90s grunge remains a pretty specific genre, usually centering on a specific place (Seattle) and a specific cluster of bands (Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, etc). But at the same time that it’s possible to actually trace grunge back to Tina Bell of Bam Bam, it’s also possible to name several pop stars that carry a smidge of grunge along for the ride. Grunge is about playing guitars in Seattle, and it’s also about being a weird girl in pop music. Both things can exist, and here’s how.

Caroline Polachek

Hailed as the second coming of Kate Bush (by me just now), Caroline Polachek embodies what I’m calling art grunge pop. She’s often favored by pop girlies who want a little weirdness but don’t want to stray too far into the unknown. Just avant garde enough to make you go “hm,” but familiar

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