The article argues that Nirvana’s Nevermind popularised grunge worldwide in 1991 but did not create the movement; Seattle’s underground had already developed a varied, anti-hair-metal alternative-rock scene.

– Soundgarden’s Louder Than Love (1989) helped attract major-label attention and became the first grunge album to enter the Billboard 200.
– Mudhoney’s self-titled 1989 debut reinforced the raw, lo-fi garage-punk strain closely associated with Seattle grunge.
– Mother Love Bone’s Apple (1990) blended glam-rock swagger with the emerging Seattle sound, though singer Andrew Wood died shortly before its release.
– Alice in Chains’ Facelift (1990) brought a darker, heavier sound and became an early commercial breakthrough for the scene.
– Pearl Jam’s Ten (1991), released shortly before Nevermind, helped establish Seattle rock as a major mainstream force.