6 underrated female rock artists from the 1990s

The 1990s stood out as a pivotal time for rock and roll music, with genres such as grunge, nu metal, and Britpop dominating and effectively replacing the glam metal scene of the 80s, which was characterized by its sexualized themes. The soundscape shifted towards a rougher, unadorned style during this period. However, it’s important to acknowledge that this transformation wouldn’t have occurred without the influential female artists who left their mark on the decade.

Back in the ’90s, I was part of a band that left an indelible mark on rock music – Hole, led by the remarkable Courtney Love. We blended a feminine style with raw, empowering anthems, making us one of the most commercially successful female-fronted acts in modern music.

Bands such as Bikini Kill and L7 pioneered a fresh wave of feminist punk music, which came to be known as riot grrrl. This genre served to illuminate an underground feminist movement and left an indelible mark on the evolving landscape of revolutionary subcultures.

Bands like Bikini Kill and L7 started a new type of punk music that was about feminism, called riot grrrl. This kind of music helped people learn about a hidden feminist movement and left a lasting impact on the development of alternative cultures.

1990s female rock artists who are ridiculously underrated

Nonetheless, numerous ’90s rock female artists are still underappreciated. They introduced something unparalleled to ’90s rock, served as a catalyst for future musical acts, and significantly contributed to the genres that characterized the era.

Babes In Toyland

Renowned for their intense brutality and fierce femininity, Babes In Toyland was one of the heavier all-female bands from the ’90s. Following the release of their debut album, “Spanking Machine,” in 1990, they gained notice by Sonic Youth. The band then invited Babes in Toyland to join them on their European tour that same year.

The band Babes In Toyland gained more prominence, achieving mainstream success in 1992 when they joined Reprise Records and released their second album titled “Fontanelle”. This album featured their hit song “Bruise Violet”, which was inspired by the same creative force behind Courtney Love’s renowned track.

Despite disbanding in 1997 and occasionally reuniting since then, Babes In Toyland continues to be one of the most hard-hitting rock bands of the 1990s. The unique blend of Kat Bjelland’s powerful vocals and aggressive guitar playing with Maureen Hermann on bass and Lori Barbero on drums created a rebellious, sexually charged, and independent sound that was unparalleled among female punk or metal acts at the time.

Tina Bell (Bam Bam)

Though grunge music is commonly perceived as predominantly dominated by white males, the genre owes a significant debt to the enduring impact of Tina Bell, a trailblazer in the scene. As the charismatic lead singer for rock group Bam Bam, Bell co-founded the band alongside guitarist Tommy Martin.

Among the founding members were bassist Scott Ledgerwood and drummer Matt Cameron, who later gained significant recognition with bands such as Soundgarden and Pearl Jam.

In this version, I’ve tried to make it easier to read by using “among” instead of “other,” and “later found significant recognition” rather than “soon found greater fame.” The phrase “the latter of whom” was replaced with “who” for clarity, and the names of the bands were placed after the subject to create a more natural flow.

Known widely in the realm of rock music, Bell is often referred to as the “Mother of Grunge” in contemporary times. Despite parting ways with her group in 1990 when Bam Bam experienced difficulties finding success, the mark that Bell has left on grunge music and ’90s rock is indisputable. Notably influential figures such as Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice In Chains credit Bell for significantly shaping their careers and the genre itself.

Bell, who was often referred to as the “Queen of Grunge,” passed away in 2012 and had left the music world behind years earlier. However, she continues to be revered as one of rock’s most innovative yet underestimated musicians. A trailblazing Black artist, Bell was an exceptional songwriter who was far ahead of her contemporaries.

Regrettably, because of the pervasive discrimination based on race and gender in the music world, Bell didn’t receive the level of acclaim and popularity that her male peers did.

Shirley Manson (Garbage, Angelfish, Goodbye Mr Mackenzie)

Scottish musician Shirley Manson, known best for being the lead vocalist of alternative rock band Garbage, skillfully blends multiple musical genres in her performances, such as rock, pop, grunge, and electronica. Famous for her collaborations with Garbage, Angelfish, and Goodbye Mr Mackenzie, Manson is widely recognized for her powerful singing style that effortlessly combines ethereal femininity with a strong edge.

