10 Hard Rock Bands From The '80s That Should've Been Bigger

The eclectic Minneapolis rockers are often cited as groundbreaking pioneers in the development of alternative rock.

The first sign of trouble came in their live performances. Typically drunk beyond belief, the crew stumbled through songs that weren't even theirs as the gigs quickly went off the rails. For fans who'd come for the group's typically punky, adolescent angst-laden sound, these showings weren't ideal.

'Hootenanny', the group's 1983 sophomore album, was greeted by rave reviews and audience interest. The group's maturing sound as they moved into work with larger labels garnered them a cult following. Tired of mainstream rock, many college radio stations embraced The Replacements. Their style, a curious blend of early punk with pop among other things, was an innovative, fun sound with a fresh attitude and vibe for listeners seeking something new.

1987's 'Pleased to Meet Me', the band's fifth LP, took them to the next level of acclaim, wowing critics with their audacious, extroverted style. For many, the album appeared to be confirmation of the group's arrival as a generational talent. The follow-up, 'Don't Tell a Soul', found the group in a more depressed state, lacking the energy they'd become renowned for. The decline in energy continued until their disappointing 1991 break-up.

The amount of rock bands in the '90s and noughties who took inspiration from The Replacements' alternative compositions and lyrical word play is beyond count. Given their cornerstone-level influence on rock and indie in the years after they first folded, it's mind-boggling The Replacements aren't a bigger deal.