Ben’s best ‘no skip’ albums of the ’90s

There a lot of incredible, even great albums out there, but only so many where every song is a must listen. These are what I call ‘no skip’ albums.

A ‘no skip’ album is just what the name implies: when you cue it up, you listen to every song on the album, in order, all the way through. So in honor of our ’90s Stash Weekend, which kicks off Friday afternoon, I’m sharing 14 (well, actually 15) of my favorite albums of the 1990s that will have you listening to every song without even thinking about passing up a single track.

Nirvana – Nevermind and In Utero

Both of these albums are 10/10. Nevermind has the best production, but In Utero showcases the rawness we all know and love about Nirvana. Both albums blend the songs so well and helped turn Nirvana into the iconic band they are known for today.

Depeche Mode – Violator

Depeche Mode is one of those bands who have so many great albums, but Violator is where it all came together. The synth-pop, dance, goth, and alternative rock all mixed into one tremendous listen.

OutKast – ATLiens

If you were to tell me André 3000 is the greatest lyricist in hip-hop history, I would not argue with you. That’s mostly because of this album. He’s a genuine wordsmith who makes you groove while listening to some of the deepest lyrics in rap.

Massive Attack – Mezzanine

You can’t talk about “trip-hop” without this iconic album! Massive Attack always had great production in their albums, but what separates Mezzanine from the rest are the guest vocalists. Reggae legend Horace Andy and Liz Fraser of Cocteau Twins give great performances in “Angel” and “Teardrop.” This album will put in a trance, one you’ll never want to stop.

Primal Scream – Screamadelica

Is this the most unique album of the ’90s? The samples and the mix of psychedelic, dance, and alternative rock make for quite the experience. You’ll never hear another album that sounds quite like this, and that’s both a good and bad thing.

Pearl Jam – Vs.

Pearl Jam’s first three albums are amazing, But for this list, I’m going with Vs. instead of Ten or Vitalogy because of its mix of slow acoustic songs and some of their best heavy songs. Starting this album off with “Go” and “Animal,” while following up with “Daughter,” is so damn good. This album shows off Pearl Jam’s versatility and Eddie’s vocal range the most, in my opinion – though you truly can’t go wrong with any of the band’s first three albums.

Jeff Buckley – Grace

It’s such a shame this was Jeff Buckley’s only album, but what an album it is. The voice, the guitar, the lyrics – as an artist, Buckley was something special. To cover the great Leonard Cohen and do it better (I stand by that statement!) is not an easy task. Oh, what could have been.

Neutral Milk Hotel – In the Aeroplane Over the Sea

Jeff Mangum was way ahead of his time with this album. It didn’t entirely get the love it deserved in the ’90s, but it’s now looked at as legendary, and for good reason. The band has the definition of a cult following, but there is no denying the influence this album has left on some of the best bands of today, such as the Decemberists, Arcade Fire, and Bright Eyes.

Alanis Morissette – Jagged Little Pill

Don’t even pretend this isn’t a phenomenal album. Her voice and lyrics are unforgettable and have stood the test of time. It’s one of the best sing-along albums ever made.

Beck – Odelay

Beck has so many great albums, but Odelay has to be his best work. His love of hip-hop, folk, alternative rock, and psychedelic all came together for a melting pot of awesomeness. It’s an album only Beck could make.

Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

There’s not much to say: Hill is one of the greatest songwriters ever. Her lyrics are undeniable, and her emotion is felt instantly. Name your favorite rapper, they drew major influence from this album. It’s a start-to-finish masterpiece.

Alice in Chains – Dirt

Featuring some of the best harmonies in rock history, Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell channeled their best stuff in this album. Staley’s lead vocals are so powerful, and to be matched with Cantrell’s guitar and harmonies makes it so haunting. It’s a dark yet beautiful album, and it’s one of the best the grunge scene had to offer.

Soundgarden – Superunknown

Chris Cornell could sing the ABCs and make it awesome. He’s probably the best overall vocalist from the grunge era, and that’s saying a lot. “Fell on Black Days” is still one of the coolest songs ever made.

Third Eye Blind – Third Eye Blind

Say what you will about Third Eye Blind, their self-titled debut album is so good. I dare you to listen to “Graduate” or “Motorcycle Drive By” and tell me they’re not some of the best songs of the ’90s. I double dare you. The album is catchy, dark, and has so many ear worms all in one. I can’t recommend it enough.