Grunge Music

The Birth of Grunge

Grunge grew out of the rainy, cloudy skies of Seattle in the late 1980s. Inspired by punk, metal, and a general disdain for mainstream culture, it was a genre that spoke to the disenchanted youth of the time.

But what is grunge, really? Imagine the rebelliousness of punk rock and the heaviness of metal getting together for a jam session in a dingy garage. That’s Grunge: raw, rebellious, and drenched in teen spirit.

Though it started as an underground movement, grunge exploded globally in the early ’90s, thanks to extensive media coverage and mainstream curiosity.

Grunge’s Forefathers

Nirvana

When you think of Grunge, you probably think of Nirvana. Led by the iconic Kurt Cobain, they brought grunge to the mainstream with hits like “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

Pearl Jam

Eddie Vedder and co. took a more classic rock approach to grunge, but with the same raw emotions.

Soundgarden

Led by the mighty Chris Cornell, Soundgarden’s psychedelic touch added a different flavor to grunge.

Alice In Chains

These guys mixed grunge with heavy metal and a dose of melancholy.

Grunge Fashion and Aesthetics

The grunge look is all about practicality and comfort. Think flannels, baggy jeans, and combat boots. The grunge aesthetic is anti-glamour, anti-commercial, and all about authenticity.

Must-Listen Grunge Albums: Your Starter Pack

  1. “Nevermind” – Nirvana
  2. “Ten” – Pearl Jam
  3. “Superunknown” – Soundgarden
  4. “Dirt” – Alice In Chains