Top 20 Alternative Rock Acts You Should Know

      What on Earth is alternative rock? It's only the best music in the world, of course (in my definitively correct opinion). Honestly, the term 'alternative' is a tricky one to define. I recently read a book by author and professor Adam Caress called The Day Alternative Music Died. In this book, Caress attempts to answer this question. He defines alternative rock as a diverse music scene that formed in opposition to the commercial aspirations of mainstream rock and that has a focus on making substantive artistic statements. I definitely agree with this definition; however, for me the term 'alternative' is defined not necessarily by a list of qualities, but by certain bands. There are so many amazing alternative bands who each contribute to the qualities that make up Caress's definition: diverse, anti-mainstream, artistically-focused, and a part of a scene more than a genre. To really be familiar with what 'alternative' rock is, you have to be familiar with the bands that make up alternative rock. Therefore, I have put together this list of Top 20 Alternative Rock Acts You Should Know. This is not in any way a definitive list of all alternative rock acts; however, these 20 acts represent a good starting point for any conversation about alternative rock. I provided a little background on each act as well as three songs that I feel represented each band well. In order to not give preference to any band, I have listed them alphabetically. Songs are listed chronologically and include links to videos. Feel free to view any, all, or none of the videos. Have fun familiarizing yourself with the sweet sounds of alternative rock!

The B-52's

     The B-52's play what could be classified as 'new wave' (itself a broad, difficult-to-define category). They hail from Athens, Georgia and have been active since 1976 (despite the death of the lead guitarist Ricky Wilson in the 80s). The B-52's are distinguished by having both male and female vocalists and interesting 'sound effects' in their songs. Their music has a somewhat 'retro' feel, as their music and style (as seen in the photo) pays homage to the 'mod' style of the 1960s.

Songs To Know:
Rock Lobster
Private Idaho
Love Shack

Beck

       Beck receives the distinction of being the only act in this list that's not a band. No discussion of alternative music, however, is complete without mentioning Beck. His sound is defined by being undefinable; Beck constantly experiments with new genres and styles. He represents alternative rock through his artistic experimentation and by playing whatever he wants to play (not necessarily whatever is popular). His career began in the 90s, and he is still active today.

 Songs to Know: Loser                          Where It's At                             Lost Cause

The Cure

       The Cure is a British band that began in 1976. They are still playing music today; however, they have experienced many line-up changes over the years. Lead singer Robert Smith (center of picture) is the only constant member. The Cure is often described as goth rock, and although their appearance (particularly Smith's) did greatly influence goth culture, 'goth' is probably not the best label for their music. Many of their songs like "Just Like Heaven" and "Hot! Hot! Hot!" are much too pop-oriented to be considered 'goth.' Smith himself has defied the classification of The Cure's music as 'goth music,' saying that they just play "The Cure music." 

Songs to Know:

Boys Don't Cry

Just Like Heaven

Lullaby

Depeche Mode

     Depeche Mode is a British band who first began playing in 1980. Their music represents a more electronic side of alternative rock with heavy use of synthesizers. In the 90s-- particularly with the release of their album Violator-- Depeche Mode began making music that was more guitar-oriented. They are still releasing music today-- despite the departure of a couple band members. 

Songs to Know:

Just Can't Get Enough

Never Let Me Down Again

Personal Jesus

Echo and the Bunnymen

       Echo and the Bunnymen are a British band that formed in 1978. They too fit into what could be called 'new wave.' They had quite a few successful songs-- often because their songs were used in films like Pretty in Pink; however, for most of their career they only maintained a cult following. They disbanded and reformed in the late 90s-- although with a slightly different lineup.

Songs to Know:  The Killing Moon        Bring on the Dancing Horses       Lips Like Sugar 

Mazzy Star

     Mazzy Star formed in Santa Monica in 1989. They are representative of the '90's psychedelia' sound that was also characteristic of bands like The Cranberries and The Sundays. Their sound is marked by soft vocals, slide guitar, and sometimes harmonica. Mazzy Star disbanded in the late 90s because they felt that the music industry was no longer supporting the artistic process of underground (a.k.a. alternative) artists.

Songs to Know:  Halah         Fade into You           Flowers in December

New Order

      New Order formed in 1980 in Manchester, England and are one of the most important bands of Manchester's iconic music scene. They formed out of the ashes of the band Joy Division following the suicide of lead singer Ian Curtis. While Joy Division left an impressive legacy on alternative rock, New Order-- with their longer career-- have also had a profound impact. Their music, like that of Depeche Mode, is also more electronic and synthesizer oriented. Their single "Blue Monday" is one of the best-selling singles of all time. 

