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The Top 100 Albums of the 1990s

Grunge, Britpop, hip-hop’s golden age, trip-hop, rave and neo-soul, ranked.

100 albums

  1. 1
    Nevermind by Nirvana
    Alternative & indie

    Nevermind

    Nirvana · 1991 · DGC

    The album that took grunge and alternative rock mainstream.

    Released 24 Sep 1991

  2. 2
    OK Computer by Radiohead
    Alternative & indie

    OK Computer

    Radiohead · 1997 · Parlophone

    An anxious, expansive vision of modern life.

    Released 21 May 1997 · 12 tracks

  3. 3
    The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Lauryn Hill
    Hip-hop

    The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

    Lauryn Hill · 1998 · Ruffhouse / Columbia

    Hip-hop and soul blended into a Grammy Album of the Year winner.

    Released 19 Aug 1998 · 16 tracks

  4. 4
    Illmatic by Nas
    Hip-hop

    Illmatic

    Nas · 1994 · Columbia

    Vivid Queensbridge storytelling over classic New York production.

    Released 19 Apr 1994 · 10 tracks

  5. 5
    Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
    Alternative & indie

    Loveless

    My Bloody Valentine · 1991 · Creation

    Shoegaze’s towering wall of blurred, bending guitars.

    Released 4 Nov 1991 · 11 tracks

  6. 6
    Blue Lines by Massive Attack
    Electronic

    Blue Lines

    Massive Attack · 1991 · Wild Bunch / Circa

    The Bristol record that gave birth to trip-hop.

    Released 8 Apr 1991 · 9 tracks

  7. 7
    Homogenic by Björk
    Electronic

    Homogenic

    Björk · 1997 · One Little Indian

    Strings and volcanic beats inspired by Iceland.

    Released 22 Sep 1997 · 16 tracks

  8. 8
    Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) by Wu-Tang Clan
    Hip-hop

    Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

    Wu-Tang Clan · 1993 · Loud

    Gritty Staten Island rap produced by RZA.

    Released 9 Nov 1993 · 9 tracks

  9. 9
    The Chronic by Dr. Dre
    Hip-hop

    The Chronic

    Dr. Dre · 1992 · Death Row

    G-funk that defined the sound of West Coast rap.

    Released 15 Dec 1992

  10. 10
    The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
    Hip-hop

    The Low End Theory

    A Tribe Called Quest · 1991 · Jive

    Jazz-rooted, bass-heavy hip-hop.

    Released 24 Sep 1991 · 3 tracks

  11. 11
    Ready to Die by The Notorious B.I.G.
    Hip-hop

    Ready to Die

    The Notorious B.I.G. · 1994 · Bad Boy

    Biggie’s vivid, cinematic debut.

    Released 13 Sep 1994 · 19 tracks

  12. 12
    Dummy by Portishead
    Electronic

    Dummy

    Portishead · 1994 · Go! Beat

    Noir-ish trip-hop with Beth Gibbons’s haunting voice.

    Released 1 Jan 1994 · 11 tracks

  13. 13
    Screamadelica by Primal Scream
    Alternative & indie

    Screamadelica

    Primal Scream · 1991 · Creation

    Rock meets acid house.

    Released 23 Sep 1991 · 11 tracks

  14. 14
    Aquemini by OutKast
    Hip-hop

    Aquemini

    OutKast · 1998 · LaFace

    Inventive Southern hip-hop from Atlanta.

    Released 29 Sep 1998 · 15 tracks

  15. 15
    Baduizm by Erykah Badu
    Soul & R&B

    Baduizm

    Erykah Badu · 1997 · Kedar

    A defining neo-soul debut.

    Released 1 Jan 1997 · 5 tracks

  16. 16
    CrazySexyCool by TLC
    Soul & R&B

    CrazySexyCool

    TLC · 1994 · LaFace

    Includes “Waterfalls” and “Creep”.

    Released 15 Nov 1994 · 18 tracks

  17. 17
    Automatic for the People by R.E.M.
    Alternative & indie

    Automatic for the People

    R.E.M. · 1992 · Warner Bros.

