For a shorter version of this article to include song breakdowns, click here.
Introduction
Welcome to the inaugural band ranking post! At risk of becoming too Grunge in this blog I did feel like this one makes sense to start with. Despite it’s influence on alternative rock since the 90s, It’s not an entirely large genre in terms of bands that were grunge (as it is more of a movement rather than based on a certain sound). And I am talking about not really considering post-grunge groups like Bush as Grunge (or even Smashing Pumpkins, Grunge… What?), but not quite being as strict as purists who feel has to be from Seattle (which to me geographically limiting it is just crazy).
That said you’ll probably recognize most of the bands especially toward the top of this list. I definitely didn’t give the early bands any extra credit for establishing the genres because quite frankly I don’t like their sound at all. Bands like The Melvins or Green River I think the sound was just too unrefined for me. I understand the appeal to that scene at the time and can definitely hear the influencing sound but I don’t need to hear it more than once in my life.
Anyways there is a lot of variety within Grunge so this list is definitely eye of the beholder, please let me know what you think. I expect a lot of hate for #6 hah. I’ll start with #1 but to me the top 3 are VERY close.
#1. Soundgarden
Despite my intro blurb about not giving the early bands extra credit; Soundgarden is actually one of the pioneers of Grunge. What gives them that special edge to take #1 on this list is a generational singer (and one I consider the best rock singer of all time). Front-manned by the legendary Chris Cornell; Soundgarden gave audiences such a unique musical experience that even the best singers could not match. His vocal range is not easily matched and the power he delivers his verses just gets you to 100 right away; it is truly extraordinary in every sense of the word.
The Band’s discography also offers a journey in Cornell’s vocal progression (as well as the sound of the band as a whole). The first two albums are much more crude and unrefined though you still get great tracks like “Flower” and “Loud Love” but you get your first masterpiece album with Badmotorfinger in 1991; and since it was actually released just 2 weeks after the iconic Nevermind by Nirvana, and their timing couldn’t be any better. “Rusty Cage” to start the album immediately pulls you into their refined sound to firmly position themselves to ride this new Grunge wave sweeping the nation. “Outshined” right after just slaps you into their heavy drop sound with the powerful Cornell belts over it (and don’t sleep on that interlude). And if you didn’t get that sound, they follow it up shortly after with “Jesus Christ Pose”; the brute force of this track just immediately gets you riled up, even angry. The riffs are just so raw and carnal, with the primal screams of Cornell over it and it’s a masterpiece that I’d say is a very underrated song in all of rock music; and is a demonstrative marriage of the old Soundgarden sound and their new blossoming sound they’d continue with the album Superunknown
Superunknown 3 years later is their most commercially successful album and while timing has something to do with that as Grunge had firmly taken the world by storm at that point, I also think they just hit with more songs than BMF. The tracks are even moreso refined and you can just keep hearing the progression through the albums. I’d say this one actually has a lot of sounds that are similar to what you’d hear in Cornell’s later group Audioslave. There are so many real good songs on this album like “Fell on Black Days,” “Spoonman”, “The Day I Tried to Live”, and “4th of July”, and several others but one truly stands out above and that is “Black Hole Sun.” I know you’ve heard this one. The sound of this one just transcends the whole album and maybe the whole band. It’s their most popular song because it is unique and extraordinary. Its slow pace just has you drudging through the sludge of their sound, the abstract lyrics and heavily distorted solo has you firmly towing between dream and nightmare. And the way the chorus just overlays Cornell’s singing with his screams overlayed is just a masterful addition that I’d argue is one of the songs strongest elements.
