different ClassPulp

   Different Class

   Pulp · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

   Sharp, witty Britpop with class politics and kitchen-sink drama, peaking on 'Common People'. Clever and danceable. Jarvis Cocker's finest hour.

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6. 6
   ParklifeBlur

   Parklife

   Blur · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

   The album that defined Britpop's wry, observational English pop, bursting with hooks and character sketches. Playful and sharp. A 90s landmark.

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7. 7
   Automatic for the PeopleR.E.M.

   Automatic for the People

   R.E.M. · 1992 · Alternative & Indie

   A hushed, autumnal masterpiece of strings and reflection, home to 'Everybody Hurts' and 'Nightswimming'. Their most emotionally resonant record. Beautiful and enduring.

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8. 8
   LovelessMy Bloody Valentine

   Loveless

   My Bloody Valentine · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

   The defining shoegaze album, a wall of bent, gliding guitars and buried melody that took years and a fortune to make. Immersive and singular, it has never really been matched. Best played loud on headphones.

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9. 9
   Slanted and EnchantedPavement

   Slanted and Enchanted

   Pavement · 1992 · Alternative & Indie

   A scrappy, brilliant lo-fi debut that defined 90s indie cool. Loose and tuneful. Hugely influential.

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10. 10
    The BendsRadiohead

    The Bends

    Radiohead · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    The album where Radiohead became great, full of soaring, emotional guitar songs like 'Fake Plastic Trees' and 'Street Spirit'. More immediate than what followed, it is the warmest entry in their catalogue. An ideal starting point.

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11. 11
    In UteroNirvana

    In Utero

    Nirvana · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    Raw, abrasive and uncompromising, the band's response to sudden fame, recorded with Steve Albini for maximum bite. Beneath the noise are some of Cobain's strongest melodies. A harrowing, honest record.

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12. 12
    MTV Unplugged in New YorkNirvana

    MTV Unplugged in New York

    Nirvana · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A hushed, haunting acoustic set that revealed the band's tenderness, recorded months before Cobain's death. Intimate and poignant. A beloved farewell.

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13. 13
    Modern Life Is RubbishBlur

    Modern Life Is Rubbish

    Blur · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    The album where Blur found their English voice, a witty riposte to grunge. Tuneful and sharp. The blueprint for Britpop.

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14. 14
    The Great EscapeBlur

    The Great Escape

    Blur · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    A lavish, satirical peak of character-driven Britpop. Clever and tuneful. A snapshot of mid-90s Britain.

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15. 15
    BlurBlur

    Blur

    Blur · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A lo-fi, American-indie-inspired reinvention, home to 'Song 2'. Looser and rawer. A bold pivot away from Britpop.

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16. 16
    This Is HardcorePulp

    This Is Hardcore

    Pulp · 1998 · Alternative & Indie

    A dark, cinematic comedown from Britpop fame, seedy and ambitious. Bold and acclaimed. A brave follow-up to Different Class.

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17. 17
    Siamese DreamThe Smashing Pumpkins

    Siamese Dream

    The Smashing Pumpkins · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    Layered, cathartic alt-rock balancing crushing guitars with fragile melody. Ambitious and emotional. A defining 90s record.

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18. 18
    Mellon Collie and the Infinite SadnessThe Smashing Pumpkins

    Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

    The Smashing Pumpkins · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling double album of grandeur and angst, ranging from delicate to ferocious. Maximalist and beloved. Their most ambitious statement.

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19. 19
    OdelayBeck

    Odelay

    Beck · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A genre-blending collage of folk, hip-hop, blues and noise produced with the Dust Brothers. Restless, witty and fun. A defining 90s record.

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20. 20
    ScreamadelicaPrimal Scream

    Screamadelica

    Primal Scream · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

    The album where indie rock dissolved into acid house and gospel euphoria, capturing the rave era. Joyful and pioneering. A genre-blurring classic.

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21. 21
    The Boatman's CallNick Cave and the Bad Seeds

    The Boatman's Call

    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A hushed, piano-led record of heartbreak and faith, a stark turn toward intimacy. Beautiful and acclaimed. His most personal.

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22. 22
    Weezer (Blue Album)Weezer

    Weezer (Blue Album)

    Weezer · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A power-pop debut of crunchy guitars and geeky charm, hook after hook. Instantly likeable. A 90s alt-rock staple.

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23. 23
    PinkertonWeezer

    Pinkerton

    Weezer · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    Raw, confessional and abrasive, panned on release and later revered as a cult classic. Painfully honest. A grower that became beloved.

