Western Rock Popularity Ranking [2026]

SundaySonic youth31rank/position

Sonic Youth – Sunday

Sonic Youth, hailing from New York, can be called one of the bands that formed the very origins of the alternative scene.

Fusing art-pop and punk sounds that reflect the influence of their fellow New Yorkers The Velvet Underground, they created a singular musical style.

Though they were not a band that achieved massive commercial success, they had a profound impact on the scenes that followed and still reign as a group beloved by rock listeners.

This attitude—valuing the pursuit of musicality over commercial success—is the very essence of “alternative,” and the decisive difference from the mainstream.

Back in BlackAC/DC32rank/position

AC/DC – Back In Black (Official 4K Video)

A song by AC/DC, an Australian rock band formed around the Scottish Young brothers.

In Japan, it’s often counted among the “songs where the intro is more famous than the vocals,” thanks to its catchy guitar obbligato that shines within a simple yet tight band sound.

Also, as of 2019, the self-titled album on which the song appears has sold over 50 million copies and is cherished by many rock fans as the third best-selling album in the world.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Song 2Blur33rank/position

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

The devastatingly powerful guitar sound unleashed by Blur, emblematic of British Britpop, sent shockwaves through the 1997 music scene.

Upending their previously English pop sensibilities, the band delivered an experimental piece that fused a raw, US indie rock–inspired sound with spontaneous, meaning-free lyrics—and, ironically, it became their biggest hit.

Born from the album “Blur,” the track’s impulsive creation—reportedly completed in just a few dozen minutes—helped open up a new frontier for the band.

Widely featured in films and video games, its explosive energy also electrifies crowds at sporting events.

It’s truly the perfect song for moments when you want to unleash your energy and get your heart racing.

20th Century BoyT-REX34rank/position

T.Rex – 20th Century Boy (Full Version) [HD]

With its fiercely distorted guitar riff that makes your body move before you know it, this is a signature track by the British glam rock band T.

Rex.

Released as a single in March 1973, it initially didn’t appear on an album yet still reached No.

3 on the UK chart.

Marc Bolan’s confident vocals—almost as if declaring himself the darling of the era—paired with the rough yet catchy sound are irresistibly cool.

The song is also known for being used in a Levi’s commercial in 1991 and for influencing the title of the popular manga “20th Century Boys.” It’s the kind of track that gives you a firm shove forward when you’re facing a big wall, saying, “Your power is far greater than that.”

Best Of YouFoo Fighters35rank/position

Foo Fighters – Best Of You (Official HD Video)

This is “Best of You” by Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, formerly of Nirvana.

From the very beginning, Dave is strumming the guitar while singing, and he sings incredibly well.

It’s one of the classic songs of alternative rock—both heartrending and intense.