27 Best 90s Alternative Bands Ever

21. 4 Non-Blondes

4 Non-Blondes is one of the girl-lead 90s alternative bands. Forming in 1989 in San Francisco, California, they released only one album in 1992 entitled, Bigger, Better, Faster More! It hit the highest of #13 on the US Billboard 200 and remained on the top album chart for about 59 weeks after its original release.

“What’s Up?” was one of the most notable singles on the album. About 1.5 million fans purchased copies from the original release until 1994.

22. Foo Fighters

The Foo Fighters is an alternative rock band that originated in Seattle, Washington, in the mid-1990s. Dave Grohl, who was the drummer for Nirvana, started Foo Fighters independently. Eventually, new members joined, including Pat Smear as another guitarist, William Goldsmith as the drummer, and Nate Mendel as the bass guitarist.

Their self-titled first album received many accolades, such as being certified platinum in America, the United Kingdom, and Canada and certified gold in New Zealand and Australia. “Exhausted,” “Big Me,” and other notable singles came from this critically-acclaimed album.

23. Stone Temple Pilots

San Diego-based Stone Temple Pilots started in 1989. Dean DeLeo played the guitar while Scott Weiland was the main singer, Eric Kretz drummed, and Robert DeLeo was the bassist and backing vocalist. Chester Bennington, originally from Linkin Park, was in the band from 2013 to 2015 when Scott Weiland was let go from the role as lead vocalist. Jeff Gutt is the current lead vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots as of 2017.

“Core” was the band’s first album, released in 1992. The album became an eight-time certified platinum title in America, two-time certified platinum in Canada, and one-time certified platinum in Australia. Singles such as “Creep” and “Sex Type Thing” helped to make the album an instant hit.

24. Bush

Bush originated in 1992 as a London-based alternative rock band. One of their most popular albums, Razorblade Suitcase, was released in 1996 and hit the top spot on the US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart for seven consecutive weeks. “Greedy Fly,” “Cold Contagious,” and “Bonedriven” were a few of the featured singles.

25. Eels

Eels usually present their band title in all lowercase or all uppercase letters. Most of their alternative music is on the subject of family, one-sided love, and handling death and the grief that follows.

Half of their albums have been featured on the US Billboard 200. One of their most successful albums from the 1990s was Beautiful Freak from 1996. Featured singles included “Novocaine for the Soul” and “Your Lucky Day in Hell.”

26. Faith No More

Faith No More was an alternative rock band that started in 1979 and remained prominent through the 90s. From 1979 to 1983, they were originally known under two other bands names Sharp Young Men and then Faith No Man.

Angel Dustwas their most successful album. It debuted in 1992 and sold 2.5 million units internationally. The album also started in the 10th position on the Billboard 200. Notable singles from Angel Dust include “Midlife Crisis” and “Everything is Ruined.”

27. 311

311, known by saying “three” and then “eleven,” is an Omaha-based alternative rock band that originated in 1988 and is still active today. The third album they released, 311, went platinum three times and peaked at #12 on the US Billboard 200. Notable singles from the album included “All Mixed Up,” which peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Alternative Airplay list, and “Down,” which became #1 on the same chart.

Top Alternative Bands From The 90s, Final Thoughts

Alternative musicians continue to release new sounds and lyrics inspired by mainstream music. As alternative artists put their heart and soul into creating music that has never been heard before, listeners can become inspired in different ways throughout their lives. What is your favorite alternative band from the 1990s? Join the conversation in the comments below!