Alternative Press is pleased to announce Thrifted & Vintage, a curated collection of vintage, thrifted and rare reprints hunted and sourced personally by Josh Madden. This collection is available on our webstore and covers the last 20-plus years of alternative culture, guaranteeing that you will find an item that fits your distinct taste. Undoubtedly, the vintage T-shirt industry has seen a rise in demand and popularity, leading to surged prices and an oversaturated market. However, Thrifted & Vintage aims to keep items diverse and accessible for everyone. 

Read more: Mary Wyatt London is the alternative fashion brand hailed by Kittie and Courtney Love

Out of the 50-plus items currently available, there is a healthy mix of classic pieces, ranging from acts such as Nirvana, Good Charlotte, Pearl Jam, Oasis and Rancid, while also highlighting more niche artists such as Bane, Killing Joke, King Crimson and Hatebreed. The result is a collection that represents the diversity and beauty of an eclectic music taste. More importantly, each piece has a unique story to tell. 

If you have ever been interested in vintage and thrift culture but don’t know where to start, we invite you to browse this time capsule of music history. These are the 25 best Thrifted & Vintage items and the fascinating stories behind them.

Nirvana “Smiley Face” Fade Dye Crewneck

Perhaps one of the most iconic images in rock ‘n’ roll history is the smiley face logo of Seattle grunge icons Nirvana. First appearing on a modest album release party flyer in celebration of their breakthrough album Nevermind, the logo has gone on to be printed and licensed by countless garment companies, including Urban Outfitters and H&M. However, there has been confusion and debate on who to credit for the logo’s creation. Some have speculated that the drawing was Nirvana’s late vocalist and guitarist Kurt Cobain’s creation, while others have cited Sub Pop Records art designer Lisa Orth as the original creator. Additionally, the smiley face, which is intentionally messy and shows two crossed-out eyes and a tongue sticking out, is rumored to have been inspired by a similar emblem that appeared on the marquee of Seattle strip club The Lusty Lady.

Stone Temple Pilots Four Vintage Tee

When it came time to name the fourth record from Stone Temple Pilots, the group opted to keep it simple and call it No. 4. The 1999 record contained several notable singles, including “Down” and “Sour Girl,” and achieved platinum certification in just under a year after its release. The following T-shirt is from the famous 1999 tour in support of the album. The band would put out one more record before going on hiatus for several years until 2010 when they reunited the core lineup to record their self-titled album. Scott Weiland tragically passed away in late 2015 due to substance misuse but left behind a legacy of influential records that spanned over three decades.

Bloc Party Silent Alarm Tee

With their debut album Silent Alarm, English indie-rockers Bloc Party made a serious impact. Powered by their brand of energetic, rhythmic and sincere music, the record was met with universal acclaim from critics and fans alike. Silent Alarm also served as a turning point for indie rock and its place in the mainstream, inspiring many other artists in the process. The cover art for the album features a photograph taken by Ness Sherry, capturing a snowy and desolate landscape. The cover art has gone on to become one of the most recognizable album covers of the mid-2000s indie-rock era and has been printed on countless merchandise.

Hatebreed Struggles Tee

For a band as intense and heavy as Hatebreed, they have always had a knack for writing positive, motivational and uplifting lyrics that look especially badass in bold impact font on a T-shirt. The following lyrics “It’s our struggles that define us” come from the song “You’re Never Alone,” which is featured on the metallic-hardcore group’s 2002 record Perseverance. When rocking a classic Hatebreed T-shirt at a show, you’re guaranteed to look like you mean business in the pit.

Pleasures x Sublime Tee

When alternative streetwear brand Pleasures joined forces with Long Beach, California ska-punks Sublime to create a collaborative line of T-shirts, it was clearly a match made in heaven. The shirt pays homage to the famous album cover of the band’s 1992 classic 40oz. To Freedom, which was designed and painted by tattoo artist and muralist Opie Ortiz.

King Ad-Rock Tee

Adam Keefe Horovitz, better known as Ad-Rock, is a founding member of Beastie Boys and has made it his life mission to create compelling art. The King Ad-Rock shirt pays tribute to his contributions while also serving a greater cause. The following shirt is part of the Tees4Togo initiative co-founded by femme punk legend and Bikini Kill frontwoman Kathleen Hanna and Tina Kampor, who started the Peace Sisters nonprofit. All profits from these T-shirt sales go to Peace Sisters, which helps to provide educational opportunities for young women in the city of Dapaong, Togo. Additionally, Ad-Rock and Hanna are married, which is quite possibly one of the greatest unions in punk-rock history.

Ernie Ball Vintage Tee

While Ernie Ball may not be a band, they certainly have been a part of the everyday lives of countless artists through their quality products. Ernie Ball has always provided affordable gear made for musicians by musicians, which unsurprisingly has allowed them to become the industry standard for 60-plus years. This T-shirt in particular features the early art of Luke Chueh, who was hired by the company in the 1990s as their flagship designer and illustrator, creating countless award-winning designs and advertisements. Chueh would later go on to create album artwork for Fall Out Boy‘s Folie à Deux.

Killing Joke Tee

Listen to the song “Eighties’’ by Killing Joke. We promise it will all make sense…

Sid Vicious Tee

Sid Vicious is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable figures in early punk-rock history and fashion, who most notably played bass for acclaimed London punks the Sex Pistols. If for some reason you’ve never heard of the Sex Pistols, now’s your chance with the recent release of Hulu’s six-episode biopic series Pistol, directed by Academy Award-winning movie-maker Danny Boyle.

Bane Tee

New England hardcore staples Bane were a force to be reckoned with for 20-plus years before they called it a day in 2016. The group are best known for delivering powerful and passionate songs about perseverance, treading your own path and straight-edge morals. Bane, while one of the most beloved hardcore bands to come up in the mid-1990s, are also known for their distinct and minimalistic logo. The logo features a black-and-white tree with a swing set hanging from its branches, with the band’s name below in bold font. The design has been printed on countless pieces of merchandise, making it one of the most recognizable logos in hardcore history.

Outkast LaFace Records Tee

LaFace Records was an influential record label founded in the 1990s by music executive L.A. Reid and singer-songwriter Babyface. The label put out records and jump-started the careers of iconic acts such as TLC, Usher and Pink but struck gold when they signed their first hip-hop group, Outkast, in 1992. The Atlanta duo were instrumental in mixin genres within hip-hop and created wildly successful records that have influenced countless artists over the years. 

Rancid 2001 Sleeveless Tee

Blending everything from skate-punk, hardcore and ska, Rancid have always been able to create a diverse range of material and well-received albums. The following T-shirt was printed just after the release of their self-titled fifth studio album and features a skull and cross bones, not unlike the one displayed on the album’s front cover. Though the design is rather minimalistic, it has become synonymous with the band’s aesthetic and is still featured on several of their merch items to this day. 

Bad Religion “End Of History” Tee

Bad Religion have been putting out political and genre-defining albums for over 40 years. This T-shirt in particular highlights the group’s 2019 song “End Of History,” taken from their 17th studio album Age Of Unreason. “End Of History” is a critique of the modern political landscape and the need for change within humanity. With the artwork portraying a mushroom cloud of smoke, most likely from a nuclear bomb, one could interpret that it represents the consequences the world may face if we don’t start making changes. 

Beastie Boys ABA (Atwater Basketball Association) Tee

Beastie Boys are undoubtedly musical trailblazers who were early pioneers in the fusion of hip-hop, rock and punk, creating a diverse catalog of music in the process. This T-shirt in particular references the neighborhood of Atwater Village in Los Angeles where their famous G-Son Studios was based, a legendary studio where the band recorded their 1992 album Check Your Head. 