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24. 24
    DookieGreen Day

    Dookie

    Green Day · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A snotty, hook-laden pop-punk blockbuster that took the genre mainstream. Fast and fun. A 90s landmark.

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    13Blur

    13

    Blur · 1999 · Alternative & Indie

    A more experimental, emotional turn shaped by heartbreak and Eno-esque texture. Adventurous and raw. A favourite among devotees.

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26. 26
    His 'n' HersPulp

    His 'n' Hers

    Pulp · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    The album where Pulp's witty, sexual kitchen-sink pop crystallised. Sharp and tuneful. A breakthrough.

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27. 27
    SuedeSuede

    Suede

    Suede · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    A glam-tinged debut that helped kick off Britpop. Dramatic and influential. A vital arrival.

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28. 28
    Urban HymnsThe Verve

    Urban Hymns

    The Verve · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, string-laden peak of 90s British rock, anchored by 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'. Anthemic and melancholic. Their defining record.

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29. 29
    Everything Must GoManic Street Preachers

    Everything Must Go

    Manic Street Preachers · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A soaring, anthemic comeback after tragedy. Emotional and huge. Their commercial peak.

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30. 30
    Mellow GoldBeck

    Mellow Gold

    Beck · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A scrappy, genre-mashing breakthrough, home to 'Loser'. Quirky and fun. A 90s slacker landmark.

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31. 31
    Agaetis byrjunSigur Rós

    Agaetis byrjun

    Sigur Rós · 1999 · Alternative & Indie

    An ethereal, glacial breakthrough of bowed guitar and falsetto, otherworldly and beautiful. Immersive and singular. The album that made them famous.

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32. 32
    I Can Hear the Heart Beating as OneYo La Tengo

    I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One

    Yo La Tengo · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A warm, eclectic indie landmark of noise and tenderness. Beloved and acclaimed. A cornerstone.

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33. 33
    In the Aeroplane Over the SeaNeutral Milk Hotel

    In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

    Neutral Milk Hotel · 1998 · Alternative & Indie

    A raw, surreal folk-rock album of fuzzy horns and oblique imagery that became a cult phenomenon. Intense and beloved. Utterly singular.

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34. 34
    Keep It Like a SecretBuilt to Spill

    Keep It Like a Secret

    Built to Spill · 1999 · Alternative & Indie

    A melodic, guitar-driven indie peak of expansive songcraft. Warm and beloved. Their finest.

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35. 35
    Moon PixCat Power

    Moon Pix

    Cat Power · 1998 · Alternative & Indie

    A haunted, intimate indie-folk peak of fragile beauty. Singular and acclaimed. Her finest.

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36. 36
    Rid of MePJ Harvey

    Rid of Me

    PJ Harvey · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    A raw, abrasive Albini-recorded peak of fury and desire. Visceral and acclaimed. A landmark.

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37. 37
    To Bring You My LovePJ Harvey

    To Bring You My Love

    PJ Harvey · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    A dramatic, bluesy art-rock peak. Bold and acclaimed. A creative high.

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38. 38
    SouvlakiSlowdive

    Souvlaki

    Slowdive · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    A gorgeous shoegaze landmark of drifting guitar and melody. Dreamy and beloved. A genre cornerstone.

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39. 39
    NowhereRide

    Nowhere

    Ride · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A swirling shoegaze debut of melody and wall-of-sound guitar. Dreamy and acclaimed. A genre classic.

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40. 40
    Heaven or Las VegasCocteau Twins

    Heaven or Las Vegas

    Cocteau Twins · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A luminous dream-pop peak of ethereal vocals and chiming guitar. Beautiful and beloved. Their masterpiece.

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41. 41
    RepeaterFugazi

    Repeater

    Fugazi · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A taut, principled post-hardcore landmark of tension and melody. Sharp and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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42. 42
    BossanovaPixies

    Bossanova

    Pixies · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A surf-and-space-rock peak of sharp invention. Tuneful and beloved. A high point.

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43. 43
    GooSonic Youth

    Goo

    Sonic Youth · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A sharp, accessible major-label peak of melodic noise. Bold and beloved. A high point.

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44. 44
    Pablo HoneyRadiohead

    Pablo Honey

    Radiohead · 1993 · Alternative & Indie

    A raw debut best known for 'Creep'. Tuneful and earnest. A modest start before greatness.

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45. 45
    Out of TimeR.E.M.

    Out of Time

    R.E.M. · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, eclectic blockbuster, home to 'Losing My Religion'. Tuneful and enormous. Their commercial peak.

