"Garbage" is the self-titled debut studio album of the American rock band Garbage. It was released on August 15, 1995, by Almo Sounds. The album was recorded at Smart Studios over the course of a year, primarily by band members Duke Erikson, Shirley Manson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig.
Initially conceived as a solo project for Vig, the production member, Garbage evolved into a full-fledged band with the inclusion of Erikson, Marker, and Manson. Vig, Erikson, and Marker were already well-known for their work as producers, and Manson previously performed vocals for bands such as Goodbye Mr. Mackenzie and Angelfish.
The album was a convergence of alternative rock, trip hop, and electronic music, a style which had not yet gained prominence in the mid-1990s. Its dark, layered sound incorporated samples and loops with traditional rock instruments, and the lyrics often deal with themes of self-loathing, sarcasm, and angst.
Upon its release, the album was met with positive reviews and achieved success on a global scale. It sold over four million copies worldwide, and its first single "Only Happy When It Rains" gained not just commercial success, but became an alternative anthem of the 90s. Another significant single was "Stupid Girl", which earned them nominations at the Grammy Awards.
Even today, the Garbage album remains a seminal work that introduced a new sound, weaving together different genres. It marked the beginning of Garbage’s successful career in the music industry and set the tone for their future works.
