Collider selects one defining rock song for each year of the 1990s, arguing that the decade marked a high point for the genre. The choices trace rock’s movement from grunge’s raw, anti-commercial impact towards Britpop and other later styles, while acknowledging ballads and more aggressive songs.

– 1990: “Man in the Box” — Alice in Chains
– 1991: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — Nirvana
– 1992: “Creep” — Radiohead
– 1993: “Heart-Shaped Box” — Nirvana