Social Distortion Mainliner 1995 Tee

It’s always a treat when fans get the opportunity to hear early material from their favorite bands long before stardom. In 1995, Southern California punk legends Social Distortion did just that with the release of their compilation album Mainliner: Wreckage From the Past. The record featured material dating back to 1981, as well as various B-sides, and this T-shirt was created in promotion of its release. 

Slipknot .5: The Gray Chapter Red Tee

If you’ve ever been to a heavy-metal show, chances are you have seen your fair share of Slipknot T-shirts. In fact, the genre-defining group have had one of the most powerful and visceral aesthetics in modern mainstream music for decades, furthered by their die-hard fanbase. While the majority of Slipknot T-shirt designs are usually printed on black garments, it’s quite rare and exciting to find an officially licensed piece of merchandise in alternate colors. With this piece in particular, the striking cover art for the band’s fifth studio album, .5 The Gray Chapter, is on full display, with a sinister-looking figure adorned with skeleton makeup across a pentagram-like symbol. The record is significant in that it was their first following the tragic death of their bassist Paul Gray, containing evocative songs that tackle a wide range of subject matter birthed from tragedy and loss. 

Depeche Mode 2018 Tour Tee

In 2017, Depeche Mode embarked on the Global Spirits tour in support of their 14th studio album Spirit. The British group hit several major cities around the world. The tour was said to be their biggest and most successful to date, culminating with a theatrical release of their documentary and concert film Spirits In The Forest. Tragically, Spirit would mark the final time that founding member and keyboardist Andy Fletcher would appear on a studio album as he passed away in May 2022.

Rex Orange County Tee

If you haven’t heard of English indie artist Rex Orange County, drop everything you’re doing and watch the incredible new video for his latest single “ONE IN A MILLION.”

The Killers Hot Fuss Tee

Hot Fuss, the debut studio album from the Killers, is a modern rock classic. By incorporating synth-pop, new wave and post-punk seamlessly, the Killers not only became household names overnight but cemented themselves as major figures in rock music. Powered by hit singles such as “Somebody Told Me” and “Smile Like You Mean It,” it’s impossible to deny the group’s skill at writing catchy and infectious music. However, their single “Mr. Brightside” has reached near cultural phenomenon status as the anthem of the millennial generation. This T-shirt features the classic retro-inspired logo that has become synonymous with the group ever since it first appeared on the cover of their debut album.

Shadows Fall Tee

In the early to mid-2000s, there was a major resurgence of heavy-metal music taking the mainstream by storm in the U.S. This era has been commonly dubbed the “The new wave of American heavy metal,” spearheaded by groups such as Lamb Of God and Unearth. However, one of the scene’s heaviest hitters at the time was Shadows Fall, who put out several groundbreaking releases that not only scored the attention of major labels but experienced regular airplay on MTV’s Headbangers Ball program. The following T-shirt dates back to 2007, and its artwork ties into the original cover design of their fifth studio album Threads Of Life. 

Oasis Classic Tee

The kings of Britpop, Oasis have proven time and again that they can do whatever they want and still manage to be one of the most beloved bands of all time. This is exemplified by their classic logo that simply features their name in a white box. The logo was designed by Brian Cannon, who was the lead designer for the group throughout the 1990s. To date, this classic logo has been printed on countless T-shirts and can be purchased at just about any retailer imaginable. While Oasis aren’t reuniting anytime soon, we can always look back and appreciate the band’s lasting impact on rock ‘n’ roll culture. 

Good Charlotte “Money” Tee

When considering the most influential and successful pop-punk bands of the early 2000s, Good Charlotte are always at the top of the list. This shirt in particular was inspired by a piece that the Madden brothers (Benji, Joel and Josh) created for their early streetwear brand MADE. On their wildly successful sophomore record, The Young And The Hopeless, you can see several members of the band rocking T-shirts and hoodies with the iconic MADE label, making these items a hot commodity back in the day. The symbol of money on the shirt could be seen as a callback to the group’s 2002 hit single “Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous.” 

NOFX Hoodie

For 30-plus years, NOFX have been charging forward with political anthems, unfiltered critiques of modern society and witty humor. Their signature logo has been printed on countless pieces of clothing. While it may look simple, it’s clearly been effective as the group have continued to use a similar iteration of it for all of their 14 album covers. 

Atticus Tee

Atticus was the brainchild of blink-182 co-vocalists Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge. Founded in 2001, this iconic clothing brand was worn by just about every major artist in punk rock. Additionally, Atticus as a brand was instrumental in breaking new music with their iconic Dragging The Lake compilation albums, which were curated by Hoppus and DeLonge and featured bands such as New Found Glory, Rival Schools and the Starting Line, among many others. 

Black Flag “My Rules” Tee

Taken from their classic 1982 EP TV Party, “My Rules” is a song that shows the Black Flag we all know and love. The track, which clocks in at just over one minute, features beloved vocalist Henry Rollins spitting venom over a chaotic punk arrangement that captures the group’s raw and authentic sound. By rocking this T-shirt, chances are you’ll get plenty of nods of approval from your fellow punks.

Neck Deep return

Neck Deep are back with their first new music in two years, “STFU.” In the single, the quartet fall back on their pop-punk roots while capturing the dread that often accompanies online culture. The band also unleashed an amusing visual that harks back to the AIM days. Check out the new track and video here.

Remembering Andy Fletcher of Depeche Mode

This week, our thoughts are with the friends and family of Depeche Mode’s Andy Fletcher, who passed away at 60. Fletcher was a member of the band for over 40 years and appeared on classic albums such as Speak & Spell and Songs Of Faith And Devotion. You can read a statement from the band here.

A look inside Goth Girlfriends’ London takeover

Goth Girlfriends is creating a bridge for women, people of color and the LGBTQ+ community to get involved in NFT and cryptocurrency spaces. In fact, GG’s NoFace partnered with HE Creative to create goth-themed NFTs that are overwhelmingly women-led. Their latest exhibition in London tells a story of how creators tired of not seeing themselves in the NFT art world has produced a community beyond anything they could have anticipated.

The Interrupters will triumph

Ahead of their new album In The Wild, the Interrupters are back with new single “Anything Was Better.” Vocalist Aimee Interrupter explained its creation, citing the song as an escape from past pain and trauma. Listen to the triumphant track and grab merch here.

We ranked every Angels & Airwaves album

Between helming Angels & Airwaves to founding To The Stars and directing his own movie, Tom DeLonge knows how to keep busy. Naturally, we needed to look back and revisit some of his most notable work with A&A. From their 2006 debut album We Don’t Need To Whisper to 2021’s Lifeforms, see where your favorite Angels & Airwaves album lands.

Rico Nasty gets “Intrusive” on latest single

AP cover star Rico Nasty is here to make a statement and preview her forthcoming project with most recent single “Intrusive.” Built on a throbbing bass and evocative storytelling, the artist takes us on a journey through some of her innermost thoughts. Watch the new video here.

MUNA gear up for their new album

MUNA are giving us a taste of what we can expect from their upcoming self-titled album with their new single “Home By Now.” Chronicling the wistful feeling of a past relationship, Katie Gavin says that although it’s a dance song, the lyrics hold much more weight. Read all about it here and see if the group are coming to a city near you this summer.

