90s Underrated Rock Bands That Are Now Turning Iconic

Why do some bands quietly disappear into history while others leave a lasting legacy?

Even the most skilled analysts are unable to identify a recipe for long-lasting effects, thus there is no simple solution.

Bands dominated the charts and sold out arenas during the 1990s, a period of unparalleled musical triumph. Journalist Gary Graff, author of 501 Essential Albums of the ’90s: The Music Fan’s Definitive Guide, said “Everything just exploded in the ’90s. You sold half a million to a million copies of your number-one albums every week. All genres were flourishing.

Some bands have seen their influence eclipsed, while others, like Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, and Green Day, are still praised for their lasting effect. This list features ten rock bands from the 1990s. “You had number one albums selling half a million to a million copies a week. Every genre was thriving.”

These aren’t obscure performers; they’ve all found success with Grammys, radio hits, and multi-platinum albums. It’s time to give them the recognition they merit, though, as their contributions are still undervalued.

Alice in Chains
Along with Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden, Alice in Chains has long been regarded as one of the “big four” of grunge. However, they haven’t gotten the same recognition as their contemporaries over the years. This may be attributed in part to their low output from the 1990s—only three albums were published during that decade—or to the issues that kept them out of the spotlight, such as frontman Layne Staley’s untimely death and battle with addiction. Alice in Chains made a significant contribution to rock history despite these obstacles. They were one of the most influential bands of the time because of their distinctively heavy and dark sound. It is noteworthy that they have never received a nomination or been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Cranberries
Driven by Dolores O’Riordan’s distinctive voice and a series of memorable hits like “Dreams,” “Linger,” “Zombie,” and “Ode to My Family,” the Cranberries became one of the biggest rock acts of the 1990s. At their height, the band sold over 10 million albums in the United States and more than 50 million worldwide, making them Ireland’s second most successful rock group after U2. However, in the years after their 1990s peak, the band began to be more closely linked with nostalgia, even despite their remarkable achievements. Even though Dolores O’Riordan’s tragic death in 2018 brought their legacy fresh attention, their impact still seems underappreciated. The Cranberries should be acknowledged as a pivotal group in the history of contemporary rock.

Stone Temple Pilots
Platinum-selling albums? Yes. GrammyAward? Yes. Are arenas full? Of course. Stone Temple Pilots left a remarkable rock legacy by many accounts. However, they are sometimes overlooked when discussing the greats of the genre. They came out at a time when grunge was at its height, thus their sound didn’t really fit the “Seattle scene.” Critics mistakenly labeled them post-grunge fans, which overshadowed their distinctive fusion of glam, metal, and hard rock influences. The band was distinguished by frontman Scott Weiland’s distinctive vocal and captivating stage presence, and the DeLeo brothers wrote some of rock’s most iconic songs. STP is still undervalued despite having a repertoire full of hits; they should be given far more credit for their enduring influence.

Cake
Cake’s peculiar lyrics and unconventional sense of humor helped them carve out a special place for themselves among rock bands of the 1990s. Some were perplexed by their style, while others thought it was adorable. They blended rock, folk, disco, and norteño, defying classification in their music. Their 1996 album Fashion Nugget, which included the classic hit “The Distance,” went quadruple platinum. They also sold over a million copies of Prolonging the Magic (1998) and Comfort Eagle (2001). Over the past 20 years, Cake has mostly faded into obscurity despite their achievements. Fans are speculating about a 2025 release because there hasn’t been a new album since 2011. Is this the resurgence that will restore Cake’s dominance in the music scene?

Garbage
Shirley Manson was a rock star of the 1990s, rivaling Gwen Stefani’s femme fatale charm with her strong vocals, eye-catching fashion, and captivating stage presence. Garbage’s contributions are still unfairly disregarded, even though No Doubt’s legacy is strong—as seen by their Coachella reunion in 2024. An era was defined by hits like “Only Happy When It Rains,” “Stupid Girl,” “#1 Crush,” and “I Think I’m Paranoid,” and their following albums are much more deserving of praise. The band’s significance is further cemented by drummer Butch Vig’s position as one of rock’s most influential producers and Manson’s indisputable influence as a voice for generations to come. The legacy of garbage shouldn’t be ambiguous; it merits the same respect as its peers.

Blur
The Gallagher brothers continue to make headlines and sell out venues, but Blur is frequently overlooked despite being the iconic faces of the Britpop movement of the 1990s. This may be due in part to Blur’s relatively modest U.S. reach—despite the explosive success of “Song 2″—or Damon Albarn’s shift to success with Gorillaz. Nevertheless, Blur’s audacious and inventive approach, fusing hip-hop, art rock, and electronic influences, undoubtedly left an impact on alternative music. Respected in their own country of the United Kingdom, their influence merits international recognition. It’s time for the world to recognize Blur as more than just a Britpop group; they were musical innovators.

Hole
Hole, a band led by Courtney Love, has long been a contentious subject. While some contend that Love’s outspoken persona contributed to the band’s success, others think the music speaks for itself. Unfortunately, Love’s late husband’s reputation frequently eclipsed the group, placing them in the shadow of Nirvana. However, Hole’s music is worthy of praise. While their 1998 album Celebrity Skin adopted a polished, pop-friendly sound without compromising the band’s distinctive edge, their 1994 album Live Through This offered raw strength and emotional depth. Due to their minimal output since the 1990s, Hole’s legacy has diminished despite their influence. Their promise has remained painfully unrealized despite just having one album, Nobody’s Daughter (2010), which was primarily a Love solo effort.

Third Eye Blind
When compared to groups like Matchbox Twenty and Goo Goo Dolls, Third Eye Blind may initially appear to be just another late 1990s pop-rock band. But if you listen more closely, you’ll see that the band managed to strike a balance between catchy melodies and profoundly reflective lyrics. Frontman Stephan Jenkins wrapped these intense feelings in lively, radio-ready songs while tackling weighty subjects like addiction, sadness, suicide, and mortality. Casual listeners frequently missed this juxtaposition between their upbeat sound and somber subject matter, yet it was precisely this that made Third Eye Blind so captivating. They deserve much more recognition than they frequently get because of the depth and complexity that lay beneath their glossy façade.

Blind Melon
Blind Melon had a sad loss, like many of the artists on this list. While the band was on tour, frontman Shannon Hoon died at the age of 28 from an accidental overdose. Their breakthrough single, “No Rain,” was already well-known and their lone Top 40 success at the time. The band separated shortly after their second album, Soup, which was released two months before Hoon’s passing, received poor reviews. With a more varied sound than their first acoustic hit, Blind Melon has developed a devoted cult following over time. Their musical development, which combines psychedelic rock, blues, folk, and heavier melodies, raises questions about what may have happened if Hoon was still alive.

311
Despite their 1993 debut, 311 is frequently mislabeled as part of the early 2000s rap-rock movement. Their sound is actually much more rich, including reggae, funk, and other genres. The band’s sound is propelled by their rhythm section, which features groovy bass lines by P-Nut and strong drumming by Chad Sexton. 311, released in 1995, went triple platinum and sold over 3 million copies in the United States. Their first six albums were gold or platinum. The band nevertheless retains a devoted fan base despite their decline in mainstream fame, especially because of their exciting live performances. 311’s melodic intricacy and commitment to their art have kept them relevant even though they don’t get as much credit.