25 Essential Rock Albums Turning 25 in 2016
The year 1991 was a tumultuous one in the geopolitical world. It saw the end of the Cold War as the Soviet Union broke up into 15 sovereign countries, the continuation of the controversial Gulf War? and much, much more.
Out of the global conflict and uncertain nature of the early '90s rose an incredible arsenal of rock music. 1991 saw an amazing list of debut albums from Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Blur, Smashing Pumpkins, Massive Attack, Hole, Kyuss, Spin Doctors and Mr. Bungle.
There were also a slew of established bands who rolled out memorable LPs including U2, R.E.M., Guns N? Roses, Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Van Halen, Yes and Queen -- not to mention breakthrough albums from Nirvana, Metallica, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Primus.
One could argue that there hasn?t been such a great year for rock music since. It saw the beginning of a huge shift in the landscape of the industry with the rise of the alternative, grunge, shoegaze and post-rock sub-genres, which would go on to influence a generation of musicians and artists.
Now, 25 years later, we're shining a light on one of the best years in rock as these LPs celebrate a quarter of a century. We dug out our flannel shirts, stonewashed jeans, Doc Martens and dusted off our CDs to bring you the 25 Essential Rock Albums of 1991.
Guns N? Roses ? Use Your Illusion I & Use Your Illusion IIAt midnight on Sept. 17, 1991, Guns N? Roses simultaneously released their albums Use Your Illusion I and Use Your Illusion II. Following the band?s huge 1987 debut Appetite for Destruction, anticipation was at a fever pitch when the band finally unleashed the two LPs. Use Your Illusion II debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while Use Your Illusion I bowed at No. 2.
Use Your Illusion II is generally accepted at the superior album thanks to the hit singles ?You Could Be Mine,? ?Civil War? and their cover of Bob Dylan?s ?Knockin? on Heaven?s Door.? The effort also boasts ?Yesterdays,? ?Pretty Tied Up? and the epic nine-minute track ?Estranged,? which showed off the band?s versatility.
Meanwhile, Use Your Illusion I scored the hit single ?Don?t Cry,? as well as the power ballad ?November Rain,? which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The album also features GNR?s cover of Paul McCartney and Wings? classic ?Live and Let Die,? as well as ?Right Next Door to Hell? and the epic track ?Coma.?
The two albums mark the last original music from Guns N? Roses featuring guitarists Slash and Izzy Stradlin, as well as bassist Duff McKagan and drummer Matt Sorum in the lineup.
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/7130690/rock-albums-1991
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