MOD SUN, Stone Temple Pilots, more — live from a volcanic crater

From girlfriends to MOD SUN, see some of your favorite artists perform live from your home in the first annual Atlantis Concert for Earth. The free, nonprofit concert will celebrate global conservation and highlight the work of conservationists and organizations around the globe. Reserve your spot here via Veeps.

Winnetka Bowling League team up with the Knocks

Following their pulp EP from earlier this year, Winnetka Bowling League have released another new song, “I Like To Hide In The Bathroom At Parties.” Joining forces with the Knocks, the catchy track addresses social anxiety in a lighthearted way. Listen to the new track here and watch the accompanying lyric video.

Ice Nine Kills will make you scream

Ice Nine Kills are bringing together casual fans and die-hards with their first annual horror convention, the Silver Scream Con. The event will take place this August at The DoubleTree Boston North Shore Hotel in Danvers, Massachusetts. Get all the information right here.

Read more: Avril Lavigne had to fight throughout her career to make the music she wanted to

The new tour is the first set of U.S. shows for Halestorm following their co-headlining run with Evanescence. The tour kicks off May 10 in Billings, Montana, and ends May 30 in Missoula. Check out a full list of dates below, and grab tickets here.

Last week, Halestorm released a music video for the second single from Back From The Dead, “The Steeple.” You can watch the video below.

Halestorm will also release a limited-edition seven-inch die-cut version of the song “Back From The Dead” for Record Store Day. The record will be in the shape of a tombstone. Make sure to look for it in your favorite independent record store April 23.

Halestorm tour dates

Eternal Blue solidifies Spiritbox‘s unforgettable sound. The album has everything that listeners have been waiting for—and more. Each song is beautifully crafted, with thumping rhythm from bassist Bill Crook and drummer Zev Rose and frenzied guitar riffs from Mike Stringer providing a stage for singer Courtney LaPlante’s compelling vocals. Spiritbox’s sonic flexibility is also on display, as they transition between heavy to melodic songs with ease. It’s genuinely hard to put into words just how impressive the album is.

Read more: Underoath announce ‘Voyeurist’ tour with Every Time I Die and Spiritbox

LaPlante shared how appreciative she is of the long-awaited album with Kerrang! Magazine.

“We are very anxious to release our album,” she says. “It is a body of work we have been accumulating for over two years. Having the recording process put on hold for so long due to the pandemic has made me see that I can never take the experience of tracking an album for granted ever again.”

Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the release of the record, LaPlante says it may have been a blessing in disguise.

“I must say that although we never intended to wait so long to do this record, I think it did help the songs become stronger,” she says. “I am so happy with every single song. I wish I could release each one as a single with a music video. They all reflect different moments and influences in our lives.

Read more: Spiritbox release evocative acoustic version of their song “Constance”

“We have had enough time to release the exact music we would like to put out into the world, with no need to compromise. Every single note and every single syllable is the music that we have always dreamed of making, and we are very proud of it.”

LaPlante also spoke about how emotionally rewarding the album has been for her specifically in a cover story with Kerrang!

​“Eternal Blue is pure selfishness because this music for me is what I need to move on from a lot of feelings and aggression and really dark, intrusive thoughts that I constantly have,” LaPlante says.

Additionally, she spoke on her writing process in the same interview. 

​“I like to hide behind imagery and metaphor,” LaPlante reveals. ​“That’s where I feel safe, hiding in the shadows, and where no one can harm me.”

Read more: Coheed and Cambria and the Used to co-headline summer amphitheater tour 

One example of LaPlante using bold imagery and metaphor is the single “Holy Roller.” 

“Those lyrics are me talking as my version of the devil,” LaPlante says. ​“It is my depression, this evil that is trying to corrupt what I’m doing by telling me I’m not good enough and tempting me into the darkness. I’m not religious, but I grew up in the church, and the way that the Bible would personify Satan always really stuck with me. He’s not a monster; he’s a dude who’s sat whispering to you, causing shit.”

How are you liking Eternal Blue? Tell us in the comments below!

Eternal Blue tracklisting:

1. “Sun Killer”
2. “Hurt You”
3. “Yellowjacket” (feat. Sam Carter)
4. “The Summit”
5. “Secret Garden”
6. “Silk In The Strings”
7. “Holy Roller”
8. “Eternal Blue”
9. “We Live In A Strange World”
10. “Halcyon”
11. “Circle With Me”
12. “Constance”

Spiritbox 2021 live performances:

Spiritbox are hosting an album pop-up in Los Angeles Sept. 18 to celebrate the release of Eternal Blue. There will be a Q&A with the band hosted by Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin.

Spiritbox are also set to play at multiple upcoming festivals. First, they will play the Saturday of Louder Than Life alongside musicians such as Machine Gun Kelly, grandson and Ice Nine Kills. Then they will play the S.S. Neverender alongside bands such as Coheed And Cambria, Taking Back Sunday and Cloud Nothings. Finally, they will perform Welcome To Rockville alongside Slipknot, A Day To Remember and Stone Temple Pilots, among others.

09/18 – Los Angeles, CA @ Eternal Blue Pop Up Shop
09/25 – Louisville, KY @ Louder Than Life 2021
10/26 – Miami, FL @ S.S. Neverender 2021
11/11 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome To Rockville 

Read more: 10 punk guitarists who took a unique approach to the genre in the ’10s

For ‘70s/’80s/’90s/’00s youth, Bowie was a beacon indicating everything was all right. No, you weren’t the weird one—they were! Whether “they” constituted your parents, peers or authority figures, his ever-changing persona and music were the warmth and comfort every misfit needed. They were your armor as you ventured forth, a little scared, a little messy, definitely awkward. Consider that “Changes” lyric: “And these children that you spit on/As they try to change their worlds/Are immune to your consultations/They’re quite aware of what they’re goin’ through.” He was your cool, eccentric uncle with a wink and a grin, clasping your shoulder, saying you were special, that the world was wrong. Being different is a quality to be cherished, not punished. And if these people couldn’t appreciate how special you were? They didn’t need to be in your life, anyway.

Read more: Pete Davidson is starring as Joey Ramone in an upcoming Netflix biopic

The musical world owes him greatly, not just the artists he directly served as a patron—Iggy Pop, Lou Reed, Mott The Hoople. Would Madonna’s or Lady Gaga’s ever-morphing identities/sounds be possible without him? Madonna repaid her debt by accepting his 1996 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame nomination for him, while Gaga performed a six-minute Bowie medley at the 2016 Grammys. Boy George acknowledged Bowie’s effect in the 2016 BBC documentary Boy George’s 1970s: Save Me From Suburbia. So much punk and alternative music’s impossible without his influence and innovation. Please contemplate these 10 spiritual children of David Bowie.

Sex Pistols

“Bowie was good for a while, but you couldn’t really get into it,” Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten sniffed with typical contrarianism on July 16, 1977, as he guest DJed on Capital Radio’s Tommy Vance show. Of course, he said this over the opening chords of “Rebel Rebel.” But didn’t those vomit-orange spikes suspiciously resemble Ziggy Stardust’s earlier thatched mullet? Didn’t he sing into a mic Steve Jones stole from the Ziggy farewell gig? And Jonesy clearly owed Johnny Thunders guitar-wise, but those roaring power chords were stamped with a classic Bowie guitarist’s tone. “If I’ve got any ‘heroes,’” he told Alternative Press in 1989, “it’s Mick Ronson…”

Germs

Many early L.A. punk rockers received their musical education at the English Disco, scenemaker/DJ Rodney Bingenheimer’s glam palace. Bowie invested in the club, where Bingenheimer spun all the latest British platform-boot-stompers. Hence, Ziggy’s stardust was sprinkled atop most early Hollywood pogo action. ’80s OC punk godhead Mike Ness has spoken of Bowie’s effect, visible in some of early Social Distortion’s glam trappings. But no Tinsel Town rebels worshipped Bowie more than the Germs. Marc Spitz and Brendan Mullen’s definitive L.A. punk history We Got The Neutron Bomb indicated his name topped every Germs guest list. Darby Crash suggested Bowie produce their sole LP, (GI). (Fellow Bowie acolyte Joan Jett did the honors, instead.) They even recorded a sloppy cover of Bowie’s sloppy cover of Chuck Berry’s “Around And Around.” Eventually, guitarist Pat Smear bolstered Nirvana’s beautiful cover version of “The Man Who Sold The World.”

