Last updated on January 31, 2026, updated every month.
“Post-Grunge” is a term used to describe bands that take the raw and unpolished elements of Grunge and refine them for a broader audience, making them more radio-friendly and commercially viable.
The list below ranks 20 vintage POST-GRUNGE songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Candlebox - Far Behind
“Far Behind,” released in 1993, is an emotional tribute by Candlebox to Andrew Wood of the band Mother Love Bone, a close friend of the group who died of an overdose. Frontman Kevin Martin, often associated with the Seattle grunge scene and bands like Pearl Jam, delivers a heartfelt performance. “Far Behind” became a major success and remains a classic 90s rock anthem.
The music video is directed by Nick Egan.
Writer(s) : Peter Andrew Klett, Kevin Colin Martin, Scott John Ric Hard Mercado, Bardi David Martin Publisher(s) : Wc Music Corp
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, nu metal, post-grunge
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, nu metal, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Nick Egan
Featured on the album 1993,Candlebox
82.70% / -5.89%
2 . Live - Selling The Drama
Co-produced with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads, “Selling the Drama,” released in 1994, is a single by Live known for its introspective lyrics and distinctive alternative sound. Frontman Ed Kowalczyk explores themes of spirituality and the search for meaning. The song was a success on rock radio and helped establish Live as one of the leading bands of the era.
The music video is directed by Julia Heyward.
Writer(s) : Patrick Mic Hael Dahlheimer, Edward J Kowalczyk, Chad A Gracey, Chad Taylor Publisher(s) : Mucho Loco Music Ltd
Genres : Rock, Metal,grunge, pop rock, post-grunge
Genres : Rock, Metal,grunge, pop rock, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Julia Heyward
Featured on the album 1994,Throwing Copper
16.62% / -0.21%
3 . Counting Crows - Accidentally In Love
“Accidentally in Love,” released in 2004, was specially written for the film “Shrek 2” directed by Andrew Adamson and Conrad Vernon, featuring the voices of Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz. The song was nominated for numerous awards, including an Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy, and quickly became a hit with its upbeat tune and joyful lyrics. It represents a key moment in the film where the main characters explore their feelings.
The music video is directed by Meiert Avis.
Writer(s) : Daniel John Vickrey, Matthew Malley, David Lynn Bryson, David A Immergluck, Adam Fredric Duritz Publisher(s) : Songs Of Dwa, Songs Of Universal Inc, Pw Ballads, Jones Falls Music
Genres : Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Metal,neo mellow, pop rock, post-grunge, rock
Genres : Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Metal,neo mellow, pop rock, post-grunge, rock
The music video is directed by Meiert Avis
Featured on the album 2004,Shrek 2 : Soundtrack
16.19% / -0.61%
4 . Taproot - Again And Again
Released in 2000, “Again and Again” leads off Taproot’s debut album Gift with just enough nu-metal crunch to rattle the shelves at Sam Goody.
Written by the band and produced by Ulrich Wild, it swings between restrained, melodic verses and full-throttle choruses that don’t ask for permission before blowing the doors off.
A heavy presence on rock radio and MTV, the track nudges Taproot straight into early 2000s metal rotation, sneakers first.
Writer(s) : Jimmy Jam, Derek Boland, Terry Steven Lewis Publisher(s) : Taproot Publishing
Genres : post-grunge
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, industrial metal, nu metal, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Jake Nava
Featured on the album 2000,Gift
15.57% / -0.05%
5 . Chris Cornell - Billie Jean
In 2007, Chris Cornell reimagined Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” as a dark, acoustic ballad. Stripping the song to its core with minimal instrumentation, Cornell’s version slows the tempo and emphasizes the song’s inherent paranoia and tension, creating a more introspective interpretation.
Writer(s) : Michael Jackson Publisher(s) : Mijac Music
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, hard rock, post-grunge, rock
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, grunge, hard rock, post-grunge, rock
Featured on the album 2007,Carry On
14.61% / 0.42%
6 . Faith No More - Digging The Grave
“Digging the Grave,” released in 1995, is an energetic track by Faith No More, a pioneering alternative rock band. The song features powerful guitar riffs and dynamic vocals by Mike Patton, reflecting the band’s evolution towards a rawer, more direct sound. The song was also featured in the television series Beavis and Butt-Head.
The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy.
Writer(s) : Michael Andrew Bordin, Bill Gould, Michael Allen Patton Publisher(s) : Big Thrilling Music
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, funk metal, funk rock, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, funk metal, funk rock, hard rock, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
The music video is directed by Marcus Raboy
Featured on the album 1995,King for a Day… Fool for a Lifetime
13.49% / -0.05%
7 . Matchbox Twenty - Real World
“Real World” toys with alternate realities, as Rob Thomas wonders if life might feel simpler as a superhero or a TV weather man with more control over chaos.
