I don't know if you are asking about the influence they have on the attitude of society or on todays music. I think most the groups that have similar sound as our current music aren't the originals of punk and grunge (sadly), but the pseudo punk and grunge that came at the last five years of the ninties. Such as: Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, The Verve, The Wallflowers, Bare Naked Ladies, Everclear and Goo Goo Dolls. Insofar as pure influence on other artists of 'the now' and career longevity, I'd say: Selling The Drama - Live (1995) Above all others Live. They have had a heavy influence on today's artists and general attitude. They are more of an underdog group too. Good Riddance - Green Day (1997) Aren't most our pseudo punk/emo bands just rip offs of GD? Now, Green Day sounds like they do. Losing My Religion - R.E.M. (1991) R.E.M. still stands as one of the founders of alternative rock. Ironic - Alanis Morisette (1996) Huge influence on todays music, both female and male artists. Mr. Jones - Counting Crows (1994) They've got the emotionally powered lyrics and sound that everyone seems copy now days. Ænema - Tool (1997) I've heard so much rock that has felt the influence of Tool. This is just one song that stands out to me. Black Hole Sun - Soundgarden (1994) Again another great group that has clones running around today.