[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 (61–70)
Honey BucketsMelvins
Formed in the early 1980s, the Melvins are often hailed as the “godfathers of grunge,” a band that has continued for decades with its unshakable core members: vocalist/guitarist Buzz Osborne and drummer Dale Crover.
It’s also well known that Kurt Cobain of Nirvana was close with the Melvins and was an ardent fan.
The sound the Melvins create is by no means designed for mass appeal—featuring heavy, noisy riffs and experimental approaches—and it’s fair to say they influenced all kinds of heavy rock beyond grunge from the 1990s onward.
The track introduced here appears on their landmark major-label debut album, Houdini.
It’s relatively accessible by their standards and is a great recommendation for newcomers.
Father Of MineEverclear
This is Everclear’s biggest hit song, wildly popular in the United States with a smash-hit album.
While rooted in upbeat American rock, the track skillfully weaves in the strengths of grunge and alternative rock.
A Good Night’s Sleep And A Cab Fare HomeThe Strypes
This is a masterpiece by The Strypes, a miraculous rock ’n’ roll band that inherits 60s British rock and blasts it into the present.
They’re an amazing band praised by the likes of Paul Weller and Oasis’s Noel Gallagher.
It’s medium tempo yet rhythmic, and above all, the vocals are incredibly cool.
OutshinedSoundgarden
Though outwardly brimming with confidence, inside it’s full of anxiety.
This song by the American rock band Soundgarden candidly portrays the pain of that gap between one’s inner and outer selves.
It sings of a struggle anyone can have—acting confident while being tormented by self-doubt within.
Its unusual 7/4 time signature and heavy, brooding guitar sound skillfully express an unstable mental landscape, while Chris Cornell’s powerful yet aching vocals seem to amplify the sense of futility.
The track appears on the October 1991 album Badmotorfinger, and a symbolic line from its lyrics even inspired the title of the film Feeling Minnesota.
When you’re feeling down from comparing yourself to others, listening to it might just blast away the sediment in your heart with a roar.
Just Like HeavenDinosaur Jr.
The ’90s alternative movement erupted with Seattle at its center, and bands signed to the label Sub Pop drew particular attention.
One of the bands that epitomized Sub Pop is Dinosaur Jr.
With their noise-heavy guitar sound squarely in the heart of alternative and punk-infused beats, they’re often cited as one of the defining bands of the 1990s.
Guitarist-vocalist J Mascis’s playing is also regarded as among the very best in the alternative scene.
CringeMatt Maeson
This is the song Cringe by American singer Matt Maeson.
His glossy, rich vocals are incredibly captivating! After a long period of groundwork, he released his debut album Bank On The Funeral in April 2019, which includes Cringe.
He had already been active even before his debut, energetically touring across the United States.
Definitely someone to keep an eye on!
BelovedMumford & Sons
It’s a song released in 2018 by the folk band Mumford & Sons.
It’s included on their album Delta, which they made with Adele’s producer, Paul Epworth.
Their music originally had a strong folky feel, but this track incorporates quite a few pop elements.
It’s a song that lets you enjoy a new side of the band.