5 Classic Albums That Define '90s Alt-Rock - Grunge
5 Classic Albums That Define '90s Alt-Rock
By Sergio Pereira July 1, 2026 12:07 pm EST
Jim Steinfeldt/Getty Images
Alternative rock, aka alt-rock, peaked in the '90s, as classic album after classic album was released. The best part? Even though you could argue that several of these records defined the era, nothing really sounded the same, since alt-rock encompasses everything from grunge to indie. It's also a period of time when elitism didn't seem to thrive as much, because of the diversity of what was being released and people enjoying what they enjoyed. Imagine that.
So, how did we pick five legendary '90s alt-rock albums to cover here? The most important aspect is that the records need to have had a major influence on the genre, or even others for that matter. Another essential attribute is that they were recognized for some form of success — whether it be at the time of release or through critical reappraisal. And most importantly, the albums needed to have been more than just good — that's obviously dependent on the ear and mood of the listener, but hey, we're all music aficionados here, so this won't be a list featuring anything from Kid Rock. Promise.
Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness — The Smashing Pumpkins
Asking anybody which is their favorite Smashing Pumpkins album is akin to prodding, "Which is your favorite child?" It's tough to pick, since Billy Corgan and Co. released certified bangers, especially in the '90s. However, if you have to choose the most defining record from their catalog, do not overlook 1995's "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness."
This wildly ambitious double album showcases the Smashing Pumpkins' versatility and what established them as one of the most important rock bands of the 1990s. From the nastiness and aggression of "Zero" and "Bullet with Butterfly Wings" to the poignant orchestra-powered beauty of "Tonight, Tonight" and nostalgic summertime drive of "1979," when you say a record has it all, "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" really does. It's a kaleidoscope of sonic colors, refusing to be one thing but everything at the same time.
The album topped the Billboard 200 chart, while picking up seven Grammy Award nominations (but only winning one in the end). The ambition of "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" didn't only push the Smashing Pumpkins out of their own comfort zone, but it also stood as an example to other musicians. One notable fan is My Chemical Romance's Gerard Way, who revealed that seeing the Smashing Pumpkins tour the album had a profound effect on MCR. "We saw that and was like, 'We would love to do this, it would be real f***ing amazing,'" he said (via Rolling Stone).
The Colour and the Shape — Foo Fighters
Nirvana came to an unceremonious halt in the '90s. The way in which drummer Dave Grohl dealt with Kurt Cobain's death was a mix of taking time out for himself, then pushing forward with the Foo Fighters. The 1995 eponymous debut may have signaled the changing of the guard taking place, but this shift was cemented with 1997's "The Colour and the Shape." It's here that the Foo Fighters ushered in a brand-new era and laid the foundation to become a generational alt-rock band.
"The Colour and the Shape" features at least three all-time Foo Fighters songs in "My Hero," "Everlong," and "Monkey Wrench." While pop songs from the Spice Girls, Hanson, and the Backstreet Boys dominated radio in 1997, Grohl and his bandmates kept the spirit of alt-rock alive with a record that defies time and trends to still sound good. The Foo Fighters embraced the melody and shed some of the grunge baggage, unleashing a barrage of songs that had pop sensibility but never fully lathered themselves in the stench of corporate-mandated rock.
On the Billboard 200, "The Colour and the Shape" peaked at No. 10, while it was also included in Metal Hammer's top 10 albums of 1997. In 2017, Rolling Stone referred to it as "a watershed album in Foo Fighters history," which is accurate, but it's also a monumental milestone in the history of rock as a whole. There's no disputing that the Foos changed the game with this record.
Automatic for the People — R.E.M.
In the early '90s, R.E.M. refused to muck about. In 1991, their record "Out of Time" soared to the top of the charts and resulted in the birth of fan-favorite singles like "Losing My Religion" and "Shiny Happy People." However, the 1992 follow-up, "Automatic for the People," is easily one of the classic albums that defines '90s alt-rock and R.E.M.'s best for many fans.
It isn't only the fact that "Automatic for the People" produced poignant tracks like "Drive," "Man on the Moon," and "Everybody Hurts"; it's how the album sees R.E.M. at their creative peak, refusing to be pigeonholed by what they had done before or what else was happening around them. "It was quiet," vocalist Michael Stipe told Rolling Stone. "It flew in the face of everything that was going down musically at the time." This is the body of work of a band comfortable in their own skin and ready to explore new aural frontiers. More importantly, it's a record that couldn't have been done by anybody else, which is what makes it even more special in retrospect.
