From modern music to older hits, Alternative music is always an interesting genre to listen to and explore. With several subgenres such as alt-pop, alt- hip hop, and most popularly, alt-rock, listening to Alternative music never gets boring.
In no particular order:
- Californication-Red Hot Chili Peppers
It’s no secret that the Red Hot Chili Peppers is one of the greatest funky-alt-rock bands of all time. They have a myriad of intriguing albums, but there’s just something about Californication that is a little bit more special than the others. Californication was released in the summer of 1999. With songs as groovy as This Velvet Glove and songs as mellow as Scar Tissue, this album has everything for all of your alt-rock needs.
- Colourmekindness-Basement
If you’re looking for a more versatile type of alt-rock, English band Basement is the way to go. Although some of their other albums fall into the emo and pop punk genres, Colourmekindness slipped into the alternative rock category. Colourmekindness came out in October of 2012 with a mix between mellow and more upbeat alt-rock songs. Basement gives off a bit of a heavier vibe with the opening song on the album, Whole, which is quickly turned around with more mellow songs such as Covet and Pine. Basement proves that modern bands still know how to “do” alternative in intriguing ways.
- Pure Heroine-Lorde
New Zealand singer Lorde released an album in the fall of 2013 with hit songs Royals and Team that caused Pure Heroine to become ragingly popular around the world. Lorde has been named with a number of genres from Dream Pop to Electropop, however, her grungy vibe has also given her the alternative rock/pop title, also. Although the more popular songs on the album are exceptional, some of the more underground songs on Pure Heroine are amazing also. Bravado starts off slow and progresses into a calming vibe. The Love Club is an upbeat track that clearly demonstrates Lorde’s more alternative pop side. Pure Heroine is yet another modern alternative album that doesn’t fail to show uniqueness and versatility.
- Hot Fuss-The Killers
Released in the summer of 2004, Hot Fuss by The Killers was among the best alternative rock albums of the 2000’s. The Killers have always been an alternative icon, as a few of the songs on this album really excelled and became exceedingly popular. Hit songs such as Mr. Brightside and Somebody Told Me were played on several radio stations back when they came out and still continue to be played today. Most of the songs on this album are upbeat and happy, so if you were looking for a quieter vibe you unfortunately will not find it on Hot Fuss. There are songs, however, that are more “chill” than others, such as Change Your Mind and Midnight Show. I would definitely recommend Hot Fuss as the perfect throwback for a funky alternative rock album.
- Greatest Hits-Foo Fighters
Foo Fighters is one of the most iconic alternative rock bands in the history of alternative music. Their grungy vibe and look gave them the true alternative rock title. With over 10 albums released starting in 1995, this band has become extremely popular in many generations. On their Greatest Hits album they feature songs from The Colour and The Shape, There is Nothing Left to Lose, and their self-titled album. I mostly chose this one because I could not decide on which album by Foo Fighters was the best. With hit songs Best of You, The Pretender, Learn to Fly, and Monkey Wrench, Greatest Hits is the perfect album to listen to if you’re looking for pure alternative rock music.
- Vessel-Twenty One Pilots
Twenty One Pilots has recently been blowing up due to their new album, Blurryface. Although that album is a big hit, I believe that their previous one, Vessel, was a far superior album. Twenty One Pilots hold a unique sound that puts them in the alternative hip hop category. Vessel is amazingly versatile, with a mixture of singing and poetry-esque rapping. Some of the songs are easy to dance to, some of them are incredibly moving, and some of them are easy to chill to. With hits such as Migraine, House of Gold, and Car Radio, Vessel is a beautifully unique and modern album for the alternative hip hop genre.
- The 1975-The 1975
Formed in 2002, English alternative rock band The 1975 released their self titled album in 2013. The 1975 brought a groovy feel to the alternative rock genre with hit songs Girls, Chocolate, and Sex. If you’re looking for a more vibey and groovy alternative rock band, The 1975 would be perfect for you. Most of the songs are upbeat and funky, but they do include some mellow songs if that’s what you’re looking for. Listen to Robbers, 12, and She Way Out for a slower feel. The 1975 bring a modern groovy feel to alternative rock music, and they continue to release great new music every few years.
- A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out-Panic! At the Disco
If you were an emo kid in the early 2000’s, chances are you have seen this album before. Panic! At the Disco released A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out in 2005 with popular song “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” They have a creepy and playful upbeat sound in there’s a good reason these tables are numbered, honey, you just haven’t thought of it yet. They are another versatile alternative band, with songs that go from quiet to loud such as Camisado, and if you’re looking for a song that’s more alternative pop, The Only Difference Between Martyrdom and Suicide is Press Coverage would be the song for you. Panic! At the Disco provides a versatile feel to alternative rock music.
- Reverie Lagoon-Seahaven
In March of 2014, Californian band Seahaven released their 3rd album, Reverie Lagoon: Music For Escapism Only, normally shortened to Reverie Lagoon. This album is one of my personal favorites, as it has an incredibly moving vibe and sultry sound. Some of the songs, including On The Floor, Love to Burn, and Solar Eclipse are so moving that you can relate tough times to them. If you’re looking for more grunge alt rock vibes, Flesh and Karma Consequential are what you’d want to listen to. Some songs, such as Silhouette (Latin Skin) and Highway Blues remind me of the summer, and just closing my eyes and listening to them makes me feel like I’m on the beach. Seahaven brings a slow and relaxing feel to modern alternative rock music.
- Nevermind-Nirvana
Released in the fall of 1991, Nirvana’s Nevermind has been named as one of the greatest albums in rock history. Nirvana’s grunge vibe and unique lyrics put them in the category of alternative rock. With ragingly popular song Smells Like Team Spirit, this album climbed to the top of the charts shortly after it’s release. Nevermind has a great amount of iconic songs, such as In Bloom, Come As You Are, and Polly. The more underground songs on the album include Drain You, Stay Away, and Endless, Nameless. If you’re looking for an iconic, vintage sound, Nevermind by Nirvana is the album for you.