And don’t sleep on Down on the Upside. Soundgarden may have been on their downswing but there are some very solid tracks on this album. You really get a ton of attitude with Chris’ vocals throughout this album; especially right off the bat with “Pretty Noose”. “Ty Cobb” hits you in the face, Screams at you, and just as quickly runs away, it’s a quick trip. Then you got “Burden in my Hand” which is maybe the most mainstream song that made it off the album (probably because of the acoustic elements). Its got such a strong rock chorus though. It’s always been one of my favorite Soundgarden songs since I first listened to the band and honestly always has me feeling good after listening to it. Soundgarden broke up shortly after and while they reunited and put out King Animal in the 2010s with some decent tracks; its this work in the Grunge era that officially anoints them king of this list.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Jesus Christ Pose”
#2. Pearl Jam
It’s actually fitting putting this group after Soundgarden because Eddie Vedder was introduced to the rest of the band in Cornell’s side project (Temple of the Dog) which was honoring the death of the frontman of Mother Love Bone; the members left behind from MLB teamed with Eddie and Pearl Jam was born (actually Mookie Blaylock but they settled on a better name hah). And quite a journey they’ve embarked on since their formation as they are by my count the longest tenured Grunge band by far. Starting with their debut album masterpiece Ten in 1991 (you may have gathered 1991 was a very pivotal and amazing year for the Grunge genre), and 11 studio albums later in 2024 they are still producing original music. That longevity alone is probably the tiebreaker for me over the next band on this ranking list.
Again they wasted No time ascending with the album Ten (released a few weeks before the Iconic Nevermind…) and right away get you with “Once”. (after a interesting intro sound to say the least). I’d say a bit ironic that their very first song was actually one of their heaviest hits (maybe a bit of an homage sound to Mother Love Bone) but it hits you in the face saying that Pearl Jam has arrived. Next song is actually one of their most popular “Even Flow”, where you really get introduced to Eddie Vedder’s signature sound in my opinion; which pairs perfectly with the sharp licks and almost psychedelic guitar sound in the chorus that the band incorporates from time to time (but never as good as here). Of course this song also personifies a jam band type interlude that the group got famous for (especially live) so close to the hearts of their many fans. The song is a great personification of what the band was in the 90s. this song was followed by the big hit “Alive”. This song has a catchy riff throughout and an awesome guttural chorus, but I will forever know it for one of the Best Solos of All Time! I cannot help but hang on every single note every time I hear it; it takes you on such a roller coaster and McCready should be continually lauded for creating this. I haven’t even gotten to “Black” or “Jeremy”, man this album was amazing! “Black” just takes you on a ride with Eddie as he lets you into his emotional pleas; it’s a truly beautiful song and the guitar licks toward the end of the vocals just conclude the trip masterfully and you are just feeling his heartbreak at the end. It cannot be understated how powerful this song is. Then of course you got “Jeremy” which the subject matter just captured the attention of the nation (especially in years since unfortunately). Disturbing as it may be, the song is very well written, as an amazing build up to the end and is just plainly one of their biggest hits.
For a band which I started by highlighting their longevity, I just had to spend most of the time writing about that album; it’s just that good. Listen to that album, fall in love with Pearl Jam, and explore the rest of the discography (Especially the 90s albums, and Vs. following Ten is a very impressive album as well; shout out to “Rearviewmirror”). These guys more than survived the fall of Grunge and are true rock conquerors! They also perfectly exemplify that not all grunge sounds like Nirvana, and the Genre holds many different diverse sounds. I also don’t think it is a stretch to call them the U2 of Grunge hah (I’ll probably get crucified in the comments for that one).
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Black”
#3. Alice In Chains
It’s not fair that they had to compete with Cornell within their own genre or else Alice In Chains would own the honor of best grunge vocalist. I will give them darkest sound award though. I like to call Grunge one of the most diverse sounding genres and I wouldn’t be able to make that claim without Alice in Chains; they just bring you into a different headspace when you hear their songs. You cannot deny the attitude and confidence in every single one of their tracks. I feel like a specter is coming for me when I play them.
They burst onto the grunge scene right away with a solid album in Facelift in 1990 and didn’t look back. Two bangers right away with “We Die Young” which introduces you to Staley’s signature vocal style and sound, and then perhaps their most well-known hit, “Man in the Box.” I know that’s where I heard AIC the first time on the radio. The pace just drags you through the mud all with Staley just echoing his chorus over your head. “Bleed the Freak” has a great structure to it and a very under the radar low key awesome riff (kind of reminds me of Van Halen’s “Unchained” riff actually). Speaking of riffs, you got a great intro one on “I Know Somethin (Bout You);” Cantrell really is a great guitarist, especially the rhythms he comes up with (and also his vocal contribution cannot be ignored either). This song goes beyond that riff for sure, this track often vies for my favorite AIC song. Which quick aside, I think that’s why this band gets #3 from me instead of leaping #1 and #2, because they just don’t have that one song that for me just breaks into my top 10 all time. They did so many songs so well, for multiple albums, but I have trouble finding something that is an all-music favorite thing (like solo, or riff, or song). But that doesn’t mean they weren’t making extremely high-quality music!
