1994: Reflecting on the best releases, 30 years later
Let’s rewind 30 years — all the way back to 1994. Grunge is born, rock is reinventing itself, and so many great artists are solidifying themselves as legends. Many of us weren’t alive to witness this exciting time in music, but we have been left with the remnants of an amazing era. It’s time to bust out the Walkman as we reflect on some of the most iconic rock/grunge releases to happen in 1994.
HOLE - LIVE THROUGH THIS
Released on Apr. 12, 1994, Live Through This is Hole’s second studio album. Fronted by the infamous Courtney Love, this record is full of sensitive topics, such as sexual assault, trauma and the male gaze. Love’s raw emotion and explicit lyrics followed by heavy guitar and drums makes this an instant grunge classic. If you want to listen to an angry, pained woman scream at the top of her lungs in what The Rolling Stone calls a “corrosive, lunatic wail” — this one's for you.
This is one of my favorite albums of all time, and I would highly recommend the following tracks: “Miss World,” “Gutless” and “I Think That I Would Die.”
Jeff Buckley - Grace
Released on Aug. 15, 1994, Grace is Jeff Buckley’s one and only album (with the exception of posthumous releases). Unfortunately, Buckley died tragically just a few years later, not allowing him to fully witness the success and impact of his music. Following in the footsteps of his late father, Tim Buckley, it’s likely that there was pressure and expectation. This album exceeds all expectations, and Buckley’s raw, harrowing vocals have set him apart as his own artist, creating a timeless record.
Some favorites from this album include: “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over,” “Forget Her” and Buckley’s cover of “Hallelujah.”
Alice in Chains - Jar of FlieS
Released on Jan. 25, 1994, Jar of Flies by Alice in Chains has become one of the band's most successful projects. Though technically an EP, it offers a cohesive, immersive experience from start to finish, setting itself apart from the band's previous high-energy projects. With lyrics reflecting frontman Layne Staley’s struggles with lost relationships and drug addiction, the record stands out as one of the most raw and honest portrayals of addiction, and it’s only elevated by Staley’s hauntingly beautiful vocals.
The track “Nutshell” is a fan favorite and remains one of the band’s most vulnerable and poignant songs. Despite Staley’s death in 2002, “Jar of Flies” continues to be celebrated as one of the most memorable releases in rock history.
Other notable tracks include: “No Excuses,” “Don’t Follow” and “I Stay Away.”
Nirvana - MTV Unplugged in New York
Nirvana, one of the most successful bands of the 90’s — and of all time — released their only live album, MTV Unplugged in New York, on Nov. 1, 1994. This unforgettable performance showcased stripped-down versions of Nirvana’s most popular songs, but also stood out due to Cobain’s distinctive covers. His raw, raspy interpretation of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World” became one of the most iconic covers in music history.
Released just months after Cobain’s tragic death earlier that year, this intimate performance offered us a glimpse into Nirvana as a band, marking Cobain as the voice of a generation.
Cobain’s cover of “Oh, Me” by the Meat Puppets is a personal favorite from this performance.
Soundgarden - Superunknown
On Mar. 8, 1994, Soundgarden released their wildly successful fourth studio album, Superunknown.Six years into their career, the band used this project to surge into the grunge stratosphere. This release gave us “Black Hole Sun,” which ended up being Soundgarden’s most popular song, accumulating over 780 million streams.
Superunknown quickly found itself alongside other grunge classics, becoming a defining album in the 1990s rock period. All of this is due to the album’s heavy, sludgy riffs and powerful melodies. It’s a great mix of poetry and grunge; late frontman Chris Cornell shared that he immersed himself in the works of Sylvia Plath before recording, making it just as intriguing lyrically as it is sonically. Cornell has a voice that isn’t easy to forget.
Other standout tracks from this album include “Fell On Black Days” and “Spoonman.”