Songs to Know:

Temptation

Bizarre Love Triangle

True Faith

Nirvana

      No list of alternative bands is complete without Nirvana-- the band that brought alternative into the mainstream. Nirvana formed in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987; however, they didn't make it big until the 1991 release of Nevermind. This album turned Nirvana into arguably the biggest band in the world at the time. Nirvana's career was short-lived, however, as the band disbanded after lead singer Kurt Cobains's suicide in 1994. The band was part of the Seattle grunge scene. Grunge is a particularly hard-edged form of alternative rock because it incorporates elements of both punk (as does almost every other alternative band) and heavy metal (which is more unique to grunge). Nirvana's drummer Dave Grohl went on to form Foo Fighters-- another important alternative rock band. 

Songs to Know:  Come as You Are     Smells Like Teen Spirit     Heart-Shaped Box

Oingo Boingo

      Oingo Boingo is an American band that originally formed as a theater troupe in 1972. In the late 70s, they transitioned into being a full-fledged rock group under the direction of lead singer Danny Effman. The band plays ska-influenced new wave. The ska influence can be particularly heard in their horns section and interesting percussion. Oingo Boingo disbanded in 1995; however, their songs are still used quite often in movies and TV.

Songs to Know:

Dead Men's Party

Just Another Day

Weird Science

Pearl Jam

      Pearl Jam is another hallmark of Seattle's grunge scene. Their debut album Ten actually outsold Nevermind. Despite their immense popularity, Pearl Jam has frequently avoided giving interviews and tries to keep concert tickets affordable (even advocating a boycott of Ticketmaster). While still heavy, Pearl Jam's sound is slightly lighter and softer than their fellow grunge bands. Their sound is also instantly recognizable due to lead singer Eddie Vedder's distinctive growl. They are still touring and making music today.

Songs to Know:

Even Flow

Daughter

Better Man

Pixies

      Pixies formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. Their music is characterized by both male and female vocals, sudden dynamic shifts, and bizarre lyrics. The influence of their music on grunge (especially in terms of their dynamic shifts) is clear. Kurt Cobain cited Pixies as one his biggest influences. Pixies broke up but reformed in 2004-- although original bassist and sometimes singer Kim Deal (who had had a notoriously rocky relationship with lead singer Black Francis) eventually left the band.

Songs to Know:  Where is My Mind?               Gouge Away              Letter to Memphis

The Police

      Despite their short-lived career, The Police are one of the most important bands in alternative rock. The Police are a British band that formed in 1977. People have consistently found them difficult to define, often just resorting to classifying them as 'post-punk.' However, The Police's reggae influences have even led them to occasionally be called 'world music' (an extremely useless label in my opinion). The Police are distinguished by Sting's unique voice, Stewart Copeland's inventive percussion, and complex, literary lyrics (Sting was an English teacher before starting The Police). The Police disbanded in 1986. Sting has gone on to have an extremely successful solo career, and his music is worth checking out in order to gain a full picture of alternative rock. 

Songs to Know: Roxanne                    Message in a Bottle                   Every Breath You Take

R.E.M.

      R.E.M. is one of the most important and successful American alternative bands. The band formed in 1980 in Athens, Georgia (the same place as The B-52's). R.E.M. is known as a 'college rock' band because they were a favorite of college radio stations and became successful thanks to the support of these stations. Along with U2, R.E.M. was one of the few alternative bands to eventually break into the mainstream (before Nirvana). R.E.M. is defined by Peter Buck's jangly guitar playing and Michael Stipe's half-coherent singing and cryptic lyrics. After many successful years together, the band amicably split in 2011. 

Songs to Know:  Fall on Me             Losing My Religion            Man on the Moon

Radiohead

      Radiohead is a British band that formed in 1985. They came to the forefront of music with the release of their 1992 single "Creep." Their third album OK Computer was extremely commercially successful and critically acclaimed. It is considered by many critics to be one of the best albums of the 90s and one of the most significant albums in all of rock. Radiohead didn't stick with the successful formula of OK Computer, and their next album Kid A was highly controversial. It was loved by some and hated by others. Radiohead has continued to release experimental music with each album and has released their music in revolutionary ways (like allowing people to choose how much they wanted to pay for an album). Radiohead truly defines alternative-- not because they are easy to define, but because they refuse to be defined. They play whatever they want to play with total disregard for commercial success. 