Their next album was their most successful, and while I prefer the former album, Dirt has some amazing tracks on it and is deserving of elevating this group into Grunge Gods. Immediately with “Them Bones” you got a hit, and one with just a simple rhythm structure (with a memorable riff to start out the song and featured throughout at times as well). You got “The Rooster” which is just a snail’s pace with the echo chords and the song really sneaks up on you the entire time (“Here comes the Rooster!”). Even at that pace though it really rocks hard. Finally, Strong in Strong out, “Would” is probably my favorite AIC song. This may be a giant leap but did this one song influence all of Godsmack’s early discography?? Perfect choice for a bass line to carry the song (and I am far from a bass guitar appreciator). But what does it for me on this song is just the chorus, it gets me amped every time; and Staley puts a variation on the vocals in each one, stretching out the word “Back,” I could be totally distracted but every time It just catches me. Great rhythm guitar, great drums, just a good song all around.
They pumped out 2 more albums in short time (2-3 years) when I think severe addiction caught up with Layne Staley. Heroin addiction unfortunately seemed to go hand in hand with Grunge and Staley is perhaps the poster child of that. Its actually a testament to how good the band was when they were able to produce such high quality tracks during this tumultuous period. “Brush Away” has perhaps the most memorable (if not simple) Solo. “Heaven Beside You” was a strong hit in those days with a catchy chorus. Sadly they just couldn’t continue after 1996 with Staley leaving and finally succumbing to his disease in 2002. By then however they already cemented their place in hard rock history and gave us many memorable tracks.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “I Know Somethin (Bout You)”
#4. Stone Temple Pilots
Limiting Grunge to Seattle at the time was a massive disservice to the genre and to these guys. They are very good and they deserve to have a seat at the table. Kicking in the exclusive Seattle doors with their great tracks is a testament to their music because they just had to fight that much harder to compete. While they were from SoCal, the grunge influence (both them being influenced and them influencing others) is unmistakable. Never more evident then on their debut album Core.
This album has many great tracks on it. One thing that makes STP stand out to me is their riff writing and that is all over the album. “Sex Type Thing” and “Naked Sunday” are very riff driven, then of course you have “Plush.” They didn’t take long to get to their Magnum Opus did they? Such an amazing chord progression driving this song (both the main transitional riff as well as the verse rhythms). But I think this song is also set apart because it really shows off vocalist Scott Weiland’s range; a bit of a departure from the raw vocals of the previous songs, he really lets loose on this (maybe aided by the slower pace). One last note on the album before moving on, does “Creep” not sound exactly like Nirvana to anyone else? When I first heard it I could’ve sworn that was Kurt Cobain.
They followed that album up with Purple and I’d say while a bit of a sound departure from Core (and some would argue Grunge), it did produce some very memorable hits. “Vasoline” fades in slowly, walks over you literally alternating between a 2 note repeating riff and a 2 chord repeating riff, says what it needs to say, quick solo, then right back out again almost as abruptly as it came in. You got a ballad type song with “Interstate Love Song,” perhaps their most popular/mainstream track. I’ll give it props for their unique chord choice/construction and progression (not just on this song but pretty evident on it). It’s a pretty song vocally but ironically it actually doesn’t show off much range at all, pretty much staying around the same tone level; still it’s a good one to sing along to. The song really takes you for a stroll. Then you got “Big Empty” which feels like you are sitting in a lounge listening to tunes before it goes into the chorus. Very chorus driven song but that’s because it is solid enough to overshadow the song.
You move into Tiny Music and you can kind of get the feel now that these guys switch up their sound from each album. Their versatility is impressive. You got a few solid tracks like “Pops Love Suicide” and “Lady Picture Show” but then out of nowhere comes “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart”. I absolutely love the pace of this song; starting out galloping and then slowing down for the chorus (with great riffs included btw), before transitioning beautifully into that steady gallop again. Then the Solo just gets me every time, its pretty basic but just kicks in the door and gets all chaotic; I really appreciate what they did with it while not really blowing people away with crazy technicality or anything like that. Like “Vasoline” this track will be done before you know it, so don’t get lazy listening to it.
