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The term “alternative rock” evokes an interesting image. At first thought, one may picture emo teenagers or long-haired rock stars smashing guitars. Yet the alternative rock genre is a far cry from either stereotype. Beginning as a subsection of the rock movement in the late ’80s, alternative rock cemented itself as a genre throughout the ’90s, drawing inspiration from the punk rock and grunge movements.
However, it was with the rise of Nirvana that the genre entered the mainstream music scene. Since the turn of the century, it has taken many different forms. What distinguishes alt rock from mainstream rock is its experimentation with different sounds, which has led to the creation of further subsections within the genre, such as emo and pop punk. There are, however, a few key shared characteristics, such as heavy use of the guitar and an emotional depth that often pays homage to the genre’s punk origins. These characteristics have led to alt rock falling in and out of the mainstream.
Lately, alt music has been making a comeback with artists such as Olivia Rodrigo and Sombr. This is coupled with several alt rock bands touring together after years of not releasing music. Is alt rock making a comeback? Who knows? But for those interested in being trendsetters, here are a few songs that exemplify the essence of this genre.
‘Come As You Are’ by Nirvana (1991)
Known as one of the founding fathers of the genre, Nirvana popularized alt rock music for mass audiences. Taking inspiration from traditional rock bands, “Come As You Are” marks the transition from grunge to the experimental approach that would define the genre. The song’s intense drumming creates a poignant juxtaposition with the yearning voice, building an emotional depth through which a core value of alt rock is seen early on — authenticity.
‘The Anthem’ by Good Charlotte (2002)
This song is a relevant representation of alt rock since it highlights the essence of this style of music: political messaging. The muse of alt rock is oftentimes the political climate. “The Anthem” embodies this by repeating, “I don’t ever wanna be you,” reiterating the power of staying true to oneself.
‘She’s Out Of Her Mind’ by blink-182 (2016)
With lyrics describing the complex emotions of navigating a relationship, “She’s Out Of Her Mind” explores how to love someone you don’t fully understand. The calming percussion is interrupted with sudden increases in tempo, demonstrating the contrasting temperaments of the couple. Ultimately, however, the stable voice and vocal riffs remind listeners that this is a love song, leaving them with a heartwarming feeling.
‘Maya the Psychic’ by Gerard Way (2014)
Written by former My Chemical Romance vocalist Gerard Way, this song presents a story about an alleged psychic as a metaphor for pediatric mental health struggles. The electronic tones and pitch changes date “Maya the Psychic” to another time of evolution in the genre, spanning from the emo influences of the 2000s to the pop-punk creations of the 2010s.
‘Blonde’ by Waterparks (2018)
Waterparks is one of the few bands on this list that is still active, having released their latest single just a few days ago. While they have pivoted to a pop-rock style, their earlier works are a quintessential example of alt rock, with their initial use of sound bites to expand upon the chaotic energy of this song. The high energy and unconventional use of pitch correction develop a unique blend of sounds that keeps listeners engaged.
‘How Far We’ve Come’ by Matchbox Twenty (2007)
“How Far We’ve Come” incorporates all of the best aspects of alternative music, from the musicality to the messaging, which centers deep emotional reflection. Matchbox Twenty uses a consistent beat and lyrical repetition to symbolize the cyclic nature of life. This song encourages listeners to appreciate how far they have already come in life before they rush towards a new goal.
‘Icarus’ by With Confidence (2018)
Another distinctive iteration of the tale of Icarus, this song tells the story of a relationship in which the central person is taking advantage of the love given to him by another. The drum grooves and switches from screaming grievances to a soothing melody represent the conflict that results from loving someone who is not good for you.
‘Some Kind of Disaster’ by All Too Low (2020)
Returning from a hiatus, All Too Low released this song in 2020. With heavy use of electronic tones correction and pitch correction, it starts with soft notes and slowly transitions into the guitar riffs and heavy drumming that are typical of this genre. The dissonance of the crisp vocals and guitar notes develop a contrasting emotional dichotomy between the two, making this song a great introduction to the genre due its inherently experimental nature.
‘Just the Girl’ by The Click Five (2005)
Formed out of Berklee College in the early 2000s, The Click Five take heavy inspiration from The Beatles, among rock classics. This song was the band’s breakout piece and garnered them a huge fanbase before they slowly fell off over the following decade. The Click Five is rumored to be making a comeback, however, after performing this August in Los Angeles.
‘Flavor of The Weak’ by American Hi-Fi (2001)
Flipping the typical narrative infidelity stories, this song tells the story of a woman who is being cheated on by her no-good boyfriend, who has nothing to offer. Rather than depicting the boyfriend as a “player,” the song paints him as a cruel, indecisive loser. This narrative is enhanced with the steady beat and use of drum runs that serve as a backdrop for the larger story.
‘Tell Me I’m a Wreck’ by Every Avenue (2009)
One of the more experimental songs on this list, Every Avenue embraces the rawness of failure and owning up to your mistakes. The song has very strong vocals and is driven by the guilt that comes with wronging someone. The emotional depth and seemingly underproduced nature of the song add to its sense of authenticity.
‘My Own Worst Enemy’ by Lit (1999)
Lit has never shied away from experimenting with new techniques. Having recently trended on TikTok, “My Own Worst Enemy” tells the story of someone who self-sabotages through an exciting mash of sound bites and alarms, developing the dynamic story of a guy who is simply a mess.