Matchbox Twenty spins these musings into a mid-tempo track that couches its existential curiosity in laid-back rock phrasing.
The music video echoes this playfulness, staging surreal, offbeat scenarios that dramatize the song’s hypotheticals with ironic flair.
It marks the band’s first appearance on the Billboard Hot 100.
Writer(s) : Robert Kelly Thomas Publisher(s) : U Rule Music, Emi Blackwood Music Inc
Genres : post-grunge
Genres : Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Metal,neo mellow, pop rock, post-grunge
Featured on the album 1996,Yourself or Someone Like You
13.39% / -0.17%
8 . The Used - The Taste Of Ink
Produced by John Feldmann, “The Taste of Ink,” released in 2002, is The Used’s debut single, known for its post-hardcore style. The song captures the raw energy and emotion of youth, perfectly embodied by frontman Bert McCracken, who has also collaborated with bands like My Chemical Romance. This track marked a turning point for the band, gaining international recognition and propelling them onto the alternative music scene.
The music video is directed by the Malloys.
Writer(s) : Branden L Steineckert, Quinn S Allman, Jeph Howard, Robert C McCracken Publisher(s) : Used Movement Music
Genres : Metal, Pop, Rock,alternative metal, neon pop punk, pop emo, post-grunge, post-hardcore, screamo
Genres : Metal, Pop, Rock,alternative metal, neon pop punk, pop emo, post-grunge, post-hardcore, screamo
The music video is directed by the Malloys
Featured on the album 2002,The Used
12.92% / -0.12%
9 . Better Than Ezra - Good
“Good,” released in 1995, is the single that propelled Better Than Ezra into the spotlight, becoming an anthem on college radio stations. The song, with its catchy chorus and nostalgic lyrics, explores the positive aspects that can emerge from the end of a relationship despite the initial pain. The band, led by Kevin Griffin, is often associated with other alternative scene artists like Toad the Wet Sprocket.
The music video is directed by Chris Applebaum.
Genres : Rock, Metal,pop rock, post-grunge
Genres : Rock, Metal,pop rock, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Chris Applebaum
Featured on the album 1995,Deluxe
12.40% / -0.11%
10 . Spacehog - In the Meantime
Released in 1996 and produced by Bryce Goggin, “In the Meantime” is Spacehog’s most famous track. Featuring a sample from “Telephone and Rubber Band” by the Penguin Cafe Orchestra, the song is marked by its catchy bass riff and spacey melody. Frontman Royston Langdon, also known for his collaborations with artists like The Last Internationale, delivers a memorable performance. The song was used in several films and TV shows, including the VH1 series “Hindsight” and the video games Guitar Hero 5 and Rock Band 3.
The music video is directed by Jake Scott.
Writer(s) : Royston Langdon Publisher(s) : Hog Space Music Ltd
Genres : Rock, Metal,glam rock, pop rock, post-grunge
Genres : Rock, Metal,glam rock, pop rock, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Jake Scott
Featured on the album 1995,Resident Alien
12.12% / -0.31%
11 . Paul Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise
“Starry Eyed Surprise,” released in 2002, is a single by Paul Oakenfold featuring Shifty ShellShock, the rapper from Crazy Town. The song blends elements of electronic music and rap, creating a festive and euphoric atmosphere. Oakenfold, a DJ renowned for his collaborations with Madonna and U2, brings his expertise in music production.
Writer(s) : Harry Nilsson, Andrew Ling Gray, Seth Brooks Binzer, Fred Neil, Paul Mark Oakenfold Publisher(s) : Universal Music Publishing Limited (Gb), Chrysalis-Music-Ltd, Arlovol Music, Mute Song Ltd
Genres : Metal, Rock, Electronic,trance, alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap rock
Genres : Metal, Rock, Electronic,trance, alternative metal, funk metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap rock
Featured on the album 2002,Bunkka
11.88% / -0.27%
12 . Linkin Park - Points Of Authority
Linkin Park’s “Points of Authority,” the fourth track on their 2000 debut “Hybrid Theory,” evolves from a demo titled “Oh No,” later featured on the “LP Underground X: Demos” CD in 2010.
Producer Don Gilmore pushed the band, as they struggled for months to create its chorus, with Mike Shinoda reworking Brad Delson’s guitar riff into a fragmented, signature sound.
Planned single releases were shelved, but a promotional video surfaced via the “Frat Party At The Pankake Festival” DVD.