"Automatic for the People" received a Grammy Award nomination for album of the year, while it peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. Rolling Stone heralded it as one of the greatest records of all time, and Louder called it the best R.E.M. album ever released.
OK Computer — Radiohead
Even if you aren't a Radiohead fan, you have to admit they make impressive music. In 1997, the British band pushed up another level with "OK Computer." Aesthetically, this marked a shift in musical direction for them, trading in the more traditional guitar-driven rock for an experimental approach that blurred the line between genres and embraced ambiguity. It's the moment in which Radiohead put the art into alternative.
There's a moodiness to "OK Computer" that connects more due to how it makes the listener feel rather than what it outright says. After all, there's a reason that a song like "Paranoid Android," which is about seemingly nothing, is able to elicit such visceral emotion. From the moments of stillness to the avant-garde sections, everything belongs here. Recording "OK Computer" might have spooked Radiohead's Thom Yorke, but the only thing that's haunting about it to listeners is its ethereal beauty.
The album climbed to the No. 21 position on the Billboard 200 and went on to win the best alternative music album at the 1998 Grammy Awards. It's also a critical darling, with everybody from Pitchfork to the Arlington Heights, Illinois' Daily Herald raving about its qualities. For some musicians, it meant something even more. "We grew up listening to 'OK Computer,'" Bloc Party singer-guitarist Kele Okereke told Drowned in Sound. "That was a really important album for me because it changed how I thought about music."
Nevermind — Nirvana
As a subgenre of alt-rock, grunge played a part in shaping the sound (and fashion) of the early '90s. Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the most influential bands in this regard was Nirvana. Now, while it's open for debate which is the best album from the group, there's no denying that 1991's "Nevermind" is the most well-known and a defining record of the era — and perhaps all time.
It's Nirvana at their most accessible, as songs like "Come as You Are" and "Smells Like Teen Spirit" connect with listeners who might not even be into rock at all. These are the types of tracks that transcend genre and generations, as people appreciate music for music, and will rock out with it. For those who appreciate the more moody numbers, "Something in the Way" and "In Bloom" will satisfy that inner teen angst still lurking in all of us.
Unsurprisingly, "Nevermind" hit the top of the Billboard 200 and received a Grammy Award nomination for the best alternative music album. However, the mark of its true legacy is how even Nirvana's contemporaries — and rivals — gave it the seal of approval for all that it accomplished. "I was jealous of 'Nevermind' for a long time, and always will be," Manic Street Preachers' singer James Dean Bradfield told NME. "A truly great rock record is one of the hardest things to achieve."
Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Penn State Says it Has Guaranteed More Than $1 Billion in Future Athletics Revenue
Athletic Director Pat Kraft says Penn State has "one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics."Mark Wogenrich|
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Penn State Nittany LionsPenn State has developed new business and marketing partnerships generating more than $1 billion in future athletics revenue, according to Athletic Director Pat Kraft. It also has one of the largest debt services in college athletics, the product of an ongoing $700 million renovation of Beaver Stadium.
In a letter to Penn State fans recapping the 2025-26 athletics season, Kraft said that Penn State saw record attendance, fundraising and ticket sales during the year. Penn State generated record revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year, topping $250 million in gross athletics revenue for the first time in school history. Figures for the 2025-26 fiscal year will be available early next year.
Penn State also spent more than $250 million for the first time, largely due to increasing NIL payments and the Beaver Stadium renovation. Penn State reported total athletics-related debt of $534.6 million, one of the nation's highest athletics deficits.
Still, Kraft in his letter painted a positive outlook of Penn State's total athletics health.
"Together, we’ve built one of the strongest financial foundations in college athletics, securing more than $1 billion in guaranteed future revenue while dramatically increasing philanthropic support for our student-athletes and programs," Kraft wrote. "Those aren’t simply milestones. They’re investments in championships. They’re investments in people. And they’re investments in the future of Penn State Athletics."