    Autumnal songs about mortality, including “Everybody Hurts”.

    Released 5 Oct 1992

  18. 18
    In Utero by Nirvana
    Alternative & indie

    In Utero

    Nirvana · 1993 · DGC

    An abrasive follow-up recorded with Steve Albini.

    Released 21 Sep 1993 · 12 tracks

  19. 19
    Ten by Pearl Jam
    Rock

    Ten

    Pearl Jam · 1991 · Epic

    Grunge anthems including “Alive” and “Jeremy”.

    Released 1 Jan 2010 · 19 tracks

  20. 20
    Alternative & indie

    Siamese Dream

    The Smashing Pumpkins · 1993 · Virgin

    Layered, dreamy alternative rock.

  21. 21
    The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails
    Metal

    The Downward Spiral

    Nine Inch Nails · 1994 · Nothing

    Industrial rock including “Hurt”.

    Released 8 Mar 1994

  22. 22
    Dirt by Alice in Chains
    Metal

    Dirt

    Alice in Chains · 1992 · Columbia

    Dark, harmony-heavy grunge.

    Released 4 Feb 1992 · 5 tracks

  23. 23
    Grace by Jeff Buckley
    Rock

    Grace

    Jeff Buckley · 1994 · Columbia

    Including his celebrated “Hallelujah”.

    Released 23 Aug 1994 · 11 tracks

  24. 24
    Either/Or by Elliott Smith
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Either/Or

    Elliott Smith · 1997 · Kill Rock Stars

    Hushed, intricate songs of fragility.

    Released 16 Dec 2020 · 9 tracks

  25. 25
    In the Aeroplane Over the Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel
    Alternative & indie

    In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

    Neutral Milk Hotel · 1998 · Merge

    Fuzzy, surreal indie folk.

    Released 20 Feb 1998 · 11 tracks

  26. 26
    (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis
    Rock

    (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?

    Oasis · 1995 · Creation

    Britpop anthems including “Wonderwall”.

    Released 2 Oct 1995 · 40 tracks

  27. 27
    Parklife by Blur
    Alternative & indie

    Parklife

    Blur · 1994 · Food

    Witty, character-filled Britpop.

    Released 25 Apr 1994 · 16 tracks

  28. 28
    Different Class by Pulp
    Alternative & indie

    Different Class

    Pulp · 1995 · Island

    Sharp tales of class and desire, including “Common People”.

    Released 23 Dec 2009 · 7 tracks

  29. 29
    Definitely Maybe by Oasis
    Rock

    Definitely Maybe

    Oasis · 1994 · Creation

    A swaggering debut including “Live Forever”.

    Released 29 Aug 1994 · 44 tracks

  30. 30
    The Bends by Radiohead
    Alternative & indie

    The Bends

    Radiohead · 1995 · Parlophone

    Soaring guitar rock including “Fake Plastic Trees”.

    Released 8 Mar 1995 · 12 tracks

  31. 31
    Selected Ambient Works 85–92 by Aphex Twin
    Electronic

    Selected Ambient Works 85–92

    Aphex Twin · 1992 · Apollo

    Richard D. James’s gentle, melodic early electronica.

    Released 12 Feb 1992 · 13 tracks

  32. 32
    The Fat of the Land by The Prodigy
    Electronic

    The Fat of the Land

    The Prodigy · 1997 · XL

    Big beat with punk aggression.

    Released 9 Jun 2023 · 4 tracks

  33. 33
    Dig Your Own Hole by The Chemical Brothers
    Electronic

    Dig Your Own Hole

    The Chemical Brothers · 1997 · Virgin

    Psychedelic big beat, including “Block Rockin’ Beats”.

    Released 7 Apr 1997 · 11 tracks

  34. 34
    Endtroducing..... by DJ Shadow
    Electronic

    Endtroducing.....

    DJ Shadow · 1996 · Mo’ Wax

    Instrumental hip-hop made entirely from samples.

