Best Alternative Bands of All Time
Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher or if you are a logged in, add a new item for others to vote on or create your own version of this list.The Top Ten
I think you are a catalyst to the rock music, without you rock is incomplete.
They are not afraid to experiment, and they take pride in every song they write. Their popularity is well-deserved.
Kurt Cobain is amazing!
They should be number one!
GOOD-o=GOD-o=GD. At every stage, it gets better. Their inspired by the ramones. They used to have another drummer for their 1st albums. Together, billie, tre and mike have formed the gods of alt and punk. Rock
At the time of writing this the top ten are:
1. Linkin Park
2. Nirvana
3. Radiohead
4. Green Day
5. Coldplay
6. Muse
7. Three Days Grace
8. My Chemical Romance
9. Red Hot Chilli Peppers
10. 30 Seconds to Mars
I'm not at all okay with this list.
1. All of Linkin Park's song sound the same.
2. I'm a fan of Nirvana, but they do not belong above Radiohead.
4. I liked Green Day when I was 12, and I'll admit, I still kinda do, but they are in no way 'alternative'. They are a POP BAND.
5. "I wish I was Radiohead, but I lack the originality or awesomeness"; "Let's remake the same album every three years! 111! "
6. Pretty much the same as above, just to a lesser extent. I can stomach Muse.
7. I don't know enough about Three Days Grace to comment.
8... I should probably stick with my above comment for this, but I have a hate for them I don't understand and can't explain.
9. They have this strange fixation with California. That doesn't make them bad, of course, but they don't belong anywhere near a top ten.
10. 30 Seconds to Mars just sucks. I have no justification for disliking them.
look at songs like don't panic, clocks, warning sign, the scientist, fix you, politik, life in technicolor, viva la vida, violet hill, strawberry swing, lovers in japan, green eyes, a message, trouble, in my place, shiver, speed of sound, sparks, high speed,... the list never ends... as their immortal talent... they are rightly the numero uno of alternative rock band of all time!
They wave the sound just like moving the earth..
IknowAlotAboutMusic
More comments about Red Hot Chili Peppersthe lyrics that they right are so koewl! I have 4 albums of them and like them all four!
they should be more famous!
DJZeezo
I have waited for Danger Days for the last 2 years in such a manner which involved opening their Wikipedia page everyday.. Followed each and every band member's work.. (E. g. Safe & Sound by Gerard). But the power that these guys show together.. And after the song SING.. they have made me a true follower of this band!
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The Contenders
Dance with the Devil
Evil Angel
Breath
Until the End
I Will Not Bow
Give me a Sign
Blow me Away
I love their live performance. Amy Lee has beautiful voice
great voice
amy lee rocks
They're funny, creative and have a way with words.
Can't wait for their new album! GO BLINK 182.
Mark, Travis and Tom!
Irish melody. Therapy? And Cranberries to follow.
Any of the bands ranked above them in this poll would trade places with them in a second. Their unique sound, incredible music, and undeniable influence over time - musically and culturally - make U2 the giant of giants in this genre.
No one can compare to U2. No one can compare to their influence on rock music, and their epic albums.
They're music is beautiful, but on a different level than most bands. Lyrics that make no sense at first, capture the pain and angst that haunt people's lives. We all connect with Paramore's songs at some level.
They are the greatest band...
EVER!
admonlee
More comments about The White StripesCrowdedChisel
More comments about R.E.M.Their is no band in the world that could produce the same music as incubus.
Incubus never get old and although their last album isn't as good as the rest they still are a band you could listen to over and over again,
Should be top 10 for sure...
...
Been to every concert, love them
There's no bands that can produce the sound that they do.
I started listening to 311 in 8th grade. I have seen them live 7 times. I fell out for a while and just started listening to them again. Creativity and a natural evolution of music without any bulls
T. I have traveled the world and listen to everything out there. I tell you mi amici: 311 IS THE BEST.
311 is so unique and amazing, they take reggae-rock/metal and turn it into something all their own.
311 is awesome. They are so unique and different. I guess it's a preferred taste of music though. All in all, they sing about positivity and unity of the human race. We need more of that. Right?
More comments about 311'I bet you look good on the dancefloor' - Best Punk/Indie song ever!
Open your ears people and listen to them, best group of the 21st century!
oh come on... creed deserves more...
one last breath, what if, higher, my sacrifice, with arms wide open, my own prison, one, whats this life for they deserve to be on top ten
aaronstoneis
I gotta say they have a really great sound, I will never get bored of their music
rock2metal
with arms wide open they deserves no1...
shaikhsalman
More comments about CreedSavin you their 2nd best song everybody please vote for nickel back
The smiths invented alternative music! They should at least be in the top 5!
