How Many Did You Have? #genx #90s #90smusic #grunge #fyp #metaffects #takeover #music #1991 Perhaps, it’s part of our collective psychology to launch cultural sea changes at the turns of decades, centuries, and millennia — or maybe it’s just pure coincidence. Whatever the case, musically speaking, when the ’90s hit, it was clear that audiences were ready for something different. These seven albums are an excellent example of the rapid transformation of rock ‘n’ roll from the glammed-out excesses of hair metal to the stripped-down, antiestablishment aesthetics of the diverse set of bands given the convenient umbrella term “grunge.” Even the entries from Metallica, the Chilis, and GNR, though definitely not grunge, felt unique and, most importantly, authentic. And the entire year was like that. My Bloody Valentine’s Loveless, A Tribe Called Quest’s The Low End Theory, R.E.M.’s Out of Time, Teenage Fanclub’s Bandwagonesque, and many other game-changing albums filled the new-release shelves at record stores. However, what’s more amazing is that these albums found their way to the airwaves and were promoted by mass media. Music today is arguably even more diverse and interesting than it was in 1991. However, unless you’re okay with the limited selection on Top 40 stations, you’re required to seek it out. So, the privilege of that time was not that such great music was being made — that’s still true. The privilege was how easy it was to access all that great music! That said, let’s shine a light on seven classic records released in 44 days that perfectly demonstrate the changing face of ’90s rock.