Here is the third installment of our series on underappreciated albums from the 1990s. You can find part one HERE and part two HERE. As with the previous entries, the albums are listed in no particular order, reflecting our personal preferences. Some achieved commercial or critical success, others went unnoticed, and a few were even maligned—but we love them all. Whenever possible, we’ve included Apple Music links so you can preview tracks directly in the embedded players, even without a subscription. Click HERE to subscribe to what we consider the best streaming service available.
An old-school Southern Rock powerhouse with a bluesy, country-tinged edge. The late Elyse Steinman’s tasty slide guitar work shines throughout, complemented by Greg Strzempka’s gritty vocals. The album delivers epic three-way guitar harmonies, as the genre demands, wrapped in well-crafted, hard-hitting tunes. Classic, raw, and timeless.
With Lifetime, Lucky Peterson branches out from his traditional Chicago Blues roots, embracing elements of Soul, Funk, and Pop. His impassioned vocals shine throughout, matched by his signature fiery guitar work. The album features standout guest appearances by funk legends Bootsy Collins, Bernie Worrell, and drummer Dennis Chambers, adding depth and groove. Peterson also delivers inspired covers of songs by Sting and Sam Cooke, blending heartfelt emotion with masterful musicianship. A cool, eclectic collection that pushes blues boundaries while staying true to its spirit.
Following the triumph of No More Tears and a brief “retirement” from touring, Ozzy Osbourne returned with Ozzmosis. Featuring Geezer Butler on bass, Zakk Wylde on guitar, and Dean Castronovo on drums, the album combines a dense yet sharp production with a touch of 90s alt-rock influence in both songwriting and sound. The melodies are undeniably catchy, and Ozzy’s endearingly one-dimensional voice remains the perfect vehicle for his anthemic choruses. A strong and memorable collection, Ozzmosis stands as Ozzy’s last excellent album.
Baby Animals’ self-titled debut straddles the line between 80s Arena Rock and the emerging 90s Indie Rock scene. The standout is Suze DeMarchi’s captivating voice, which falls somewhere between the cool intensity of Chrissie Hynde and the soulful edge of Sharleen Spiteri. The album delivers plenty of cool Hard Rock riffs, paired with infectious choruses and strong melodies that make it a memorable and dynamic listen. A fresh take on rock that bridges two distinct eras with style.
With The Ethereal Mirror, Cathedral expands their Doom Metal foundation by speeding up tempos and infusing a psychedelic, groove-laden edge. The result is an album that’s still crushingly heavy, with pachydermic riffs that hit like a freight train. Lee Dorrian’s vocal hooks add an infectious energy, balancing the weighty instrumentation with memorable, melodic moments. Psychedelic, groovy, and unapologetically massive, this album pushes the boundaries of Doom while staying true to its heaviness.
Steve Earle’s El Corazón, his seventh album, expands his Outlaw Country roots with bold forays into bluegrass, punk, and soul. Featuring an eclectic mix of guests, including Del McCoury, the Supersuckers, and Emmylou Harris, the record brims with creativity and heartfelt storytelling. While it’s less commercially successful than its predecessor, I Feel Alright, the songs here are even stronger, showcasing Earle’s knack for blending grit, melody, and lyrical depth. A genre-defying collection that captures the raw, rebellious spirit of his artistry.
Family Style sees Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan teaming up for a soulful, song-oriented collaboration produced by Nile Rodgers. Blending elements of Soul, Rn’B, Rockabilly, and, of course, Blues, the album shifts focus from Stevie Ray’s signature guitar fireworks to a more groove-driven, party-ready vibe. The sibling chemistry is undeniable, with tight harmonies and playful energy running through every track. A celebration of rootsy, feel-good music that showcases the brothers’ shared love for timeless sounds. Some of the tunes would later find a second life on the star-studded SRV tribute album and video, which is also highly recommended.
Jumpin' The Gunn - Shades of Blue
Not much is known about Jumpin’ The Gunn, a Scottish blues-rock outfit named after a JoJo Gunne album. They dropped Shades of Blue on Pointblank Records and disappeared, leaving behind a gem of a record. The vocalist channels serious Sass Jordan energy, delivering gritty, soulful performances. Guitarist and main songwriter Andrew Gunn shines throughout, laying down fiery, blues-soaked riffs and searing solos. It’s authentic, earthy blues-rock done right—raw, passionate, and criminally overlooked. So overlooked in fact that the long out of print album is unavailable on streaming platforms...
March Ör Die caught flak from Motörhead purists when it dropped. Lemmy singing the blues? Hooks and melodies mixed into their punk-metal onslaught? And, seriously—a Ted Nugent cover? But the album still rips. It’s classic Motörhead at its core: fast, loud, and unapologetic. The difference is sharper songwriting and slightly more nuanced performances—not much, but enough to set this record apart in their massive (and uneven) catalog. Dismissed at the time, it stands tall as one of their most underrated efforts.
Mule Variations is peak Tom Waits—a gritty blend of gothic blues, noir jazz, and postmodern folk. It fuses the rawness of Bone Machine, the experimentations of Swordfishtrombones, and the theatrical storytelling of Frank’s Wild Years. Waits’ evocative songwriting and haunting, expressionist vocals create a world both dark and poetic. The instrumentation is as unpredictable as the stories he tells: junkyard percussion, eerie pianos, and swampy guitars. This is the kind of album Captain Beefheart would have been making if he hadn't retired after Ice Cream for Crow. It’s a twisted, soulful journey through shadowy Americana—raw, weird, and unforgettable.
Some of jazz fusion’s heaviest hitters came together for this electrifying live performance at L.A.'s iconic Greek Theatre. Stanley Clarke and Billy Cobham form a powerhouse rhythm section, driving the band with precision and intensity. Larry Carlton trades his smooth jazz image for fiery, blues-infused guitar solos, while saxophonist Najee pushes past his easy-listening roots with passionate, hard-swinging lines. Keyboardist Deron Johnson rounds out the group with tasteful harmonies and fluid improvisations. The result is a dynamic, high-energy set that showcases these legends at the peak of their powers—pure fusion magic.
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