Unexpected musical partnerships that rocked the charts
The band already had a huge following, but with 'Metallica' AKA 'The Black Album,' the mainstream doors opened widely for them. Hits such as 'Enter Sandman' and the ballad 'Nothing Else Matters' turned Metallica into international rock stars in 1991.
The album was more experimental than ever before, and marked a change in the band's musical direction. Hits such as 'Mysterious Ways' and 'One' are still fan favorites to this day. 'Achtung Baby' debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
Arguably the biggest album of 1991—and one of the most important in music history—'Nevermind' is Nirvana's masterpiece. Singles such as 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' marked the end of MTV's hair metal days and a new era dominated by alternative rock.
Sources: (Yardbarker)
RHCP's fifth studio album was the one that catapulted the band onto the mainstream. With huge hits such as 'Under the Bridge,' and 'Give It Away,' the album reached #3 on the Billboard 200.
Yes, the album that packed hits such as 'Losing My Religion,' and 'Shiny Happy People,' was also released in 1991. It amassed three Grammys and took the band to a whole new level.
This is one of the most critically acclaimed records by Phife Dawg and his crew. Their second album features the hit 'Jazz (We've Got) Buggin' Out,' and you can listen to Busta Rhymes on the song 'Scenario.'
'Ten' is Pearl Jam's debut album. With a plethora of grunge hymns, such as 'Even Flow,' 'Alive,' and 'Jeremy,' this album is arguably one of the most iconic in rock history, and undoubtedly one of the best from the '90s.
The second album of the alternative rockers is considered by many fans their finest work. Indeed a shoegaze classic!
GN'R were already pretty big in 1991, but when they released this double album, the LA rockers became one of the biggest bands on the planet! From 'November Rain' to 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door,' and 'You Could be Mine,' the albums had numerous top singles.
This was yet another classic hip hop album to be released in 1991. Mixing English and Spanish lyrics, the group became a force to be reckoned with in the genre.
Featuring Raitt's famous hit 'Something to Talk About,' 'Luck of the Draw' went on to sell over seven million copies in the US alone.
Public Enemy's fourth studio album became particularly famous for the group's collaboration with thrash metal band Anthrax in the song 'Bring Tha Noize.' This was a pioneering crossover tune that inspired future collaborations between rappers and metalheads.
Seal's debut album was a huge success, reaching platinum in the US and double-platinum in the UK. 'Crazy' remains one of his most popular songs to date.
The band's third studio album was one of the heaviest to come out of Seattle in 1991. Tunes such as 'Outshined,' 'Jesus Christ Pose,' and 'Rusty Cage,' make it a truly iconic record.
Another iconic alternative rock album released in 1991, 'Gish' was Billy Corgan's band introduction to the world.
Members of Soundgarden and Pearl Jam came together to pay tribute to Andrew Wood, the iconic singer of Seattle band Mother Love Bone, who died in 1990. Songs such as 'Hunger Strike,' make the album a masterpiece in the genre.
The ex-frontman of The Byrds had a long career as a solo artist, and his sixth album was one of his best works.'Back from Rio' featured numerous guests, including Elvis Costello and Tom Petty.
From Bristol to the world, the English trip-hop/electronic group's debut album is a true classic. Songs such as 'Unfinished Sympathy' attest to its greatness.
The band's fourth studio album is known mostly for the hit single 'Good Things.'
The East Coast rappers released one of the most commercially successful hip hop albums of the '90s, reaching #6 on Billboard Hot 100. The single 'O.P.P.' was on high rotation on MTV.
The group's second album is considered by many even better than their debut '3 Feet High and Rising' (which was pretty well received!). This is a quintessential '90s rap album.
Les Claypool was a breath of fresh air with his ferocious bass-playing style in Primus, and the band's second studio album didn't disappoint. In fact, it is considered by many, the group's finest record.
The Swedish pop duo's follow up to 1988's 'Look Sharp!' was a huge success worldwide, with the album's title track 'Joyride' reaching #1 in several countries.
Featuring hits such as 'Get A Leg Up,' 'Again Tonight,' and 'Now More Than Ever,' the album reached the top 20 on the US charts.
'Cooleyhighharmony' is the R&B group's debut album. Singles such as 'Motownphilly' and a cover version of 'It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,' contributed to its success.
Featuring #1 hits such as 'Baby, Baby,' and 'That's What Love Is For,' this album sold more than 5 million copies. The 5-times platinum album reached the top 10 in the Billboard 200.
MJ never released a bad album, and 'Dangerous' was no exception. Hits such as 'Black or White,' and 'Remember the Time,' helped the album win four Grammys and debut at #1.
In 1991, Ice-T released his fourth studio album, which might just be the rapper's most accomplished record.
Matthew Sweet's third studio album is considered one of his best by many alternative rock fans. The single 'Divine Intervention' is one of the best tracks on the album.
The band's third album with vocalist Sammy Hagar debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200.
The year 1991 was indeed a very special year in music history. Some of the most iconic albums ever were released, and many of them marked a shift in what was the mainstream back then, and went on to shape the entire decade and even the future of music. It's hard to believe that so many iconic albums are turning 30, so this is your chance to revisit and celebrate them.
Browse through the following gallery and check out these iconic albums turning 30 in 2021.
Albums you won't believe are turning 30
Nirvana's 'Nevermind' is just the tip of the iceberg
MUSIC Records
The year 1991 was indeed a very special year in music history. Some of the most iconic albums ever were released, and many of them marked a shift in what was the mainstream back then, and went on to shape the entire decade and even the future of music. It's hard to believe that so many iconic albums are turning 30, so this is your chance to revisit and celebrate them.
Browse through the following gallery and check out these iconic albums turning 30 in 2021.