Originally Posted by
Eddy Munny
That's a really narrow minded take on the '90's. No period in time can be given that strict a label simply for convenience sake. Alternative music (and other '90's rock) was more than teen angst or depression. Every era had their "sad, sulky" moments......the 90's just did it at a higher volume, and with more distortion in the guitars. When John Lennon lamented "I'm a Loser" on Beatles for Sale or moped on about receiving "No Reply," is that not a universal feeling that transcends time and genres?
The Chili Peppers had plenty of fun, effervescent music.
Weezer's debut (Blue Album) showcases some of the catchiest, poppiest tunes I've ever heard. That album is impossible to listen to with a frown on your face.
Even Nirvana had their moments.....it's not like every song they wrote was "Lithium" (which is great btw). Take "Breed" for example.....the lyrics are pure nonsense but the melody and the meter suggest a band in a very playful mood. "Lounge Act" is another song that defies your claim with it's bouncy, danceable bassline.
Nobody would accuse No Doubt or Sublime of being purveyors of suicidal thoughts.
Just today I heard the song "Here and Now" by Letters to Cleo (a 90's band that I had forgotten all about) on the radio and was reminded of just how good that song was and it's definitely not a "bed-wetter's" anthem.
Oasis........insanely good band......lot of feel-good type music.
Dave Matthews Band was quirky and upbeat most of the time.
Smashing Pumpkins has a reputation for being "angry/sad" music but the emotions on MCIS run the gamut. But the sad songs have their place too. I mean it is an emotion that humans experience, is it not? Artists write music for human beings, not robots.
Lastly, it's funny you should mention Bon Jovi because 1992's Keep the Faith and 1995's These Days are really good albums from them that I hadn't even mentioned, further illustrating the diversity of the period. Yes, the nineties were heavy on the "alternative" music but even that sub-genre offers a wide array of possibilities.