Iconic Albums Hitting the 30-Year Mark in 2024

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1994 was a transcendent year for music, and the number of now-classic albums celebrating their 30th anniversary this year is staggering.

Hip-hop underwent a transformation during the mid-’90s, reclaiming some of its original edge and danger. The West Coast had established dominance in the genre in the early ’90s, leading New York to respond with two iconic albums: Nas’s Illmatic, a lyrical masterpiece that would go on to influence East Coast hip-hop for years to come, and Ready to Die, the album that introduced the world to The Notorious B.I.G.

In addition, R&B had a standout year in ’94. Usher and Brandy released their debut albums, while Boyz II Men released their second album, (II), which featured the hit “I’ll Make Love to You.” In November of the same year, TLC began their rise to global success with the release of CrazySexyCool and its lead single, “Creep.”

As grunge faded away in the mid-90s, 1994 saw the rise of alternative music taking over rock radio. Bands like Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden continued to make waves, while other alternative acts like Pavement, They Might Be Giants, and Dinosaur Jr. also gained recognition for their work. Additionally, bands like Sponge, Sixpence None the Richer, Blues Traveler, and Toadies added their unique sound to the musical landscape of the 90s.

Tionne T-Boz Watkins, Rozonda Chilli Thomas and Lisa Left Eye Lopes, of the American girl group TLC, 1999. Ron Davis/Getty Images

In 1994, Dave Matthews Band and Hootie & the Blowfish both debuted their first albums, adding to a resurgence of folk-inspired rock. This movement coincided with punk's rise to the mainstream, thanks to Green Day's Dookie and The Offspring's Smash. The genre saw more success that year, with NOFX's Punk in Drublic and Jawbreaker's influential 24 Hour Revenge Therapy contributing to the growing emo-punk scene.

The year also set the stage for future developments. Korn from Bakersfield, California released their self-titled debut album, laying the groundwork for the nu-metal explosion at the turn of the century. In San Diego, Blink's demo album, Buddha, foreshadowed the band's later rebranding as Blink-182.

Keep reading for a look at the albums that best capture the vibe of 1994 — and are turning 30 this year.

Aaliyah, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number

Beastie Boys, Ill Communication

Aaliyah's debut album, Age Ain’t Nothing But a Number, played a significant role in making the ’90s a golden era for R&B. The album produced the hit single “Back & Forth,” which not only reached the top of the Billboard R&B charts in 1994 but also made it to No. 5 on the Hot 100. Additionally, her cover of the Isley Brothers’ “At Your Best” peaked at No. 2 on the R&B charts. Aaliyah continued to be a prominent figure on MTV and radio until her tragic airplane accident in The Bahamas in 2001.

The Beastie Boys made their debut in the mid-’80s with Licensed to Ill, and then transitioned into the next decade with Paul’s Boutique and Check Your Head. Ill Communication revitalized the group and led them to greater mainstream success. Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz, Michael “Mike D” Diamond and the late Adam “MCA” Yauch revisited their punk origins with the blasting “Sabotage” while evolving their hip-hop sound on “Root Down” and “Sure Shot.”

Adam Yauch, Adam Horovitz and Michael Diamond of the Beastie Boys, 1994. Catherine McGann/Getty Images

Weezer, Weezer

Nas, Illmatic

The eponymous debut album by Weezer, affectionately known as The Blue Album, was released on May 10, 1994. Lead by the hit "Undone – The Sweater Song," the grungy record, along with frontman Rivers Cuomo's bespectacled charm and introspective lyrics, struck a chord with outcasts and geeks everywhere. The radio-friendly tracks "Say It Ain't So" and "Buddy Holly" further solidified the album's success. While some fans may have lost interest after Pinkerton in 1996, this album remains a beloved cornerstone for many in the Gen X and millennial fanbase.

Though it’s now known as one of the most significant debuts in the history of hip-hop, Nas’ Illmatic did not achieve immediate commercial success upon its release on April 19, 1994. Despite not topping the charts, Illmatic had an immediate impact on the hip-hop scene. “N.Y. State of Mind” showcased a rawness and lyrical prowess that inspired a generation of MCs, and the album established Nas as a leader of the new East Coast sound.

Beck, Mellow Gold

The Notorious B.I.G., Ready to Die

But Beck’s sound was already much more intricate than the basic rap style of that song, and those who delved into Mellow Gold found a multifaceted artist behind the slacker anthem. The world would discover Beck’s many dimensions in ’96 with the release of Odelay (featuring his now-signature songs “Where It’s At,” “Devil’s Haircut” and “The New Pollution”).

Ready to Die solidified Brooklyn’s position in the rap world and introduced The Notorious B.I.G. as a rising star in hip-hop. Biggie Smalls’ autobiographical storytelling on “Juicy,” unwavering confidence on “Big Poppa,” and raw vulnerability on “Suicidal Thoughts” showcased the incredible potential of hip-hop. Coupled with Biggie’s magnetic charm as an MC and storyteller, it’s no wonder why many regard Ready to Die as the greatest hip-hop album of all time.

