7 Surprisingly Upbeat Grunge Hits

Grunge bands from the 90s Seattle scene had their share of melancholy tunes, but they also had moments of brightness.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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While grunge music is often associated with dark, brooding sounds, some of the genre's biggest bands did manage to create surprisingly upbeat and joyful songs. From Nirvana's playful "On a Plain" to Pearl Jam's soaring "Given to Fly," these seven tracks showcase the lighter side of the Seattle sound.

Why it matters

The grunge era is remembered for its raw emotion and heavy subject matter, but this list shows that the musicians of that time were capable of crafting more uplifting material as well. Examining these atypical "happy" grunge songs provides a fuller picture of the genre's range and the versatility of its most influential artists.

The details

The article highlights seven grunge songs that defy the genre's reputation for gloom and doom. Nirvana's "On a Plain" is described as a "pop song dressed in distorted guitars," while Alice in Chains' "No Excuses" is noted for its "warmer moments" compared to the band's usual darkness. Stone Temple Pilots' "Big Bang Baby" is praised for its "lively swagger" and more glam-influenced sound. Soundgarden's "Dusty" is called the band's most "jangly" track, and Screaming Trees' "All I Know" is highlighted for its "breezy" and "relaxed feel." Pearl Jam's "Given to Fly" is singled out for its "soaring" guitars and vocals that evoke a "profound sense of freedom and high spirits."

  • The songs highlighted in the article were released between 1991 and 1998, spanning the peak years of the grunge era.

The players

Nirvana

One of the most influential grunge bands, known for their raw, distorted sound and Kurt Cobain's emotive vocals.

Alice in Chains

A grunge band known for their dark, heavy sound and harmonies between Layne Staley and Jerry Cantrell.

Stone Temple Pilots

A grunge-influenced band that experimented with different textures and sounds, including a more glam-rock influenced style.

Soundgarden

A pioneering grunge band led by Chris Cornell, known for their complex, heavy riffs and Cornell's powerful vocals.

Screaming Trees

A grunge band with a more psychedelic sound, led by vocalist Mark Lanegan.

Pearl Jam

One of the most commercially successful grunge bands, known for their arena-rock sound and Eddie Vedder's emotive delivery.

Jack Endino

A guitarist and producer who worked extensively with grunge bands in the Seattle scene, including Skin Yard.

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What they’re saying

“When the weather's crappy, you don't wanna go outside, you basically feel like staying in the house and it's a very logical thing to wanna go down into your basement and make noise to take out your frustrations because you can't go outside and do anything when it's raining all the time.”

— Jack Endino, Guitarist and producer (Hype! documentary (via City of Anxiety)

The takeaway

While grunge music is often associated with dark, brooding sounds, these seven upbeat and joyful tracks show that the genre's most influential artists were capable of crafting a diverse range of emotional tones and musical styles. This diversity helps provide a more well-rounded understanding of the grunge era and the creative talents of its key players.