    Released 13 Oct 2022 · 7 tracks

  35. 35
    Music Has the Right to Children by Boards of Canada
    Electronic

    Music Has the Right to Children

    Boards of Canada · 1998 · Warp

    Warm, nostalgic electronica.

    Released 20 Apr 1998 · 18 tracks

  36. 36
    Moon Safari by Air
    Electronic

    Moon Safari

    Air · 1998 · Source

    Dreamy French downtempo.

    Released 16 Jan 1998 · 10 tracks

  37. 37
    Homework by Daft Punk
    Electronic

    Homework

    Daft Punk · 1997 · Virgin

    Raw French house including “Around the World”.

    Released 20 Jan 1997 · 31 tracks

  38. 38
    Play by Moby
    Electronic

    Play

    Moby · 1999 · Mute

    Old blues and gospel samples over electronic beats.

    Released 1 Jun 1999 · 18 tracks

  39. 39
    Mezzanine by Massive Attack
    Electronic

    Mezzanine

    Massive Attack · 1998 · Virgin

    Dark, heavy trip-hop including “Teardrop”.

    Released 20 Apr 1998 · 19 tracks

  40. 40
    Maxinquaye by Tricky
    Electronic

    Maxinquaye

    Tricky · 1995 · Island

    Claustrophobic, seductive trip-hop with Martina Topley-Bird.

    Released 1 Jan 1995 · 12 tracks

  41. 41
    Timeless by Goldie
    Electronic

    Timeless

    Goldie · 1995 · FFRR

    Drum and bass as symphonic ambition.

    Released 31 Jul 1995 · 22 tracks

  42. 42
    Leftism by Leftfield
    Electronic

    Leftism

    Leftfield · 1995 · Columbia

    Progressive house and dub.

    Released 1 Jan 1995 · 18 tracks

  43. 43
    Rage Against the Machine by Rage Against the Machine
    Metal

    Rage Against the Machine

    Rage Against the Machine · 1992 · Epic

    Rap-metal fury with political bite.

    Released 25 Nov 1997

  44. 44
    Metallica by Metallica
    Metal

    Metallica

    Metallica · 1991 · Elektra

    The “Black Album”, including “Enter Sandman”.

    Released 12 Aug 1991 · 12 tracks

  45. 45
    Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
    Rock

    Blood Sugar Sex Magik

    Red Hot Chili Peppers · 1991 · Warner Bros.

    Funk-rock produced by Rick Rubin, including “Under the Bridge”.

    Released 24 Sep 1991

  46. 46
    Dookie by Green Day
    Alternative & indie

    Dookie

    Green Day · 1994 · Reprise

    Pop-punk that went mainstream.

    Released 1 Feb 2023 · 15 tracks

  47. 47
    Rid of Me by PJ Harvey
    Alternative & indie

    Rid of Me

    PJ Harvey · 1993 · Island

    Raw, ferocious rock recorded with Steve Albini.

    Released 26 Apr 1993

  48. 48
    Exile in Guyville by Liz Phair
    Alternative & indie

    Exile in Guyville

    Liz Phair · 1993 · Matador

    Frank, witty indie rock.

    Released 22 Jun 1993

  49. 49
    Live Through This by Hole
    Alternative & indie

    Live Through This

    Hole · 1994 · DGC

    Courtney Love’s furious, melodic grunge.

    Released 29 Oct 2021 · 10 tracks

  50. 50
    Slanted and Enchanted by Pavement
    Alternative & indie

    Slanted and Enchanted

    Pavement · 1992 · Matador

    Lo-fi indie rock that defined a generation.

    Released 20 Apr 1992

  51. 51
    Weezer by Weezer
    Alternative & indie

    Weezer

    Weezer · 1994 · DGC

    The “Blue Album”, including “Buddy Holly”.

    Released 10 May 1994 · 10 tracks

  52. 52
    Odelay by Beck
    Alternative & indie

    Odelay

    Beck · 1996 · DGC

    A playful collage produced with the Dust Brothers.