Its remix, “Pts.OF.Athrty,” was the sole single from 2002’s “Reanimation,” hitting No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart.
The music video is directed by Nathan “Karma” Cox.
Writer(s) : Joseph Hahn, Robert Bourdon, Chester C Bennington, Brad Delson, Mike Shinoda Publisher(s) : Zomba Enterprises Inc, Zomba Songs Inc
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Featured on the album 2000,Hybrid Theory
11.47% / -0.27%
13 . Third Eye Blind - Semi~Charmed Life
“Semi-Charmed Life,” released in 1997, is a hit by Third Eye Blind that captures the carefree and hedonistic spirit of the 90s. With its catchy lyrics and fast tempo, the song paradoxically deals with dark themes like methamphetamine addiction and the despair from toxic relationships. Frontman Stephan Jenkins, known for his collaborations with other alternative scene artists, delivers a memorable performance. The song has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and video games, including “American Pie” and “Guitar Hero: Van Halen.” It even inspired a nail polish color named “Semi-Charmed” in 2022.
The music video is directed by Jamie Morgan.
Writer(s) : Arion Gabriel Salazar, Stephan Jenkins, Kevin Rene Cadogan Publisher(s) : Music Of Everpop
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, pop rock, post-grunge
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, alternative rock, pop rock, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Jamie Morgan
Featured on the album 1997,Third Eye Blind
10.94% / -0.16%
14 . The Offspring - The Kids Aren't Alright
“The Kids Aren’t Alright,” released in 1998, is a poignant song by The Offspring that delves into the failures and troubles faced by residents in a small American town—unplanned pregnancies, unemployment, drug addiction, and suicide. With its dark lyrics and energetic guitar riff, the track reflects the band’s social and economic concerns. Dexter Holland, who also holds a Ph.D. in molecular biology, brings intellectual depth to the lyrics. The video received heavy rotation on MTV and was nominated for Best Direction at the MTV Video Music Awards.
The music video is directed by Yariv Gaber.
Writer(s) : Felicia Ferraro, Bryce Vine, Inconnu Compositeur Auteur, Philippe Fostinelli Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Bye Felicia S Music, Unknown Publisher, Straight From The Art Music
Genres : Metal, Rock, Pop,alternative metal, permanent wave, post-grunge, punk, rock, skate punk, socal pop punk
Genres : Metal, Rock, Pop,alternative metal, permanent wave, post-grunge, punk, rock, skate punk, socal pop punk
The music video is directed by Yariv Gaber
Featured on the album 1998,Americana
10.72% / -0.28%
15 . Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong
Released in 2003, “Somewhere I Belong” by Linkin Park fuses nu-metal with melodic rock, crafting a narrative of inner turmoil and self-reclamation. Its raw energy is driven by layered guitar riffs juxtaposed with introspective lyrics shaped by the band’s shared struggles. Joe Hahn’s surreal music video amplifies the song’s dreamlike meditation on finding clarity, blending fragmented visuals with themes of self-discovery. While peaking at #32 on the Billboard Hot 100, its dominance on the Alternative Songs chart highlights its resonance within the alt-rock sphere. The track’s emotional core and polished production remain connected to the ethos of the early 2000s, balancing aggressive intensity with reflection.
The music video is directed by Joseph Hahn.
Writer(s) : Robert G Bourdon, Joseph Hahn, Chester C Bennington, Michael Kenji Shinoda, Bradford Philip Delson, David Michael Farrell Publisher(s) : Chesterchaz Publishing, Nondisclosure Agreement Music, Pancakey Cakes Music, Big Bad Mr Hahn Music, Zomba Songs Inc, Rob Bourdon Music
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge, rap metal, rock
Featured on the album 2003,Meteora
10.21% / 0.10%
16 . Nickelback - How You Remind Me
“How You Remind Me,” released in 2001, is one of Nickelback’s biggest hits, reaching the top of international charts. The track, with its catchy riffs and introspective lyrics by Chad Kroeger, addresses themes of error and forgiveness. The music video shows the band performing in a small venue, interspersed with scenes of Kroeger’s character being haunted by memories of his ex-girlfriend.
The music video is directed by Greg and Colin Strause.
Writer(s) : Michael Dougla Kroeger, Ryan Vikedal, Ryan Anthony Peake, Chad Robert Turton Publisher(s) : Warner Tamerlane Pub Corp, Arm Your Dillo Publishing Inc, Zero G Music Inc, Ladekiv Music Inc, Black Diesel Music Inc
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, canadian rock, post-grunge
Genres : Metal, Rock,alternative metal, canadian rock, post-grunge
The music video is directed by Greg and Colin Strause
Featured on the album 2001,Silver Side Up
10.01% / -0.45%
17 . Goo Goo Dolls - Iris
Written by John Rzeznik for the 1998 film *City of Angels*, “Iris” appears both on the soundtrack and on the Goo Goo Dolls’ sixth album, *Dizzy Up the Girl*.
