Albums That Turn 25 This Year

1991 was a huge year in music. A number of monumental albums were released across all genres, but particularly in alternative music. Here are just some of the albums turning 25 this year.

1916 – Motörhead

Prior to this album, Motörhead had not released a studio album in nearly four years. The band was also in a legal battle with GWR Records. Once the issue was resolved, they released 1916.

Innuendo – Queen

This was the last album to be released during Freddy Mercury’s lifetime and the last to contain entirely new material. Mercury passed away nine months after this album’s release.

Road Apples – The Tragically Hip

The Hip’s second full-length album and the first to hit the number one spot in Canada. It has been certified eight times platinum up here in the Great White North.

Kill Uncle – Morrissey

Regarded as his most unconventional album, Morrissey’s Kill Uncle turns 25 this year. It was his second solo studio album.

Out of Time – REM

REM’s seventh studio album caused them to go from a cult band to a huge international act. Preceded by the single “Losing My Religion”, the album won three Grammy Awards in 1992. Two of the awards were for the single alone.

Gish – The Smashing Pumpkins

The Smashing Pumpkins released their debut album in 1991. Although it initially peaked at 195 on the Billboard 200 on its release, it received positive reviews and was eventually certified platinum. 

Metallica (“The Black Album”) – Metallica

Arguably Metallica’s biggest album, The Black Album celebrates its 25^th anniversary this August. This album produced five singles that are considered among the band’s best-known.

Leisure – Blur

Although it received mixed reviews, Blur’s debut peaked at number seven in the UK album charts. Twenty-five years later I’m still hearing “She’s So High” played pretty frequently on the radio.

Ten – Pearl Jam

Pearl Jam’s debut might not have been an immediate success, but it did hit number two on the Billboard 200 chart by late 1992.

Blood Sugar Sex Magik – Red Hot Chili Peppers

One of the most influential alternative rock albums of the 90s, Blood Sugar Sex Magik celebrates its 25^th birthday this year. It became so popular that guitarist John Frusciante left the band for seven years because he couldn’t deal with the album’s success.

Nervermind – Nirvana

The album that catapulted Nirvana into the mainstream is another one that was released 25 years ago. By January 1992, it replaced Michael Jackson’s Dangerous as number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Badmotorfinger – Soundgarden

Soundgarden’s third album charted at number 39 on the Billboard 200, their highest to date. They supported the album by touring as the opener for Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion Tour.

Any other albums celebrating their 25^th anniversary that you think deserve a shout out? Leave a comment!