    Released 1 Jan 1996 · 14 tracks

  53. 53
    Debut by Björk
    Electronic

    Debut

    Björk · 1993 · One Little Indian

    Björk’s first solo steps into dance music.

    Released 5 Jul 1993 · 11 tracks

  54. 54
    Ágætis byrjun by Sigur Rós
    Alternative & indie

    Ágætis byrjun

    Sigur Rós · 1999 · Smekkleysa

    Glacial post-rock sung in Icelandic and invented language.

    Released 12 Jun 1999 · 10 tracks

  55. 55
    Young Team by Mogwai
    Alternative & indie

    Young Team

    Mogwai · 1997 · Chemikal Underground

    Quiet-loud Scottish post-rock.

    Released 25 Nov 1997 · 10 tracks

  56. 56
    F♯ A♯ ∞ by Godspeed You! Black Emperor
    Alternative & indie

    F♯ A♯ ∞

    Godspeed You! Black Emperor · 1997 · Constellation

    Apocalyptic, orchestral post-rock.

    Released 14 Aug 1997

  57. 57
    Dots and Loops by Stereolab
    Alternative & indie

    Dots and Loops

    Stereolab · 1997 · Duophonic

    Lounge, bossa and krautrock-inflected pop.

    Released 23 Sep 1997 · 10 tracks

  58. 58
    Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space by Spiritualized
    Alternative & indie

    Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space

    Spiritualized · 1997 · Dedicated

    Gospel, space rock and heartbreak.

    Released 7 May 1997

  59. 59
    Urban Hymns by The Verve
    Rock

    Urban Hymns

    The Verve · 1997 · Hut

    Includes “Bitter Sweet Symphony”.

    Released 29 Sep 1997 · 13 tracks

  60. 60
    Suede by Suede
    Alternative & indie

    Suede

    Suede · 1993 · Nude

    Glam-tinged debut that helped kick-start Britpop.

    Released 29 Mar 1993 · 13 tracks

  61. 61
    The Holy Bible by Manic Street Preachers
    Alternative & indie

    The Holy Bible

    Manic Street Preachers · 1994 · Epic

    A dark, uncompromising masterpiece.

    Released 1 Aug 1994 · 13 tracks

  62. 62
    The Score by Fugees
    Hip-hop

    The Score

    Fugees · 1996 · Ruffhouse / Columbia

    Hip-hop and soul including “Killing Me Softly”.

    Released 13 Feb 1996 · 15 tracks

  63. 63
    Reasonable Doubt by Jay-Z
    Hip-hop

    Reasonable Doubt

    Jay-Z · 1996 · Roc-A-Fella

    Jay-Z’s sophisticated debut.

    Released 25 Jun 1996 · 1 tracks

  64. 64
    Me Against the World by 2Pac
    Hip-hop

    Me Against the World

    2Pac · 1995 · Interscope

    Introspective 2Pac, including “Dear Mama”.

    Released 25 Feb 2022 · 12 tracks

  65. 65
    Supa Dupa Fly by Missy Elliott
    Hip-hop

    Supa Dupa Fly

    Missy Elliott · 1997 · Elektra

    Futuristic hip-hop produced by Timbaland.

    Released 15 Jul 1997 · 17 tracks

  66. 66
    Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star by Black Star
    Hip-hop

    Mos Def & Talib Kweli Are Black Star

    Black Star · 1998 · Rawkus

    Conscious hip-hop from Brooklyn.

    Released 25 Aug 1998

  67. 67
    Doggystyle by Snoop Doggy Dogg
    Hip-hop

    Doggystyle

    Snoop Doggy Dogg · 1993 · Death Row

    Laid-back G-funk produced by Dr. Dre.

    Released 23 Nov 1993

  68. 68
    The Infamous by Mobb Deep
    Hip-hop

    The Infamous

    Mobb Deep · 1995 · Loud

    Bleak, menacing Queensbridge rap.

    Released 9 Sep 1997 · 15 tracks

  69. 69
    Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... by Raekwon
    Hip-hop

    Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...

