The Most Popular Grunge Song, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the song you think is the most popular!
Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:39
In the early 90s, a powerful musical movement swept through the charts, characterized by its raw sound and deeply candid lyrics. This genre, known as Grunge, captured the hearts of a disenchanted generation, providing a voice for their angst and disillusionment. Today, fans old and new continue to debate which tracks stand as the definitive anthems of this pivotal era.
By participating in the ranking of the most beloved Grunge songs, fans have the unique opportunity to influence which tracks are remembered and celebrated. Each vote helps paint a clearer picture of the collective preferences and the impact these songs had. This continual input from a diverse audience ensures that the list remains fresh and reflective of true fan favorites.
What Is the Most Popular Grunge Song?
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167votes"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana - considered by many to be the quintessential grunge song, and one of the most iconic rock songs of all time."Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana in other rankings
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259votes"Alive" by Pearl Jam is the first single from Pearl Jam's debut album, "Ten," and a staple of their live performances.
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328votes"Black Hole Sun" by Soundgarden is a haunting and powerful song that showcases Chris Cornell's incredible vocal range.
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422votes
"Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains"Man in the Box" by Alice in Chains is a heavy, riff-driven song that helped establish Alice in Chains as one of the most important grunge bands.Man in the Box is a popular Grunge song by the American rock band Alice in Chains. It was released as the lead single from their debut studio album, Facelift, in 1990. The song combines heavy guitars, dark lyrics, and powerful vocals, which are characteristic of the Grunge genre. It is often cited as one of the band's signature songs and an essential part of the Grunge movement.- Album: Facelift
- Release Year: 1990
- Genre: Grunge
- Length: 4:47
- Writer(s): Jerry Cantrell
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521votes
"Come As You Are" by Nirvana
Nirvana"Come As You Are" by Nirvana is another iconic Nirvana song that features Kurt Cobain's distinctive guitar playing and introspective lyrics.Come As You Are is a popular grunge song by Nirvana from their second studio album, Nevermind. It was released as the second single from the album in 1992. The song is known for its distinctive guitar riff and introspective lyrics.- Album: Nevermind
- Year of Release: 1992
- Genre: Grunge
- Song Length: 3 minutes and 38 seconds
- Writer: Kurt Cobain
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615votes"Jeremy" by Pearl Jam is a dark and powerful song about a troubled teenager that became one of Pearl Jam's biggest hits.
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78votes"Hunger Strike" by Temple of the Dog is a collaboration between members of Pearl Jam and Soundgarden, "Hunger Strike" features Chris Cornell and Eddie Vedder trading vocals in a powerful duet.
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810votes
"Rooster" by Alice in Chains
Alice in Chains"Rooster" by Alice in Chains is a haunting and emotional song about the Vietnam War, "Rooster" showcases Jerry Cantrell's songwriting and vocal talents.Rooster is a popular grunge song by the American rock band Alice in Chains. It was released as a single in 1993 and is featured on their second studio album, Dirt. The song was written by the band's guitarist and vocalist Jerry Cantrell, who drew inspiration from his father's experiences serving as a soldier in the Vietnam War.- Album: Dirt
- Year: 1993
- Genre: Grunge
- Songwriter: Jerry Cantrell
- Lead vocals: Layne Staley
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96votes"Plush" by Stone Temple Pilots is a melodic and catchy song that helped establish Stone Temple Pilots as one of the most successful grunge bands.
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109votes"Lithium" by Nirvana is a driving, anthemic song that showcases Nirvana's ability to write powerful, memorable melodies.
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Ranking factors for popular song
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Commercial successThis includes factors like chart positions, album and single sales, and certifications (such as Gold and Platinum status). A highly popular grunge song would have performed well commercially and generated significant revenue for the artists involved.
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Airplay and streamingThe number of plays a song receives on radio stations and streaming platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music can be indicative of its popularity. The more airplay and streams a grunge song has, the more likely it is to be considered popular.
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Cultural impactThe influence a grunge song has on music, popular culture, and wider society can also contribute to its popularity. This could include how often the song is covered or used in other media (like TV shows, movies, or commercials), its role in defining the grunge genre, and its overall significance in the music world.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Grunge song. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or song is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2513 views
- 243 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each song once every 24 hours. The rank of each song is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular grunge song
Grunge music emerged as a subgenre of alternative rock in the late 1980s and early 1990s. It became a cultural phenomenon, with its raw and gritty sound and lyrics that reflected the disillusionment and angst of the youth in the Pacific Northwest. Grunge music was characterized by heavy guitar riffs, distorted basslines, and powerful drum beats. The most popular grunge bands of the era included Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains, among others. The genre's popularity peaked in the early 1990s, and many grunge songs became anthems for a generation. Today, Grunge music remains a significant influence on rock music and continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
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