One chapter closes, another begins. Here's to what's next.#WeAre | A letter from Pat Kraft: https://t.co/z3QVD7RGGU pic.twitter.com/WV2rcLiSvi
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) June 30, 2026
Kraft's letter marked not only the begininng of Penn State's 2026-27 athletics year and budget but also his fifth year in charge of the department. Kraft has made sweeping changes during his Penn State term, including the new 10-year apparrel deal with adidas that took effect July 1.
Kraft said the deal, whose total value could reach $300 million over its lifespan, would set an "industry standard" in college athletics. Penn State on Wednesday unveiled its new adidas football uniforms and opened a campus pop-up shop featuring adidas merchandise.
Kraft has conducted a significant overhaul of Penn State's athletics department since becoming athletic director in 2022. He negotiated a 15-year, $50 million deal for the naming rights to the field at Beaver Stadium and signed contracts with a new media rights partner and a new ticketing partner, among many others. The adidas deal represents Kraft's most consequential change.
Penn State also reached a milestone in the Beaver Stadium construction, holding a "topping out" ceremony in June that placed the last beam atop the new West Tower. When complete, the tower will reach a peak of 195 feet.
"Every day, the future of West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium becomes more visible," Kraft wrote in the letter. "After more than 750,000 labor hours, thousands of tons of steel and the topping out of the final beam this June, we’re creating a game day experience worthy of the greatest fans in college sports.
'Expanded concourses, modern amenities, upgraded premium spaces, enhanced technology and improved accessibility will ensure Beaver Stadium remains one of the most iconic and intimidating venues in America for decades to come."
Built for the loudest crowd in college football. 🔊
— Beaver Stadium (@beaver_stadium) June 30, 2026
The new west side is on the way, and we already know the atmosphere is going to be next level.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/liDjE6PpJ3
Penn State also opened its new Jeffrey Field soccer complex last year as well as the bubble training facility that relieves scheduling pressure on Holuba Hall, which multiple programs shared with Penn State football.
"These investments aren’t simply about buildings," Kraft wrote. "They’re about creating an environment where the best coaches want to coach, the best student-athletes want to compete and where every member of our department has the resources to pursue excellence. They reflect
our belief that when you invest in people, extraordinary things happen."
On the field, Penn State finished 23rd in the Learfield Directors' Cup, the annual all-sports award of college athletics. Having publicly suggested Penn State could win four NCAA titles last season, Kraft setteld for one: the fifth straight NCAA team title for Penn State wrestling.
"As proud as we are of what we’ve accomplished together, we’re even more excited about what’s ahead," Kraft wrote. "The future of college athletics is being written today, and Penn State intends to help write it. We have extraordinary student-athletes. Outstanding coaches. Incredible staff. Unmatched facilities. And the greatest fans in college athletics.
"Most importantly, we have a community that believes in something bigger than itself. Thank you for believing in our vision. Thank you for believing in our student-athletes. And thank you for believing in Penn State. The momentum is real. The future is bright. And we’re just getting started."
We Are—and will always be...Penn State.#WeAre \\\ @adidas pic.twitter.com/FBl7qxTuwT
— Penn State Athletics (@GoPSUsports) July 1, 2026
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Published 25 minutes ago
MARK WOGENRICHMark Wogenrich is the editor and publisher of Penn State on SI, the site for Nittany Lions sports on the Sports Illustrated network. He has covered Penn State sports for more than two decades across three coaching staffs, three Rose Bowls and one College Football Playoff appearance.
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Ricky Pearsall Leads Five NFC West Sleepers Who Could Win Fantasy Football Leagues in 2026
Ricky Pearsall Leads Five NFC West Sleepers Who Could Win Fantasy Football Leagues in 2026
These fantasy sleepers in the NFC West could be difference-makers for fantasy owners.Daniel Outerbridge|
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San Francisco 49ersLos Angeles RamsSeattle SeahawksThere are the fantasy players who are drafted to build a foundation for your team. Then you have the players who solidify your team. These individuals are called sleepers for a reason. They are stashed away quietly by fantasy owners until one of their starters goes down with an injury, or if they need a boost in production. These players often begin the season quietly in a limited role. Once they get the opportunity to earn playing time, their true identity is shown, and fantasy owners often scramble to acquire these types of players. A sleeper could determine whether you compete for a championship or not, and could produce just enough points to give you the edge. These sleeping giants are sure to awaken at some point during the season. Here is an assessment of the top sleepers in the NFC West for the upcoming NFL season.