Joy Division

U.K. punk and post-punk is littered with Bowie acolytes. Gary Numan’s synth-heavy robot music and stage persona are totally indebted to Bowie’s Berlin period. Adam And The Ants stormed the British pop charts like the Spiders From Mars bolstered by jungle drums, down to Marco Pirroni’s very Ronson-esque guitar. But Joy Division? Bowie was always nipping at their edges. They were originally called Warsaw, in honor of the Low track “Warszawa.” The heavy sense of drama and experimental edge? Pure Bowie. And Ian Curtis listened to Iggy Pop’s Bowie-produced The Idiot, the tragic final night of his life.

Bauhaus

Goth totally exists in Ziggy Stardust’s shadow, even if the genre reimagines the tale of the extraterrestrial rock star as lensed by Hammer Film Productions. What are the dread-soaked guitar pop, smeary makeup and jacked-up haircuts of Siouxsie And The Banshees and the Cure without Bowie? Or the entire career of Christian Death’s Rozz Williams? But Bauhaus? They’re practically a death-punk Bowie tribute act! Your Punk Professor wrote in March that Peter Murphy sang “like he swallowed Ziggy Stardust’s corpse whole.” They paid direct homage, tracking a roaring rendition of “Ziggy Stardust” for a John Peel session. Even The Great Man recognized his DNA: Bauhaus memorably performed “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” in the opening credits to 1983’s Bowie-starring vampire flick, The Hunger.

The Smiths

“David Bowie is easily the most influential and important artist to come out of the U.K., for so many reasons,” Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr wrote in an NME guest blog dated May 2, 2012. “There are musicians who are influenced by him who don’t even realize it.” Presumably, the man who co-wrote stone-cold standards such as “This Charming Man” is aware. Now think of these Britpop originators’ preciousness, literacy and Morrissey’s theatricality and alternative sexuality. Moz even contracted Ronson to produce his most celebrated solo album, Your Arsenal. Bowie himself embraced Moz, performing T. Rex’s “Cosmic Dancer” onstage with him in 1991, recently released as a single, and covering “I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday” on covers album Black Tie White Noise. The relationship reportedly later grew fractious. 

Suede

Fast forward to the ‘90s: Large chunks of Britpop were unthinkable without Bowie. Think about his “veddy, veddy British singing”—few U.K. rockers sang in their native inflection prior to him. Now consider Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker next to Bowie’s Thin White Duke phase. How about Placebo had Ziggy Stardust never existed? But no Britpoppers owed more to Bowie than the band who had to be legally known in America as the London Suede. Singer Brett Anderson, a walking quote machine, told the press in 1993, “I see myself as a bisexual man who’s never had a homosexual experience.” Doesn’t this remarkably echo Bowie’s “I’m gay, and always have been, even when I was David Jones” pronouncement in the Jan. 22, 1972 issue of Melody Maker? Now listen to the tunes: “Animal Nitrate,” “Trash,” “The Wild Ones.” The high drama; the epic, sweeping choruses; the anthemic melodies—this is Bowie to a T. The NME recognized this immediately and had writer Steve Sutherland arrange a summit, photographed by Anton Corbijn, for its March 20, 1993 cover.

Scott Weiland

“Barbarella” music video:

“Barbarella” live performance from Late Night With David Letterman:

Even grunge, ever dressed-down and dour, had some Bowie in its DNA. How could it not, as ‘70s-inspired as it was? Think about pre-Mudhoney/Pearl Jam outfit Green River snotting out “Queen Bitch” or that celebrated Nirvana rendition of “The Man Who Sold The World.” But no fuzz-and-flannel-era rocker oozed Bowie-ness more than Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland. Pipe-cleaner thin and flamboyant as a neon-edged $5,000 bill onstage, he flaunted his hero’s influence on his brilliant 1998 art-glam solo disc 12 Bar Blues. Filled with such grand, off-center, playing-to-the-rafters songs as “Desperation #5” and “Barbarella,” its mood perfectly crossbred the Spiders From Mars with the high-tech austerity of Bowie’s Berlin records. (The latter tune’s video, seen above, also felt like a five-minute remake of the Bowie film The Man Who Fell To Earth.) It hardly sold any copies, which is a shame. It’s a minor masterpiece.

Nine Inch Nails

Then there’s the man’s effect on industrial rock, upon its shift into the ‘90s mainstream. Naturally, the cling-clang of Bowie’s German work with Brian Eno appealed to musicians favoring abrasive electronics. But who could’ve known glam would also be an element? The most direct connection was Nine Inch Nails opening Bowie’s 1995 tour. Trent Reznor closed each set singing a few duets with Bowie, segueing into his headlining set.

My Chemical Romance

And ‘00s punk had Bowie’s fingerprints all over it. Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump spoke with Alternative Press about his fondness for Bowie upon his death and made it concrete by covering “Life On Mars?” for a BBC Radio 1 session. But no band of the era wore their Bowieness more on their sleeve than My Chemical Romance. Like Stump, leader Gerard Way discovered the man as a child via his 1986 cinematic turn Labyrinth. But if he hadn’t told us himself, we’d have known through 2006’s The Black Parade—working title: The Rise And Fall Of My Chemical Romance. (Hmmm…Gerry played guitar…) Or we could just look at this MCR/the Used collaboration, remaking the Bowie with Queen masterpiece “Under Pressure.” 

YUNGBLUD

Hip-hop/punk hybridist YUNGBLUD merely had to walk onstage previously to bring to mind a young Bowie—the spiky, multicolored hair, the faceful of makeup, the onstage theatrics. But then he released his new album, weird! late last year, featuring a track called “mars,” based upon the Hunky Dory track “Life On Mars?” And as if Bowie’s influence wasn’t obvious enough, Dom Harrison faithfully performed “Life On Mars?” this past Jan. 8, what would have been Bowie’s 74th birthday, on the livestream tribute concert A Bowie Celebration: Just For One Day. Featuring a backing band of several alumni of Bowie’s bands, including pianist Mike Garson and guitarist Earl Slick, NASA played the YUNGBLUD cover as the Perseverance rover touched Martian soil Feb. 18. 

Yep, the quarter of a century mark for what is easily some of the best music of that decade and, for a few bands, their best records ever. Surely when live music commences, many of these acts will no doubt hit the road to perform these babies front to back. Who knows? Maybe we can even get to that point by the fall. In the meantime, let’s head back to the year 1996, shall we? 

Read more: Gerard Way and Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan contemplate rock ’n’ roll

Pearl Jam – No Code

Yes, the album where the Seattle rockers decided to spread their wings and show the world (and, admittedly, a befuddled fanbase) just how diverse, eclectic and experimental they were was released in 1996. The first of Pearl Jam’s records not to reach multi-platinum status, No Code followed quickly behind the punch in the face that was Vitalogy and is a personal favorite of this writer. Eddie Vedder was a study in restraint on No Code, but the trademark intensity remained, bristling and simmering throughout each methodical cut. Standout track: “Present Tense.”   