Apparently Scott Weiland had a hard time getting along with band mates and got fired (in part due to substance abuse issues) and while STP attempted to go on with other singers, it just wasn’t the same. Still by then they had already well established their place in Grungedom and Rock music in general. Side Note: Scott Weiland fan? Check out his stuff with Velvet Revolver (with Slash and other GnR folks); that group was pretty solid in their own right.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Trippin’ on a Hole in a Paper Heart”
#5. Nirvana
I did put these guys in the inaugural Overrated bands post Here, so for those who read that, this “low ranking” cannot be too much of a surprise. Don’t worry, the tone of this will be more appreciative than the overrated post (Which was more talking to their levels of rock gods). I do also want to emphasize that I really like Grunge, so making the top 5 is hardly “Low.” Try as I might, their music simply cannot be denied.
My guess is if you are reading this article, you probably already know a lot about Nirvana, and their stamp on the music of their generation; and they accomplished that essentially with 1 album (their 2nd): Nevermind. This band is so well known that you probably know every detail of the album cover alone (Naked Baby!). Probably not their first album Bleach though so I’ll skip past that to the golden child album (though “about a girl” is a solid track from Bleach). Right off the bat you get “Smells Like Teen Spirit” which is BY FAR my favorite Nirvana song, and perhaps most people’s. Say what I want about Nirvana, that is a perfect riff; all the way to the dead note chords. Its an insanely fun and somewhat easy guitar riff (once you know how to play); pick it up and impress your friends. And it’s the chorus riff that they intro the song with, subtle genius choice. Ironically this is the song I can understand Kurt’s lyrics the most, but I think most people still need some assistance hah. not bad if not basic solo (again easily learnable). Another subtle touch is that final verse over the held final note of the solo, just those little things you haven’t seen much before. Finally, as mid a vocalist that I think Cobain is, I cannot “Denial” how powerful that ending chorus/outro where he screams that line over and over again is. They do continue to rattle off a few well known songs in a row including hugely popular (and constantly radio played) “In Bloom” and “Come as You Are”, The Latter of which again throws in that uniquely distorted rhythm. Overrated or not, I do appreciate these little things Cobain does in his songwriting that SO many fans adore.
They followed that mammoth album with a very solid In Utero. “Heart-Shaped Box” has that drum smash guitar lick combo than I can’t help but hang on every time I listen to the track. “All Apologies” has that very solid acoustic riff to carry the song (Final Studio song they released if you don’t count some of the stuff released after Cobain’s death like “You Know You’re Right” which by the way is one of my favorite not Teen Spirit songs). Speaking of after death releases, Nirvana got so big that they managed to get their MTV’s Unplugged album as a household name!
Sadly, Cobain ended his life and with that the band so many people know by heart and we can only wonder what if they kept going. Fortunately they had a decent period to release a lot of very good music into the rock world.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Sliver” (Curveball here)
#6. Screaming Trees
These guys were really close to taking #5, they are just that solid. Screaming Trees just does not get enough credit for doing something so well for so long in the genre (They were one of the original Grunge bands). And they also have an Iconic (if not relatively unknown outside the genre) in frontman in Mark Lanegan. Because I wrote a piece of this band recently, I will refer you to this link for a more comprehensive analysis on the band and keep this one brief.
In short though, these guys are the forgotten first(ish) born of Grunge. They aren’t as hard as the other groups but they offer just as much. I prefer their later work (early-mid 90s) but they really have a large catalog for a grunge band. One knock I may have on the band is I have trouble finding a many songs rising apart from the others. They don’t really have that 1 song that I need to listen to. They are the Mark Recchi of Grunge, time and volume doing something consistently good but nothing to make you really shout MVP. In that way this band flies under the radar but shouldn’t anymore!
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Bed of Roses”
#7. Mother Love Bone
Oh man, one of my biggest what if bands. I would’ve loved to hear what they could’ve come out with next; because I think they could’ve contended to belong with the top 3 here. To me this is the Arena Rock (or Hair Metal) Band of Grunge, you can really feel a lot of those elements in frontman Andrew Wood and the overall style of the band. Speaking of Andrew Wood, he was an amazing vocalist; even standing out in a genre which had many. His vocals almost got you dancing all the time. Unfortunately Wood OD’d days before the release of the first album and so they were only able to give us a glimpse of their potential with Apple.
