In My Tribe  by 10,000 Maniacs

1987's In My Tribe by 10,000 Maniacs is one of the most sophisticated examples of American alternative rock of the late 80s, marking the moment when the band from Jamestown, New York, transitioned from the "fringe" of college radio to global recognition. Under the guidance of experienced producer Peter Asher, who "smoothed out" the folk-punk edges of their previous work, the album acquired a clear, jangle pop sound, where Rob Buck's bright guitars met Natalie Merchant's crystalline and emotionally charged performance. In My Tribe was the band's third studio album.

Musically, the album oscillates between folk rock and indie pop, with evident influences from The Smiths and R.E.M., while the compositions – a fruit of the collaboration between Merchant and Buck – hide an interesting contrast: while the melodies are often bright and appealing, Merchant's lyrics tackle deep social and personal issues. Singles like Like The Weather and What's The Matter Here? (which deals with the sensitive topic of child abuse) became iconic, proving that pop music can have a strong social impact. A particular historical detail accompanies its journey: the cover of Cat Stevens' Peace Train, included in the initial releases, was later removed at Merchant's decision due to Stevens' political statements about Salman Rushdie, making the first copies collectible.

In terms of success, In My Tribe was triumphant. It reached No. 37 on the Billboard 200, remained on the charts for over a year, and was certified double platinum in the U.S.