1991
in MusicAlbums
23
Artists
20
Milestones
23
Notable Releases
Achtung Baby
BonoA landmark album representing a dramatic shift toward personal lyrics and experimentation, featuring highly processed vocals and new vocal techniques like octave doubling.
Ropin' the Wind
Garth BrooksThird studio album that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, a first for a country artist, and became Brooks' second-best selling album with 14× platinum certification.
Man from Kinshasa
Tabu LeyInternational album incorporating English lyrics and international dance styles for global audiences
No More Tears
Ozzy OsbourneCommercial peak featuring 'Mama, I'm Coming Home' with extensive MTV and radio exposure
Simply the Best
Tina TurnerHer first greatest hits compilation that sold seven million copies worldwide and became her biggest seller in the UK with 8× Platinum certification and over two million copies sold.
Eyes on Tomorrow
Miriam MakebaStudio album recorded with Dizzy Gillespie, Nina Simone, and Hugh Masekela, combining jazz, R&B, pop, and traditional African music, and was a hit across Africa.
Vagabond Heart
Rod StewartAlbum featuring 'Rhythm of My Heart' reaching number two in UK and number ten in US; highest-charting album in a decade
Power of Love
Luther VandrossSpawned two top ten pop hits and won Grammy Award for Best R&B Song for "Power of Love/Love Power."
Seal
SealDebut studio album featuring "Crazy" and establishing Seal as a major soul and R&B artist
2Pacalypse Now
Tupac ShakurDebut album with political rap lyrics addressing social injustice and marginalization of African Americans
Brenda's Got a Baby
Tupac ShakurSingle from 2Pacalypse Now that poetically depicts individual struggles under socioeconomic disadvantage
Significant Milestones
Innuendo
CollaborationMercury's final album with Queen featuring his last recordings, released shortly before his death.
In Living Color Fly Girl
AchievementLopez joined the sketch comedy series In Living Color as a Fly Girl dancer, which led to wider recognition and eventually her transition into acting and music.
First Country Artist to Debut at No. 1 on Billboard 200
DebutRopin' the Wind became the first country album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a historic milestone for the genre.
Record Deal Signed
AchievementNo Doubt was signed to Interscope Records, beginning their journey toward mainstream success.
