What makes Alternative Commercial Crossover by The Times notable?

The album is significant for its commentary on the grunge movement while incorporating reggae influences, as evidenced by tracks featuring Tippa Irie. It garnered attention for its unique approach to blending genres at a time when alternative rock was gaining mainstream traction, contributing to discussions around authenticity in music during this era. Released in 1993, Alternative Commercial Crossover marked The Times' transition from their earlier post-punk roots to a more mainstream sound. This album came after their 1990 release, which had already begun to explore elements of pop and rock fusion. At this point, the band was attempting to navigate the commercial landscape of the burgeoning alternative scene.

How many songs are on Alternative Commercial Crossover?

Alternative Commercial Crossover has 11 tracks, running approximately 60 minutes.

Alternative Commercial Crossover

The Times · 1993

60 min · 11 tracks · post-punk

A vibrant fusion of post-punk energy with reggae influences, reflecting the eclectic soundscape of early '90s alternative music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Obligatory Grunge Song — This track cleverly satirizes the grunge phenomenon, using tongue-in-cheek lyrics and a catchy melody that encapsulates the band's critique of commercial trends in music.
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Finnegans Break (feat. Tippa Irie) — By collaborating with Tippa Irie, this song showcases the band's innovative blend of styles, merging reggae with post-punk textures that highlight their musical versatility.
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How Honest Are Pearl Jam? — This track serves as a critical reflection on the authenticity of popular bands like Pearl Jam, making it a thought-provoking commentary relevant to the era's music discourse.
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Baby Girl (feat. Tippa Irie) — Another collaboration with Tippa Irie, this track emphasizes the infectious rhythms of reggae while maintaining a distinctly alternative rock feel, exemplifying the album's genre-blending ethos.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 The Obligatory Grunge Song 4:40
2 Finnegans Break (feat. Tippa Irie) 5:52
3 How Honest Are Pearl Jam? 3:48
4 Baby Girl (feat. Tippa Irie) 6:04
5 Ballad of George Best 4:14
6 Lundi Bleu (Praise the Lord mix) 5:59
7 A Palace in the Sun 4:51
8 Sorry I've Written a Melody 7:27
9 Finnegans Break (Corporate Rock mix) 6:02
10 The Whole World's Turning Scarface 5:04
11 All I Want Is You to Care 6:03

What to play next

Listen next

This Is London / Hello Europe

1993

Go back to

At The Astradome Lunaville

1992

Full The Times discography Artists like The Times

post-punk

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata