Top 20 Alternative Bands of All Time
These alt-rock groups have been dominating the airwaves for decades! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most influential alternative groups that have helped shape the genre into what it is today.
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00:00 Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most influential alternative
00:09 groups that have helped shape the genre into what it is today.
00:19 Number 20.
00:20 Cage the Elephant While they may be the newest band on this
00:29 list, they've quickly proven that they're here to stay.
00:33 Formed in 2006, they made an instant splash on the alt-c.
00:37 Unafraid to experiment with different sub-genres, their songs offer an array of distinctive
00:42 sounds.
00:48 Whether they're showing off their impressive lyricism in "Ain't No Rest For The Wicked"
00:52 or creating dreamy indie bops like "Cigarette Daydreams", their tracks have a way of sticking
00:58 with people long after listening.
01:04 Their music has been used in several soundtracks, cementing their place in the entertainment
01:09 industry.
01:10 Considering they've been around for less than 20 years, the fact that they've made
01:13 such an impact already is a testament to their talent.
01:20 Number 19.
01:21 Weezer They're proof that you don't have to take
01:30 yourself too seriously to find success.
01:33 Weezer quickly found a niche by making pop-inspired alternative tracks.
01:38 Their catchy hooks are immediately recognizable, even to casual listeners.
01:43 Leaning into a quirkier aesthetic, they showed early on that they weren't afraid to be
01:48 different.
01:52 Their work is authentic and catchy, which has helped them form a loyal fanbase.
02:01 Despite having been formed in the 1990s, Weezer has proven that they can still be successful
02:06 in the modern age, with their cover of Africa charting on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018.
02:12 While they may be seen as underdogs by some, there's no doubt that they've carved out
02:16 a permanent legacy for themselves.
02:26 Number 18.
02:27 The Strokes You know you've made your mark when your
02:34 debut is considered one of the best of an entire genre.
02:38 The Strokes hit airwaves with a splash, immediately attracting a listener base via their infectious
02:44 choruses.
02:49 They came along at a time when the scene was moodier and immediately shook things up by
02:53 bringing fun back into the equation.
02:56 Their work serves as an homage to rock and roll's history, while also embracing modern
03:01 production.
03:07 The Strokes became one of the defining acts of the 2000s, even influencing other household
03:12 names such as The Killers.
03:14 Their legacy on both fans and fellow artists is undeniable, and luckily, it seems they
03:20 have no intention of retiring any time soon.
03:29 Number 17.
03:31 Soundgarden Before there was Nirvana, there was Soundgarden.
03:35 One of the first grunge acts to come onto the Seattle scene, the group enjoyed underground
03:39 success before catapulting to fame with their hit, "Black Hole Sun."
03:51 They're known for incorporating dissonant chords, creating a sonically dark experience.
03:56 Chris Cornell's incredible vocals helped sell that effect as well.
04:05 Their reunion in the 2010s proved they hadn't lost any of what made them special, with their
04:10 return album hitting the top 5 on Billboard.
04:13 They only officially ended things after the sudden passing of Cornell in 2017.
04:19 While people are saddened by the loss, they don't doubt that if he were still alive,
04:23 they'd be releasing new music to this day.
04:29 Number 16.
04:36 Dolores O'Riordan Dolores O'Riordan had one of the most distinctive
04:39 voices of the 1990s, easily taking on both ballads and more intense songs.
04:46 She used her voice as an instrument, sometimes even keening or yodeling.
04:57 This is apparent on "Zombie," where her pained voice and gritty sound come together
05:01 to create a sad yet powerful anti-war message.
05:05 The Cranberries had a way of captivating their audience, and their varied catalog had something
05:11 for everybody.
05:18 Whether focusing on romanticism or themes of war, they were able to convey the different
05:23 emotions distinctly.
05:25 While they officially retired the year following O'Riordan's tragic 2018 passing, it's
05:30 clear that they have left a mark behind that will last for the rest of their lives.
05:40 Number 15.
05:41 Talking Heads At its core, one of the prime tenets of alternative
05:49 rock is experimentation.
05:52 Not having to commit to a mainstream sound means that the musicians have more freedom
05:55 to experiment with their sound.
06:02 No band exemplifies this more than the Talking Heads.
06:05 They have been known as avant-garde since they started, with their unique videos immediately
06:10 standing out.
06:11 They have dabbled in various sub-genres, experimenting with complex rhythms and melodies to create
06:16 some of the most foundational pieces in the soundscape.
06:21 The band also helped popularize new wave music, bringing about a style that is still popular
06:26 today.
06:27 While they have been retired for some time now, frontman David Byrne has continued to
06:31 show off his creative prowess in his own solo work.
06:40 Number 14.
06:42 The Smiths Defiantly going against tradition, the Smiths
06:50 became an instant success in the UK.
06:56 They offered a completely different vibe to other acts of the 1980s, presenting themselves
07:02 with a sense of authenticity that was clear to anyone who listened to them.
07:06 The group's complete rejection of modern production also helped earn them cred amongst
07:11 rock fans.