Check out their "the sound of the smiths" Album it's amazing!
The best there has ever been. Why they are not number one, I will never know. The Smiths blow Linkin Park out of the water. The Queen is Dead. Meat is Murder. Strangeways, Here We Come. All amazing albums.
They are not only the best alternative band ever, but also the best band ever!
More comments about The Smithsrock2metal
And I want to see gigs with Weezer, Muse, My Chemical Romance, Radiohead and Blur there..
I was always told that I had to listen to music that defined my culture: pop, rap, hip hop, dance, blah blah blah. But I met someone who showed me Panic! And I just could never get the name out the back of my mind. One day out of sheer curiosity I looked them up. I now know all of their songs. P! ATD should be farther up because they change lives. Panic! At The Disco has made me an individual, because they're individual. They bring a unique sound to my life and those around me. So, keep those votes coming and support the powerful sounds of Panic! At The Disco!
I'd scream to the top of my lungs 'till I pass out, recover, and do it all over again if Panic! At the Disco came over to perform at my place! If only...
Panic! At The Disco is fabulous! I love their lyrics, in the first album especially. Brandon has such a wonderful, rich voice! And he's also sexy! Double win! It sucks Ryan's gone now, but the band is still amazing and totally worth being higher than this!
More comments about Panic! At The DiscoIf I made this list, The Strokes would be at # 1. Each album they make just is better than the last. I think The Strokes will always be my favorite band. I honestly believe they will always be a band that produces wonderful music, unlike many other bands much higher on this list.
Every album, every song, so wonderful. I'm not campaigning to make them a higher spot on the list because not everyone shares the same tastes in music, which is a wonderful think, but I invite you all to check out any song.
Dudes why the heck aren't strokes on the top ten list!?!? They are my favorite band of all time much less alternative. SERIOUSLY...? I dare everyone who reads this comment to look up the strokes and listen to one of their songs
More comments about The Strokes1234567890qwerty
More comments about Rage Against the Machinei love the "Scars"
the last resort and many more..
this band really rock!
When You Were Young
Mr. Brightside
Sam's Town
toooooooooooooooomuch
There songs are amazing and have morals behind them which really get to your emotions, not forgetting covers such as Romeo ^^ Juliet (Dire Straits), Shadowplay (Joy Division) which they aced per usual. Need I say more? BRING THEM UP!
The greatest band of all time by far!
moose4life19
Dude its the
Serj Tankian voice
Shavo Odadjian bass
John Dolmayan drums
Daron Malakian guitar
What do you need
A lot of overrated, trashy bands are taking spots higher than this awesome band! These guys are so conscious about the society and have songs of meaning. (not a band singing about why they're angry and don't know why and smash their head on walls). Listen to their songs and you'll feel the difference... Then vote for them to be #1!
More comments about System of a DownCreed at 17 and AIC at 26, is this list based on talent? Because if this is the case, I question everyone's sanity. Obviously AIC is one of the trail blazing bands that paved the way for many of the list above, seriously give credit and respect where it is due.
No one can compare to layne staley's unique vocals... Don't even get me started with their lyrics... Pure raw emotion... They should be in the top 5 at least
This is disgraceful. Seeing of the best bands on earth at 27th. Listen to rooster, man in the box, check my brain. The raw riffs, heavy drums... They just pulverize any band that tries to come close them.
It's not just noise. It's art. This list seems to be based a lot on commercial success. It shouldn't be! SY ROCK! Wait, they don't rock. They flip it over, throw it out the window, and completely destroy it.
This guys diserve a minimun the top 10..
'THE ALL AMERICAN REJECTS were, are, and will always be the number 1 band, no matter what happens..! They are absolutely, unpredictably amazing..!
Not like other freaky bands..
AAR truly knows the meaning of 'Alternative' Genre.. m/
I love "IF You Could See Me Now", "Hall of fame" and "Breakeven".
No, you sir are deaf. Avenged isn't Alternative. It's Rock verging on metal.
Why the hell is Avenged Sevenfold down here.. People, get your ears working, because there music is amazing. You all are deaf.
These guys should be in the Top 3.
These guys should be in the top 5 MINUMUM, just give it a try if you don't know them. It will be worth your while...
More comments about Avenged SevenfoldI grew up with disturbed! Definitely one of the best bands...
Down with the sickness
The Game
Liberate
Prayer
Deify
so many more:/
Ofc this should be the first on the list it's the best banned ever : )
Disturbed is simply amazing. They have such a unique sound and their lyrics actually mean something. 'Another Way to Die' actually surprised me because I've never really heard of a rock/alt band caring about something like the earth. I love them.
