25 hidden gem rock songs from the ’90s you probably missed

We all know that Death Cab for Cutie is an iconic band — one of the best to come from the ‘90s. However, the track “Your Bruise” from the band’s debut album is severely underrated. This hidden gem came before their popularity, and it’s the perfect emo song to lose yourself in.

While Magnapop was moderately popular during their time, they never achieved lasting recognition, despite still making music today. Released in 1994, their song “Slowly, Slowly” is a must-hear alternative song. It captures the beloved ‘90s sound we all know and love. 

The Replacements’ “Sadly Beautiful” is, well, sadly beautiful—and criminally underrated. Released in 1990, the song never charted and was overshadowed by other, more popular tracks on the same album. However, this blip on the radar deserves more attention. 

“Sold My Fortune” by Sugartooth was featured in an episode of Beavis and Butt-Head, which is when it attracted its greatest exposure. However, although this track was released as a single in 1994, it gained very little traction. Still, it was rightfully a decent hit within the alt-rock/grunge scene.

Released in 1994, “Peep-Hole” by Guided By Voices is a hauntingly cinematic song. Though it’s a short track, it has that quintessential nostalgic feel with piercing lyrics. The song never gained mainstream popularity, but it was still a fan favorite.

Jawbreaker is a punk rock band that started in the ‘80s and reunited in 2017. One of my favorite songs by them, “In Saddening Around,” did not achieve the mainstream attention it deserved. Released in 1994, it’s an achingly beautiful track you should definitely revisit.

“Ride” by The Dandy Warhols was a track on the debut album Dandys Rule OK in 1995. However, despite it being released as a single, it never charted. This shoegaze, psychedelic rock song is truly a hidden gem from the ‘90s.

Though it reached moderate popularity during its time, “Start With” by Seaweed is often overshadowed by larger hits from the ‘90s. Released in 1995, the punk/alt-rock song is a gritty and raw work of art worth listening to.

“Mouthful of Cavities” by Blind Melon might not have charted during its time, but it’s certainly known to be a cult favorite. The song, released in 1995, has a unique Southern Gothic sound with captivating harmonies and poetic lyricism.

 “Merchandise” by Fugazi was a staple for the band, but it never really attained mainstream recognition. Released in 1990, the track has that raw, post-hardcore sound many adore. It quickly became a fan favorite, particularly at live shows.

Released in 1995, “Sideshow by the Seashore” by Luna might’ve been a gem in the indie scene, but it didn’t go mainstream during its time. However, the track quickly became a beloved staple for the indie/surf-rock band. Fans of Luna adored the laid-back, psychedelic dream-pop song.

Back in the ‘90s, Ride was an influential, popular band within the shoegaze subgenre. One of their most popular songs is “Vapour Trail.” However, I find that “Here and Now” off the same album is a hidden gem that deserves more recognition. 

“If You Need Someone” was released in 1991 and reached a moderate level of popularity during its time. However, it certainly wasn’t a mainstream hit. In fact, it’s considered to be more of a cult classic in the UK’s indie scene. Though it’s labeled as twee-pop, I’d still consider this sweet, endearing track to be a hidden gem in the indie rock genre.

Released in 1993, “Spooky” by New Order was overshadowed by the band’s popular release “Regret.” Though it wasn’t considered a major hit, it did gain some traction within UK indie/dance circles. It’s also a fan-favorite for many New Order enthusiasts.

“Babies” by British rock band Pulp came out in 1994 and reached a decent level of recognition. However, it certainly wasn’t a chart-topping release — as it should have been, in my opinion. This catchy single remains one of my most beloved songs.

I’ll never forget when I first heard “Like a Fool” by Superchunk at some random record store/cafe in New Jersey. Of course, this was in 2024 — a full 30 years after its initial release. Little did I know that the deeply emotive, melodious track was not widely popular during its time.

Undoubtedly overshadowed by popular releases like “Halah” and “Be My Angel” on the same 1990 album, “Blue Flower” by Mazzy Star was not a major hit. However, it’s one of my favorite songs by the band and is definitely worth checking out. Its dreamy, alternative rock sound is to die for and sets the tone for the band’s future releases, like the infamous “Fade Into You.”

Released in 1990, “Lost and Found” by The Cry had its own cult following and appealed to the early‑’90s skate culture. However, it wasn’t a mainstream hit by any means. The band itself seems to take a ton of inspiration from top '70s/'80s bands like The Smiths and The Cure. The beginning of this track, in particular, is reminiscent of Jesus and the Mary Chain’s “Just Like Honey.”

Though it wasn’t a mainstream hit, “Rid Of Me” by PJ Harvey did gain a decent amount of attention during its time. The song was released in 1993 and has a raw, harsh sound that turned many people away. However, I think it’s that exact quality that makes the song so special.

Released in 1995 by ex-members of shoegaze rock band Slowdive, “Love Songs on the Radio” appeals to subgenres like dream pop and even folk indie. This slow-paced, trance-like song was not widely popular during its time. However, it’s one you won’t want to miss out on. 

Speaking of Slowdive, they had a hidden gem track, too. Their 1993 release “Altogether” might not have been popular, but it does have a cult following and is considered a fan favorite. The song’s moody, dreamy sound deserves some more recognition.

Dramarama’s mainstream hit was “Anything, Anything (I’ll Give You)” (one of my all-time favorite songs) during the ‘80s, but the band didn’t seem to attract much attention with their other releases. However, the group’s 1993 release “Swallowed Your Cure” is an obscure deep cut that stole my heart. As far as hidden ‘90s rock gems go, it’s about as relevant as it gets.

“Zurich Is Stained” is a short, raw track on an otherwise popular album. In fact, this particular Pavement album was a highly influential indie release during its time. More popular hits overshadowed the song, but many fans feel it’s one of the band’s most memorable tracks.

I have such a soft spot for the beautiful song “Car” by Built To Spill. Though it’s definitely not one of their most popular releases, many fans are drawn to this deeply emotional and raw track. Released in 1994, the song features some wild melodic hooks and introspective lyrics.

While “My Drug Buddy” by The Lemonheads wasn’t considered mainstream, it did appeal to some niche audiences, like the alternative and college rock scenes of the early ‘90s. The 1992 release is a fan-favorite, and for good reason — it’s as hidden a gem as it gets.