Photo: Gie Knaeps (Getty)
The ’90s were good for a lot of things: teenage heartthrobs, slap bracelets and disturbing commercials. Even rock music of the ’90s stands out like no other era, between Kurt Cobain owning the grunge scene, Fred Durst breaking “stuff,” and bands still touring we wish would just give up already.
Knowing what we know about rock history’s greatest front men (and Fred Durst), how could we possibly pass up the chance to rank the most rocking vocalists of ’90s rock? These guys and girls herein had vocal cords that rattled something loose in our angsty teenage souls, unless you were born in the ’90s, in which case you’re a total creep when it comes to music and all else.
Let’s break down the ’90s rock scene, which consisted primarily of the Brit rock era, America’s grunge scene and pop punk’s best-laid vocals according to Carson Daly and a bunch of other people we’re excited to never see around anymore. We’re ranking the best singers in ’90s rock, and while there might be a few surprises along the way, you’ll find in the end you can trust us with these things.
Ranking the Most Rocking Vocalists of ’90s Rock Music
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Vocalists
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10. Tom DeLonge
The former blinky boy who coined pervy pop punk in Southern California's early '90s was also known for his distinctive vocals. Aside from his between-song dirty talk, he founded Angels & Airwaves and has dove into other artistic adventures with a few slightly less boner jokes.
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9. Anthony Kiedis
The wild man of Los Angeles has built a reputation for himself with rhythmic vocals, underage girls and profuse drug abuse, but that doesn't keep the 50-something animal from rocking hard still today behind their most recent record after nearly 35 years as a band.
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8. Billy Corgan
The Smashing Pumpkins leading man is as unique in vocal as he is in appearance, standing out like a bright white light of '90s rock 'n roll between his band, poetry and side projects like Zwan.
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7. Gwen Stefani
She owned the airwaves as the blonde bombshell of No Doubt when she wasn't in the spotlight for being Gavin Rossdale's gal. Her singing on Tragic Kingdom is still burned in our brains, along with her funky pants and weird hair.
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6. Eddie Vedder
Photo: via Billboard
Chris Cornell's brother in vocals was none other than Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, who performed with Cornell in 1991's Temple of the Dog album around the time of Pearl Jam's conception.
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5. Brandon Boyd
Incubus may have hit it in the late '90s, but the band started up early in the decade with Boyd known for his fast thrash rock vocals. Nowadays, he's more known for his soothing range and melodic abilities. He has dropped a number of solo artistic projects on us in-between Incubus albums, including 2013's two-man team, Sons of the Sea, debut album with Soundgarden producer, Brendan O'Brien.
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4. Zack de la Rocha
The rage-filled de la Rocha was a political activist rolled up in a heavy rock microphone. His time with Rage Against the Machine marked one of the most unprecedented mainstream vocalist portrayals, one which we hope to catch more of someday soon.
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3. Richard Ashcroft
The Verve man is a bittersweet Brit whose rock 'n roll stardom has transformed into a more melodic solo venture. He has dabbled in hip hop and soul, but mostly transcends genre best with his Verve classics.
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2. Liam Gallagher
The '90s wouldn't have had proper rock 'n roll without the mouthy antics and classic vocals of one Liam Gallagher. Upon the disbanding of Oasis, the younger Gallagher took the band (sans brother Noel) into a new era as Beady Eye for two albums. Liam is set to return with his first (possibly only) solo album this fall, just weeks before brother Noel drops his third solo record. Let the feud roll...
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1. Chris Cornell
Photo: via Billboard
Like it could've been anyone other than the Soundgarden superstar. While some might assume he receives the honor of our Best '90s Rock Vocalist due to his recent, untimely death, we truly believe he was the most talented and unmatched vocalist we've had since Robert Plant in his hey day. Cornell was a solo artist, movie scoring machine in addition to his time with Soundgarden and Audioslave.
