We know it’s hard to pick just one rock band.
In the early 90’s they said that rock is dead and that it has no future. And suddenly a scene from Seattle pops up and turns everything upside down. It wasn’t the only core, of course, but one of the most decisive since we still hear familiar riffs in new rock bands.
Some prefer grunge, some heavy rock, other prefer punk etc.. Whichever category you belong to, you can’t deny that some songs still make you nostalgic. Kids nowadays believe that 80s bands are classic rock but no! It’s not that old! And no, no matter how good a new band might be, those bands will always have another place in our hearts.
And since the 80’s and 90’s rock bands are neither one nor two but a lot many, the choice was difficult! Many have been left out, necessarily because otherwise the list would be endless. So tell us, which rock band did you rock with? Which is the group that even now, after countless times, you are still listening to it and never get bored? Or better yet, what’s the band that even though it may have been years since you last heard it, you instantly recognize it and start singing the lyrics?
Choose your favorite rock band!
The rock bands of the poll
1. Offspring
American punk group. They were formed in 1984 in California and became famous 10 years later with their third album called “Smash”. Some of their hits Come Out and Play, Self Esteem, Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)
2. Nirvana
One of the biggest names in the Seattle scene. They started in 1987, triumphed in 1991 with “Nevermind” and disbanded in 1994 after the death of their frontman, Curt Cobain. Smells like teen spirit became an anthem for the entire Generation X.
3. Korn
Californian nu metal band. They have been around since 1993 and are still going strong winning Grammys and places on the Billboard 200. Some of their best-known songs are: Blind, word up & freak on a leash.
4. Nine inch nails
Industrial rock group formed in 1988 in Ohio, USA. Since then, they have received numerous Grammy nominations and have been ranked number 94 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. Some of their hits are: The Hand That Feeds, Closer & Head Like A Hole.
5. Oasis
The group of the Gallagher brothers, Noel & Liam. They were formed in 1991 in Manchester, England and disbanded in 2009. The band’s history includes several hits such as Wonderwall, Don’t look back in anger and Live forever. But it also includes drugs, a dispute with the band Blur and endless sibling fights that led to Noel’s guitar being broken by Liam’s hands. The band is over for good.
6. Muse
English band formed in 1994. Recognition came from the very first album, “Showbiz”, in 1999 after countless concerts and several EPs. Their full of energy concerts, their experimental mood in music and the lyrics that in many cases are more reminiscent of political protest have made the band not only to stand out but be ranked among the top rock groups of our time. Songs you definitely know: Time Is Running Out, Starlight, Supermassive Black Hole, Resistance.
7. Faith no more
Band from San Francisco, California. They were formed in 1979 but we didn’t get to know them under their current name until 1982 after they were initially released as Sharp Young Men. Faith no more counts several member changes, 7 studio albums and one dispute with Anthony Kiedis (Red Hot Chili Peppers) who sometime in 1989 had accused the band’s frontman, Mike Patton, of stealing his style. They officially disbanded in 1998 with some back-and-forth tours from 2009 to 2012 and their seventh album in 2015. Ranked 52nd on Hard Rock’s 100 Greatest Artists, their legacy includes songs like Epic and Falling To Pieces.
8. Green Day
Californian band that contributed significantly to the revival of the punk scene. The group was formed in 1987, but recognition came in 1994 with the album “Dookie”. It took 10 years for the “American Idiot” to come and remember their glorious past. Who doesn’t know Basket Case or Boulevard Of Broken Dreams?
9. Guns N’ Roses
Group from Los Angeles with an explosive start but also a relatively short route. They were formed in 1985 and 2 years later they release “Appetite for Destruction”, a milestone record for the rock scene. The band lasted until 1996 when members started leaving. They reunited in 2008 for a new album without, however, having the resonance of the past. Nevertheless, in 2011 they won a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There’s no way you don’t know Sweet Child O’ Mine or Paradise City or November Rain.
10. Blink 182
Punk band that formed in 1992 in California and is still playing with a 4-year disbandment period from 2005 to 2009. Songs that made them known in the punk scene (and not only) are: I Miss You, All The Small Things & First Date.
11. Bon Jovi
Group from New Jersey. They were created in 1983 and are still going strong. Most of their successes may be in the past, but the concerts they give until now remain impressive and full of energy. Songs we still sing? You Give Love a Bad Name, Livin’ On a Prayer & It’s My Life.
12. Alice in chains
Seattle band formed in 1987. Despite being successful during the grunge era, the band’s sound was much harder with metal elements. In 2002, the group lost its frontman, Layne Staley. In 2006 there was a reunion with William DuVall as the singer. Some of their famous songs? Would?, Rotten Apple.
