[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)
LongshotCatfish&the Bottlemen
Catfish and the Bottlemen are an indie rock band from Wales.
They’re such a polished band that you wouldn’t believe they came from a quiet corner of Europe! This song is included on their album The Balance, released in April 2019.
With this album in tow, it sounds like they’ll be playing numerous festivals throughout 2019.
We can’t take our eyes off them going forward!
[Western Music] Start with this one song! Alternative Rock Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (51–60)
To Here Knows WhenMy Bloody Valentine
One of the genres that was popular in the alternative scene of the ’90s was shoegaze.
The leading example is My Bloody Valentine.
Their music centers on a thick wall of noise that feels like it’s closing in on you, and the guitar sound of My Bloody Valentine’s guitarist, Kevin Shields, was especially beloved.
Their shows are said to hand out earplugs because the sound is so noisy that there’s a risk of “bursting the audience’s eardrums” (lol).
Alone TogetherThe Strokes
This is a classic by The Strokes, the band that sparked the rock ’n’ roll revival that emerged after 2000.
It’s curious how their endlessly laid-back sound feels fresh and new instead.
The languid vocals also add a great flavor.
Song 2Blur
In the UK during the 1990s, a British style of rock known as Britpop was popular, featuring bands distinct from those of the American alternative movement.
One of the bands that epitomized Britpop was Blur.
In particular, the song “Song 2,” which I’m introducing here, employed grunge techniques and played a role in fueling the alternative boom in Britain.
Gave You EverythingThe Interrupters
This is the song “Gave You Everything” by The Interrupters, a ska-punk band formed in Los Angeles in 2011.
It really evokes ’90s punk! Even before their debut, they caught the eye of RANCID and toured together.
Punk music has been fading from the mainstream in recent years, but could The Interrupters’ breakthrough breathe new life into it? They’re also set to perform at Summer Sonic 2019.
I’m sure they’d be an absolute blast live! Give them a listen—perfect prep before Summer Sonic!
High HopesPanic! At The Disco
It’s the song High Hopes by Panic! At The Disco.
Personally, when I first heard it, I thought it was a K-pop group’s song.
That’s how well-arranged it is.
The emotional melody that comes in partway really hits home.
Brendon Urie’s vocal performance, covering every part, is also a must-hear!
DownfallTrust Company
This is “Downfall” by Trust Company, a band that plays heavy rock in the post-grunge vein.
The heavy guitar riffs are cool and melodic, with some shouts mixed in, making it fair to call this a very cool piece of alternative rock.