[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! Classic and popular tracks of alternative rock (1–10)

Losing My ReligionR.E.M.

R.E.M. – Losing My Religion (Official HD Music Video)

Losing My ReligionR.E.M.

R.E.M.

is an iconic alternative rock band that formed in 1980 and sustained an active career for over 30 years until disbanding in 2011.

That said, they weren’t a band that emerged amid the so-called alternative rock and grunge boom; rather, they broke through thanks to steady grassroots activity and attention from college radio.

Their 1987 album Document became a million-seller despite being released on an independent label.

It’s hard to sum up their diverse musicality in a single phrase, but the band ensemble on this track—featuring a folky sound augmented by traditional instruments—its lyrical, wistful melody, and suggestive lyrics encapsulate R.E.M.’s distinctive world.

It’s also worth noting the historical fact that with this musical style, they scored a major hit in 1991, at the height of the grunge era.

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Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes

Starting with a simple yet overwhelmingly powerful guitar riff, this track is known as a landmark of alternative rock.

The rebellious spirit and determination for self-determination embedded in the lyrics resonate with many listeners, evoking a universal sense of empathy.

Released by The White Stripes in February 2003, the song is included on the album Elephant and won Best Rock Song at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards.

It has been frequently used at sporting events and political rallies and is beloved around the world.

When you need the courage to face adversity and hardship, this is a song that empowers the heart.

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AfterlifeSharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory

Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory – Afterlife (Official Video)

AfterlifeSharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory

A track has been born that features fantastical synthesizer timbres and striking electronic rhythms.

Created by Sharon Van Etten’s new project, “Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory,” the piece explores philosophical themes such as the afterlife and the enduring nature of love.

Lyrics that depict a longing to reunite with a loved one and the complexity of human relationships resonate deeply with listeners.

Set to be included on the album “Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory,” scheduled for release in February 2025, this track symbolizes Van Etten’s musical evolution.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to reflect on life’s impermanence and the power of love.

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SabotageBeastie Boys

Beastie Boys – Sabotage (Official Music Video)

SabotageBeastie Boys

The Beastie Boys are a legendary presence as a white hip-hop group, and they had a profound impact on the music scene across genres.

Their DIY approach was a culture in itself and constantly drew attention.

Originally coming from a punk band background, they pursued a sound that broke down the barriers between rock and hip-hop from early on.

Sabotage, included on their 1994 classic album Ill Communication, is a quintessential Beastie anthem where the dynamism of rock and punk is exquisitely blended with hip-hop groove.

Along with its legendary music video directed by Spike Jonze, it stands as a song that symbolizes the alternative spirit of the 1990s.

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My HeroFoo Fighters

Foo Fighters – My Hero (Official HD Video)

My HeroFoo Fighters

After Kurt Cobain passed away in 1994, Dave Grohl, who had played drums in Nirvana, completed the songs he had been secretly working on almost entirely by himself and returned to the scene the following year as Foo Fighters.

They went on to become one of the defining American rock bands, and here we introduce a classic track from their breakthrough second album, The Colour and the Shape, released in 1997.

It opens with tight drumming and explodes into a dramatic, emotional melody—an affecting song that, interestingly, has been a favorite cover choice for emo bands since the 2000s.

As for who the “hero” in question refers to… if you’re curious, be sure to look into it!

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