07:12 They became the mouthpiece for the disaffected, creating visceral songs about complex yet
07:19 common feelings.
07:20 The Smiths' unique approach has become an inspiration for other musicians who don't
07:26 want to compromise their integrity for fame.
07:32 Number 13.
07:33 The Pixies The Pixies are a group of young musicians
07:37 who are passionate about their music.
07:46 Music is always growing and changing, with trends coming and going.
07:50 Alternative rock is no exception, with some musicians creating new trends.
07:55 The Pixies changed the course of their own careers by shifting the entire dynamic landscape.
08:04 They played with volume, often ranging from quiet and subdued to loud and raucous during
08:10 the span of a single piece.
08:12 In doing so, they influenced other acts to utilise the same tactic in their own work.
08:21 They also served as a transitional point for the genre, adding a level of maturity that
08:26 made people regard it with newfound respect.
08:29 Their work has inspired other legends of the scene, creating a legacy that goes far beyond
08:34 their own discography.
08:42 Number 12.
08:43 Gorillaz While the members of this band may be fictional,
08:53 they have still become some of the most recognisable characters in the music industry.
08:57 With their computer-generated identities, Gorillaz became one of the most unique acts
09:01 in history.
09:03 They released cutting-edge, heavily produced tracks that captivated audiences everywhere.
09:13 There is even lore behind the fictional group, often being explored through their videos
09:18 and other digital media.
09:20 This has allowed supporters to become completely immersed with each new release revealing more
09:24 about the story.
09:32 Their use of synthesizers helped elevate the genre in the 2000s, taking it to an even higher
09:38 level.
09:39 The characters and their sound continue to evolve, making them one of the most interesting
09:43 additions since Alternative Rock's inception.
09:50 Number 11.
09:51 Sonic Youth Some of the most influential bands are the
10:02 ones who created new sounds out of seemingly everyday things.
10:07 Instrumentation became the main focus of many ensembles, as it became the key way to set
10:11 themselves apart from the rest of the crowd.
10:19 Sonic Youth did this in an ingenious way.
10:23 They used household items to manipulate their equipment.
10:26 They were able to take seemingly normal items like screwdrivers and use them to create sounds
10:31 that the industry had never seen before.
10:37 This changed the landscape entirely, giving others inspiration to experiment with non-conventional
10:42 items and tactics.
10:44 Sonic Youth didn't just revolutionize the way music was made, they also served as the
10:49 personification of the genre's defiant and free-spirited vibe.
10:57 Number 10.
10:58 Arctic Monkeys Alternative Rock hit a second peak in the
11:06 early 2010s, with platforms like Tumblr helping popularize it and its darker aesthetics.
11:13 This newfound admiration for the group helped catapult the Arctic Monkeys to immense fame.
11:23 Their slightly gritty classic sound stood out amongst the club music popular at the
11:27 time, helping to usher in a wave of moody, emotional tunes that resonated with younger
11:32 generations.
11:33 They've also proven that they don't need that sound to remain successful.
11:40 Their most recent album experiments with a jazzier sound, bringing two distinct styles
11:45 together in one cacophony of musical genius.
11:49 While many of their contemporaries have faded to time, Arctic Monkeys have been able to
11:53 adapt their sound to maintain their superstar status.
12:02 Number 9.
12:03 The White Stripes Creating one of the most iconic guitar riffs
12:14 in modern history isn't easy, but they did it as if it were the simplest thing in the
12:19 world.
12:20 With their effortlessly cool attitudes and infectiously catchy drum work, The White Stripes
12:25 helped repopularize garage rock.
12:35 They seemed uninterested with the critical and commercial success they received, and
12:40 rather focused on the art itself.
12:43 Their dedication to creativity has helped them carve out a place for themselves in alt-history.
12:53 Their versatility isn't just clear in their music, they've also helped several musicians
12:57 experiment with their sound, as evidenced by Jack White's collaboration with Beyonce.
13:03 Their versatility has helped them become some of the most respected artists among fans and
13:07 fellow creatives.
13:13 Number 8.
13:14 Pearl Jam While they may have hit the grunge scene at
13:23 the tail end of its mainstream success, Pearl Jam persevered and became one of the defining
13:28 acts of the 90s.
13:30 At the peak of their popularity, they even surpassed their predecessor Nirvana.
13:41 Their evocative and emotional lyrics, performed by Eddie Vedder, have become their calling
13:46 card.
13:47 Songs like Jeremy, in particular, cemented their popularity amongst the youth of that
13:52 era, giving them music they could truly relate to.
13:57 Vedder's raspy tone encapsulates the 90s sound and that era as a whole.
14:05 Their continued passion for the craft, even after three decades, have proven that they
14:10 were never just going to ride on the coattails of those who came before them.
14:20 Number 7.
14:21 Foo Fighters Out of tragedy came one of the most iconic
14:29 bands in alternative rock history.
14:32 Following the untimely death of Kurt Cobain, Dave Grohl could have given up and been known
14:37 as a previous member of Nirvana.
