[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! Masterpieces and popular tracks of alternative rock (91–100)

CannonballThe Breeders

The Breeders – Cannonball

CannonballThe Breeders

Starting with a strangely warped baseline and layered with distorted vocals, this striking track that The Breeders unleashed on the American alternative rock scene was the lead single from their August 1993 album Last Splash.

Hailing from Ohio, the band was formed around former Pixies member Kim Deal and her twin sister Kelley.

Satirizing French philosophical thought and carrying the message that “life is not a competition,” the song peaked at No.

44 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the remarkable feat of staying on the French charts for 30 weeks.

Its music video, co-directed by Kim Gordon and Spike Jonze, also made waves.

Perfect for those craving the exhilaration of a long-distance drive or wanting to soak in the atmosphere of the ’90s alternative rock heyday.

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Buddy HollyWeezer

Weezer – Buddy Holly (Official Music Video)

Buddy HollyWeezer

This is a gem of a power-pop track released in September 1994 by Weezer, a band emblematic of American alternative rock.

Through references to rock ’n’ roll stars and actresses of the 1950s, it powerfully sings about resisting the gaze and prejudices of others in love.

The driving guitar riffs, catchy melodies, and bright, memorable sound blend beautifully.

Included on the 1994 album “Weezer,” its music video was directed by Spike Jonze and won four awards at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

Capturing the spirit of American youth at the time, this song is recommended for anyone who values staying true to themselves or wants to cheer on pure, sincere love.

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Mr. JonesCounting Crows

Counting Crows – Mr. Jones (Official Music Video)

Mr. JonesCounting Crows

A song by Counting Crows, a rock band formed in San Francisco, USA.

Adam Duritz’s powerful, R&B-like vocals blend seamlessly with the lively, country-tinged instrumentation, resulting in a track you’ll want to keep listening to.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Feel The PainDinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr – Feel The Pain

Feel The PainDinosaur Jr.

This is a classic track by Dinosaur Jr., who could be considered pioneers of American alternative rock.

It’s a bit lo-fi, but the noisy guitars are cool, the vocals are straightforward, and it’s easy to listen to.

That slightly laid-back, almost unmotivated vibe is irresistible for fans of alternative rock.

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SoonMy Bloody Valentine

My Bloody Valentine – Soon (Official Music Video)

SoonMy Bloody Valentine

Japan’s devoted, almost obsessive attachment to the shoegaze genre is remarkable even by global standards.

My Bloody Valentine from Ireland, who established the distinctive style of gazing downward while unleashing shimmering, effects-laden guitar noise and whispering dreamlike melodies, are nothing short of shoegaze deities—and they enjoy exceptional popularity in Japan as well.

Their second album, Loveless, released in 1991, is a once-in-a-lifetime historical masterpiece whose budget nearly bankrupted their label, and a truly alternative work that changed the very concept of guitar rock.

If you’re a music fan who hasn’t heard it yet, start with the quintessential MBV track and album closer, the classic “Soon.”

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