10 Biggest-Selling Rock Music Albums Of All Time

While we're on that subject though, let's talk about all the twists and turns that the '90s alternative scene took us on. From the looks of it, there were many fans who would probably think something like Nirvana's Nevermind or Pearl Jam's Vs. might be a contender for some of the biggest records of the time. If you're looking for mass appeal though, the alternative nation would have to wait a few more years for its princess to step forward.

Considering how many people bought it on first release, it's astonishing just how angry Jagged Little Pill sounds in retrospect. Even though Alanis Morrissette is clearly in her element here, the tone of songs like All I Really Want and You Oughta Know are still a lot nastier than you probably remember. What separates her from the other riot grrl acts is that she knew how to balance it, sprinkling in different heart-wrenching songs as well like Perfect and Head Over Feet.

There are even subtle hints at genres like folk rock, with Ironic being driven by its primary acoustic guitar and Alanis clinging to her harmonica on a handful of tracks. At 16 million strong, it's unfortunate that Alanis could never really replicate the magic she had here. Then again, with an album this infectious, not many other albums can manage to equal it either.