Fiona Apple – Tidal

While Fiona Apple was a critical darling in 2020 with the release of her latest, Fetch The Bolt Cutters, this is the 25th anniversary of Tidal. The one that put her on the map. The one that started it all. And rightly so. From the hits (“Shadowboxer,” “Criminal”) to deeper cuts such as “Slow Like Honey” and “The First Taste”—two songs where she really showed what she was capable of as a vocalist—Apple proved too tempting to resist. She snapped up a Grammy the next year for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. The music may not have rocked technically, but Apple rocked our world.  

Bush – Razorblade Suitcase  

The Gavin Rossdale-fronted British band had their work cut out for them following up a debut that gave us hits such as “Glycerine” and “Comedown.” And what they showed more than anything with their sophomore effort was that they had no interest in slowing things down or offering up another “Glycerine.” Bush came out swinging, with their first single being one of their hardest rocking songs to date, “Swallowed.” Debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, the record earned the band comparisons to Nirvana’s In Utero, as ambitious as it was guttural. It was straight no chaser, to be sure.

The Cranberries – To The Faithful Departed

Dolores O’Riordan and company had the same dubious task as Bush with following up the album that gave the alternative-rock world its boot-stomping anthem, “Zombie.” To The Faithful Departed was no sophomore effort, but the pressure was still on. First single “Salvation” was pure Cranberries, at once catchy and captivating. It was dance-floor friendly and boasted a crowd-pleasing chorus. But Departed also had a “Zombie” of its own with “Hollywood,” an anthem if ever there was one and a finale-worthy beast of bombast. 

Matchbox Twenty – Yourself Or Someone Like You

If any of the records on this list deserve one of those “playing it front to back in honor of the anniversary of its release” tours, it’s this one. Matchbox Twenty hit the ground running with their debut, with five singles released that can be found on the terrestrial radio dial to this day. Easy to dismiss as a pop-rock act destined for the Adult Contemporary chart, singer Rob Thomas embraced the zeitgeist just as it embraced him, quickly belting out a hit for Santana (“Smooth”) and never trying to be something he wasn’t. His vocals remain just that, smooth, and “Push” begs to be turned up on the radio today just as it did in 1996. Standout track: Album closer “Hang,” one of the most bittersweet and beautiful of ballads perhaps ever recorded. 

Soundgarden – Down On The Upside

Chris Cornell and company, too, had some pretty major hits already behind them—“Black Hole Sun” and “Spoonman” among them—and the order was tall with the follow-up. Soundgarden self-produced, made this fan favorite, then called it quits, albeit temporarily, not long thereafter. That being the case, ’90s music lovers deem Down the reason, but it was really the band’s super-fast ascension, thanks to Superunknown and Cornell’s on-demand vocals, from Temple Of The Dog to eventual “Billie Jean” covers.” One listen and you know Down didn’t disappoint, churning out rockers such as “Pretty Noose” and “Burden In My Hand,” the latter being some of Cornell’s best vocals ever. 

Weezer – Pinkerton

Like so many already mentioned on this list, Weezer found themselves in that time-honored precarious position of following up a record that not only introduced them to the world but gave that world hits such as “Buddy Holly” and “Say It Ain’t So.” Were critics initially harsh and fans kept at bay for a bit? Absolutely. Pinkerton has aged well and soon found those very critics gushing that it was one of the best albums of the decade. As for the fans, well, Pinkerton became a fan favorite, thanks to quirky cuts such as lead single “El Scorcho” and ahead-of-its-time rocker “Pink Triangle.” Rivers Cuomo could do the whole thing front to back armed only with an acoustic, and it would be a triumph. 

Metallica – Load  

At the time, and clocking in at five years since the self-titled hit that spawned “Nothing Else Matters” and “Enter Sandman” (to name a couple), Load puzzled head-banging fans of Metallica who wanted more of the same. Sure, they got to bang their heads, but the LP was loaded with Southern rock and blues, too. Drummer Lars Ulrich was quoted at the time as saying, “The minute you stop exploring, then just sit down and fucking die.” Amen. “Hero Of The Day” and “King Nothing” are stellar, and speaking of clocking in, Load does as Metallica’s longest record. It kicks off with “Ain’t My Bitch.” They announced themselves on this one, no?  

The Wallflowers – Bringing Down The Horse  

Easily the Wallflowers’ biggest record ever, and one many are no doubt tempted to slap with a big, fat “one-hit wonder” sticker, the ’90s music lover (and music lovers in general) can only come away from a listen thinking to him or herself, “And…?” Jakob Dylan’s breakthrough on the scene was nothing short of extraordinary, largely due to his being pioneer Bob’s son. This was pure ’90s rock, from the hit “One Headlight” to the achingly overlooked “6th Avenue Heartache” (with Counting Crows’ frontman Adam Duritz) in tow and everything in between. There was no ultra-acoustic, activist singer-songwriter moment to be found. Just exultant, in-the-moment rock ’n’ roll. Which, actually, is pure Dylan.  

Sublime – Sublime

While this self-titled 1996 gem would prove to be the band’s final (at least with singer Bradley Nowell out front), it lives on for so many reasons beyond the tragedy that coincided with its release. Sure, that elevated interest in the record, but one couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing the infectious “What I Got” all year. That’s solely due to it being one of the best songs of the year. Merging alt-rock and ska was all the rage at the time, and Sublime did it with skill. Meanwhile, they still managed to speak to the headlines of the day, most notably with the song “April 29, 1992 (Miami).” 

Screaming Trees – Dust

Here’s another rocker from 1996 that wound up serving as Screaming Trees’ swan song. The band’s seventh, it fused psychedelic rock with punk and even dabbled in some folk and blues. First single “All I Know” fared well on the charts, with radio stations across the country slowly hopping on the ol’ bandwagon, even while the band were slowly disintegrating. Still, they toured the record for two straight years, with Queens Of The Stone Age lead singer Josh Homme handling guitar duties. In further guitar news, Pearl Jam’s own Mike McCready played on the eerily titled “Dying Days,” which is exactly what the band were in the throes of without knowing it.  

Reel Big Fish – Turn The Radio Off

As the third ska invasion continued to pick up steam in the mid-’90s, Reel Big Fish cashed in big time in ’96. And why wouldn’t they? From Orange County, California—much like those other ska purveyors killing it at the time, No Doubt—it was something they were living and breathing in the warehouses of the California suburbs they already called home. “Sell Out” wasn’t only the perfect first single, but it went hand in hand with a record title such as Turn The Radio Off. This was Reel Big Fish sticking it to “the man,” ska-style. Other standout tracks include “Snoop Dog, Baby” and the simply titled yet universally lauded “Beer.” 

Rage Against The Machine – Evil Empire

1996 was kind to Rage Against The Machine. Not only did their sophomore effort take things to the next level, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and scorching radio with single “Bulls On Parade,” but they won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance. The singles were plentiful, from “Down Rodeo” to “People Of The Sun,” and the record ended with the killer track “Year Of Tha Boomerang,” which had actually set expectations for the album when released as a single two years earlier. 

