The albums that define
alternative rock.
Our picks for where to start with alternative rock — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top alternative rock artists
Start with one of these.
The alternative rock essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Neil Young
Chrome Dreams II
A sprawling sonic journey blending introspective folk with rock's raw energy, marked by lyrical depth and a sense of wanderlust.
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Neil Young
Living with War - “In the Beginning”
A raw, politically charged collection blending rock and folk with urgent, protest-driven lyrics.
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Duran Duran
Danse Macabre
A haunting blend of electronic textures and shadowy melodies that evokes a spectral dance through the night.
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Duran Duran
Future Past
A vibrant blend of synths and rock-infused melodies, capturing Duran Duran's signature sound while exploring modern themes.
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David Bowie
Rare
A curated collection of eclectic tracks showcasing Bowie's experimental flair and genre-blurring artistry.
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David Bowie
Baal
A theatrical exploration of longing and despair, weaving haunting melodies with Bowie's distinct vocal stylings.
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Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil
Raw energy fuels this debut, blending punk rock urgency with new wave melodies and socially conscious lyrics.
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Midnight Oil
Red Sails in the Sunset
A politically charged blend of alternative rock and new wave that captures the urgency of social issues facing Australia in the 1980s.
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Robbie Williams
The Christmas Present
A festive blend of classic holiday tunes and original compositions, wrapped in Robbie Williams' signature playful charm.
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Robbie Williams
Escapology
'Escapology' encapsulates Robbie's knack for balancing fun and emotional depth across a cohesive set of tracks. It's a introduction to both his pop sensibility and vulnerability.
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Green Day
International Superhits!
A high-energy compilation blending punk rock anthems with pop sensibilities, showcasing a decade of Green Day's musical evolution.
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Green Day
Dookie
Energetic pop-punk anthems collide with raw, confessional lyrics and infectious melodies that define a generation's teenage angst.
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By decade
Where alternative rock landed in each era.