The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s: Part Two: 40-31
Nov 19 '03 (Updated Nov 29 '03)
The Bottom Line ...
Well here we are again, back for round two of this list. I was already taken to task by some people in round 1, I can only imagine what some of the albums in this part will invoke...
40. The Black Crowes- Amorica: While many people are of the opinion that this band's debut record would be a more fitting choice, Amorica has always appealed to me on a number of levels and it just seems like a better all around album musically. From the country rock strains of Wiser Time to the pure piano goodness of Descending, great tracks are all over this album. Key cuts: Wiser Time, Cursed Diamond
39. Deftones- Around the Fur: There is something to be said for an album that sonically is as hard rocking, and yet smart, as can almost possibly be. Besides that, is there any doubt that Chino Moreno is one of the best vocalists in rock today? Key Cuts: Mascara, My Own Summer
38. Mighty Mighty Bosstones- Don't Know How To Party: Before they became one of the more socially conscious bands on the planet, the Bosstones were literally the biggest frat party band on the planet. DKHTP is a classic album of hardcore guitar grooves, jumping horns, and the gravel-laced vocals of one Dicky Barrett. Key Cuts: Someday I Suppose, Holy Smoke
37. Stone Temple Pilots- Core: Dismissed by critics in their breakthrough year as nothing more than a "Pearl Jam" ripoff, STP ironically was the only band (until their recent hiatus/breakup) that actually survived the whole 90s rock scene alongside Pearl Jam. While Core is not their best album, it's still a solid listen from start to finish, although to this day, Creep grates on me like a motherfu*ker. Key Cuts: Crackerman, Plush
36. Pearl Jam- Vs.: With Vs., Pearl Jam began their move away from the arena sized rock anthems that made up most of their debut Ten. Sure, they still wrote a couple of anthems, but in attitude and even in production, this band's move into more of a punk rock attitude (if not a complete move into more of a punk rock sound) began here. Key Cuts: Go, Rearviewmirror
35. Alice in Chains- Dirt: Despite their success, it seemed like AIC was the bastard red headed stepchild of Seattle. Perhaps not surprising given their heavier sound and extremely dark lyrics. Dirt, though, stands as their true masterpiece, and sadly, an album that now stands as an all too true portrait of the good that drugs can create even as they work their evil. We miss you Layne... Key Cuts: Would?, Rooster
34. Live- Throwing Copper: I already know the comments on this one will roll in given it's rather low rating. While I feel this album is a classic, I don't think it's the band's best effort (I guess you could say that's a hint for later). While it's a satisfying listen start to finish, much of it feels like ANY band could have written it in terms of the music. Key Cuts: Lightning Crashes, White Discussion
33. Less Than Jake- Hello Rockview: If one doubts the influence of the Bosstones on not only ska music, but record companies reaction to it, one needs to look no further than this album (and Reel Big Fish's 1997 major label debut as well). This is seriously as close to perfect as an album can get without actually being perfect. But let's be honest, there are more than a few albums though with more scope, hence the low rating. Key Cuts: All My Best Friends Are Metalheads, Al's War
32. Rage Against the Machine- Rage Against the Machine: There are still many who feel the band never did better than this, but in some ways, I think success was a blessing for this band in the beginning. I think this album was more shocking than any of the follow ups the band produced, but not quite as important as Evil Empire. I guess you could say this is their Straight Outta Compton... Key Cuts: Killing in the Name, Take the Power Back
31. Korn- Korn: It spawned an entirely new sub-genre of heavy metal (which, granted, s*cked a lot of the time), but it wouldn't have done so if it wasn't exactly what a dying genre needed. This is literally to heavy metal what so many critics say Nirvana was to punk rock: a giant a*s kick in the nuts. The band hasn't come close to touching this record and I highly doubt they ever will. Key Cuts: Clown, Ball Tongue
And with that, that is the end of part two. I guarantee you that the next album (#30) will catch many many people off guard. And that's the ONLY promise I'm making...
THE LIST:
The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s Part One: #'s 50-41
The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s Part Two: #'s 40-31
The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s Part Three: #'s 30-21
The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s Part Four: #'s 20-11
The Fifty Greatest Rock Albums of the 1990s Part Five: #'s 10-1
Related Reviews:
The 100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever #'s 100-81
The 100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever #'s 80-61
The 100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever #'s 60-41
The 100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever #'s 40-21
The 100 Greatest Rock Songs Ever #'s 20-1
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Member: Matt Aucoin
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Gonna be a daddy, April 2010!
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