Neutral Milk Hotel – On Avery Island

Louisiana’s fuzz brigade almost single-handedly put indie rock on the map, and this 1996 opus played quite a role in doing just that. Sure, follow-up In The Aeroplane Over The Sea cemented that status, but Avery inspired every kid with a beat-up Strat and used amp in garages throughout the Midwest. The band’s catalog ain’t exactly huge. iIn fact, that’s mostly it. But Avery inspired many mid-’90s acts to mess around with audio quality intentionally, even if no one else had the guts to include some singing saw or a zanzithophone on any records. From “Song Against Sex” to “April 8th,” Neutral Milk Hotel broke ground and then recorded on it. 

A Tribe Called Quest – Beats, Rhymes And Life 

A Tribe Called Quest went from jubilant and celebratory to deeper, darker and even profound on Beats, Rhymes And Life, which left fans and critics alike baffled. Why, they ruminated, would a high energy hip-hop act suddenly release music bordering on R&B and and writing songs about O.J. Simpson? Did it slow Tribe any? Only if you consider debuting at No. 1 and being certified platinum slowing. The R&B was most evident in the record’s lead single, “1nce Again,” which snagged a Grammy nomination. That’s about when critics began rethinking things and realized the Quest part of their name wasn’t just because it sounded good.  

Marilyn Manson – Antichrist Superstar 

What few music writers failed to mention upon the ascension of Marilyn Manson was just how spectacular his timing was. The mid-’90s saw grunge kicking rock ’n’ roll while it was down, and here came this glam-rock throwback, a la Ziggy Stardust, with a guitarist named Daisy Berkowitz, who provided crunchy hooks reminiscent of T-Rex and firmly rooted in the here and now. This record taking its bow in 1996 could do nothing other than blow minds, especially with Manson’s bizarre approach to vocals on hits such as “The Beautiful People,” just before Berkowitz’s guitar would assure listeners that what was happening wasn’t totally new. It was riffing on the rock ’n’ roll we already knew we loved. The catchier stuff would come on later records, but for now, the wounded had their tourniquet.  

Korn – Life Is Peachy

It must have come as quite a surprise to Korn fans to find out that the name of their second record was Life Is Peachy. Korn basically erected the template that remains nü metal, and the subject matter on many of the songs here reflected that life was anything but peachy. Damn, they’d even just gotten off the road with the Sick Of It All tour at the time of the record’s release. Tongue planted firmly in cheek, their amps were plugged firmly into sockets, and the singles took off like rockets. Especially standout track “A.D.I.D.A.S.” 

Type O Negative – October Rust 

Type O Negative also threw their growing fanbase a curveball in 1996, but it came in the form of a record that had a few ballads on it, with their rock entries considerably less doom metal. Hell, they even covered Neil Young. (To be fair, it’s a hell of a hard version of Young’s hit “Cinnamon Girl.”) First single “My Girlfriend’s Girlfriend” aptly alerted fans and critics alike as to what to expect, at least as far as the tone of the record is considered. October Rust wound up being one of the standout records in the band’s back catalog, if not their best. 

Tool – Aenima

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Showing they were way ahead of their time, Tool first released Aenima on vinyl. Again, the year was 1996. Most ’90s kids didn’t even know what a turntable was—they had cassingles. Ultimately certified triple platinum, it earned the mercurial rockers a Grammy for the title track. As puzzling as that title may have been, so too were the singles: “Stinkfist” and “H.,” in particular. But frontman Maynard James Keenan has never been big on explaining himself. That’s just part of the band’s charm, and on this record, there’s plenty of that. Titles notwithstanding.          

Stone Temple Pilots – Tiny Music…Songs From The Vatican Gift Shop

Let’s be honest: Purple is probably the hardest record to follow up of all the records bands had to follow up on this list of 1996 albums. A handful of Stone Temple Pilots’ biggest hits can be found there, from “Vasoline” to “Interstate Love Song” and “Big Empty.” Plus, there was late lead singer Scott Weiland’s growing drug problem to contend with. Still, the San Diego rockers offered up this collection of alternative rock with a dash of psychedelia, kicking things off with the single “Big Bang Baby.” “Trippin’ On A Hole In A Paper Heart” holds up remarkably well all these years later, with a personal fave being “Art School Girl.” 

Then there are great songs from great movies (and some not-so-great movies) that you’ve forgotten were from movies at all. Here are some examples of just that. 

Read more: See why fans think this Joker theory is in Zack Snyder’s ‘Justice League’

Van Halen – “Humans Being”

While the world mourns the passing of the guitar great, Eddie Van Halen, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 65 Oct. 6, many are pulling those Van Halen CDs or vinyl off the shelves, if not buying some. Van Halen’s catalog posted an enormous sales increase in the U.S., as reported by Billboard, within 24 hours of the innovator’s death. In doing so, many fans were no doubt frustrated at their inability to find this stellar track, and that’s because it was cut for the Helen Hunt/Bill Paxton blockbuster Twister. R.I.P. Eddie. 

Goo Goo Dolls  – “Iris” 

“Iris” is one of the Goo Goo Dolls’ highest-charting songs and has been included in every setlist since its release in 1998, many times even in the encore. To Top 40 radio junkies, however, it’s interchangeable with “Name” or “Slide,” while “Iris” was actually written specifically for a Nicolas Cage/Meg Ryan love story called City Of Angels. The film has aged well (even if its stars haven’t). Plus, “Iris” isn’t the only ’90s classic featured on the film’s soundtrack: You can find the lugubrious Alanis Morissette gem “Uninvited” there, too. 

Marilyn Manson – “Long Hard Road Out Of Hell” 

“Long Hard Road Out Of Hell” is exactly what this song took to become a favorite of Marilyn Manson fans, with that long road being out of the DOA superhero flick Spawn, based on the popular Todd McFarlane character, which deserved much better than it got silver screen-wise. Sure, it somehow managed to score Martin Sheen. Plus, it’s one of the first films to feature an African-American actor portraying a major comic book superhero (Michael Jai White, who acquits himself quite nicely, all things considered). It’s John Leguizamo’s trippy riff on Pennywise as the villainous Violator that derails things. Rumor has it Spawn’s got himself a reboot in the works, but Manson, Twiggy and the gang need not rearrange a thing as far as their howling and growling contribution is concerned. 

No Doubt – “New” 

This fan favorite from Orange County ska/rock pioneers No Doubt was the first single off their sophomore effort, Return Of Saturn, but actually came out long before the record, attached to a ’90s cult classic Katie Holmes flick. No, not Teaching Mrs. Tingle (although, it is amazing in retrospect that the titular character there was played by the glorious Helen Mirren). We’re talking about Go, the deliriously real-time, rapid-fire film brimming with big names, from Timothy Olyphant to Taye Diggs and Jane Krakowski—and even a yet-to-explode Melissa McCarthy. Go went, and so too did “New.” Right up the alternative charts.  

Rage Against The Machine  – “Darkness” 

The revered cinematic adaptation of the James O’Barr graphic novel The Crow is straight-up loaded with awesome music from the biggest artists at the time, such as Stone Temple Pilots and Nine Inch Nails. But Rage Against The Machine steal the show (or soundtrack, as it were) with this relentless monster that speaks of the very thing the late Brandon Lee’s Eric Draven crawls out of at the start of the film and back into by its end. The raw, frenetic energy that RATM are usually known for was swapped out for this reworked 1991 demo with a plodding, pitch-perfect backdrop while the film’s hero pursued vengeance. 

