Since a young age, I’ve been listening to the fast, rejuvenating tempos of alternative rock. I’ve always been drawn to this genre because of the sensation it gives you: excitement and liveliness. Alternative rock beats are always changing and the melodies morph into different, unexpected sounds along with the rhythm. If you’re also a fan of alternative rock, I hope this list of my top ten favorite songs helps you find a new, coveted song or artist.
- I Summon You by Spoon
I Summon You ranks tenth on this list. This song is bittersweet, with both a melody and lyrics that convey a slight melancholy. It falls on the slower side of the beat spectrum and drags out the emotions it invokes in an ingenious way. Written and produced in 2005 by the band Spoon, this song offers a nostalgic perspective with its opening lyrics, “Remember the weight of the world, it’s a sound that we used to buy.” I highly recommend this song if you’re in the mood to be introspective and reflect on the past.
- Karma Police by Radiohead
Produced by Radiohead in 1997, this song has a medium tempo that picks up pace around the middle. With its famous phrase, “For a minute there, I lost myself,” the lyrics bring about a sense of regret and frustration; yet these emotions are perfectly balanced with a feeling of being blunt and honest. Overall, this song has a gorgeous melody, one that is inspiring and uplifting, despite the melancholy lyrics. I recommend this song if you want to feel liberated from something that has been weighing you down.
- Lampshades On Fire by Modest Mouse
Released in 2014 by Modest Mouse, this song is fast-paced and jarring. The beat resonates within your soul and truly fills you with excitement and energy. With a slow beginning, followed by a beat drop, the rest of the song is entirely unexpected. Isaac Brock— the lead singer— and his distinct, powerful voice really makes this song a gem. I recommend Lampshades On Fire if you need something to pump you up and fill you with energetic sensations.
- Wisdom by The Brian Jonestown Massacre
The Brian Jonestown Massacre released this somewhat calm, yet moving, song in 1995. With an emphasis on the guitar and drums, this song picks up pace quite quickly. The guitar solos throughout Wisdom are some of my favorites and worth checking out. The lyrics are centered around ideas of adoration and love towards that “special someone” and make you think deeply about how you’re affected by those surrounding you. I highly recommend this song if you want to reflect on that special light in your life while indulging in an upbeat, yet medium-paced, tune.
- Lonely Boy by The Black Keys
In 2011, The Black Keys released this bold, fast-moving song. With its grungy opening and booming beat, Lonely Boy makes you feel energized and excited. With its opening lyrics, “Well, I’m so above you, and it’s plain to see, but I came to love you anyway,” Lonely Boy is centered around the concept of being obsessed and enraptured with someone else despite knowing you’re above them. This is a great song if you want to be honest with yourself, and if you need a quick pick-me-up to re-energize and wake you up, as it never fails to do so.
- Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand
Franz Ferdinand released Take Me Out in 2004. Take Me Out has a similar beat and vocals to Lonely Boy, and also utilizes loud noises to produce a sensation of aliveness and excitement. Take Me Out is upbeat, rambunctious, and moving with a signature guitar riff. With lyrics that are easy to follow, it’s easy to get carried away with this song and sing your heart out. I highly recommend this song if you are craving energy and want to jam out.
- The Suburbs by Arcade Fire
Released in 2010 by Arcade Fire, The Suburbs is on the more reflective, introspective side of alternative rock. This song is slower in pace and introduces sentiments of nostalgia, regret, and sadness. With lyrics like, “But in my dreams, we’re still screaming and running through the yard,” you’ll find yourself thinking about your own unique past. I’ve never found a song similar to The Suburbs and I consider it to be the perfect song to listen to if you want to reflect on your life while listening to a calming song.
- Shakin’ by The Dandy Warhols
In 2000, The Dandy Warhols released this incredibly raucous and jarring song. With deep vocals and several moments of intense guitar solos, Shakin’ truly gets its listeners excited. This song is all about not being able to get over someone and wanting them back, despite wanting to become wiser and more aware of yourself. I highly recommend Shakin’ if you want to stimulate your mind and wake yourself up.
- Holding On by The War On Drugs
This newer song, released by The War On Drugs in 2017, has an absolutely gorgeous melody. Holding On perfectly fuses aspects of rock— like guitar solos and deep drums— with melodic symphonies that produce a bittersweet sound. This song is honest and explores the past and how it has affected the future with lyrics like, “When you talk about the past, what are we talking of? Did I let go too fast? Was I holding on too long?” Holding On makes you question yourself in a way that is honest and thoughtful. I recommend this song if you want to jam out but relax at the same time.
- Wolf Like Me by TV On The Radio
Wolf Like Me, released in 2006 by TV On The Radio, undoubtedly ranks number one on this list. This song is fast-moving and loud, layered with a fuzzy-sounding guitar in the background and intense vocals. Wolf Like Me is good to listen to if you want to feel inspired and motivated. With a slower portion in the middle of this song, Wolf Like Me makes you feel liberated as it picks up pace again and becomes a cacophony of guitars, drums, and tambourines. If you’re looking for a song that makes you want to run, jump, and scream, Wolf Like Me is the ultimate choice.
