The 10 best pop records of the 90s
These are some of the best pop records of the 90s, or at least the most prominent and successful, according to GQ and Cultura Colectiva.
The 90s were a decade full of changes and musical diversity, in which pop reinvented itself and merged with other genres such as rock, rap, dance, R&B and soul. It was a time when new idols, styles and trends emerged that marked an entire generation.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
1. Jagged Little Pill – Alanis Morissette (1995)
The Canadian singer’s third album was a worldwide phenomenon that made her an alternative rock star. With songs like You Oughta Know, Ironic, Hand in My Pocket and You Learn, Alanis expressed her anger, her irony and her vulnerability with a powerful voice and raw, honest lyrics. The record sold more than 33 million copies and won five Grammy Awards.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
2. Nevermind – Nirvana (1991)
Though not strictly a pop record, Nevermind was the album that popularized grunge and changed the music landscape of the ’90s. With songs like Smells Like Teen Spirit, Come As You Are, Lithium, and In Bloom, Nirvana captured the rebellious spirit, disenchanted and nihilistic of a generation. The album sold more than 30 million copies and made Kurt Cobain an icon.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
3. …Baby One More Time – Britney Spears (1999)
The princess of pop’s debut was an overwhelming success that catapulted her to world fame. With songs like… Baby One More Time, Sometimes, (You Drive Me) Crazy and Born to Make You Happy, Britney showed the most innocent, flirtatious and danceable side of her. The album sold more than 25 million copies and marked the beginning of a career full of successes and controversy.
4. Ray of Light – Madonna (1998)
The queen of pop’s seventh album was a masterpiece that fused pop with electronic music, trip hop and ambient. With songs like Frozen, Ray of Light, Nothing Really Matters, and The Power of Good-Bye, Madonna explored themes like spirituality, motherhood, love, and change. The record sold more than 16 million copies and won four Grammy Awards.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
5. OK Computer – Radiohead (1997)
The British band’s third album was a masterpiece that broke the rules of alternative rock and created an innovative and complex sound. With songs like Paranoid Android, Karma Police, No Surprises and Lucky, Radiohead reflected on alienation, technology, politics and anxiety. The record sold more than 8 million copies and won a Grammy Award.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
6. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Lauryn Hill (1998)
The former Fugees member’s first solo album was a masterpiece that blended pop with hip hop, soul, R&B and reggae. With songs like Doo Wop (That Thing), Ex-Factor, Everything Is Everything and To Zion, Lauryn Hill spoke about love, motherhood, faith and empowerment. The record sold more than 19 million copies and won five Grammy Awards.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
7. Spice – Spice Girls (1996)
The first album by the most successful girl group in history, it was a worldwide phenomenon that launched the girl power movement. With songs like Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There, 2 Become 1 and Who Do You Think You Are, the Spice Girls showcased their personality, diversity and energy. The album sold more than 23 million copies and generated a legion of fans.
8. Backstreet Boys – Backstreet Boys (1996)
The first album by the most successful boy group in history was a worldwide hit that made them teen idols. With songs like Quit Playing Games (With My Heart), As Long As You Love Me, Everybody (Backstreet’s Back) and I’ll Never Break Your Heart, the Backstreet Boys showcased their talent, harmony and charisma. The album sold more than 30 million copies and created a boy band fever.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
9. The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album – Whitney Houston (1992)
The soundtrack album for the film The Bodyguard was a worldwide success that established Whitney Houston as one of the best voices in history. With songs like I Will Always Love You, I Have Nothing, I’m Every Woman and Run to You, Whitney Houston demonstrated her power, her emotion and her versatility. The record sold more than 45 million copies and won three Grammy Awards.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
10. What’s the Story (Morning Glory)? -Oasis (1995)
The British band’s second album was a worldwide success that made them the leaders of Britpop. With songs like Wonderwall, Don’t Look Back in Anger, Champagne Supernova and Some Might Say, Oasis showcased their attitude, their melody and their ambition. The album sold more than 22 million copies and became a rock classic.
The 10 best pop records of the 90s
You can also see:
The 10 best songs of Love of Lesbian according to UachateC