    Raekwon · 1995 · Loud

    Mafioso rap storytelling with Ghostface Killah.

    Released 1 Aug 1995

  70. 70
    Things Fall Apart by The Roots
    Hip-hop

    Things Fall Apart

    The Roots · 1999 · MCA

    Live-band hip-hop including “You Got Me”.

    Released 23 Feb 1999 · 18 tracks

  71. 71
    Midnight Marauders by A Tribe Called Quest
    Hip-hop

    Midnight Marauders

    A Tribe Called Quest · 1993 · Jive

    Smooth, jazzy hip-hop including “Electric Relaxation”.

    Released 29 Oct 2002 · 2 tracks

  72. 72
    The Slim Shady LP by Eminem
    Hip-hop

    The Slim Shady LP

    Eminem · 1999 · Aftermath

    The provocative breakthrough including “My Name Is”.

    Released 23 Feb 1999

  73. 73
    Brown Sugar by D’Angelo
    Soul & R&B

    Brown Sugar

    D’Angelo · 1995 · EMI

    The debut that launched neo-soul.

    Released 3 Jul 1995 · 10 tracks

  74. 74
    My Life by Mary J. Blige
    Soul & R&B

    My Life

    Mary J. Blige · 1994 · Uptown

    Hip-hop soul drawn from personal pain.

    Released 29 Nov 1994 · 40 tracks

  75. 75
    The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson
    Pop

    The Velvet Rope

    Janet Jackson · 1997 · Virgin

    Janet’s most personal and adventurous album.

    Released 5 Jun 2026 · 17 tracks

  76. 76
    Ray of Light by Madonna
    Pop

    Ray of Light

    Madonna · 1998 · Maverick

    Electronic reinvention produced with William Orbit.

    Released 22 Feb 1998 · 13 tracks

  77. 77
    The Bodyguard by Whitney Houston & various artists
    Pop

    The Bodyguard

    Whitney Houston & various artists · 1992 · Arista

    The best-selling soundtrack album, including “I Will Always Love You”.

    Released 17 Nov 1992 · 12 tracks

  78. 78
    Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette
    Rock

    Jagged Little Pill

    Alanis Morissette · 1995 · Maverick

    Angry, confessional rock and one of the decade’s biggest sellers.

    Released 9 Jun 1995

  79. 79
    I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got by Sinéad O’Connor
    Pop

    I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got

    Sinéad O’Connor · 1990 · Ensign

    Fierce and intimate, including “Nothing Compares 2 U”.

    Released 20 Mar 1990 · 21 tracks

  80. 80
    Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We? by The Cranberries
    Alternative & indie

    Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?

    The Cranberries · 1993 · Island

    Dolores O’Riordan’s voice on “Linger” and “Dreams”.

    Released 1 Mar 1993 · 12 tracks

  81. 81
    Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins
    Alternative & indie

    Heaven or Las Vegas

    Cocteau Twins · 1990 · 4AD

    Dream pop with Elizabeth Fraser’s otherworldly voice.

    Released 21 Aug 1990 · 10 tracks

  82. 82
    Violator by Depeche Mode
    Electronic

    Violator

    Depeche Mode · 1990 · Mute

    Dark synth-rock including “Enjoy the Silence”.

    Released 19 Mar 1990 · 15 tracks

  83. 83
    Laughing Stock by Talk Talk
    Alternative & indie

    Laughing Stock

    Talk Talk · 1991 · Verve

    Sparse, spiritual music that shaped post-rock.

    Released 1 Jan 1991 · 6 tracks

  84. 84
    Spiderland by Slint
    Alternative & indie

    Spiderland

    Slint · 1991 · Touch and Go

    Tense, whispered post-rock from Louisville.

    Released 27 Mar 1991 · 20 tracks

  85. 85
    Let Love In by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
    Rock

    Let Love In

    Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds · 1994 · Mute

    Dark, literate rock including “Red Right Hand”.

