90s Rock Revolution! A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s
The 1990s were a time of major transformation in the rock scene, with the rise of movements like alternative rock and grunge that didn’t fit into existing rock categories.
From pop punk and shoegaze to nu metal and rap metal, and innovative sounds that fused rock with dance music and techno—the sensibility that truly deserves to be called a “mixture” gave birth to ’90s rock, which continues to have a huge influence on young musicians even in the 2020s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a roundup of classic songs by Western rock bands from the ’90s!
It’s a lineup focused on essential, definitive tracks—perfect for anyone who wants to start exploring ’90s rock.
- Great Western rock classics and hit songs of the ’90s
- [For Beginners] A Collection of Iconic and Popular Western Hits from the 1990s
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs of the 90s
- Western songs from the 90s featured in commercials. A roundup of CM songs.
- [Back to the '90s!] Dance Music from Western Hits of the 1990s
- Debut song by a 90s Western girls' band
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [Definitive] An introduction to Western mixture rock: a roundup of recommended classic tracks
- [2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!
- Cheering songs in Western music that were hits in the ’90s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Recommended Western alternative rock bands that connect to the modern rock scene
- All masterpieces! Western pop ballads that were hits in the ’90s
90s Rock Revolution! ~ A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s (61–70)
Livin’ on the EdgeAerosmith
When it comes to iconic ’90s rock songs, this Aerosmith track—blending razor-sharp guitar riffs with socially critical messages—stands out.
Released as a single from the 1993 album Get a Grip, its lyrics strikingly delve into issues facing American society at the time.
Tackling weighty themes like racism and environmental destruction with a catchy melody is quintessential Aerosmith.
The song received high critical acclaim, winning accolades such as a Grammy Award and an MTV Video Music Award.
Highly recommended for those who want to confront society’s contradictions and absurdities, and for anyone looking to experience the essence of ’90s rock.
WalkPantera
Pantera, a heavy metal band formed in Texas, USA, that disbanded in 2003.
Their sound charged forward with overwhelming volume: chugging, heavily distorted guitars, physical rhythms, wild shouts, and an aggressive edge overflowing with impulsiveness and violence.
They were a seminal presence—one could say they created the very template of metal as an art form.
Even years after their breakup, their influence continues to permeate the ongoing scenes of extreme metal and hardcore bands today.
No SurprisesRadiohead
A track released in 1998 by the British alternative rock band Radiohead.
It reached No.
4 on the UK charts and was certified Silver.
It was sampled in Morlockk Dilemma’s 2006 track “Hass.”
Bitter Sweet SymphonyThe Verve
With its tense string loop and dramatic sound, this piece stands out as a song that epitomizes the ’90s alternative scene.
It beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of youth, and its distinctly British atmosphere—so characteristic of The Verve—continues to shine without fading even today.
Featured on the album Urban Hymns, released in September 1997, it achieved massive success, reaching the top of the charts.
The lyrics symbolically depict the contradictions and complexities of life, as well as the transience of human existence, resonating with many listeners.
It’s a highly recommended track to keep close to your heart when you feel overwhelmed by work or crushed by societal pressure.
Common PeoplePulp
When it comes to Western rock music of the 1990s, the Britpop phenomenon that swept the UK is one movement you simply can’t ignore.
Beyond massively beloved bands that still have countless fans in the 2020s—like Oasis and Blur—there were also acts that vanished after a single album.
For those who lived through that era in real time, and for later generations discovering it afterward, many fascinating works were released.
When people talk about the band that epitomizes Britpop, quite a few truly devoted UK rock fans will actually name Pulp before Oasis or Blur.
Having been active since the 1980s, Pulp were late bloomers who finally broke through in the mid-90s.
With a style that was unmistakably “British” from every angle—yet approached differently from Blur—they were cherished in their home country as a national band.
The masterpiece that propelled Pulp to the top is the classic Common People.
Released in 1995, the peak year of Britpop’s fervor, it served as the lead single from their acclaimed fifth album Different Class.
When Pulp headlined Glastonbury that year as last-minute replacements for The Stone Roses and performed this song, the explosive response became the stuff of legend.
By the way, the song title literally translates to “ordinary people,” but as for what it really implies, you should definitely read the lyrics with a good translation by your side.
CannonballThe Breeders
Starting with a strangely warped baseline and layered with distorted vocals, this striking track that The Breeders unleashed on the American alternative rock scene was the lead single from their August 1993 album Last Splash.
Hailing from Ohio, the band was formed around former Pixies member Kim Deal and her twin sister Kelley.
Satirizing French philosophical thought and carrying the message that “life is not a competition,” the song peaked at No.
44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the remarkable feat of staying on the French charts for 30 weeks.
Its music video, co-directed by Kim Gordon and Spike Jonze, also made waves.
Perfect for those craving the exhilaration of a long-distance drive or wanting to soak in the atmosphere of the ’90s alternative rock heyday.
GlycerineBUSH
A track released in 1995 by the British band Bush.
Written by frontman Gavin Rossdale, it was inspired by his relationship with his then-girlfriend.
It was sampled in Mc DJ’s 2006 track “Husbands.”