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46. 46
    New Adventures in Hi-FiR.E.M.

    New Adventures in Hi-Fi

    R.E.M. · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling, road-recorded late peak. Bold and acclaimed. A fan favourite.

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47. 47
    AdoreThe Smashing Pumpkins

    Adore

    The Smashing Pumpkins · 1998 · Alternative & Indie

    A hushed, electronic-leaning turn after Mellon Collie. Reflective and underrated. A brave pivot.

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48. 48
    DirtySonic Youth

    Dirty

    Sonic Youth · 1992 · Alternative & Indie

    A loud, accessible peak of melodic noise-rock. Sharp and acclaimed. A strong major-label record.

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49. 49
    Trompe le MondePixies

    Trompe le Monde

    Pixies · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

    A heavier, denser final album of the original run. Sharp and beloved. A strong close.

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    SpiderlandSlint

    Spiderland

    Slint · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

    A quiet, eerie, hugely influential record that effectively invented post-rock. Tense and singular. A cult landmark.

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51. 51
    Young TeamMogwai

    Young Team

    Mogwai · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A dynamic post-rock debut of quiet-loud crescendos. Powerful and influential. A genre cornerstone.

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52. 52
    Murder BalladsNick Cave and the Bad Seeds

    Murder Ballads

    Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A darkly funny collection of violent narratives, home to a famous Kylie duet. Bold and beloved. A cult favourite.

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    WishThe Cure

    Wish

    The Cure · 1992 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, commercial peak, home to 'Friday I'm in Love'. Tuneful and huge. Their biggest record.

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    Second ComingThe Stone Roses

    Second Coming

    The Stone Roses · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A long-delayed, blues-rock-leaning follow-up to a beloved debut. Heavier and divisive. A flawed but interesting record.

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55. 55
    Pills 'n' Thrills and BellyachesHappy Mondays

    Pills 'n' Thrills and Bellyaches

    Happy Mondays · 1990 · Alternative & Indie

    A baggy, dance-rock peak of Madchester hedonism. Loose and beloved. Their finest.

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56. 56
    BandwagonesqueTeenage Fanclub

    Bandwagonesque

    Teenage Fanclub · 1991 · Alternative & Indie

    A power-pop landmark of jangly Big Star worship. Tuneful and beloved. A 90s favourite.

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57. 57
    Bee ThousandGuided by Voices

    Bee Thousand

    Guided by Voices · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    A lo-fi indie landmark of fragmentary pop brilliance. Scrappy and beloved. A cult masterpiece.

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58. 58
    Alien LanesGuided by Voices

    Alien Lanes

    Guided by Voices · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    A scrappy, prolific lo-fi pop peak. Charming and beloved. A high point.

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59. 59
    Terror TwilightPavement

    Terror Twilight

    Pavement · 1999 · Alternative & Indie

    A polished, Nigel Godrich-produced final album. Tuneful and acclaimed. A graceful close.

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60. 60
    Perfect from Now OnBuilt to Spill

    Perfect from Now On

    Built to Spill · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A sprawling, ambitious indie peak of long guitar suites. Bold and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

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61. 61
    Deserter's SongsMercury Rev

    Deserter's Songs

    Mercury Rev · 1998 · Alternative & Indie

    A lush, orchestral comeback of symphonic indie beauty. Bold and acclaimed. A revival record.

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62. 62
    Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in SpaceSpiritualized

    Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

    Spiritualized · 1997 · Alternative & Indie

    A vast, gospel-and-drone space-rock peak of heartbreak. Immersive and acclaimed. Their masterpiece.

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63. 63
    If You're Feeling SinisterBelle and Sebastian

    If You're Feeling Sinister

    Belle and Sebastian · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A witty, literate indie-pop landmark of twee charm. Beloved and acclaimed. A cult classic.

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64. 64
    Emperor Tomato KetchupStereolab

    Emperor Tomato Ketchup

    Stereolab · 1996 · Alternative & Indie

    A groovy, krautrock-pop peak of retro-futurist cool. Inventive and beloved. Their finest.

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    WeezerWeezer

    Weezer

    Weezer · 1994 · Alternative & Indie

    The Blue Album: twelve tracks of hook-laden power-pop that arrived fully formed and made nerd-rock a viable thing.

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    Jagged Little PillAlanis Morissette

    Jagged Little Pill

    Alanis Morissette · 1995 · Alternative & Indie

    You Oughta Know and You Learn — the record that redefined confessional rock for a generation.

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