Top 10 Musicians from the 90s (and a birthday GIVEAWAY!)

First things first.. I turn the big 2-3 one week from today.. and a few of my friends are helping me celebrate by giving you a BIG gift card to Target!

But... you gotta sit through my post first (sorry).

If you know me, you know that I LOVE 90s music (primarily Grunge). I know that many will argue with me when I say this, but I believe that the 90s was the greatest decade for music (I’ve heard the big band/Frank Sinatra argument and The Beatles/60s argument but no…90s still wins). The 90s introduced new sounds, edgier lyrics and soulful harmonies that would change the face of music forever. Let’s get started, shall we?

10.) Beck

In the time of chimpanzees, he was the monkey.. but that’s not the only reason Beck made the list. Beck is an intrepid artist who experiments with both musical style and lyrics, creating a unique techno/funk/indie fusion, the first of his kind. He is truly “Where It’s At.”

9.) Thom Yorke (Radiohead)

There is something about Yorke’s soft, tenor voice that is just comforting to listen to–and when you combine that with his deep and prudent lyrics, you can’t go wrong. It’s no wonder Yorke was named one of Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

8.) Eddie Vedder (Pearl Jam)

I have never been a giant Pearl Jam fan. Why? When Eddie Vedder rocks out with the group, you can’t understand an effing word he’s saying. Yet I still have a ton of respect for the guy as an artist. Vedder has written some of the deepest, most heart wrenching lyrics of all time regarding his feelings on various events (“Jeremy” was written after the suicide of a 15-year-old student in front of his classmates and “4/20/02″ was written after the death of Alice in Chains lead singer, Layne Staley) and social/political issues (“Daughter” is about a child with a learning disability who is abused and tormented because she is misunderstood). He can also play one hell of a ukelele.

7.) Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)

Armstrong is cool. And funny. And made eye liner cool for guys to wear. He is also fearless in his song writing, which makes him that much cooler. Boredom resulting in self gratification? Yeah, he’ll sing about it. Politics? You betcha. Goodbyes and Good Riddances? Duh. Oh, and I forgot to mention that he can play one mean guitar.

6.) Sheryl Crow

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I love Sheryl Crow. All she wants to do is have some fun–and who can blame her? One of her many unique qualities that makes her one of my top 10 artists is her ability to sound different with every song. You know how each of some bands/artists songs sound eerily similar? You will never find that with Crow. Her lyrics will always be original and her instrumentals and backup vocals are always unexampled.

5.) Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains)

My all time favorite band is “Alice in Chains.” Most of that is because of lead singer, Layne Staley (read on…) but it is also due in part to Mr. Cantrell. If you have never listened to Alice in Chains, definitely give them a go (classic 90s AIC though, not 2000s). Cantrell and Staley’s harmonies are a mix of beautiful and haunting–they are what make the band so rare and memorable. Cantrell is also a gifted guitarist (which is portrayed best by “Whale and Wasp“).

4.) Billy Corgan (The Smashing Pumpkins)

“For Martha” alone earned Billy Corgan the #4 spot on my list.

3.) Chris Cornell (Soundgarden/Audioslave)

When you hear “Burden in my Hand” or “Fell on Black Days,” you know your first thought it the 90s–as well it should be. Cornell’s deep, non-traditional vocal styling also helped him rank in at #3.

2.) Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)

Hands down the greatest song writer of all time. If his songs don’t make you think (even if it is “WTF is he talking about with this bucket, mop and book about birds nonsense?”–actually, that is a Meat Puppets song but you get the point), you must have lived under a rock for a long period of time. His death was one of the biggest losses in the history of music. Period.

1.) Layne Staley (Alice in Chains)

This was a tough call (I couldn’t decide if Staley or Cobain should take the coveted #1 spot) but after some consideration, I decided Layne would have to be my favorite artist of the 1990s. And it’s mostly because of his deep, raspy voice–and his ability to harmonize with Jerry Cantrell. His lyrics can be dark (most of them deal with drugs, depression, death and addiction) but there is still something beautiful and serene to them that makes you come back for more.

And that folks is my Top 10 Artists of the 90s list. Agree or disagree with any of my picks?

Okay, moving on.. I was born in 1990 so I do really love the 90s.. that's my decade, yo!

Last year, I celebrated with a 90s themed birthday party (my friends threw one for me--it was legit)!

I was Courtney Love--I caked on the makeup, dressed as trashy as I could and pretended to tweak out the entire night--it was great!

This year, I'm celebrating by teaming up with some bloggy friends and giving you an $80 Target gift card! 

Kristine, Melanie, Christina, Dara, Stephanie, Dara, Tessa & Annie are ready to party like it's 1990--are you?!

Annie (Annie One Can Cook), Melanie (Van Wynsberg Nest), Stephanie (Never the Same Spice Twice), Dara (Not in Jersey), Dana (Lil Family Blog), Tessa (Tessacotton), Kristine (Heart Shaped Sweat) & Christina (Juggling Real Food and Real Life)

All of the lovely ladies listed above have pitched in for an $80 gift card to Target! That's an adorable new wardrobe! Or new home decor! Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter! 

 

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