Aerosmith – “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” 

’90s kids probably only know this Aerosmith number from the Bruce Willis/Ben Affleck opus Armageddon, but many a Gen Xer hasn’t a clue that the smash ballad, with inimitable frontman Steven Tyler at his best, is tied to some bloated Hollywood blockbuster. Never mind one where Willis saves the planet, not just a building in downtown Los Angeles. Most would also be dumbfounded to learn that it was the Boston band’s first, and only, No. 1 single ever.  

Collective Soul  – “Run” 

Much like the aforementioned Aerosmith situation, there ain’t a ’90s kid to be found who can’t quote lines from James Van Der Beek’s hit film Varsity Blues (and who hasn’t tried the whipped cream underwear thing), while Gen Xers just know “Run” is one in a long list of solid tunes from Georgia’s formidable brothers Roland. “Run” was actually the second single off Collective Soul’s fourth studio album, Dosage. And it ran right up the alternative-rock chart.  

Lisa Loeb – “Stay (I Missed You)” 

Fact is, there’s no way you didn’t know Lisa Loeb’s launch into the zeitgeist came via this “one-hit wonder” (sorry, but it’s true) from a movie. But you’re probably hard-pressed to remember what movie. Well, it was Reality Bites, Ben Stiller’s directorial debut, starring the most zeitgeisty gal of the moment, Winona Ryder. It also starred Ethan Hawke, who was the one who discovered Loeb and got her song on the soundtrack. Plus, he made his directorial debut on the video accompanying it. 

Siouxsie And The Banshees – “Face To Face” 

Interestingly, as the Batman films got considerably worse (long before Christopher Nolan reinvigorated them), the soundtracks got better. There was Seal’s “Kiss From A Rose” and U2’s “Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me” from Batman Forever. But this sweet Siouxsie And The Banshees song came from a solid Batman entry, with Tim Burton still at the helm: Batman Returns. What’s more, it accompanied Michelle Pfeiffer’s bow as Catwoman.

Counting Crows – “Colorblind” 

This captivating, piano-driven rumination on love sees Counting Crows singer Adam Duritz plumbing the depths of his soul yet again. With this song, the band transform three minutes of the blockbuster Cruel Intentions into a tried-and-true MTV video. This is the flick where future Oscar-winner Reese Witherspoon fell in love with future husband (and ex-husband) Ryan Phillippe. The song captures the mood of the film perfectly and remains a crowd-pleaser when played live.   

Replacing Fieldy’s signature slap bass with a slick groove, this year’s record ventures through rock’s various styles, from heartfelt ballads to contagious anthems. Tackling both extremes at the same time is “Could’ve Sworn,” Stillwell’s newest endeavor to receive a trippy music video treatment, premiering right here at Alternative Press. Fieldy tells us about the band’s transformation and how this new track—armed with a relatable sentiment about loss—has settled right at home in 2020.

Read more: We finally know what to expect from MGK and Mod Sun’s ‘TTMD’ movie

It’s been five long years since Stillwell’s last record, Raise It Up. How much has changed for this year’s Supernatural Miracle?

FIELDY: We were on a journey of trying to figure out what we really wanted to do, to find ourselves. We didn’t want to sound anything like Korn because I didn’t want to take the integrity away from my band. We wanted to put something out that was totally different because we all listen to very different music. You’d be surprised. We went in the direction of the bands that we listened to and influenced us, from Stone Temple Pilots to Jane’s Addiction, Foo Fighters to Oasis. Once we found what we were really looking for, it gave us a path to a more consistent album than Raise It Up. We found the missing link was the bounce and the swing of a fun song.

Despite being an upbeat track, there’s a deeper and more personal meaning behind “Could’ve Sworn.” What was the inspiration behind it?

Q lost his brother some time ago, and it’s about that feeling when you could’ve sworn you’ve seen your lost loved one here or there. It’s more of a celebration of his life than a sad one. It’s not a sad song because it’s a feeling millions of people can relate to. Sometimes you look through a crowd and think, “Did I see them?” Even if it’s not just talking about loved ones that have died, right now it’s also about our rock scene at the moment. Because that’s our family, and we don’t get to see them anymore.

How was the video for “Could’ve Sworn” filmed?

I bought a full-on green screen for this huge living room in my house that I never use. It has like 35-foot ceilings, and it’s a massive room that I thought we could shoot videos in. So we’ve got the whole setup here. We’ve been getting into being more consistent and pushing ourselves even more because we’ve been able to. Now we’re really deciding to commit because we’ve found our direction on this new album, and we really love it, so that drives us to go entirely into this. We’ve been able to be creative and take our time. We’ve been editing it ourselves, and that’s been so fun. When a band’s in a room editing, there’s never been any better music video. You’re right there with it. You know when the changes should be with the beat or the snare. It’s been a lot of work, but there’s nothing else to do.

How would you like people to feel when they hear “Could’ve Sworn” for the first time? 

I’d like people to feel that it’s possible to write a song about a loss or sadness, but you can still write songs that lift people up. It’s definitely a song that you can put on, and it gets you moving and makes your day. You can still get things off your chest, but it doesn’t necessarily have to be sad. A lot of our topics have been about getting people rocking and having a good time. Because everybody’s already bummed out enough right now.

Check out Stillwell’s “Could’ve Sworn” below.

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Nevermind – Nirvana

We can call it a day right here, can’t we? Point proven right outta the gate. A record most call the best of the decade (some even say ever) that gave the world “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” “Come As You Are,” “Lithium” and “In Bloom,” and it’s the Seattle trio’s second release. It’s also the first with Dave Grohl behind the drums, which many fans regard as key. The late Kurt Cobain, interestingly, went into the studio with producer Butch Vig quoted as saying that he was listening to a lot of the Knack as he wrote the tunes that would make up Nevermind. Yep, the band behind “My Sharona.”

The Colour And The Shape – Foo Fighters

While we’re on the subject of Grohl, his own follow-up record boasts songs such as “Everlong,” “Monkey Wrench” and the absolutely epic “My Hero.” (Ironically, the record, Grohl has said, was inspired by his divorce from wife, Jennifer Youngblood.) The album peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard 200, plus earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. To this day, it remains Foo Fighters’ biggest-selling record in the United States.

Live Through This – Hole

Keeping things in the family, so to speak, Courtney Love’s second Hole record was not only her band’s best, but it was truly her only whole record. Buoyed in large part by the brooding, cathartic single “Doll Parts,” standout tracks further include first single “Miss World” and “Violet.” While going platinum and awash in critical accolades upon its release, the timing actually doomed the record: It was released the week after Love’s husband Cobain was found dead. Rumors persist that he basically wrote the entire thing, though Love and the band have always maintained that it was as much urban myth as the sophomore slump itself.

Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge – My Chemical Romance

With the singles “I’m Not Okay (I Promise),” “Thank You For The Venom,” “Helena” and “The Ghost of You”—not to mention bonecrushers such as “It’s Not A Fashion Statement, It’s A Deathwish”—it’s almost as if My Chemical Romance got all Jersey at the very thought of the “sophomore slump” and punched it in the face. Repeatedly. Certified platinum by 2005, sweet revenge is exactly what it was, “to all the non-believers.”    

Siamese Dream – The Smashing Pumpkins 

“Cherub Rock.” “Disarm.” “Today.” Sophomore slump? Seriously? There’s a trifecta of ’90s anthems from rockers as disparate as they were unified at the time of the album’s writing. When it came time to record, however, the tension in the studio was palpable. Vig (yes, the very same producer of the aforementioned Nevermind) was at the helm, with frontman Billy Corgan in agreement that as pleased as they were with their first production together—the Smashing Pumpkins debut album, Gish—they wanted to truly raise the bar here. The recording was a grind, but the results were clearly worth it. 

