[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! Masterpieces and popular tracks of alternative rock (91–100)
Sloop Jhon BMe First and the Gimme Gimmes
A classic by Me First and the Gimme Gimmes that serves up feel-good alternative punk rock.
Just listening to it puts you in a good mood and gets you bouncing.
The somewhat nostalgic melody is easy on the ears.
Mr. JonesCounting Crows
A song by Counting Crows, a rock band formed in San Francisco, USA.
Adam Duritz’s powerful, R&B-like vocals blend seamlessly with the lively, country-tinged instrumentation, resulting in a track you’ll want to keep listening to.
[Western Music] Start With This One! Classic and Popular Alternative Rock Songs (101–110)
Feel The PainDinosaur Jr.
This is a classic track by Dinosaur Jr.
, who could be considered pioneers of American alternative rock.
It’s a bit lo-fi, but the noisy guitars are cool, the vocals are straightforward, and it’s easy to listen to.
That slightly laid-back, almost unmotivated vibe is irresistible for fans of alternative rock.
SoonMy Bloody Valentine
Japan’s devoted, almost obsessive attachment to the shoegaze genre is remarkable even by global standards.
My Bloody Valentine from Ireland, who established the distinctive style of gazing downward while unleashing shimmering, effects-laden guitar noise and whispering dreamlike melodies, are nothing short of shoegaze deities—and they enjoy exceptional popularity in Japan as well.
Their second album, Loveless, released in 1991, is a once-in-a-lifetime historical masterpiece whose budget nearly bankrupted their label, and a truly alternative work that changed the very concept of guitar rock.
If you’re a music fan who hasn’t heard it yet, start with the quintessential MBV track and album closer, the classic “Soon.”
SanteriaSublime
A song by Sublime, a three-piece rock band that gained support in America in the 1990s.
The title “Santeria” refers to a Cuban folk religion, and its reggae-style arrangement matches the mood of the lyrics, resulting in a track that feels both ethnic and modern.
Its somewhat nostalgic melody and off-beat rhythm are pleasant, making it a number that naturally gets your body moving.
I Love my ComputerBad Religion
This is a classic song by Bad Religion, a hardcore punk rock band that has been active since the 1980s.
Despite its medium tempo, the great melody makes it irresistible to sing along.
The added chorus parts further enhance the quality of the track.
Get The TimeDESCENDENTS
The Descendents were a hardcore band active in the 1980s and can be considered the origin of what later became melodic hardcore.
They fused punk’s urgent beats and guitar sound with pop-worthy catchy melodies—a band that truly anticipated the music of the 1990s.
The Descendents disbanded when vocalist Milo went off to pursue his studies, and ultimately ended their activities before the alt-rock-dominated ’90s began.