There is so much incredible music that came out of the 1990's. From the rise of the Spice Girls, Boy Bands from New Kids on the Block (who were formed in the late 80's, but won their first music award in 1990) to the Backstreet boys, N sync, 98 Degrees and beyond, Good hip hop, to my personal favorite 90's Alternative. Bands such as Spin Doctors, Better than Ezra, Dishwalla, The Goo Goo Dolls, Eve 6, and one of the best bands of the decade; Third Eye Blind. I am yet to meet a teenager from this decade who did not like this band, their music was awesome, and although we may not have understood the menagerie of drug references in Semi-Charmed Life it is still one of my favorite songs of all time.
Pop really saw its rise during this decade with boy bands. They played to the hearts of teenage girls (and sometimes boys) with their lyrics and made you feel like they were only talking to you. The Spice Girls gave you a little more of an in your face up beat type of pop. Girls loved the in your face attitude and guys loved Posh (or Ginger if you're into redheads). This time period also saw the rise of pop artists such as Usher, Mariah Carey, J-Lo, and the blonde pop sisters (Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, and Mandy Moore). As popular as this genre was only one "pop" artist stands out in my mind as a good artist from this group, and that is Alanis Morissette. Jagged Little Pill stayed in the top 20 on top 200 billboard hits for over a year. With songs like "Ironic" and "Hand in my Pocket" that everyone could enjoy.
Hip Hop also saw its roots grow in this time and really evolved very quickly. From MC Hammer to The Beastie Boyz to Biggy and Tupac to Jay-Z's humble beginnings Hip Hop really earned its place in the music spotlight on the 90's. The most important Hip Hop artists of this time were definitely Biggy and Tupac. These two stars wrote tremendous music that was only eclipsed by their unfortunate demise due to the East Side West Side gang violence.
One of the most influential and groundbreaking bands of this decade were Nirvana. Nirvana who were formed in the late 80's, but made it big in the 90's with their huge hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit" off of Nevermind, their second album. Their grunge 90's alternative style saved rock music from whatever distortions had popped up during the 80's. Alternative rock from this time period is probably one of my favorite genres, period. Everything about this music continues to enrapture me, even today. As happens with most bands many only had one hit album or song that really caught on, and they disappeared from the limelight after their fifteen minutes (or 3-4 minutes) of fame dissipated. Bands that fit this bill include Semisonic with "Closing Time," Marcy Playground with "Sex and Candy," and The Verve with "Bittersweet Symphony." There are a number of bands from this time period who did bridge the gap from the 90's to the new millenium. Artists such as Blink 182, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Goo Goo Dolls, and Counting Crows continue to make insightful music While their hits from the 90's are still very popular.
After I finish the series of posts on the nineties, I will try and assemble lists of top tens for each category.
Here is a little preview from my next 90's topic:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7c3bQQmwVE
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