The best alternative rock songs have come from some of the most beloved musicians to ever play in this genre. Many of these songs present an original, edgy sound that helped make them so popular. Today, a number of the best alternative rock songs are still played on the radio with new music released by seasoned musicians as well as newcomers.
Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit
Of all songs in the alternative category, Smells Like Teen Spirit is often credit the most as elevating genre to the mainstream. The song was released as the lead single for the band’s album, Nevermind. Nevermind was released in 1991 and was Nirvana’s second. Smells Like Teen Spirit became hugely popular both for the band and alternative rock music as a whole. It was seen at sixth place on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and received high placement on music charts from all over the globe during the early 1990s. Due to collaboration on the song’s sound, Smells Like Teen Spirit would be the only track on Nevermind to give all three band members credit as songwriters.
The Smith’s How Soon Is Now?
How Soon Is Now? Was written and recorded by The Smiths. It was originally released as a B-side of the William, It Was Really Nothing single, which appeared in 1984. How Soon Is Now? was written by guitarist Johnny Marr along with Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want and William, It Was Really Nothing. All three songs were written over a four day period during June of 1984. How Soon Is Now? has been covered by a number of musicians, including an indie dance band called Soho.
Perhaps the most notable cover was produced by the band Love Spit Love (a Psychedelic Furs spin off group). The new version was used in the film The Craft and was released in 1996 as a single from the film’s soundtrack. Love Spit Love’s version was later included on two additional albums, including Charmed: The Soundtrack and Charmed: The Book of Shadows, both of which earned high places on the U.S. charts. Additional covers were also released by Snake River Conspiracy and the Russian group, t.A.T.u. How Soon Is Now? has made a place for itself among the best alternative rock songs ever played.
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