All four albums you mentioned — Nirvana’s Bleach, Pearl Jam’s Ten, Alice In Chains’ Facelift, and Soundgarden’s Louder Than Love — are monumental debut records that helped define the early ’90s Seattle grunge scene, each bringing its own unique flavor to the table.

For me, the choice really narrows down to Pearl Jam’s Ten and Alice In Chains’ Facelift. Ten is such a powerful and emotional album, blending soaring melodies with raw, heartfelt lyrics. Tracks like “Alive,” “Even Flow,” and “Jeremy” are timeless anthems that capture both vulnerability and strength, making the album feel deeply personal and universally relatable at the same time. The way Eddie Vedder’s voice carries the emotion and passion on this record is nothing short of iconic.

On the other hand, Facelift delivers a darker, heavier, and more visceral experience. Alice In Chains’ sound is gritty, with Layne Staley’s haunting vocals perfectly matched to the band’s crushing riffs and brooding atmospheres. Songs like “Man in the Box” and “We Die Young” showcase a raw intensity that sets them apart from their peers. The album’s darker tone and exploration of heavy themes give it a compelling depth that resonates with listeners who appreciate a heavier edge.

What I love about these two albums is how they complement each other — Ten with its heartfelt alternative rock and melodic sensibility, and Facelift with its haunting heaviness and emotional grit. Both albums have stood the test of time and continue to influence countless artists and fans alike.

What about you? What draws you most to Pearl Jam and Alice In Chains? Is it the emotional depth, the musical power, or maybe the way those albums captured the spirit of their time so perfectly?