    Released 24 Oct 1994 · 3 tracks

  86. 86
    Bone Machine by Tom Waits
    Folk & singer-songwriter

    Bone Machine

    Tom Waits · 1992 · Island

    Clattering, graveyard blues.

    Released 8 Sep 1992 · 16 tracks

  87. 87
    American Recordings by Johnny Cash
    Country

    American Recordings

    Johnny Cash · 1994 · American

    Cash alone with his guitar, produced by Rick Rubin.

    Released 1 Jan 1994 · 13 tracks

  88. 88
    Car Wheels on a Gravel Road by Lucinda Williams
    Country

    Car Wheels on a Gravel Road

    Lucinda Williams · 1998 · Mercury

    Vivid Southern songs of love and place.

    Released 30 Jun 1998 · 29 tracks

  89. 89
    Being There by Wilco
    Rock

    Being There

    Wilco · 1996 · Reprise

    A sprawling Americana double album.

    Released 29 Oct 1996 · 19 tracks

  90. 90
    Buena Vista Social Club by Buena Vista Social Club
    Latin & Brazilian

    Buena Vista Social Club

    Buena Vista Social Club · 1997 · World Circuit

    Veteran Cuban musicians brought to a global audience.

    Released 23 Jun 1997 · 14 tracks

  91. 91
    Talking Timbuktu by Ali Farka Touré with Ry Cooder
    African

    Talking Timbuktu

    Ali Farka Touré with Ry Cooder · 1994 · World Circuit

    Malian desert blues in conversation with Ry Cooder.

    Released 28 Mar 1994 · 10 tracks

  92. 92
    Night Song by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook
    World

    Night Song

    Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan & Michael Brook · 1996 · Real World

    Qawwali vocals set in atmospheric soundscapes.

    Released 20 Feb 1996 · 9 tracks

  93. 93
    Miss Perfumado by Cesária Évora
    African

    Miss Perfumado

    Cesária Évora · 1992 · Lusafrica

    The “barefoot diva” sings Cape Verdean morna.

    Released 21 Oct 1992 · 14 tracks

  94. 94
    Set by Youssou N’Dour
    African

    Set

    Youssou N’Dour · 1990 · Virgin

    Mbalax rhythms from Senegal’s most celebrated singer.

    Released 1 Jan 1990 · 13 tracks

  95. 95
    Re by Café Tacvba
    Latin & Brazilian

    Re

    Café Tacvba · 1994 · WEA

    A genre-hopping Latin rock classic.

    Released 22 Jul 1994 · 20 tracks

  96. 96
    Pies Descalzos by Shakira
    Latin & Brazilian

    Pies Descalzos

    Shakira · 1995 · Sony Music

    The Latin pop-rock breakthrough of a global star.

    Released 6 Oct 1995 · 11 tracks

  97. 97
    Fantasma by Cornelius
    Alternative & indie

    Fantasma

    Cornelius · 1997 · Trattoria

    A playful collage from the Shibuya-kei scene.

    Released 24 Mar 1998 · 17 tracks

  98. 98
    Roots by Sepultura
    Metal

    Roots

    Sepultura · 1996 · Roadrunner

    Metal fused with Brazilian tribal percussion.

    Released 21 Aug 2020 · 16 tracks

  99. 99
    Clandestino by Manu Chao
    Latin & Brazilian

    Clandestino

    Manu Chao · 1998 · Virgin

    A multilingual, borderless solo debut.

    Released 6 Oct 1998 · 17 tracks

  100. 100
    Canción Animal by Soda Stereo
    Latin & Brazilian

    Canción Animal

    Soda Stereo · 1990 · Sony Music

    Argentine rock en español at its height.

    Released 7 Aug 1990 · 10 tracks

An editorial selection by Culture Atlas. Years are original release dates. Album tiles are designed placeholders; cover artwork belongs to the respective rights holders and is not reproduced here. 99 Apple Music links go straight to the album; the rest open a search. Availability varies by country. Favourite counts and comments are visible to other visitors. Sign in to keep your favourites in My Atlas.