20 underrated albums from 1995 that still matter

Over time, it’s common for any given pop/rock music decade to be overlooked temporarily. It often gets dismissed as less significant, while the spotlight shifts towards something fresh and trendy, or a period that’s experiencing a resurgence in appreciation, being perceived as influential.

It appears that the nineties are currently getting some negative attention, but as history often shows, there are numerous treasures hidden within that decade, including albums, which deserve a second look or are actually shaping current trends.

Regarding this topic, 1995 is no different. Even as some prominent artists produced remarkable work, many lesser-known artists released albums that were overlooked and underappreciated at the time. Interestingly, 1995 produced a fair share of such underrated masterpieces, and here are twenty of those that continue to be relevant today.

20 albums from 1995 that deserve another listen

Pulp – Different Class

As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always found myself drawn to the unique rhythm of Pulp, especially their frontman, Jarvis Cocker, who was an anomaly in the Britpop scene. With an uncanny ability to blend influences from all corners and a knack for sharp lyrics, we, on our fifth album, have crafted something truly timeless.

The Boo Radleys – Wake Up!

On their third album, The Boo Radleys blend an eclectic mix of their favorite sounds, having evolved from shoegaze to Britpop. This time around, they’ve incorporated elements of sunshine pop, rich harmony vocals, and a smorgasbord of other sonic delights that have captured their imagination.

PJ Harvey – To Bring You My Love

To this day, PJ Harvey consistently managed to break free from any rigid classification in her music. Remarkably, her third album marked the first instance where she truly ventured into solo work. This album, while inspired by blues music, showcased a unique interpretation of the genre through her ears, seamlessly blended with her characteristically powerful lyrics.

Smog – Wild Love

Bill Callahan produced this album (his fourth) under the Smog name approximately 30 years ago. Despite using that moniker, he already possessed a distinct, crystalline vision for expressing his musical ideas. His music has consistently carried a brooding, melancholic undertone, yet it remains captivating in its impact.

Goo Goo Dolls – A Boy Named Goo

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but reminisce about the iconic album that caused quite a stir back in its day – the one that eventually earned Goo Goo Dolls double platinum status. It’s no surprise, then, that they’ve recently released a 30th-anniversary edition. This album, despite its initial cover photo controversy, was undeniably successful, and rightfully so. The songs within it encapsulated the essence of guitar pop during that era, managing to remain fresh and relevant even three decades later.

The Sea and Cake – Nassau

On their second album, Chicago’s Sea and Cake stood out by incorporating a good deal of jazz influences into their music, akin to Steely Dan. However, it was Sam Prokop, Archer Prewitt, and the rest of the band who were in fact crafting a unique sound all their own on this release.

Red House Painters – Ocean Beach

In Red House Painters, Mark Kozelek was the central figure, with everything else orbiting around him. On their fourth album, there was a noticeable change in the band’s sound, moving towards something more tranquil and subdued. This evolution seems to perfectly align with Kozelek’s introspective lyrics and resonant vocals.

Matthew Sweet – 100% Fun

By the time Sweet made this (his fifth) record, he had grown into a symbol of admiration amongst power pop enthusiasts. Although he didn’t abandon his knack for catchy melodies in this work, Sweet infused it with more strength and intensity, notably in his guitar playing. This added dimension lends the album even greater acclaim among his devoted followers.

Red Red Meat – Bunny Gets Paid

Prior to Tim Rutili and many of his bandmates evolving into Califone, they were previously known as Red Red Meat. This album, the third by the band, marked a transition in their sound that aligns with the avant-garde, experimental style Califone exhibits today – a unique blend of blues, folk, and various other genres.

Shack – Waterpistol

Michael Head, the key figure in Shack, openly expressed his affection for Arthur Lee and Love. However, when it came to their own musical explorations in psych and jangle pop, Shack never aimed to mimic but rather presented themselves as innovators, blending fresh elements with classic melodies that characterize rock music.

Throwing Muses – University

This band’s sixth album, unlike their earlier ones which received more acclaim, truly demonstrates their full musical maturity. The music has evolved to a more polished sound, and the lyrics delve deeper into personal insights. It could very well rank among their finest works.

Radiohead – The Bends

As far back as their second studio release, Radiohead demonstrated clear indications that they would emerge as one of music’s most impactful groups. Thom Yorke was already crafting powerful lyrics, focusing on his recurring motifs such as isolation, apprehension, and philosophical turmoil. Despite the weighty subject matter, their audience found it captivating.

Yo La Tengo – Electr-O-Pura

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Yo La Tengo effortlessly showcases such a rich and diverse sound on this album. After all, Ira Kaplan, Georgia Hubley, and James McNew are renowned for their exceptional pop/rock archaeology skills in the modern indie rock scene. This album encapsulates the full range of modern indie rock, just as we fans have always wanted.

Scott Walker – Tilt

This record could be one of the most challenging albums in contemporary music today, defying easy categorization – it’s not exactly rock, or any other genre you might expect. Despite being quite intense, it offers richer rewards for those who can endure listening to it all at once.

Neil Young – Mirror Ball

Neil Young consistently possessed a unique, unmistakable musical style, be it through his acoustic or electric performances. Simultaneously, he was always receptive to contemporary sounds, skillfully incorporating them into his own work. In this instance, he accomplishes that collaboration with Pearl Jam.

Sparklehorse – Vivadixiesubmarinetransmissionplot

Through his debut work, the departed Mark Linkous demonstrated undeniably that he was an exceptional, one-of-a-kind musician. Collaborating with Cracker band members, he crafted a unique blend of slacker rock and singer-songwriter tunes that bore no resemblance to any other artist.

Labradford – A Stable Reference

When Labradford released this, their second album, both “ambient” and “post-rock” were well-established musical genres. Remarkably, the original trio of the band wasn’t just blending these styles but also pushing them into uncharted realms, earning them a reputation as pioneers in this unique soundscape.

Guided by Voices – Alien Lanes

Initially, Robert Pollard was an English professor, and his academic background often shone through in his music, whether it was his solo work or with Guided By Voices, who were then reigning champions of lo-fi music. They had a knack for catchy melodic hooks and a preference for conciseness, as evidenced by the 28 tracks on this particular album.

Teenage Fanclub – Grand Prix

To learn about how power pop and jangle pop evolved by the nineties, look no further than this album that features some of the most captivating melodies, harmonies, and guitar riffs from the decade. Plus, who else had a song named “Neil Jung”?

Palace Music – Viva Last Blues

In a unique style all his own, Will Oldham stands out among other artists, even on his third album released under one of his Palace aliases. This time around, he delves into the simplest and most contemplative aspects of his artistry… all under the watchful eye of Steve Albini as producer.

2025-03-24 13:00