13. Bad religion
Punk band from Los Angeles. Although the composition changes frequently, the group counts 16 studio albums in its resume. Bad Religion enjoyed great success in the 90s with songs like American Jesus & I Want To Conquer the World.
14. U2
From 1976, the Irish band U2 have been at the forefront of alternative rock. Sometimes with songs like With Or Without You or Sunday Bloody Sunday or New Year’s Day. Either through its political/ anti-war lyrics or its presence in social causes, U2 is very close to the society and excites thousands of people. U2 earned their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005 and continue to give us beautiful music.
15. The smiths
5 years of existence was enough for the group from Manchester to get the title as one of the most important alternative bands that the British independent music scene produced in the 80s. From 1982 to 1987, the Smiths released 4 records without much commercial success outside England. But they managed to gain loyal fans with songs like Bigmouth Strikes Again.
16. Violent femmes
Band from Milwaukee (Milwaukee), Wisconsin that formed in the early 80s. Although most of the hits (Blister in the sun, kiss off) came from their first album, the rock band has 10 studio albums and several live albums in its history. They still exist but have stopped recording new material and only appear when asked.
17. System of a down
Hard Rock/ Nu metal band from California. It was created in 1994 and was rocking until 2006. He left behind 5 studio albums. Songs that should be in your “waking up in the morning” playlist? Toxicity or Chop Suey!
18. Stone temple pilots
Band from California. It was created in 1989 and officially released the first album in 1992 with a grunge sound that changed along the way and went through various experiments. While it was warmly received by the public, the critics did not share the same opinion and labeled the band as imitator of the grunge scene. As it usually happens in rock bands, there were member changes, temporary disbandment and unfortunately the loss of a member. Some of their hits are Interstate Love Song and Plush.
19. The cure
Rock band from England. It started in the late 70s and their first record in 1979 put them to the Post-Punk and New Wave movement that was going on at the time. Despite the beginning with a dark sound, a little later Robert Smith leaves the melancholy behind and from 1982 acquires a slightly more pop/happy approach with songs like Just Like Heaven or Friday I’m In Love. The cure are one of the most popular alternative bands worldwide.
20. The pixies
Even though they enjoyed more success in Europe than in America, from 1986 to 1993 the pixies left their mark on the explosion of alternative rock in the 90s with great songs like Where Is My Mind.
21. R.E.M.
American rock band of the alternative scene. From 1980 to 2011 when they announced their breakup, R.E.M won a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and gave us songs like Losing My Religion or Everybody Hurts that are now considered classics and we have associated them with countless moments.
22. Soundgarden
Soundgarden belong to the core of the Seattle scene. They started in 1984 but success came with the «Superunknown», 10 years later, when grunge music was in the middle. Songs you definitely know? Black Hole Sun, Fell On Black Days.
23. Red hot chili peppers
Based in Los Angeles, in 1983 the rock/punk/funk (and whatever else might come in their way) band is formed. Several member changes, many records (successful and not) and 16 years later, the red hot chili peppers release the album “Californication” and take off. In 2012 they earned their place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for their contribution to rock and songs such as Californication, Give It Away and Under The Bridge.
24. Pulp
Brit pop group. It was created in 1976 but the commercial success came almost 20 years later, in 1994 with the album “His ‘n’ Hers” and a year later with “Different Class”. Either in a movie or on the radio you’ve surely heard Common People.
25. Rage against the machine
One of the most political sensitive groups! The first period of action was from 1991 to 2000. They left behind 4 great records. They reunited for 4 years in 2007 but without new material. There is no one who has not heard the riffs of Killing In the Name or Wake up.
26. Radiohead
Recognized as one of the most important bands of alternative rock. The group of old classmates called Radiohead released their first album “Pablo Honey” in 1993. Since then they have been welcomed in Europe and America. Each record includes different experiments. Songs like Creep and No surprises are just some of their hits!
27. Pearl Jam
Another member of the Seattle scene. The path of the unconventional pearl jam since 1990 includes records with a lot of experimentation, dozens of awards, fights with the concert organization company (to keep the ticket price low) and refusal of marketing promotion practices (video clips). Some of their hits are Black and Yellow Ledbetter.
28. Placebo
Punk pop band from Britain. They were created in 1994 and recognized throughout Europe in 2003 with the album “Sleeping with ghosts”. Their discography includes more than 7 studio albums and includes great songs such as Bitter end and Every me and every you.
29. The police
British rock band of the new wave scene. Their route is relatively short. They were founded in 1977 and disbanded only in 1986, leaving behind 5 albums. Their characteristic songs are Roxanne and Every Breath You Take.
