By Eshana Saha
Published Nov 13, 2024

Hindustan Times
Entertainment

From Dookie to Definitely Maybe: 9 rock albums that turned 30 this year

1994 was a phenomenal time for rock music, despite the unfortunate passing of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, with the takeover of Grunge, Punk, and Britpop outfits releasing debut as well as breakthrough albums. 

Dookie by Green Day – Conforming to their pop-punk persona, Green Day emerged from the underground punk scene into mainstream music through their 3rd album, Dookie, which sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, with leading singles like ‘Basket Case’ and ‘When I Come Around’.

The Division Bell by Pink Floyd - The Division Bell, Pink Floyd's second album after Roger Waters' departure in 1985, saw David Gilmour, Richard Wright, and Nick Mason exploring themes of isolation. It marked a return to psychedelic rock and was Wright's final album with the band.

Definitely Maybe by Oasis – Oasis emerged into the UK Britpop scene with their debut album, Definitely Maybe, catapulting them to global fame with its raw energy and iconic Britpop sound. It became one of the fastest-selling debut albums in UK history and is considered a cornerstone of the Britpop movement.

MTV Unplugged in New York, Nirvana – It was released as an album in the year of Cobain’s death when the demand for Nirvana material was sky-high, and it is even considered by some as the band’s finest work.

Live Through This by Hole – Courtney Love aimed to emerge from Kurt Cobain’s shadow with Live Through This, Hole's more polished but still aggressively feminist sophomore album. 

Parklife by Blur – Parklife marked Blur’s transition to mainstream success, blending Britpop with sharp social commentary. 

Vitalogy by Pearl Jam – Vitalogy marked Pearl Jam’s departure from grunge, moving beyond its typical gloom, and expanding their sound without abandoning their roots.

Pisces Iscariot by The Smashing Pumpkins – Pisces Iscariot is a compilation of B-sides and rarities by The Smashing Pumpkins, showcasing the band’s experimental range.

The Downward Spiral by Nine Inch Nails – Nine Inch Nails' second album propelled Trent Reznor's band from underground industrial rock to mainstream success.