[Western Music] Start with this one! Classic and popular songs of alternative rock
Even for those who love rock, it’s not easy to succinctly explain what alternative rock is.
As rock history produced a variety of genres, the term “alternative rock” emerged as music that stood against the mainstream—an underground counterpart.
It might even be more accurate to think of it not as a genre, but as a musical attitude that the musicians themselves embody.
In this article, we’ve curated a selection focusing on iconic Western tracks from the 1990s—songs through which alternative rock upended trends across the global music scene.
If you’ve recently become interested in alt rock, be sure to check them out!
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[Western Music] Start with this one song! Alternative Rock Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (71–80)
Father Of MineEverclear
This is Everclear’s biggest hit song, wildly popular in the United States with a smash-hit album.
While rooted in upbeat American rock, the track skillfully weaves in the strengths of grunge and alternative rock.
Already OverRed
Starting with the sound of a violin, this song is one of RED’s masterpieces.
It begins quietly and explodes at the chorus, embodying the essence of alternative rock, and it’s incredibly cool.
The melody is very poignant and filled with a sense of melancholy.
Just Like HeavenDinosaur Jr.
The ’90s alternative movement erupted with Seattle at its center, and bands signed to the label Sub Pop drew particular attention.
One of the bands that epitomized Sub Pop is Dinosaur Jr.
With their noise-heavy guitar sound squarely in the heart of alternative and punk-infused beats, they’re often cited as one of the defining bands of the 1990s.
Guitarist-vocalist J Mascis’s playing is also regarded as among the very best in the alternative scene.
[Western Music] Start with this one song! Classic and popular alternative rock tracks (81–90)
CringeMatt Maeson
This is the song Cringe by American singer Matt Maeson.
His glossy, rich vocals are incredibly captivating! After a long period of groundwork, he released his debut album Bank On The Funeral in April 2019, which includes Cringe.
He had already been active even before his debut, energetically touring across the United States.
Definitely someone to keep an eye on!
BelovedMumford & Sons
It’s a song released in 2018 by the folk band Mumford & Sons.
It’s included on their album Delta, which they made with Adele’s producer, Paul Epworth.
Their music originally had a strong folky feel, but this track incorporates quite a few pop elements.
It’s a song that lets you enjoy a new side of the band.
Missed ConnectionThe Head And The Heart
It’s a song called ‘Missed Connection’ by the indie folk band The Head and the Heart from Seattle.
It’s included on their 2019 album Living Mirage.
The rich, full-bodied chorus that only a large ensemble can deliver is really cool! Also, the vocal effects and scattered sound effects make for a very elaborate arrangement that really hits home.
FirestarterThe Prodigy
A track by the UK rock band The Prodigy.
True to their reputation as pioneers of the genre known as “digirock,” which fuses rock and techno, the track showcases those characteristics.
Released in the 1990s—when the band was even hailed as the pinnacle of dance music—the song creates an alternative sound that other rock bands could not replicate.