[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! Classic and popular tracks of alternative rock (41–50)
Driving SouthStone Roses
This is a famous song by The Stone Roses, hugely popular in the UK, that even influenced members of Oasis.
With danceable drums and driving guitars, it’s an incredibly cool alternative classic.
It’s no surprise it had a massive impact on the British rock bands that followed.
One Armed ScissorAt The Drive-In
Lastly, let me introduce At The Drive-In, a post-hardcore band from Texas.
Their defining features are an explosive, barely contained intensity and a chaotic sound that seems to swallow up everything from punk to noise rock.
They later became the foundation for The Mars Volta, and their musicianship is exceptionally high.
Lo/HiThe Black Keys
It’s a song called Lo/Hi by The Black Keys.
It’s short, but the fuzzy distortion and the languid vocals are as great as ever.
Their last release was the 2014 album Turn Blue.
This is their first new song in five years, and it really raises expectations for a new album.
HurtNine Inch Nails
Among the figures often considered most important in the genre of alternative rock is Trent Reznor.
In recent years, Trent—now also renowned as an outstanding film composer—has continued to lead Nine Inch Nails, whose industrial rock–driven sound, intense stage performances, and intellectually introspective worldview have exerted immense influence on generations of artists.
Hurt, included at the end of their 1994 masterpiece The Downward Spiral, is a gem of a song that unfolds with a tranquil sound entirely different from the band’s typically hard-edged image.
That said, beneath its beautiful melody lies a painfully raw portrait of Trent’s inner landscape.
Take your time with it, and listen closely while engaging with the lyrics.
11 Minutes ft. Travis BarkerYUNGBLUD, Halsey
This is the song 11 Minutes by YUNGBLUD, a rock singer from the UK.
It’s a collaboration with the charismatic pop singer Halsey.
His vocals, reminiscent of ONE OK ROCK’s Taka, have an edgy feel.
In fact, there are rumors that YUNGBLUD might be Halsey’s new boyfriend.
I’m curious where that will go, but in any case, their collaboration makes for a really cool track.
Chlorinetwenty one pilots
The unintelligible lyrics make it pop in a way! This is “Chlorine” by Twenty One Pilots, an alternative hip-hop duo from the United States.
They won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards.
The monster that appears in the music video is cute! I’m really looking forward to their future work.
Basket CaseGreen Day
A song by Green Day, a rock band formed in 1987 in California, USA.
With a simple three-piece lineup, each part stands out within the straightforward sound, making it easy to listen to and the kind of track that can hype up any rock fan.
Interestingly, the title of this song means “a person who is incapacitated,” but the music has a bright, uplifting vibe that blows away those kinds of feelings.