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 Classic Songs by Western Bands That Colored the 90s (51–60)
PhilosophyBen Folds Five
Ben Folds Five, an American three-piece band that was active for only six years from 1994, is most notable for being a rock band with a guitarless, piano-led vocalist.
Their sound is, of course, distinctive, and the classic track “Philosophy” doesn’t feel like a piano-friendly arrangement so much as a gritty rock sound with piano woven into it.
Their impeccably crafted ensemble and sound design deliver a groove so complete it feels like something only they could achieve, before or since.
Motorcycle EmptinessManic Street Preachers
“Motorcycle Emptiness,” a 1992 song by the British rock band Manic Street Preachers.
A major turning point in their career came in 1995, when guitarist Richey Edwards disappeared and the band went on hiatus; this track is from the period when they were still a four-piece.
Their sound is alternative yet somehow soothing, truly one of a kind within UK rock.
They have continued without stopping since 1995, and to this day they are loved not only in their native Wales and the UK but by fans around the world.
DreamsThe Cranberries
At the 2022 Fuji Rock Festival in July, Michelle Zauner’s solo project Japanese Breakfast performed while projecting Wong Kar-wai’s classic film Chungking Express onto the screen.
Hearing the song in that setting must have prompted cheers from anyone who remembers that era or is a fan of the movie.
They covered Dreams by the Irish band The Cranberries—the original song of Faye Wong’s smash hit Dream Lover, known as the theme song of Chungking Express.
The Cranberries blended modern rock with elements of Irish traditional folk, centered on the one-of-a-kind voice of vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, and were especially active in the 1990s; their albums have sold over 40 million copies in total.
Dreams, released in 1992, is one of their signature songs and a certified classic.
Amid the fresh, shimmering guitar sound, Dolores’s vocals—drawing at times on a yodel-like technique and carrying an almost prayerful quality—resonate deeply with listeners in any era.
IronicAlanis Morissette
Alanis Morissette is an artist who represents the alternative rock scene of the ’90s.
Her signature song “Ironic” depicts the ironies of life.
Its lyrics, which portray unexpected events and absurd situations, left a strong impression and resonated with many listeners.
Released in February 1996, the song is included on the album Jagged Little Pill.
The music video features four different versions of Morissette and has been highly praised as an iconic work of the ’90s.
It’s the perfect track for when you want to savor life’s ironic moments or you’re in a slightly self-deprecating mood.
90s Rock Revolution! ~ A Collection of Masterpieces by Western Bands That Colored the 90s (61–70)
LingerThe Cranberries
Formed in Ireland in 1989 by the Hogan brothers and Fergal Lawler.
They are known for pop songs with beautiful melodies that evoke neo-acoustic and folk influences.
Their album sales boast 40 million copies.
Although they resumed activity in 2009, in 2018 vocalist Dolores O’Riordan passed away.
The following year, in 2019, they released their final album, ‘IN THE END,’ and disbanded to much regret.
In Japan, many people may remember them from the Kirin Namacha TV commercials.
Time BombRancid
Rancid, a punk band from California.
After their early period that slammed raw aggression with a sense of breakneck speed, they went on to absorb reggae and ska, even collaborating with reggae DJ Buju.
TIME BOMB mixes in a Two-Tone-style approach that gets you dancing tough and rough, and Tim Armstrong’s back-alley literary flair in the lyrics is as cool as ever.
I’d say this one absolutely begs to be played loud.
Even those who aren’t into punk may find it crisp and easy to listen to.
Know Your EnemyRage Against The Machine
Guitar, bass, drums, vocals—the most basic and straightforward rock band format.
Rage Against the Machine forged an innovative, literally “alternative” rock that spawned countless imitators, yet none have ever surpassed the original, no matter how many decades pass.
Though they disbanded in 2000 and have reunited intermittently for live shows, they released only three original studio albums.
Even so, their level of completion is so extraordinary that it feels more than enough.
Just listening to the masterpiece Know Your Enemy—its mind-bending, technique-laden intro plunging into an explosive development with overwhelming tension that shakes the soul—gives you a grasp of their core musical identity, political stance, and position.
The track appears on their self-titled, absolutely monumental debut album released in 1992 and remains a staple of their live set.
The charismatic frontman Zack de la Rocha, shouting that fierce title “Know Your Enemy,” has a voice that never fails to make you straighten up whenever you hear it.
Rage’s songs are straightforwardly cool—of course you can enjoy them plenty just by listening—but understanding the lyrics reveals what the songs truly mean.
So by all means, dig into their words—which have not faded in the least in the present day—using translated lyrics and other resources.