Best band of germany bill and tom are the grates twin couple ever
And they rock
AWESOME
Seriously they are at #44? Papa roach, offspring, and good charlotte? SERIOUSLY?! Oh holy hell we are screwed!
valkry missile
the war
gift
adventure
lifeline
shove
a letter to god part II
halucinations
elvis permana recommend...
IknowAlotAboutMusic
Skillet is simply awesome. Their lyrics are so full of emotions. The first time I heard one of their songs, I thought I was in heaven. I can't understand why they're not in the top 10.
Laugh out loud, I can't believe no one added Skillet. I don't know a song of them which isn't good. All their lyrics are awesome. They deserve to be 1st. VOTE FOR THE BEST ROCK BAND EVER! I am shocked. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! HOW CAN YOU MISS SKILLET? Anyway I love them so much, they are like the best ever, every song gets to me, every lyric.. The way they sound.. Uh, I don't have enough words to explain the way their songs make me feel. I can't get enough listening!
Come on this rating is absolutely absurd. Bands like Faith no More, Pearl Jam, Allice in Chains, RHCP are too much behind. People aged under 25 should not be voting in the Best Alternative Bands of All Time.
Viva Faith No More y Chile!
I really like there songs just try
Headstrong
Are You with Me
Beautiful Scar
Bleed Like Me
Drama Queen
Enigma
Everything To Lose
No Apologies
OverloadedRepeat OffenderSkin DeepStill FrameStorytellerStranger In The MirrorThese WallsVictim
azaanansari
More comments about Black Veil BridesThey started very well and pleasantly hopes & fears and under the iron sea were extremely sublime albums until they started adding stupid guitar riffs into their unique keane sound. Keane were best known for their uncommon use of distorted synths and pianos instead of guitars. And their live dvdÂ's were even greater. Unfortunately their creativity is lost now. Three ffollowing albums past by & nothing:perfect symetry, late night tale & strangeland.
Just Like the best band ever!
Keane are an English alternative rock band from Battle, East Sussex, formed in 1997. The group currently comprises Tim Rice-Oxley (piano, backing vocals), Tom Chaplin (lead vocals, guitar), Richard Hughes (drums, percussion) and Jesse Quin (bass guitar, percussion), who first played with the band in late 2007 during the concerts of the single The Night Sky. Their original line-up included founder and guitarist Dominic Scott, who left in 2001.
What the HELL! Janes Addiction, in terms of influence on the music industry as a whole, and quality of music, completely crushes all the competition here! They did more for the music industry than any other group in history, oh ya and they music is AWESOME! I am a huge alternative fan and I have never heard of about half of the bands before Janes Addiction on this list. This is the order it should be. 1. Janes Addiction 2. Nirvana 3. Green day. Not just because their music is amazing, but because they have had more influence on the genre than any other group, excluding R.E.M..
#75 is a travesty for this band. No one ever sounded remotely like them before or since, despite many attempts, and many of the bands above them on this list owe their popularity to the doors this band opened.
3 days is the greatest song since stairway to heaven. They started lollapalooza, changed the entire recording industry before nirvana was even out of the garage. Eric Avery is GOD and the entire music industry agrees
Shinedown has a great, heavy, kind of music! They rock hard! I think that everyone should listen to them! They are a great band to listen to when your sad or angry!
Shinedown don't deserve to be this far.. Love there music specially second chance
Bring me the horizon is one of the best bands on this list and needs to be at least in the top 20!
Some of their best songs, Shadow Moses, Sleepwalikng, Can you feel my heart, suicide season and so much more!
1. It never ends
2. Sleepwalking
3. Shadow moses
4. Go to hell for heavens sake
^^^ worth listening too!
Myles Kennedy is legendary.. Great compilation of songwriters and musicians. Great bass riffs, unique drummer who loves his small cymbals, and two incredible guitarists. The songwriting stands apart from a lot of artists today.
This is the band with capital B... listen to Isolation from the last album called AB III. Alter Bridge is the best alternative band on the scene nowdays with beautiful guitar riffs and very, very good singer. And YES, this list is a fake. What about Breaking Benjamin at fifth place? I like them too, but have you ever seen their live performance? So booring... Try Alter Bridge m/
Its really shocking to see alter bridge in no. 29 where evanescense above of it... Then what tremonti has done in 8 years!
More comments about Alter Bridgeronluna
Bleed American
Sweetness
Middle
Absolutely amazing!
Should be higher because of songs like Envy.
Only 71st?
I listen to these guys to cheer me up.