Collective Soul – Collective Soul 

Despite the Georgia-born rockers’ debut record, Hints, Allegations, & Things Left Unsaid, being a strong one front to back, Ed Roland and company just screamed one-hit wonder with their smash hit “Shine.” From the instant hit “December” to the swirling, anthemic “The World I Know,” their self-titled second record let everyone know things were just starting to truly….jell.

Purple – Stone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots epitomize the subject matter at hand: How to follow up a debut like 1992’s Core, a chart-topper that went multi-platinum before the next year was up and spawned songs such as “Plush” and “Creep”? If any band had the threat of a sophomore slump nagging at them, it had to be these guys. What did they do? Rise to the occasion. Purple coughed up some of STP’s songs ever, such as “Vasoline,” “Interstate Love Song” and “Big Empty,” with the late Scott Weiland’s haunting, intense vocals on that last one making it the perfect fit for a film soundtrack that would eerily epitomize him: The Crow. 

Antichrist Superstar – Marilyn Manson

Rock opera and concept album simultaneously, Antichrist Superstar is considered the first record of a trilogy. It offered up Marilyn Manson classics such as “Tourniquet” and “The Beautiful People,” the latter of which many would regard as the band’s first bonafide hit. Nine Inch Nails frontman Trent Reznor was one of a handful in the booth, playing the role of both producer and chief antagonist. The antagonism was reportedly at such an all-time high, all the way around, Manson would later refer to it as instrumental to the making of the record.

The Downward Spiral – Nine Inch Nails 

On the subject of Reznor, following up his band’s stellar debut, Pretty Hate Machine, must have been daunting as well. Nine Inch Nails were, and remain, peerless as far as their unique sound is concerned, almost defying genre. They pulled it off, though, and much of that could be attributed to second single “Closer.” A brooding, foreboding rocker that serves as a fork in the road on the record, it steers the listener toward the powerful final track, “Hurt.” Hell, Johnny Cash dug it.

Vs. – Pearl Jam

Eddie Vedder, Stone Gossard and co., too, found themselves having to top a debut that delivered blow after blow, from the chest-pounding “Alive” to “Even Flow” to the game-changing “Jeremy.” It can be argued that they didn’t, but it came awfully close. This writer, however, believes they topped that first effort. Handily. “Animal” cemented their status as the wicked, unapologetic rockers they appeared to be first time around, with “Go” and “Dissident” as further proof, while “Daughter” offered up a side of the band unseen up until that point. It would serve to be a bridge to the alt-folk that would safely deliver them to legend status. Don’t even get us started on “Glorified G” or “Elderly Woman Behind The Counter In A Small Town.” Genius.  

Home – Sevendust 

Sevendust are one of those bands who really had to grind it out to make it happen, and they continue to be. From myriad name changes—from Rumblefish to Crawlspace to Sevendust—to rotating personnel, they brought singer Lajon Witherspoon on along with guitarist Clint Lowery and recorded an eponymous debut that sold 310 copies its first week. But the boys hit the road in support of it so hard that it ultimately achieved gold status and paved the way for Home, a sophomore effort that peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard 200 and doled out three singles, two of which also charted (“Denial” and “Waffle”). On Home, they found theirs, plus included a ditty aptly titled “Rumble Fish.” 

Clumsy – Our Lady Peace 

One of Canada’s biggest bands, Our Lady Peace’s second record was their breakthrough one. Songs such as the title track, “Superman’s Dead” and “4AM” made the rounds on Top 40 radio stations and kept popping up on WB television shows (Hey, it was the first home for Smallville, so there is a fluidity there.). Critics were quick to count Raine Maida and the rest out after that, but then the band broke through again with Gravity, the album that gave ’90s music lovers tunes such as “Somewhere Out There” and the stellar “Innocent.” It was just the early 2000s by then.

Dirt – Alice In Chains

Not to be confused with the Mötley Crüe tell-all (and recent hit Netflix biopic The Dirt), this is the Alice In Chains record with “Rooster” on it. Does anything really need to be written after that? What’s more, “Rooster” was the fourth single off the album, following more in-your-face rockers such as “Them Bones” and “Would?.” Hell, Dirt is such a beast that one tune has Tom Araya from Slayer lending his lungs. Arguably their best, Dirt was also the last record the band made with all four original members.   

The Open Door – Evanescence 

What makes the second album by Evanescence such a standout isn’t just songs such as “Call Me When You’re Sober” or the Grammy-nominated “Sweet Sacrifice.” It’s the fact that it was recorded over a period of 18 months, fresh after the departure of not just bassist Will Boyd but also band co-founder/guitarist Ben Moody. Damn. The band even lost their manager and almost guitarist Terry Balsamo, who had suffered a stroke. The Open Door is quite literally what the band needed. And strode through.    

From Under The Cork Tree – Fall Out Boy 

Here, the sophomore effort proved to be the breakout record, too. Lead single “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” showed fans and critics alike that going down was exactly what the band weren’t going to do. “A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More ‘Touch Me’” further established Fall Out Boy’s fondness for long song titles, and the record went platinum twice over by 2006. The unique partnership of singer Patrick Stump writing all the music and bassist Pete Wentz handling lyrics proved formidable and continues to be to this very day.

Does This Look Infected? – Sum 41 

While Sum 41‘s follow-up to their debut record, All Killer No Filler, may not have been as successful commercially, it certainly steered clear of both slump and filler. “Still Waiting” and “The Hell Song” confirmed their alt-rock status and both spent a considerable amount of time in the lap of Alternative Airplay charts. As recently as 2016, the band showed tongue could still be planted firmly in cheek and guitars could still be cranked all the way up for sold-out crowds with their Don’t Call It A Sum-Back tour.

Riot! – Paramore 

By album No. 1 Paramore were already demonstrating that they not only liked to stretch their legs—they also wanted to push boundaries. This sophomore effort has no time for genres. From alt-rock to emo-pop, the band churned out hits such as “Misery Business” and “crushcrushcrush,” the latter of which could be found on every video game imaginable, from Rock Band to Guitar Hero. Suffice it to say, it crushed the curse. 

No Need To Argue – The Cranberries

Not only is No Need To Argue a killer second album, but it’s also the band’s best-selling. How could it not be with a lead single such as “Zombie,” the ultimate in ’90s gnashing and moshing? To date, it has sold 17 million copies worldwide and led to the band’s next two albums landing in the top 20 of the Billboard 200. Tragically, we lost foot-stomping lead singer Dolores O’Riordan in 2018, but few people know that she wasn’t the only singer the band ever had. She replaced Niall Quinn just in time to record their first record, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?.

Last Splash – The Breeders

It’s easy to forget that the Breeders were originally a bit of a lark for Pixies bassist Kim Deal. Or maybe “side project” is a better way to go. But it bred a catalog of music, including this second album, which was certified platinum by June 1994. The title of the album comes from a line in lead single “Cannonball,” with the video accompanying it directed by none other than Spike Jonze. Talk about street cred. 

A Beautiful Lie – Thirty Seconds To Mars

Actor Jared Leto’s “little band” were dismissed over and over until they just couldn’t be dismissed anymore. Thirty Seconds To Mars were, and remain, simply too cohesive of a unit, with Leto downplaying his Hollywood A-list status perfectly while being a full-on rock star at the same time. Long before becoming an Oscar winner, his band released this beast, with singles “Attack,” “From Yesterday” and the fist-waving anthem “The Kill (Bury Me)” ultimately winding up being just a taste of what was to come.