12. The Black Crowes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T81xsEyfl3c There couldn't have been a better band to transition mainstream rock from the glitzy, riff-heavy music of the 80s into the dirtier, bare bones presentation of the 90s. One of the most consistently productive bands of the decade, there was rarely a time when you could have the radio on for more than half an hour without hearing a Black Crowes song. Unfortunately, they kind of turned into one of "those" bands, with listeners being unable to put a name with the song they were hearing. ("Is this...Lenny Kravitz?" they'd ask. Like idiots.) But they were one of the few bands who a consistent level of success at the time without ever copping to grunge or alt-rock influences. They were a straightforward rock and roll band that not only improved on an Otis Redding song ("Hard to Handle"), but also managed to craft a mix of down and dirty roots rock with a lighter, bluesier side and still end up in the Top 40 during the grunge era. As far as most "serious" music fans were concerned, though, the Black Crowes were just relics of the Peace and Love movement.