14:39 However, he flipped his legacy on its head and created the Foo Fighters.
14:50 They brought a fresh perspective, combining classic grunge sounds with a sense of joy
14:54 that his previous discography lacked.
15:04 Their earnestness immediately captured the hearts of fans and critics.
15:08 The 2022 passing of their drummer Taylor Hawkins could have been the end, but instead they
15:14 dedicated an album to him.
15:16 Their perseverance acts as a beacon to those struggling, letting them know they too can
15:22 overcome extreme adversity in their life.
15:31 Number 6.
15:33 The Smashing Pumpkins While other bands that defined genres had
15:42 a slew of copycats try to copy their success, The Smashing Pumpkins managed to create a
15:47 niche just for themselves.
15:50 The group has been known to switch effortlessly between sounds, coming out with earnest, nostalgia-drenched
15:55 dream pop one minute and heavy metal the next.
16:03 They also exude a sense of theatricality that elevates both their recorded and live performances.
16:10 Countless artists across various musical styles have been inspired by them, from pop stars
16:14 like Nelly Furtado to emo ensembles like My Chemical Romance.
16:23 As of 2023, they're still stretching the boundaries of music with their newest project,
16:29 a rock opera.
16:30 They've proven that old dogs can still come out with new tricks and perform them well.
16:39 Number 5.
16:40 The Red Hot Chili Peppers One of the defining aspects of alternative
16:49 rock is the effortless blending of various genres, creating a balancing act of different
16:55 melodies.
16:56 No act exemplifies this more than the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who incorporate elements
17:01 from various styles like psychedelia and funk.
17:09 Their experimentation has gone on to inspire new categories as well, such as new metal.
17:15 Their creative lyricism and Anthony Kiedis' one-of-a-kind voice have helped them continue
17:19 to stand out among their peers, even after four decades.
17:28 Despite their ever-changing sound, their personality still shines through their work, making it
17:33 instantly recognisable to long-term and new listeners alike.
17:37 They continue to push boundaries in their work to this day, constantly reinventing both
17:41 their sound and themselves.
17:48 Number 4.
17:49 The Cure The popularity of punk subculture brought
17:57 out tons of new artists, but few have stood the test of time to still be considered influential.
18:08 With their commitment to gothic aesthetics and themes, The Cure became not only a defining
18:13 post-punk band, but a defining rock group as a whole.
18:17 They helped bring the genre into the mainstream, charting at a time when the underground scene
18:21 wasn't nearly as popular as it is today.
18:30 Robert Smith's unexpectedly smooth, beautiful vocals worked on both ballads and fast-paced
18:36 songs, showing his versatility as a vocalist.
18:39 They still continue to inspire new acts to this day, nearly 50 years after their inception.
18:45 That kind of legacy, you just can't fake.
18:51 Number 3.
18:52 R.E.M.
18:53 Without them, alternative music may not have reached the level of popularity it has today.
19:09 During the 1980s, there was a period where fans still gravitated towards standard rock
19:14 and roll, rather than the experimental work found in underground spaces.
19:18 However, R.E.M. was able to connect the two, using their cynical yet emotive lyrics as
19:23 a way of differentiating themselves from the optimism of the 1980s.
19:34 From "Losing My Religion" to "Everybody Hurts", they have always been able to capture
19:38 the mindset of a listener.
19:46 The themes they sang about were felt by many, making their work accessible to a wide audience.
19:52 Their impact cannot be understated, they are one of the defining pillars of the entire
19:57 genre.
20:02 Number 2.
20:03 Radiohead Their living proof that your most successful
20:13 song doesn't have to define the rest of your career.
20:16 While the acoustic classic "Creep" helped them find mainstream success early on, the
20:21 members of Radiohead made it clear they weren't planning on it being their legacy.
20:28 Their albums experimented with sound and form, using heavy production as a way to invoke
20:33 intense emotion.
20:35 They were also one of the first to use the internet to promote themselves, introducing
20:39 them to a worldwide audience that has remained loyal to them.
20:49 They continue to stay hard at work, creating new visions that push musical boundaries.
20:54 They're not only one of the most prominent alternative artists, they're one of the most
20:58 influential bands in history.
21:21 Number 1.
21:25 Nirvana In the early 1990s, radio was being dominated
21:30 by the glamorous, highly produced pop of the late 80s.
21:34 When Nirvana hit the scene with their dark rock instrumentation, gritty lyrics, and punk
21:39 attitudes, they turned the industry on its head.
21:46 Their songs were laced with cynicism, offering a reprieve from the corporate, faux-optimistic
21:52 tunes that were popular among the mainstream.
21:55 While they only had a few singles under their belt, they became instant classics, such as
21:59 their defining piece "Smells Like Teen Spirit".
22:10 They helped popularize grunge music to the masses, changing the musical landscape entirely.
22:16 Kurt Cobain's sudden death may have signaled the end of their reign, but the mark they
22:20 made on rock will never fade.
22:28 Which alternative band do you think has left the biggest legacy?
22:31 Let us know in the comments below.
22:44 [music]