Songfactor's Choice

10. Ok Computer - Radiohead (1997)

Key Tracks:

• Paranoid Android (in video)


• No Surprises


• Karma Police

Music critics swooned over Ok Computer, putting it on just about every best-of list. The album was recorded in Jane Seymour's mansion while the actress was busy filming her show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.

Nominated by RockyRaccoon


9. Metallica - Metallica (1991)

Key Tracks:

• Enter Sandman (in video)


• The Unforgiven


• Nothing Else Matters

Known as "The Black Album," this was Metallica's commercial breakthrough. It didn't thrash as hard as their previous work, which alienated some fans but brought them many more.

Nominated by Dappled


8. Monster - R.E.M. (1994)

Key Tracks:

• Bang and Blame


• What's the Frequency, Kenneth? (in video)


• Crush With Eyeliner

R.E.M. made it to 1994 with no member changes and their artistic integrity intact. They stayed hungry, and made this classic album that they called their "Rock and Roll Record."

Nominated by skybluesky


7. Weezer aka The Blue Album - Weezer (1994)

Key Tracks:

• Say It Ain't So


• Buddy Holly (in video)


• Undone - The Sweater Song

This was Weezer's first album, and a lot of people found it snarky, stupid or lame. History has validated The Blue Album, however, and we at least see it as a groundbreaking work that holds up wonderfully.

Nominated by Bertrand


6. Out Of Time - R.E.M. (1991)

Key Tracks:

• Losing My Religion


• Shiny Happy People (in video)


• Radio Song

R.E.M. did themselves a favor by not trying to follow up Green with another big-seller. They had some fun, worked pressure-free, and were surprised when it sold a million copies in 10 days.

Nominated by Edna


5. Ten - Pearl Jam (1991)

Key Tracks:

• Alive


• Jeremy (in video)


• Even Flow

Pearl Jam's first album, it was named after the number worn by a basketball player named Mookie Blaylock, who was a favorite of the band. At one point, the band was named Mookie Blaylock.

Nominated by Viaene


4. (What's The Story) Morning Glory? - Oasis (1995)

Key Tracks:

• Wonderwall (in video)


• Don't Look Back In Anger


• Champagne Supernova

In the UK, they could sing along to just about every track, but making the album brought out some serious sibling rivalry: The Gallagher brothers fought like crazy, and at one point Noel took a cricket bat to Liam.

Nominated by Bertrand


3. Jagged Little Pill - Alanis Morissette (1995)

Key Tracks:

• Ironic


• You Oughta Know (in video)


• Hand In My Pocket

In 1995, as we were tiring of Grunge and Gangsta, Alanis gave us something new and different and Canadian.

Nominated by Lucky


2. Nevermind - Nirvana (1991)

Key Tracks:

• Smells Like Teen Spirit (in video)


• Come As You Are


• Lithium

This one also makes our mildly controversial covers list. Kurt Cobain described the sound as "The Bay City Rollers getting molested by Black Flag." Just three years later, Cobain would be dead and the band would be gone forever.

Nominated by RonJon


1. Blood Sugar Sex Magik - The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1991)

Key Tracks:

• Under the Bridge (in video)


• Give It Away (in video)


• Breaking the Girl

Released the same day as Nevermind (September 24, 1991), the Chili Peppers secluded themselves for a few months in Laurel Canyon to focus on making music. With the help of producer Rick Rubin, they avoided temptation and created an intricate and varied album where they bared their souls.

Nominated by The Lizard