The song is released as a single on April 1, 1998, and quickly sets up shop on charts and playlists alike.
Its title—lifted from country singer Iris DeMent’s name in a newspaper—turns out to have nothing to do with the film’s characters, none of whom is named Iris.
What it does mirror is the plot: a celestial being ditching immortality for a taste of love and mortality—messy, sure, but deeply cinematic.
“Iris” collects Grammy nods, becomes a setlist fixture, and joins the ranks of best-selling singles without seeming particularly bothered by all that fuss.
Writer(s) : John T Rzeznik Publisher(s) : Scrap Metal Music
Genres : post-grunge
Genres : Folk/Acoustic, Rock, Metal,neo mellow, permanent wave, pop rock, post-grunge
Featured on the album 1998,Dizzy Up the Girl
9.95% / -0.07%
18 . Cake - I Will Survive
“I Will Survive,” released in 1996, is a bold and stripped-down cover of Gloria Gaynor’s disco classic by the band Cake. Cake’s version stands out with its alternative rock arrangement, John McCrea’s monotone voice, and some subtle lyrical changes – “that stupid lock” becoming “that fucking lock,” which reportedly displeased Gloria Gaynor due to the coarse language. The band, known for their eclectic style and unique covers, has also reimagined other classics like “Mahna Mahna” from The Muppets.
The music video is directed by Mark Kohr.
Writer(s) : Dino George Fekaris, Frederick J Perren, Christian Schneider Publisher(s) : Bibo Music Pub Inc
Genres : Rock, Metal,alternative rock, pop rock, post-grunge, sacramento indie
Genres : Rock, Metal,alternative rock, pop rock, post-grunge, sacramento indie
The music video is directed by Mark Kohr
Featured on the album 1996,Fashion Nugget
9.78% / -0.12%
19 . Creed - One Last Breath
Written by Scott Stapp over three weeks and recorded at J. Stanley Productions Inc in Ocoee, Florida, “One Last Breath” doesn’t rush its existential crisis.
Released in April 2002 as the third single off Creed’s third album, *Weathered*, it arrives weighed down but not entirely hopeless.
The lyrics sift through past missteps and reach—somewhat dramatically—for the hand of a friend who might still be listening.
Emotions run high on both vocals and instrumentals, which the band describes as a faithful rendering of what the song says it feels.
Chart-wise, it climbs to number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and lands comfortably inside the top 40 across Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Germany.
The music video is directed by Dave Meyers.
Writer(s) : Mark Tremonti, Scott Stapp, Maria Elena Kiriakou, Efthivoulos Theoharous Publisher(s) : Reservoir Media Music, Tremonti Stapp Music
Genres : nu_metal
Genres : Metal,alternative metal, nu metal, post-grunge
Featured on the album 2001,Weathered
9.74% / -0.08%
20 . The Offspring - Pretty Fly [For A White Guy]
The Offspring’s 1998 single “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy)” from their fifth studio album, “Americana,” skewers a suburban white male’s awkward attempts to mimic hip-hop culture.
Frontman Dexter Holland credits teenagers in Orange County as his muse, their clueless posturing inspiring both the satire and its infectious beat, which nods to Def Leppard’s “Gunter glieben glauchen globen.”
McG’s music video amplifies the irony with Israeli actor Guy Cohen embodying the ‘wannabe.’
Rankings spanned continents, hitting number one in ten countries, quadruple-platinum down under.
The music video is directed by McG.
Writer(s) : Harry Wayne Casey, R Finch, Stephen C Washington, Dr Dre, Daniel Webster, Raymond Guy Turner, Steven R Arrington, Mark L Adams, Snoop Dogg Publisher(s) : Sony Tunes Inc, Suge Publishing
Genres : post-grunge
Genres : Metal, Rock, Pop,alternative metal, permanent wave, post-grunge, punk, rock, skate punk, socal pop punk
The music video is directed by Bernard Gourley
Featured on the album 1998,Americana
9.71% / -0.08%
Candlebox’s “Far Behind” holds number one, with Limp Bizkit’s “Behind Blue Eyes” in second. Counting Crows and Live retain upper positions, while Linkin Park’s “Somewhere I Belong” debuts at eighteen. Third Eye Blind’s “Semi-Charmed Life” slips slightly but remains significant.
The Post-Grunge chart closes the year solidly, highlighted by one debut and minimal changes among established leaders.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.