[Western Music] Start with this one! Classic and popular songs of alternative rock

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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!

[Western Music] Start with this one song! Alternative Rock Masterpieces and Popular Tracks (71–80)

Sex Type ThingStone Temple Pilots

Stone Temple Pilots – Sex Type Thing (Official Music Video)

Sex Type ThingStone Temple Pilots

A debut single by the American band Stone Temple Pilots, driven by a heavy, distorted guitar riff that rattles the eardrums.

Vocalist Scott Weiland delivers a fiercely provocative piece, lacing a scathing critique of machismo through an overbearing male point of view.

On first listen, many may be startled to discover the creator’s opposite message hidden behind the aggressive words.

The track appeared as a single the year after its release on the 1992 classic album Core, reaching No.

23 on the U.S.

Mainstream Rock chart.

When you’re weighed down by the absurdities of society and daily life, why not surrender to this song’s powerful sound and blast away the frustration pent up in your heart?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Hunger StrikeTemple Of The Dog

Temple Of The Dog – Hunger Strike

Hunger StrikeTemple Of The Dog

A track from the album Temple of the Dog by the Seattle supergroup Temple of the Dog.

Born from a project to mourn a departed friend, the song is said to portray discomfort with wealth and power, as well as the resistance of those who have none.

The soul-stirring duet between Soundgarden’s Chris Cornell and Pearl Jam’s then-unknown Eddie Vedder is overwhelming.

The way their voices intertwine feels like a raw cry of the heart against society’s injustices.

Released in 1991, the work later drew attention on MTV and became a big hit.

Why not experience the essence of grunge, which lays bare the turmoil within?

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Just Like HeavenDinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr – Just Like Heaven

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

CringeMatt Maeson

Matt Maeson – Cringe [Official Video]

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!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

BelovedMumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons – Beloved

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem