Alternative rock music albums turning 20

CEBU, Philippines – From record-breaking compilations to eponymous debut albums, 1995 was an awesome year for the alternative rock music scene. And so, to borrow a popular locution from the net: If you were listening to these albums when you were a kid, dude… your growing-up-years rocked!

"Jagged Little Pill" By Alanis Morissette

When "Ironic," "You Learn," "Head Over Feet" and "You Oughta Know" went mainstream in 1995, music lovers couldn't get enough of Alanis Morissette's brand of alternative rock; a seamless amalgamation of raw instrumentation, angst-riddled lyrics and emotive mezzo-soprano vocals.

As a 1990s-released record, "Jagged Little Pill's" songs delved into topics whose overall value continues to be of relevance until today.

"Tragic Kingdom" By No Doubt

The saying "third time's the charm" is a fitting description for "Tragic Kingdom" - No Doubt's third studio album.

In a time when the international alternative music scene was predominantly focused on Seattle's grunge tenor, the band's punk, ska and alternative rock sound managed to stand out without getting lost in the crowd.

"Foo Fighters" By Foo Fighters

Following after Nirvana's dissolution, Dave Grohl - Nirvana's drummer - embarked on a project, one which would pave the way for one of the world's biggest rock bands into being.

Since the release of its self-titled debut album in 1995, the Foo Fighters has maintained a stellar standing in churning out tracks that are minimalist and stripped down of needless elaborate effects and instrumentation, but jam-packed with the band's signature sound.

"Collective Soul" By Collective Soul

Collective Soul's self-titled second album drew the international music scene's attention to its brand of alternative music - with the hits "December," "The World I Know," "Gel" and "Where the River Flows" in lead.

Though "Shine" - the band's lead single from its 1994 album "Hints, Allegations and Things Left Unsaid" - is widely considered to be one of the hallmarks of 1990s alternative rock, the band's second album is a treasure trove of poetic songs that said a lot about the signs-of-the-times of the mid-1990s.

"Mellon Collie and the  Infinite Sadness"  By The Smashing Pumpkins

With the hits "Bullet With Butterfly Wings," "Zero," "Tonight Tonight" and "1979," The Smashing Pumpkins' "Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness" was a definitive must-have album in 1995.

In a time when a standard album contained an average of 10 to 15 songs, the two-disc record featured 28 tracks - a number of which are considered to be the songs that ultimately defines the band's oeuvre.

"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?"  By Oasis

Oasis' second album - "(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" - is often argued to be the band's most definitive record, as it featured a number of the English band's signature songs.

With the hits "Champagne Supernova," "Wonderwall" and "Don't Look Back In Anger," the album has been hailed by a number of critics as a milestone in the evolution of the indie British music scene - apart from being identified as the band's stepping stone from being an indie group to rock music icon.

"Frogstomp" By Silverchair

Silverchair's debut album was a smashing commercial and critical success - initially released in Australia in early 1995, then re-released in the United States by the second half of the year.

With the hits "Israel's Son," "Tomorrow" and "Pure Massacre," the album proved that a band composed of 15-year olds could come up with an internationally successful record.

"Cutterpillow" By Eraserheads

As a record, "Cutterpillow" is more than the Filipino group Eraserheads' third studio album.

Containing songs that are now staples in videoke bars, live music venues and practically any gathering where there's a guitar - the album featured the now-classic OPM hits "Ang Huling El Bimbo," "Huwag Mo Nang Itanong," "Superproxy," "Torpedo," "Overdrive" and more.

"Teeth" By Teeth

With the hits "Laklak" and "Princesa", Teeth's self-titled debut album propelled the grunge-rock Filipino band's popularity in the mainstream OPM scene - contributing to the alternative rock boom of the Philippines during the 1990s.

"Wolfgang" By Wolfgang

Still in the Philippines, a lot can be said about Wolfgang's 1995 self-titled debut album, but ultimately, all of it can be summed up in one phrase: If you're Filipino and you claim to be a rockista but you've never listened to this album nor heard of Wolfgang, you are not worthy of calling yourself a rock music aficionado.