This band was simply one of a kind. Mixed pop, and dark industrial before anyone had. They've influenced more bands above them on the list than most people realize. I mean, when Johnny Cash covers one of your songs, you are the real deal...
BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM I WOULDN'T HAVE GOT THRU HIGH SCHOOL. ALSO BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL ALTERNATIVE ROCK BANDS OF ALL TIME. IF IT WASN'T FOR NINE INCH NAILS THERE WOULDN'T BE MY THIRD FAVORITE BAND OF ALL TIME LINKON PARK SECOND BEING WEEZER.
This is injustice!
They definitely deserve to get a higher ranking than this!
They have been my favorite band since I was 7 years old.
I grew up listening to Perfect!
I gonna make BLG in NO1 in this chart...! Yayayayaa
I love blur, they're one of my favourite bands and I really hope they end up higher in this list sometime soon. Go Blur!
Sum 41 is an amazing band, their music promotes being yourself and not letting other people control who you are. They're also just all-around badasses. If you don't like them then you probably never listened or you have no taste in music.
They are amazing - Blood in my eyes, Hell Song, Pieces, In too deep, Still Waiting and lot more
so unjustified for 87th rank. Clearly deserve a position in top 10.
come on guys..!
wanna listen romantic songs and sweet songs
then do listen to this band specially the song hey there delilah!
some more songs like a lonely september, body parts!,
In my opinion Plain White T's should be one of the best alternative rock bands of all time, maybe I'm crazy, but if you listen to all of their songs and albums you'll see how much awesome they're! PLAIN WHITE T'S ISN'T ONLY DELILAH!
Great Band. Although they are no longer together the early stuff was the very best. Mark Chavez has a great voice.
Dinosaur have their own distinctive sound that truly makes you feel, the influenced so many bands and to this day they are still producing good music their last album being released in 2009. Honestly this band should be much higher
Seriously? How is this band so low. It has over 10 albums and it influenced a lot of alternative rock bands of today.
They have a really heavy great sound. I recommend the albums Dinosaur and You're Living all Over Me.
IknowAlotAboutMusic
79!
Are you kidding me?
Billy Talent is amazing!
Their songs, lyrics are incredible.
It's probably cause their Canadian, I mean if they were American they would totally be more mainstream, are you kidding me?
79?!
They take time to make an album but the reason for that is that good music takes time and that's the only kind they make. The fact that they are so far down here is unbelievable. They should be more known!
awesome how can they do thiskgltndhj gjkgen gheghr elrehgerughr eughreuos rhugi hguisehgu
More comments about Billy TalentCome on, please, they revolutionised alternative rock
These guys make the music world turn the way I see it. You can't beat Yes, no matter how hard you may try.
Wait. You relegate the Fathers after there sons? These are the end days! Yes invented this.
One of their best quotes. I could think of a thousand. Love Mayday Parade
I love this band, their music is great. Their songs have wonderful lyrics and are great to listen to. Its such a shame that they aren't as popular and well known as they should be.
I SUGGEST EVERYONE TO HEAR THE SONG "INEVITABLE" BY THEM. I GUARANTEE TO ALL OF YOU THAT YOU WILL WANT TO LISTEN MANY MORE SONGS FROM THEM. THEIR LYRICS ARE BRILLIANT. ALSO THE VOICE OF THE VOCALIST IS PURE AWESOME. PLEASE CHECK THERIR SONGS AND VOTE FOR THEM.
How is this not in the top 5? Stephen Christian is a musical genius for crying out loud! These guys have the most meaningful lyrics of any band I have ever heard, even if a lot of their music is depressing.
Luvaddict77
More comments about AnberlinWhat? #069. This band deserves to be in the top 15 but is down here cause of its unpopularity. Its a far better band than Creed and Tokio Hotel.
My personal favorite are-
1) Never be the same again
2) forever
3) let go
4) Mystery of you
5) feed the machine
6) Already over.
You should at least try this out for once. They are the best...!
One of the BEST Christian albums EVER!
I heard one song from them and started downloading all their albums immediately!
If you have to listen to them the first song for you to listen is Already Over. It's amazing!
SERIOUSLY!?!?! It should've been in top ten for sure!
Okay, you might think I'm saying this cause I like this band,
But try it yourself once, I bet you would agree.
Its just that its not much recognized.
Amazing! Best voice ever! And some of the most meaningful lyrics! 33 They should definitely be close to the top of this list, not the bottom!
Amaing, can't help but sing along to there songs, there lyrics somehow know how your feeling love them
Their song, so amazing. They deserve more, damn regret, guardian angel, cat and mouse, facedown, justify
, waiting. So amazing
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Updated Tuesday, May 21, 2013