5 Grunge Era Songs That Just Hit Different

There are so many hit songs in the grunge genre, especially tracks from the mid-90s era. We all know “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Black Hole Sun”, but there are even more grunge songs out there that just hit different. Let’s look at a few familiar tracks that you might just agree with!

1. “Rotten Apple” by Alice In Chains

“Rotten Apple” comes from Alice In Chains’ 1994 album Jar Of Flies. Many fans believe this is Alice In Chains’ best song, and we can understand why. The opening of the track is quite memorable, and you can’t beat that grimy, grunge tone that is almost ethereal. The melody, the harmony, the lyrics; it can’t be beat.

2. “Seasons” by Chris Cornell

“Seasons” is a fan favorite of Soundgarden fans, even though it isn’t a Soundgarden song at all. This 1992 track is a Chris Cornell solo effort, and it’s one of his very best. Originally contributed to the soundtrack for the film Singles, “Seasons” goes above and beyond what you’d expect from a soundtrack gem. If you’ve ever felt abandoned, you’ll resonate with this one.

3. “Bruise Violet” by Babes In Toyland

The 1992 album Fontanelle is loaded with songs that hit just right. “Bluebell” and “Handsome And Gretel” are just a couple of incredibly intense songs from that album that channel feminine rage. However, nothing hits like “Bruise Violet”. It has become Babes In Toyland’s most memorable song, and we think it’s a stellar piece of work to be associated with.

4. “Immortality” by Pearl Jam

“Immortality” is one of several singles from the 1994 album Vitalogy. The additional singles (and the whole album, really) are essential listening. But “Immortality” hits the listener in the gut with its deep lyrics and notably moody, classic grunge sound. 

Some believe the song is about the death of fellow grunge band Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain. However, Eddie Vedder has denied this. Instead, he said that the song was about understanding people on “parallel trains” who may be suffering from similar yet different problems.

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5. “About A Girl” by Nirvana

This hit from Nirvana’s 1989 debut Bleach is probably the best (and most famous) song from that album. Cobain wrote the track about his then-partner Tracy Marander and famously never told her about it. The MTV Unplugged version is even better than the album version.

Photo by Steve Jennings

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