We look back on the year that was 1995. As we reared our heads out of the grunge movement, what was left? A new wave of rock bands emerged, trying to capitalize on the Seattle sound. Hip-hop continued to move into the mainstream. And of course, there’s always Weird Al to put his spin on it all.

We combined our individual lists to arrive at this top 5:

Honorable Mentions

GZA – Liquid Swords
Mobb Deep – The Infamous
Mad Season – Mad Season
Alice in Chains – Alice in Chains

5. Candlebox – Lucy

The second studio album from this Seattle rock band was not well initially well received, however it’s aged well and when considered outside of the grunge label holds up today.

4. Bjork – Post

After her Debut record, Bjork was poised to become an international star and this album delivered just that. Yielding 6 singles and many memorable videos, Post is considered one of her best.

3. Foo Fighters – Foo Fighters

David Grohl single-handily delivers an instant classic in his first work post-Nirvana. Shades of the past are certainly visible, but we also catch glimpses of the rock juggernaut to come.

2. Tricky – Maxinquaye

A high-water mark in the trip-hop genre, this release was groundbreaking and would influence many bands to come. The contrast of Tricky’s rough vocals and production style paired against the smooth feminine vocals of Martina Topley-Bird still is sounds as fresh today as it did then.

1. Smashing Pumpkins – Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

With one of the most ambitious albums of the 90s, the Smashing Pumpkins captured the heart of many an angst ridden teenagers. Their ability to switch from moody pop rock to crushingly heavy metal was exciting and seemed to please everyone. The scope of record and the grandeur of the lyrics felt important, like we had finally gotten our generations great record. While it might not be as spotless in hindsight, it sure does sound like 1995.

Tell us which ones we missed @albumnerds on Twitter.