5 Underrated Alternative Albums from the 90s

Some of these bands you might not have heard of, or if you have you would not think to give them a listen. Being a connoisseur of sorts with 90s music, these are bands and albums I often recommend to people, and most of the time they have never heard of them. Which is a shame because these albums are fantastic and why they are listed here!

Many “underrated” lists often include artists and albums we have heard of before. Many underrated 90s albums lists give an example like Smashing Pumpkins Adore, as underrated. I would not disagree, but it is almost common knowledge that of course it was not their big hit so to some degree they are “underrated”- In Utero by Nirvana makes these lists often as well. While these lists are important, and I might make one myself at some point. The albums I have included in this article are not only underrated, but the bands as well are underrated.

1. Buffalo Tom- Big Red Letter (1993)

My first introduction to Buffalo Tom was on the tv show My So-Called Life. I was surprised to learn they are a real band, and a good one at that. They encapsulate that 90s college radio sound, and beautifully evoke those angsty teen feelings that do not go away with age. This is a great album to put on when you want to relive the era or those feelings. Some might think its dated, but I’d disagree and argue a lot of music could be labeled as “dated”. What’s wrong with that anyway?

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The Nymphs-The Nymphs (1991)

There is no better way to explain this band without using the word chaos. They had a real punk rock attitude, and unfortunately did not put up with a lot of bullshit. The lead singer Inger Lorre is famous and known for her crazy act that is often referenced when people talk about the band. At a breaking point with the record label and struggling with a heroin problem and being wasted, she pissed on the desk of A&R man Tom Zutaut. None the less, after listening to this album it is a shame to wonder what more they could have done. The other band members went on to play with Jeff Buckley and Iggy Pop (Iggy sang vocals on the song Supersonic). This is an album I revisit often and is heavy as heck.

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Belly- Star (1993)

Tanya Donelly as a musician alone is stupidly underrated period. She wrote every song on this album except “White belly”. I first was introduced to her when I got into Throwing Muses but did not really appreciate her until I got into POD by The Breeders. After further investigation I thought I recognized her voice and learned that she was originally in the band with Kim. I felt stupid to had not known who Belly was or had heard of them before. This album is beautifully formatted for the era, and eerily strange and catchy. They got some hype but Tanya and the band deserve way more respect and kudos.

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The Apples in Stereo - Science Faire (1996)

This is one of those bands that again I had no idea I knew them without knowing them. I was surprised to know Robert Schneider met Jim McIntyre in Denver where I am from. I also loved The Powerpuff Girls soundtrack, and they did a song on there. Again, not making the connections until years later. It seems this band has a cult following of sorts, but even having a connection to Elijah Wood they gain no real strong fanbase or critical acclaim- I do know their little success here and there, but the fact no one just knows who they are is quite a shame. This album is perfectly indie pop gold.

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Heatmiser- Cop and Speeder (1994)

Now, this one might be a stretch but hear me out, and I do have to admit I have a bias because I am a huge Elliot Smith fan. Even some of the strongest of Elliot Smith fans disregard Heatmiser, but after further listening to them and to this album they are totally underrated. It is not a surprise they were a little cult success in Portland because they really are fantastic for this genre. Another great time capsule for the era- there is a fluidity with the tracks and the juxtaposition of the sad lyrics and pop sound make it the perfect 90s album. It would satisfy anyone who is looking for a good “alternative” 90s rock album. Elliot Smith’s vocals are used in a more rock way, and you appreciate him more as a musician after listening to this album. People think he only liked/did the soft whispery Nick Drake vocals, wrong. He was always a little punk and rock.