Songs to Know:  Creep                 Fake Plastic Trees                 Karma Police

Red Hot Chili Peppers

      Red Hot Chili Peppers is an American band that formed is LA in 1983. They are often categorized as funk rock. They are characterized by funk rhythms, rap-like vocals, as well as high-energy live performances. Bassist Flea is one of the most recognizable and well-known bassists in rock music. Red Hot Chili Peppers is one the most successful and well-known (even in the mainstream scene) alternative rock acts. They continue to produce music today (although with a different guitarist).

Songs to Know:   Under the Bridge             Californication              Dani California

The Replacements

      The Replacements were an American band that formed in 1979 in Minneapolis. They are considered to be a pioneering band in the American alternative rock scene and, along with R.E.M., were a hallmark of 80's college radio. They also gained notoriety for their often drunken and rowdy performances. The Replacements played what could be called 'post-punk'-- meaning they held to the D.I.Y. ethos and simplicity of punk rock. They broke up in 1991 and then reformed from 2012-2015.

Songs to Know:
I Will Dare
Left of the Dial
Alex Chilton

The Smiths

      You simply cannot talk about the British alternative scene of the 80s without talking about The Cure and The Smiths. The Smiths formed in Manchester in 1982. They were greatly influenced by 60's pop music. The band is defined by guitarist Johnny Marr's distinctive jangly guitar, lead singer Morrissey's crooning voice, and honestly some of the weirdest lyrics in all of rock. The band is sometimes categorized as 'jangle pop' due to Marr's guitar style. The Smiths were rife with tensions (particularly between Morrissey and Marr), and they disbanded in 1987. Despite their very short career, The Smiths are one of most influential alternative rock bands of the 80s and truly defined the scene. Morrissey went on to have a successful solo career, and his music is worth checking out.

Songs to Know:  This Charming Man     How Soon is Now?    There is a Light That Never Goes Out

Talking Heads

     Talking Heads formed in New York City and was active from 1975-1991. They are considered to be one of the first 'new wave' bands. Talking Heads is known for experimenting with many different styles in their music. Their music marked a sharp departure from the glam bands and hair metal of the 80s; they truly were a new wave of music. Many later alternative rock bands cite them as a major influence.


Songs to Know: Psycho Killer           Once in a Lifetime            Road to Nowhere

The The

      The The is a British band that began in 1979. The band's sound is most noted for lead singer Matt Johnson's distinctive vocals and the extensive use of harmonica in many songs. There is often other interesting instrumentation like flutes or xylophones. Johnson's lyrics are also very complex, poetic, and attempt to tackle many sociopolitical issues. The The continues to make music although Johnson has been the only constant member.

Songs to Know:    Uncertain Smile        The Beat(en) Generation         Love is Stronger than Death

U2

      I cannot tell a lie. Yes, one of the reasons I decided to list the bands in alphabetical order was to avoid giving preference to any one band. But another reason was that I knew it would mean U2 would be last, and U2 is my favorite band. While I do acknowledge that I have some bias towards U2, it is still a fact that U2 is one of the most influential and successful alternative rock bands. U2 hails from Dublin, Ireland. It was formed in 1976 while all four members were still in high school. U2 is defined by their anthemic, sweeping sound-- created mostly by guitarist The Edge's innovative, effects-based guitar playing. Their lyrics are very poetic and often focus on political and spiritual themes. Over the years, U2 has become equally known for their music and their activism, and they often use their music and their massive concerts to make sociopolitical statements. They were one of the first alternative rock acts to transition to the mainstream. They did this twice-- with their big break with 1987's The Joshua Tree and with their self-reinvention with 1991's Achtung Baby. U2 hasn't been afraid to experiment-- even if it has meant losing portions of their audience. U2 truly defines what it means to be an alternative band in the post-punk world.

Songs to Know:   Sunday Bloody Sunday     Where the Streets Have No Name      One


      Now you have a great starting point for discussing alternative rock! Of course, it's important to remember that there are far far more than 20 amazing alternative rock acts, and each of these acts has far far more than 3 notable songs; however, as I have said, this is just a starting point. Enjoy your further forays into the wonderful world of alternative rock (a.k.a. the greatest music in all of time and space)!