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TLC, CrazySexyCool

TLC, consisting of Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas, and the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, were already successful hitmakers by ’94, following the release of Ooooooohhh … On the TLC Tip two years earlier. However, CrazySexyCool propelled the group to new levels of success and fame. The album won the Best R&B Album award at the 38th Grammy Awards, with the lead single “Creep” also earning the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group. The song “Waterfalls” was another massive hit, further establishing TLC as a prominent force in the ’90s music scene.

Hootie & the Blowfish, Cracked Rear View

Columbia, South Carolina, was the birthplace of one of the most iconic sounds of the mid-’90s, thanks to Hootie & the Blowfish. Since its release in July 1994, the band’s debut album, Cracked Rear View, has achieved remarkable commercial success, going platinum 21 times. With unforgettable tracks like “Only Wanna Be With You,” “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Time,” Darius Rucker and his band delivered electrifying folk rock that resonated with millions.

Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber, Jim Sonefeld, Conrad Hotel, Brussel of the band Hootie & the Blowfish, 1996. Gie Knaeps/Getty Images

Green Day, Dookie

Even though it was completed and prepared for release by the end of 1993, Green Day’s Dookie was not released until February 1, 1994. This was the same day that the world was first introduced to the infectious bassline and swinging beat of “Longview.” The album’s lead single was a milestone for Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool, and it forever changed the landscape of punk music. Despite being the group’s third album, Dookie marked their major label debut, and their melodic, pop-punk sound immediately resonated with a wide audience. The follow-up singles, “Basket Case” and “When I Come Around”, became radio mainstays, sparking a frenzy among record labels to sign other punk acts.

The Offspring, Smash

The opening words "You gotta keep ’em separated." set the tone for "Come Out and Play," the lead single from The Offspring’s third studio album, Smash, and became emblematic of 90s punk. Following the release of Green Day’s Dookie by two months, Smash was also a commercial triumph, eventually achieving platinum status six times. (At the time, it was the top-selling album on an independent record label.) The subsequent hits "Gotta Get Away" and "Self Esteem" blended the alienation of the era with a more melodic approach, a successful formula the band continued on their subsequent albums Ixnay on the Hombre and Americana.

Oasis, Definitely Maybe and Blur, Parklife

While the United States was captivated by R&B, hip-hop, punk, and grunge in the 1990s, the United Kingdom was immersed in the Britpop movement. Two influential bands at the forefront of this era were Oasis and Blur, who were often in competition in the British media and on the U.K. music charts. In April 1994, Blur released Parklife, their highly praised third studio album featuring tracks like “Girls & Boys,” “End of a Century,” “To the End,” and the title track. Just four months later, Oasis released Definitely Maybe, their critically acclaimed album highlighted by hits such as “Supersonic,” “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star,” and “Live Forever.”

The two factions famously clashed in what became known as “The Battle of Britpop” the following year, with Oasis releasing “Roll With It” on the same day that Blur dropped “Country House.” Blur claimed victory, selling 270,000 copies of their single to Oasis’ 216,000. However, Oasis may have ultimately won the war, as their album (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? went on to achieve greater critical and commercial success compared to Blur’s The Great Escape.

Michel Linssen/Redferns; Mick Hutson/Redferns

Madonna, Bedtime Stories

Madonna kicked off the 1990s with a bang, releasing the controversial Erotica album in 1992 along with her infamous coffee table book, Sex, filled with explicit photos. By 1994, she had softened her image for a wider audience with Bedtime Stories. While the videos for “Take a Bow” and “Human Nature” still highlighted Madonna’s sensual side, she dialed it back enough to maintain an edge while keeping her fans on board. The lead single, “Secret,” was a massive hit for the Material Girl, proving that Madonna still had plenty more to say in her ongoing story.

Hole, Live Through This

If grunge had to make its exit on a powerful note, it would undoubtedly be with Courtney Love’s iconic wail. Released just a week after Kurt Cobain’s tragic passing, Hole’s second album is widely considered as one of the greatest rock albums of all time. The lead single, “Miss World,” showcased Hole embracing more melodic elements in their music with tremendous success. In a music scene dominated by male voices, Live Through This placed Love on equal footing with her contemporaries.

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Nine Inch Nails, The Downward Spiral

Before Trent Reznor gained acclaim for his film scores, he led Nine Inch Nails with a mesh shirt and a serious demeanor. In 1994, the band achieved significant critical success with The Downward Spiral, an album that merged their industrial rock sound with gothic elements and imagery. The album produced the band’s biggest hit, “Closer,” as well as “Hurt,” a song later reimagined by Johnny Cash for his American Recordings series.

Johnny Cash, American Recordings

In 1994, the late Johnny Cash collaborated with producer Rick Rubin, known for his work in the rap and metal world, to release American Recordings. This album marked a resurgence in the career of the country music icon. Cash recorded songs written for him by artists such as Tom Waits and Glenn Danzig, and covered tracks by Leonard Cohen, Nick Lowe, and Kris Kristofferson. The complete set of recordings was released in November 2003, two months after Cash's passing at the age of 71.