Beyond the Hit: Unforgettable 90s Rock Tracks That Deserved More Airplay

The CD era allowed for longer albums and, more songs. While record companies sometimes used this to inflate album prices with filler tracks, occasionally an album arrived packed with potential singles. Here are some unforgettable rock songs from the 1990s that, despite their quality, didn’t always receive the radio play they deserved.

“Breed” by Nirvana

Nirvana’s Nevermind was full of songs that could have stood alone as A-sides. Tracks like “Something In The Way,” “On A Plain,” and “Drain You” remain timeless. However, “Breed” is a standout banger, often cited as evidence of the songwriting parallels between The Beatles and Kurt Cobain. Its energy is undeniable.

“Slide Away” by Oasis

Despite its quality, “Slide Away” wasn’t initially released as a standard U.K. Single, though Creation Records reportedly favored its promotion. Noel Gallagher hesitated to release a fifth single following the success of “Supersonic,” “Shakermaker,” “Live Forever,” and “Cigarettes & Alcohol.” Like Nevermind, Definitely Maybe boasted a wealth of strong tracks. “Slide Away” showcases Liam Gallagher’s vocal prowess and foreshadows the anthemic sound of later hits like “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back In Anger.”

“My Name Is Jonas” by Weezer

Weezer’s self-titled debut, the “Blue Album,” arrived in the wake of Kurt Cobain’s death and signaled a shift in alternative rock. The album inspired a wave of “emotional geek rock” bands, with Rivers Cuomo providing a blueprint for slacker anthems. “My Name Is Jonas” opens the album with a memorable combination of acoustic fingerpicking and powerful chords, culminating in the iconic line: “The workers are going home.”

“Space And Time” by The Verve

The Verve’s performance at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago in 1998 came during a period of internal band struggles, following guitarist Nick McCabe’s departure. Pedal steel guitarist BJ Cole was brought in to fill the sonic void. Despite the lineup changes, the band delivered a powerful performance, opening with “Space And Time.” For those familiar with The Verve only through the employ of “Bitter Sweet Symphony” in a Publix commercial, “Space And Time” offers a deeper glimpse into the band’s artistry and the ambition of their album, Urban Hymns.