From the time they formed in 1993, Garbage’s distinctive artistry and original lineup have consistently stayed the same. Renowned for their diverse musical style, Garbage is celebrated for its unique fusion of pop, grunge, rock, trip hop, and shoegaze genres.

In an unprecedented manner, the unique sounds and striking appearances of Garbage and Manson set them apart as distinctive figures in the realm of rock music.

Or, more casually:

Garbage and Manson have a sound and look that no one else in rock music has ever had before, making them stand out from all the others.

Or, using different wording:

Their sounds and looks are unlike any other in the world of rock music, which is why Garbage and Manson stand out among their peers.

Or, for a more literary style:

In the grand tapestry of rock music, the unparalleled sonority and visage of Garbage and Manson have left indelible marks, distinguishing them as exceptional artists.

On May 30th, Garbage will unveil their eighth studio album titled “Let All That We Imagine Be The Light“. Though this album leans more towards personal introspection rather than politics, Manson has consistently garnered acclaim for not only her music but also her advocacy efforts throughout her distinguished career.

She’s highlighted various political matters through her platform, such as the Gaza conflict, the Ukraine war, pediatric cancer studies, AIDS investigations, the 2010 Haiti earthquake, among others.

Johnette Napolitano (Concrete Blonde)

As lead singer and bassist for Concrete Blonde, Johnette Napolitano built a discography known for its deep, emotional impact. Her voice, which suggested gothic influences, was the driving force behind the band’s unique style, with Napolitano’s signature rasp playing a crucial role. The band achieved notable success in 1990 when they released their third full-length album titled “Bloodletting“.

The album showcases songs like the captivating title track “Vampyr” and the reminiscent “Caroline.” Additionally, it includes “Joey,” which is Concrete Blonde’s best-known and highest-ranking single. From the perspective of a lover of an alcoholic, “Joey” stands out as a significant piece by Concrete Blonde, embodying their distinctive vulnerability and poetic lyricism in its unfiltered essence.

The unique blend of honesty and gothic tones that characterized the band distinguished them from other ’90s rock bands. It was Napolitano’s songwriting skills and artistic talent that allowed their lasting impact to be felt. Although the group ceased activity in 1994, Concrete Blonde’s influence remains timeless.

Justine Frischmann (Suede, Elastica)

Despite retiring from music in 2002 and now excelling as a skilled artist and painter, Justine Frischmann remains one of the most impactful musicians from the ’90s, even though her significant contributions are frequently overlooked.

In 1989, Suede was established by Brendan Frischmann, alongside Brett Anderson and Mat Osman, marking the formation of the English rock band. Alongside other influential groups like Oasis, Blur, and Pulp, Suede played a pivotal role in making Britpop a significant genre during the 90s.

1993 saw the release of Suede’s self-titled first album, which topped the U.K. Albums Chart. Though Brett Anderson’s bandmate Justine Frischmann departed in 1991, they significantly impacted the creation of their debut record.

After leaving Suede in 1992, Frischmann established Elastica. Their self-titled first album, Elastica, peaked at the top of the U.K. charts in 1993 and swiftly became the fastest-selling debut album in British music history.

After Elastica broke up in 2001, Frischmann’s impact on contemporary music remained significant, as she collaborated with British rapper and singer M.I.A. during her early phase. Despite having a shorter musical career compared to her work outside of music, the strength and undeniable nature of her influence are evident.

Bratmobile

Just like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile was among the pioneering bands of the riot grrrl movement. Their music style blended surf rock and garage punk with catchy, feminist lyrics. Bratmobile was a significant player in both the music scene and the related zine community that thrived during this period. They shared stages with Bikini Kill, Heaven’s To Betsy, and Sleater-Kinney throughout their career, released three studio albums, and one EP.

In a playful yet reflective manner, Bratmobile blended their understanding of women’s studies with traditional punk sounds to create a music that was both enlightening and fiercely rebellious, reminiscent of The Runaways. Their sound embodied a spirited, youthful defiance not witnessed since then.

If it weren’t for Bratmobile, the initial riot grrrl movement may not have achieved the level of popularity it did, significantly altering the landscape of contemporary rock music.

2025-04-16 13:06