Starting right away with “This is Shangrila” you get a little bit of everything from MLB; an insane riff featured throughout and the attitude of Wood’s vocals with vocalizations layered on top. Right after that “Stardog Champion” just has a great build up to that Outro which just melds children singing on top of over a great repeated lick/riff. These guys could also groove no more apparent in “Bone China” and of course “Gentle Groove”; great head nodders. If I could return to Wood’s vocal attitude, lets highlight “Capricorn Sister” (Which has great drum fills btw) and “Come Bite The Apple”; the latter which probably has their best ending with the singing over the outro shredder solo (and for that reason probably my favorite MLB song).
This was just their first (only) album; it is so refined and they really found their sound already. Listen to this album and then be sad they had to stop so abruptly.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Come Bite the Apple”
#8. Candlebox
This one basically had one strong Grunge album and then quickly faded away with the rest of the genre (from a grunge perspective). There were a lot of good songs on the album but at the same time they do come off pretty repetitive. Still this is a grunge band that hails from Seattle that does not get the credit it deserves (especially within their own scene often disrespected by Seattle based critics at the time…) They got a really strong vocalist that fits in with the movement extremely well and the rhythm has that crude distorted sound you come to expect with a lot of Grunge. They even have a big hit with “Far Behind” which I am sure many of you have heard (and don’t sleep on that tone shift at the end of the song). “You” which was written right when they formed in the first day (which honestly impresses me when bands can do that) is a very solid track on the album as well. Really, most songs on that album are well worth the listen, but sadly they just couldn’t carry too much momentum into their future work; but they did enough to be signed by Madonna…
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “You”
Honorable Mentions
Temple of the Dog
More of a side project than a grunge band, but this group/album is one you cannot miss. Vocalist on all but one song is Chris Cornell (and he is backing on the one where Eddie Vedder leads); you get some of the best vocals he had put out to date; in fact this may be a hot take but I’d say he adopted his signature vocal sound working this album and brought that to his future work (including Badmotorfinger). As a band/album though they are definitely much softer than Soundgarden though, belting out more ballads than bangers. It makes sense being that it was a tribute album to the recently deceased Andrew Wood (Chris Cornell put this project together with Wood’s former bandmates). While you may not be familiar with the band, you probably are familiar with the song “Hunger Strike” (with the aforementioned Vedder on vocals). Its got a real catchy and smooth arpeggio driving it and silky vocals on top, then half way through you have Cornell just shrilling those lines in perfect contract to Vedder’s voice (even when Cornell just sings one line multiple times, his vocals somehow steal it for me). While that is the most popular song on the album, the masterpiece for me is “Times of Trouble”. No joke this one contends for my favorite song of all time and I cannot believe it’s on a side project, to do this with people you don’t play with often is just astounding. That chorus gives me goose bumps. The escalating tones with Cornell just pouring it out; I just scream along to it every-time I hear it. You also got several other great tracks on here, if you haven’t heard this album just go listen to it and thank me later.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “Times of Trouble”
Mad Season
The Grunge Supergroup (out of rehab), they put together a very solid album, but since it was more of 1 album thing, I wouldn’t label them quite a Grunge band. However while grunge supergroups weren’t exactly apparitions during the time, this line up is so impressive that it warrants an honorable mention. The fact that they met in rehab also adds to the lore. AIC Vocalist Layne Staley, Pearl Jam Guitarist Mike McCready, Screaming Trees Drummer Barrett Martin, and a bassist; it’s no wonder they put out some good tunes (those first two are amazing musicians especially). Call me crazy, I think you can hear the rehab influences too. You got bongos or something similar on “Long Gone Day” like a spirit circle, “I’m Above” kind of has this Def Poetry Jam type bridges, and “River of Deceit” you really got that softer side of Staley’s vocals (which I think he was exploring more and more in his later AIC days). I know I am probably stretching but either way it’s a good album. I’m glad they collaborated together to release this singular grunge album.
Check out their Spotify Here. Essential Listening: “I’m Above”