Top 10 Alternative Rock Songs

In the history of music one genre can be defined as the ultimate midway point between Metal heads and Punks, Alternative! Culminating influence from maiden era metal and punk influences from bands like Minor Threat and The Sex Pistols, this genre took off in the 80's, became the most popular genre in the 90's and is still popular today. From R.E.M to Nirvana to The White Stripes to Cage the Elephant, alt rock is a favorite in many peoples hearts.

Today I will countdown, my top 10 alternative rock songs. The rules are; No punk spectrum music like Green Day or *EARLY* Nirvana. Also I will try to avoid bands that released one alt rock album and later on went back to a new genre. Anyway without further ado I give you MY top 10 favorite alternative rock songs!

10. Losing My Religion by R.E.M.
REM is considered to be the first alternative band to reach mainstream success. One of their biggest hits however, would be 1991's "Losing My Religion", this song would be an all time alt rock anthem. Acoustic mandolin, deep infectious lyrics, and originality make this song a definite winner for the genre.

9. Teenage Dirtbag by Wheatus
Between 1998 and 2001 there was a sub genre of alternative, it used electronic pops and clicks, and record scratches with pop themes, but kept the alternative vocals and guitar. It never really got a name put to it, but the biggest hit, and a majority of it was....to be nice GARBAGE. There was however one band that defined this short lived sub genre, Wheatus. Their 2000 hit Teenage Dirtbag goes down as being one of the best alternative rock songs simply for the greatness of the writing. Taking the theme of not belonging and being different, mixing it with the pop dynamic of high school life, and adding an acoustic flare to this song, made it really stand out. While wheatus' first album was this weird poppy alternative rock, their second album was a straight alternative album, while their third was a power pop album, but they returned to their alt rock roots with Pop Songs and Death which is one epic long album split into 4 EP's.

8. Trigger Happy Jack (Drive By A Go Go) by Poe
Poe is a very original artist, she only released 2 albums both only got little radio play and neither did very well in sales. Her 1995 album Hello featured the single "Trigger Happy Jack (Drive By A Go Go)" while it's a mouth full it is also some of the best song writing in the genre. Using heavy guitars in the chorus, and acoustic guitar in the rest of the song. With one of the most infectious choruses "Can't Talk to a Psycho like a psycho like a normal human being", this song is just overall eargasm and worth a listen.

7. Under the Bridge by The Red Hot Chili Peppers
A beautiful song what can one really say about Under the Bridge that hasn't already been said. I can say that the first time I heard this song was when I was in the local dollar store, shopping for chalk, and a chocolate bar. It reminds me of that day, and that day was a good day. Music is one of those things that bonds to us on many levels, whether it reminds you of an event, or if it is just an amazing song music is the fabric of our lives!

6. In One Ear by Cage the Elephant
This song is awesome, it brings back the bluesy sound of the early 90s and mixes it with that tongue twister style of vocals, and adds in some awesome guitar riffs. Seeing THIS band live was AMAZING!!!! When this song started playing the entire crowd went nuts, the pit was so fast and rowdy, that you'd get bounced around like a jumping bean on a land mine. VERY FUN SHOW! Very cool song!

5. Goin' Down by The Pretty Reckless
This song wasn't a single by The Pretty Reckless, but it damn well should be. This song when I first heard left me in amazement. Borrowing talent from her predecessors, Taylor Momsen manages to combine the Pop infused punk rock style of hole with a vocal style that would make Janis proud! This song doesn't miss a beat it is so on that it just gets you jamming, from beginning to end!

4. Tired of Sex by Weezer
Off of Weezer's so called critical smash/fan hated album, Pinkerton, Weezer managed to predict the future of rock, and create one of the best rock albums of all time! The reason I chose this intro track of this album is because of the awesome solo, that just comes out of no where. I mean it is like the best SOLO IN ALTERNATIVE ROCK HISTORY....okay maybe not that, but it is so random and cool it puts this song OVER THE TOP.

3. Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
Nirvana that is all!

2. Bound to the Floor by Local H
With a catchy guitar track and a unforgettable set of lyrics, that compose of less then 100 different words. This is the song that makes people understand why the early 90s was called the Lithium Era, because this song is musical Lithium. The rock duo Local H became one of my favorite bands after hearing this on the local alternative rock station during the commercials for Love Line.

1. Santa Monica by Everclear
A song about suicide, depression, and finally excepting to live your life, 1995's Santa Monica was a dark hit. It was the song that helped bridge the gap between old grunge and post grunge. Talking about Art Alexakis' suicide attempt at the age of 13 where he filled a suitcase full of rocks, and jumped out into the ocean. While he was down there he said he saw the ghost of his brother and he swam to the shore. This song is just amazing, and it was the song that really got me into alternative rock. If it hadn't of been for this song I would still be listening to Green Day 24/7.