Started to become well known during the 1980s and skyrocketed during 1990s, Alternative rock music disseminated globally and gained their own popularity. The term ‘Alternative’ means the music literally differs from the mainstream rock genre at that time (Now, the mainstream genre is coined as the classic rock). Actually, many alternative rocker musicians are inspired by the punk movement which emerged in the 1980s. As they adore the pioneer of punk rock bands, such as Sex Pistols and Clash, the alternative rock pioneers have a sense of changes. Due to that reason, many early alternative rock musicians try to innovate by adding and fusing the elements of other genres to rock music. This means that alternative creates a distinct style from their predecessors and hence, it produces different yet exciting music. However, you cannot deny that the hint of classic rock in some of the band still exists, and hence depict its ancestor.
The Alternative Rock itself covers the broad areas of music, which consist of many subgenres, for instance, Gothic rock, Grunge, Britrock, and Indie rock. All of these genres are united under the Alternative Rock big umbrella, and even some of the music has the elements of reggae, electronic music, folk, and jazz. All of these combinations produce vibrant musical styles yet still highlight the rock genre as the core. In the development of Alternative Rock during the 1980s, many early Alternative Rock bands did not receive recognition and commercial success. The band such as Husker Du and Replacements remains indie and promote their songs throughout the radio and airplay. While an American rock band named R.E.M successfully construct their career slowly and possess the worldwide fanbase. In 1991, another Alternative Band called Nirvana successfully hit the chart with their song entitled Smells Like a Teen Spirit from Nevermind (1991) Album —which in later years become one of their trademarks. After the big hit of the Nirvana song, the music preference in society started to changes, and many people began to look more on the alternative rock. Nirvana triumphantly broke free from the classic rock-bound, changes the perception of rock music, and hence, this so-called Alternative Rock music gained recognition from the world.
My personal choice of one of the most famous and great Alternative Rock Band falls to Nirvana. Obviously, this band is one of the most influential Rock bands of all time, become the face of Alternative Rock Band, and personally, I see Kurt Cobain as one of the best frontmen. If you are interested in Alternative Rock, your starting point will be Smells Like a Teen Spirit. It is a perfect introduction for this genre. The second best, after thoughtful consideration, will be Linkin Park. Try to listen to In the End and Somewhere I belong which will fondle your ears. Lastly, the third best band will be Greenday. In my personal opinion, try to listen to the American Idiot album. It even won the 2005 Grammy’s for the Best Rock Album!
Happy listening.
