What style of 1990s alternative music influenced albums by Madonna and U2?

Answer 1

In the 1990s, the alternative music style known as "grunge" and the rise of "trip-hop" significantly influenced albums by artists like Madonna and U2. Grunge, characterized by its raw sound and introspective lyrics, can be seen in the darker themes of U2's "Zooropa" and Madonna's "Bedtime Stories." Meanwhile, trip-hop's atmospheric beats and samples helped shape the sound of Madonna's later works, particularly in her experimental approach. These genres contributed to a blending of mainstream pop with alternative sensibilities during the decade.