The 1990s were a golden era for grunge music, with bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden defining a generation with their raw, unfiltered sound and rebellious spirit. Fast forward to today, and while grunge as a genre may have faded from the mainstream, its essence lives on in unexpected places—particularly in the music of some of today’s biggest pop stars. These artists may not be shredding guitars in flannel shirts, but they’ve channeled the angst, authenticity, and emotional depth of 90s grunge into their own unique styles. Here are three pop stars who carry the edge of your favorite 90s grunge bands:
1. Billie Eilish: The Voice of a Disillusioned Generation
Billie Eilish has become a global phenomenon, but beneath her whispery vocals and avant-garde production lies a spirit that’s undeniably grunge. Her music often explores themes of mental health, alienation, and existential dread—hallmarks of the 90s grunge movement. Tracks like “Bury a Friend” and “Everything I Wanted” echo the dark, introspective tones of Nirvana’s “Something in the Way” or Alice in Chains’ “Down in a Hole.”
Eilish’s aesthetic, too, nods to grunge’s anti-establishment vibe. Her oversized, thrift-store-inspired wardrobe and refusal to conform to traditional pop star expectations mirror the grunge ethos of rejecting mainstream norms. Like Kurt Cobain, she’s unafraid to be vulnerable, raw, and real—qualities that resonate deeply with today’s youth.
2. Olivia Rodrigo: The Modern-Day Grunge Pop Princess
Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the scene with her breakout hit “drivers license,” but it’s her angsty, guitar-driven tracks that truly channel the spirit of 90s grunge. Songs like “good 4 u” and “brutal” are packed with raw emotion, distorted riffs, and a sense of youthful rebellion that feels ripped straight from the pages of a 90s rock anthem.
Rodrigo’s lyrics often delve into heartbreak, frustration, and self-discovery, much like the confessional songwriting of bands like Hole or Smashing Pumpkins. Her ability to blend pop sensibilities with grunge’s raw energy has made her a standout artist of her generation, proving that the spirit of grunge can thrive in the pop landscape.
3. Yungblud: The Punk-Grunge Hybrid
Yungblud (Dominic Harrison) is the embodiment of grunge’s rebellious spirit in the modern era. With his high-energy performances, politically charged lyrics, and genre-blending sound, he’s a direct descendant of 90s grunge icons. Tracks like “Parents” and “God Save Me, But Don’t Drown Me Out” are filled with the same raw intensity and social commentary that defined bands like Rage Against the Machine and Pearl Jam.
Yungblud’s fashion sense—a mix of punk, grunge, and androgynous styles—also pays homage to the 90s counterculture. He’s not afraid to tackle tough topics like mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and societal inequality, making him a voice for the disenfranchised, much like the grunge bands of the past.
Why Grunge Lives On in Pop
The enduring influence of 90s grunge on today’s pop stars is no coincidence. Grunge was never just about the music—it was a cultural movement that spoke to a generation grappling with identity, disillusionment, and change. Today’s artists, like Eilish, Rodrigo, and Yungblud, are navigating similar challenges, from the pressures of fame to the complexities of mental health in a hyperconnected world.
By infusing their music with grunge’s raw emotion and rebellious spirit, these pop stars are keeping the genre’s legacy alive. They’re proving that grunge isn’t just a sound—it’s a mindset, one that continues to inspire and resonate across generations.
So, while the 90s may be long gone, the spirit of grunge is alive and well in the music of today’s pop stars. Whether you’re a fan of the classic grunge era or a newcomer to its ethos, these artists are worth a listen—they’re carrying the torch for a sound and a movement that changed the world.