Ricky Pearsall: San Francisco 49ers
Pearsall only played in nine regular season games and was limited by an injury he sustained in Week 4. He was given a role as a deep-threat option, and someone who was capable of stretching the field, but was unable to secure a consistent target share (18.4%). The 49ers are expecting Pearsall to transition into the role opposite Mike Evans. He is expected to see a huge spike in his production from a season ago, and he should see plenty of targets coming his way with Evans occupying the opposing team's best cover corner. Pearsall is a sleeper in PPR formats if he can consistently remain in a full-time role.
Jordan James: San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers run a lot of play-action and variations of wide-zone concepts designed to create bigger running lanes for their backs. Christian McCaffrey, Raheem Mostert and Elijah Mitchell have had their share of success in Kyle Shanahan's system and have performed quite well. Since McCaffrey is heavily involved in the 49ers' passing attack at times, the opportunities for carries exist. James is a player who should get the chance to capitalize. His contingent upside gives him value, and the 49ers' scheme is designed to create efficient production from their RBs. His value as a handcuff is also important, considering McCaffrey's extensive injury history. He did not play a down his entire rookie season until the blowout loss in the postseason. While at Oregon, James averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored 15 TDs, proving that he can handle a full workload in the event McCaffrey goes down.
Michael Wilson: Arizona Cardinals
With Marvin Harrison Jr. solidified as the WR1, Wilson could emerge as a legitimate sleeper candidate. After Kyler Murray went down with an injury in Week 5, Jacoby Brissett stepped in as the starter, and Wilson was able to develop chemistry with the veteran quarterback and saw a huge uptick in production. He was able to achieve his first 1,000-yard season, and he could produce even better numbers once this duo hits the field in Week 1. To be fair, Wilson's production peaked during Weeks 11-15 after Harrison Jr. missed time in concussion protocol. He immediately became Brissett's top target and proved that he is capable of being a legit WR2. Wilson is considered a late-round sleeper in best-ball formats. His ADP sits at 95, and he's slated as the WR 41.
Blake Corum: Los Angeles Rams
Corum has shown flashes of his ability as the primary back up to Kyren Williams. He had the kind of season fantasy owners love to see from a handcuff as he put up solid numbers across the board. The two talented RBs have formed a dangerous platoon, and Corum is expected to get even more carries this season. He is valuable as a flex option in most leagues, and could be the determining factor in helping fantasy owners win their weekly matchup. In an attempt to keep Williams fresh, Corum received a bigger percentage of the carries, and he did not disappoint. He was ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry (5.1), explosive run rate (15.9%) and avoided tackle rate (25.5%).
"He would step right into Kyren Williams‘ fantasy gold mine of a role in the case of an injury"
— FantasyPros (@FantasyPros) May 20, 2026
Blake Corum is the best handcuff in fantasy football according to @tchmyz pic.twitter.com/RWIt3jzBgV
Rashid Shaheed: Seattle Seahawks
Another weekly flex option to consider is Shaheed. He is expected to take on an expanded role and has a good chance to win the WR2 job opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Early team updates have indicated that the Seahawks would like to get him more involved in the passing game after his chemistry with Sam Darnold was evident. New offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is implementing shorter and intermediate routes for him instead of only deploying him as a deep threat.
Rashid Shaheed's Full Season Projections 2026-27
Receptions | 70 to 80 receptions |
|---|---|
Receiving Yards | 800 to 900 yards |
Total TDs | 5 to 7 total TDs |
Targets | 100 to 115 total targets |
His improvement as a route runner increases his value in PPR formats, and his big-play ability makes him a valuable commodity in half-PPR formats as well. He could take on a bigger role than fantasy owners realize if his volume continues to increase week to week.
Published 4 minutes ago | Modified 4 minutes ago
DANIEL OUTERBRIDGEDaniel Outerbridge covers the NBA, NFL, WNBA, and MLB with an emphasis on the numbers behind the game. His work breaks down player performance, team strategy, and emerging statistical trends to provide actionable insights for fans and fantasy players. Outerbridge has written for a myriad of other outlets including Anubis Sports and FanSided.
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